Newsletter Term 4, Week 8 27 Nov 2020

I was a bit worried when they hired a car in San Francisco as our son does not drive much here in Melbourne; public transport is so good and he does not have a dependable car. But typical of young people who are out to explore the world, they held no such concerns. All went well, or, at least, if it did not, he shielded his mother from it.

Then there were a series of amazing photographs of India, which was the holiday destination of our second daughter. The last photo of that trip was of them alighting a plane wearing threatening looking black masks. I wondered about the need for masks as I thought they were being overly cautious. The word of coronavirus was just starting to spread, but I thought Lachlan’s preoccupation with it a little excessive. They did spend a lot of time saying how awful masks were to wear for so long on the trip back, but we all thought that we wouldn’t be revisiting the mask conversation again. We were more concerned about the bushfires.

So there we were, a family who had taken advantage of the holiday period to undertake various journeys. Little did we know of a different journey we were all about to take together as a family, a nation, and for me, in leading a School community through many the many pivots of the year. We moved into the beginning of the School year and our School social media platforms, which I follow closely, share the excitement of the start of a new school year, the horror of Australian bushfires, and celebrations of us coming together in various community groups.

On our family WhatsApp, our daughter posts: ‘This thing is pretty serious!!!’. Not too long later, I shared; ‘We are getting ready to close the School and going online. Everything is getting cancelled’. We know the story from there; we all we all lived it, both together and apart. Strathcona posted on social media platforms that we have moved to Continuous Learning Online, on LinkedIn and Twitter, staff share their new workspaces with pride, even if it is all feeling very strange. In April our first Faith Service was held - our Easter Service - a beautiful and touching ceremony – online. As a community we are committed to continuing to connect, care, learn and grow.

On our personal messaging account, my family shared the experiences of going into full lockdown. We share tips on sourdough and then toilet paper silliness occurred. Our son’s workplace is initially not WFH, but his pub job has finished. His work then goes online when one of the employees tests COVID positive. Daughter #1 – a committed feminist - posts an image saying ‘This quarantine is affecting everyone in the workforce, but it especially sucks for us men. We’re losing $1 for everywhere 79 cents women are losing’. We have family Zoom get togethers but after a while as the days, weeks and months pass, we tire of them. They make us sad that we cannot be together and we are becoming Zoomed out.

Strathcona’s Music Program is showcased through a homework assignment that sees the Wimpress family creating music in their kitchen. It is so delightful I watch it several times. Careers Night moves to a new platform and we utilised the ability to invite in guest presenters from overseas. ‘Little Women’ is performed as a radio play and our Prep teacher, Miss Morgan is featured in the Herald Sun dressed as a fairy to engage her Preppies in their writing.  The staff’s inventiveness and creativity in this new context flourishes and we all become more confident in using innovation and different ways of doing things.

In the McConaghy household, like others, birthdays pass, celebrations take place in four square frames on a device. Growing plants and pasta-making replaced sourdough making. Our son started growing herbs and planting flowers. His sisters make comment that lockdown is the best thing that has happened to him. One of our daughters gets a puppy. By lockdown #2, she is engaged to be married. Our son handed an assignment in prior to the due date. We are all astonished.
Daughter #1 messaged us that two of her projects are shortlisted in the national architecture awards. That night she messaged again: ‘I am playing Trivia and need Melbourne input. Which five AFL clubs claim gold as one of their club colours?’ Immediate responses come through from the Melburnian partners.  Things then started to open up in Melbourne, finally, but while Queensland continued to enjoy more freedom, blue sky and warm weather, Melbourne not long later went into one of the strictest lockdowns in the world. The weather seemed colder and the days dark and long. We are all weary this time and the mood is heavier. Daughter #1 stopped sharing photos of weekends at Byron and dining with friends outdoors on the banks of the Brisbane River. Daughter #2 considered breaking the law and crossing borders. She says “I went for a walk in my pyjamas the other day. I thought it would be weird. But it wasn’t because everyone in Melb seems to have stopped getting dressed. It’s track pant city around here. Or, as my autocorrect said, PFats. Anyway, I sold my corporate clothes”.

