Newsletter Term 3, Week 9 11 Sept 2020

The holidays approach and this will relieve some of the burden of days where work does not end and there is little separation of being ‘off’ or ‘on’.

l took part in a Webinar this week where Rachel Simmons, Girls Research Scholar in Residence at the Hewitt School in New York, spoke. She has written a number of books on girls and young women:
 
Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls;
Odd Girl Speaks Out: Girls Write About Bullies, Cliques, Popularity and Jealousy;
The Curse of the Good Girl;
Raising Authentic Girls With Courage and Confidence;
Enough As She Is:  How to Help Girls Move Beyond Impossible Standards of Success;
Perfectionism Amongst Teens is Rampant (and we’re not helping).

Simmons started by stating that we are not working from home. In reality, she said, we are trying to work in our homes, with our families, during a crisis, that being a global pandemic. We are not just ‘WFH’ as a cool, new thing, which we voluntarily agreed to do because office space was short or we wanted flexible working arrangements. This situation was thrust upon us seemingly out of nowhere. Simmons spoke of something that is obvious in retrospect, and that is that it takes a lot of energy to adapt, develop new skills and mentally and emotionally absorb what is going on around us. No wonder we find ourselves sometimes inexplicitly feeling exhausted and flat.

Simmons also strongly made the point that some levels of anxiety are normal – it is a feature of life – and we have to learn to manage these feelings especially if they escalate and start to dominate.

Her focus was on two things: overthinking and the importance of self-compassion.

Overthinking is described as circular (of self and others, but mostly in relation to self), repetitive, critical self-talking which can lead to depression. It is gendered and more common in girls and women. We become our own worst enemies as we nit-pick various aspects of ourselves in a way that is certainly not helpful. Simmons shared ways of how to assist the girls in our care to become aware of these thoughts, to connect and ‘call them out’ so that they have a less powerful, paralysing effect. That way, a step out of the negative circular space can be taken.

Self-compassion can be understood by considering the difference in how we relate to someone who has experienced misfortune or difficulty or is feeling sad, and how we think about ourselves in the same situation. 75% of people are more self-critical of themselves than they are of others. Exercising self-compassion means giving ourselves the same grace and kindness as we give to others. Some people think they need to be hard on themselves to keep moving forward and to achieve things. However, repetitive, negative self-criticism can reduce capacity to be successful, according to Simmons. She claims that if we give ourselves self-compassion, we suffer less shame, we are more likely to take responsibility, have high standards, admit failings or mistakes and are less afraid of failure. In her view, those who are less harsh on themselves are more likely to be brave and to be positive risk-takers.

Simmons concluded her presentation reflecting that self-compassion is a protective trait and very important to encourage – in fact teach – in girls and young women. Having just read Kristine Ziwica’s article in Women’s Agenda (10 September 2020), based on research from the States, titled Yes Pandemic Parental Burnout is a Thing and You Are Not Alone, I would encourage all parents – of our students and those who are our teachers – to give yourselves grace, kindness and forgiveness. There is no way anyone knows what ‘good parenting’ is in a pandemic with a family in lockdown. No one has gone before us on this one and there is no old wisdom that can be handed down. People are just doing the best they can.

Warm regards
Mrs Marise McConaghy, Principal

On Tuesday, the Year 8 students enjoyed a pop-up Literature Festival, where they had the opportunity to imagine, develop and create their own works. Bernard Caleo, a respected comic book artist, guided the students through creating a self-portrait and then a short comic story in a zine format. The students then had the chance to upload a video of themselves reading through their zine. Slam poetry champion, Emilie Zooey Baker, guided the students through the creation of a slam poem, which they could then performed and upload to Flipgrid. 

Everyone, including the teachers, enjoyed the workshops and the students developed some brilliant zines and poems that illustrated their lives, the world, Microsoft Teams, and the problem with frozen bread! Their creativity and observational powers were on full display. The presenters were both impressed by the girl’s engagement and the works they created. Emilie Baker commented, “The girls were wonderful. You are so lucky.” We are.

Thank you to the presenters, students and teachers who helped out and made it a great day.

