Term 4, Week 9, 2024 - 100 years of Strathcona and beyond 5 Dec 2024

This year has been a testament to the enduring spirit of Strathcona. From our Foundation Day Service to the unforgettable celebrations of our Diamond Gala Dinner, as well as the many alumnae reunions, each event has reminded us of the values that have defined our community: courage, compassion, integrity, respect, and empowerment. These values have been our compass through a century of change and progress, guiding generations of Strathcona students to be brave, faithful, and happy—Fortiter, Fideliter, Feliciter.

But as we close this chapter, we do so with our sights firmly set on the future. The legacy of our first 100 years is not just one to admire but to build upon. Strathcona continues to evolve as a place where each student is nurtured to embrace her unique potential, where innovation and tradition intersect, and where our community’s commitment to excellence inspires new dreams and aspirations.

As we reflect on the collective achievements of this Centenary year, let us also look forward with excitement and purpose. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, on the sports field, or in the wider world, the stories of our students and alumnae remind us that Strathcona's impact extends far beyond our gates. Together, we move into the next chapter of our shared history, ready to embrace future opportunities while holding steadfast to the values that unite us.

I wish all our families a joyful, restful holiday season and a bright start to 2025. Thank you for being part of Strathcona’s story - not just in its Centenary year but also in shaping the years to come.

Early Years Celebration Evening
The Early Years Celebration of Learning evening was a joyful and inspiring event, showcasing our youngest learners' curiosity, creativity, and wonder. Families and educators came together to witness the culmination of a year filled with exploration and growth. Through interactive displays and engaging presentations, students shared their inquiries into concepts such as wind, memory, flight, and the tactile exploration of clay. These projects demonstrated their understanding of the world around them and their ability to make meaningful connections across disciplines, all while embracing a playful and innovative approach to learning that perfectly encapsulates our new Floresco philosophy. This evening was a testament to the powerful role that nature, creativity, and collaboration play in nurturing confident and capable learners.

Showtime in the Junior School
The Junior School Summer Concert was a vibrant celebration of talent, joy, and the creative spirit of our youngest performers. Added to this, the Year 3 and 4 Theatre Experience further showcased the students’ love of music, dance, and storytelling. From heartwarming choral performances to captivating instrumental pieces, each reflected the hard work and enthusiasm of the students and their teachers. The energy and excitement in the air were contagious, as families and friends gathered to support and applaud the wonderful performances. These concerts and performances are not just entertaining but also a beautiful reminder of the role the arts play in building confidence, fostering creativity, and bringing our community together.

The Annual Story of the Nativity, brought to life by our talented Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students in the Fleece Force and the Good News, was a heartwarming highlight of the season. With charm and confidence, our young performers retold the timeless story of Christmas, capturing the wonder and joy of the Nativity through their vibrant acting and heartfelt and jubilant singing. The students’ enthusiasm and dedication shone through, creating a memorable and uplifting celebration of this special time of year. Congratulations to all the performers, whose efforts brought smiles to every face and reminded us of the magic of storytelling and the importance of togetherness and joy during the Christmas season.

HeadStart
As the year draws closer, we find ourselves in the busy and reflective season of final exams, assessments, and reports. This is a time for students to reflect on their achievements, celebrate their progress, and consolidate their learning. It also marks the culmination of their hard work and dedication throughout the year. While this period requires focus and determination, it also offers a valuable opportunity for growth as students prepare to transition into their next stages of learning.

2024 saw us successfully launch our HeadStart Program with the rolling over of new classes for 2025. This provided an eye-opening and exciting bridge to the future. Year 11 students, in particular, have already embraced the leadership journey with their recent Ormond camp, where they explored teamwork, resilience, and the responsibilities of leading by example. These experiences are laying a strong foundation for a successful 2025, as they prepare to guide and inspire their peers. Across all year levels, the fresh start offered by new classes brings renewed energy, fresh opportunities, and the chance to set bold goals for the year ahead. Together, we are setting the stage for another remarkable chapter in Strathcona’s story.

