Term 3, Week 3, 2024 The Power of Story-Telling 2 Aug 2024

At last week’s Junior School Assembly, Strathcona’s Director of Sport, Tamsyn Manou (nee Lewis), shared some snippets of her Olympic stories. A celebrated middle-distance runner with an illustrious career spanning three Olympic Games—Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, and Beijing 2008—Tamsyn has not only competed at the highest level but has also transitioned into a successful commentator and media personality. We look forward to hearing from her as the focus moves from the pool to the track and field events this weekend.

Tamsyn’s journey is a testament to her resilience and versatility. Tamsyn's experiences on and off the track offer invaluable lessons in dedication, adaptability, and the power of pursuing one's passions. Tamsyn shared how she was Kathy Freeman’s roommate in Sydney at the 2000 Olympics and their conversations. She recalled how she competed alongside Freeman in the 400-metre relay, the immense pressure, and the electric atmosphere of the stadium filled with 110,000 cheering fans. Despite falling short by a mere three one-hundredths of a second in her individual event, the experience taught Tamsyn a valuable lesson about the importance of every small effort. This personal journey from competing to later becoming a commentator highlights that even if one does not achieve Olympic glory as an athlete, there are numerous ways to be involved in sports, from coaching to media and now inspiring the next generation of sportspeople at Strathcona Girls Grammar as our Director of Sport. As Tamsyn heads to Paris to cover the Olympics, she looks forward to sharing new stories and experiences with our School community, demonstrating the lasting impact of the Olympic spirit. She has promised Strathcona a ‘shout out’ on air – so stay tuned!

The Conversation: Reflections on School Memories and our School Hymn

It was a pleasure to meet with Val Johnston (Hutchinson Class of 1947) and Alison Lyall, daughter of past Principal Ken Lyall OAM, and chat about Val’s memories of her time at Strathcona and her life’s journey since leaving School. Val, who now lives in Tasmania, was awarded the Strathcona Medal in 2005 for her contribution to education and her humanitarian work. Val’s contribution to Strathcona is widely celebrated as she won Ms Featherston’s competition to compose the School Hymn in 1948. Val’s ‘Divine Instructor’ was the winner and is still sung at our assemblies and special gatherings.

Val has devoted most of her adult life to the field of education, with the majority of her work being in India. She was the key person in running and developing the Mt Herman Teacher Training College, whose students are now principals and senior staff in schools all around India. Her outstanding contribution placed her at the forefront of those working with young people in education in India. Val established an infirmary in an Indian orphanage due to close, improved hostel accommodation, and trained staff workers in three poor residential schools while teaching. She was also involved in the Barefoot teaching program in the slums of Calcutta. Val commented that the dedication of the Strathcona teachers was always her inspiration, pushing against the challenging tides of discouragement, financial difficulties and social unrest.

Val also highlighted the broader lessons learned during their time at school. The education received was not confined to academic knowledge but extended to moral and ethical values. The School's motto and the hymn's lyrics encapsulated principles Val has held dear throughout her life. She recounted learning what was termed the Arny Huts and how cold they were. She loved playing sports at School, learning about classical music at daily assemblies, and attending concerts with Ms Featherstone, Miss Montgomery’s leadership, and her Geography teacher, Ms Washington, to name a few. Of course, in reflecting on her School memories, she recalled many of her classmates and the adventurous years they spent together. Listening to Val, it is evident how deeply storytelling shapes our understanding and appreciation of the past and shapes the people we become.

During her visit, Val was treated to a special rendition of Divine Instructor by our seasoned performers, Eleanor Clayton (Year 12) and Eleanor Smith (Year 11), accompanied by Mr Dean Gourley, our Director of Performing Arts. Val was visibly moved by this rendition and was delighted to see her efforts all those years ago still make an impact. She then visited our Early Years Campus and connected with some of our youngest students at our Centenary Sculpture, ‘The Conversation’ by alumnae Hannah Northam. Val and the students exchanged stories about School, learning and life.

Open House Melbourne

Last Saturday at Tay Creggan, we welcomed close to 300 members of the public as a part of Open House Melbourne offering an immersive journey through the heritage building, gardens, and vibrant campus grounds.

Tay Creggan, built in 1893 by architect Robert Guyon Purchas, is Melbourne’s first independent Year 9 girls’ campus, purchased by Strathcona in 1969, and has been leading the way in girls’ education since 1970.

Our longest serving staff member and Past Head of Tay Creggan, Diana Little welcomed alumnae and past staff that visited with her usual warmth and knowledge. Meanwhile, our newest Head of Tay Creggan, Jen Buchanan, shared the campus's history and current curriculum with visiting families, bringing the past and present to life.

