Opening Message

Reflection on Anzac Day

In 2020 the Anzac commemorations across Melbourne were the most subdued in my own living memory. With gatherings prohibited, families were encouraged to gather at the end of the driveway in their streets and play the last post as the sun rose. While the effect was haunting and memorable, it was with some relief for many that gatherings, although limited, were allowed again in 2021.

When I was young I remember my mother getting up early and watching the Anzac Day March on television, lamenting the reality that with every passing year the number of veterans steadily declining. Her father and grandfather had served as minesweepers in World War II and World War I respectively, and she had strong memories growing up where the wars seemed to linger around every household conversation. (This probably explains her obsession with The Sullivans I never really understood as a young boy.)

Over the years, the number of veterans in Australia has again swelled, with new wars and peacekeeping missions following the end of the Cold War. There is also now a hyper-fascination with Anzac Day and many consider it our most important Australian day – it is certainly one of the less controversial public holidays.

At Strathcona’s Anzac Day Assembly we were addressed by John Haward from the Box Hill RSL. He spoke of his experiences in the Vietnam War and of the way society rejected John and his mates upon their return, both in the general public and at many RSLs. Thankfully today there is inter-generational respect among our returned service men and woman, and RSLs are inclusive places of support. John also spoke briefly about the epidemic of ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members taking their own lives. Indeed, since Australian forces joined the War in Afghanistan in 2001 more than 500 veterans have taken their own lives – far exceeding the 41 lives that have been lost in actual combat. This rate is more than double that of the non-veteran community.

Most of us will never know or truly understand what it is like in a combat zone and this is surely a good thing. We are all wanting an end to conflict and war, but we also know that sometimes it is unavoidable and sometimes it is incumbent upon us as a strong country to assist those in our region who need help. Our assistance in East Timor and the Solomon Islands are good examples of this responsibility. But regardless of the original reason for our involvement, we must as a society do better with the service men and women when they return. As Year 12 student Carissa Kong said in her prayer at the Anzac Assembly this week, “Help us to remember the mateship, agony, courage and compassion of war service, but save us from ever glorifying the horror and tragedy of war.” Let us also hope that veterans receive the support they need so they can re-engage with the society they have so valiantly protected and represented.

Mr Scott Sweeney, Head of Humanties and VCE Coordinator

Message from the Principal

Principal's Anzac Day Assembly Reflection

We were honoured to have with us at our special Anzac Day assembly, Mr John Haward, President of the Box Hill RSL and a Vietnam War veteran.

Click on the above images to enlarge.

Below is an excerpt of my introduction to Mr Haward’s presentation to our girls.

“Last year we could not gather in any groups for most of the year. After years of taking for granted the fact that we could; all of a sudden we couldn’t. I think most of us were surprised at what a loss this was in the context of our human social need to feel physically part of something bigger than just ourselves or our small family units.

I am sure you sit in some School assemblies enjoying the sense of being together and celebrating whatever it is we are celebrating. But I suspect there are times when some of you are probably somewhat bored or distracted, waiting for the conclusion so that you can go and eat lunch and chat or attend to things that need to be done.

However, not having that regular sense of togetherness through the various things we do in school life and beyond, was a loss, which I think you will agree we all felt. I know that last year’s Year 12 are deeply grateful to Mrs Jo Wilson for persevering, doing three lots of planning, and on the third attempt, managing successfully to secure a non-lockdown affected date to run an incredibly happy evening so that a belated Valedictory Dinner Celebration could occur.

On Saturday night, we held the Year 12 School Formal. Everyone in one room gathered together with partners and teachers to celebrate each other and that particularly important rite of passage for Year 12.  It was a very beautiful evening. Year 12, you all looked amazing, each in your own way, and so happy and joyful. Thank you for the dignity and grace you showed, balanced beautifully with a sense of fun and how to have a good time - and some excellent dancing. Heads of House, thank you for your tireless work in making this event happen so that it was the girls’ night; it reflected what they wanted, and was polished and put together in a way that reflected how we like to do things as a School. I hope you all, students and staff, had a big rest yesterday. Sadly, your dancing shoes need to be put away for a bit now while you get back to some hard work.

