Term 1, Week 9, 2024 - Unstoppable Women 28 Mar 2024

At a time when the societal roles for women were rigidly defined, Strathcona Girls’ Grammar’s founding Principals were experienced teachers who met, as colleagues, at Toorak College – Miss Henrietta Hughes – historically referred to as ‘an unmarried woman’ and Mrs Florence Livingstone, a widower at 31 with four children to raise, pooled their resources to purchase a house on 34 Scott Street named after Lord STRATHCONA, A Scottish-born Canadian Businessman and Philanthropist – and start their own school with approximately 36 students. The rest, they say, is history.

Henny and Mrs Liv, as they were affectionately known, knew that if their school was to thrive, it needed to be progressive and offer girls an education that would prepare them for their future. This opened a wide range of opportunities that nearby schools could not, would not, or were unlikely to offer to girls. Henny and Mrs Liv aspired for their girls to be unstoppable from the start, and this commitment and their legacy continue to go from strength to strength. Girls' schools are progressive environments.

Our Centenary Year

This centenary year, we are bringing our community together to remember the past, appreciate the present, and dream big about our school's future. In the coming weeks, you will hear more about key events like the opening of the Time Capsule from 1993 and the great night of celebration at our Diamond Gala. Throughout our ‘Century of Brilliance’, we are not merely marking a milestone in our school's history but celebrating our remarkable community's collective achievements.

On Wednesday, 27 March, the unveiling of our centenary sculpture – ‘The Conversation’, and The Book Launch of our pictorial history, ‘A Century of Memories – A Future of Promise’, were perfectly synchronised to represent different perspectives on the past 100 years.

Hannah Northam’s sculpture, ‘The Conversation,’ embodies the past and the present student. For me, one aspect of the statue's power lies in the fact that the two subjects/characters do not look at each other, but the current student is listening to the student from the past. The past student looks to where Strathcona first began, and the current student to a bright, yet unknown, future that lies ahead in the distance, but they are in conversation – each is listening and responding to the voice of the other – the voices and unified across time and space. Our English Department hopes to spark our student’s creativity and imagination with a centenary writing competition with ‘The Conversation’ as the prompt. You can see the statue in the front court at Strathcona Early Years.

Cathy Gowdie’s pictorial history illustrates memories and rememberings through treasured primary sources, photographs, mementos, artefacts and memorabilia – by listening to the voices of Strathcona students through the decades. I know countless alumnae will flick through the pages, eager to dissolve down memory lane, perhaps keen to find a picture of themselves in the carefully curated pages. Cathy has captured the energy and unstoppable spirit imbued within the cohorts of Strathcona school students through each decade. In many ways, Cathy has provided Strathcona with its own Eras Tour. You can purchase the book here.

Centenary events are a testament to the power of collaboration and communal thinking, embodying the essence of what Strathcona symbolises.

International Women’s Day

As part of our recognition of International Women’s Day, Mrs Boyd and I, accompanied by our school's dedicated student leaders, made a meaningful journey into the heart of Melbourne to attend the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools International Women’s Day Breakfast at Parliament House. This event, resonating with the theme "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," served as a platform for the school community to engage in critical conversations surrounding gender equality, empowerment, and the imperative for societal investment in women's rights. As they stepped into Queen’s Hall, Parliament House, the school delegation found themselves amidst a gathering of like-minded students committed to the common goal of advocating for change and fostering a more inclusive and equitable world.

Among the distinguished speakers at the event was Jess Wilson, an esteemed alumna of Strathcona, whose presence underscored the school's commitment to nurturing future female leaders. The morning unfolded with Georgie Crozier's insightful hosting and Professor Katie Allen's perspectives, encouraging our young people to harness their voices for collective action. Through our participation in events like this, Strathcona continues to foster a culture of empowerment, enabling our students to amplify their voices and drive positive change in the world.

Head of Schoolgirls

As the biggest rowing spectacle in the Southern Hemisphere unfolded along the picturesque banks of the Barwon River, Strathcona 100+ rowers geared up to showcase their prowess and compete. Amidst the anticipation and adrenaline, teams from various schools compete intensely, each vying for the ultimate triumph but, more importantly, to row well. For Strathcona, this is not just about securing victories but about embracing the true essence of rowing - the pursuit of excellence, camaraderie, and the thrill of competing at one's best.

Reflecting on the exhilarating atmosphere of the Head of the Schoolgirls’ Regatta, it's evident that the spirit of sportswomanship and dedication prevailed throughout. While victories are celebrated, the accurate measure of success lies not merely in the number of trophies amassed but in the display of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship exhibited by every participant. As we extend our sincerest congratulations to all crews, coaches, and supporters involved, it is imperative to recognise that winning is not the sole motivator for unstoppable young women; instead, it's about rowing well, embodying the values of perseverance and mutual respect that define the essence of this sport. Special commendation goes to the tireless efforts of the crews, the guidance of the dedicated coaches, and the leadership of Michael Cornwell, our esteemed Head of Rowing, whose unwavering commitment has propelled our rowers to strive for greatness both on and off the water. Special mention must also go to the families and community atmosphere generated, especially to Anna Gration, President of Friends of Rowing, for her longstanding devotion to Strathcona Rowing.

Music Soiree

Attending the Junior and Middle School music soiree was a genuinely enriching experience. It was remarkable to witness our young musicians' enormous talent and dedication as they took the stage. Beyond enjoying the performances, music education's profound impact on cognitive development and academic achievement is worth noting. Research shows that playing an instrument can enhance brain function, improve memory, and sharpen focus. Listening to the diverse range of instruments and musical styles, I could not help but appreciate these students' perseverance and hard work in honing their craft. The soiree provided a platform for them to showcase their musical abilities, gain performance experience before a well-attended, proud audience, and highlighted the importance of fostering a supportive environment where young talent can flourish. The passion and commitment of these budding musicians served as a reminder of music's invaluable role in bringing a community together and celebrating the transformative power of music.

