Term 3, Week 5, 2024 Exploration - The Magic of Discovery 16 Aug 2024

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Message from the Principal

The Magic of Discovery

Magical Moments

As we navigate the middle of this busy term, I invite you to take a moment to rediscover the magic that lies at the heart of our learning culture. This magic is not just about the wonders of exploration and discovery—it is deeply connected to our faith in the learning process, the possibilities that each new day brings, and the potential within each of us.

In this sense, Magic is about trusting that the hard work and persistence we invest in will lead to growth and understanding. Just as Australian Olympic athletes embody faith in their training and dedication, we must also trust in our efforts, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Their stories remind us that the magic of success is often found in the steadfast belief that our goals are achievable, no matter how distant they seem.

Every day at Strathcona, I am reminded of the joy of learning and the power of childlike wonder that makes it genuinely magical. Seeing the world through fresh eyes and believing each discovery holds something extraordinary is so joyous. Attending the Middle School Production of Aladdin and travelling on a magic carpet ride revealed ‘a whole new world’ for our students and audiences, as live theatre's power and captivating world enthralled us all. Bravo to all involved.

Over the last two weeks, I have had opportunities to meet with many students for various reasons. Bon voyage to our French Exchange students and merci for the delicious ANZAC cookies! At our Meet and Greet, we welcomed our Year 7s for 2025 - the Class of 2030! I treasured showing some of our youngest students the wonders of Tay Creggan at the recent Mother/Special Friends and Daughters’ morning and afternoon teas. Gathering in the Great Hall and sharing stories, the delight and sense of connection and togetherness were palpable. In the Hogwarts-like world of TC, the fun lies in imagining all that is possible, knowing that the magic of connection and shared adventure is real and ever-present. Receiving a special invite to attend the 100 Days of Prep was an absolute pleasure, and it's these shared experiences that truly make our community special.

Some enchanted evening

The Year 11 Pre-Formal is undoubtedly a night where the magic of growing up comes to life. It is a moment when students enter a world of elegance and excitement, dressing up in their finest attire and feeling the thrill of transformation. The anticipation builds as they prepare for an evening that marks a significant milestone, a rite of passage, in their journey through school, a night that will be remembered for years to come. The warmth of community was on show as staff, students and their guests enjoyed an evening at Studley Grounds. Seeing so many students take to the dance floor and appreciate the opportunity to socialise, connect, and represent their respective schools so admirably was pleasing.

Sporting Magic Moments

When the boys from Camberwell Grammar came to play netball as part of our Strathy Olympic celebrations, there was no spare seat on the bleachers. The girls played with the agility and determination of seasoned athletes, showcasing their skills with precision and teamwork honed over time. In their netball dresses, the boys brought their energy and enthusiasm, making the match not just a competition but a celebration of sportspersonship and the fun of playing together. It was a moment that captured the essence of the Olympics—where the thrill of the game transcends winning and losing, and the focus is on coming together in the spirit of friendly rivalry. As the final whistle blew, the girls celebrated their victory with pride.

Lyceum Club and our broader connections

Speaking at the Lyceum Club about education and its evolution in Ireland and Australia was an absolute honour and privilege, made even more special by the many familiar faces. It was wonderful to see so many alumnae, past staff, parents, past principals and grandparents of current students at the event, alongside many other members, all united by a shared commitment to the importance of education, particularly for girls and female empowerment. The conversations over lunch and perceptive questions emphasised how education is about academic achievement and nurturing the confidence, resilience, and critical thinking skills essential for women to lead and innovate in a rapidly changing world.

Magical memories at our Sydney Reunion

Our Sydney Reunion was a heartwarming gathering that brought together alumni who hold their school days close to their hearts. Everyone had fond memories of school life and generously shared experiences and insights. As stories came to life, it became clear that the bonds formed during those years remain strong. The alumnae reminisced about the fun and mischievous antics that added a touch of adventure to their school days, from sneaking into forbidden areas to playing pranks on teachers. These memories, filled with laughter and camaraderie, highlighted the unique and cherished experiences that made their time at school unforgettable.

Beyond the light-hearted memories, the reunion also sparked reflections on the opportunities the school provided for growth and learning. Many alumnae spoke with gratitude about the camps, excursions, and special projects that pushed them out of their comfort zones and opened their eyes to new perspectives. These experiences, combined with the supportive environment fostered by the school, helped shape their confidence and curiosity. The reunion was a celebration not just of the past but of the enduring impact Strathcona has had on their lives, reminding everyone present of the invaluable lessons and lifelong friendships that originated from those formative years.