Our fantastic Year 9 students also ran a cafe offering Devonshire Tea to our guests, raising funds for For-A-Meal. Their participation highlighted the spirit of community and service that defines our School.

It was wonderful to have student and staff volunteers to assist with tours and I enjoyed being involved in the day and was excited by the many connections and stories that emerged, each one adding a unique thread to the rich history of Tay Creggan.

Our Global Stories

In the foyer of our reception area at Scott Street hangs a flag, a gift from Ewha Girls High school celebrating our centenary - and also, importantly, embracing our friendship as a sister school since the 1990’s. Every year (with the exception of the pandemic) Strathcona welcomes one or two girls from South Korea to spend one year with us in Year 10.

Like us, Ewha Girls High School is passionate about women’s rights and the importance of an all-girls education. In 1985 Mary Fitch Scranton from the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society, living in South Korea saw a need to help create a school for young women in a society dominated by conservative patriarchal values that prevented most women, from enjoying basic rights, including education. In 1986 Ewha Hakdang was founded which later came to form two educational institutions Ewha Girls’ High School and Ewha Womans University. Notable alumnae are South Koreas First Lady (1998–2003) Lee Ho-ho, Kang Kyung Wha Foreign Minister of South Korea and Esther Pak, South Korea’s first female doctor of Western medicine.

Ewha Girls High School shares Strathcon's values and believes in a holistic education. With a focus on wellbeing and care, there are 34 opportunities at Ewha for clubs and co-curricular activities, and students thrive in their learning and have a strong connection to their community.

Happening now is the selection process for 2025 candidates to attend Strathcona. Last week we were delighted to host and tour prospective student Hyoeun Kim and her mother with Claire Han helping us to translate. Not that much translation was required, the language of education is universal.

Our shared stories with BUV Community

Our School has a proud tradition of connection with the Baptist Union of Victoria (BUV), a bond that continues to enrich our community in countless ways. This enduring relationship reflects our shared values and commitment to serving our communities and helping them to flourish in manifold ways.

Recently, accompanied by the Reverend Janet Costello, I represented Strathcona Girls Grammar at the BUV Church Exposure Day led by Reverend Daniel Bullock. This event brought together BUV staff and associated staff members for a day-long bus trip, visiting several Baptist churches and facilities throughout the city. The day aimed to deepen our understanding of our shared mission, explore our combined stories, and uncover potential opportunities for future collaboration.

As we listened to the diverse stories and experiences, it became clear that our connections with the BUV are not just about maintaining a tradition but about actively seeking new and varied ways to collaborate and serve. The potential for future partnerships is vast, and we are eager to explore these opportunities together.

Sydney Reunion

Strathcona and the Old Strathconians' Association look forward to hosting an afternoon tea reunion at The Women's Club in Sydney to celebrate the School's Centenary on Saturday 10 August. If you know of any Alumnae located in Sydney please pass on the details of the event. Booking details can be found here.

Any Year 10 student who has the passion to make a difference in our school community or who desires to enhance their own leadership potential was encouraged to apply. Delivered by Burn Bright, the National Leadership Camp is a highly interactive, challenging and motivating program that brings together students from across Australia. The program focuses on developing personal character and a sense of value, identity and purpose whilst also enhancing leadership and character resiliency skills. Over four jam-packed days, the National Leadership Camp delves into themes focusing on: Values, Service, Grit and Vision to enable leadership growth and development in students.

Encouraging students to share their stories and experiences with our wider school community is important for fostering an inclusive and empathetic educational environment. When students have the opportunity to articulate their ideas and perspectives, they provide valuable insights that can inform teaching practices and school policies, ensuring that these are more responsive to the needs of our young people. It can foster a sense of belonging and helps to build a supportive school community, where different perspectives are understood. Sharing personal narratives enhances students' communication skills, boosts their confidence, and helps them connect their learning to real-world contexts. It also helps to nurture empathy among peers, as students gain insight into each other’s lives and challenges, fostering a more inclusive environment. By valuing students unique voices, we empower them to become more engaged, reflective, and resilient individuals and can work with them to create a supportive, enriching and memorable environment for all.

Saloni, Belle, Bella and Erin (Year 10) were the recipients of this year's scholarship and share their story of this incredible opportunity and how it has influenced them. The students are busy planning activities and reflections to share their experiences with their Year 10 cohort during Feliciter lessons this term.

