Message from the Principal

Unstoppable Creativity

‘Stretch your mind beyond fantastic. Dreams are made of strong elastic!’

This enthusiastic line from Mary Poppins the Broadway Musical captures the boundless potential of the human imagination, reminding us that our aspirations are only as limited as our creativity allows.

At Strathcona, we embrace this philosophy wholeheartedly, encouraging our students to expand their horizons and explore the limitless possibilities of their minds. We aim to instil in our students that dreams are not just fleeting thoughts but resilient constructs built to stretch and grow as we do. To flex and evolve. Our recent production of the Broadway Musical Mary Poppins was a marvel of collaboration and creativity that went beyond the stage—it permeated our entire community. The school musical is often dubbed the ultimate team sport, and rightly so. It offers a space and time where every participant wins by merely being involved, from the actors on stage to the orchestra in ‘the pit’ to the dancers and backstage crews that bring everything to life to the parents and Friends of Performing Arts for the themed candy bar – what a delight!

As a student, I was enchanted by the prospect of treading the boards, immersing myself in diverse characters and narratives. Above all, I cherished the opportunity to delve into the performing arts, which broadened my horizons and enriched my understanding of various perspectives. When the formidable Ms. Claire Johns, the director of Mary Poppins extended an invitation for me to perform a cameo, I initially hesitated, yet internally, I was thrilled. The distinctive aroma of grease paint, the flood of fond memories, and the palpable electricity of live performance sparked a profound excitement within me, rekindling my passion for the stage, and I said yes. Special thanks to Year 12 Student Alex Marsland, the show’s Artistic Director, who shared the role of Katie Nanna with me. In the interests of our Centenary Archives and to appease the numerous requests for proof of what transpired on Saturday night, I share some photographs here. What I loved more than anything was the fun and energy of the entire cast and how they welcomed and coached me. Special thanks to Scarlett Jolly, the inimitable Mrs Brill, who took great pleasure in thrusting me forward to make my cues.

As Mary Poppins herself says, 'In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.' Our musical was not just a job but a celebration of our community's unstoppable creativity. It was a heartening spectacle of shared endeavour and collective triumph, reminding us of the magic that happens when we allow creativity to lead the way. ‘With every job when it's complete, there is a sense of bitter-sweet, that moment when you know the task is done.’ What had been so vividly brought to life on stage has now faded into silence, leaving only echoes in Featherstone Hall. While the physical presence of this year’s Senior Musical has ended, its spirit remains forever in the memories and hearts of all who participated and witnessed it. I miss hearing the rehearsals beside my office but know that what we create in joy resonates long after the task is done. Congratulations to all involved – there is only one word left to say: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

This edition of The Magnolia features much about the tour de force that was Mary Poppins the Broadway Musical, and I urge you to read on.

‘You can’t stop the music!’

Hot off the success of Mary Poppins, our Music Captains, Eleanor Clayton and Katherine Ma, paid a visit to my office to explore further Music opportunities at Strathcona and invite me to the Term 2 Music Concert Series that I eagerly await. If the Junor School Musical Soiree reports are anything to go by, we are all in for a marvellous treat. For details, click here.

‘When the hurlyburly's done’

On Wednesday, I was invited to attend some Year 10 Macbeth dramatisations as part of their English course. The act of stepping into another's shoes — be they a tormented king or a scheming queen — offers unparalleled insights into human nature, empathy, and the complexities of moral dilemmas. Drama remains an exhilarating art form precisely because it allows such creative liberties; it encourages performers and audiences alike to explore complex ideas and emotions through a fresh lens. As these young performers delved deep into their characters and collaborated in our Theatrette, they showcased how drama fosters creative and critical thinking, empathy, and teamwork. Their dynamic interpretation affirmed the vital role of the arts in education, highlighting how creative expression can illuminate and transform even the darkest corners of human experience. Thank you to Ms Elder and her English class for sharing their dramatic interpretations and reminding me why I love being an English teacher. Bravo!