Drama at Tay Creggan – Jane Eyre

The Year 9 production of Jane Eyre showcased the talents and creativity of our drama students at Tay Creggan. Bringing to life the iconic literary character of Jane Eyre, a symbol of resilience and empowerment, was no small feat, yet the students rose to the occasion. The performance was a captivating blend of suspense and emotion, expertly crafted through dynamic choreography and excellent use of space and lighting. As the narrative unfolded on stage, the audience was drawn into Jane's world, experiencing her journey of self-discovery and defiance against societal constraints. Well done to all involved for sharing the unstoppable spirit of Jane Eyre brought to life by our talented Year 9 drama students, especially Drama Teacher Extraordinaire Ms Marisa Rowlands. I look forward to experiencing the next Year 9 Production, The Lion King, in Term 2.

Eastertide

Easter is a time of reflection, renewal, and rejoicing, reminding us of the power of faith, love, and the hope of new beginnings. Central to the Easter narrative is the remarkable role of women, who were the first to witness the empty tomb and were entrusted with spreading the news of Jesus' resurrection, becoming the first disciples. Their unwavering faith, courage, and determination stand as a testament to the unstoppable power of women throughout history. So, as we gather with family and friends to enjoy Easter treats and egg hunts, let us also take a moment to reflect on the incredible strength and resilience of women throughout history and Strathcona’s history and be thankful. Here's to a happy Easter filled with love, life, laughter, peace and hope.

We heard some inspiring words from three special speakers, Georgia Crozier, Dr. Katie Allen and Jess Wilson. They shared their successes and challenges that they have had to overcome throughout their careers and explained how much hard work it takes to make it a reality.

All three women told us of the challenges they have faced as women in society, and how they have thrived, which is how they reached their successful lives today. Their words worked as a catalyst for change, and ways to make our world a better place with leadership from women.

Once the formalities and presentations had concluded, Jess Wilson MP, who is a past Strathcona student took us for a tour of Parliament House to visit the Lower and Upper House. She shared many stories about her experience in politics and also gave some great insight into how decisions are made in parliament.

After the event, we reflected and learnt about what women offer our world, and how we too, even as young people, can use our influence at school to change our community for the better. When we travelled back to school, we reflected on the inspiring words and stories shared lingering in our minds, our thoughts of how we could shape our school into a more productive and fun learning environment and community for everyone.

Grace Kim
Middle School Leader

This is the 2024 International Women's Day theme, encompassing the perfect meaning of what it means to empower, acknowledge and excel all women every day. We are sitting here today in such a privileged position, with constant support through teachers, classmates and networks, we know the value we all hold and can add to our world, but regretfully, so many girls and women in our world don't, exemplifying the importance of today.

The special thing about International Women's Day is that it provides us with the time and avenue to acknowledge the miles we have come as a minority group. As women, together we have been able to inspire, empower and celebrate each other and our triumphs every single day for hundreds of years in the past and we will continue to do so for hundreds of years to come with a much larger volume.

Therefore, today is ultimately about celebrating and thanking everyone around you, every girl sitting next to you, every woman that has influenced you in the past, teachers, mothers, sisters, aunts and every woman that will ignite passion and motivation in you, in the future.

Count her in is specifically examining the pathways to greater economic inclusion for women and girls everywhere. The three words poses the question to us on how without access to education, employment pathways, financial service for women everywhere we ever expect to reach gender equality. Together this year we must focus on providing equal opportunities for all women to build their capabilities and strengthen their ability to learn, earn and lead.

Belle Gemmell 
School Captain

Invest in women.

By definition, invest means to put time, money or effort into something to gain a greater benefit. Within our School we are fortunate enough to work with teachers who invest in our education, wellbeing, futures and potential every day. It is thanks to this that each year 100 or so girls can graduate with plans to create their own paths and follow their own dreams. Become a women in STEM or dominate the business world, the options are endless.

Yet, the world beyond 34 Scott Street, the world that you me and every woman contributes to each day provides obstacles and barriers to the success of women. In our short amount of time I would like to discuss one infamous barrier that effects women across the globe, the glass ceiling.

A phrase used to describe the social barriers preventing women
from gaining power within the professional world. The metaphor advocates for the women every day who are disregarded of their potential and ideas because of gender biases and abuse of power.

To invest in women is to make this glass ceiling shatter. With every scholarship, protest, or campaign for the progress of women's respect and opportunities, we leave a crack in this glass ceiling. In hopes for a day where a woman being elected into a position of power is not labelled as a publicity stunt or risky move but rather recognition of her talents and abilities.

Today as we celebrate, progress and strive we advocate for the investment into our equality and our futures.

Sophie Norman
Deputy School Captain

The notion of ‘Accelerate progress’ provides the opportunity to
reflect on the achievements of women over hundreds of years in their fight for
equality and empowerment.

First-wave feminism began in the 1840s and was concerned with achieving, (what we would call) 'simple' rights, such as the right to vote which in Australia, was achieved in 1902. Then the 1960s, second-wave feminists sought to enter the workforce, they demanded agency and independence. Later this idea of intersectionality emerged with third-wave feminism, which recognised the different factors of discrimination faced by many women (such as race or sexuality) and allowed progress to propel for women who were previously excluded from the movement.

So when we reflect on the history of feminism, it's clear that significant progress has been made by past generations of women in their fight for a more equitable world. The theme ‘accelerate progress’ urges the need for young women like ourselves to build on these achievements and propel the movement of gender equality forward.