Ms Penny Roberts, Director of Library and Research

The showcase was the culmination of an extended inquiry that challenged students to develop an entirely new skill over ten weeks with the help of an expert. Students engaged in a variety of pursuits through the program, selecting diverse topics such as wood whittling, film-making, Auslan, time-management and architectural design. They committed to spending at least two hours per week practising and developing their new skills. Over the course of the challenge, students researched the history of their topics, engaged with experts to improve their skills, and participated in weekly coaching sessions, which allowed them to reflect on their learning process. In response to the move to online learning, students opted to extend their project for a further five weeks. 

By consulting experts in their chosen field, students established valuable industry connections and gained insight into professional practice. Mentors included a wood carving specialist who conducted restoration work on Windsor Castle; the CEO of an App Design company; and an accomplished landscape photographer to name a few.  

The students’ final presentations not only showcased their newly acquired skills, but also offered a glimpse into the often arduous and iterative process of developing them. Students took risks, persisted through failed attempts, and refined their approaches in response to feedback. I congratulate the Year 8 Strathy Unstoppable Scholars on their achievements. It was wonderful to share their learning journeys and celebrate their successes with them along the way.

Mrs Bridget Forster, Teacher and Librarian

In this week's edition, you will find the following information on:

• Dates to Diarise in Term 4
• Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership Information Sessions
• Federation University: Study for a Career in Mining Webinar
• Box Hill Institute: Diploma of Nursing Pathway
• New Courses at RMIT University in 2021
  • Bachelor of Data Science
  • Diploma of Applied Technologies
• Bachelor of Radiation Science (Informatics) at Monash University
• Career in Carpentry & Cabinet Making
• Nursing and/or Midwifery Degree Courses in Victoria in 2020
• Nutrition and Dietetics Courses in Victoria in 2020
• Paramedic Courses in Victoria in 2020
• Medical Imaging Courses in Victoria in 2020

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

In Monday’s Wellbeing Assembly, Martine Oglethorpe, author of 'The Modern Parent' and cybersafe expert spoke to the girls about social media and its impact on wellbeing. Martine’s contention was that teens needed to learn how to 'use social media with intention' and strategically analyse their reliance on social media messages. Fundamentally, Martine did not advocate banning social media, rather learning strategies to manage media accounts and use them to foster good social connections. Considering the recent disturbing reports about Tik Tok videos, our young people can’t hear these messages enough!

Rachael Robertson, our final guest speaker for the '7 Continents in 1 Day' adventurer presented to us about 'Leading on the Edge' on Wednesday. Her leadership advice, strategies and anecdotes were compelling and imparted valuable life lessons for us all. There is a full report about this incursion in this week's news.

Our Head of Productions, Ms Claire Johns was able to engineer a place at the Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) enrichment series online seminar for nine keen Year 9 Drama students on Thursday after school. Students had the opportunity to explore SLAP. BANG. KISS. by Dan Giovannoni, a play which considers whether young people can change the world. Also, on offer was the opportunity to talk to playwrights, actors and theatre professionals. Please see the article below to learn more about their incredible experience.

Eight letters arrived this week from residents at Inala Retirement Village for three of our Year 9 girls. Pippa, Maddy C and Bethany K have been sending news to people in the village to provide some joy and respite from their day to day isolation. Residents are extremely thankful for the letters and enjoy writing notes back to the girls. Even better, this can be recorded as a Duke of Ed service activity which fulfills the girls Bronze Award requirements.

Whilst the most recent COVID announcements have been difficult for many of the Year 9 students to hear, we continue to encourage optimistic and resilient thinking. It was pleasing to see many involved in R U OK Day and finding ways to continue to connect with their friends.

With best wishes

Mrs Karyn Murray, Head of Tay Creggan

Imagine living in 24 hours of darkness for months at a time…
Imagine the temperature hovering around minus 35 degrees
You can’t get in or out…
You didn’t even get to pick the people you live with…
And… you’re stuck there for a year!

Antarctica in Winter is totally inaccessible – which means once the last ship leaves in February no one can get in or out of the place, ever, until the ship returns in November.

Rachael Robertson led an expedition to Antarctica and was responsible for the welfare and safety of the 18 members of her team for an entire year and is a best selling author of "Leading on the Edge – Extraordinary stories from the most extreme workplace on the planet".

Rachael spoke about how she led and inspired her team through the long, tough Antarctic year. She shared with the girls about the need to find small moments to celebrate, about being resilient in shaping your own thinking, and impressed upon them that you should take every opportunity – better to have a go and live without regrets! She spoke about ways to live in isolation and how emotions fluctuate daily and ways to live as a community – where "respect rather than harmony" is the goal.