Motherhood – a masterclass in creativity

On Monday morning this week, the Strathcona Family Association hosted their annual Mother's Day Breakfast on The Deck at the Senior Campus, celebrating the cherished mothers, grandmothers, and significant women and carers in our community. The event was a heartfelt tribute to these incredible women who bring joy, support dreams, and offer unconditional love daily.
In addition to the breakfast, a delightful Mother's Day Lunch was also organised at Mister Bianco, providing another joyous opportunity for our community to come together and express gratitude. These gatherings underscore the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the mothers, mother figures, and remarkable women in our lives, not just on Mother’s Day but continually. Here are some happy snaps of both events.

Mustard Musings

This week, I was also invited to visit our Mustard group in our School Chapel for a Q&A about my spiritual journey and how I live out Christian values in my everyday life. It was a delight to share lunchtime with these students and learn more about our Mustard program at School. Thank you for the invitation and the hospitality.

Year 8 Camping Tales to Tell

The recent Year 8 Camp Jungai saw our students venture into the great outdoors and nature’s classroom. Our students were challenged to navigate new environments, tackle physical tasks, and collaborate with peers in ways the School cannot replicate. As they overcame obstacles and embraced the unpredictability of camp life, they built confidence. They crafted a shared narrative of "war stories" or ‘tall tales’— those memorable experiences of trials, triumphs, and the unexpected. These stories, rich with personal growth and camaraderie, will be the ones they reminisce about and laugh over for years to come. Indeed, the bonds formed, challenges overcome, and lessons learned at this camp will continue to resonate at each reunion. A special thanks to all the staff who made this camp possible.

Reunions

When the Classes of 2004, 2009, 2014 and 2019 met at Tay Creggan for their reunions, the memories were filled with laughter and nostalgia. There was much talk about - the school camps, the high jinks, and the teachers. Apparently, the smell of TC has remained the same all these years! They reminisced on their musicals – Pippin, High School Musical and The Little Mermaid. The class of 2004 were a little outraged that they did not have a musical in their year and were surprised to learn that Year 12 has class on Wednesdays. It seems that twenty years ago, Strathcona students had flexible learning on a Wednesday. They were keen to know about the various house championship winners, how students are progressing, and how they could give back to their school in diverse ways. It was such a joy to hear the stories of the Old Strathconians and the pride they still feel for their school.

Nurturing Creativity

At Strathcona, we are deeply committed to engaging students with the visual and creative arts, providing them with a platform to express themselves and explore their artistic boundaries. Our rich heritage in art education is a testament to this commitment, continually fostering an atmosphere where artistic endeavours are encouraged and celebrated. Our students are exceptionally privileged to be part of an institution that values and supports comprehensive art education in its many forms—from painting and sculpture to digital media and performance arts. Such opportunities equip them not only with creative skills but also with the critical thinking, collaborative and problem-solving abilities that are crucial for success in any field. As we move forward, our mission remains to ensure that every student can engage with the arts, enriching their lives and empowering them to build a more vibrant, expressive, and innovative future.

As Mary Poppins says:
Anything can happen if you let it If you reach for the stars, all you get are the stars but we've found a whole new spin;
If you reach for the heavens
you get the stars thrown in ……

Lorna Beegan
Principal

Message from the Dean of Operations

Message from Dean of Operations

The past few weeks have been full of exciting camps and the daily provision of sport, music, co-curricular activities with classes ramping up towards Year 10 and 11 exams pending.

Since the previous edition of the Magnolia, we also hosted in the Senior Campus gymnasium our annual ANZAC Day service assembly where alumnae Hannah Jude-Smith AM from the Class of ’98 recounted times of her service and empowered our Strathcona Girls with life experiences of a female perspective and what the ANZAC spirit means to her.

Please see below the important dates for the coming weeks:

Looking towards Term 3 our Co-Curricular offerings for Term 2 are continuing strong! We encourage you to get involved in one or many of the clubs running at the times listed below.

Further information can be obtained through our Maple Co-Curricluar page by clicking here.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Cameron (ncameron@strathcona.vic.edu.au).

David Wyatt
Dean of Operations

Message from the Dean of Teaching and Learning

Unstoppable Creativity- Teaching and Learning

In our dynamic world, creativity is not just a skill; it is a mindset, a way of life. It is the key that unlocks innovation, problem-solving, and self-expression. At Strathcona, we believe in nurturing this innate creativity within every student, empowering them to become architects of change and pioneers of tomorrow.