Megan Boyd
Dean of Students


VALUES
Our very first day of National Leadership Camp started out with a bang! The Burn Bright staff greeted us with a lively welcome ceremony, dancing around as they introduced themselves. Instantly, we felt at ease, unaware that the days ahead would reveal new insights about ourselves that would change the way we live our lives. The camps theme, “Shuffle, Make Your Move” was introduced to us, promising a deep dive into leadership over the next four days. Each day would explore a different aspect of leadership and its impact on our daily actions. The focus of the first day was VALUES, which they defined as principles or standards of behaviour by which we judge what’s important in life. We were lucky enough to be visited by Guest Speaker, Nathan Strempel, who shared many stories from his exciting life, emphasising the importance of remembering that ‘what you do does not define who you are’. Nathan left us with the very powerful message of ‘this moment matters’, reminding us to live in the present and focus on what matters most to us. Following Nathan’s talk, in small groups we all engaged in a ‘values deep dive’ which involved identifying what our top 10 most important values were to us and how they shaped us personally and as leaders. To conclude the day, in small groups we all had the opportunity to share a challenging moment in our lives and a grateful moment. We discussed how we bounced back from the challenging time and how the grateful moment influenced us and our leadership. We delved into how moments such as these, influence leaders around the globe and it left us with the powerful knowledge that we are not alone in the world and that we have the power to make a difference.

SERVICE
On the second day of the camp, we had the theme ‘Service’. We were fortunate to hear a wonderful leadership talk from Maddie Boyd. Before the speech, each participant received a small card on their chair, featuring a quote related to the day's theme. My card had the quote, "The ones among you who will be really happy are those who have found how to serve." This quote underscored the importance of serving others as a path to personal fulfillment and happiness. From Maddie's inspiring personal story, we learned that a leader can be anyone, even an ordinary girl like us. The key message was that you don't need to be exceptionally talented or well-connected to become a leader. Instead, you can simply be yourself and strive to be a good leader. For the team challenge on that day, a mini-Olympics was held. Rather than the Olympics competition itself, I enjoyed the preparation process even more. During this phase, we were able to contribute our individual strengths to support our tribal group. For instance, even though I couldn't dance, I was able to use my design and painting skills to help create the tribe's banner. Overall, the second day of the NLC camp provided valuable lessons about leadership, the power of embracing one's strengths, and the joy of serving the community. These insights are sure to have a lasting impact on our personal growth and development.

GRIT
On our day 3 of National Leadership Camp, we were woken up at 6am, with no warning or any idea of what was to come. Everyone was told ‘you have 10 minutes to be up and ready to go’.

What we didn’t all know was that we would be up, running, planking, skipping, star-jumping in 8 degrees for the next hour. This was the ‘perfect’ introduction, into Day 3 focus of; GRIT. Grit is defined as ‘passion and perseverance in pursuit of long goals’ and throughout the day we were understanding that the most successful leaders in the world have a lot of grit. Our first guest speaker of the day was Ms Dai Le MP. Whose inspiring refugee camp stories and clear message of ‘stepping in, not out’ and to ‘swim against the tide’ whilst always in the pursuit for change, outlined what grit is, and a great leader consisted of. Our second Guest Speaker, Robyn Moore shared stories of changing people’s perspectives and ‘running towards the chaos’. Both women had clear messages that spoke to Day 3's focus ‘Grit’ extremely well. To finish off the day, we had our last ‘Words of Wisdom’ sessions. The Co-Mentors, spoke on life experiences that changed them in some way, and each gave us an object to reflect this. So now, we have an assortment of take-aways that allow us to reflect on not only the camp but the many messages they want us to consider as we grow as leaders. Before coming to NLC, I would question my choices and always worry about others' opinions as much as my own. After my NLC experience, I am not only a better, whole-thinking, person-orientated, and change-focused person, but also someone who trusts themselves and fully commits to having a go at something without second-guessing. I have grown to have a high expectation of people’s actions and attitudes. And understand that people can feel a sense of belonging in many different places when surrounded by like-minded people; National Leadership Camp.

VISION
Our time at NLC with the theme of Vision, the day began with another amazing Leadership Talk, this time by Wil Massara, the CEO of the Youth Leadership Academy Australia. By taking us through his story and the highs and lows of his journey to the place he is now, Wil enforced the value of being aware of your VISION, as well as the importance of saying it out loud to hold yourself accountable. As ‘leaders of today, not of tomorrow’ we formed our own visions within our tribes and shared them with other people who will make sure we don’t forget our vision as the weeks and months go on after we go back home.

We are incredibly grateful to the OSA and Strathcona for enabling us to experience this incredible opportunity. The camp has helped us develop our confidence, purpose and leadership skills and we have formed incredible friendships with young people from across Australia. Thank you for affording us these memories. We will continue to tell our stories and share our experiences.