At Strathcona, our social media indicates we are stronger and more connected than ever and making the best of things. House competitions occur online, cheering is in the form of ‘’comments’’ or ‘’likes’’. Tay Creggan participates again in Open House Melbourne through an online platform with videos of the campus and commentary and activities created by students. The day still receives the same number of guests as the previous year. Sporting activities are redesigned.

Then, it is AFL final time. Queensland daughter is out to dinner and notices it is playing in a pub she passes on the way to the restaurant. No one is watching it. She has dinner with her friends, passes same pub and the game is still going. She has very little interest in sport but they go in and watch it for Melbourne’s sake. Our second daughter’s two bosses at ASIC lose their jobs. Life feels surreal. Our Queensland daughter gets a job at an amazing architecture firm here in Melbourne and starts her new job remotely. The COVID count goes down, the weather warms and we all get hopeful and share what we most have missed.
Instagram shares images of students returning to campus, buoyant and happy as girls (mostly) resist the urge to hug each other. Masks have become the norm and we learn to communicate our smiles through our eyes. Our Year 12 students celebrate their last day like no other Strathcona graduate has with restrictions still in force but with the Strathcona spirit and positivity strong and celebratory.

Finally, both my personal and school communication channels are shifting, becoming more ‘normal’. We are less in ‘survival’ and ‘making the best of it’ and ‘what’s next’ mode. The sun is shining (mostly), masks are no longer mandatory outside. We have all travelled together on a journey like no other. Now, looking back, it is hard to remember what happened in which lockdown or when we started to realise this thing was real and it was big  – we lived through a pandemic, a global crisis, like no other. As human beings, what a remarkable emotional, social, intellectual and psychological journey we have made from those early days in January. I think we need this break just to work out what just happened.

Mrs Marise McConaghy
Principal

Congratulations to all students on completing your classes this week to finish off this 'unique' year - a momentous achievement for all!

A reminder that next week we have the Awards Evening on Thursday 3 December. All students and parents are warmly invited to join this evening. In the final week of school we will finish our school year celebrating our Year 12s with their Rose Assembly and Graduation Ceremony being held on Tuesday 8 December.

Ms Tracy Herft, Deputy Principal (Operations)

That is the beauty of all Literature.
You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you are not lonely and isolated from anyone.
You belong. F. Scott Fitzgerald.

In our leading essay for the 2020 Anthology, Year 12 English student Sophie Felice quotes this passage from F. Scott Fitzgerald and begins her powerful and personal, Love letter to learning. In which she examines and expresses her point of view, that the study of the Arts needs to be more valued in secondary schools.

In response to Sophie’s letter I am pleased to share this year’s edition of the Margaret Fendley Anthology of Creative Excellence.

In this publication, student work was selected to celebrate critical and creative thinking in the arts at Strathcona. The inclusion of a wide range of written expression, from analytical essays examining feminist thinking, to love poems and creative writing inspired by classic literature, is here for you to enjoy. This compliments the thinking shown in senior school artworks appropriating well known traditional paintings and exploring classical portraiture to expose power-inequities, to documenting life and love in lockdown and challenging us with the idea and beauty of abstract photography.

Head of English, Mr David Pargetter writes that; “The Anthology showcases student writing affirming its importance and at the same time acknowledge the continually developing skills required communication and expression”. Our Principal, Mrs Marise McConaghy elaborates on the importance of creativity in her introduction: “Creativity throughout history has flourished in moments of challenge. In many ways this year has created a window for that often-undernourished creative side to flourish”.

Congratulations to our students who have had creative work included in this year’s Anthology. This 2020 edition is a heartfelt record of your witty observations, learning, thinking, and creating all while growing up in the year 2020. In this collection of works, like Sophie Felice implored, we celebrate your achievement and recognise the importance of the Arts in schools. We also thank you for reminding us as F. Scott Fitzgerald observed; That we are not isolated, and we belong.

https://www.strathcona.vic.edu.au/publications/

Ms Erin-Maree Horsley, Head of Art and Design

Year 9 students have had the opportunity to conclude their formal subject based learning and move into our end of year program designed to offer a wide variety of experiences and opportunities for learning. International Studies students concluded their year with a variety of global games, including the best team drawing of Donald Trump and creating the 7 Wonders of the World out of playdough (Pyramids of Giza and the Colosseum won the round).