Over the weekend, other gatherings of a larger scale occurred with the MCG operating again for those AFL games Melburnians love so much. While I didn’t go, I certainly heard about it and the joy people felt at being together to watch the footy together again and no doubt talk about it all this week and into the future.

Yesterday morning, my husband and I went to the Dawn Service at Hawthorn for Anzac Day. It was an effort getting up so early, that is for sure, but I felt I should. My father was a veteran of the Second World War (he was 18), as was my grandfather, and my great uncle fought at Gallipoli, his name being on the monument at Anzac Cove. The medals I wear were awarded to my Aunt for her service during World War II. I am sure you all have your own family story of service.

This is a bit of mine as the wife of a veteran. I dragged myself out of bed on Saturday, mostly for my husband. After the genocide of Rwanda in 1995, he went there as an Australian Army Peacekeeper, literally to clean up the mess and to use his legal skills to rebuild a civic infrastructure. Our youngest son was 3 months old. My husband speaks rarely of what he saw and what had to be done in the immediate aftermath of such a large-scale atrocity. In essence, the work was about the investigation into a range of crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

When the peacekeeper deployment finished, he went back for a few years after that year to work as a Prosecutor for the United Nations, successfully prosecuting a key person who used media – social media if you like (in this case the radio) to incite genocide. The court sat in Arusha in Tanzania but he had to fly in and out of Rwanda interviewing witnesses. He also had to fly to Europe, mostly to Belgium (Rwanda was colonised by the Belge) and to various countries to which the alleged war criminals and witnesses had fled. He finished that stint at the end of 1997.

For the duration of 2005 - our eldest daughter’s Year 12 year - he was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Then, in 2007-2008 - our second daughter’s Year 11/12 year - he worked in the Office of the Director of Prosecutions in Honiara in the Solomon Islands to assist in developing the skills of the prosecutors there and build that country’s legal infrastructure. The work required him to provide a lead role on the incorporation of the principles of international humanitarian law in the prosecution of persons alleged to have committed criminal offences during the internal armed conflict. He also undertook work in South Korea and Nepal. In 2012, he went to the Middle East. In the rank of Colonel, he again provided advice regarding Humanitarian Law, Administrative Law, Criminal Law and the Law of Armed Conflict.

More recently, he worked for a few years on the Veterans’ Review Board assessing the needs of returned soldiers going back decades from the Second World War (very few left), Vietnam War, Rwanda, Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.

I have a strong memory of one morning, having gotten the children off for their day of school, walking into my old school ready to start my day. I can’t remember now which deployment it was. Most of his deployments contained huge security and safety risks. As I walked past reception, I saw army officers sitting waiting. In the few steps it took to reach the steps to reception, I considered that this was how I would find out if something had happened to my husband; an officer, a chaplain and another officer would go to my home or workplace. In my mind, in the next few steps it took to then get to the door, I had worked out how I might tell the kids. I then walked through reception to my office, turned the computer on and waited. Nothing happened. The army personnel were there as part of a career information session for the Year 12s. I was spared. However, so many others have not been.

The lines I am about to recite comes from the Ode, For the Fallen, a poem by the English poet and writer Laurence Binyon first published in 1914.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, not the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Mrs Marise McConaghy, Principal

P.S. On a completely different note, I want to commend your daughters. As Mr Haward and I stood waiting for the wreath to come down to be placed, the girls streamed past us. Just about every student looked at Mr Haward, having told his war story, and thanked him. I felt so proud.

Message from the Dean of Students

Elephant Ed - Consent

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

This week, we welcomed Elephant Ed to Strathcona for both parent and student sessions on the important topics of consent and respectful relationships. 

On Monday evening, many families availed themselves of the opportunity to listen to a webinar that provided a detailed perspective of these issues within the current Australian landscape. Topics covered include the statistics and prevalence of sexual assault, legalities surrounding consent and the many avenues for seeking help. Importantly, the webinar provided practical tips for parents on how to begin these essential conversations at home. The presenters encouraged parents to: 

  • Talk early and often avoiding one-off discussions that are broad. Lots of little conversations earlier rather than later. 
  • Avoid fear tactics. Create opportunities for your daughter to feel comfortable, supported and safe when in need. 
  • Use teachable moments to start conversations with your daughters. Leverage items in the news or information sent from the school as conversation starters. 
  • Be informed and aware of the perspectives of what your young people might be experiencing. 
  • Model behavior around consent at home. 