In doing so, this year’s theme demands from us an active role in breaking barriers, initiating open dialogue, and fostering environments where women are not only heard but celebrated for their diverse contributions. Accelerate progress reminds us that the fight for gender equality is not passive but demands action that is unwavering and unapologetic from each of us.

We hope that you'll join us in celebrating the strong and inspiring women that came before us on this day as well as look forward to the future of gender equality with this year's International Women's Day theme, Count her in: Invest in women. Accelerate progress.

Amy Johnson
Deputy School Captain

For our Year 10 students, one of the key focuses was understanding the essential skills and attributes sought after by employers in today's workforce. This is particularly beneficial for our students as they prepare to enter casual work and work experience as well as moving forward into the start of their careers.

Both cohorts were tasked with creating an ‘elevator pitch’ where they learned the art of succinctly articulating their strengths, goals and purpose which is imperative for their future opportunities.

In addition, our VCE students were able to delve deeper into the nuances of networking, understanding the significance of creating lasting impressions, and mastering the art of personal branding, both online and offline.

These workshops were aimed at continuing the journey of career education for our students to ensure that they are able to navigate the journey from education to employment with confidence. We look forward to continuing to build this confidence and education in our students across the remainder of the year.

Keira Wills
Dean of Learning Futures

As the eldest grandchild, I have many fond memories of my Grandmother who was a fiercely independent woman - the latter, I most certainly didn’t appreciate until later in my life.

My first memories are of the many hot summer days spent at her home in Bickleigh St, Glen Iris. We would both laugh as we burnt our feet on the fiercely hot concrete running down to the pool. Swimming with Gran was one of my favourite things as a small child, and every summer I would wait in anticipation for Gran’s dolphin rides in the freezing pool. Gripped tightly on her back we would plunge down to the bottom of the pool, to what seemed like the very depths of the ocean. Her funny crinkly swimming cap felt like a sea creature and with each deep dive across the pool she would remind me to hold my breath so that on the way up we could blow out as many bubbles as possible, just like dolphins she would say.

Following our swim we would scamper around the garden and search for ripe fruit to eat on our towels in the sun. The juicy ripe figs were Gran’s favourite but I loved the yellow loquat fruit from the giant tree. The pomegranates were only for special occasions but I would often sneak out and try to pick just one little red juicy seed from the ripened cracked open pomegranate still on the tree. Mostly unsuccessful as Gran would always catch me in the act and squirt me with the hose screeching at me to get away from the tree.

As I grew older, I began to make independent trips on the train from Shepparton to Melbourne to stay with Gran. Our first stop after she picked me up from the station was always McDonald’s. We would laugh as each of us always tried to eat more than two Cheeseburgers at once. I think Gran won every time.

Food and the sharing of meals was not only an important ritual for my Grandmother but a tradition that was rich with values and respect. Table manners were not something taken lightly and Gran always reminded me of the importance of such as you never knew when you might be eating dinner with the Queen, much to my amusement at the time. I recall trying not to burst out with laughter when she pushed my elbows off the table – however I am truly grateful for her persistence in helping me learn the skills of table manners, be it to not just dine with the Queen.

Inspired by Gran’s love of travel, it was not long until I began experiencing my own travelling adventures around the world. We met up on many occasions and often I would crash at Gran’s apartment in London. Being in my early 20s at the time, I didn’t need very much to survive and we would laugh as I slept on my sleeping mat on her loungeroom floor. Days were then spent fossicking around the London markets to buy antiques to fill her store. I was forever enchanted by the way Gran would so eloquently explain a historical moment in time from the pictures on the back of a spoon. Something would look like trash to me but to Gran it was a treasure that would later be lovingly restored at her antique store ‘Connoisseurs’ back in Malvern, Melbourne.

It is in my most recent years that I have come to appreciate the courage and independence of my Grandmother and her profound influence in shaping my own life. Never settle for second best she would say and once you get married make sure he doesn’t ruin your life by making you stay at home!!

The significance of being an independent woman born in the 1920’s is perhaps something that I will never truly understand. It is of course the same decade that Edith Cowan became the first woman elected into Australian Parliament. A small step towards equality of women, and my Grandmother was certainly the epitome to this continued cause. An intellectual women first recongised as the Dux of Firbank Grammar school in 1942. Her ambition to study law was not bought to fruition, however her success as a business woman was something that inspired all of those who knew her. Gran individually supported many women entrepreneurs as the President of Zonta for many years and was instrumental in shaping other organisations that campaigned for the equality of female business leaders.

It was this influence and voice that has had the most profound impact on my own life. To have shared a time with a significant role model that was my much loved Grandmother whose life spanned almost a century is something that I will treasure forever.

Lisa Miller
Head of Junior School

Gathering alongside more than 1400 peers from various schools across Melbourne, it was an enriching day aimed at equipping students with essential leadership, communication, and teamwork abilities.

One prevailing theme echoed throughout the conference was the celebration of our uniqueness. In a world often inclined towards conformity, students were reminded of the beauty and strength found in their individuality. Embracing what sets us apart not only fosters personal growth but also enriches our communities with diverse perspectives and talents.

Amid societal pressures and expectations, the conference emphasised the significance of authenticity and the importance of being true to oneself. Our students were encouraged to embrace their true identities, fostering a culture of self-acceptance and genuine connections. Creating a sense of belonging was also highlighted as a cornerstone of effective leadership. Students listened to several keynote presentations, each addressing the theme of how to cultivate environments where everyone feels valued and accepted.