The MTC’s production of Slap. Bang. Kiss. was written by Dan Giovannoni specifically for secondary school students, and prompts the important discussion, "can young people really change the world?".

Despite its cancellation, students were able to experience aspects of this production by participating in a series of drama activities and exercises led by MTC artists. The students wrote short scripts, performed dialogue from the play, applied directorial feedback to hone their expressive skills and discussed themes and issues that were important to them. The students participated enthusiastically in this workshop, and encouraged each other with supportive and considered feedback.

Although we can’t attend live performances at the moment, there are opportunities to enjoy theatre in meaningful ways, and it was fabulous to see our students make the most of this experience.

Ms Claire Johns, Director of Productions

 
During the week, we have been planning a return to the School site, which will be a staged return in Term 4. Our highest priority continues to be the health and wellbeing of our students and staff. While we are all keen to see our students return to on-campus learning as soon as practicable, the School must continue to follow the advice issued by the Chief Health Officer. Details will be made available once we have finalised the plans.

Mrs Lisa Miller, Head of Junior School

Positive Parenting Program

The current pandemic has raised new parenting challenges for everyone. Children and teenagers have experienced disruptions to their daily life and increased worries about their safety and that of their family and friends. Children can react in unexpected ways because they cannot express how they are feeling.

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program’s simple, practical strategies have been proven to work around the world, helping parents raise happy, confident children; set family routines and rules that everyone can follow; and balance work and family life with less stress. It is designed to add to your tool kit of strategies to support you in your role as parent.

They have a parent magazine with quick tips and stories and their two online courses are now free for Victorian parents. Triple P Online is for parents of toddlers to tweens (0-12 years) and Teen Triple P Online is for parents of pre-teens and teens (10-16 years). If you would like to read more about their programs visit Triple P Online.

Mrs Sharon Turner, School Psychologist (Junior School)

For many, the restrictions also meant being creative in our celebrations, with picnics in local parks or special movie nights, cooking together, games night, or relaxing. For some, perhaps a whole extended family zoom celebration where everyone talks at the same time!  It is also a time to remember grandfathers and the special role they play in the lives of the children.

The story, Windows, by Patrick Guest and Jonathan Bentley is a beautiful story about how humanity pulled together during the Coronavirus pandemic. This book is yet to be released but to view click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

Take care

Mrs Jo Dowling, Director of Early Learning Centre

For many students, the excitement surrounding going back to school will be obvious. However, despite the excitement, change can be a challenge, so it is important to consider that for students who experience some anxiety, this may be exacerbated by the thought of return to school and uncertainty around when this might happen and what it might look like. Parents may also feel some reservations about their daughters returning to school. These links are to articles that might be helpful, especially for younger students. Preparing in advance can make transitions back to school a little smoother.

Back to school anxiety during COVID
Managing your own anxiety during school reopening

For parents with daughters in VCE, Beyond Blue provide some helpful information to assist in supporting them through the pending assessment period and beyond.  

SchoolTV also has current and relevant information for parents and can be accessed via MyStrathcona.

Senior School:https://senior-strathcona.vic.schooltv.me/category-latest-newsletter

Junior School:https://junior-strathcona.vic.schooltv.me/category-latest-newsletter

Ms Kerri Rhodes, Senior School Psychologist

A gift of any size will support a Strathcona Girl at risk of needing to leave the school for financial reasons. If you can help, please give online today by clicking below. 

Our sincere thanks to everyone who has already supported this initiative.

Ms Eliza Goding, Development Manager

The webinar will be held this coming Monday, 14 September, between midday and 1.00 pm on Virtual Childhoods – keeping our kids safe online will be presented by Caroline Ellen, a social worker, parenting coach and founder of Stronger Safe Kids.

The event is free, but registration is essential. Full details are available The Parents Website.

This is the latest in a series of webinars presented by ISV’s The Parents Website to support parents, carers and their families during these challenging times.

Have you downloaded the Girls Unstoppable podcast? If not, visit podcasts on your device and search Girls Unstoppable.