Saloni, Belle, Bella and Erin

• Jasmine – I’ve only been here a few weeks, but I’m so happy I come here – it’s the best school ever!
• Penelope – I love my new classroom and cooking today was the best
• Iris – Making our scarecrows for our vegie garden and moving into the new building
• Ari – I have 3 things…The best day of school so far has been today, our 100th day - we have been doing such fun activities. I also loved planting my wheat grass and seeing it grow. Moving into the new building has also be great.
• Adiwa – Strathcona turning 100 years old has been great because we also got a new building to learn in.
• Daixi – Making my very own scarecrow, learning how to read and write and doing cooking today has been the best.

Learning Adventures Beyond the Classroom
Our students have been busy exploring the world around them!

• Year 6 embarked on an exciting adventure to Canberra.
• Prep and Year 1 had a blast learning about light and sound with Fizz Kids.
• Year 2 delved into recycling and reuse with Precious Plastic Melbourne.
• Year 3 blasted off to Scienceworks to explore the Planetarium.
• Year 4 had a thrilling time at Twisted Science.
• Year 5 enjoyed a cinematic experience at IMAX.

We also celebrated Bastille Day with a delicious crepe treat!

Upcoming Events

Aladdin
Our Year 5 and 6 students are bringing the classic tale of Aladdin to life next week! Don't miss this fantastic production. Tickets are selling fast, so book yours now.

Book Week
Get ready for Book Week! This year's theme is "Reading is Magic". Join us for our annual Book Week Parade on Monday, August 19th, this is a student only event, where students can dress as their favourite book character.

To mark this special occasion, the day was filled with a variety of engaging activities. The students took part in an exciting scavenger hunt, enjoyed a cooking session where they made fairy bread and honey joys, and explored their artistic talents through crafts. The festivities were rounded off with a lively lunchtime disco.

Congratulations to our Prep students on achieving this important milestone. We look forward to many more days of discovery and growth ahead

“The SOUL sisters visit allowed me to meet up with my Year 4 buddy and get to know them better. It was a very heartwarming day filled with bonding activities that me and my buddy really enjoyed. My highlight of the day was making friendship bracelets with my buddy because we were able to really get to know each other and chat a lot!” - Kyla Siu

“What I loved about the Junior School Soul Sisters visit was that I had fun connecting with my buddy and strengthening our bonds. I think it helps us learn important communication skills, which we can utilise in our everyday lives, including TC.” - Izzy Han

“Meeting up with our Year 4 soul sisters was an amazing experience. My personal favourite activities we did was the just dance friendship bracelet making, I can’t wait to meet my soul sister again!: - Philippa Shirrefs

“Going over to spend time at the Junior School really helped strengthen my bond with the Junior campus and get to have a look at what their school life is like, seeing I had a very different primary school experience. The highlight of my day was ending with a just dance and learning all about my buddy!”  - Issy Smith

The transformative power of storytelling also has the ability to shift perceptions and create new narratives. Below, Rowan T. shares her of story of the impact of programs that support our young girls in this traditionally male-dominated field.

During the Term 2 holidays, a Year 9 student participated in the Girl Power in Engineering and IT camp hosted by the University of Melbourne. The Girl Power program is a three-stage program beginning in Year 9 and continuing through to Year 12, designed to support girls passionate about STEM. It aims to provide an early introduction to the engineering and IT industry and everyday student life at the University of Melbourne.

The girls completed a four-day workshop focused on engineering and IT, which included a bridge-building competition, a drone programming class, a sustainability design presentation, and a basic mechatronics course where they learned to build and race electronic boats. They were also introduced to university life, various course options, and content by current students and alumni of the University of Melbourne.

As part of the program, the girls were introduced to special facilities like the Telstra Creator Space, funded by the University of Melbourne, as well as student societies and the Parkville campus. This not only showcased the abundant resources and opportunities at Melbourne University but also demonstrated the accessibility of campus facilities. The program also offered an excellent opportunity for the girls to bond and share experiences and ideas with like-minded peers.

On the final night, all participants took part in a panel discussion presented by alumni and successful women in engineering and IT. During this session, they were encouraged to ask questions about the industry and the panellists’ personal experiences. This informative and valuable session helped the girls understand their potential careers and solidify their decisions. While not all the participants immediately decided on their future paths, the support and benefits of the program significantly aided them in developing their skills and familiarising themselves with what studying and working in engineering, and IT could entail.

Whether you are unsure of your future career or have a clear idea of what you want to do, applying for the Girl Power in Engineering and IT program gives you a brief glimpse of the endless opportunities when you study at the University of Melbourne. This is your sign to apply for the program next year! – Rowan Tien

Have a beautiful week everyone! From all of us at Tay Creggan.