Message from the Dean of Students

The Magic of Discovery: Welcome Year 7 2025

It was an exciting week for all our community as we welcomed our 2025 Year 7 students and their families on site for a ‘Meet and Greet’ followed by afternoon tea in the Community Centre as we marked the start of the transition program from Grade 6 to Year 7. In 2025 we have students transitioning to Strathcona from many different primary schools and there was a buzz of excitement as we welcomed them here on Wednesday.

The transition to High School and the beginning of Year 7 marks a significant change, as students move from the familiar environment of primary school to the more complex setting of secondary school. A smooth transition helps students build confidence, establish key relationships with peers and teachers, and adapt to new routines, all of which are essential for their overall well-being. These factors contribute to a stronger sense of belonging, positive learning outcomes, and the development of important social skills that will support them throughout their schooling journey.

A World of New Subjects

The transition to Year 7 introduces students to a broader subject choice. No longer are they based in one single classroom with one teacher, our students explore a variety of new subjects to ignite their curiosity. From the mysteries of science in our purpose built laboratories to the creativity of the arts, music and drama, each subject offers a different avenue for discovery. For many, this is their first encounter with specialised subjects like Food Technology, ICT, and Design, where practical hands-on experiences often spark lifelong passions.

A World of New Friendships

Equally important in this transition is the social discovery that takes place. Moving from the familiar environment of primary school, students enter new social circles where they meet peers from different backgrounds, with different lived experiences, perspectives and opinions. This is a time to build friendships that will often last a lifetime. Our carefully designed transition program includes many activities focusing on team building and problem solving in small groups that encourage collaboration, communication, and empathy, laying the foundation for strong, supportive relationships.

Exploring and Uncovering Hidden Talents

Beginning High School is a time for discovering not just new subjects, new teachers, new activities and new friends. It is also about uncovering and discovering new aspects of themselves. Many students uncover talents they never knew they had, whether it's a flair for public speaking, an eye for design, or a love for a new sport like volleyball, badminton or water polo. Our role as educators is to nurture these discoveries, providing guidance and encouragement as each girl begins to forge her own unique path.

As our Year 7 students explore new subjects, make new friends, and dive into co-curricular activities, they begin to uncover their own potential and lay the groundwork for their future. We look forward guiding our new Year 7’s and their families on this exciting new journey.

Reflections from Year 7 2025 Meet and Greet

‘It was nervous before coming today but now I have met new people and made new friends’

‘I am really looking forward to coming to Strathcona next year and playing all the new sports’

‘I love art and can’t wait to see the art rooms’

‘I enjoyed hearing from all of the Year 7’s and how much they love being here at school’

‘All the student’s I met were very friendly’

‘I am looking forward to meeting my Year 10 buddy’

‘I can’t wait to learn how to cook in the food tech rooms’

‘I am the only one coming from my primary school but I have met three new people today’

‘One of my friends from Kinder is coming to Strathcona next year, I didn’t know until today and I am excited to see her.’

Message from the Dean of Teaching and Learning

Celebrating the Magic of Discovery: A Glimpse into Science Week and Beyond

It always brings me immense joy to witness the spark of curiosity in our students as I am invited to observe our classrooms as students then explore the wonders of the world around them. Science Week is a time when that spark is fanned into a flame, as students engage in activities that push the boundaries of their understanding and reveal the magic of discovery.

One of the highlights of this week is the Year 7 Ecosystem Incursion. Our Year 7 students were able to delve into the fascinating world of ecosystems through a hands-on experience with insects and animals. Students were able to explore the different ecosystems and their effect on animals through a guest speaker and even getting to hold a stick insect, green tree frog, lizard, carpet python, black-headed snake, turtle, and even a crocodile! This experience deepened students understanding of how different species thrive together in their habitats, tying directly into their Biology topic: Habitats and Interactions.

At Tay Creggan, Science week also allowed students to undertake further opportunities for discovery at lunchtimes. Students were able to participate in practical activities through, DNA origami, the effects of dry ice and other mixtures, Science movie time and the effects of PH levels on foods.

