Lowanna College is committed to promoting student achievement, fostering positive relationships and catering for individual differences. Students are offered a vast range of choices in both academic pursuits and extra-curricular activities. The college is proud of the wonderful opportunities open to students in the areas of, music, outdoor education, school camps, sporting events and many other extra-curricular pursuits. Lowanna is the largest single campus college in the Latrobe Valley with a student population of approximately 1100. Established in 1994, the college is located in Newborough and draws its enrolments from Moe/Newborough, district townships of Yallourn North, Erica, Rawson, Willow Grove and the surrounding rural areas. The college is organised into three mini schools which operate from separate areas on the campus and are co-ordinated by a Head of School and a committed team of co-ordinators. Each Mini School has its own teaching and learning approach directed towards the age group and year-levels at which they operate. Students in the Junior School work in Learning Centres where groups of students can be extended academically and socially. Middle School provides students with the opportunity to explore their skills and interests in preparation for their future learning and within the Senior School students are counselled to select a more focussed program through VET, VCAL and VCE which channels them towards their career goals.
Facilities: The school facilities are modern and well appointed. Lowanna has a large auditorium and well-resourced gymnasium which is used extensively by both the school and the local community. A new language centre will support the ongoing development of a rich languages program. Extensive use of learning technologies is a key feature of the school’s program, maximising provision of curriculum choice and two modern learning centres make up the Junior School. The college supports a small, off-campus farm, which is used to support studies in Ag/Hort and Hands on Learning. Lowanna also has a 580-seat auditorium which supports a strong performing arts program and a double gymnasium with sprung floor which enhances the physical education and sports program. These facilities not only benefit Lowanna students but are also made available to the wider community.
Curriculum: As well as providing quality programs in English, Mathematics and Science, the college also offers a wide range of quality options in Languages Other Than English (LOTE), Humanities, Technology, the Arts, and Health and Physical Education and Outdoor and Environmental Education. These programs set Lowanna College apart from other schools in the district. The college is committed to preparing young people for a technological world providing access to notebooks for Years 7 through 12 students. The college has built a state-wide reputation as a leader in effective use of learning technologies. Students in the senior years have a wide range of VCE VET and VCAL courses available to them.
Sport: Lowanna Offers a wide variety of interschool sports including basketball, soccer, netball, baseball, badminton, softball, cricket, tennis, hockey, athletics, swimming, squash, cross-country, golf, clay shooting and more.
Student welfare programs: Lowanna offers the opportunity for each student to pursue their chosen pathway within a supportive environment. A dedicated welfare team works to ensure that every student has the best possible chance of success. The Student Welfare and Management Committee consisting of teachers, parents and students, oversees the implementation of policies and programs. The college supports alternative programs using community resources that operate at Year 7 and Year 8 to assist students at educational risk. Lowanna College has identified student welfare and management as a major priority. It has a full-time student counsellor and full-time chaplain. Both provide a confidential service available to all students and parents. The counsellor and chaplain are also able to make home visits to discuss welfare matters. A significant number of parents and students have used, and continue to use, this service. Lowanna College also has access to District Support Staff of the Department of Education. The college employs other counsellors to run programs to cater for student welfare and has a trained first-aid officer to deal with ill or injured students and dispense prescribed medications. As part of a state-wide program, the college has the benefit of a part-time qualified nurse who provides health education for the school community. At the heart of the school’s approach is the respect and care for each child. The focus is to expand the range of skills and therefore possibilities for each individual. Lowanna looks to develop their awareness beyond their immediate environment and to foster in them a willingness to explore broader horizons.