Jen Buchanan
Head of Tay Creggan

The week started with creating on Monday when the 2024 Strathcona Writing Competition was launched by Mrs Danielle Cooper, Head of English, to all senior students. This year, students are asked to write a poem or story inspired by the new sculpture, The Conversation, which is in front of the new Early Learning classrooms in Scott St. Please see below for full details of the competition. We look forward to reading all the entries.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, acclaimed author Leanne Hall visited Strathcona to talk to the students and run workshops. On Tuesday, she visited Tay Creggan, where she spoke to all Year 9 students and ran a Writing Workshop. On Wednesday and Friday, all Year 7 and 8 students participated in Writing Workshops with Leanne. We had shared with her images of ‘The Conversation’ and she developed her presentation to support students in creating characters, settings and plots for the competition. It was incredible to see how well she engaged the students with the process of developing their own ideas and exploring their imaginations to create original work. Some very exciting ideas emerged, inspired by the statue!

On Tuesday in the Knowledge Exchange, Mrs Gabbi Young and Ms Pip Elder, along with the KE staff, ran activities celebrating Shakespeare’s work and influence through English Literature. Students could guess the number of snakes (jelly) and frogs (chocolate) in the witches’ cauldron, make venetian style masks, develop Shakespearean curses and watch a filmed production of “The Taming of the Shrew”.

There were online quizzes every day, asking students to Crack the Emoji Book Code and Celebrity Book challenge, where people had to guess the book from a series of clues. As ever, the competition highlight of the week was the Kaleidoscope Book Trivia Quiz. This is traditionally the most raucous event that we run in the KE each year, with teacher and student teams pitted against one another for the glory of winning (and chocolate). Tori (Year 11) was a magnificent MC, Hannah (2024 Information Literature and Media Leader) kept score and Julia (Year 8) collected the answer sheets.  Several teams competed, including a valiant crew from the English Department. There was a scroll full of questions, some fierce competition and some excited conferring. In the end the team including Rachel Zhou, Charlotte Noonan, Heidi Tully, Isobel Brennan, Jade Dong and Janelle Cheok, won, earning the esteem of their peers and a lot of chocolates. Thank you to all who participated, making it such a great lunchtime for everyone.

Thank you to Mrs Danielle Cooper, Mrs Gabbi Young, Ms Pip Elder, all the English teachers, and Mrs Cindy Requin, and Ms Jess Miller in the library for helping put together such a great celebration of Literature.

Ms Penny Roberts
Director of Library and Research


Strathcona 2024 Writing Competition
TOPIC: The Conversation ( visit the new sculpture out the front of the new ELC building across the road for inspiration)
Poetry: 200 lines maximum
Prose: 800-1000 word limit
Categories: Yrs 7-9 and Yrs 10-12
Due Date: Submissions to English teachers by August 24th

Behind the scenes, the dedicated Production Club have explored technical and design roles, meeting weekly to bring their collective vision to life on stage.

This captivating tale of courage and adventure celebrates the power of storytelling through song, dance, and heartfelt performances. The talented cast brings to life inspiring characters who embark on daring adventures, overcoming obstacles that test their bravery and resolve, to take the audience on a journey from the bustling streets of Agrabah to the mystical Cave of Wonders.

'Aladdin Jr.’ will take place at 5.00pm and 7.00pm next Wednesday and Thursday evening in Featherstone Hall. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the extraordinary talent and hard work of our Middle School students as they bring this timeless story to life.

Ticket's are selling fast! You can purchase tickets here.

This activity is modelled after a core first-year civil engineering unit at Monash, involving the design, construction, and testing of bridges in a timed challenge, with materials provided.
Students worked in groups of three to five and were given 20 minutes to build a bridge that met at least two of the following criteria:

Students worked in groups of three to five and were given 20 minutes to build a bridge that met at least two of the following criteria:

The bridge is at least 30 cm long
The bridge is at least 30 cm tall
The bridge can balance a stapler

Here are some remarks from students about their experience with the Spaghetti Bridges activity.

“My team and I decided to create an A-frame bridge. We initially created a plan on paper but were forced think outside the box as the measurements were not exactly able to be translated to reality. Some members of our group also had to learn how to use a glue gun on the fly in order to work within our total time limit of 30 minutes!