Elephant Ed have provided a summary of their webinar which you can access here.

On Wednesday afternoon, students in Years 10-12 completed small group workshops with a facilitator from Elephant Ed. These sessions focused on helping the students understand the current Victorian law surrounding consent. The discussion provided strong scaffolding around what it means for an individual to freely give consent in the context of words and body language, when under the influence of drugs and alcohol or peer pressures. The students were provided with practical strategies to manage difficult situations to ensure their safety. The feedback from the workshops has been overwhelmingly positive and we will continue our discussions during wellbeing classes in the coming weeks. 

This coming Thursday 6 May, we are looking forward to welcoming Melinda Tankard-Reist to Strathcona. Melinda will be running sessions for all students from Years 5-12 across the day with her workshops focusing on positive mental health behaviours, challenging cultural norms around body image and sex for girls, critical media literacy skills and respect-based relationships. Melinda is a leading speaker, author and advocate for girls and women in Australia. You can read Melinda's bio here

Warm regards, 

Mrs Amber Sowden, Dean of Students

Click on the below images to enlarge. 

Senior School News

House Athletics Day

Yesterday we held our House Athletics Carnival at Box Hill Athletics Track.

It was so pleasing that we could complete this carnival this year after missing out on it last year, on what is normally a big highlight of the year for all students.
The weather was outstanding and it was wonderful to once again hear the well-prepared house chants and see the huge numbers participating in all events, including the novelty races and track/field events that were held throughout the day.

In the end, Arnold took out the house cup for the first time since 2008 and finally halted the domination of Gilbert who had won the event for the last 7 years.

Well done to everyone on a fantastic and enjoyable day!

Click on the below images to enlarge. 

Celebrating Shakespeare

William Shakespeare's birthday

On Friday 23rd April we celebrated the birthday of a most beloved playwright and poet, William Shakespeare. 

Students were invited to participate in a variety of Shakespearean themed activities at lunchtime including; 

  • Board games
  • Shakespearean Insults
  • Calligraphy writing
  • Guess the Pop Sonnet competition
  • Mask making
  • Shakespearean fortune telling

Did you know that William Shakespeare wrote 37 plays, two volumes of poetry and over 150 sonnets? It is thought that although Shakespeare was a poet throughout his lifetime, he turned to poetry most notably during 1593 and 1594 when a plague forced theatres in London to shut down.

To find out more about why we celebrate Shakespeare's birthday on 23 April see here.

Click on the below photos to enlarge.

Parent Seminar: Anxiety of the COVID kind

Associate Professor Dr Katie Woods’ recent presentation at Strathcona’s Parent Seminar focused on Health and Anxiety in the context of COVID-19.

There was lively discussion about the unexpected year we experienced in 2020 and the issues relating to anxiety for young people.  Many families can identify some changes that occurred during the lockdown last year that were actually welcome, whether it was a reduction in the frantic pace of life, enjoying more downtime or family activity, or exercising outside together.  Dr Woods suggested keeping some of what was valued and enjoyed so that it can be built into the daily routine and become part of our ‘new normal’ in returning to school and work. Rituals marking important dates, provide families celebrating shared events with benefits from the sense of identity, belonging and purpose. Making a conscious effort to get back into life and activity, using our bodies actively, such as with return to sport, will also promote mental health. Dr Woods emphasised that getting back into our body means “you need motion, to have good emotion”. 

Dr Woods outlined some practical strategies for parents to assist in managing anxiety.  Parents were encouraged to listen to the story that young people tell themselves about what has happened, about what will happen and about where they fit into this story. With younger children, play is often a window into the stories they tell themselves about their lives.  For some students, creating a designated ‘worry time’, learning breathing awareness/strategies and distraction techniques may further assist students with their anxiety.  Promoting activities that enhance emotional tolerance, regulation and resilience are important in everyday life.  Self-care can be modelled by parents and encouraged in young people of all ages from simple sleep routines, good nutrition and rest, to more complex self-care routines.  Assisting young people to develop their own toolkit to cope with anxiety can help them feel more equipped and confident.