At the beginning of the year at Tay Creggan, students were encouraged to “Take Charge” this year, and in a poignant moment of reflection at the conference, students were prompted to revisit their dreams. Back at Tay Creggan, students are being asked to write a letter to their future selves – ready to open in December 2024. In this letter, students will be asked to reflect on their hopes & dreams and to think deeply about what they hope to achieve this year.

As we reflect on the insights gained from the Leadership Conference, let us carry forward the lessons of embracing individuality, authenticity, and courage. By celebrating our uniqueness, being true to ourselves, and creating inclusive communities, we can pave the way for a brighter and more empowered future for all.

Jen Buchanan 
Head of Tay Creggan

The occasion was nothing short of a journey through time, as we welcomed back past Principals, Heads of Tay Creggan, alumnae, and students, along with special guests.

The event was filled with memories, as guests and alumnae from 1993 gathered around, anticipating the reveal of the archives carefully tucked away within the capsule. We were reminded of the names, Miss Joan Mellor and the then Prep student, Amy Tcheupdjian who buried the capsule back in 1993.

Amy Tcheupdjian is now based in New York City and has carved a remarkable path in the world of music since leaving Strathcona. Having completed her Professional Studies Diploma at Mannes School of Music in 2016, her achievements include travelling internationally for performances and tours, teaching music in NYC and receiving the Allan’s Music Prize and the Monash Hiroyuki Iwaki Orchestral Scholarship. We were honoured to have Amy's father, Kris Tcheupdjian, among our guests on this memorable occasion.

Mrs. Ruth Bunyan AM, the Principal at the time, shared insights into what Strathcona was like in 1993. Ms Lorna Beegan, Principal reflected on the contents of the time capsule and how it compares to today’s world and Ms Jen Buchanan, Head of Tay Creggan shared visions for the future.

We were also treated to a captivating presentation by Year 9 students, showcasing the evolution of the Strathcona uniform over the past century, with the guidance and support of longtime staff member Diana Little.

Adding to the significance of the event was the loaned painting of Lydia Mortill kindly supplied by the Lyceum Club. The portrait of Lydia who at one stage lived at Tay Creggan, was painted by Constance Stokes, offering a glimpse into the past of Tay Creggan. More can be learnt about this painting and its unique history here.

Following the ceremonial unveiling, the contents of the time capsule was displayed in the Tay Creggan Hall during morning tea, generating lively conversations and rekindling connections among guests, some of whom hadn't crossed paths in many years.

Looking ahead, we are working on sharing the contents of the time capsule with the community in the coming months, ensuring that the memories encapsulated within are cherished and preserved for generations to come. To coincide with this historic occasion, plans are already underway to create a new time capsule to be placed after our Centenary year concludes.

The evening was nothing short of spectacular, as attendees socialised in the festivities that honoured a century of excellence in education and Unstoppable Girls. From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted with an atmosphere of joy and anticipation, setting the stage for a memorable occasion.

One of the most exciting aspects of the evening was the opportunity it provided for all members of the Strathcona community to come together. It was a time for alumnae to reconnect with former classmates, teachers, and staff, reminiscing about cherished memories and shared experiences. Likewise, current members of the Strathcona community took the chance to build on new connections and strengthen the bonds that make this community so special.

Throughout the evening, the room was filled with laughter, lively conversations, and great music. From heartfelt speeches to historical visuals, every moment was a testament to the spirit of fostering connections within a community that authentically loves its school.

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Strathcona extends heartfelt thanks to Duane Wolowiec and Stuart Evans from Marshall White Real Estate, South Eastern Cleaning Service, and Dobsons for their invaluable contributions. Their support played a vital role in making the Diamond Gala Dinner an unforgettable success.

The Centenary Diamond Gala Dinner was more than just a celebration of the past but a tribute to the enduring legacy of Strathcona and a testament to the bright future that lies ahead. The celebrations don’t end here! As Strathcona embarks on its next century of excellence, there are more exciting Centenary events on the horizon. So, stay tuned for updates and announcements as we continue to commemorate this milestone throughout the year. Stay tuned for the release of photos from the evening in the coming weeks!

It was a morning marked not just by reflection on the past, but also by excitement for the future, as we came together to honour our rich heritage and look ahead to the next 100 years. This special event brought together four Strathcona Principals - Ruth Bunyan AM, Helen Hughes, Marise McConaghy and Lorna Beegan, as well as past and present staff, alumnae, and other special guests.

Former Principal Marise McConaghy addressed the audience, reminiscing about the school's journey over the past century and the three-year project that was undertaken to bring the sculpture to life. Current Principal Lorna Beegan shared her vision for Strathcona's future and the artistic meaning behind ‘The Conversation.’ We also heard from Board Chair Jocelyn Furlan who spoke about the legacy of Strathcona.

Alumna and renowned UK sculptor Hannah Northam ('76), who was commissioned to create this significant sculpture was there and spoke about how grateful she was to be given the opportunity to create this historic archive. Hannah shared how wonderful it was to be connected to the Strathcona community again and her passion for capturing the emotive essence of life, a sentiment beautifully echoed in 'The Conversation’.

Hannah says "My sculpture is a combination of abstraction and realism, mostly derived from the figurative. Being inspired by the truth in natural forms and the human body, sculpture is my way of expressing the emotive context and creative spirit found in life."

The bronze sculpture now resides out the front of Strathcona’s new Early Years courtyard and is a representation of a Strathcona girl from the school’s foundation year in conversation with her modern-day counterpart.

From her studio in Harborne, Birmingham UK, Hannah crafts captivating sculptures that seamlessly blend abstraction with realism – from portrait busts, figurative work and sculptural pieces for interior, garden and landscape environments. Her work, predominantly in bronze, adorns private and public collections across the UK, showcasing her remarkable talent and creative spirit.