Overall, it was terrific to see other students’ designs despite the short time frame and the amazing bridges that they were able to create. Thank you so much to the WEM team for coming out to speak to us!”
Olivia Ma, Year 11

“I really enjoyed the STEM incursion with Monash University. I had gained new insight on the clubs of Monash University from our leader who were all current students in Monash in the field of engineering. Our leaders had prepared us a fun activity of building a bridge with pasta, hot glue gun and rubber bands. Everyone seemed to have had a lot of fun working together with their friends building unique bridges. I loved this opportunity exploring the fun parts of STEM; it is an amazing experience! ”
Jenny Jin, Year 11

Strathcona Year 9 Parent Evening – Thursday 15 August 2024 at 7.00pm
The Year 9 class reps would like to invite Year 9 parents and special friends to an evening at The Kilburn Wine Bar in Hawthorn on Thursday 15 August 2024 from 7.00pm. $30.00 per person for canapes with drinks available for purchase from the bar.
To book please click here.
A wonderful opportunity to gather together. We hope you can join us!

Dad/Daughter/Dog Walk – Sunday 18 August 2024 at 8.15am for an 8.30am start
The Strathcona Family Association Dads’ Committee invite dads, daughters and dogs to join them on a Sunday morning walk on 18 August 2024.
Meeting from 8.15am at West Willison Tennis Club Car Park, Cullerton Road and departing at 8.30am for a leisurely 1-hour walk to Fordham Ave Milk Bar for coffees, cake and morning tea.
We are expecting to return to our starting point at approximately 10.30am
To book please click here and RSVP by Tuesday 13 August for catering purposes as we will need to reserve outside tables for our coffees.
All welcome - with or without the pooch!
For enquiries, please contact Mal Osborne Smith 0417 667766 or James Macdonald 0437 078 825

Strathcona Year 12 Mums' Morning Tea
The Year 12 class reps would like to invite Year 12 mums to a Morning Tea at Studley Grounds in Kew on Thursday 22 August 2024 at 9.30am.
There will be a set morning tea menu including finger sandwiches, scones, petit four desserts, tea and coffee. $22 per person for a lovely morning together.
Please RSVP by Friday 16 August 2024 and indicate any dietary requirements.
To book please click here.
We hope you can join us!

SFA Annual Father’s Day Breakfast – Monday 2 September 2024 at 7.15am
The Strathcona Family Association invite Strathcona dads, their daughters and sons and special friends to join them for a complimentary buffet breakfast on The Deck, Senior Campus to celebrate Father's Day.
This is a wonderful opportunity to gather as a community and celebrate this special day!
There will be a coffee cart, sausage sizzle and yummy breakfast served.
To book please click here for catering purposes. Please RSVP by Wednesday 28 August 2024. Please indicate any dietary requirements when booking.
We hope you will join us for our annual Father's Day breakfast.

All students presented a prepared speech, followed by two impromptu speeches, demonstrating their varied skills at argument development, brainstorming and speaking skills. Julia, Year 8, achieved third place and Amelia, also Year 8, came second. Both girls, along with Emily in Year 7 who placed third in the online DAV public speaking competition earlier in the year, will be presented with medals at a ceremony later in the year.

Philippa Elder

Our Year 9 and 11 Chinese students couldn’t wait to explore the various booths, enthusiastically gathering around, eager to learn about and experience different aspects of traditional Chinese culture. At the calligraphy booth, students carefully held brushes, practising Chinese characters and appreciating the unique beauty of the script. The Hanfu booth saw students trying on traditional Chinese clothing and taking pictures, feeling as if they had travelled back in time.

At the Chinese painting booth, students created vibrant artworks, showcasing their love for Chinese culture. The sachet-making booth also drew a lot of our girls, who meticulously crafted fragrant sachets, creating small pieces imbued with traditional charm. Additionally, several fun games added to the lively atmosphere of the event.

Distinguished guests then spoke, including the Chinese Consul General in Melbourne Mr Fang Xinwen, the Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan, the Mayor of Box Hill, Denise Massoud, and several Victorian state parliamentarians, delivering enthusiastic speeches, expressing their hopes for enhanced cultural exchange between China and Australia.

Artists from Shaanxi Province in China brought spectacular performances, including Tang Dynasty court dances and tea ceremonies, which were met with rounds of applause. Artists from Melbourne's Chinese communities also took to the stage, with the famous Dai Peacock Dance being a highlight.

After the speeches, students explored and created Qin Opera masks and traditional fans, learned seal carving, and experienced playing traditional Chinese instruments like the guzheng and erhu. Everyone was thoroughly engrossed and delighted by the cultural experiences. Ms Li also had conversations with Consul Fang from the Consulate-General of People’s Republic of China in Melbourne, and the Mayor of Whitehorse City Council, Denise Massoud.