Volunteer Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to the countless volunteers and volunteer groups who dedicate their time, energy, and talents to making Strathcona the extraordinary community it is. Your unwavering support, whether through strategic guidance, event coordination, or the countless behind-the-scenes contributions, is the special ingredient - the "secret sauce"- that sets our School apart. Through your generosity and commitment, we foster a sense of belonging, celebrate our shared values, and continue to thrive as a vibrant, connected community. Strathcona’s success is built on these foundations of collaboration and care; we are deeply grateful for that.

Year 6 Market Day and Year 6 Graduation Celebration
Year 6 Market Day was a wonderful showcase of creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit. Our Year 6 students demonstrated remarkable initiative as they designed, produced, and sold a variety of innovative products to the School community. From concept to execution, the students embraced the challenges of running a small business, learning valuable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and financial management along the way. The enthusiasm and effort they poured into their projects were truly inspiring, and the success of Market Day was a testament to their hard work and ingenuity.

The Year 6 Graduation Celebration party marked a significant milestone in the lives of these remarkable young people. It was an opportunity to have fun and come together with family and friends. We wish them every success and happiness as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their schooling - whether continuing with us at Strathcona or moving on to new adventures elsewhere. With their entrepreneurial mindset, resilience, and sense of purpose, we know they are ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead. Congratulations, Year 6 - we are so proud of you!

Year 12s 2024 and Class of 2023 One Year Reunion
As we await the Year 12 results with great anticipation, we are reminded of the incredible journey this cohort has undertaken and their dedication throughout their final year. We look forward to welcoming them back for Presentation Evening, a moment to celebrate their achievements, acknowledge their resilience, and reflect on the shared memories of their time at Strathcona. Time flies, and before we know it, they will return for the one year reunion as Old Strathconian's, just as the Class of 2023 did. It was heartening to hear the stories of their stepping into the world beyond our gates with the values and lessons they have carried from their School days. It was a delight to see them interact with our new Early Years playscape and reconnect with their childhood. We are excited to see where our Class of 2024 paths will lead and look forward to hearing about their adventures as they too continue to embody the spirit of Fortiter, Fideliter, Feliciter.

Senior Swimming Carnival
The Senior Swimming Carnival was a day filled with energy, teamwork, and School spirit as students from all year levels competed in a series of exciting aquatic events. Beyond the races, the Senior Swimming Carnival highlighted the strong sense of community that makes Strathcona so special. The vibrant House colours, creative chants, and enthusiastic participation reflected the staff and students' passion and pride. It was a day to celebrate athletic achievements and the values of teamwork, resilience, and inclusivity. Congratulations to all our swimmers, and a heartfelt thank you to the staff and volunteers who made this memorable event possible. It was a fantastic way to kick off the sporting calendar and set the tone for another year of success and unity.

With Gratitude
As we prepare for a well-deserved holiday break, I wish you all a restful and joyous festive season filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with your loved ones. For those returning in 2025, we look forward to another exciting year of discovery and achievement. For those whose journeys take them beyond Strathcona, know that you will always be a part of our community. Thank you for being an essential part of this Centenary year. Together, we have honoured the past, celebrated the present, and set a bold vision for the future. Here’s to the next chapter in Strathcona’s remarkable story. Warmest wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.

With gratitude,

Lorna Beegan
Principal

Our students have embraced challenges with determination and creativity throughout the year. In Year 7, the newly introduced SOUL Inquiry subject encouraged students to explore their values and connections to community through design thinking. During Year 5 to 8 STEAM Week, students tackled the theme of space exploration, engineering sustainable lunar living prototypes that sparked curiosity and collaboration.

Years 9 and 10 students engaged in dynamic and challenging learning experiences tailored to develop their critical thinking and leadership skills, particularly for Year 9s as they experienced a variety of challenges through their creatives subjects and the Envision program. Our Year 10 students continued in their senior school journey embracing new subjects, including Learning Legacy and ethics to further build their learning skills and to reflect on contemporary dilemmas with maturity, using critical thinking to form reasoned, empathetic perspectives. These experiences reflect our commitment to equipping students with skills for an evolving world.

