Term 2, Week 1, 2023 27 Apr 2023

Despite what seemed like a disaster, the ANZACs persevered. They landed their boats in gunfire, their fellow soldiers falling beside them as they continued to push up the hill towards their goal. Around 2000 soldiers died in the landing itself, and the mission was considered a failure. Even after 8 months of desperate fighting, little land was gained, the campaign was declared a stalemate and the Allied soldiers were evacuated. Despite the failure of Gallipoli and the loss of military objectives, the ANZACS were viewed as heroes. Although the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, the courage, resilience, and mateship displayed by the ANZACs left an enduring legacy that continues to shape the identity of Australia and New Zealand. In total over 8000 Australian soldiers and 2500 New Zealander soldiers lost their lives.

We often commemorate the ANZACs through a service at dawn, which reflects the time of the actual landing in Gallipoli. It is also implied that the dawn service represents the military routine followed by the Australian army, since half-light was favourable for launching attacks. The dawn service provides a time of reflection in peace and calm, as excerpts from diaries and letter are read out and wreaths are laid on behalf of Australia and New Zealand.The poppy is an embodiment of remembrance, and us all wearing them reflects the symbolic significance of these flowers. They were among some of the first plants to grow back in the otherwise devastated battlefields, and symbolised hope for a positive future and a peaceful world. The abundance of poppies on the battlefields inspired John McCrae, a Canadian doctor serving on the frontlines of WWI, to write ‘In Flanders Fields’- an extremely well-known example of war poetry. Today, we wear poppies to keep the memory of our soldiers alive, and as a reminder of the peace and safety for which they fought. 

Rosemary is a symbol of fidelity and is worn by many as a sign of remembrance to those who served and those who died. Sewn into our school blazers, fidelity represents our faith to the school and similarly, our faith to the ANZAC spirit. The herb rosemary is often pinned to a coat lapel near the heart. It now grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula, where the original ANZACS fought in World War 1.On ANZAC day, we must not only remember the service men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, but it is also a time to reflect on the impacts of war on individuals, families, and communities, and to reaffirm our commitment to a future of peace and freedom. 

World War I is a direct reflection of conflict currently occurring in various other areas of the world. We must take the time to remember those who faced hardships and danger in the war and express gratitude for the lives we are now able to live. In the face of ongoing conflicts- including Ukraine, Sudan and numerous others, we must also remember the horrific consequences of violence, and find ways- no matter how small- to support those affected in our own communities and beyond.Finally, we’d like you to take a moment today to reflect on the loss and courage demonstrated by our ANZACS on the battlefields over 100 years ago. 

Lest we Forget 

By Elissa Pomeroy and Amelia Chuah, Year 10

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Anzac Day Assembly Reflection

Yesterday's assembly marked one of the most important days of the year and a time of national commemoration. It allowed us to pay our respects to the Australian’s who fought in these battles and those who continue to risk their lives for our country. We are reminded of how lucky we are to live a life of freedom and peace, but that this was not always the case. It was the strength, courage and resilience of the honorary ANZAC soldiers that has defined the proud way Australians continue to live. 

The 25th of April marks the anniversary of the Gallipoli landing during World War I, but recognises the efforts of the Australian and New Zealand forces in all civil disputes. Strathcona was fortunate enough to have Phillip Thomas, president of the Toorak RSL club, speak on his experience in the Royal Australian air force (RAAF) and his more recent endeavours since retiring. He served in the RAAF as a pilot for 10 years after finishing high school and upon ceasing flying planes commercially, resonated with supporting the military veteran community. Phillip offered an enlightening perspective to students, as he highlighted the importance of acting with humility whilst in battle. He noted that although the ANZACS faced intolerable hardship at Gallipoli, the enemy also endured chaos and turmoil, so empathy is a vital aspect of serving one’s country. He briefly recounted the vivid Anzac cove landing and how his decisions have been shaped by his grandfather and father, who served in the first and second world war respectively. Phillip looked to the future optimistically, as he believed the horror and agony caused by such monumental events will prevent further loss. His inspiring story of bravery and sacrifice in addition to his work in aiding returning soldiers, prompts us to reflect on the ways we too can assist others.