Raising awareness of problem-solving approaches and focusing on solutions can support young people to strengthen skills and feel a greater sense of control. While there are many things that are outside of a young person’s control (how long the pandemic will last, how much toilet paper is in the stores, how others behave), it is also important to gain some awareness of the things they can control (their behaviour, how often they watch the news or amount of time on social media).

Where there may be evidence that a young person is a little too focused on concerns about COVID or fears of contamination, Dr Woods recommended trying to encourage an adjustment back to what is ‘reasonable’.  While we have learned to wash and sanitise our hands regularly over the past year, there are reasonable limits to what is required. Similarly, if there are adults in the young person’s lives that they are worried about, give them regular opportunities to make contact. 
Dr Woods discussed that parents can assist young people who are experiencing health anxiety by limiting exposure to the media and reducing the amount of discussion about COVID-related topics.  However, it is also important to answer questions honestly as they arise and addressing myths or misconceptions.  

Check-in regularly to see how the young person is coping.  Where health worries are voiced, discuss what is likely and what is not likely, monitor obsessive behaviours and emphasise what the young person can reasonably do to maintain a sense of control.  Supporting the young person to develop the capacity to tolerate uncertainty is an important skill for the future beyond COVID. Looking for occasions where the young person had an experience of managing during lockdown and coping with the COVID pandemic can be useful to highlight their capacity to cope in other situations such as preparation for tests or going on camp. 

For young people experiencing mild to moderate health anxiety, a program has been set up during COVID-19 at Swinburne University Psychology Clinic to assist young people aged 13-18.  This is a low-cost clinic. 
More information can be accessed here.

To book into the next Parent Seminar "Ten-Ager" with guest speaker Madonna King click here.
Referral can be made here.

Ms Kerri Rhodes, School Psychologist

Debating News

Year 10-12 Debating Competition

The Debating Association of Victoria’s inter-school debating competition gives Year 9-12 students the opportunity to debate against other secondary school students in Victoria. Secret topic debates are part of the later stages of the competition, where teams are given a topic and have only one hour to prepare speeches and rebuttals. 

On Monday 26 April, Strathcona’s Year 11 and 12 debaters grappled with their first secret topic debate for the season. Our Strathcona debaters rose to the challenge, waiting in anticipation for the topics to be released. The topic was 'That young people should preference minor parties over major parties in Australian Federal elections'. Both teams tackled the complexities of the debate with optimism and determination. They demonstrated clear thinking and the ability to work under pressure by presenting clear and cohesive arguments. While the scores were close, unfortunately, our A and B-Grade teams were defeated by the narrowest of margins. Despite their losses, we commend the teams for their tenacious efforts. 

We also wish to congratulate our Year 10 C-Grade team on their win in their advised topic debate. The Year 10 debaters successfully argued against the topic 'That teachers should be paid based on the academic performance of their students', constructing well-reasoned arguments and rigorous rebuttals which highlighted the flaws of a performance-based pay scheme for teachers.  

We wish all teams the best of luck for the remaining secret topic debates! 

Anjelica Dimitriou, Year 12 Debating Captain

Career News

Career News for 29 April 2021 is now available.

Items in this edition include - 

• Dates to Diarise in Term 2
• Inside Monash Seminar Series
• What does a Geneticist do?
• News from Deakin University
o Discover Deakin Webinars
o Bachelor of Business at Deakin
o New Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Information Technology
• Scholarships at Bond University
• Animals, Conservation, Wildlife, and Zoology Courses in Victoria in 2021
• Snapshot of William Angliss Institute (WAI) in 2021

Please click here for this week's Career News. To visit the Careers page or view previous versions of Careers News click here.

Year 9, Tay Creggan News

A Message from the Head of Tay Creggan

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This week I have spent 12 hours undertaking a Youth Mental Health First Aid course, along with other members of the Strathcona Wellbeing Team. It has given us a tremendous opportunity to ponder our approach to students and to discuss supporting and promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.

