Term 3, Week 9, 2023 8 Sept 2023

Father’s Day

Last week I finished my week by joining the ELC for Breakfast and seeing Dads and Special Friends enjoying some food and time with our ELC students. And, I began this week on Monday with an early morning sausage sizzle on the Deck during the SFA Annual Father’s Day Breakfast with our students and their Dads. Everyone had a great morning – there were footy scarves, money being raised for the Leukemia Foundation and cheerful children everywhere!

Student Celebrations

This week we have had many events taking place for Arts Week and we thank all the students involved and their parents who visited. In particular, our two big events were the Senior Art and Design Show and Middle Schools’s Musical: Frozen. An incredible amount of work has taken place to create these beautiful showcases of student talents. This afternoon, we finished with an exuberant, positive and exciting Live 8 performance by our Year 8s which even featured some teachers – congratulations to each and every Year 8 student who contributed and participated in these incredible dances.

Performing Arts Festival and Presentation Night, 2023

For 2023, this event will take place at Robert Blackwood Hall at Monash University on Friday 1 December at 6.30pm.

Annual Report

This week I am sharing with you the 2022 Annual Report. The report forms part of our governance and compliance in reporting to State and Commonwealth governments and our community. The Annual Report is a genuine account and summary of the results, plans and happenings of the year past. It is a rigorous self-evaluation allowing us to look forward, plan and strategise for the future

Acting Principal

In the journey toward this esteemed award, Freya Batty (Year 12) demonstrated incredible dedication and resilience, embracing a diverse array of experiences that shaped Freya into a well-rounded individual and future leader. 

 The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award is not merely an accomplishment; it is a transformative journey that shapes tomorrow's leaders and changemakers.

 Below Freya shares her own personal insights and experiences:

“I recently completed the Gold Duke of Ed Award. This award has given me many opportunities to grow, such as when I went away for a week on a French language immersion program, which not only contributed to the award but also helped my French studies at school.

Most importantly, however, the award has shown me the positive impact people can have on each other. Each time I shelved books in the library, I saw Mrs. Roberts's face light up, and I felt a sense of purpose by helping her and the library community. When I went hiking for a week at Wilsons Prom, I discovered the strength of a group of people working together and the encouragement shared within the group.

After hiking all morning with packs and completing the trail for the day, we reached a fork in the path, one path went towards our campsite for the night, and the other a trail climbing to the top of Mt. Oberon. We deliberated, making the collective decision to climb the mountain with a promise of a beautiful view at the top. Despite all feeling exhausted and tired after spending 3 nights in the bush, the encouragement from each other got us to the top. I am glad we did it, and we were still smiling at the end despite our exhaustion.

After completing the award, I have already seen opportunities come my way like early entry into university. Completing the Gold Duke of Ed was like climbing this mountain, after all the hard work you put in, you got to see the world at the top."

Freya began her Duke of Edinburgh journey in Year 9 in 2020. Despite enormous challenges due to the long lockdowns, she was able to find creative ways to fulfill the criteria of the Award, quietly and conscientiously working towards achieving her Gold. Her commitment to achieving this has been outstanding considering the challenges and we are very proud of her achievements. Freya is about to embark on her final exams and onto university study, we can’t wait to see what she does next.

Amber Sowden
Acting Deputy Principal

There was much excitement in the lead up to the assembly as this year we announced the winner of the coveted House Cup. The House Cup is awarded to the House that accumulated the most points throughout the year from many and varied House events. These include the Performing Arts Festival, Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics Carnival, House Chorals, as well as House Service, Art, STEM activities that are organised by the leaders for the students throughout the year.

Some of my fondest memories from school have been from House events, and the House system has long been a cherished tradition in many schools. It encourages students to collaborate and build a community across all ages beyond the confines of the classroom.