Author Cathy Gowdie, whose extensive collaboration with Strathcona spans nearly two decades was also present. Cathy was grateful to have worked on the project and although not an alumna of the school felt extremely connected and a part of this wonderful community.

Drawing from her rich experience as a journalist and author, Cathy meticulously worked with the school to craft 'A Century of Memories, A Future of Promise,' a captivating coffee-table book that showcases Strathcona's evolution. From its modest beginnings in a Victorian villa in Scott Street, Canterbury, to its contemporary cutting-edge facilities across three eastern suburbs campuses, the book's abundant photographs and moving narratives capture the essence of Strathcona's story, celebrating a century of educational excellence, unstoppable women and memories.

A huge thank you goes to Jo Wilson, John Taylor and Diana Little who spent many hours bringing both projects to life!

The book along with other unique Centenary merchandise is available to purchase from our website here.

Below is a reflection from Elissa Pomeroy (Year 11) on the morning

On Tuesday this week, a group of Strathcona debaters attended the Inspiring Australians Oration at the Melbourne Town Hall. We were fortunate enough to hear from Fiona McLeod AO SC, who delivered a moving oration that explored the multi-faceted importance of justice in our ever-changing society, shared some of her incredible work in the area, and urged that there is still so much work to be done. We also heard from the 2008 Order of Australia Association Foundation Scholarship recipient James Hicks, who shared his career story and reiterated that everyone’s journey is unique and can take you to places far from where you expected. We really appreciated this opportunity to hear from such influential Australians who are bringing change and paving the way for a future to which we look forward. And, of course, we couldn’t say no to the irresistible temptations of the delicious flaky pastries while we chatted with the attendees, including other OAM recipients and students from StCatherine’s and Camberwell Grammar. We are so grateful to have been able to attend this Oration, and the profound messages shared by the speakers will stay with us.

Here is a reflection from Bailey Free (Year 10) on the morning 

Fiona McLeod's speech on the deep and ingrained injustice within the Courts system, Child Protection system, and the Criminal Justice system, and her climate class action against the government for Torres Strait Islanders at the 2024 Inspiring Australians Oration was, to say the least, truly inspiring. Hearing of the incredible work McLeod has done for people surrounded by trauma, as well as those directly affected by the government's inaction around climate change, was not only interesting but empowering. Additionally, we also heard a speech from James Hicks, one of the 2008 recipients of the Order of Australia Association Foundation's Scholarship. We heard of his career journey, with his mentor Graham Kraehe AO and degrees in Business Management and Mechanical Engineering, from the mining sector to a managerial position in food production. His message was that with your career, everything falls into place eventually and that you should be flexible and open to lateral opportunities, even if they don't appear to lead to where you want to go. This speech, for someone like me who doesn't know for sure what they want to do later in life, was good to hear, and allowed for many people attending the event to further this message with their own stories. To hear of Fiona McLeod's story, and her leadership in the fight for justice on topics that I myself am very passionate about, as well as hear from a recipient of the Order's Scholarship and the opportunities that led him to where he wanted to go in his career, was an amazing experience, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend this event.

The GSV sports for the term were Softball, Indoor Cricket and Tennis. The numbers were great from training to competition, with highlights including 3 Junior Indoor Cricket teams for the first time and over 60 participants in Junior Tennis. Strathcona rounded out Term 1 GSV sport on a high with the Senior Softball squad winning their zone and taking home the pennant. Also making finals appearances were 4 teams, the Senior B, Junior A and C Tennis teams along with the Junior B Indoor Cricket team.

GSV Triathlon began with a gorgeous sunrise over Altona Beach. It was wonderful to see so many of our girls with smiling faces. The Strathcona spirit was on display all morning with high fives to each other out on the course and cheering from the sidelines. The triathlon is a chance for our Year 7s to 12s to come together and compete in an event with all 23 other GSV schools. We had representation in the team events and individual events and will look to build on the numbers for next year’s event.

Swimming and Diving Championships had the challenge of not having our year 7s who were on camp. In Swimming our Year 8s rallied together with unwavering spirit to fill all year 7/8 relays which helped us ultimately secure a commendable third-place finish even though we were disadvantaged by having no points from Year 7 events. Diving was well represented and many of our juniors were sad when training concluded and looking forward to starting it back up in Term 4.

Amalia Pontikis, Genevieve Khaw and Judy Wang represented Strathcona proudly on the GSV Golf Day. Our team of three participated in the players without a Golf Australia handicap section and performed admirably. It was wonderful to see our trio walking and chatting together up the fairways and supporting each other so well with every shot. As a Year 7 – 12 event, our three Year 8 students performed admirably with Judy Wang finishing in 6th position. I am sure this event will continue to grow next year amongst our students.

Kayakers have started 2024 off in impressive fashion with many medals won across state and national level competitions. A wonderfully supportive cohort with enthusiasm that is always on display whether that be at training sessions or competitions. The Kayaking team are certainly setting the bar high with their team spirit and results. From the whole group-organised events to training and competing, Strathcona Kayakers are certainly showing us how to have fun whilst competing at a high standard.

The Strathcona Rowing program culminated at the Head of School Girls over the second last weekend of Term 1. Heading down the highway to Geelong on the school buses, the girls left the main campus in great spirits for the annual 3-day rowing regatta. With well over 100 students participating in the 23 crews, Strathcona won an impressive 9 medals including 2 golds, 3 silvers and 4 bronze medals. Standing on the banks of the Barwon it was wonderful to witness the Strathcona spirit on full display and the efforts that our rowers put in each and every race.

Onwards to Term 2 where the Strathcona spirit and participation in sport will continue with Netball, AFL, Hockey, Water polo and cross country our GSV Term 2 sports.