Our Envision Marketplace launched with great success last Friday. We were overwhelmed by the support of our Strathcona family and friends and are busily making more products to fulfill orders. Click here to see our statistics since we launched and started selling online. The Marketplace is open to the Strathcona community to make a purchase. Click here to have a look at our products, when making a purchase you will need to include the password of: taycreggan.

We were also thrilled with the news earlier in the week of a further boost to Envision with one of our businesses - the Envision Marketplace, being awarded the title 'Wade Institute Pitch Winners 2020' and Liesl Woods and myself - representing the Envision Team, named 'Educators of the Year 2020'. The Wade Institute for Entrepreneurship at Melbourne University is one of Australia's pre-eminent schools for teaching entrepreneurship. The student team will now proceed to pitch their business along with Masters of Entrepreneurship students at their showcase night. Click here to watch the winning videos.

Mrs Karyn Murray, Head of Tay Creggan

StrathconaConnect is an online platform which will, for the first time, bring together our powerful network of Strathcona women across all graduation years, providing opportunities for professional development, mentoring, networking and volunteering. It is a place where you can find old friends and make new ones, create interest groups, post and attend events, seek help and offer it.

Built in is a space for you to post the details of your business if you have one, offer or take advantage of special deals for alumnae, advertise a job, or even apply for one. Everyone knows the calibre of a Strathcona woman. Here is your opportunity to be part of an incredibly special network full of intelligent, encouraging, nurturing and empowered women.

We know that now, more than ever, we all need a little more TLC, along with the support of a community to which we belong. Registering is a quick and simple, no-fuss exercise. So, jump online now, sign up and start connecting. Spread the word to your old Strathcona classmates and colleagues. The more women we reconnect, the more powerful our collective networks will be.

If you have any questions or difficulties registering, please email Eliza Goding egoding@strathcona.vic.edu.au

The webinar will focus on strategies and tools to help families manage their wellbeing, including establishing a supportive parental role and dealing with uncertainty and disappointment. Families will have an opportunity to ask Dr Carr-Gregg questions.

Places are still available for Managing the Coronacoaster – Tips for building resilient families webinar on Tuesday 15 September at 7.30pm. For more information and to register, visit: eventbrite.com

The Government has also partnered with Raising Children Network and funded a 10-episode podcast called ‘Raising Learners’ featuring parenting experts from organisations including the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Career Education Association Victoria and eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman-Grant.

Raising Learners will provide parents with practical advice, tips and ideas for supporting children’s health, wellbeing and engagement at school. Topics will include connecting with your child’s school community, how to best support your child’s learning, what to expect for VCE and VCAL students and how to keep your child safe online.

These themes were drawn from common parent questions received by the Department’s coronavirus hotline and Parentline. The first three episodes have already been launched and the remaining episodes will be available throughout Term 3 and 4. Raising Learners will be available via Raising Children Network and podcast apps.

Here is the Message from the Premier of Victoria https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/online-wellbeing-support-families

There are some great resources available on the R U OK? Day website, which are relevant for families with Junior and Senior students learning in the online learning space.

Also, it is important to also prioritise your own self-care and here are some ‘Wellbeing Tools for You’ from Beyond Blue.

Please join us for this special parent webinar on Body Confident Children and Teens presented by the Butterfly Foundation. With a focus on prevention, this session will provide information and practical tips to help parents better understand and promote positive body image in the home.

We will explore:

• Overview of body image and the importance of prevention
• Key influences on body image, including social media
• The impact of diet culture and weight stigma
• Reducing appearance talk and how to respond when a child expresses negativity towards themselves/others
• The power of role modelling positive body image and healthy behaviours
• Understanding warning signs and the importance of early intervention
• What to do if you are concerned.

This is suitable for: Carers of primary and secondary age children.

Please note this session is not designed for children to attend or for those caring for someone with an eating disorder.

Register your details below and closer to the date we will email the link and instructions on how to join this webinar.

Nicole was born and raised in New York and began her career as a makeup artist before moving into a career in B2B sales. She decided to move to Australia with her son looking for a sea change.

While shopping in David Jones to replace a beloved candle she purchased in New York City, Nicole couldn’t find what she was looking for and saw a clear gap in the market and, from a spark of imagination, Glasshouse Fragrances was born.

With the experience of setting up her own business, she will talk about what it required to set up a business and the challenges she faced while doing this.

We hope you can join us for this exciting seminar, register your details below.