Perhaps most notably, Phillip touched on how closely aligned Strathcona’s values are with how the armed forces conduct themselves during conflict. Soldiers act bravely against any fear and jeopardise their own safety for the benefit of others. They are faithful to their country by prioritising the needs of all Australians. Finally, they face ruin and disorder happily and without complaint, working together to adhere to their duties. Following the conclusion of Phillip’s speech, the significance of the poppy was reiterated, as these beautiful flowers provided a sign of hope and life during a time of such darkness. Their bright red colour, which is symbolic of the pain endured by soldiers, serves as a reminder that periods of grief will cease eventually and in turn, be prevailed by lightness.  A beautiful native wreath was also displayed in the courtyard to commemorating those who have fallen and express Strathcona’s gratitude towards the current servicemen and women.

Audrey MacDonald, Year 12

We were extremely fortunate to have Jordyn Evans, founder of Mingle seasonings talk yesterday in Envision. Jordyn is an inspirational woman, she started her own company at the age of 24, seeking to find spices that were natural and made food taste terrific. Her entrepreneurial drive was on full display as she encouraged Year 9s to embrace their uniqueness and told stories of how she managed to get large supermarket chains to stock her products in over 1000 stores across Australia and New Zealand. I thought that I would share a couple of Jordyn's messages with you:

• Nobody can take hard work away from you
• Let go of perfection - the "good stuff" happens when you learn from mistakes
• commit to the journey, not the destination
• make time for your family - don't take them for granted!

Last term, Saloni, and some of our Tay Creggan leaders spent time making our "Reach Out" banner. This symbolic banner, based on the Year 12 Leaders theme, is an encouragement to all Year 9s to build community and to reach out to people around them. Our Chaplain, Janet Costello has shared the story of the Good Samaritan which contains similar values, and our ANZAC Day Assembly yesterday also reiterated the message. Our Camp in Week 5 will be an opportunity to live the values as we hope to see plenty of examples of mateship, care for others and teamwork. Tomorrow is the Camp2Campus preparation day.

Best wishes,

Karyn

Each of the girls participated in a variety of events ranging from the 3x1.1km Short Course Relay Race, the 3.3km Short Course Singles Race, and the Long Course Singles and Doubles with Strathcona Students racing between 4km and 17km depending of their age and class.  Strathcona had students from Years 5 through to Year 11, racing every age group from U12s through to U18s.  Girls were fortunate to be given insights into Racing Long Distance Events by 2019 Australian Team Representative and Strathcona Alumni (’07) Naomi Johnson who was kind enough to share her Strathcona Paddling Experiences and beyond with the team.

Each student put her best effort into each event they raced, with the two Strathcona Relay Teams coming 1st and 2nd in that event.  The Winning team comprised of Maddy Martin, Olivia Ma, Ruby Laughlin and Charlotte Noonan; not to be outdone the Year 8’s gave 100% to their race and challenged the older girls for the National title and came 2nd place.  This team included Yuxin Yang, Abigail Wilson, Rayna Weng & Matilda Noonan.  Maddy and Olivia became Oceania and Australian Champions in the U18 9km General Class Doubles.  

Strathcona’s youngest paddler (racing for Ivanhoe Northcote Canoe Club), Serena Lee raced in the U12 Womens Singles to come 3rd place in Australia and Oceania, Serena also raced in the Under 14s in her doubles.  

The Under 16s, Elizabeth Lee and Ananya Rana Parmar, raced in the International Canoe Federation Class, in very unstable and Fast boats.  In the 13km Singles they competed against each-other coming 4th & 5th place respectively before teaming up to come 4th place in the 13km Doubles.  

