Term 2, Week 9, 2024 - Unstoppable Courage 13 June 2024

Courage, often confused with bravery, is a more profound and multifaceted quality. While bravery is the ability to confront fear, pain, or danger in a moment of crisis, courage is the steadfastness to continue despite adversity, the strength to stand up for one’s beliefs, and the resolve to challenge conventions and accepted practices and call out injustices. Understanding this distinction can help us appreciate the depth and power of courage in our lives.

At our School, courage is a fundamental value that underpins everything we do. Across all our campuses, we encourage our students to act bravely, faithfully, and happily and inspire them to embrace challenges as opportunities for personal growth and empowerment. We encourage them to speak up, take ownership of their mistakes, embrace adventure, and be kind and gentle yet strong and powerful when circumstances require.

In the year 2024, the importance of courage is more relevant than ever. We live in a world that's rapidly changing, filled with uncertainties and challenges. In this context, the ability to be adaptable and resilient is crucial. Our School, as a girls' school, is dedicated to nurturing this very quality. We provide an environment where our young people can develop the confidence and courage to explore their capabilities fully and pursue their dreams with persistence and hard work.

Courage is not just a personal attribute; it's a key to unlocking a bright future. In this era of technological advancements, global interconnectedness, and unforeseen challenges, life skills such as adaptability, flexibility, and resilience are not just useful; they are essential. Courage empowers us to step into the unknown confidently, remain composed in the face of uncertainty, and navigate life’s twists and turns adeptly. It's about embracing the challenges that come our way, seeking opportunities to grow, and remembering the wise words of Nelson Mandala, ‘that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it’. By doing so, we contribute to a legacy of strong, brave women who have and will continue to significantly impact the world.

The Courage to Protect

The recent surge in media attention surrounding the altered images and ranking of girls at several local schools has cast a stark light on the evolving challenges within not just educational settings but all social environments. These acts not only undermine respect and integrity but also signal a disturbing advancement in the methods of bullying, with deep fakes and other digital manipulations becoming increasingly prevalent. Schools are urgently enhancing their e-Safety programs to educate and shield students from such violations. Although such incidents have been particularly highlighted at co-educational and boys’ schools, it is clear that no institution is truly exempt. At Strathcona, we are always vigilant and committed to grappling with these new issues and concerns while emphasising cultivating a respectful, inclusive and supportive environment. Our School is committed to combating these dangers through comprehensive programs that educate and empower our students. Addressing these challenges effectively demands collective courage and a concerted effort from the entire community—parents, educators, and students must collaborate closely to ensure a safe and empowering educational landscape for all.

As a partnership School with the Cyber Safety Project (which is a trusted e-Safety Partner with the e-Safety Commission), we have greatly benefited from their comprehensive Cyber Safety Curriculum for Prep to Year 8. They have also provided incursions for all students from P-12, staff professional development sessions, and a parent webinar series throughout the year. These initiatives have been instrumental in educating our entire community on how to act and behave online, ensuring that both students and parents are well-informed on a wide range of Cyber Safety topics.

Embracing Courage Through Academic Challenges

As the exam season for Years 9 and 11 unfolds, it is no surprise that courage and hard work are prevalent around campus. Developing courage means actively seeking academic experiences that push us beyond our comfort zones. This process is crucial for personal growth and honing good judgment. By facing challenges that extend us, we become more resilient learners, adaptable, and capable of sophisticated thinking. However, this growth requires effort and dedication.

As the examinations near an end, the period that follows is critical. It is a time to reflect on our efforts and learn from these experiences to become better learners. Education is not something that happens to you; it is an active partnership where students control what happens next. My advice to students is to listen to feedback with an open mind and rededicate themselves to their learning journey.

Careers and opportunities into the future

In today's rapidly changing world, there has never been a better time to be a student, with countless options available. The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) offers a broad range of study options, enabling students to explore their interests and pursue their goals. Embracing this choice requires courage as students venture into subjects in Years 11 and 12 that shape their future. Completing the VCE provides an ATAR score, offering a direct pathway to university. This journey demands the courage to push beyond comfort zones, adapt to academic challenges, and develop resilience, all of which are critical skills for the evolving future.

From 2025, Strathcona will be extending its pathway options, which are in line with the new VCE arrangements. For those seeking a more hands-on learning experience, the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) provides an alternative path that requires the courage to diverge from the traditional academic route. This two-year applied learning program equips students with practical skills and industry experience, preparing them for apprenticeships, further education, or direct entry into the workforce. Choosing the VCE VM means having the courage to recognise and embrace a learning style that best suits their strengths and aspirations, fostering adaptability and practical problem-solving abilities essential for future careers.