Recent educational research underscores the pivotal role of creativity in preparing students for success in the 21st century. According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), fostering creativity in education is essential for equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. This reaffirms our commitment to integrating creative thinking into every aspect of the learning process.

Our classrooms from ELC to Year 12 are vibrant laboratories of creativity, where ideas flourish. Whether it's through art, english, science, or technology, our students are encouraged to explore, experiment, and push the boundaries of their imagination. Examples of Unstoppable Creativity include our Junior school Inquiry, Art and Spark classes, in our SOUL program and through Envision at Tay Creggan. Teachers also continue to trial creativity thinking in their lessons throughout the school and offer diverse ways students can communicate their voice through creative means. Our students are encouraged to explore their passions and interests, delving deep into topics that inspire and engage them. The recent Year 7 artist-in-residence program provided a unique opportunity for students to collaborate with a professional artist, honing their skills and developing their artistic voice.

We also continue to expand unstoppable creativity through a range of new co-curricular clubs, including robotics, photography, and STEM, providing students with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that foster creativity and innovation.

In our pursuit of unstoppable creativity the iconic words of Maya Angelou resonate, who once said, "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." These words remind us that creativity is an infinite resource, waiting to be tapped into. As our students and teachers continue to grow their creative mindsets, let us all celebrate the beauty of curiosity and thinking freely in the pursuit of knowledge and further innovation.

Kara Baxter 
Dean of Teaching and Learning

Academic Tutoring Program

Our Academic Tutoring Program, designed to provide students with extra support for their studies is running weekly in the Knowledge Exchange. 

The program offers the expertise of high achieving students from the Strathcona Class of 2023, to assist with homework and study needs.

Open to students from Year 7 to Year 12, the tutoring sessions take place in the Knowledge Exchange every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3.20-5pm. Additionally, EAL (English as an Additional Language) assistance is available every Tuesday. 

This initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for students to dedicate time after school to stay on top of their homework, develop effective study habits, and receive personalised assistance when it is required. Whether it's clarifying concepts, revising for exams, or honing essay-writing skills, our tutoring program aims to support students in achieving their academic goals.

If you have any questions about this program, please don’t hesitate to contact me. We look forward to continuing to see our students making the most of this opportunity.

Kara Baxter
Dean of Teaching and Learning

Message from the Dean of Students

Importance of teaching consent’

Consent education is an incredibly important component of the curriculum and is taught across the school in Health Education and as a part of our Wholebeing Strategy in Feliciter at the Senior Years.

The curriculum has been developed and aligns with, the Victorian Curriculum (Health and Physical Education and Personal and Social) standards and the lessons have been informed by current research in adolescent health and wellbeing. Content is developed using a variety of resources and programs, is specifically designed to suit the context of our school and the needs of the students, and delivered sensitively by the Health and Physical Education staff in conjunction with enrichment opportunities.

Our recent consent education workshop, held last week at Tay Creggan, in partnership with Camberwell Grammar was a great success. Facilitated by Elephant Ed, this workshop was specifically designed for our Year 9 students and proved to be an invaluable experience. During the workshop, students from both schools worked in small, mixed-gender groups, empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to make conscious, healthy, and respectful choices about relationships. Delivering this content in a co-educational environment provided a unique opportunity for students to share their thoughts, ideas, and misconceptions. This setting enabled them to develop accurate and age-appropriate understandings, attitudes, and skills that are essential for fostering respectful and fulfilling relationships.

Recently, we have seen statistics in the media that reveal a concerning reality that gender based violence is a significant issue affecting too many people in our communities, particularly women. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 41% of Australians have experienced violence since the age of 15, and 1 in 4 women experience violence by an intimate partner.

These concerning numbers underpin the need for comprehensive education on consent and respectful relationships, particularly in all-girls schools where empowering young women with this knowledge is critical. When students are informed about what constitutes consent and are encouraged to speak up, they are better equipped to protect themselves and others from potentially harmful situations.