Tamsyn Manou
Head of Sport

GSV Tennis
In Term 1, the junior, intermediate, and senior tennis teams all demonstrated remarkable dedication and enthusiasm for the sport. From early morning training to intense matches, each team member committed themselves to improving their skills and played with their full potential. Alongside striving to improve their tennis skills, many also relished the opportunity to have fun as well as taking a break from their academic studies.

Anna Hou, Tennis Captain

GSV Softball
Junior and Intermediate Softball had some close games, but each earned some victories, with Intermediate Softball placing 3rd on the ladder - an amazing achievement for our team. Senior Softball nearly went undefeated, putting up a great fight in all games and placing 2nd on the ladder in a fantastic season. Thanks, all Softballers for your incredible effort!

Emily Fukumura, Softball Captain

GSV Indoor Cricket
Strathy’s 2024 indoor cricket season has been super successful and lots of fun for everyone involved! Our new junior teams of Year 7/8s have shown heaps of enthusiasm and turned out in large numbers to form 3 teams and produce great results for the school. The B team have even made it to the GSV finals! The senior Year 11/12s also enjoyed an exciting season, picking up a few wins and with myself and the other Year 12s loving our last moments of GSV indoor cricket, finishing the season off with a high, with a win over Sion!

Charlotte Harris, Indoor Cricket Captain

Strathcona Rowing
The rowing season has now come to an end and it has been an incredible season, seeing such great results from juniors, inters and seniors. All the girls rowed HOSG with such determination and performed so well and we all had such a great time. All the squads have bonded so much together, and it has been great to get to know people from the other year levels too. The senior blacks, blues and inter blacks have just finished off at nationals in Sydney which has been an amazing opportunity as well.

Lily Douglas and Lucy Gration

Please congratulate our winners Findlay House!
There was great participation by all of our students on a beautiful day at Willison Park. 

Pictured below are our individual medalists 

The highlight of the event was hearing from guest speaker Genevieve Kingsford, who shared her insights and experiences from her time in last year's professional production of the musical. Genevieve had a unique career trajectory, beginning with a degree in Behavioural Neuroscience before pursuing studies at the London School of Musical Theatre, engaged the students with stories from her journey. She emphasised the importance of hard work and resilience in achieving success regardless of your career path, leaving our students inspired by her talent and determination.

Such professional collaborations and industry experiences are invaluable for our students, and we are excited to share that Indi Raffay Butcher (Year 11), our dedicated stage manager, has been accepted into the Melbourne Theatre Company’s Youth Ambassador program. This recognition reflects Indi’s exceptional contributions behind the scenes of our productions, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Indi for this well-deserved opportunity. Tickets for ‘Mary Poppins’ go on sale through Humanitix next week, further information will be available on Maple.

Claire Johns
Director of Productions

We encourage everyone, staff and students, to come into the library and borrow for the holidays, so please encourage the students in your home to visit the Knowledge Exchange and borrow a book to read over the break. As an added incentive, Game of Loans starts in Term 2 and their holiday reading will count for this competition. Please see the end of this piece for more details on Game of Loans.

Research demonstrates that when young people have autonomy in selecting books to read for pleasure, they feel a greater motivation to read. At Strathcona, we support students in reading books they enjoy and whilst, we encourage them to challenge themselves with new books, genres, and authors, we understand that sometimes they want a comfort read. Who doesn’t love to settle down with a cosy book, no matter what the genre? After all, the best book is the one that they want to read. I have written before about the ways that reading can help students to develop valuable academic, social and emotional skills, such as using their working memory, discovering the world around them and learning to understand the experiences of others. Within the bounds of their age and experience, reading for pleasure will support with this.

Once a term we try to arrange for the student-led library groups, Kaleidoscope in the KE and Stethoscope at TC, to select new books for the collection. We enjoy discussing their choices with them, as they often have strong feelings about specific books, genres and authors, which they are more than happy to share. It is fascinating to see how genres go in and of vogue, new authors emerge, and old favourites take a new path. Interestingly, students select books that range across genres and levels of difficulty and make astute selections for the libraries and not just for themselves. Student participation in choosing books and the ensuing have helped us to develop a more diverse and enticing collection.

One area that remains popular is graphic novels, which are among my favourite reading pleasures. Graphic novels are not just comics, but often contain complex and intriguing stories. For upper primary and lower secondary students there are some wonderful graphic novels about life for this age group, by authors such as Raina Telgemeier, Terri Libenson, and Kayla Miller. However, graphic novels cover all genres and styles. We have a burgeoning section for older readers, which contains texts as challenging as any traditional novel. These books help them to explore new situations and understand new perspectives, just as text-based novels do. As well as this, readers are interpreting both images and text in graphic novels. Often, readers must work harder to understand not only the words written on the page but also the emotions displayed on the characters faces, the intent behind the meaning of the words, and the images in the background. Graphic novels encourage close attention and can be a path into reading for pleasure for less confident readers. Many classics are reprinted as graphic novels and can act as a gateway to wider reading.

Regardless of what children and teenagers read, one of the most important influences on their reading habits is seeing the adults around them read. Reading and having discussions about books with your children shows them that you value and enjoy reading too. A family discussion at dinner about a character’s dilemma or experience can be a great lead-in into a difficult topic. Even if the book you are reading is not one that they would (or should) read, you can explain why you like it and ask them what they are reading and ask them why. Read some of their books, novels, graphic novels and non-fiction for younger readers and young adults cover all genres and a wide range of themes and topics. The ways that authors manage challenging topics for this audience is a testament to their skill and a reflection of the interest that young people have in the world around them.