For students who might not be ready for the VCE or VCE VM, the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) offers a flexible and inclusive alternative. It takes courage to acknowledge and pursue a different path, especially one tailored to individual needs and circumstances. The VPC allows students to complete their studies over a more extended period, with coursework delivered at a more accessible level. This pathway encourages them to pave their own way, demonstrating resilience and the willingness to embrace unique educational journeys. By making these courageous choices, students equip themselves with the diverse skills and adaptability needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

For more information visit https://www.vic.gov.au/vce?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI09L_z7HShgMVcqdmAh3M_QXPEAAYASAAEgKBH_D_BwE

Our OSA Career’s Evening on 26 June promises to be an informative and inspiring night where our students can learn from those who have gone before and explore the myriad of possibilities.

Lorna Beegan
Principal

There is a different vibe on campus as different movement patterns occur at different times of the day as our young individuals take responsibility for their own time and often leave the campus a little quieter and more spacious for the Year 7 and 8’s who remain in their classes.

As we approach the official beginning of semester 2 classes and learning, there is some movement of staff which will be communicated appropriately to families prior to the commencement of a new teacher in a class.

The calendar until the end of the term is still full of exciting opportunities and I would like to share some of those with you.

Please see below the important dates for the coming weeks:

Stay tuned to Maple for further information and the official release upcoming of the Co-Curricular offerings for Term 3. We encourage all students to get involved in a club or two and please let us know if there is something that you would like considered for further co-curricular club offerings. 

Further information can be obtained through our Maple Co-Curricular page by clicking here.

David Wyatt
Dean of Operations

Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist and researcher at Stanford University, emphasises the importance of a growth mindset in education. She states, "In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I'm going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here's a chance to grow." Our students embody this mindset, approaching their assessments not as obstacles but as opportunities to expand their knowledge and capabilities.

In classrooms, the atmosphere is one of determination and support. Teachers are not just instructors but mentors guiding students through the complexities of their subjects. The dedication of our educators is evident as they provide the resources and encouragement needed for every student to succeed. John Hattie, highlights the significant impact of teacher-student relationships: "The quality of the teacher-student relationship is the key to successful teaching and learning."

Students have been preparing for these assessments with a blend of individual effort and collaborative study sessions. The courage to seek help, ask questions, and persist through difficulties is a common theme among our student body. This resilience is beautifully illustrated in the words of Angela Duckworth, a leading researcher on grit: "Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years."

As students complete their End of Semester assessments, SACS and exams, the sense of accomplishment is palpable. Each test finished and each paper submitted is a milestone in their educational journey. This period is a culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and, above all, courage. The courage to learn, to grow, and to strive for excellence.

We are immensely proud of our students and their unwavering spirit. Their courage in learning is a reminder that with determination and a positive mindset, anything is possible. As we look forward to the end of the semester, we celebrate not just the completion of another academic term but the incredible journey of growth and resilience that defines our students' educational experience.

Kara Baxter
Dean of Teaching and Learning

The program offers the expertise of high achieving students from the Strathcona Class of 2023, to assist with homework and study needs.

Open to students from Year 7 to Year 12, the tutoring sessions take place in the Knowledge Exchange every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3.20-5pm. Additionally, EAL (English as an Additional Language) assistance is available every Tuesday. 

This initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for students to dedicate time after school to stay on top of their homework, develop effective study habits, and receive personalised assistance when it is required. Whether it's clarifying concepts, revising for exams, or honing essay-writing skills, our tutoring program aims to support students in achieving their academic goals.

If you have any questions about this program, please don’t hesitate to contact me. We look forward to continuing to see our students making the most of this opportunity.

Kara Baxter
Dean of Teaching and Learning

OSA Careers Evening - Wednesday, June 26th at 6 PM

Open to families from all year levels

Join us for an informative evening with insightful panels by alumni who will share their diverse career journeys. Panels will cover areas such as health, working with children, the legal system, business, and the creative industries, among others. The event will also feature a guest speaker from Crimson Education, an expert in future pathways in the USA and UK. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear real-life experiences from former students and to ask questions about their career choices. Panel details will be finalised soon and shared on Maple, so stay tuned!

