Newsletter Term 3, Week 9 9 Sept 2021

Once again thank you for working with us as we provide learning and care to your child. As a gift in return, as we end the term, here is a short video focussing on the joy of learning at Strathcona through a pandemic.

Wishing you all safe and happy holidays as we look forward with optimism and hope to Term 4.

Kind regards

Mrs Marise McConaghy, Principal

These feelings generally hang around for some time, with some people feeling this way longer than others. Finding a new pattern and routine during lockdown helps us adjust to living with restriction differently. When things seem so out of our control, establishing some structure to our days provides us some stability. There might still be some routines that your family can continue despite the restrictions and lockdown, such as Saturday takeout night or Friday night Netflix. Also, some activities might be helpful in adjusting to the home setting, such as sport and exercise with online workout sessions or using an App to track your walks and steps.  

As we come to the end of Term 3 and starting the term break for the next three weeks, it would be helpful to encourage your young person to establish slightly different routines while there is no more “regular online school hours”. Some particular types and ideas of “activities” are recommended that can continue to build the students’ wellbeing, and can be scheduled across different days. Below are some activities and plans that can be encouraged for your young person during term break:

1) Downtime: where there is no specific goal, let their mind wander or simply relax, which helps their brains to recharge.
2) Fun and playful times: having games, family time, online games, or just some silly dance time.
3) Tuning in time: reflect and mindfully focus on our internal sensations, feelings and thoughts, and this might be through chatting with them, or writing a journal entry.
4) Connecting time: with family, friends, or nature.
5) Creative time: on a project, artwork, baking, trying new recipes, decorating the room, etc.
6) Active time: be active and engage in physical activity.
7) Engaging/learning time: trying something new like an instrument, skateboard, or painting, and spending some time doing them.
8) Try to maintain regular sleep routines:  this will help when Term 4 starts.

Some of the things can be done combined, such as playing a game online with a friend, trying out new recipes with family members, or taking a walk with a friend. Trying to plan some of these in the week to create some patterns and routine that works for each person is useful before returning to another term of learning and school, however that may look.

The Strathcona Psychology Team  
 

Motivation has been widely reported to dip after the interruption of lockdowns this term, with great disappointment having their last days of high school education turned upside down. Many are slowly accepting and gradually adjusting to re-focusing on what they need to do. Here are some tips around how to help your young person keep up their motivation during the holidays and in the last few months:

1) Encourage them to ask themselves and evaluate the reason  “why” they are putting in the effort towards their VCE studies this year, and the direction they want to head beyond this year;
2) Breaking tasks and revision into smaller chunks to gain a sense of achievement;
3) Using a timer and working in blocks of intense focus time for 25 minutes and 5 minutes of movement or small break. After 4 cycles, you can have a longer break;
4) Create a study space that is enjoyable and comfortable;
5) Encourage them to tick through their to-do list and give themselves small rewards to keep going;
6) Set aside some downtime when needed, and be guilt-free with the time off they need;
7) When their are feeling focused and high energy, try to tackle harder and more challenging tasks at this time; whilst when feeling more stressed or lacking motivation, attempt smaller and easier tasks;
8) Rather than waiting for the right time to study, work out a “to do” list and get into the swing of it instead of waiting for the time when they feel like studying;
9) Collaborate or connect with their peers to have study group sessions online if it is not too distracting;
10) Keep healthy snacks easily accessible.
11) Try to maintain regular sleep routines, in order to help when Term 4 starts.

Students can try to utilize whichever point works best for them to have the maximum outcome.

Most importantly, whether you have some sort of routine or up and down motivation across different days, we should encourage our young people to acknowledge the taxing journey they are on and congratulate their perseverance because they are almost there.
 
The Strathcona School Psychology Team
 

It has therefore been an ongoing essential for us throughout this pandemic to provide opportunities for our students to collaborate, connect and learn through and with each other, in order to thrive in their emotional and wellbeing capacities, as well as their academic successes. One of the key avenues that we have utilised over this recent remote learning lockdown has been through our House program, with Bake Offs, Leisure Loops and Lip Sync challenges providing students a sense of belonging through continued House spirit.

As girls need other girls to thrive, the online model of education has moved our House program into this domain, and so we have provided opportunity for all manner of ways for students to connect through these House challenges. Our vertical House system from 10-12 continues to provide a sense of belonging, and this naturally encourages cross age mentorship and leadership opportunity for these more senior students. As these competition entries were mostly set up using the online portal of Flipgrid, other students across all campuses and year levels could upload their entries and see each other’s videos, which provides that essential human connection at a time when society is trying its’ best to keep a hold of this gossamer thread. Hadfield discovered that group dynamics “can have a beneficial effect on the morale, motivation, and self-image of its members, and thus significantly affect their learning,” and we have worked hard to maintain this through the integrity of the House program at Strathcona this year.