As I mentioned, Game of Loans starts in Term 2. This is a house-based reading challenge that encourages all students to read books outside of the required reading for their classes. The winning house groups at Years 6, 7, 8 and 9 will share an exclusive lunch as a reward at the end of Term 2, but there are individual prizes from Year 6 – Year 12 for the most books read and the most interesting choices. We are encouraging teachers to compete this year and welcome any support that you can offer for your daughters to read at home. We hope you have a wonderful break and discover many new and exciting books!

Penny Roberts
Director of Library and Research

The Gala dinner held on Saturday night was a testament to our strong community with connections and reconnections being made. It was delightful to see so many different stakeholder groups interacting, reminiscing and enjoying each other’s company. The dance floor was a buzz as the Baker Boys entertained us. What a wonderful way to celebrate our Centenary!

At another Centenary event last Friday, we opened a time capsule that was buried at a Strathcona Fair in 1993. We welcomed back past Principals and Deputy Principals, past Heads of Tay Creggan, past staff and students and special guests. The capsule was buried by Miss Joan Mellor and Prep student in 1993, Amy Tcheupdjian. Mrs Ruth Bunyan AM, Principal in 1993, was one of our guest speakers talking about the contents of the time capsule. We were delighted that Amy’s father, Kris Tcheupdjian, who represented Amy as she now lives in New York, and Mrs Meredith Evans representing the Mellor family were able to join us. It was the foresight and generosity of Miss Joan and Miss Margaret Mellor, these two unstoppable women, that Strathcona owns Tay Creggan when, in 1969, they paid the deposit for the purchase of this amazing campus. The contents of the time capsule were displayed in the Tay Creggan Hall during morning tea where there was much chatter as some guests reconnected after many years!

We were delighted to host a group of our unstoppable global mums at a morning tea in the Knowledge Exchange last Thursday. It was an opportunity for our mums to chat with each other and with our staff. It was a BYO plate to share and we enjoyed some very delicious food!

On Thursday 14 March, Strathy mums enjoyed an evening together at the Hawthorn Hotel. It was a great night and an opportunity for our current and new parents to gather in a casual environment and chat. There will be another opportunity for our mums to celebrate Mother’s Day at a special lunch at Mister Bianco in Kew on Friday 3 May 2024. To book please click here.

Term 2 Upcoming Events – Please Register!

Junior School Dads’ Dinner – Tuesday 30 April 2024 at Chantra Restaurant in Camberwell.
$41 per person (including booking fee) for a banquet and please bring your favourite bottle of wine to share.
6.30pm for stand-up drinks to meet and greet, sitting down at 7pm for a delightful banquet.

To book please click here

Strathcona Mother's Day Centenary Lunch
We are delighted to invite Strathcona mums and special friends to join us in celebrating a special Mother's Day Centenary lunch on Friday 3 May 2024 at 12noon.

Venue: Mister Bianco, 26-28 Cotham Road, Kew

$90 per person which includes a glass of bubbles on arrival followed by a 2-course meal.
Further drinks available at the bar.

So, gather your friends and make a booking by clicking here! Places strictly limited.

SFA Centenary Mother's Day Breakfast
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 on Monday 13 May 2024 at 7.15am.

We encourage all mothers and special friends to attend.

A coffee cart and breakfast will be available.

For catering purposes, please RSVP by Wednesday, 8 May 2024 by clicking here (including your daughter/s or son/s year level).

Jo Wilson

Director of School & Community Relations

As a Baptist Christian School, we go back to the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus. We believe that God saw that the world was “broken” and that humans were missing the mark by thinking only individually about themselves. As the world was at breaking point under Roman rule, God came up with a grand cosmic plan to enter the world and sent Jesus who taught about “loving God, loving ourselves and loving others,” with no distinction regarding social status, gender or race.

We read in the Bible that Jesus who shared the message of “love one another” was rejected and dismissed and sentenced to death for his words and actions. He was accused of destabilising society and preaching a subversive message that the poor and weak matter as much as the rich and famous.

On Easter Sunday, in churches around the world, we will be celebrating Jesus who rose from the dead and in doing so conquered death. The message of the empty tomb was spread by women who knew Jesus. At first, they were not believed (only men were considered reliable witnesses) but the story of Jesus being alive again and conquering death is still alive.

At Strathcona, this term we have been seeing that faith and justice matter. We teach our students to think of others around them and in other parts of the world. Thank you to all the students and their parents who have donated money to Anne-Marie, from Melbourne and her husband Emmanuel, a Ugandan singer and rap dancer. Yimba Uganda is supporting people, particularly vulnerable women to be able to support themselves by gaining employment.

We also were delighted to welcome Dr Suleiman and Winnie, former students from the School of St Jude in Tanzania. They spoke to Senior Students on how education at the school changed there are how this enables them to give back to their communities.

The women at the tomb were “unstoppable women.” They proclaimed that Christ has risen! What a great example to our Strathcona “unstoppable girls” We look forward to hearing about how our Strathcona girls who understand the importance of loving others will make a difference in the world in the future.

Christ is Risen

He is Risen Indeed!

Janet Costello 
School Chaplain

Junior School students have joyfully celebrated Harmony Week by immersing themselves in the spirit of unity and diversity. Each class delved into the significance of Harmony Week, fostering a deeper understanding of acceptance and inclusion for all. On Wednesday, a vibrant sea of orange flooded the school as students proudly wore a touch of orange, symbolising respect and harmony.

Led by the Junior School Diversity Team, students engaged in a thoughtfully curated program on Wednesday morning before entering their classroom. This student-led initiative provided a platform for all Junior School members to actively participate, emphasising the importance of recognising and embracing our differences. Through the creative activity and discussions, insightful conversations underpinned the value of diversity, affirming that everyone's uniqueness enriches our community.

