We have had a wonderful beginning to Term 2, and I would like to thank our Students, Staff and Families for the role each of you has played in making this possible.

A warm welcome to the new Staff, Students and Families who have joined us this Term. We wish you all a joyful and fulfilling journey at Lourdes Hill College. Please see Staff Updates in the Staff Changes and Updates article.

The first four weeks have seen the College bring to life several exciting projects, including:

1. Opening of Bacolod

In Week 3, classes commenced in Bacolod. This refurbished building now includes six large, modern general learning areas for Middle and Senior School students. Complete with hearing loops, large glass windows for natural light, and breakout spaces in the corridors, Bacolod provides fresh opportunities to enhance teaching and learning.

Thank you to Valdon Constructions and their partners, the College Building Board and Building Committee, Mr Andrew Hines, and Mr Jafrul Khandker for their vision and planning in delivering a space of such high quality.

2. Completion of the Junior School Playground

Construction of the new Junior School playground has been completed, with the official opening scheduled for Monday 19 May at lunchtime.

Junior School students have collaboratively created an Essential Agreement outlining how the space will be used safely and respectfully. Thank you to Everything Outside, Penfolds, and Mr Jafrul Khandker for their work in delivering this project. Please visit our socials for the official reveal.

3. Marion Court Netting Installation

Thanks to the generosity of our P&F and community, new netting has now been installed on Marion Court.

Throughout 2024, funds raised through P&F events were directed to this upgrade, which now enables students to safely train and participate in Ball Sports and Health and Physical Education activities.

A sincere thank you to our P&F and all who supported their events and raffles in making this possible.

4. Global Connections with Japan

Over the Easter break, 19 Years 11 and 12 students participated in a language study tour of Japan, visiting Sendai, Tokyo, and Kanagawa Girls' High School in Yokohama.

This was a thoughtfully curated experience for both Students and Staff. I thank Mr Cooney for his leadership, and Ms Zhang and Ms Bahr for their support and supervision.

During the trip, Mr Cooney and I were also able to strengthen our relationships with existing partner schools. We are delighted to share the following developments:

• Sister School Agreement with Toyo Eiwa Jogakuin (Elementary, Junior and Senior High Schools): This will begin with 20 of their Years 5 and 6 students visiting us in August and further connections across our Junior and Secondary Schools.
• Enhanced Partnership with Koen Girls' High School (Tokyo): This agreement will see 2–3 Year 10 students study at Koen each year during the Christmas break, beginning 2025/2026.
• New Relationship with Seiwa College (Sasebo): As the only Japanese school founded by the Good Samaritan Sisters, this partnership will begin with online connections between targeted year groups and subjects through the TEAM platform.

5. Finalisation of Years 7–10 Curriculum

A Curriculum review in 2024 confirmed the desire from Students, Parents and Caregivers, and Staff for increased student choice within Middle School.

Led by Ms Perrier, a Staff team explored Curriculum Pathways that offer students more ownership while maintaining breadth, depth and compliance with Australian Curriculum Standards.

From 2026, Year 8 students will be able to preference subjects across The Arts, Technology, Business and Languages. More information will be shared at upcoming subject selection evenings.

6. Open@Twilight

Thank you to all members of our community who supported Open@Twilight. Over 1,000 visitors joined us on campus to see and experience what makes Lourdes Hill College so special.

It was a joyful evening that truly reflected our values of community, welcome and spirit.

Thank you once again for a wonderful start to Term 2. I look forward to journeying together as we move into Weeks 5 to 9.