Our Year 12 Chemistry students also delved further into their wonder in chemistry through an incursion from Monash University’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science. Students explored the complex interplay between chemistry and medicine, gaining insights that enhanced their understanding of the VCE Chemistry curriculum. This incursion was able to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, underscoring the relevance of their studies. As Carl Sagan aptly put it, "Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge."

Discovery isn’t limited to special events—it happens every day in our classrooms. In Year 9 Science classes, students are not only learning about the theory of radioactivity but also designing and producing their own movies. Their creativity and critical thinking exemplify the power of inquiry-based learning. In Year 8 Digital Technology, students are discovering the possibilities of coding, where they learn to create their own games and applications, realising that they can be the architects of the digital world.

Our STEAM Club continues to inspire innovation and creativity, offering students a space to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in an integrated way. Meanwhile, our Esports teams are honing their strategic thinking and teamwork skills, demonstrating that discovery comes in many forms, from the laboratory to the virtual arena.

In every classroom, through every activity, we are nurturing a love of learning and a sense of wonder in our students. As we celebrate Science Week, let us remember that the magic of discovery lies not just in the answers we find, but in the questions we ask. This week, and every week, our students are experiencing the endless opportunities to explore, question, and discover.

Kara Baxter
Dean of Teaching and Learning

Message from the Head of Junior School

The Magic of Discovery

Observing the magic of discovery in our new playground has been a beautiful experience. Children spontaneously exploring every corner has lead to a whole new world of imagination and discovery.

The playground is alive with energy as the laughter of children echoes as they invent games, make new friends, and uncover the joy of play. Each child has discovered something new, whether it's mastering the monkey bars or finding a hidden nook under a tree. Our playground has become a world of endless possibilities, where imagination and adventure lead the way.

Our Year 12 students enjoyed discovering our new spaces with the Prep – Year 2 children during the Teddy Bear Picnic this week. I am not sure who had the most fun!!

Lisa Miller
Head of Junior School

Message from the Head of Tay Creggan

Student Entrepreneurs Shine at Tay Creggan: Envisioning the Future of Business

This term students at Tay Creggan (TC) have embarked on an exciting journey in entrepreneurship through their participation in the Future Anything Activate program. This initiative, part of the broader Envision program, is designed to cultivate essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability—key ingredients for success in today’s fast-paced world.

As Term three progresses, TC students are building on what they learnt through the Activate program into developing innovative business ideas, which they will showcase at the 2024 Envision Marketplace. This eagerly anticipated event is a yearly Tay Creggan event and this year is scheduled for Thursday, September 5th. It promises to be a vibrant display of student innovation and enterprise. Bring your appetite (and cash) – there are lots of delicious products and gifts being made!

Though it is important to note that the 2024 Envision Marketplace is more than just a day of selling product – behind the scenes TC students have been largely self-directed in their learning, building skills in finance and marketing. The Envision Marketplace is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these budding entrepreneurs. Families and friends are invited to join us in the afternoon at Tay Creggan to witness firsthand the results of Term 3 planning, collaboration, and skill-building.

Beyond the classroom, the Envision Entrepreneurship program offers students the opportunity to broaden their horizons through various excursions. This week, a group of students visited the Bundoora Youth Hub with Ms. Gorman, where they engaged in activities aimed at further enhancing their entrepreneurial skills. Meanwhile, Mr. Soo led another group to the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) for the “Future Remain” exhibition, providing students with insights into emerging trends that could shape their business ventures.

For more details on the 2024 Envision Marketplace and the innovative ideas being developed by our students, visit the official website here. Some of the businesses will have pre-order forms linked to their business to make sure you don’t miss out!

We look forward to welcoming you to this celebration of student entrepreneurship and creativity at Tay Creggan.

Jen Buchanan
Head of Tay Creggan

Message from the Head of Art and Design

Art & Design Exhibition

We are delighted to extend a heartfelt invitation to an afternoon of art, conversation and inspiration. Join us as we celebrate our students' exceptional creativity and innovative ideas at the Early Years to VCE Art & Design Exhibition, a highlight of our Centenary Year.

Opening Night:
Date: Tuesday 10 September 2024
Time: 5.30pm to 8.00pm
Location: Featherstone Hall & Junior School Community Space
Special Guest: Lucy Hersey, our 2024 Artist in Residence, will officially open the exhibition.
Refreshments will be served.