This inclusive celebration also contributed to the school's holistic approach to education, supporting the Wholebeing journey at Strathcona in our Junior School. Strathcona’s commitment to fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and appreciation for one another continues to shine brightly amongst all members of the Junior School.

Miss Eliza Nolan
ELC – Year 6 Wholebeing Programs Leader

In SOUL (Self, Others, Us and Love) students and staff have been enjoying building a rapport and getting to know each other with Year 7 Camp as an absolute highlight. It has been wonderful to see and hear students sharing their personal stories which have been enlivening and engaging. Students are embracing SOUL and are appreciating the opportunity to shift gear into an appreciative inquiry-based learning style. We are looking forward to exploring curiosity further in all aspects of SOUL in Term 2.

Year 9 students joined us at Main School following our whole school Easter Service for an afternoon of wholebeing activities. Using an appreciative inquiry approach to gather student’s thoughts, ideas and student agency, students participated in reflection activities and fun games that will allow staff and students to work towards ‘better’ in the wholebeing space.

This term our focus in Feliciter remains on nurturing students’ mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and social wholebeing. With the challenges that each day may bring, it is crucial to prioritise self-care and support one another in maintaining a positive outlook and resilience during more adverse times.

Students have engaged in community with a focus on the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and brainstorming why it is important to have a RAP in our school, furthermore, the actions and/or strategies can we implement to celebrate reconciliation in our community. Other focus points for students in Feliciter have been developing good habits and goals, careers and pathways, brain breakers, the importance of sleep and sleep hygiene practices, guest speakers, Chinese New Year celebrations, student leadership and Captains and Leaders activities.

In Term 2, we are looking forward to a series of wellness workshops designed to focus on students’ needs focusing on stress management techniques, mindfulness practices, strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, overcoming procrastination, motivation and challenging times to name a few.

Mrs. Lauren Hay
Years 7-12 Wholebeing Programs Leader

Your favourite thing about Strathcona?
The people! Our students are amazing, and I’ve been very lucky to have already met so many generous and supportive staff members. (The view at TC isn’t too bad either!)

What you are most looking forward to in 2024?
I’m really excited for the Year 9’s to partner with the Go Girls Foundation for their inaugural 100km Challenge – it will be an amazing experience for our girls to be part of such a huge fundraising event and work with other local girls’ schools to support women in our community.

An interesting fact about you or hobby?
I am a very passionate Carlton supporter!

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me, IWD is a combination of things – a celebration of community, shared experience and empowerment, a reminder of the work still to be done globally, and a day to thank some of the wonderful women in my own life. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come, honour the women who blazed trails before us, and inspire the girls who will do so in the future.

Your favourite thing about Strathcona?
Easily the people at Strathcona, it's been such a welcoming and supportive environment and the girls have been so great.

What you are most looking forward to in 2024?
I'm looking forward to finally settling into our new house and finding all the great cafes nearby!

An interesting fact about you or hobby?
I'm currently trying to learn how football works as my kids have started playing so, please feel free to help. So far, I have learnt that tackling is not called hugging.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women's Day means many things; encouraging girls to take chances and try new opportunities, celebrating female achievements in all avenues, and continuing to challenge the gender stereotypes and gender imbalances that still exist.

Your favourite thing about Strathcona?
I have been with Strathcona for approximately 4 weeks so far and my absolute favourite thing has been Tay Creggan's castle and the immersion into the surrounding trees and rivers.

What you are most looking forward to in 2024?
In 2024, I am looking forward to this year's tuna season and aiming to catch a big one this year.

An interesting fact about you or hobby?
Two of my favourite things to do is trying out different coffee beans from around the world and fishing.

$41 per person (including booking fee) for a banquet and please bring your favourite bottle of wine to share.

6.30pm for stand-up drinks to meet and greet, sitting down at 7pm for a delightful banquet

Numbers strictly limited so book now.

Tuesday 30 April 2024 6.30pm - 10.00pm
Chantra Thai 740 Riversdale Road, Camberwell Victoria 3124

RSVP here.

$90 per person which includes a glass of bubbles on arrival followed by a 2-course meal. Further drinks available at the bar.

So gather your friends and make a booking! Places are strictly limited.

Friday 3 May 2024 12.00pm - 3.00pm

Mister Bianco, 26-28 Cotham Road, Kew

Please RSVP here by Friday 26 April 2024.

This is a lovely morning celebrating Mother’s Day together.

A coffee cart and breakfast will be available.

For catering purposes, please RSVP by Wednesday, 8 May 2024 including your daughter/s or son/s year level. Please click here to book.

Monday 13 May 2024 7:15am- 9:00am
Strathcona Deck, Senior Campus - 34 Scott Street, Canterbury Victoria 3126

Join Dr Justin for a practical presentation that draws on content from his new book, The Parenting Revolution, and incorporates up-to-the-minute research in parenting science and studies of childhood development. Dr Justin Coulson will show you:

- how our children thrive when we understand and meet their basic psychological needs;
- how our job is not to fix our kids, but to create an environment that supports their growth and development; and
- how children flourish when we minimise control, but maximise our warmth and involvement, and establish healthy boundaries.

Not all children are the same, and Justin considers a range of circumstances that you or your child might be in - including children with non-typical development.

Register your attendance to this session here

Kerri Rhodes
Senior School Psychologist

Come along and experience the TeamKids difference:
- Learn new skills and make new friends
- Qualified and REMARKABLE Educators
- Digital detox with our no-screens policy
- Delicious and nutritious morning and afternoon snacks
- CCS-approved care 

Head to http://downloads.teamkids.com.au/strathcona-girls-grammar.pdf or http://downloads.teamkids.com.au/strathcona-girls-grammar-elc.pdf to check out your school’s program + secure your spot today!