Term 4, Week 7, 2024 Celebrating Achievements and Success 21 Nov 2024

For some, success may be a high score, while for others, it results from dedication, persistence, and hard work. In a school, success is multifaceted—it’s found in academic accomplishments, creative endeavours, personal growth, and collective efforts. One could argue, perhaps, that the pinnacle of success for any school lies in the strength of its community. Strathcona's Evening Under the Stars celebration showcased this magnificently as generations of Strathcona came together to connect and celebrate the School. It reminded us all that a community that works together, plays together, dances and sings together, and supports one another, thrives together. This vibrant unity is one convincing way to define success for Strathcona in our Centenary year and ensures its legacy endures for generations to come.

A special thanks goes to the Strathcona family Association, particularly 'Supertrooper' Chris Howell, the Dad's Army, all volunteers, and to our generous event sponsors, Bendigo Bank Inner East and Shelter Real Estate. Added to this, of course, was the continued dedication of our staff, especially Jo Wilson, Mark Killmister and Chris Johnson. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this Term remarkable. Long live Strathcona!

Junior School: A Sustainable Feast

Working with nature and witnessing the fruits of your labour come to life is profoundly rewarding. Our Junior School students have embraced this through their gardening projects, learning about sustainability and the joy of growing their own food. Their efforts have cultivated a deeper appreciation for the natural world and yielded a bountiful harvest. I was privileged to receive a genuinely unique and nourishing gift—a bouquet of organic butter lettuce, mint, bay leaves, and parsley from a delegation of Year 4 students. These young gardeners have achieved more than a harvest; they have embraced our Floresco philosophy, nurtured a connection to the earth and shared it with our community, reminding us all of the rewards of care and persistence.

A Flourishing Term Across the Campus

This term has been brimming with energy and activity. Highlights include the outstanding Year 9 production, Boy Overboard, and the magical rendition of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory enjoyed by audiences at Tay Creggan. Year 9 students are also preparing to say goodbye to their Tay Creggan journey, as they transition to new chapters at Senior School. Meanwhile, Years 10 and 11 have been deeply engaged in their studies, with many Year 11s stepping up to accelerate their VCE studies. For Year 12, the intensity of exams has now finished, while the arrival of the new Year 7 cohort for Orientation Day brought fresh excitement and a warm welcome to the Strathcona community.

Our current Year 7s have risen to the challenge of being leaders when welcoming our Year 7s for 2025, and our Year 8s are excited to begin their journey at Tay Creggan and everything it will bring.

Our co-curricular programs are in full swing with a wide array of sports and competitions. Congratulations to our Year 8 students for their incredible teamwork and enthusiasm at the Ethics Olympiad, where they earned a well-deserved bronze medal led and coached by Mrs Narelle Cameron. Their ability to navigate challenging ethical discussions with integrity and collaboration exemplifies the values we nurture at Strathcona. 

The Live FM Student Radio incursion offered our Year 7 and 8 students the opportunity to learn the techniques of interviewing and radio etiquette through the opportunity of interviewing selected staff on a variety of topics. I enjoyed being interviewed on the theme of leadership and the questions coming from all directions. As I put the finishing touches to this newsletter, I am being serenaded by a string trio; such an uplifting way to start one’s morning. Added to this, Friday 22 November is our Senior School Swimming Carnival. Strathcona sure is a bustling and dynamic place in which to learn, work, and connect.

Remembering and Reflecting

Our Remembrance Day service provided a poignant moment for us to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made during times of conflict. The service emphasised the importance of this year’s theme, 'Remembering to remember,' and the broader impact of war on soldiers, civilians, and animals. Symbols like the red poppy, the Bleuet de France, and the white and purple poppies reminded us of the courage, resilience, and hope for peace that persists amid the devastation. As we commemorated significant anniversaries in global history, we were reminded to honour the past by striving for a future that builds on peace and understanding. 

As Advent begins, it offers us a time to reflect on themes of hope, peace, joy, and love—values that resonate deeply with the sacrifices remembered on this day. The coming of Christmas inspires us to carry forward the lessons of remembrance with renewed compassion and a commitment to harmony in our communities and beyond.

In the Junior School, our students have been immersed in their classrooms as they explore their final inquiry projects for the Term. The creativity and collaboration that our students experience each day is part of their successful journey in the Junior School. Our Year 6 students have also experienced their induction day into Year 7 to help support their learning and wellbeing for next year. Experiencing mini Year 7 lessons throughout the day helped students feel that their learning will still be intertwined with the critical and creative thinking they have experienced in the Junior School.