Subject Expo Evening - Monday, July 22nd

Open to families in Year 9-12

Don’t miss our Subject Expo in Week 2 of Term 3, which is a chance to explore what’s on offer as you plan your subject pathways in the senior school. We will also have various universities and TAFE institutions present to discuss their courses and opportunities. Institutions include Monash University, the University of Melbourne, Deakin University, the Richmond Institute, Box Hill Institute and more!

Speak directly with our teaching staff about the subjects available in our senior years and attend informative sessions, including VCE and Maths pathways sessions. Other exciting sessions will be announced soon.

These events are designed to help you make informed decisions about the future academic and careers options for our students. Please keep an eye out on Maple for further details closer to the date. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information click here

Keira Wills
Dean of Learning Futures

A recent highlight of this courage was seen in the Girls Sports Victoria (GSV) football game. Our girls displayed remarkable performance, showcasing their skills in a thrilling match (under lights) against Toorak College. Watching and cheering from the sidelines, I was reminded of how team sports are a wonderful way to foster skills of teamwork and resilience.

Another standout of ‘Unstoppable Spirit’ this week, is TC student Esther who has been chosen as one of the 14 students to represent our school in the GSV Schools Soccer Team. Congratulations, Esther! Also, Unstoppable Courage extends this week to several of our students set to compete in the GSV netball finals, where they'll once again embody the Strathy spirit and be unstoppable in their courage. Wishing all of you a great day!

Beyond sports, our TC student leaders, Rose and Louisa, have been tirelessly organising a TC Sports Day fundraiser. Their initiative not only showcases their leadership but also reflects their willingness to make a difference in our community. I look forward sharing photos with you in the next Magnolia edition. Meanwhile, our house leaders are spearheading an unconventional and fun initiative – "bring anything but your backpack day." It's a symbolic gesture encouraging students to break free from norms, embrace creativity, and step out of comfort zones.

With Year 9 exams happening this week, it was great to have the team from Hello Kids Yoga spend the afternoon with Year 9 students for a yoga & mindfulness session, providing a much-needed break and promoting relaxation during this busy period. Additionally, it was wonderful to have our very own Rev. Janet Costello come and talk to the Year 9 students on the theme of about love in action and share information about the re-launched of our service trip to St Jude’s in Tanzania in 2025. 

As a TC community, we also took the opportunity to give back by donating 6 boxes of food to Servants, one of the local charities we support. These acts of kindness and mindfulness further exemplify the spirit of compassion and generosity that defines our school community.

Reflecting on this week's theme of Unstoppable Courage, it's evident that our TC students are a formidable force. Each day, they demonstrate the courage to dream big, persevere in the face of obstacles, and make a difference, no matter how small.

To all our Year 9 students, you embody this unstoppable courage. Your triumphs on the field, leadership initiatives, and unwavering commitment inspire us and make Tay Creggan such a special place!

Jen Buchanan
Head of Tay Creggan

To change up some of the training sessions we ran around the botanical gardens with a few other schools. This was our first team event which helped to bring all the different year levels together. We then swapped out one of our morning sessions for a practice race around Wattle Park. This helped to promote everyone’s confidence in their running abilities and gave us more opportunities to support each other to improve.

This year the cross-country team had 55 girls across all year levels. These were such great numbers and a large improvement from other years. It was so good seeing many girls bringing along their friends to training.

After a few PB meets and many training sessions, the competitions between schools started.

Cross country is the only sport in GSV where we get to compete against all 24 schools in one race. The atmosphere at a cross-country event is great with people from all schools cheering on their competitors and even opponents all around the track. It is a perfect opportunity to support everyone because we all know we are trying our best at an extremely difficult sport.

For the championship carnival, the pinnacle of the season, Strathcona performed very well in division 2 thanks to many girls participating and giving it their all.

Juniors performed well despite injury and illness reducing their numbers. Inters were incredible finishing a close second and having the largest group of runners for Strathcona on the day. Seniors amazingly came equal first which Strathy have not managed to do in division 2 since 2007. Overall, we ended up third which was a huge success and reward for all our efforts.

Sophie McIntosh and Hannah Taylor
Sport Leaders

Other Term 2 Music events have included the following:

The 2024 String Fling took place in Week 6 of Term 2, bringing together Strathcona’s string players from Year 3 to Year 12. Our string-focused ensembles - Strathcona Strings, Middle School Strings, Junior School Crossbows, the Debussy Trio, Cellissimo, Guitar Ensemble and the Maple Players (middle school chamber groups) performed a variety of music styles, for an audience of students and parents. It was pleasing to see the progression of skill and ability across the age-range, with all groups demonstrating strong performance and ensemble skills.