Understanding consent is foundational to building healthy relationships based on mutual respect and clear communication. By integrating consent education throughout their schooling, students learn to recognise and practice respectful interactions, reducing the likelihood of engaging in or accepting harmful behaviors. This understanding is key to forming positive and healthy friendships.

Consent education is not just about relationships; it encompasses a broad range of interactions, including digital communication, peer relationships, ethical decision making, and everyday social situations. Teaching consent from an early age empowers students to understand their own boundaries and to respect those of others. It helps them develop the confidence to advocate for themselves in various situations. This is crucial for girls as they navigate social, academic, and personal challenges. We are proud of our students' engagement and the positive impact this workshop and other enrichment opportunities has on their learning and development.

    Megan Boyd
    Dean of Students

    Message from the Head of Junior School

    Message from the Head of Junior School

    Our Performing Arts and Music Department in the Junior School continues to strive for excellence, producing wonderful young musicians who inspire us with their creativity, skills, and most importantly, their confidence to perform for a variety of audiences.

    The Solo Music Soiree on Monday was a delightful showcase of talent and passion for music with 20 Junior School students performing. The young musicians impressed the audience with sounds of the violin to the lively and fun piano solos, saxophones and even a solo voice performance - every piece was played with remarkable skill and enthusiasm. The afternoon was a wonderful example of the dedication and hard work of both students and teachers, making it a truly memorable celebration of music. Please see below the performance schedule for Term 2. I look forward to seeing you at these events.

    Lisa Miller
    Head of Junior School

    Message from the Director of Productions

    Message from the Director or Productions

    Months of dedication culminated in a spectacular closing night performance of ‘Mary Poppins’ as the cast, crew, and orchestra stood on stage together for their final bows. Before exiting the stage, the Year 12 students were invited to the front by Sienna Quantock (Mrs Banks) who acknowledged their invaluable contribution to the Performing Arts, celebrating their leadership and dedication throughout their time at our school. As Sienna described their impact, her words resonated with the cast, orchestra and production crew who stood behind them.

    'Mary Poppins' was truly a collaborative effort that demonstrated the collective creativity and commitment of Strathcona's students from beginning to end. Throughout each stage of the production process, they worked imaginatively and tirelessly, their energy and enthusiasm did not waver. From the auditions held last November to the closing night in May, their love for theatre resulted in a performance that was both joyful and inspiring. We would like to express our gratitude for the staff who supported the show, especially choreographer Anna Young and technical director Chris Johnson.

    Following the Senior School musical, our VCE Drama students presented devised theatre ensemble performances to their families and friends last night. The prompt ‘‘It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity ” (Albert Einstein) required the students to explore the role of artificial intelligence in contemporary society as well as imagine the ways in which it may shape our future. Students drew parallels between the Mac apple logo and the fruit in the Garden of Eden, created montages exploring the ways in which technology has impacted the family unit since the 1950’s and utilised stylised movement and caricature to satarise the complex relationship between technology, media consumption, and critical thinking. These outstanding pieces showcased the strength of their performance and expressive skills, whilst sparking conversations about the complex balance between technology and humanity.

    Next week, we are looking forward to seeing the work of Year 10 students Olivia Collett, Zoe Fallscheer, Paige Gutheridge, Emma Orgill, Saidie Schlicht and Becky Tong who will be performing in the combined Scotch College and Strathcona production of ‘Dracula’ by Tim Kelly. The talented cast have been rehearsing since the beginning of the year and we are eagerly anticipating the opening of the play next Thursday. Tickets are still available and the Strathcona community can purchase these here

    Claire Johns, Director of Productions and Olivia Wilson, Head of Drama

    Message from the Head of Tay Creggan

    Message from the Head of Tay Creggan

    As we step into another vibrant week of school, it's heartening to witness the myriad ways creativity continues to flourish at Tay Creggan.

    As a former Creative Arts teacher myself, I believe the heart of any school lies in its commitment to nurturing the imaginative spirit of our students, empowering them to explore, innovate, and express themselves freely.

    This week at Tay Creggan, students have been exploring their creativity in preparation for our upcoming Camp to Campus. From designing camp banners to crafting chants and catchy camp songs, our Year 9 students have been hard at work behind the scenes to make this year's 10th-anniversary Camp to Campus one to remember!