In the Senior School, our Year 11 and 12 students worked with dedication and focus, preparing for SACs and exams while juggling co-curricular and personal commitments. Supported by their teachers, they embodied the determination to strive for excellence. As Albert Einstein said, ‘In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.’ Our senior students have embraced this sentiment, making us proud of their resilience and achievements.

Beyond the classroom, our students have flourished in diverse co-curricular opportunities. Participation in events such as the Ethics Olympiad, Australian Mathematics Competition, Science Talent Quest, Debating, and Just Dance allowed students to hone critical thinking, resilience, and teamwork. These enriching activities underscore our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who thrive intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

The arts were a highlight of this Centenary year, uniting creativity and talent across the school. The Centenary Art and Design Show, which combined Junior and Senior School contributions, showcased a breathtaking range of work, from stunning visual art to innovative digital technology projects. The Middle School and Senior School Productions and the Centenary Music Concert were equally magical, with students delivering spellbinding performances while balancing their academic studies. These events reflected the depth of talent and commitment in our school community.

Our teachers too, embraced innovation and collaboration. A highlight of the year was the Centenary Staff Summit, where staff reflected on 100 years of educational excellence and envisioned the decades ahead. Guest speaker, Dr. Sophie Fenton, inspired us with her insights into the future of learning, emphasising the need for education to remain adaptive and student-centred. This summit was a powerful reminder of the importance of professional growth in ensuring Strathcona remains the best place to work and the best place to learn. Our teachers’ commitment to excellence was evident in their ongoing work within Professional Learning Teams (PLTs). Action research projects across both the Junior and Senior school explored ways to embed Cultures of Thinking mindsets and foster deeper engagement across disciplines, ensuring that teaching at Strathcona is both innovative and impactful.

As we celebrate this Centenary, we are reminded of our enduring mission: to empower students to thrive and to nurture a community that values creativity, collaboration, and compassion. From debating successes to artistic triumphs, our students continue to shine across disciplines, reaffirming our legacy of nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Thank you to our students, staff, and community for making this year unforgettable.

Kara Baxter
Dean Teaching and Learning

This year, we have introduced a range of innovative programs that reflect our Wholebeing philosophy, ensuring our students are supported in every dimension of their development. From inquiry-based learning in Year 7 and 8, to a robust wellbeing focus across the school, Strathcona continues to empower our students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

A highlight of 2024 has been the launch of the SOUL program for Year 7 and 8 students. This inquiry-based subject is designed to inspire deep reflection and understanding across five key themes, equipping our students with the tools to navigate their formative years with confidence. Guided by Strathcona’s strategic pillars, SOUL and Feliciter programs emphasise character building, shared experiences, leadership momentum, and fostering connections.

Through these programs, students have explored their identities, cultivated resilience, and celebrated achievements as a community. Chapel Reflections provided spiritual grounding, while regular one-on-one meetings with PAW mentors offered personalised guidance in pathways, academics and wellbeing. These initiatives have helped our students develop confidence, integrity, and responsibility while deepening their sense of belonging within the school.

In Semester 2, the School embraced a new initiative, Wellbeing Wednesdays, to further strengthen our House culture and community connections. These days brought vibrant energy to the campus, featuring House challenges, choral performances, and student-led activities across year levels and Houses. A beloved addition to these Wednesdays has been Therapy Dog Bailey, whose calming presence has brought comfort and emotional support to students and staff alike.

The role of families in fostering student wellbeing is pivotal, and our successful Parent Seminar Series reflects this. This year, we welcomed renowned experts, including Dr. Eleonora Cattini, Professor Greg Murray, Dr. Andrew Fuller, and Dr. Justin Coulson, to provide parents with valuable insights and tools to support their daughter’s wellbeing. These seminars emphasised the critical partnership between families and the school, offering strategies to support students’ social and emotional development.

Our students have also gained life skills through enriching collaborations with leading organisations, such as Burn Bright, Proactivity, Live Life Whole, Elephant Ed, PPEP Talks, Reach, Cyber Safety Project, Toolbox Education, Paul Dylan, Sonya Karras, Red Frogs and many others. These partnerships have broadened perspectives and equipped students with confidence and competence to navigate the complexities of adolescence.