Approximately 100 young musicians took part in the Band Showcase Concert which was a memorable night of Band music making – Year 6 Band, both Concert Bands and Jazz Bands provided an hour of entertaining mixed repertoire. One of the many highlights of the evening was the debut performance of the Junior Jazz Ensemble who played 3 jazz standards including My Funny Valentine with great enthusiasm, style, and attention to detail. RENT as performed by the Symphonic Band was certainly a crowd favorite and played with energy and drive. Middle School Band enjoyed the opportunity to play the Marches of John Williams as a massed band with Symphonic Band in addition to Walkabout and Rainbow Connection. The Year 6 Band also had made their debut performance as a combined Year 6 Band under the direction of Catherine Buxton, demonstrating their developing ensemble and individual playing skills.

Musicians at Renaissance Retirement Village – concert 1 -VCE Music Performance class – providing a concert of a mixed bag of music to residents of the village in a concert of an hour’s duration.

Concert 2 – year 7 & 8 trios, quintet,– voice, violin, cello and piano solos also featured in this well rehearsed and presented concert hour which was again very well received by the audience.

Music Scholars, VCE students and Music Staff Showcase – held in the hall at TC in a cabaret setting, family, friends and staff enjoyed an evening of outstanding music. Nearly every genre was covered during the 2 hour soiree – songs from Music Theatre, Carl Vine, a jazz brass duet, Year 7 String Trio, Schumann, Chopin – an original composition by Tori Wood By the Maple Tree were just a few of the excellent music performed to an appreciative sold-out audience.

Choral Showcase – Songbirds, Middle School Choir, TC Singer, Contemporary Vocal Ensemble, Senior Singers

On June 11, Junior School Crossbows, directed by Anna Miller, performed at the 2024 Boroondara Eisteddfod, placing first in the Mixed Ensemble Primary School section. The group travelled to the beautiful Hawthorn Arts Centre to take part in this competition which featured school groups from all over Melbourne. The Crossbows performed with focus and musicality for a public audience (with some of our devoted music parents in attendance!) and was awarded first place by adjudicator Roy Theaker.

The Term 2 Junior School Solo Music Soiree featured in Week 5 of this term, providing the opportunity for young instrumentalists and singers to perform as soloists to a friendly audience of family and visitors.

The Junior School Piano Festival has also taken place in Week 9 of this term. This festival featured 3 mini concerts across three days (at recess times) where pianists played for each other and for an audience of friends. The festival was hosted by the Junior School Music Leaders, who ran quiz questions and gave out music tokens, creating an atmosphere of fun, supporting our community of young pianists, in this event especially for them.

Ensembles from The Maple Chamber Players recorded and entered the “Strike a Chord” Chamber Music Competition run by Musica Viva. This was a great opportunity for some of our chamber ensembles such as the Piano trios and Quintet to fine tune and polish their performance, record and submit their video entries. The entries have only recently closed and we eagerly await the feedback from the judges and the results. Thank you to Anna Miller for co-ordinating and arranging the recordings and entries.

Preparations have begun in earnest with House Music Leaders and House Leaders launching into auditions and rehearsals for the House Choral Competition early in Term 3. This year’s selected theme is “Disney” with both old and new favorites selected by the leaders in the mix.

Jenny Meachem
Head of Performing Arts

On Friday 3 May we held a Mother’s Day lunch at Mr Bianco. The event sold out with 90 attending. The day had a great vibe with plenty of chatter, delicious food and quite a few glasses of bubbles being consumed. We held a raffle with over $1,500 being raised for the Centenary Scholarship. A special thanks to our raffle prize donors: Patricia Dodd for the MECCA cosmetic pack, Crossways Baptist Church for the Pamper Hamper and Jen Aitchison for the delicious Koko Black chocolates.

On Monday 13 May the Strathcona Family Association hosted their annual Mother’s Day breakfast on the Deck with 250+ attending. This is always a great morning where our mums and special friends can enjoy a lovely breakfast with the students. I would like to thank Cathy Smith, our Canteen Manager, Amanda Orgill, our casual Events assistant and her daughter, Sophie (alumnae 2021) and of course, our wonderful SFA parent volunteers for running the breakfast in my absence.

Our dads have an opportunity this Sunday evening to gather together with the students at the annual Dad/Daughter/Son dinner at Sofia’s Camberwell. Nearly 200 booked for the night! Should be a great night!