    Students have utilised their creative thinking skills to develop ingenious fundraising initiatives. During pastoral this Tuesday, we held our inaugural "dunking" of staff members to raise funds for our charity ForAMEAL. Mr Soo, Mr Egan, Mr Scott and Ms Buchanan bravely volunteered to be ‘dunked’ by students on Gilbert House to help raise funds for our charity! Check out the photos… as they say, a ‘picture is worth a thousand words’.

    As we eagerly anticipate the adventures awaiting us on Camp to Campus, we extend our warmest wishes to all students and staff attending. May these upcoming five days be filled with unforgettable moments, new friendships, and boundless exploration. And to our dear parents, we offer a gentle reminder to enjoy the tranquillity of an empty nest—a well-deserved respite amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

    In closing, let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering a culture of creativity, where every idea is valued, and every voice is heard. Together, let us continue to nurture the imaginative spirit that makes Tay Creggan such a beautiful place to spend our days and a place that supports our students in Taking Charge of creating a future brimming with endless possibilities.

    Wishing you all a week filled with creativity, camaraderie, and countless moments of inspiration.

    Jen Buchanan 
    Head of Tay Creggan

    Message from the Head of Art and Design

    Unstoppable Creativity

    As we navigate through another vibrant year at our school, this week’s theme of "Unstoppable Creativity" has never been more palpable. From the inspiring sessions with renowned artists to the preparations for our Centenary Exhibition, our students are proving that creativity knows no bounds.

    Lucy Hersey: Creating Art with Earth Pigments

    In an exhilarating start to Term 2, our Year 7 students embarked on an exciting journey into natural artistry with Lucy Hersey. This incursion took place in the CPAC Building and offered more than a typical lecture; it was a deep dive into the essence of creative expression. Lucy introduced her unique method of using earth pigments to create her beautiful artworks, an environmentally friendly approach that connects the artist with the soil beneath their feet.

    The workshop didn’t stop at just learning; it was hands-on from the start. Our students embraced the age-old technique of ‘plein air’ painting, a method popularised by the French Impressionists, which emphasises painting in the outdoor environment. Equipped with small canvases, our Year 7 artists spread across various scenic locations around the Senior School, capturing the essence of our campus through their fresh, impressionistic views.

    Following their outdoor adventures, the students returned to the studio to engage in another traditional art form—creating their own earth paints from ground-up pigments. These individually crafted paints were then used on small canvases, which are set to be combined into a large, collaborative masterpiece showcasing the collective talent and creativity of the Year 7 cohort.

    House Activities

    Our Houses here at Strathcona have always been a source of spirit and pride, but earlier this term, they became a beacon of artistic expression as well. Under the guidance of our Visual Arts Captains, Liza Griffin and Isabelle Chequer, each House member used a mixture of methods and media to design a mascot. This project not only strengthened House spirit but also encouraged collaboration among students from various year levels, merging a range of ideas and artistic styles into unique and often amusing characters.

    Gearing Up for the Centenary Exhibition

    As we look forward, the anticipation builds for the end-of-year Centenary Exhibition set to open on Tuesday 10th
    September. This extensive showcase will celebrate the artistic achievements of students from all levels of our school, ranging from the Junior School's explorations of ceramics, painting and drawing to the Senior School's refined investigations of various media and themes across Art, Design and Digital Technology. The exhibition is set to highlight the remarkable growth of our students' creativity, peaking in this centennial year.

    This week’s theme: "Unstoppable Creativity," exemplifies our students' drive to transcend traditional artistic boundaries and establish themselves as emerging artists. Looking ahead, it is evident that our school's dedication to cultivating a space where creativity thrives is steadfast, and the outcomes are consistently inspiring.

    Paul Rogers
    Head of Art

    Senior School News

    Year 12 Study Night

    Last Thursday, the Year 12 cohort had their first of two study nights for the term. After a SAC-heavy couple of weeks, it was a great opportunity for us to spend some time studying in a different environment with our peers. We were treated to an afternoon tea of donuts, snacks and milo before we all locked in and grinded out solid study sessions.

