Term 4, Week 1, 2024 Welcome Back to Term 4 - The Final Stretch in our Historic Year 11 Oct 2024

Term 4 promises renewed energy as we come together to finish this monumental year. Our Year 12s completed their VCE Practice Examinations in the last week of the term break and are counting down the days until they officially leave school. Such days are filled with excitement and trepidation as they know life will never quite be the same again, but the promise of all that can be is even more tantalising. For all our students Term 4 marks the culmination of their learning and the transition to the next phase of their development and growth.

Our Centenary and shared history highlights the strength of our community, our dedication to education, and the unwavering support for one another that has shaped generations. Term 4 promises many ways to connect and reconnect, offering unique opportunities for celebration and engagement. We have the Strathcona Early Years Official Opening, our SFA Community Evening under the Stars, our Year 12 Valedictory celebrations, and the grand Centenary Presentation Night at the Melbourne Townhall. Each event is a chance to come together and celebrate our school's rich history and bright future.

Please also refer to the Events section of this edition of the Magnolia for more information.

As we begin this final term of our Centenary year, let's embrace the opportunities ahead with the same enthusiasm and commitment that has defined Strathcona for the past 100 years. 

Together, we will continue to make this milestone year one to remember, celebrating our history while looking forward to an exciting future.

Lorna Beegan
Principal

Our staff have set an inspiring tone to the term through our Staff Professional Learning Day. Our teachers across the Junior and Senior school continued to share their expertise via their action research on Cultures of Thinking mindsets. Across the school, teachers have been working collaboratively to integrate thinking routines, collaboration activities, reimaging the role of the teacher and the learner in the classroom and inquiry-based learning into classrooms, ensuring every student is equipped to think critically and creatively. Our research action projects, which include teacher spotlight session on our staff day, continue to inspire our teaching approaches, fostering a learning culture that celebrates curiosity and collaboration.

As we embark on the final term of the year, being organised and prepared will be key to making the most of every learning moment. Across both the Junior and Senior Schools, we are focusing on engaging deeply with our studies while also nurturing the qualities of resilience, critical thinking, and creativity that have been hallmarks of our centenary celebrations.

Across the school, teachers are working with students to establish a focus on time management and goal setting. Our younger students are using personal planners to track their progress, ensuring they stay on top of assignments and extracurricular activities. Teachers are guiding them to break tasks into manageable steps, fostering independent learning skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

At Tay Creggan and Senior School, our students will start to prepare for their end-of-year assessments and semester exams. Many of our Year 12 students are completing their final preparations for exams, and their commitment to revision timetables and study groups reflects their drive to succeed. Students in Years 7-11 are engaging in reflective practices to ensure that they view their learning as an opportunity for growth.

Term 4 is also a time for reflection and celebration. As we head towards the end of our centenary year, we will not only celebrate academic achievements but also the spirit of community, leadership, and service that defines our school. Our Centenary Presentation Evening will be another highlight for the whole school community to not highlight academic achievements but also the talents of all our senior students. Together, we will continue to honour the past, embrace the present, and prepare for an inspiring future.

I encourage all students to stay organised, ask questions, and engage fully in their learning. Let’s make this final term of our Centenary year one filled with purpose and pride.

Kara Baxter
Dean of Teaching and Learning

In the next two weeks, our focus turns to our Year 12 students as they approach the end of their schooling journey. We will celebrate their achievements, reflect on the memories they’ve made, and honour the legacy they leave behind. Here are some of the key dates of events for our Year 12 students and their families. These students have not only shown resilience and determination but have also embodied the values that are at the heart of our community.

As they prepare for their exams and the next chapter of their lives, we acknowledge the adventure that lies ahead for each of them. Whether they pursue further education, travel, or explore new opportunities, they take with them the skills, friendships, and experiences that will shape their futures. We are confident that they will continue to make their mark, just as those who came before them have done and each leave their own legacy at Strathcona.

Let’s celebrate their journey and support them as they transition from students to alumnae, knowing that their connection to our community will remain strong long after they leave our gates.

Here’s to a wonderful, exciting and memorable Term 4!

Megan Boyd
Dean of Students

In the Junior School, there is quite a bit happening each week, so I encourage you to keep an eye on your class Maple page and updates from the Junior School each week.

We look forward to welcoming Grandparents and Special Friends to the Early Years and Junior School on Wednesday 16 October. Please don’t forget to RSVP by 2pm Friday.

This is always such an enjoyable time each term as the students launch their new units of inquiry. We always begin each unit with a provocation and excursion or incursion to generate curiosity and allow the children space and time to generate their own questions for investigation.

The return of the beautiful native birds to the playground has certainly been a highlight this week. The children are already planning ways to enhance their natural habitat and ensure there is always water and food available.

I look forward to seeing you all in the coming weeks.

Lisa Miller
Head of Junior School

We ended the term with some truly memorable events, including the hugely successful TC Marketplace. Our students embraced the entrepreneurial spirit, and the introduction of the concept of tax was a valuable learning experience, with a portion of proceeds donated to our charity, FORaMEAL. Our collective fundraising efforts this year have raised $3000 for this charity!