The programs and initiatives introduced during this Centenary year have enriched our students' wholebeing and personal growth while fostering stronger connections within our community.

Megan Boyd
Dean of Students

This program has been instrumental in equipping our students with essential skills to enhance their learning, study habits, and classroom engagement. Through a series of workshops and activities, students have learned effective time management, study techniques, and strategies to stay motivated and focused.

A highlight of the Learning Legacy Program has been the visits from our esteemed alumnae and representatives from various universities. These sessions provided students with invaluable insights into the diverse pathways available to them post-school. Alumnae shared their personal journeys, offering inspiration and practical advice, while university representatives discussed the myriad of courses and opportunities awaiting our students.

As we look forward to 2025, we are excited to build on this year’s successes and continue to support students in exploring how to get the best out of themselves in their studies as well as exploring their future options.

Keira Wills
Dean of Learning Futures

The Year 6 Market Stall is a part of the $20 Boss Program, an entrepreneurship program focused on the development of enterprise skills, financial capability and problem-solving in young people. The program is committed to them for their future work. As part of this, students in Year 6 create their own businesses and then sell their products at the annual Market Day Stall.

Some of the students’ businesses included; cards, bracelets, candles, scrunchies, stickers, and keyrings. This year the Year 6 students decided as a cohort they wanted to donate all profits from the Market Day to their chosen charity, Make a Wish Foundation.

I am delighted to say that the students raised $1508 from this year’s Market Day Stall. They should all be very proud of their efforts as a collective group. Well done girls.

Eleni Kyritsis
Deputy Head of Junior School

A key highlight of this final term at Tay Creggan has been the warm welcome we extended to our incoming Year 8s as they stepped into their new role as Year 9s at TC. This transition marks a significant milestone in their Strathcona journey, and we are proud to have supported them through the Headstart program. Designed to ensure a confident and seamless transition, the program has introduced students to the academic subjects they will tackle next year and gave them the chance to build connections with their new teachers.

Adding a spark of excitement and energy to the program, the TC Amazing Race kicked off our Headstart program in style. This dynamic event was more than just a fun activity; it encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and exploration of the unique and beautiful Tay Creggan campus. It set the tone for a term of discovery and collaboration, helping students forge new friendships and embrace the adventures of Year 9 with enthusiasm.

This past week we also launched our Design Competition for the Year 9 Camp fleeces. Students were invited to put their artistic talents to the test, designing fleeces that will be worn next year by our Year 9 cohort.

As we conclude this term, we are filled with gratitude for the achievements of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the support of our community throughout the year. We extend our warmest wishes to all our students, families, and staff for a peaceful and joyful holiday season. May this be a time of rest, reflection, and celebration as we prepare to step into another year of growth and discovery.

Here’s to the next 100 years of Strathcona—and beyond! With this strong foundation, the future promises to be as bright as the century we leave behind.

This celebration recognises children's enormous capabilities, highlighted in their creative works, inquiries and documented research. The celebrations began with a smoking ceremony to welcome our families followed by a Welcome to Country from Murrundindi. All the children and parents gathered around to hear Murrundindi share stories and song from his culture - a real highlight of the evening.

The exhibition highlighted the children's research into memories and their understandings were presented through drawings, 3D models, photographs and rich dialogue. These were presented alongside other inquiries, such as; what is wind, finding silkworms, building a worm tower, and discovering the lizards in our new playground. The treehouse studio included beautifully coloured glazed mushrooms to find on the bush floor, small wire birds and an impressive eagle soaring above them.

Children’s portfolios of their work over the year were shared with families and a photo-booth moment was set up to capture a memory to treasure. It was wonderful to see such joy from both the children and families as they shared and celebrated this year together.

Our Intermediate team played with fantastic tenacity and great heart all match. They fought gallantly until the final siren, going down by only three points.

The Junior D team also put up a great fight in their match against Sion. The match was a see-sawing affair throughout, with Sion only pulling away in the last few minutes of the match.