In the Senior School, students in Years 7 and 8 are busily completing their final assessments before Headstart. Some of our Year 7 and 8 students also showcased their intellectual and ethical reasoning skills at the recent Ethics Olympiad. Competing against schools across the region, they tackled challenging moral dilemmas with respect and insight, earning an impressive third place. Their thoughtful discussions reflected Aristotle’s reminder that, 'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.'

Our Year 9 to 11 students have approached the end of Term with focus and dedication, completing their examinations with determination and a growth mindset. These assessments offer opportunities to demonstrate resilience and personal growth, exemplifying that, 'Effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishment.'

Our Year 12 students and Year 11s in Unit 3/4 subjects, have also shown tremendous commitment and resilience as they tackled their final VCAA examinations. Despite the challenges they have faced, they have approached their studies with bravery, perseverance, and a positive attitude. They truly exemplify our school values of Bravely, Happily, and Faithfully in their learning, inspiring the rest of our students with their resolve and dedication.

We look forward our students, teachers and families coming together for the Centenary Presentation Evening on 10 December at Melbourne Town Hall. This celebration will honour 100 years of Strathcona’s legacy in empowering young women. With outstanding performances by our Years 7 to 12 students, inspirational speeches, and the presentation of the Academic and Community Awards for students in 7 to 12 and selected students in Years 5 to 6, the evening promises to be a fitting tribute to our past, and a vision for our future.

Thank you to our teachers who continue to ensure our students experience fantastic learning experiences in each lesson every day. Our students and teachers work closely to ensure each student is experiencing success in their learning.

Kara Baxter
Dean of Teaching and Learning

Ubuntu, an African philosophy that teaches us - I am because we are, reminds us that our individual success and wellbeing are deeply tied to the people around us. It encourages us to value empathy, teamwork, and the idea that when we support one another, we all learn and grow together. This message is especially meaningful as we reflect on the achievements of our students, staff, and wider school community.

Following a meeting with the Junior School Leaders this week, I was reminded of the wisdom and insight that children can bring. They recognised that it was a collective responsibility to ensure kindness in our School and together we brainstormed some ideas and strategies to support our community to end the year.

Next Wednesday 27 November the Junior School will hold a pyjama day to support our annual Happy Boxes Campaign. Please keep an eye on your Maple pages for further information.

Lisa Miller
Head of Junior School

As the school year draws to a close, it is a privilege to reflect on the incredible achievements and growth of our Year 9 students at Tay Creggan. 

Term 1 set a strong foundation in our Centenary year. Highlights included a memorable excursion to St Paul’s Cathedral and a cruise along the Yarra River, where students immersed themselves in Melbourne’s vibrant history and cultural landmarks. Back at TC, the opening of the time capsule was a unique moment, reconnecting us with the past and instilling a sense of continuity. Our Chinese New Year celebrations, and participation in the Youth Leadership Conference helped establish a community focused on diversity and connection. Other notable events included the Junior School Cross Country to TC, Camp-to-Campus preparation day, and our healthy relationships workshop with Camberwell Grammar.

In Term 2, we saw even greater achievements. At the Senior School Athletics Carnival, our students represented our campus with enthusiasm and sportsmanship. The 'Camp-to-Campus' five day expedition from Warburton back to TC was an experience that allowed students to step out of their comfort zones, encouraging personal growth and adaptability. Mid-year exams tested academic discipline and perseverance, and our Cyber Security Workshop offered crucial insights into navigating the digital world safely and responsibly, equipping our students with essential skills for the future.

Term 3 was perhaps the most eventful term, with a blend of community engagement, creative expression, and social responsibility. The High Teas and Open House Melbourne welcomed families and friends into our community, creating a warm and supportive environment. The Soul Sisters' visit to the Junior School strengthened our cross-campus relationships, and our students shone brightly in the Future Anything Big Ideas Challenge, showcasing their creativity and drive. The Envision Marketplace was a highlight, as students turned entrepreneurial ideas into reality, developing products for sale at both the Senior School and at TC. ForAMeal Charity Day underscored our shared value of service, while the screening of the Servants Documentary allowed us to celebrate the impact of our students’ work in raising awareness for important causes. Adding to the excitement of the Term, students had the opportunity to connect and build friendships during a social event with Camberwell Grammar, which was a fantastic evening filled with laughter, new connections, and shared memories.

