Newsletter Term 3, Week 1 17 July 2020

I hope that over the break you felt that you had some respite from all the challenges we have been facing – all in our different ways - and that you had time to process the events of last term and, indeed, the last few weeks. I would like to thank you for the very many positive, supportive and kind messages you have sent to me and to my staff. I cannot tell you how much this has meant. Your daughters also have been incredibly thoughtful.The teachers had to work very hard again once the announcement for a return to Stage 3 Lockdown was made as teaching virtually takes about twice as much time to prepare. Our VCE teachers have to deliver F2F and to girls WFH, which is very hard. I am sure they are too hard on themselves but they are used to doing things very well in their normal mode but this is a whole new level of not feeling completely ‘all over it’. I guess none of us is in control much now so we need to be a bit kinder to ourselves and just do the best we can. I am grateful for their hard work and absolute dedication to their students. I am grateful also to Professional staff some of whom came back from leave to ensure we were ready for Monday. We are exceptionally well-supported by our non-teaching staff.

We do not know what this term will bring, but we do know that we can cope with it together as a strong community of interconnected people with similar values looking out for each other. Obviously, the learning of our students is a priority, but at the moment an equal, and perhaps even more important focus, is on wellbeing. We have all read about the second ‘pandemic’ that experts are worried may occur and that is in relation to mental health. Another priority for our School is developing people of good character, self-aware and with a commitment to contributing positively to the world around them. By looking out for each other, allowing ourselves to be honest with how we are coping (or not) and doing as much as we can for others on our good days, perhaps we are teaching our girls the most important lesson of all.

Warm regards
Mrs Marise McConaghy
Principal

If you have a passion for supporting the School in its successful development of ‘unstoppable girls’ and have skills in finance, risk, or a related field, we would welcome hearing from you. Please contact Jocelyn Furlan at chair@strathcona.vic.edu.au or you can contact the Principal's EA, Marie Kotsanis at mkotsanis@strathcona.vic.edu.au for more details about the role.

Children undoubtedly inspire me with their ability to be resilient and positive in times of change. In a morning meeting with Year 6 this week, there was not a single hesitation when I asked the girls what they were looking forward to. Their enthusiasm each morning reflects the strong bond we share as a community. During a staff professional development session on Monday with Ron Ritchhart from Harvard University, he said that during times of change and uncertainty we all rely on and reflect our values. Our girls at Strathcona are certainly demonstrating their ability to be compassionate, respectful and courageous.

I have recently watched my own children solve problems to recreate their personal home learning environment. My 11 year old decided it was better to have two screens to switch between meetings and activities. The green screen was also connected along with an electronic keyboard with the ambition to be more creative when completing tasks. A problem well worth solving, that would not have been presented had we returned to onsite learning.

We have some new children joining Strathcona this term, so a big welcome to the girls and their families.

To everyone in our Strathcona community, take care, stay safe and be kind

Mrs Lisa Miller

• Thursday 23 July (Day 1), 2.45pm-6.30pm, and

• Tuesday 28 July (Day 2), 2.45pm-6.30pm

This will be an opportunity to discuss your daughter’s progress with their teachers.   Parents have the option to book a 15 minute conference with the Classroom Teacher and a 5 minute conference with a Specialist Teacher.

Bookings are made via this LINK, please click here  for the document providing instructions on how to make your bookings.

If you need assistance with the use of the system, please contact Parent Assist: parentassist@strathcona.vic.edu.au.

Dear Year 9 families,

We have reached the end of a very busy Week One online – and I can honestly say that the Year 9 students are doing a great job.  Their teachers have been delighted by their enthusiastic and conscientious approach to their studies.  This afternoon, all girls spent time building their businesses for Envision.  We have a great range of products this year, including chocolate, jewellery, greeting cards, bath products and a few services too.  Over the next few weeks, we are hoping to launch all business – so watch this space!

Year 10, 2021 Subject Selection information – Mr Ross Phillips has emailed the link. Further information about Maths and English choices will be delivered on Monday.

Parent Teacher Learning Conferences: (online) Monday 20 and Wednesday 22 July – students are most welcome to be present. Year 9 students will not have classes in Periods 4 & 5 on Monday, however, they are encouraged to meet with their Envision business group at this time to keep working on their business.

Shakespeare Day – 28 July will go ahead online during Periods 1-4. In Period 5, we will continue with Envision.

Duke of Edinburgh Award – please encourage your daughter to continue to build up her hours whilst at home, working on her chosen interests.  In the news there are links to Service projects for any student who still needs this.

Finally, can I recommend the resources at The Resilience Project for anyone who feels that they would like access to material about mental health support or wellbeing https://theresilienceproject.com.au/at-home/ I find these really practical and useful.

Best wishes for a positive Term 3 

Karyn

• Monday, 20 July (Day 1) 1.30pm-7.00pm and
• Wednesday, 22 July (Day 2) 4.00pm-7.00pm

Bookings are made via this LINK, please click here  for the document providing instructions on how to make your bookings.

If you need assistance with the use of the system, please contact Parent Assist: parentassist@strathcona.vic.edu.au.

Freya Batty and Mickey Murphy have spent hours completing a Minecraft tour of Tay Creggan, especially for our younger visitors, whilst Chloe Tobin recorded the voiceover for the Historical film, giving many details about the buildings past.  