Junior Cs started their campaign off in fine style with a win over Korowa. After a small rest they came up against a very tough team in OLMC and were commendable in their second-half fight. We congratulate the Junior C team for finishing the term as Zone Winners.

Tamsyn Manou
Director of Sport

Throughout the whole year, Year 5 and 6 had afterschool GSV sport on Tuesdays. Every girl participated in different sports each term. Some of the sports were hockey, basketball, cricket, rhythmic gymnastics and even more. After-School sport has been an inspiring experience for all the Year 5 and 6s. Here are some reflections on sport this term.

"Sport was a good opportunity to get to know your friends better." - Issy E 6h

"I had never played hockey before, so I learnt a lot by the end of it." - Grace J 5m

"I enjoyed playing games with my friends." - Ada W 5T

"I loved sport this term because I accomplished skills in different sports and had fun with my friends." - Jacey H 6S

This year was full of opportunities for us to come together with many highlights including the recent Evening Under the Stars hosted by the Strathcona Family Association (SFA), with record-breaking attendance and a sellout crowd enjoying BABBA.

The SFA hosted some wonderful events throughout the year including the welcome drinks at the commencement of the 2024 year, the Mother’s and Father’s Day breakfasts and Dad/daughter and special friends dinner and dog walk. The SFA also have made a major donation to the renovation of the rooftop garden that will be well used in 2025.

Our class reps have had a busy year organising parent and family events and communicating with their year groups. Their role is so important to creating a sense of community and links.

The Strathy Angels have been busy providing meals in support of our families who have faced difficulties during the year for a number of reasons. Thank you to all our Angels!

The Community Relations department has had an extremely busy year organising some very successful and well attended events including the annual Mother’s Day lunch this year in May at Mr Bianco, morning and afternoon teas at Tay Creggan in August, and the annual Spring Racing lunch at Leonda By the Yarra just to name a few. As well as these usual events we celebrated the Strathcona Centenary with pride.

I would like to thank every individual who contributed their time, energy, and passion this year. Our volunteers play such a vital role in our community.

Just a couple of early events for your diary at the commencement of next year:
Tuesday 4 February 2025 - SFA Parent Welcome Drinks (Junior School)
Wednesday 5 February 2025 - SFA Senior School Parent Welcome Drinks

Jo Wilson,
Director of School and Community Relations

Dads’ End of Year Drinks on The Deck

SFA Dads hosted the Dads on The Deck function with an International Beer Theme. What a resounding success with dads from almost every year level in attendance, even a few dads who are joining the School next year attended, highlighting the enthusiasm and inclusion of the group. Judging by the laughter, banter and many new faces, it will go down as an outstanding event, definitely to be repeated in 2025. It is this type of function that helps continue to build the Strathcona community feel that we all value and cherish greatly.

Many thanks to our wonderful team of Dads who assisted the SFA on many levels during the year.

Registration is required in order to access results, and students are strongly encouraged to register as early as possible so that they can choose a secure password to protect their results. To register, click here.

VTAC Change of Preference

Please note that VTAC Change of Preference will be open until 12 pm on Saturday 14 December. If students require any help, please email me at xchen@strathcona.vic.edu.au, call my direct line on (03) 8779 7545, or visit my office. I will be available to assist with any Change of Preference between 12 December and 14 December (12pm).

Xin Chen
Head of Careers and Pathways

The Ethics Olympiad is a unique platform that empowers students to engage in rigorous and critical discussions of real-world ethical issues. Unlike traditional debates, students collaborate to explore multiple perspectives and develop well-reasoned arguments. This year's competition featured thought-provoking topics such as the ethical implications of AI in education and the environmental impact of fast fashion.

Isabella Smith (Year 9) has been selected in the Under 16 2025 Indoor Sports Victoria State Netball team. Issy will be competing in the 2025 Indoor Netball Australia Junior National Championships which will take place in Perth next February.

Molly O'Callaghan (Year 11) has been selected in The Gecko's squad that is training for the Deaf Olympics, to be held in November 2025 in Tokyo. Molly began basketball in 2014 and was inspired by the Strathcona Deaf program. Tryouts were in October and ran through November. See below for a photo of Molly with her coach.