Alternative Viewing Times:
11 to 12 September, 9.00am to 3.45pm

To assist us with planning, kindly register for the event by Tuesday 3 September:

REGISTRATION LINK

Paul Rogers
Head of Art and Design

A Message from the Head of Science

Science Week

Science is the endless journey of unraveling the mysteries of the universe. This year, as we celebrate Science Week with the theme "The Nature of Discovery," we can reflect on an exploration of what it means to discover, how discoveries are made, and the impact they have on our world.

At the heart of every discovery is curiosity—the innate desire to understand the unknown. Whether it’s the wonder of a Strathcona student observing a caterpillar transform into a butterfly, or a scientist peering through a telescope at distant galaxies, discovery begins with a question. What is this? How does it work? Why does it happen? These simple questions have led to some of the most profound discoveries in history. For example, Marie Curie’s inquiry into the strange behaviour of certain elements, led to the discovery of radioactivity, opening up new fields in medicine and energy.

The process of discovery is a blend of creativity and methodical investigation. In the Science classroom, students are taught how to use the scientific method—a structured approach to exploring questions—to guide their research. This involves making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analysing results. Each step is crucial in the journey from curiosity to conclusion.

The impact of discovery is vast, touching every aspect of our lives. Scientific discoveries have led to technological advancements, medical breakthroughs, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Consider the discovery of electricity, which powers our homes, schools, and industries, or the discovery of DNA, which has revolutionised our understanding of genetics and heredity, which are studied in our Biology courses. These discoveries have not only enhanced our quality of life but also opened up new frontiers for future exploration.

As we look to the future, the potential for discovery is limitless. Emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology promise to unveil new layers of knowledge and possibilities. The challenges of climate change, space exploration, and global health call for innovative solutions and bold discoveries.

The nature of discovery is ever-evolving, driven by curiosity, experimentation, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. As we celebrate Science Week, let us remember that each discovery, no matter how small, contributes to the grand tapestry of human understanding. In the words of Albert Einstein, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”

So, as young scientists and students, keep questioning, keep exploring, and who knows? The next great discovery might just be yours!

Andrew Scott
Head of Science

Message from the Director of Productions

Aladdin Jr.

Last week our Middle School students explored the magic of a whole new world with 'Aladdin Jr.' directed by Jason Parker.

This musical was a journey of discovery, where students in the production club trialled creative ideas, collaborated across year levels with Music Director Anna Miller, and refined their performance and expressive skills under the guidance of Choreographer Georgie Parker.

The production took place last Wednesday and Thursday evening in Featherstone Hall, and was a magical experience for all who attended. The success of 'Aladdin Jr.' was a testament to the extraordinary talent and dedication of our students and their teachers.

Congratulations to everyone involved for an unforgettable exploration of the magic of theatre!

Claire Johns
Director of Productions

Message from the Head of Performing Arts

Centenary Music Concert

Celebrate a century of Strathcona’s musical heritage at our upcoming Centenary Music Concert. Experience an evening of diverse musical performances, showcasing our students’ talents across various genres and a very special centenary composition.

This evening will feature the following ensembles:

Crossbows
Middle School Strings
Cellissimo
Strathcona Strings
Songbirds
Middle School Singers
TC Singers
Senior Singers
Contemporary Vocal Ensemble
Middle School Concert Band
Big Band
Symphonic Band

Don’t miss this historic event that honours our past and heralds the future of Strathcona’s musical journey

Tickets available via Melbourne Recital Centre

Dean Gourley
Head of Performing Arts

Message from the Senior School Psychologist

Adolescent Sleep Parent Seminar

On Monday 29th August, Professor Greg Murray presented at the Parent Seminar on adolescent sleep. Professor Murray has kindly provided slides and a fact sheet for parents.

Better Sleep: Tips for Teenagers

Adolescent Sleep Parent Talk 2024

Student News

2024 House Chorals

Today, our Senior School students dazzled us with their performances in the highly anticipated House Chorals Competition! This year's theme was 'Disney,' and students from Senior School took to the stage to perform for their peers, staff, and our special guest adjudicator, Fem Belling.

Fem Belling, a South African-born, Australian jazz vocalist and violinist, has had a remarkable career in both stage musicals and jazz. She’s performed on the West End with lead roles in shows like Hairspray, Fame, Footloose, Cats, and The Boy from Oz. Fem’s words of wisdom were an inspiration for the girls, and Fem reminded them all that ‘Those who go first, must be the bravest’.