Our students expressed that this "Chinese Culture Day" event had deepened their understanding and interest in Chinese culture, and they looked forward to more opportunities like this in the future.
This event has not only strengthened cultural exchange and understanding between China and Australia, but also ignited the students' enthusiasm for learning Chinese. The experiences of the day will undoubtedly become cherished memories, motivating them to continue their journey in learning Chinese.

Diana Li

About the awards:

Now in its fourth year, the program allows students to further pursue a project, initiative or training related to their area of interest with an award and a $1,500 grant.

Students can nominate in a range of categories, including technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability, sport and arts, with winners selected by a judging panel of education leaders. Finalists also receive a $250 grant.

You can meet some of last year’s winners below:

Stella Flynn, St Scholastica’s College NSW
Charlie Jackman, Catholic Regional College Sydenham VIC
Rheanca Lincoln, The Glennie School QLD

Nominations are open now and close Friday 30 August. Students can find out more and nominate at https://edstart.com.au/award

However, alongside the rehearsing there was plenty of time for fun. Friday night saw us all enjoying Katherine and Eleanor’s Music Captains’ Shenanigans, with Mrs Beegan’s portrait making multiple appearances in one of Katherine and Eleanor’s quiz challenges.

Saturday night was dress-up and singalong night, with a viewing of Disney’s Encanto. Our hall became an explosion of colour as we dressed Encanto-style and sang along to We Don’t Talk About Bruno and other Encanto favourites. The teachers dressed in Columbian coffee bags – Strathcona blend of course!

In between the community activities in the evenings were many hours of rehearsing, practice and coaching. On Saturday, we were visited by a number of our instrumental music teachers who taught and tutored, as well as helping run some different kinds of musical activities. Mr Baker had everyone drumming up a storm in his session, while others chilled out with some Jazz-style improv with Mr Wallis and Mr Baker. Mr Sheehan hosted some hilarious theatre sports.

We finished the weekend with a works-in-progress concert for parents, sharing a sneak-peek at the music to be performed in full at the Centenary Concert.

Many grateful thanks go to the staff, students and parents for supporting our musicians and their work this weekend. A special thanks to our truly exemplary Music Captains, Eleanor and Katherine, for their time and preparation in hosting some wonderful evening events this year, and their genuine care and support of their peers. We look forward to seeing our school community join us at our Centenary Concert on Wednesday 4 September at the Melbourne Recital Centre, an event not to be missed. Ticket booking information available soon.

Anna Miller
Director of Junior School Music

This project focuses on qualitative research in combinatorics and number theories, specifically examining the patterns and structures in bunches of flowers from the red gum tree. Working alongside our team members and Mr. Soo, the project not only delves into mathematical concepts but also incorporates the use of Python programming, and deductive research methods.

Combinatorics is a branch of mathematics that studies the counting, arrangement, and combination of objects. In this project, we explore the patterns found in the bunches of flowers of the red gum tree. This research involves identifying and analysing the various ways in which the flowers can be arranged and the mathematical relationships that emerge from these patterns. The qualitative nature of this research allows for a deep understanding of the combinatorial properties found in these natural structures.

Having the opportunity to work with other students and Mr. Soo has been an invaluable aspect of this research journey. Mr. Soo's approach to research is both rigorous and inspiring, and Tay Creggan has been an encouraging school, which inspires us thorough exploration of the mathematical principles at play while fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

Python programming has been an essential tool in this research project. Python's flexibility and powerful libraries, have enabled the efficient management of complex data

Through this project, understanding the principles of APA 7 citation and formatting has been important in ensuring that the research is presented in a professional manner. The research methodology employed in this project is primarily deductive. This approach has allowed us to systematically investigate the combinatorial properties of the red gum flowers, placing our findings in established mathematical theories.

This project would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of several key individuals. We extend heartfelt gratitude to Ms Buchanan and Strathcona Girls Grammar for providing the opportunity to participate in this research project. The school's commitment to fostering academic excellence and providing students with enriching learning experiences has been instrumental in our journey.

Participating in the Melbourne University Maths Research Project has been a transformative experience. The exploration of combinatorics through the investigation of red gum flowers has revealed the beauty of mathematics in nature. This project is a reflection of our curiosity, collaboration, and the pursuit of knowledge. Thank you to all who have supported and contributed to this opportunity.

Kary Wong, Holly He and Bessie Xie
Year 9

The excitement was palpable as students took part in the Tournament at lunch in Featherstone Hall. Here, they trained as squires, learning the fine art of medieval combat with blunted training weapons. Under the watchful eyes of seasoned knights, the students engaged in sparring sessions that were as educational as they were thrilling. This immersive experience offered a firsthand look at the physical prowess and strategic mindsets that underpinned medieval knighthood and the broader feudal system.