Zara Beardsley (Year 9) has just been selected in the Netball Victoria Talent Academy program. This is a pathway program that is a development opportunity for talented netballers around the state to assist them in reaching their potential and providing an avenue to state and national representation.

Well done to Issy, Molly and Zara for their outstanding sporting achievements!

Tamsyn Manou
Director of Sport

Students were given a set of open-ended research problems from which they choose one. They can then employ methods used by mathematical researchers to investigate their problem; they can gather data, simplify, visualise, hypothesise, conjecture and prove.

The aim of the competition is to allow students to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to make choices about how best to ask and answer questions about their chosen project.

Eleventh of November, was Remembrance Day. 106 years ago, from that very day, at 11:00am, World War I ended, after four years of continuous fighting on the Western Front, this was the moment the guns ceased fire.

Remembrance Day is a Memorial Day commemorating all the fallen soldiers, civilians, animals, and family lost in the war. It is ‘celebrated’ in many countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, United States and of course, Australia.

Most of these countries hold a minute of silence at the eleventh hour to remember all those who died and were impacted by the war. This of course includes soldiers, but it is not limited to the military. Civilians and animals were killed in these battles, and families were forever dented with the loss of their family members.

Many countries associate this day with flora, for example France, and of course, here in Australia. The most common flora seen is the red poppy, to remember the soldiers. White poppies are for civilians, and purple poppies are for the animals, as well as lavender for different reasons. These florae were among the first to regrow in the fields destroyed by the war in Belgium.

You may have also heard the phrase, ‘Lest we forget’, often on military graves and Remembrance Day and Anzac Day signs. It means that we shall not forget - that we shall remember - those who died in peace conflicts, fights, battles, skirmishes, and wars. It is also for those who were soldiers, for civilians, for serving animals, for families losing relatives, and friends losing each other.

By saying ‘Lest we forget’, we are promising not to remember those who died for us, those who died because of us, and everyone else killed.

Before World War II, Remembrance Day was Armistice Day, as armistice is a truce. However, after World War II, many countries renamed this day to be Remembrance Day, to remember those who died in both world wars, and then all wars, conflicts, and battles.

Approximately 9.7 million military personnel died during World War I, however around 10 million civilians were killed. It is important to remember that not just soldiers are killed during wars, and that civilians also die during these conflicts.

In the War Memorial at Canberra, they have an unknown soldier’s corpse buried in a tomb. An unknown soldier is a soldier who couldn’t be identified after death, and therefore had nowhere for his remains to be sent. On the tomb, it is inscribed; “He is all of them and he is one of us”.

This phrase means that he is all the soldiers and civilians murdered in these wars, battles, peace conflicts and the like, and he is one of us means that he was a person, just like you and I, and that he is to be remembered as such, known or unknown.

Remembrance Day is remembering everyone, and not forgetting those who died during these times, and how drastically damaging battles, wars and conflicts are. It is to help us to remember that we should avoid these fights as much as possible and remember those who died when we could not.

All over the world, people come together to remember and commemorate the fallen, if they are their relatives, friends, or complete strangers. Remembrance Day creates a day for countries and people to band together and mourn the losses, further strengthening peace between us.

People celebrate and commemorate those who have died in many different ways, through parades, services and ceremonies. Some light a candle, say a prayer, or attend the dawn service. Every person who spends even a moment remembering the millions and millions that have died in the past, remember the devastation wars cause, and push against creating more.

Battles, peace conflicts, skirmishes, fights, and wars have taken many lives from us, and Remembrance Day helps us remember that, and why we should avoid these times.

Lest we forget.

Chantal Lowrie
Year 8

This award celebrates Strathcona’s innovative programs, including our Wholebeing framework and very own Floresco learning philosophy, placing holistic well-being, resilience, and authentic learning experiences at the heart of our community from Early Years to Year 12.

Read more: https://www.strathcona.vic.edu.au/the-educator-2024-5-star-innovative-school-winner-strathcona-girls-grammar/