Our Camp@Campus day gave us an exceptional opportunity to use Tay Creggan outdoor space in a variety of ways. Designed by Ms Liesl Woods, we welcomed back Birch and Toni from OEG to assist us with the four activities - a canoe journey, bike riding, orienteering and trangia cooking. All Tay Creggan staff assisted, riding bikes, canoeing and making hot chocolates in the trangia - it was a team effort and the girls embraced the experiences wholeheartedly. We complete our Adventurous Journey next Monday with the Campus2Campus hike, which will enable a pleasing number of students to complete their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Tay Creggan students also voted for Year 10, 2021 House Leaders this week. Congratulations to:

• Arnold – Chloe Tobin
• Findlay – Molly Sawer
• Gilbert – Freya Batty
• Grenfell – Meg Harrison

On Thursday, I welcomed a new cohort of students to the Tay Creggan Campus whilst the Year 9 students were learning about their transition to Year 10, including meeting their Head of House for the next three years.

Today, an outstanding group of aspiring actors and theatre aficionados presented the Year 9 Drama Production, Picnic at Hanging Rock, under the direction of Claire Johns. I have been so impressed by the girls commitment to the production, their willingness to rehearse and their striving for personal best. The production was incredible, with different atmospheres, moods and spaces being created and the development of  enthralling characters. Our thanks and commendations to:

Lizzie Little, Pippa Monckton, Brooke Gosper, Rachel Glover, Michaela Murphy, Jessica Buick, Lexie Rough, Amelie Wimpress, Sarah McNulty, Alyssa McKnight, Molly Sawers, Chloe Tobin 

To complement the production, it was also 'Picnic Day' at Tay Creggan. Janelle McCulloch, author of 'Beyond the Rock: The Extraordinary Story of Joan Lindsay and Picnic at Hanging Rock' (Short-listed for the Best Illustrated Non-Fiction Book by the Independent Booksellers of Australia 2017) http://www.janellemcculloch-of... chatted to the girls about her research, the mysteries of the story and about Joan Lindsay. It was a fascinating discussion about an enigmatic part of Victorian literary folklore. Further to this, girls have also practised cross-stitch, learned about gothic literature and delved into the features of gothic imagery. 

It has been a busy, productive and start to the end of year program.

Best wishes,

Karyn 

Deciding whether or not to send your child to early learning is one of a parent’s most important considerations, especially at this time of the year.

If you’re still on the fence about it, that’s ok, many parents are. After all, it’s a very personal decision and one that doesn’t have a right or wrong answer.

In looking at the advantages of early learning, studies show that an early learning environment promotes a number of benefits which include the development of foundations for establishing a positive approach to learning and social skills for primary school and beyond.   

Why young brains stand to benefit most

The ages of two to seven are crucial for a child’s brain development. Children’s brains develop in spurts called critical periods. The first occurs around aged two, with a second one occurring during adolescence.

During this time the brain synapses double and as a result children are able to learn faster and absorb information than at any other stage in life. For example, research shows that children aged two to seven can quickly master a second language (as well as their native language), however once they turn eight, their language proficiency starts to decline.

In terms of social development, interactions with children outside of the family home helps to develop children’s communication skills, understanding of social cues, listening abilities, and how to view another person’s perspective — which are the key aspects to developing empathy.

Early learning is also understood to assist children in learning emotion regulation as they follow norms and instructions, while experiencing real feelings such as anticipation or frustration.   

Children who attend early learning centres (ELCs) that have good physical programs incorporated into their curriculum, can benefit from developing strength, muscle control, and motor skills earlier.

What does early learning look like?

There are many different styles of early learning programs, but young children are known to respond best to active learning. According to research, play is central to how children learn, make sense of their world, form friendships and test their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical environments.

Strathcona Girls Grammar School’s Early Learning program follows the Regio Emilia approach to education.  One of the key principals is The Hundred Languages. The Hundred Languages expresses the way children structure knowledge and organise their learning. The Hundred Languages are described as being expressive, communicative, symbolic, cognitive, ethical, metaphorical, logical, imaginative and relational. This principle is founded in play and emphasises the importance of providing children with one hundred ways to share their thinking with the world around them.