Our talented houses showcased their skills with memorable performances: Arnold brought us ‘Hakuna Matata’ and ‘When Will My Life Begin’; Findlay captivated with ‘How Far I’ll Go’ and ‘You’ll Be in My Heart’; Gilbert enchanted with ‘Under the Sea’ and ‘Reflection’; and Grenfell impressed with ‘Dig A Little Deeper’ and ‘Once Upon a December’. We also enjoyed a special performance by the Centenary Contemporary Vocal Ensemble with ‘You Matter to Me’.

A big congratulations to all the House and Music Leaders who brought these performances to life, as well as each house's accompaniments.

A special shout-out to this year’s winners, Grenfell!

Live8 2024

Last Friday 9 August, the Year 8s took part in their much anticipated Live8 performances for 2024.

Live8 has been a part of the Year 8 program for many years and has given the Year 8 cohort the opportunities to take on leadership roles, choreograph dances, costume their performance, light a stage and run a tech box, develop advertising and collaborate in a positive and fun way. This all combines to enhance student wellbeing.

The students themselves choose an appropriate charity and money is collected through gold coin donations from the audience. If you asked, many of the older girls, and even past students, would say Live8 was one of the highlights of their time at Strathy.

Last week’s performance was sensational, and Featherstone Hall was heaving with the applause and excitement of the whole school, as the Year 8s performed their dances for both Senior and Junior school students, and featured cameo appearances by many teachers, who definitely appeared to enjoy the opportunity to take to the stage with the girls!

Year 8 Student Reflections on Live8:

Live 8 was such a special and unrivalled experience, that will definitely remain a highlight of Year 8 for me!

My role as the costume designer for my class, included lots of collaboration with my classmates, to ensure clothing selection suited everybody. My work was rewarded during our Live 8 performance, since the pink, white and black combinations looked so visually appealing against the backdrop of fantastic lighting and smoke effects! I was also one of the MCs (Master of Ceremonies) for the Senior School performance. My fellow MCs and I developed an engaging script and had loads of fun presenting it to everyone on performance day, especially our silly jokes! As a class, we worked diligently to develop our Live 8 performance, collaborating and supporting each other along the way, ensuring we kept up our energy and smiles throughout! Our hard work finally coming together, into a great performance on stage! Overall, Live 8 was an incredible experience, filled with fun and lasting memories. Although I'm saddened it's all over, I'm also thrilled that we had the opportunity to undertake such a unique, memorable experience!
Laura Zuzic

Live 8 was a massive team effort that was pulled together by the Year 8 community. It involved so many hours of hard work from choreographers, DJs and costume designers to make Live 8 come to life. There were many recesses and lunchtimes used to create the performances, along with everyone cooperating and compromising. This was absolutely a highlight for everyone in our year, as everyone participated and had so much fun on the day! Thank you so much to our audience, cheering us on, we couldn’t have done it without you!
Coco Lazzari and Sofia Pomeroy

VR Work Experience

Last Wednesday, our Year 10 students had the opportunity to dive into a range of careers and trades through an immersive VR experience provided by Mindflight7. They explored diverse fields such as open-heart surgery, game development, environmental science, marine biology, space exploration, construction, music, and more.

By participating in these hands-on simulations and reflecting on both fixed and growth mindsets, students gained valuable insights into their strengths and preferences. This experience is helping them to craft a personalised action plan for their career journey, setting the stage for both personal and professional development.

Below are some of the students' reflections on their VR Work Experience:

“When it was said that we’d be exploring more careers by the people of this workshop, most people expected nothing out of the ordinary. A few explanations as to the different careers we could explore and the types of subjects we’d need to take to explore those areas of professions. However, when we were shown VR headsets, everyone immediately had a wave of excitement. The demonstrations of how to use the controllers and headset were efficient and well performed, whilst us students were able to participate in several activities with the VR headset. Overall, it was a thrilling experience where we were able to communicate, explore and enjoy the new program, proving just how incredibly exceptional this program was to us."
Hayleen Maan
Year 10


“Last Wednesday, Mindflight7 came to give the Year 10s the opportunity to explore virtual representations of potential career pathways. Upon buckling into the headset, there were several choices of careers you could try out. My personal favourite was a virtual hospital theatre where I performed open heart surgery! The experience was fantastic and felt very real, with the help of two controllers so that I could pick up tools, and built in speakers in my headset to mimic everyday hospital sounds. The people from the organisation were super friendly and assisted me throughout my VR experience. Overall, this program was a really worthwhile experience and helped me and many of my peers to gauge a better understanding of what future careers could look like. Thanks for this opportunity, Ms Chen!”
Emma Nettleton
Year 10

VR Work Experience YouTube

Teddy Bear Picnic - Year 12 and Early Years

On Tuesday 13 August the Year 12's joined the Preps, Year 1's and Year 2's at lunchtime for a Teddy Bear Picnic. 