Sincere thanks and congratulations to all three students - your work is amazing!  Anyone who is keen to participate in Open House Melbourne in the virtual format, should register by clicking the links: 

TC Open House Melbourne: Official Virtual Tour highlighting architecture and history

https://youtu.be/byZDG9V8UnM

TC Minecraft tour

Trailer

https://youtu.be/tYxT9b_LdI4

Full Tour

https://youtu.be/p-2DsX4-mhI

Session 1: Tuesday 28 July

Session 2: Thursday 30 July

Session 3: Tuesday 4 August

Session 4: Thursday 6 August

All sessions will commence at 7.00pm to 9.15pm. More information will be provided shortly.

• Monday, 20 July (Day 1) 1.30pm-7.00pm and
• Wednesday, 22 July (Day 2) 4.00pm-7.00pm

Bookings are made via this LINK, please click here  for the document providing instructions on how to make your bookings.

If you need assistance with the use of the system, please contact Parent Assist: parentassist@strathcona.vic.edu.au.

Session 1: Tuesday 28 July

Session 2: Thursday 30 July

Session 3: Tuesday 4 August

Session 4: Thursday 6 August

All sessions will commence at 7.00pm to 9.15pm. More information will be provided shortly.

In this edition:

• Dates to Diarise in Term 3
• University Virtual Open Days 2020
• Swinburne 2021 Early Entry Program
• ACU Guarantee Program
• Pathways to study at La Trobe in 2021
  • Achieve at La Trobe
  • Prepare for La Trobe
• New Entry Options for Current Year 12 Students at the University of Western Australia
• News from RMIT University
  • Discover What’s Next Webinar Series
  • Useful Links and Videos
• News from Monash University
  • Upcoming Inside Monash Webinars
  • Upcoming Information Evening Webinars
• Bond with Bond Webinar
• Applying Directly to the University of Notre Dame
• Snapshot of Kangan Institute in 2020
• Biomedicine/Biomedical Science Degrees in Victoria in 2020 
• Science Degrees in Victoria in 2020  

Please click here for this week's Career News. To visit the the Careers page or view previous versions of Careers News click here.

Welcome back, in person or online.

The Knowledge Exchange will be open 8.25am - 3.20pm for students studying VCE.

All resources currently on loan have been renewed until Monday 24 August.

Students learning remotely may still borrow books from ourWheelers ebooks collection.

Happy reading!

If you are feeling unwell? Please note, we are being exceptionally cautious at School. If your child/ren or a family member develops cold or flu type symptoms, such as fever or a cough we request they remain at home, are tested for COVID-19 and self-quarantine. We ask that you also notify the School as soon as possible via this link: Central Covid19 Communication Contact or therft@strathcona.vic.edu.au.

Please click here for an infographic on 'What Should I Do If…?' that will step you through the stages of action if your child/ren or a family member is unwell.

• Mahalakshme Thiagarajan
• Rebecca McAuley
• Saskia Heng

Monash Scholars is a prestigious program for high achieving secondary school students. The program is offered by Monash University to give high potential students a unique head start into university life. It provides opportunities for personal and academic development, as well as, giving students the knowledge, skills and confidence to make the right study choices. It also enables them to expand their network of like-minded peers.

Congratulations to all three girls.

Mrs Lucinda Thom, Head of Students Pastoral and Wellbeing

Thank you to the School community for raising monies to help our three sponsor children, Lanka, Monika and Rose Janette through Baptist World Aid. A total of $2,304 was raised through the many Social Service events,for example the Years 7-8 cake stalls, Junior School Green Team fundraising, Rhino (T-Shirt) fundraising and many more.

Thank you!

Earlier this year, Mrs Jenni Farmilo and the Year 12 Service Leaders held a BBQ lunch and Market Stalls with all proceeds going to the CFA in East Gippsland. From the BBQ and market stall we raised $1,800

Our overall total amount that was forwarded onto the CFA was $1,897.80. Thank you to everyone who donated to help raise much needed funds for the devastating bushfires late last year and earlier this year.

Due to the current COVID-19 Lockdown Advice, the Uniform Shop will be temporarily closed. The decision to re-open will be reviewed on a weekly basis. Apologies for any inconvenience this causes.

If you urgently require second hand uniforms please contact Fiona White by email fwhite@strathcona.vic.edu.au for an alternative arrangement.

Please note that there are currently no second hand V-neck Jumpers, Hoodies or White Winter Shirts in stock.

If any students, staff or parents would like to be encouraged in prayer, you are invited to email Mrs Kathleen Vergers, School Chaplain kvergers@starthcona.vic.edu.au to arrange an appointment. These can be one on one, via Teams or Skype.

With every encouragement,

Mrs Kathleen Vergers, School Chaplain

The Year 10 Play Production classembraced the opportunity of performing the endearing American play, Little Women. As young women on the cusp of adulthood, they connected with this rite of passage story which follows the four March sisters from childhood to womanhood. It is also about the birth of a female artist at a time that was averse to granting equal rights to women and disinterested in hearing their voice. The girls connected with the feisty protagonist, a free-spirited young woman whose unquenchable ambition defied gender stereotyping “Women have minds and souls as well as just hearts, and they’ve got ambition and talent…”

We warmly invite you take our radio play into your homes. It was created in nineteen different homes during the first Stage 3 lockdown and is proof of the power of the Arts to connect, inspire and empower us.

Click here to enjoy this Year 10 Play Production.

Enjoy!

Mrs Marisa Rowland, Drama Teacher

Take a virtual tour of the magnificent building Tay Creggan and learn about its interesting history. You can also take a tour of Tay Creggan in Minecraft or download the TC Minecraft world and explore on your own in Minecraft. Additionally, listen to the TC Envision webinar with the League of Extraordinary Women or listen to mini lessons of food technology, science or drama.

Open Now until Sunday 26 July, 2020, to tour Tay Creggan virtual please click here.