    Some of us used this opportunity to engage in more collaborative learning, choosing to do some group study with classmates and try out new study techniques. Others utilised this time to schedule meetings and receive additional help from class teachers or Strathcona tutors (who are ex-Strathy students) through the tutoring program which was running in the knowledge exchange for a variety of subjects. After a productive couple of hours, we indulged in some pizza for dinner. We are looking forward to more opportunities in the future to enhance our out-of-class learning. A massive thank you to all the staff who made this night possible and all the teachers who stayed behind to assist with our learning!

    Year 12 House Captains

    Sonya Karras incursion - Feliciter

    During our Feliciter session last week, Sonya Karras an International speaker visited our school to address the Year 10 students about safe partying practices. 

    During her presentation Sonya provided insight on responsibly managing intoxicated people and demonstrated the proper technique for placing someone in the recovery position if they become unconscious. Her slideshow kept us all engaged, featuring whimsical examples of various stunts on unconventional ‘vehicles of transport’ causing us all to laugh and appreciate her great sense of humour. Sonya also shared a personal anecdote highlighting the devastating impact of alcohol-related incidents, such as drunk driving, revealing the key reasons behind all the incredible work she does to help keep young people safe. It was evident that she cares deeply about supporting young people to thrive. Despite the seriousness of the topics, Sonya welcomed all our questions, and left us not only thinking about the consequences of reckless behaviour, but also equipped with an array of strategies to navigate tricky situations in a safe, mature and responsible way. She reminded us that adolescence is a challenging stage of the lifespan to be in and encouraged us all to reach out to the adults around us if we ever need help – and to take advantage of all the great support we have available to us here at school to help us get through tough times.

    Emma Nettleton
    Year 10 Findlay Leader

    Year 8 Camp Jungai

    On the 6th of May, the Year 8’s went to Camp Jungai, located in Rubicon, Victoria. Over the five days, the cohort was split in two.

    The first half would stay in cabins for two nights, then hike to the Cathedral Ranges base camp, where they slept in tents, while the second half slept in tents then the cabins. At the Ranges camp, we got to do campout activities such as hiking, scrambling (mountain climbing) and cooking our own meals on a campout stove. Some groups got to hike up the North and South Jawbone Peaks and see the beautiful views after hiking and even climbing up the side of South Peak. We got to take some amazing photos of the hills and fields far below us. After that, we tried out the Ridge Walk, a track that ran through the Farmyard, Cathedral and the Little Cathedral Peaks, which included climbing rocks and walking over steep edges that were at the very top of the mountain.

    At the cabins, we got to do low ropes, high ropes, a nature bushwalk, canoeing, catapults, biking, and a cultural session with Auntie, an Indigenous elder. The cultural session with Auntie was definitely a highlight, as it taught us to embrace Indigenous culture and recognise ‘how it is living and breathing, and all around us.’ During the session, we created beautiful artwork using Indigenous symbols to tell the stories of different characters in the Dreaming. High ropes was also another highlight for the Year 8 cohort, as Nate, the High Ropes instructor, was funny and patient, and was willing to help anyone who had concerns about completing the courses.

    Although the temperature became freezing overnight, and the 10km hike was challenging, the Year 8 camp was definitely an enjoyable experience that challenged everyone to come out of their comfort zone.

    Grace Kim and Sophie Ng
    Year 8 Students

    In the Media

    Excellence Awardees for the Australian Education Awards 2024 - Best School Strategic Plan

    Strathcona Girls Grammar has been named as an Excellence Awardee for the Australian Education Awards 2024 for Best School Strategic Plan.

    The Australian Education Awards, now in their seventh year, recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the country’s top performing schools, principals, department heads and teachers.

    You can see the full list of awardees here

    Leading girls’ school celebrates a century of unstoppable women

    Speaking with The Educator, Strathcona Girls Grammar Principal, Lorna Beegan discusses Strathcona's centenary year and plans to inspire the next generation of women.

    You can read the full article here

    Sport News

    GSV Rep Swimming Results

    On the 6th May we had two of our swimmers represent us as part of the GSV rep team that competed in the Victorian Schools Association Competition.

    Isabella Osborn (Year 11) Won the Girls 16 – 50m Butterfly – an incredible result. Isabella also won another Gold as part of the Girls 16 – 4 x 50m Medley Relay.