Another cornerstone of the House model across our Senior School is the Buddy program, which over the years has included all girls in some capacity, both as a younger student entering the system, or an older girl who is mentoring and modelling the Strathcona way to her young charge. To conclude this term of remote learning, the 10’s and 11’s were invited to film their words of wisdom to impart upon their young Buddy; an idea in fact commissioned by a Year 10 House Captain, Chloe Tobin, who felt that students needed this point of connection in rounding out the term. These older leaders were able to provide optimism and hope for the Spring break ahead, which our younger students will be grateful to receive this week. We thank the Year 10 and 11 House Captains for their time and initiative.

The House program is one that is strong at Strathcona, and we continue to galvanise and streamline the structures as our years of experience continue. We are confident that the community and connection provided to each girl when she is given a House, a Home, as she joins the Strathcona family, forms the beating heart of our wellbeing program.

Mrs Rhiannon Ward, Head of Grenfell House, English Teacher

 
References
OECD (2017), PISA 2015 Results - Volume V - Collaborative Problem Solving, PISA, OECD Publishing, Paris.
Hadfield, J. 1992, Classroom dynamics. Oxford: Oxford University Press

 

The festival is "Widely recognised as one of Australia’s most prestigious classical music festivals, the Melbourne International Piano and Strings Festival attracts young gifted musicians from around the world each year and features a stellar teaching faculty and competition jury." MIPSF 2021.

Lauren's entry and achievement in the Melbourne International Piano and Strings Festival Competition is particularly note worthy as her recorded entry was done with very limited rehearsal with her accompanist and submitted during lockdown. 

Congratulations Lauren and we look forward to your leadership in your role as a School Music Leader in 2022 and hearing you perform!

I was still slightly scared of being late to class also. In Primary School it is not your responsibility to be on time. In Senior School it becomes your responsibility.

This year I have so many opportunities presented to me. I have participated in Food Tech where I was able to cook so many tasty items. It was great to learn to cook different foods and to do it safely. I have also been able to do Drama which I thoroughly enjoy. It is fun to express yourself and be more confident to perform in front of an audience.

It was challenging at first to get used to all your new classes because you did not know what you were doing or where you were going. But you very quickly become used to it. I found asking for help if I was lost was not a problem as everyone was extremely kind and helpful.

We have been engaging in languages this year including French and Chinese. There is also a separate Chinese class for girls who speak Chinese well.

It is an honour for me to attend such an amazing school where I can have so much fun and enjoy opportunities that are beneficial to me in life’s journey.

Strathcona is a great place for learning. There are many clubs that are in Senior School such as the Choir, Mustard and many more. It is a great variety and you are able to enjoy something that you love. It is so much fun having so many classes because you are able to enjoy a wide variety of activities. The teachers are always so kind and helpful when you require assistance.

Everyd ay is a new challenge. When I arrive home I always have something new to tell my parents about the day. These experiences are great to share with family.

It is really an amazing opportunity to be at Strathcona.

Pearl Drieberg, Year 7

Items in the Career News include -

• Dates to Diarise
• News from the University of Melbourne
o Understanding the Undergraduate Journey
o Studying a Concurrent Diploma at Melbourne
o Diploma in General Studies (DiGS)
• Bachelor of Educational Studies at ACU
• Elly Lukas Beauty College
• Course Updates from La Trobe University
• Media, Communication & Journalism Degrees in Victoria in 2021
• Public Relations Courses in Victoria in 2021
• Snapshot of The University of Sydney in 2021

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

Personally, I have been very proud of our Year 9 entrepreneurs as they have built their businesses from the ground up.  Some have now decided to conclude their sales in order to have a break over the holidays, whilst others are keen to trade. Winding down each business is also an exercise in skill development - identifying profit as opposed to gross sales, repaying investors and ensuring that funds are divested properly. Next term, we will also ask each student to reflect on their experience and the lessons that they may have learned along the journey. In Envision next term, there will be a focus on career pathways and Mrs Joanna Buckley will run "Frame Your Future" Day, which will include Morrisby Testing for career aptitude. 

As we sign off on this term, I wanted to express my gratitude to all of the Year 9 staff who have worked tirelessly from behind their screens this term to ensure that students are supported and encouraged to keep pace with their learning. Their dedication is admirable. 

We will be encouraging all Year 9 students to have a break from screens, to enjoy the warmer weather and to prepare for a jam-packed Term 4.