One of the key learnings for me is that students at Year 9 need to feel connected, engaged and validated.  One of the ways this occurs at Year 9 is by providing a myriad of opportunities to demonstrate leadership, to make decisions, to take risks, to hear guest speakers, and be involved in activities, competitions and events, both within the classroom and alongside it. 

Science teacher Sarah Thom ran our ANZAC Day Assembly on Monday. Sarah spoke about her experience in the Australian Army, a few of the students read poems and prayers, and the Happy Diggers offered sprigs of rosemary for remembrance. Michelle Holding also brought in her mementos from both Gallipoli and the Western Front. This week has also been the week where a Turkish 'Lone' Pine, gifted to Tay Creggan in 2015 as part of the 'Seeds of Peace' project, was found a permanent home in the Tay Creggan Garden. 

Four teams of committed and conscientious Debaters participated in round 2 of DAV Debating online on Monday afternoon. Three out of our four teams won. You can read Amy's report below.

Students are studying Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet at present in English and took some time this week to make their mask for the Masquerade Ball, photos below!

Diana Little who was Head of Tay Creggan when I attended (a very long time ago!) joined us this week in Envision Independent lessons. Diana had embroidered for each girl her name on a piece of McInnes tartan, the Strathcona winter skirt.  Girls then continued the embroidery whilst they learned about old Strathcona uniforms and past traditions. They will then begin working on a "fashion parade and uniform display" for the school's Centenary in 2024.

The majority of students are around 30-40% complete in their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and it has been lovely to hear some of the skills being learned and the service being offered to the Community. I spoke to the Manager of Cameron Close Retirement Village this week where Madi, Holly and Issy spend an hour each week. The Village residents love seeing our girls, who provide stimulation by playing games, chatting and helping them with small tasks. 

Today was Camp Preparation Day and what a glorious day it was. The OEG team spent the day refreshing camp skills, teaching students how to put up a tent, cook a meal, ride a bike and generally get ready for Camp2Campus. A reminder that the Camp Information Evening is next Tuesday 4 May at Tay Creggan at 7pm. If you cannot make it, we will provide slides and all information.

Enjoy your weekend,

Ms Karyn Murray, Head of Tay Creggan

Year 9 DAV Debating

On Monday afternoon, 26 April 2021, all four of our D grade debating teams argued the topic, “All Public Transport Should be Free”.

Team 1 was negative with Zoe Fotheringham was 1st speaker, Cynthia Shi, 2nd speaker and Amy Johnson, 3rd speaker. This team pulled off another win against Doncaster Secondary Collage and Cynthia was awarded best speaker. Their other team members, Isabelle Gemmel, Vinny Liang, Jayna Wang and Jemima Collings assisted in writing rebuttals and conducting research. 

Team 2 argued for the affirmative side and unfortunately lost against Trinity. It was however a very close debate and they were commended on their clear voice projection. Betty Ni was 1st speaker, Rachel Zhou, 2nd speaker and Jasmine Harvey, 3rd speaker. Their other team members, Arya Gupta, Teagan Briffa, Cynthia Zhang and Sarah Le Get also worked hard writing rebuttals and compiling research. 

Team 3 went head to head against Brauer College and won with their strong team line and arguments as the negative team. Kate Zhang was 1st speaker, Steph Tang, 2nd speaker and Naomi Attalla, 3rd speaker. The other Team 3 members who helped with research and writing were Heidi Gillon, Liza Griffin and Sienna Maiolo. 

Team 4 argued for the negative side and won against Donvale. Alec Marsland was 1st speaker, Charlotte Pearce, 2nd speaker and Sophie Norman, 3rd speaker. Best speaker was awarded to Charlotte Pearce. All speakers had very clear and concise rebuttals and spoke very clearly. Their other team members who helped with forming arguments included, Scarlett Jolly, Emily Kang and Annie Zhou. 

Overall all teams debated extremely well online and against tough competition and pulled off 3 out of 4 wins! 