Events such as swimming, athletics and cross country not only provide an outlet for physical activity but also teach the value of working together to achieve a common goal. House members cheer each other on, celebrate victories and participation as a team, and provide encouragement during moments of challenge. This spirit of unity and togetherness extends far beyond the events and into all aspects of school life.

The Performing Arts Festival and Chorals are platforms that allow students to showcase their diverse talents. Whether it’s singing, dancing, acting, choreographing, or playing musical instruments, these events encourage students to express themselves creatively. These House events not only bring these talents to the forefront but also encourages collaboration between students with varying artistic and creative abilities, reinforcing the idea that every contribution is valuable and that diversity of talents is celebrated.

One of the unique strengths of the House program is its ability to foster cross-age connections. Older students act as members and role models for younger ones, creating a sense of responsibility and leadership among them. This mentorship not only benefits the younger students in terms of guidance and support but also provides a sense of fulfillment, accomplishment and purpose for the older students.

We congratulate this years House Captains and Leaders for being great role models. Guiding and supporting their younger peers and cultivating a culture that is an inclusive and encouraging environment that fosters friendships and positive memories.

Congratulations to Findlay House for being awarded the House Cup for 2023.

Student Leaders 2023

School Captain  
Audrey Macdonald 

Deputy School Captains  
Meg Harrison, Georgia Snadden 

Debating and Public Speaking  
Rachel Glover  

Issues and Action (incorporating the Environment)  
Sophie Hall  

STEM Leader  
Audrey Hillard 

Information, Literature and Media   
Kate Henry 

Overseas Student Leader 
Candy Wu 

School Sport Leaders 
Sienna Dalla Riva, Nicole Tesch Ornelas 

Faith  
Alyssa McKnight  

School Art Leaders  
Milla O’Brien, Leah Curnow 

School Drama Leaders  
Pippa Monckton, Sarah McNulty  

School Music Leaders  
Freya Batty, Emily Osborn  

Service Leaders  
Georgia Plowman, Shreya Khanna 

Year 12 House Leaders  

Arnold  
Chloe Tobin, Maddy Couttie 

Findlay  
Isabelle Cao, Nicola Franklin 

Gilbert  
Elizabeth Tong, Lauren Phillips 

Grenfell  
Michaela Murphy, Isabella Ciardulli 
 

One of the most valuable learning experiences was our Envision markets, with all 30 businesses selling to an authentic audience. Problem solving, completing profit, loss and income statements, understanding how to predict customer demand, and many other skills were needed this week. It was also a time when dispute resolution skills were needed, and businesses had some important decisions to make. Both the Tay Creggan Market and the Main School Market were successful, and I know that all students valued your support. Experiential learning is so important at Year 9 as it is active, engaged learning. As teachers we can offer insights and suggestions, but our young people drive the outcomes. These lessons are rarely forgotten!

Our seven short listed students received their Invergowrie 'Learning form the Past' awards this week. Liya, Becky, Eleanor, Jasmine, Edilyn, Ginnie and Janelle were all treated to a special morning tea and vouchers for their creative responses to their visit to Invergowrie earlier this year. Owners Stephen and Angela Tomisich also sought Edilyn's permission to use her song on the new Invergowrie website they are developing. We value their involvement in the TC program and their keenness to allow students to reflect and learn from the past.

Our SOUL Sisters travelled to the Junior School yesterday to catch up with their Year 4 buddies again and on Monday night, our Speech and Drama girls received tremendous kudos for the play they wrote, directed and starred in. At the GSV Athletics meet this week, Gabby won a gold medal for the 400m and Olivia C a silver for the 800m - great speed girls! Both Karys and Erin rushed off after the market on Friday to play in their Under 16 Hockey semifinals - both had a win and are into the Grand Final - good luck girls!

The Camberwell Grammar Social proved to be an entertaining night for many of the girls whilst in Humanities classes, teachers Savanna Lloyd and Hollie Fields have been using an archive box from the Australian War Memorial to unpack World War One history. Tomorrow is our second last High Tea in the Hall for the year.