    Gabby King (Year 10) was a member of both the Open and the Girls - 16 4 x 50m Freestyle Relays, winning two gold medals also.

    A great effort by our two Swimmers.

    Chaplain's Chatter

    Faith Matters

    We enjoyed having our Principal Lorna Beegan come to our Christian Group called Mustard on Tuesday at lunchtime. We had Lorna sit in the “Hot Seat” and answer a few questions about her life and faith. We found out that her favourite foods were savoury potato based foods like Chips, very appropriate from her Irish background.

    St Francis of Assisi said “Preach the gospel always. When necessary, use words.” At Strathcona we strive to support others around us who don’t have as much as we have. At Tay Creggan, students heard about homelessness in the City of Boroondara and what we can do to support people in these difficult circumstances.

    In our own community we so appreciate our “Strathy Angels”. This group of wonderful parents cook meals for families within our Strathy community who are facing difficult health and grief and loss situations. We are always looking for more volunteers to cook these meals for us to distribute. There is a very short information video and “online quiz” on food safety which the school can email to parents to complete which is the only requirement to be part of this group. Our parent Co-ordinator Tam Pilkington Ward does a fantastic job and coordinating the app where parents can sign up on “Make them a Meal”. We welcome families who may want to do this each term or every now and again.

    Did you know that our school also hosts an “Op shop” bin near the staff carpark? Donations of used goods of reasonable quality all go towards community projects through our Junior School Chaplain Bron Arnott and her church New Community.

    Our Christian Parents Prayer Group will be meeting in Lyall Chapel at Main School on Tuesday 21 May at 8.45 after school drop-off. The Chaplains will meet parents in the Main Reception area of the school.

    As we meet families in our community we are struck by the care and kindness so many families offer to the school.

    Chaplains Bron Arnott (Junior School) and Janet Costello (Senior School) are also available to offer support to families within our community.

    Rev Janet Costello and Bron Arnott
    School Chaplains

    Volunteers needed for the Strathy Angels

    The Strathy Angels are a group of home cooks who make meals for Strathcona families that are going through tough times.

    If you enjoy cooking and are looking for a way to provide care and comfort for members of our school community, we would love to hear from you.

    Please contact Tam Pilkington tamara.pilkington@ipi-inst.com.au
    to find out more about the Strathy Angels.

    Centenary

    Shop our Centenary Merchandise and Book!

    Shop our special Centenary Merchandise and Book A Century of Memories, A Future of Promise which can be purchased here.

    Strathy Staff Spotlight

    Eliza Nolan

    Your role/what you teach at Strathcona and why it interests you?

    Year 2 classroom teacher, Wholebeing Programs Leader (ELC-Year 6) and I oversee the Wholebeing project from ELC-Year 12. I also work with a fabulous group of staff to support and encourage staff wellbeing whilst working at Strathcona. I adore the mixture of roles that I have at Strathcona as every day is a new set of learning for both myself and the students and I enjoy being able to work with students of all ages. I find that each different role is exciting, ever changing and inspiring.

    Your favourite thing about Strathcona?
    The community. I feel very privileged to work with the most incredible people in all areas of the school. This includes the staff, students, parents and everyone who I get to collaborate and connect with throughout the day.

    What you are most looking forward to in 2024?

    The ongoing success of the students and staff and to continue to support and celebrate others. I'm a big believer in celebrating the wins of others, no matter how big or small the wins may seem!

    What inspired you to become a teacher?

    Prior to studying teaching, I obtained a psychology degree. My psychology studies sparked a keen interest into a natural curiosity of the social-emotional needs of students. I then decided to study my Masters of teaching to assist students with their learning, development and overall wellbeing to achieve their personal best in all aspects of their schooling and beyond.

    An interesting fact about you or hobby?

    I have a very cheeky cavoodle named Wally who loves going to the beach. I am also a mad Melbourne supporter - go the Dees!