Junior School News

Junior School Anzac Day Assembly

On Monday we held a moving service for Anzac Day in the Junior School. I am always touched by the way our young people engage so thoughtfully in the Anzac service. To acknowledge the contributions of all involved and touched by conflict, each year level made a special piece to remember and honour the fallen.

I shared the story of my great grandfather, Lance Corporal Archibald Meyer. At the age of 20, he was enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force and served a total of 1325 days at battle during the First World War. Poppy as I knew him was awarded a star medal from the British Empire and his final tour was at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915. Of the thousands of troops that were killed or wounded, my Poppy made it home and would later be awarded an Anzac medal for his heroic deeds.

Lest We Forget.

Ms Lisa Miller, Head of Junior School

Click on the below image to enlarge.

Design in the Junior School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This week, the girls in Year 3 and Year 4, shared their Design creations in class. Inspired by the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay the Year 3 girls designed and created their own instruments, forming their own Orchestra with varying success. 

In Year 4, the girls have investigated the properties of paper and designed their own Marble roller coasters that tested their understanding of Physics. Through utilising Design thinking and the Strathcona “Tinker Train” the students gained valuable insights into their learning and the process of design.

We have included some images of the girls hard at work for you to enjoy.

Kind regards,

Mr Matthew Lander, Deputy Head of Junior School

Click on the below images to enlarge.

Become a homestay host today

We have students at Strathcona that are looking for homestay families. If you are interested and would like to find out more information, please email melbourne@homestaynetwork.org. 

Events

Languages Week

Nĭ Hăo, Bonjour and Buongiorno to all Parents and Staff!

Languages Week is next week and there are lots of activities on offer! Click here to view the poster with What's On for Languages Week 2021.

Monday: Crêpes available all day! Marion uses the best ingredients to make the most delicious crêpes. Sop students are reminded to bring their crêpe money - $5 per crêpe!

Tuesday: Staff v Student Soccer Match on the oval at lunchtime. Come and support your team, especially the Staff!! 

Wednesday: If students are interested in using their Language skills in their future career, come and join me (Mme Prior) in SC104 at lunchtime where they will listen to an interview with someone who has done just that! A very inspiring individual.

Thursday: There will be quizzes in the Knowledge Exchange all day. Test your knowledge of Languages and win prizes!

Friday: Languages Week culminates in the Fabulous Food Fiesta at lunchtime! There will be (more) crêpes, pizza, dumplings, bomboloni and gelati available. So students are reminded to bring their pocket money and an appetite and enjoy all the food on offer 😋

We hope our students enjoy Languages Week and that they are inspired to continue their love of Languages and everything it offers!

Ms Virgina Prior, Head of Languages

School Musical - Matilda

Featherstone Hall

Strathcona's 2021 Musical, Roald Dahl's - Matilda The Musical (Book by Dennis Kelly and Music & Lyrics by Tim Minchin).

Dates for performances at Featherstone Hall are:

  • Tuesday 4 May - Preview, 5.30pm
  • Thursday 6 May - Opening Night, 7.00pm 
  • Friday 7 May - Evening Production, 7.00pm 
  • Saturday 8 May - Matinee, 2.00pm and Final Show, 7.00pm 

Tickets have now SOLD OUT, and we are extremely excited to welcome audience members to the show in May.

Strathcona Family Association Mother's Day Breakfast

Monday 10 May 2021 at 7:15 AM to 8:45 AM

The Strathcona Family Association would like to invite you and your daughters and sons to join them for a complimentary buffet breakfast on The Deck, Senior Campus to celebrate Mother's Day. 

We encourage all mothers and special friends to attend. A coffee cart and breakfast will be available. For catering purposes, please RSVP by Tuesday, 4 May 2021.

Register for this event via Trybooking

Seize Your Yay!

Strathcona Centre for Learning Futures

Wednesday 12 May, Featherstone Hall (Senior School Campus), 34 Scott Street, Canterbury, 6.30pm-7.30pm

Guest Speaker: Sarah Davidson, Lawyer turned Funtrepreneur

You are warmly invited to the Strathcona Learning Futures event – Seize Your Yay!