Finally, Term 4 brought a celebratory close to the year, filled with opportunities for personal exploration, connection, and celebration. The GoGirls 100km Challenge showcased the dedication of our community to wellbeing and social causes, while the barista course offered students the chance to build practical skills for the future. Excursions to Healesville Sanctuary and Invergowrie fostered learning beyond the classroom, encouraging a sense of wonder and environmental awareness. Our drama productions, Boy Overboard and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, were brought to life with talent and dedication, captivating audiences and celebrating our students’ artistic expression. The Stand-Up Paddleboarding day in St. Kilda and Frame Your Future Day encouraged students to explore new skills, broaden their horizons, and consider the exciting paths ahead. As the Term closed, end-of-year exams were a testament to their hard work and academic perseverance.

Reflecting on the year, it’s clear that these experiences have done more than build skills—they’ve cultivated resilience, empathy, and a strong sense of community among our current Year 9 students. They have grown into confident, capable individuals who support one another, contribute positively, and embrace each challenge with enthusiasm. I am immensely honoured to know each of them, and it has been a privilege to share this journey with them this year. Thank you to our dedicated staff, parents, and the entire community for your support and partnership.

On behalf the team at Tay Creggan – thank you to our 2024 Year 9 cohort and their families; it has been a magical year.

Jen Buchanan
Head of Tay Creggan

We are busy buying, cataloguing and covering all the books to be ready for holiday lending for continuing students in Years 6 to 11 from Monday 25 November but first there is a bit of end-of-year housekeeping…

End of Year Book returns
We are asking students and parents to check at home for any books that may have been left there and to return them prior to the end of the school year. 

Some important dates to remember are:

Junior School Library – November 22 - closing for annual stocktake. Please return all books by this date. Notices will then be sent home for any books that are still missing, and we appreciate your help in getting them back to us.

Senior School - November 22 – all current loans are due back. Students have received email notifications and Maple notices regarding their current loans. If their loan records are clear, students in Year 6 to 11 who are returning in 2025 can borrow books to enjoy over the summer break from Monday November 25.

We don’t charge overdue fines at Strathcona, but we do charge for replacement books if copies are not returned after several reminders. You can find the Knowledge Exchange Loans Policy here: Knowledge Exchange – Parents Page.

Public Library programs
Over the break, remember to check the holiday programs offered by your local libraries. Depending on where you live, libraries offer reading times and programs, including speakers and workshops. One of the most important is the Big Summer Read, a reading challenge for under 18s that is run through public libraries from December 1 to January 31.

We hope you all have a wonderful break and happy reading!

Penny Roberts
Director of Library and Research

The amazing setup with a well-frequented bar, tables and chairs for families to gather, beanbags, games, entertainment including our amazing Strathy’s Got Talent performers, food trucks and Devonshire teas just to mention a few. Happy faces and plenty of conversation filled the air. As the sun dipped below the horizon, BABBA's timeless music played, instantly transporting everyone to a world of disco and joy. The evening created a sense of togetherness with families enjoying the Centenary spectacular. 

Thank you to our sponsors – Bendigo Bank Inner East and Shelter Real Estate for their generous donations. Also thank you to the Strathcona Family Association (SFA) and the amazing, Chris Howell, who was the mastermind behind the evening organising everything with meticulous detail with the support of the SFA financial guru, Marc Thomas. I also wish to extend thanks to our amazing Property Manager, Mark Killmister, Maintenance team and Marketing team. Thank you to our wonderful parent volunteers for their invaluable support of the evening including setup on the Friday and pack down the following day.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday 27 November – Dads and Special Friends End of Year Evening

Strathy Dads and special friends are invited to celebrate the near end of the year with 'International Drinks on The Deck'.
It is an 'International Beer Theme' so please bring a six pack of your favourite international beers. Place them in ice buckets provided and you are encouraged to sample other options as you mingle.
An international themed dinner will be served during the evening. You will NOT go hungry. If beer is not your preferred choice, then please feel free bring a bottle of wine as ALL are welcome.
$40 per person to book, please click here.

Friends of Rowing Fundraiser
Order your Christmas Puddings now by clicking here and your Gingerbread House Kits by clicking here.

Pudding orders must be in by this Sunday 24 November and will be available for collection from either Senior School or Tay Creggan on Wednesday 11 December.

Wednesday 4 December - Strathcona Family Christmas Carols Service
We are excited to invite you and your loved ones to join us at our Family Christmas Carols Service as we celebrate the joy and wonder of the Christmas season together.