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon filled with laughter, fun and a lot of different teddies. The Year 12’s enjoyed the time out to get to know the girls and play with them on their new playground. The Year 12’s loved exploring the new Early Years Centre and seeing the amazing progress of our school. The Early Years students even made posters to wish us all luck with our exams and the end of the year, which all the girls loved looking at. It was a truly special and memorable day for all.

Belle (School Captain), Sophie and Amy (Deputy Captains)

Strathlympics 2024

As a part of the Olympics this year, the Strathcona Student Executive celebrated within the Strathcona community by organising a series of events over the past couple of weeks. Recently, a variety of engaging lunchtime activities were held, including dodgeball, netball in collaboration with Camberwell Grammar, teachers taking on students and some art challenges.

Each house was assigned a different country: Grenfell represented Canada, Arnold represented France, Findlay represented Italy and Gilbert represented Brazil.

On Wednesday 31 July, we hosted a ‘Touch of Colour’ day, where students were encouraged to show their support by representing their favourite sports team, house country, or Olympic athlete.

The 'Strathy Olympics' has provided an excellent opportunity for students across all year levels to come together and share their passion and talent for sports and competition. The Olympic spirit has truly transformed our school, with decorations adorning the campus and highlights from Paris 2024 playing throughout the day, creating a vibrant atmosphere of celebration.

The Year 8 French students participated in a mini 'Jeux Olympiques' last Friday afternoon. Students were divided into teams representing French-speaking countries and competed in a round-robin of events, earning points for each sport. At the conclusion of the final round, the points were tallied, and the top three teams were awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. Additional prizes were given for team spirit and participation. It was wonderful to see the students fully embrace the spirit of the event, making it a perfect way to end the week.

If you missed our Director of Sport, Tamsyn Manou’s special message from Paris to the Strathcona community, make sure you check it out here.

Each house was assigned a different country: Grenfell represented Canada, Arnold represented France, Findlay represented Italy and Gilbert represented Brazil.

On Wednesday 31 July, we hosted a ‘Touch of Colour’ day, where students were encouraged to show their support by representing their favourite sports team, house country, or Olympic athlete.

The 'Strathy Olympics' has provided an excellent opportunity for students across all year levels to come together and share their passion and talent for sports and competition. The Olympic spirit has truly transformed our school, with decorations adorning the campus and highlights from Paris 2024 playing throughout the day, creating a vibrant atmosphere of celebration.

The Year 8 French students participated in a mini 'Jeux Olympiques' last Friday afternoon. Students were divided into teams representing French-speaking countries and competed in a round-robin of events, earning points for each sport. At the conclusion of the final round, the points were tallied, and the top three teams were awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. Additional prizes were given for team spirit and participation. It was wonderful to see the students fully embrace the spirit of the event, making it a perfect way to end the week.

If you missed our Director of Sport, Tamsyn Manou’s special message from Paris to the Strathcona community, make sure you check it out here.

Voice of a Generation Public Speaking Competition

Member for Hawthorn, John Pesutto, established the ‘Hawthorn Voice of a Generation’ Public Speaking Competition in 2016 to provide a forum for the leaders of the future to express their opinions and plans on a topic relevant to the community and nation, to showcase their passion, vision and hope for the future. This year the final was held at Swinburne University of Technology on Friday, August 9, bringing together students from schools across the Hawthorn electorate.

The topic for 2024 was ‘How do we ensure prosperity for future generations?’

Strathcona was invited to send two students, one for the Years 7 to 9 competition and one for Years 10 to 12. Internal competitions were held at Tay Creggan and the Canterbury campus. Emma Shen (Year 9) and Isla Fithall (Year 10) were selected from a very high calibre of speeches from students.