Our guest speaker, Sarah Davidson, Lawyer turned Funtrepreneur will join us to share her experiences and how she has achieved a life that is happy and fulfilling. Sarah is an engaging and effusive podcaster, entrepreneur, author and former lawyer and sums herself up with her overarching life philosophy – ‘seize the yay’.

Sarah was a mergers and acquisitions lawyer in an international law firm, which taught her a lot, gave her exciting travel opportunities and an intellectual challenge but she was lured away from this by her passions of health, wellbeing, nutrition and creativity.

She founded the organic matcha green tea company, Matcha Maiden, with her partner in late 2014, which quickly grew big enough to draw attention from giant US retailer, Urban Outfitters. From there, Sarah along with her friends founded a trailblazing café, Matcha Mylkbar. Sarah also has a forum called Spoonful of Sarah where she talks about her entrepreneurial journey from a distance and how exciting life can be when you ‘seize the yay!’.

Please register for this event on Trybooking.

Strathcona Junior School and ELC Mother's Day Lunch

Friday 14 May 2021 at 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM

We are delighted to invite you to join us in celebrating Mother's Day at a lunch at Crudo Warehouse Kew. 

Tickets are $70, and this will include a drink on arrival, a 3-course meal plus tea and coffee. Gather your friends and make a booking soon as numbers are limited!

To book in for this event visit TrybookingRSVP by Friday 7 May 2021

We will be holding a raffle at the lunch and, if you can stay, we will continue our afternoon at CRU Wine Bar. Entry to Crudo Warehouse is via the lane way (entry from Cotham Road).

​Year 12 Theatre Studies Production – Kindertransport By Diane Samuels​


Year 12 Theatre Studies Production – Kindertransport By Diane Samuels

This beautiful and haunting play is set in Nazi Germany immediately after Kristallnacht, where broken glass littered the streets after Jewish-owned stores, buildings and Synagogues were smashed. Jewish parents in their desperation sent their "Kinder", nearly 10,000 of them, some as young as three, away to England. Kindertransport tells the story of one such child, Eva Schlesinger who at the age of nine is uprooted from her country, culture and parents and sent to live with strangers. This poignant play explores the guilt of survival and the rage of abandonment.

Performance Dates – Thursday 20 and Friday 21 May 2021

Drama Studio 7.00pm

Adults $15, Students $10

To book tickets click here.

POSTPONED Ten-Ager: What your daughter needs you to know about the transition from child to teen

Ten-Ager

Unfortunately this event has been postponed until further notice. We apologise for the inconvenience and we look forward to seeing you once this event has been rescheduled.

Guest Speaker: Madonna King

Strathcona is pleased to welcome one of Australia’s most accomplished parenting authors and journalists Madonna King to our campus in May 2021.

The bestselling author of Being 14 and Fathers and Daughters shares with us what your daughter needs you to know about her shift from child to teenager – how she feels, what she thinks, what worries her and what you can do to help.

Award-winning journalist, commentator and author Madonna King sought the counsel of 500 10-year-old girls, 1 600 mothers, and 100 Year Five school teachers for her new book, TEN-AGER. Dozens of school principals, teen psychologists, doctors, researchers and female role models were also interviewed to provide a guide for parents helping tween daughters into adolescence.

Turning 10 used to be a “double-digit” celebration; now it is the beginning of the teen years. TEN-AGER takes our girls’ dreams and worries, wants and fears and puts them to the experts, in the hope it helps parents guide their daughter into adolescence.

This is the perfect guide to help parents understand how their daughter is feeling, what they need to know, what to say, and when to stay silent and listen.



Friends of Kayaking

Strathcona Friends of Kayaking are running a fundraiser for the club with a special Entertainment Book offer.

Save hundreds of dollars with great dining and entertainment deals. Only $70 plus get a free a $20 gift card.
To order your money-saving Entertainment Book please click on this link: https://au.entdigital.net/orderbooks/18240f4
 
We appreciate your support of our Club.

Strathcona Friends of Kayaking

Term Dates, 2022

Term Dates for 2022 are now on the School website. Click here to view.

Strathcona is a Child Safe School

Strathcona is committed to being a Child Safe School

View our Child Safety Policy here