Today we also farewelled Hollie Fields as she begins a new job in the not-for-profit area and Michelle Connolly will be taking some well -deserved Long Service Leave for 6 weeks at the beginning of Term 4. 

I wish all Year 9 families a very safe and re-energising break (with a Collingwood Grand final win!)

Best wishes,

Karyn 

Every bit of clothing donated saves landfill and supports the marginalised in our community.  Please donate good quality clothing.  

This video clip shares the details. Although these girls are a few years older, the clothing donation bin and what it supports is still here.

Thanks for your support, 

Bron Arnott & Janet Costello

Strathy Chaplains

One of our students has raised over $1000 already!

Many fellow students plan to participate during the upcoming holidays, alongside friends. 

This opens the opportunity for students to apply to go on a service trip to Cambodia next year. In Cambodia, students will have the chance to see firsthand how the funds they have raised are used and spend quality time with the children they have supported.

Login on the World Vision 40-hour famine website and start collecting sponsors. Plus, there are engaging kahoots available that will not only teach you amazing things but also make your 40-Hour Famine experience during the holidays even more enjoyable.

Janet Costello
Senior School Chaplain

Our thanks to the Family Association for hosting such a wonderful event with a special thanks to our mums who served the sausages and our Maintenance team for the early set up and cooking! These events are what make Strathcona such a special community.

It is always great to chat with our parents with the event providing an opportunity to gather socially but also ask any questions they may need clarified.

• News from the University of Melbourne
  - Hands-on Engineering and IT School Holiday Activities
  - UniMelb on Demand – Video Library
• Bachelor of Science
• Upcoming EDUSA Information Sessions
  - Upcoming IVY League Information Sessions
  - General Information Session - Virtual
• Bachelor of Education (Primary) at RMIT
• International College of Hotel Management in 2023
• Richmond Institute Information Sessions
• Architecture, Construction & Surveying Degrees in Victoria in 2023
• Project Management Courses in Victoria in 2023
• Snapshot of the University of Tasmania (UTAS) in 2023 

Please click here for the full edition of Career News.

Xin Chen
Head of Careers and Pathways

Wednesday 18 October 2023

5.30pm - 7.30pm

Featherstone Hall

Refreshments and afternoon tea will be served

Book Here - https://www.trybooking.com/CKU...

Alternative viewing times

Thursday 19 October 8.15am - 3.45pm

Friday 20 October 8.15am - 3.45pm

All guests are welcome to dress as their favourite Alice in Wonderland Characters!

Please join us for a beautiful afternoon with a guest speaker, entertainment, photo booth, lucky ticket draws as well as canapes on arrival and a delicious 2-course lunch and plenty of bubbles.

Dress up in your racing gear and join the other Strathy mums.

$145 per person (all inclusive) and make sure you book early as places are limited.

Please note tables will accommodate 10 guests.

RSVP by Wednesday 18 October 2023 for catering purposes.

Book here - https://www.trybooking.com/CLK...

Please book and order your meal ahead of the evening. Drinks to be purchased from the bar. Please RSVP by Saturday 30 September 2023.

(There is a WhatsApp group for the Strathy Year 7 dads. To join, please text Andrew on 0407 519582.)

Wednesday 18 October 2023 

6.00 PM - 10.00 PM 

Auburn Hotel - 85 Auburn Road, Hawthorn East Victoria 3123

RSVP here - https://www.trybooking.com/CLE...

The session explores why positive body esteem, non-dieting approaches and healthy behaviours in relation to food and exercise are strong protective factors.  It looks at the power of positive role modelling, reducing appearance based talk and importantly how to respond when a child expresses negativity towards themselves or others.  The focus is on prevention and fostering positive body image and healthy behaviours.

Bookings are essential for this parent seminar.

Details:

Monday 23 October 2023 7.00 PM - 8.30 PM 

Year 7 Foyer, Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar

To book, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/CFRZY