Emma spoke on how politicians need to think further into the future, listen to young voices and innovate to provide new and exciting ways to solve problems, whilst Isla posited how a specific focus on diversity and inclusion through education could create a world where our differences are what bring us together, rather than tear us apart.

Both students spoke with confidence and authority, earning the respect and admiration from their fellow participants and supporters.

Strathcona was excited to be a part of #hawthornvoicesofageneration and look forward to more opportunities to show our #girlsunstoppable.

Year 11 Health and Human Development and ELC Session

Recently, the Year 11 Health and Human and Development classes participated in a session with the children in the Strathy ELC, as a practical part of the Early Childhood topic we are exploring at the moment.

We were introduced by the Director of the Early Learning Centre Mrs Jo Dowling, before meeting and engaging with the children. The students in Year 11 were really excited to see the ELC children, bonding and playing with their new little friends in no time!

Many of the ELC children and the Year 11s commented that it was the best day of the week and that they loved being able to spend time laughing and interacting together.

Most activities took place in the playground where there was equipment like the sandpit, water pump and many more. Many fun activities such as water fights, sandcastle building, and cosplay were going on at the time. The older girls were impressed by the amazing new outdoor play area the children have.

It was not only a special day for ELC children, but also a great opportunity for the Year 11 students to see practical examples of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development that the children are experiencing, as well as observing the different types of play (such as Manipulative, Discovery, Imaginative, Social, Creative, Pretend and Physical) that these students engage in every day over at the Junior Campus.

It was such a memorable and valuable session for everyone involved.

Emily Zhang
Year 11 Health and Human Development Student

Year 11 Semi-Formal

On the evening of Friday 2nd of August, our Year 11 cohort attended the semi-formal. The Studley Grounds venue was decorated beautifully with lights and a fun photo-booth, which the students had lots of fun with. 

The students enjoyed the DJ, which encouraged lots of dancing, and the roving canape style food was delicious. A highlight of the night was the announcement of the year-level formal awards which the students had voted for. The awards ranged from best-dressed to class-clown. Overall, the students and staff had a very fun and enjoyable time, and it will certainly be a night to remember!

Grace Abbruzzese Year 11 Student

Australian Children’s Choir - Amelia (Year 8)

Student Achievement

Congratulations to Amelia in Year 8 who over the holidays participated in the championship games for World Choir Games 2024 in Auckland with the Australian Children’s Choir, competing against other choirs from all over the world!

Led by Artists Director Daniel Brinsmead, Amelie’s part was graded Silver in the competition!

Amelia has been dedicated to this choir for the past 18 months and has rehearsed with the choir twice a week, each time for 2-3 hours on Saturdays and weekday nights to prepare for this competition.

Well done Amelia! #GirlsUnstoppable

Community Relations

Morning and Afternoon Tea at Tay Creggan

On Sunday 4 August the Community Relations department hosted a morning and afternoon tea at Tay Creggan.

Both sessions sold out with 160 students and parents enjoying scrumptious delights. It was an opportunity for our mums to enjoy each other's company and the students to indulge in yummy food and explore our beautiful Year 9 campus on the banks of the Yarra. The weather was perfect for the students to investigate and discover the grounds of this heritage campus.

Lorna Beegan happily conducted tours with the students who delighted in the thrill of discovery including dressing up in items from the attic. We are so fortunate that two women, the Mellor sisters, had a vision in 1969 of Tay Creggan being a future campus for our students when they paid the deposit for the purchase of the property.

Lorna also enjoyed signing copies of the pictorial history, ‘A Century of Memories, A Future of Promise’, which are available for purchase.

Jo Wilson
Director of School and Community Relations

Strathcona Sydney Centenary Reunion

Last Saturday we hosted the Old Strathconians Association's Centenary Sydney reunion at The Women’s Club in the city centre overlooking Hyde Park.

We celebrated a century of connections and achievements. A wonderful afternoon chatting and discovering the journeys of these women since leaving school. Our eldest alumnae was from the Class of 1952 and our youngest Class of 2012. Even though their ages spanned many years, the Strathcona connection brought them together. Once a Strathy Girl, Always a Strathy Girl!