Speaking of FORaMEAL, we had the privilege of working closely with the team from Rotary Club of Canterbury, who spent an entire day with our students packing over 28,000 meals—a remarkable achievement! These food packs will be donated to people around the world who are affected by disasters. We also continue our ongoing partnership with Servants in Hawthorn, where Ms. Costello and Ms. Buchanan have been delivering baked goods as part of our “Slices for Servants” initiative. Another special highlight was the documentary film screening held here at TC, where four of our students—Chloe, Poppy, Yuxin, and Yingyang—were featured. It was an inspiring and proud moment of our ongoing partnership with Servants and Tay Creggan.

What’s coming up in Term 4?

We have several exciting events lined up! First, we’re running a Barista course for all students. This hands-on experience is a fantastic opportunity to develop practical skills, and for some, it may even help secure a part-time job. The course will be offered in two groups, either on Thursday 10 October or Thursday 17 October.

We’re also thrilled to announce our participation in the inaugural "Go Girls 100km" fundraiser on Thursday 17 October. A huge thank you to Ms. Zitto for her extraordinary work behind the scenes. To all students participating—your dedication is inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder!

Save the Date: 

On Thursday, November 21st, we’ll be hosting a special celebration for both students and parents. There will be a coffee cart for parents, and we’ll be taking the opportunity to reflect and celebrate our time together at TC.

Welcome to New Staff and Students

This term, we are excited to welcome two new students, Lucinda and Amelia, to our TC family - we hope you feel right at home with us. Additionally, we are thrilled to have Dr. Sun joining as our new Maths teacher, and we look forward to the fresh energy and expertise he will bring.

As we embark on Term 4, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our entire TC community. The resilience, dedication, and enthusiasm you’ve shown throughout the year have been nothing short of inspiring. We couldn’t have made it this far without the support of each and every one of you, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together in this final chapter of the year.

Here’s to an amazing Term 4!

Jen Buchanan
Head of Tay Creggan

This year, the committee focused on the impact area of "Healthy & Climate Resilient Communities," working hard to make a real difference. The YiP program, established by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation in 2002, aims to inspire young people to engage in philanthropy, tackle community issues, and develop leadership skills that last a lifetime.

Throughout the year, our Year 10 committee raised extra funds by running a chocolate raffle and selling icy poles at school events. Their dedication and passion have been incredible to witness! We’re so proud of the contributions they’ve made toward a more resilient and healthy community.

A special thank you to the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and our generous mentors, Paul and Angela Wheelton, for their support and guidance throughout the program.

Hallie completed both classroom theory and practical water skills, mastering buoyancy, underwater navigation, and safety protocols. This impressive qualification required dedication and passing written exams as well as six open-water dives down as deep as 18m while swimming with some of the most exotic marine life in the world.

Our fantastic guest speaker and Director of Sport at Strathcona, Tamsyn Manou spoke passionately about the importance of networking in everyday life and the profound impact it can have on one’s personal and professional journey. Tamsyn highlighted that as children we naturally network every day, however she reminded us to continue this vital habit, no matter where our career paths may lead.

We extend our thanks to Mitchelton Wineries for running complimentary gin tastings, which added a refreshing and engaging touch to an already memorable evening of connection and collaboration.

Stay tuned for more exciting events next year, offering even more opportunities to connect and grow within the Strathcona community!

The east side of Scott Street between Claremont Crescent and Cross Street will soon display the following:

• Permit Zone 8am-10am and 2pm-4pm Monday to Friday
• 2P 10am-2pm Monday to Friday and 8am-1pm Saturday
• The 2P restrictions for the west side of Scott Street will remain unchanged.

• Dates to Diarise in Term 4
• Science and Global Studies Double Degree at Monash University
• New Commerce Major for 2025 at the University of Melbourne
• News from Deakin University
  - Casper Test Reimbursement
  - Pathways Finder
• Studying Science at RMIT University
• Medical Imaging Courses in Victoria in 2024

Click here for the full edition of Career News.

Xin Chen
Head of Careers and Pathways

Bring your family and friends for a fun afternoon which is sure to bring much excitement, as we welcome the loveable Peppa Pig who will be singing, dancing, and ready to meet her biggest fans.

Click here to find out more and to book tickets to this free event.

Join us for an afternoon of reflection, connection, and celebration with fellow alumnae.

Click here to find out more and book tickets.

$40 per person which includes delicious nibbles which will keep you energised and smiling.

Please RSVP here by Thursday 10 October for catering purposes.

Sunday 27 October 2024 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Urban Climb
5/15-33 Alfred Street, BLACKBURN VICTORIA 3130

PERFORMING ARTS | BUSKERS | ROAMING ARTISTS | WINE BAR | SHORT FILM FESTIVAL | STRATH HAS TALENT | HERITAGE JOURNEY INTERNATIONAL FOOD TRUCKS | GOURMET BBQ | KIDS ZONE | MINI GOLF

All are welcome to attend! Keep your eyes peeled for the evening program which will be released closer to the event.

Click here to find out more and to book tickets.