Complementing the active tournament were engaging activities. The Weapons and Armour session traced a thousand years of military evolution, revealing how advances in weaponry and protection influenced the course of history. Students were able to examine weapons and armour and role-play during this enriched exploration, making the past feel strikingly present. In the Crime and Punishment session, students delved into the darker side of medieval life, examining the harsh justice systems through interactive role-plays with stocks, whips, and other grim instruments of the era.

The day also featured the Role of Dance, an energetic exploration of how dance served as a social tool among peasants and nobility alike. Students enthusiastically learned simple medieval dances, understanding how these movements were woven into the fabric of daily life and social advancement. Meanwhile, the Status of Women session provided a thought-provoking examination of women's roles, highlighting the surprisingly high status they enjoyed under Germanic law compared to the restrictive norms introduced with Roman law.

Adding to the day's authenticity, students arrived dressed as knights, queens, princesses, royalty, and even plague doctors, many showcasing handmade costumes that demonstrated remarkable creativity and dedication. The event was a resounding success, offering a vivid, hands-on history lesson that will resonate with our students for years to come.

Lyall Nelligan
Year 8 Humanities Teacher

On 8th of August , 54 students from Years 7-10 are participating in the Australian Mathematics competition.We are also pleased to report that several of our Year 9 students have been very actively involved with the Melbourne University Math project and have researched and compiled reports as their work for submission. The reports reflect a high level of commitment andresearch. The topics are:

- Number Theorems to Address Growth Patterns in Red Gum Flowers
(Team members: Kary Wong, Holly He, and Bessie Xie)

- Applying the Flip and Shift Algorithm to Solve Puzzles
(Team member: Julia Zhu)

- Investigating Pascal’s Triangle Conjectures to Repair a Leaking Tap
(Team members: Emily Xu, Kelly Peng, and Nikki Shi)

About 50 students also participated in the Melbourne University Mathematics Competition in Term 2; we are awaiting their results, and in October, we have several students participating in the Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad competition.

Drawing from her rich experience as a journalist and author, Cathy meticulously worked with the school to craft 'A Century of Memories, A Future of Promise,' a captivating coffee-table book that showcases Strathcona's evolution.

From its modest beginnings in a Victorian villa in Scott Street, Canterbury, to its contemporary cutting-edge facilities across three eastern suburbs campuses, the book's abundant photographs and moving narratives capture the essence of Strathcona's story, celebrating a century of educational excellence, unstoppable women and memories.

The book along with other unique Centenary merchandise is available to purchase from our website here.

Strathcona has a proud history of families helping to host students as far back as 1992. Beautiful ongoing friendships have been formed across our global network of Korea, China, France and Japan

Strathcona is urgently looking for Host families in 2024 (Term 3) and 2025 to warmly welcome students from overseas who complete their final years of study with us.

Renumeration is provided by AHN our Homestay provider who assists us with onboarding Homestay hosts.

For any enquiries or additional information please contact Marion Cape, Director of Advancement mcape@strathcona.vic.edu.au

• Dates to Diarise in Term 3
• VTAC Year 12 Guides for 2025
• What is VET in the VCE?
• What is Visual Merchandising?
• News from Monash University
 - Monash Information Evening Webinar
 - New Bachelor of Learning Design and Technology                           
• News from RMIT University
 - New EAL Study Score Requirements for 2025
 - Early Offer Program
 - Studying Professional Communication at RMIT

• Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Federation University (Berwick Campus)
• New Pathway Offerings from Deakin College to Deakin University
• Banking and Finance Degrees in Victoria in 2024
• Psychology Degrees in Victoria in 2024

Please click here for the full edition of Career News.

Xin Chen
Head of Careers and Pathways

On Opening Night - Tuesday 10 September 2024 from 5.30pm - 8.00pm across both Featherstone Hall & Junior School Community Space.

Opened by Lucy Hersey - 2024 Artist in ResidenceRefreshments will be servedAlternative viewing times 11 - 12 September 9.00am - 3.45pm

Please register for this event by Tuesday 3 September via the booking link.

Eleonora holds a doctorate in clinical child, adolescent and family psychology. She has over 20 years of combined university training and clinical experience, across the public and private sectors, and in delivering postgraduate university education. Eleonora has expertise in cognitive assessment work in diagnosing learning disorders, and diagnosing ADHD. Eleonora has owned a practice based in Surrey Hills since 2014.

Bookings are essential for this parent seminar.

Details:

Monday 9 September 2024 7.00 PM - 8.30 PM

Featherstone Hall, Strathcona Girls Grammar

To book, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/p...