Jo Wilson
Director of School and Community Relations

Forthcoming Events

Dad/Daughter/Dog Walk
Sunday 18 August @ 8.15am
Willison Tennis Club - Fordham Avenue Café
For School Families

Year 11 Parent Evening
Wednesday 21 August @ 7pm Gloria’s Wine Bar
For Year 11 Parents

Year 12 Mums' Morning Tea
Thursday 22 August @ 9.30am Studley Grounds
For Year 12 Mums

SFA Father’s Day Breakfast
Monday 2 September @ 7.15am
The Deck, Senior Campus
For Fathers and Students

Annual Spring Racing Lunch
Friday 1 November @ 11.30am Leonda by the Yarra
For Strathcona Mums
(Further details to follow)

Centenary

Shop our Centenary Merchandise and Book!

Shop our special Centenary Merchandise and Book A Century of Memories, A Future of Promise which can be purchased here.

Student Exchange

Student Exchange Farewell

This week, we bid farewell to our wonderful French exchange students who have enriched our school community over the past few weeks. From engaging discussions with our Year 7 students about their lives in France, including their schools and cultural differences, to their lively participation in our Lingo Legends Languages Club, it’s been a memorable journey.

Our Year 8 students embraced the spirit of France through a mini ‘Jeux Olympiques,’ competing in French-themed events and showcasing their team spirit. Our Year 10 exchange students visited Tay Creggan, showing great enthusiasm for the campus and assisting our students with their Envision projects.

As we say goodbye, we celebrate the connections made, the cultural exchanges experienced, and the fun we had.

Merci beaucoup to our French guests for a fantastic term! We wish them all the best as they continue their journey. #GirlsUnstoppable

News from Careers

Career News

Items in this Career News include:

  • Dates to Diarise in Term 3
  • Casper Entry Requirements for Teacher Qualifications
  • News from Monash University
    o Upcoming Discover Monash Events
    o Monash Teaching Suitability Test (MTeST)
    o New Courses for 2025
    o New Double Degree Courses with Psychology for 2025
    o Bachelor of Business Administration
  • News from La Trobe University
    o Aptitude for Teaching Assessment (AFTA)
    o La Trobe University – Sydney Campus
  • News from Swinburne University
    o important changes to entry requirements for 2025
    o Studying the Bachelor of Applied Innovation with another Degree
  • Launch of New Engineering Facilities at Deakin University's Burwood Campus
  • Career in Veterinary Nursing
  • Civil Engineering Degrees in Victoria in 2024
  • Environmental Science Degrees in Victoria in 2024
  • Snapshot of the University of Adelaide in 2024

Click here for the full edition of Career News.

Xin Chen
Head of Careers and Pathways

Events

Strathcona Girls Grammar Centenary Music Concert

Strathcona Girls Grammar is thrilled to present our spectacular Centenary Music Concert, taking place at The Recital Centre on Wednesday 4 September at 7.00pm.

This special event will be a celebration showcasing the incredible talents of our students.

The evening promises to feature a diverse array of musical genres and performances, including special centenary pieces that honour our School’s rich history. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the vibrant spirit and creativity of our school’s musical talents.

Tickets are now available for purchase here. Secure your seats and join us for a night to remember!

Strathcona Parents Seminar

Understanding and supporting my child's assessment stress and anxiety

Learning ways how to manage anxious thoughts and bodily sensations in times of assessment is a useful life skill. Come along to learn about ways to support your child at peak times of heightened stress using evidence-based tools.

Eleonora holds a doctorate in clinical child, adolescent and family psychology. She has over 20 years of combined university training and clinical experience, across the public and private sectors, and in delivering postgraduate university education. Eleonora has expertise in cognitive assessment work in diagnosing learning disorders, and diagnosing ADHD. Eleonora has owned a practice based in Surrey Hills since 2014.

Bookings are essential for this parent seminar.

Details:

Monday 9 September 2024 7.00 PM - 8.30 PM

Featherstone Hall, Strathcona Girls Grammar

To book, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/p...

Early Years - VCE Art & Design Exhibition - Celebrating our Centenary Year

You are warmly invited to an afternoon of art and conversation to explore the student’s creativity and innovative ideas at the Early Years - VCE Art & Design Exhibition - Celebrating our Centenary Year.

On Opening Night - Tuesday 10 September 2024 from 5.30pm - 8.00pm across both Featherstone Hall & Junior School Community Space.

Opened by Lucy Hersey - 2024 Artist in ResidenceRefreshments will be servedAlternative viewing times 11 - 12 September 9.00am - 3.45pm

Please register for this event by Tuesday 3 September via the booking link.

All School News

2026 Scholarships