Mrs Karyn Murray, Head of Tay Creggan

Old Strathconian’s Association 2021 Annual General Meeting

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria, this year's Old Strathconian’s Association (OSA) Annual General Meeting will be held virtually. An invitation is extended to all members of the OSA to attend the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 12 October 2021. The meeting will be held via Zoom from 7.00pm. To attend the meeting please register here.  A Zoom link will be sent following registration and prior to the meeting.
The current OSA Committee is keen to encourage alumnae to consider joining the 2021/22 Committee. If you would like to nominate for the OSA Committee or have any questions please contact Laura Loftus, OSA President or Jo Wilson, Director of School & Community Relations via the OSA email – osa@strathcona.vic.edu.au.

Strathcona Family Association 2021 Annual General Meeting

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria, this year's Strathcona Family Association (SFA) Annual General Meeting will be held virtually. An invitation is extended to all members of the Strathcona community to attend the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 13 October 2021. The meeting will be held via Zoom from 7.00pm.
The current SFA Committee is keen to encourage parents to consider joining the 2021/22 Committee. If you would like to nominate for the Committee or have any questions please contact Jo Wilson, Director of School & Community Relations at jwilson@strathcona.vic.edu.au.

2022 Old Strathconian’s Association Scholarship

The Old Strathconian’s Association Scholarship grant is intended to assist the daughter, granddaughter or other family member of an Old Strathconian with the completion of Years 11 and 12 at Strathcona.
The scholarship grant is available to (i) a Year 10 student not already enrolled at Strathcona or (ii) a current Year 10 student, and will provide a grant of $10,000, to be applied against tuition fees for each of Year 11 and Year 12 ($5,000 per year).
Selection will be based on both academic achievement and extra-curricular involvement.
Please click here for further information and the application form.

Applications will close on Friday, 15 October 2021.

If you have any questions please contact Jo Wilson, Director of School & Community Relations at jwilson@strathcona.vic.edu.au.

AHN is looking for warm, friendly families to host Strathcona international students in 2022. 

Homestay is a great opportunity for international students to experience the Australian lifestyle in a safe and supportive family environment.
Homestay host families contribute to the positive memories international students have of their time in Melbourne.  

What does a homestay host family provide?

Your primary role as a homestay host is to provide students with a safe, welcoming and friendly home situation that supports their personal and educational needs.

You must provide your student with:

• a clean, safe and friendly home where international students can experience the Melbourne lifestyle and practice their English conversation skills
• a private bedroom with a desk for study and storage space for the student’s clothes, personal belongings and study materials
• three nutritious meals a day
• assistance to access transport to and from school and for school-related activities.

What do homestay host families receive?

In return for your care and hospitality, students are expected to show you and your family respect, courtesy and consideration.

By registering with AHN you will receive a supplementary income to cover the student’s meals and homestay expenses, host training, 24/7 support and mandatory host insurance.

You will have access to support services and resources to help you plan for your student’s visit, and throughout their stay.

Have a chat to Amanda Orgill, Overseas Student Coordinator at Strathcona, or contact AHN for further information.

Amanda Orgill: aorgill@strathcona.vic.edu.au / Ph. 0457 874 932

AHN: melbourne@homestaynetwork.org / Ph. 03 9458 9000

You are warmly invited to our next Parent Seminar Series event on the topic of sleep, adolescence, and school, with guest speaker Professor Greg Murray.

He will discuss sleep and its role in emotional wellbeing, and the biology of how sleep changes in adolescence. The well-known tension between school start times and adolescent sleep preferences will be considered, followed by a consideration of strategies to help adolescents manage this challenge.  Professor Murray is an award-winning lecturer and the talk is sure to be highly interactive and engaging.  

Professor Greg Murray has an international reputation for clinical psychology research, being ranked in the top 1% of researchers worldwide in the fields of bipolar disorders, circadian rhythms, and personality. He has published more than 200 articles, chapters and books primarily on sleep, biological rhythms and mood disorders, and is a contributor to the American Psychiatric Associations’ DSM. Professor Murray is a practicing clinical psychologist and a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society. He is currently Director of Swinburne’s Centre for Mental Health, Patron of Bipolar Life Australia, Chair of Orygen Research Review Committee, and Oceania Representative for the International Society for Bipolar Disorders.  After a first career in music, he took out his PhD from University of Melbourne in 2001, and has been a full Professor at Swinburne since 2011. 

Wednesday 1 December 6.00pm.

Please join us for this virtual event to celebrate the girls and boys from ELC-Year 6 and their creative endeavours at the Annual Art Exhibition. Both collaborative and individual pieces on display exploring both two and three-dimensional forms and a wide variety of mediums for your viewing.