The service will be held at St Dominic’s Church on Wednesday 4 December from 7pm-8pm to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

All family members are welcome. To register your family’s attendance, please click here.

Jo Wilson
Director of School and Community Relations

The Alliance Française Poetry Competition has been synonymous with learning French in Melbourne for exactly 130 years – our Centenary celebrations coinciding with this milestone.

Many of you who were French students a long time ago most likely took part in this competition; some with understandable trepidation, if not downright fear. Others would have relished the opportunity to show off their fabulous French accents, determined to beat all others at any cost. This year’s theme for the competition was the Olympics, and it’s safe to say that the spirit of competition is alive and well here at Strathy. In total, we had 48 students gain the two highest levels of recognition: those of ‘Brillante – Finaliste’ and ‘Excellent’.

Furthermore, we are thrilled to report that the overall second prize in Victoria for Year 4 went to Arianna Parajasignham! Félicitations, Arianna, this is an amazing achievement.

Well done to everyone who took part in this year’s competition and un grand merci to all our French teachers who practiced with their students and encouraged them to do their best. We look forward to continued success in the years to come.

Félicitations à vous toutes - ce sont des résultats magnifiques 😊

À l’année prochaine!

Virginia Prior
Head of Languages

The Year 9 cast demonstrated a commendable commitment, maturity and passion whilst working on this beautiful play. They were captivated by its weighty themes and the hazardous journey two children younger than themselves were forced undertake. Jamal and Bibi fled oppression, endured refugee camps, leaky boats, pirates and horrific loss to finally arrive in Australia. Unfortunately, their ache for freedom is still unappeased. The Year 9 ensemble actively embraced these haunting themes and threw themselves wholeheartedly into rehearsals. Their passion and commitment were testimony to their love for theatre-making and their longing to convey Jamal and Bibi’s story as sensitively and compassionately as possible. They were committed to do this play justice. The wonderful cast achieved a moving, and stunningly rich performance which will resonate months after the final bows. I am immensely proud of them all.

Our students have reflected:

During this experience in Boy Overboard, I have developed a wider grasp of skills and connected better with other people. I learnt so much from the people around me and every rehearsal was something to look forward to and every single moment was filled with laughs!
Emma Shen

Boy Overboard was a wonderful experience from start to finish. Everyone worked hard for a great end result, and we made a small family in the process. Thank you to Ms Rowlands and the rest of the cast for a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Louisa Liu

Boy Overboard was a beautiful play, and I really enjoyed participating in it. It was so fun to work with others to create such a great production. I was able to work with new people who I would have never met before, make new friends, and strengthen connections with others. The whole cast worked so hard, and we had so many fun moments and laughs which was a part of the reason why the experience was so great! Finally, we can't forget the countless hours and amount of effort Ms Rowlands put in to make it such an amazing play, we couldn't have done it without her!
Kyla Siu

Click here to see a dance move!

Marisa Rowlands
Teacher

Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to interview a range of guests, including Principal, Lorna Beegan, Director of Sport, Tamsyn Manou (Lewis), Year 7 Coordinators, Samantha Mackey and Zoe Veling, and 2024 School Captain, Belle Gemmell.

This interactive experience provided students with a valuable insight into the world of media.

Megan (Year 6) had already done so well by running personal bests and making it through the rounds to be at the State Championships for the 100m and 200m.

It was a hot and blustery day and Megan made it to the finals of both events. An incredible final run in the 100m saw Megan win the bronze medal - meaning she is the third fastest 12-13 year old girl in Victoria! Megan capped off a very successful day with a 6th in the 200m final.

We are very proud of you Megan!

Tamsyn Manou
Director of Sport

• Dates to Diarise in Term 4
• Reminder: VTAC 2025 Upcoming Key Dates
• Accessing VCE Results 2024
• William Angliss Institute: Important Changes to Bachelor Degrees for 2025
• Pathways for Unscored Students at Deakin College
• Gallipoli Scholarship
• Doxa Cadetship Program
• 2025 VCE Summer School Programs
• Snapshot of Marcus Oldham College in 2024

Please click here to read the full article.

Xin Chen
Head of Careers

Starting at Bondi Pavilion, the run went around the Sydney Harbour and weaved along the picturesque cliff tops to Watsons Bay travelling though national parks and crossing the finishing line at Manly Beach.

Incredible effort by Vic!

Tamsyn Manou
Director of Sport