    News from Careers

    Career News

    Items in this Career News include -

    •   Dates to Diarise in Term 1
    • Law Week 2024
    • Victoria Police School Leavers Careers Expo
    • High School Medical Experience in Cambodia
    • Reminder: University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
    • News from Monash University
      - Monash Science Precinct Tours 2024
      - Discover Monash Medicine Recording
      - Upcoming Discover Monash Events
    • News from La Trobe University
      - Open Access Majors and Minors
      - Early Entry Program – 2025 Entry
    • New Public Health and Epidemiology Major in Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne
    • ACU Talk with Industry Webinars
    • UNSW Co-op Program 2025
    • Career in Health Information Management
    • Architecture, Construction & Surveying Degrees in Victoria in 2024
    • Business Degrees in Victoria in 2024
    • Commerce Degrees in Victoria in 2024
    • Snapshot of The Australian National University (ANU) in 2024
    • Courses offered by AIM – Melbourne Campus in 2024

    Please click here for the full edition of Career News.

    Xin Chen
    Head of Careers and Pathways

    Events

    Parent Seminar Series: Parenting Revolution

    What does it mean to be a good parent? Are you a good parent when your child is compliant, but a bad parent when they're not? What if they're perfect at age three and challenging at thirteen? And what if your child has additional needs?

    Join Dr Justin for a practical presentation that draws on content from his new book, The Parenting Revolution, and incorporates up-to-the-minute research in parenting science and studies of childhood development. Dr Justin Coulson will show you:

    - how our children thrive when we understand and meet their basic psychological needs;
    - how our job is not to fix our kids, but to create an environment that supports their growth and development; and
    - how children flourish when we minimise control, but maximise our warmth and involvement, and establish healthy boundaries.

    Not all children are the same, and Justin considers a range of circumstances that you or your child might be in - including children with non-typical development.

    Register your attendance to this session here

    Kerri Rhodes
    Senior School Psychologist

    Year 12 Parent Evening

    Please join us for a special Year 12 parent evening. We would love to see as many there as possible. It will be a great opportunity to catch up with other parents.

    Date: Thursday 6 June 2024
    Venue: East End Wine Bar, 225 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East
    Time: 7.30pm onwards
    Cost: $25.50 per person (including booking fee)

    Tickets include ½ a pizza and a glass of wine. Further drinks and food then available from the bar.

    Please see attached the invitation and to book please click here.

    We look forward to seeing you there.

    Year 12 Parent Reps.

    Date: Thursday 6 June 2024
    Venue: East End Wine Bar, 225 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East
    Time: 7.30pm onwards
    Cost: $25.50 per person (including booking fee)

    Tickets include ½ a pizza and a glass of wine. Further drinks and food then available from the bar.

    Please see attached the invitation and to book please click here.

    We look forward to seeing you there.

    Year 12 Parent Reps.

    Strathcona Year 8 Parent Dinner

    Please join us for a special Year 8 parent dinner. We would love to see as many there as possible, and it will be a great opportunity to meet more parents across the cohort as well as catch up with some familiar faces.

    Date: Saturday 15 June, 7pm
    Venue: Nini's Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, 302 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn
    Cost: $65.50 per person (including booking fee)

    Tickets include stand-up canapes, seated sharing platters for mains and a sweet treat for dessert. The bar will be open to buy your own drinks.

    Please find invitation attached and to book please click here.

    Dress with a touch of sparkle!

    We look forward to seeing you there.

    Bianca, Sue & Jane - Year 8 Parent Reps

    Term 2 Music Concert Series

    The Strathcona music department invites you to the Term 2 Music Concert Series.

    SFA Dad/Special Friends/Daughters and Sons Dinner

    Following the huge success of the 2023 Dad/Daughter dinner, the Strathcona Fathers' subcommittee invite Strathcona dads, special friends and their daughters and sons to dinner on Sunday 16 June 2024 at Sofia restaurant in Camberwell.

    The dinner will kick off at 5.30pm, sitting down to a meal at 6pm.
    There will be shared platters of pasta and pizza and dessert to follow. Dietary requirements catered for.
    $65 per double (for additional family members $30).
    Dads are most welcome to attend alone even if your daughter is not able to join us. Dads only $30 so please register, wander along and enjoy a wine and a few laughs with other dads on the night.
    Our aim is for ALL to be most welcome.
    To book please click here and don’t forget to book early to avoid disappointment as there is limited seating.