Jo Wilson
Director of School and Community Relations

Featuring in Stonnington Boroondara Kids, Shelley Lipshut, Year 7 Coordinator at Strathcona Girls Grammar, discusses the integral role families play in helping students transition into secondary school and offers strategies for parents to support this process. 

You can read the full article on p. 18 of the Stonnington Boroondara Kids Winter 2024 edition here

“In the current climate, teaching consent and how to have respectful relationships as part of the school curriculum has never been as important.”

You can read the full article here

The Australian Education Awards, now in their seventh year, recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the country’s top performing schools, principals, department heads and teachers.

You can see the full list of awardees here

• News from the Monash Business School
  - Business Explorer 2024
  - Discover Business Webinar
• Exercise and Sports Science/Nutrition Science at ACU
• Bachelor of Dermal Sciences at Victoria University
• Create for a Day Holiday Workshop at SAE
• LCI Melbourne - Ahead of the Seam: Design, Illustrate, Create Workshop
• Career as a Firefighter
• Career as Prosthetists/Orthotists
• Electrical Engineering Degrees in Victoria in 2024
• Mechanical Engineering Degrees in Victoria in 2024
• Exercise Science & Sport Degrees in Victoria in 202
  

Please click here for the full edition of Career News.

Xin Chen
Head of Careers and Pathways

As we mark a century of Strathcona's history, we invite you to be part of a truly special occasion our 100 Reasons to Connect Centenary Networking Event! Mark your calendars for Thursday 20 June as we bring together alumnae at the stunning Longrain Melbourne from 6.00pm – 9.00pm.

The evening will be filled with inspiration, connection, networking, and celebration. You will have the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and establish new connections while indulging in a mouthwatering Thai-infused menu paired with a selection of drinks.

Our special guest MC for the evening will be parent Alice Stolz from Domain, and our guest speaker will be Lisa Keenan. Lisa serves as the visionary Executive Director of Mecca M-Power, a vibrant social change initiative dedicated to promoting equality and opportunities for women and girls. In addition to this role, Lisa is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Nightingale Advisors. She also holds a position as a Non-Executive Director at the ALLG, an organization committed to enhancing the lives and survival rates of individuals with blood cancer. Lisa will delve into the theme of personal branding, the essence of being Unstoppable Women who can make change and provide insights and perspectives that will resonate long after the event.

Attending the event isn't just an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals but also an opportunity for professional growth where you may be able to claim the event cost from your workplace's professional development budget.

Capture your best self with a complimentary headshot session with our professional photographer, which can then be used to enhance your digital personal brand.

A huge thank you to our sponsor Driver Buses, whose generous support has made this event possible. We're grateful for their partnership in celebrating Strathcona's remarkable 100 years.

Spaces for this event are limited, so we encourage you to secure your spot early to ensure you don't miss out!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Saturday 15 June, 7pm
Venue: Nini's Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, 302 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn
Cost: $65.50 per person (including booking fee)

Tickets include stand-up canapes, seated sharing platters for mains and a sweet treat for dessert. The bar will be open to buy your own drinks.

Please find invitation attached and to book please click here.

Dress with a touch of sparkle!

We look forward to seeing you there.

Bianca, Sue & Jane - Year 8 Parent Reps

Join us for a social evening of connection and reminiscing with your hosts Sam & Davo and a panel of notable rowing members comprising of coaches, parents and rowers, to reflect and reminisce on our wonderful journey.

Ticket's available via humanitix for $30 Canapés. Drinks will be available at bar prices.

Please note this is an 18+ event.

Secure your tickets here

Secondly, we will review evidence linking disturbed sleep to next day problems. Third, we introduce the particular reasons for the ‘epidemic of sleep deprivation in adolescents’. The primary causes of this problem are well-understood scientifically, but not well appreciated by the general population. Finally, we turn to solutions at the social level (e.g., delaying school start times) and particularly at the individual level. The talk will include opportunities for interaction and questions and is sure to be engaging.

Professor Greg Murray is currently the Director of Mood Disorder Research and Practice at Swinburne University of Technology and a practising Clinical Psychologist. His primary research interest is the link between sleep, biological rhythms and mental health. He has published more than 200 scientific papers on these topics and received more than $33 million in funding to support his research work. Greg has received individual awards for research, teaching and community engagement, and has a long-standing interest in adolescent sleep. His article on sleep in The Conversation has been read more than 1.2 million times, he has had regular mental health sessions on ABC Radio National and has provided dozens of talks on adolescent sleep to secondary school students, teachers and parents.

Register your attendance to the free seminar here