Mia Horskins nominated to challenge herself to the U18 singles, which was 17km with 2x 200m portages to be run.  Mia did incredibly well to achieve 6th place in this very challenging event.  Mia made the journey across the Nullarbor to Perth to compete in the 2023 Australian Canoe Sprint Championships where she came 5th in her U16 Womens K4 event and the 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia Nationals where she most notably came 11th in the Womens Under 15 2km Ocean Swim.  Congratulations to each of the girls on their efforts racing against the best athletes in the country.

Competitive Canoeing and Kayaking has many different disciplines/flavours to it, the most well recognised being the Olympic Disciplines of Canoe Slalom, being a test of Agility and Skill on White Water; Canoe Sprint, being a test of Speed and Power usually raced over 200m, 500m and 1000m and the Paralympic Discipline of Paracanoe which allows people with disabilities to compete in Canoe Sprint, primarily of the 200m distance.  One of the Non-Olympic Disciplines is Canoe Marathon where participants usually race over distances between 3km and 30km, to get around obstacles this racing is often broken up by a Portage, where participants will jump out of their boat and run whilst carrying it before quickly jumping back into it.
 
At Strathcona we provide opportunities for participation and competition in both Canoe Sprint and Canoe Marathon. If you would like to have a go, please get in touch with our Kayaking Coordinator Alex Boyd, via aboyd@strathcona.vic.edu.au

Click here for the 27 April edition.

Joanna Buckley, Head of Careers and Partnerships

Further information, can be found at the eSafety website https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents. 

They also have a series of free parent seminars for Term 2 that you may like to consider registering for. For more details, please visit https://www.esafety.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-04/Term-2-parent-and-carer-webinars-flyer.pdf 

Best wishes for Term 2,

Kerri Rhodes & Sharon Turner

School Psychologists

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Parents attend with toddlers
• Located in the Junior School Digispace Centre
• Tuition is $20.00 per session (pay in full for the term $120.00)

Spaces are limited so book in quick! 

TERM 2 DETAILS:

• Time: 9.00am to 10.30am
• Dates: Wednesday 10 May 2023  - Wednesday 14 June 2023

BOOKINGS:

• To book, please visit: https://www.trybooking.com/CHT...
• Bookings are essential as spaces are limited

LET'S PLAY!

Our visiting speaker, Gigi Yuen will share her journey from a conventional engineering career to sustainability advocate. With experience in oil and gas, project management, and aviation fuels, she will share her unique story of how her passion for sustainability led her to unexpected opportunities in Victoria's infrastructure projects. She will talk about her challenges, successes, and discuss the importance of leadership and coaching in developing rewarding career journeys. 

Gigi is a qualified mechanical engineer with a passion for sustainability and leadership, with extensive expertise in project management and construction site operations.

GUEST SPEAKER: 

Gigi Yuen, Principal Sustainability Consultant at KBR

DETAILS:

Time: 6pm

Date: Tuesday 16 May 2023

BOOKINGS:

https://www.trybooking.com/CHR...

LOCATION:

Ground Floor, Senior Centre

This seminar will explore the powerful ways parents can, quite literally, influence the strengthening of the brain in ways that will build self-control, emotional regulation, and resilience in their children for life. We will look at the importance of relationship in nurturing self-control, and how parents can strengthen their connection and influence with their children and teens during childhood, adolescence, and beyond.

About the Guest Speaker:

Karen Young has worked as a psychologist in private practice, and organisational and educational settings. She is a sought-after speaker, educator, and consultant, and works with parents, schools, government bodies, and child and adolescent focused organisations both in Australia and overseas. Karen is the founder of ‘Hey Sigmund’, an internationally popular online resource that provides contemporary, research-driven information on anxiety, parenting, and the neurodevelopment of young people. She has written three books, including the bestselling ‘Hey Warrior’, 'Hey Awesome’, ‘Dear You Love From Your Brain', which creatively assist young people to understand anxiety, feelings, behaviour, and the workings of the brain.

Details:

Time - 7.00pm to 8.30pm

Date - Monday 29 May 2023

Location: 

Featherstone Hall, Strathcona Girls Grammar

Bookings: 

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

Bookings are essential