While the early learning experience will differ from one child to the next, the core philosophy remains the same in that children’s personal interests are drawn upon and acknowledged, and risk taking is encouraged and supported. The aim is to encourage children through play to understand that mistakes are a normal part of life which help us learn and grow.

How do I know if my child is ready for early learning?

Readiness for early learning is ultimately governed by age. In Australia, a child has to turn three before 30 April in the year of commencement. But on a personal level, it’s important to remember that every child is different and the right timing to send them to an ELC will depend on individual circumstances. The early learning environment is designed to help children build their own self-identity, explore and discover their interests, and uncover where they fit in their community for themselves, therefore they don’t need to have developed any of these skills to be ready for early learning.

The children have been working together to create a film they have titled, The First Christmas, using the technology of Stop Motion. This project includes the voice, the thoughts and the work of every child in our Centre. It is wonderful that we have been able to create something that celebrates the joy of being together after such an extraordinary year. The release date for our movie is next Friday 4 December. We hope that as a family you will sit together to view the movie. The teachers will send home all the details of how you can attend our virtual world premiere next week.

Mrs Jo Dowling, Director Early Learning Centre

This service is very accessible, it preferences our school first and then provides access to buy and sell items with families attending other nearby schools, with many schools using this service. Access to second‐hand textbooks, calculators, stationery, musical equipment, etc is available all year.

More information about this service and what items you can buy and sell can be found here. Families will first need to register with the Sustainable School Shop before accessing what is available.

Donations

The Second Hand Uniform Shop is in need of donations especially Senior Summer Dresses and Blazers. If you have any items you would like to donate please leave them in the Donations Box at 35 Scott St Canterbury (opposite Featherstone Hall). Please only donate items that are on the current uniform list.

Opening Hours

The Second Hand Uniform Shop will be open on Wednesdays until 9 December 2020 from 2pm to 5pm by appointment only and will re-open on Wednesday 20 January 2021. Customers will need to book an appointment using the below link. Please note that a maximum of one student and one parent/guardian will be allowed in the shop at the allocated appointment time. Appointments will be for 20 minutes.

Card payments only please. No cash payments will be accepted.

If you have any queries please contact Fiona White by email fwhite@strathcona.vic.edu.au.

Please note that there are currently no second hand V-neck Jumpers, Hoodies or White Winter Shirts in stock.

Trivia for a Claus, Strathcona's family trivia event, is looking even more exciting with the announcement of some more amazing prizes!

• A Microsoft Surface Go has been donated by CompNow. This lightweight tablet runs Windows 10 and is a delight to draw on with the Surface Pen - perfect for any budding artists!
• Pamper yourself with a $200 skincare and cosmetics hamper from Natio. A special thank you to the Briffa family for coordinating the donation from Natio.
• Some delicious Gingergirl creations.
• A Reading Book voucher to help you read away the summer break.

To take one of these prizes home, have the family us in the online trivia competition on Monday 30 November at 6.30pm. Tickets on sale now! 

Your $10 entry fee will not only give you the opportunity to win great prizes but will also help us continue to support the School of St Jude in Tanzania.

We unfortunately are unable to have our Annual Presentation Night at Hamer Hall due to the current restrictions and we will be running an alternative evening. The night will have elements from our Presentation Night including awards for Years 5 to 11 students.

It will be live streamed for you and your daughter to reflect on the year 2020.

This year for our Awards Evening we offer you the chance to also purchase a meal pack from Grossi Florentino to enjoy while watching the special evening online. The menu options available are:

Menu 1 - $125 (serves four people)

Starters:
Grossi sourdough
Salumi, Cured Meat and Salami
Saffron & Mozzarella Arancini

Main course: Pumpkin Tortellini, Brown Butter, Sage

Menu 2 - $125 (serves four people)

Starters:
Grossi sourdough
Salumi, Cured Meat and Salami
Spinach & Ricotta Panzerotti

Main course: Lasagne

The above are set menus and there cannot be any changes.

Packs will be delivered directly to you and the cost also includes delivery, a special dessert for you all to share and your own printed copy of the nights program.

You do not need to register your attendance for this event, you only need to purchase your Grossi Florentine meal pack if you are interested. A link to the live event will be sent on the day of the event to the School community.

To make your purchase of one of the above menus please visit here to purchase either Menu 1 or Menu 2, be quick as bookings will be closing this weekend!!!