Parent Bulletin 11
28 August 2025
Senior Art Exhibition 2025 – Unfolding
The Visual Arts Faculty warmly invites all parents, guardians, friends, and staff to the 27th Senior Art Exhibition, proudly showcasing the creative talents of our senior students.
This year’s theme, Unfolding, celebrates the evolving journey of our young artists as they explore their identity, creativity, and voice through art.
Exhibition Dates: Wednesday 10 – Sunday 14 SeptemberLocation: Neon Parlour, Thornbury
Featuring works from more than 30 students across Years 10, 11 and 12, the exhibition highlights a diverse range of media and personal expression.
Celebration EveningFriday 12 September6:00 – 8:00pmJoin us for a night of art, music, and community celebration.
We hope to see you there and thank you for supporting SSC’s vibrant creative community!
Students interested in getting involved are encouraged to join the Google Classroom (dzlr6d7y) or speak with a member of the Visual Arts team.
The Visual Arts Faculty
This year’s theme, Unfolding, celebrates the evolving journey of our young artists as they explore their identity, creativity, and voice through art.
Exhibition Dates: Wednesday 10 – Sunday 14 SeptemberLocation: Neon Parlour, Thornbury
Featuring works from more than 30 students across Years 10, 11 and 12, the exhibition highlights a diverse range of media and personal expression.
Celebration EveningFriday 12 September6:00 – 8:00pmJoin us for a night of art, music, and community celebration.
We hope to see you there and thank you for supporting SSC’s vibrant creative community!
Students interested in getting involved are encouraged to join the Google Classroom (dzlr6d7y) or speak with a member of the Visual Arts team.
The Visual Arts Faculty
Exploring Australian English with Professor Kate Burridge
On Monday 25th of August, the VCE English Language cohort was fortunate to be visited by Professor Kate Burridge from Monash University, who delivered an inspiring lecture on the wild and wonderful diversity of the English Language. Drawing on her expertise in Germanic languages and linguistics, Professor Burridge explored the history of English, the influences that shaped Australian English into the quirky variety we use every day, and the social factors that drive creativity in everyday communication.
Her engaging presentation not only equipped students with valuable insights into how language reflects identity and culture, but also encouraged us to think critically about our own use of language and its role in modern Australian society. This knowledge directly supports our upcoming assessments and exams within the VCE English Language curriculum and has prepared us for richer discussion.
We would like to thank Professor Kate Burridge for generously sharing her knowledge and passion with our students at Strathmore. A special thank you also goes to Mr Phan and Ms Tropea for organising this presentation and for their continuous commitment to our learning.
Written by Portia Bronte & Michaela JuristaVCE English Language Students
Her engaging presentation not only equipped students with valuable insights into how language reflects identity and culture, but also encouraged us to think critically about our own use of language and its role in modern Australian society. This knowledge directly supports our upcoming assessments and exams within the VCE English Language curriculum and has prepared us for richer discussion.
We would like to thank Professor Kate Burridge for generously sharing her knowledge and passion with our students at Strathmore. A special thank you also goes to Mr Phan and Ms Tropea for organising this presentation and for their continuous commitment to our learning.
Written by Portia Bronte & Michaela JuristaVCE English Language Students
Music Camp
After the start of a packed musical term 3, 100+ of Strathmore's very own talented musicians set off for music camp 2025.
Who knew you could pack so many students into one room.
Our days were filled with as many forms of music a person could consume in just 3 days in between rehearsals and performances. Our nights were packed with dancing, singing and whip cracking as well our amazing year 11 students who thoughtfully planned and ran a very entertaining entertainment night filled with lots of fun and games. Our school value of perseverance was shown when alumni Ash and Hector rekindled the high school bromance putting full trust into each other to complete the limbo making it all the way to the 2nd last round. We ended our camp showcasing all the incredible hard work our students have put in over the past few days in a small concert. Many memories, embarrassing and fun as well as lifelong friendships were made.
We would like to thank Adam and his family who own Rutherford Park for the welcoming hospitality and assistance in making our camp run smoothly. To our loving teachers, who ran rehearsals and supported all our students. Specifically to Stew and Ms Lowe, for all the time and energy they put into planning and executing this camp. To our senior students who were always up to helping the younger students, and younger students who were willing to learn and pushing themselves to play their best.
And overall we hope everyone had lots of fun and we hope to see you all at next year's music camp and later this term at jazz night and chamber concert!
Mara Tewierik & Mackenzie Felmingham
Who knew you could pack so many students into one room.
Our days were filled with as many forms of music a person could consume in just 3 days in between rehearsals and performances. Our nights were packed with dancing, singing and whip cracking as well our amazing year 11 students who thoughtfully planned and ran a very entertaining entertainment night filled with lots of fun and games. Our school value of perseverance was shown when alumni Ash and Hector rekindled the high school bromance putting full trust into each other to complete the limbo making it all the way to the 2nd last round. We ended our camp showcasing all the incredible hard work our students have put in over the past few days in a small concert. Many memories, embarrassing and fun as well as lifelong friendships were made.
We would like to thank Adam and his family who own Rutherford Park for the welcoming hospitality and assistance in making our camp run smoothly. To our loving teachers, who ran rehearsals and supported all our students. Specifically to Stew and Ms Lowe, for all the time and energy they put into planning and executing this camp. To our senior students who were always up to helping the younger students, and younger students who were willing to learn and pushing themselves to play their best.
And overall we hope everyone had lots of fun and we hope to see you all at next year's music camp and later this term at jazz night and chamber concert!
Mara Tewierik & Mackenzie Felmingham
SELC Melbourne City Excursion
On 19th Aug, my teachers Ms Chaudhary, Mr Warrick and classmates and I went to the city for a wonderful trip. When everyone was ready to go, the amazing day began.We arrived at the Flinders street station which has a rich historical heritage. Then Mr.Warrick told us to take out the map which was given to us the day before. We followed the map and we left for the first stop—Federation Square. There were many students from different schools. The goal of the trip was to learn about Melbourne culture and to strengthen our English skills.
Among all the places we visited, there are three places I loved best: ACDC Lane, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the State Library, especially the library, it has historical charm and has stood here for over a hundred years. Its inside is so fancy that there are countless tourists attracted to the place. I saw many people taking photos. What a beautiful place!
After the trip, I learnt lots of things like a new art form—street art, European building style and so on. In conclusion, this excursion has been of great benefit to me. I am looking forward to the next trip as well!
By Kaeetsu
Our City Experience
Our class undertook a one-day excursion to Melbourne Central Business District (CBD) which is the largest city in Victoria with the aim to explore the cultural highlights and featured places. The trip focused on visiting the famous street art laneways and the prominent landmarks that are symbols of Melbourne, giving us an opportunity to have a best experience of the artistic and historical character of the city.
On the trip, there were many interesting activities that left an impression on us. Firstly, we had an opportunity to explore the street art laneways such as Hosier Lane the most famous and other streets include AC/DC, Duckboard Pl. etc. These artistic streets brought interesting experiences with unique and different styles, each image having its own meaning and emotion.
Secondly, we spent time visiting landmarks such as the State Library, Flinders Station, St. Paul's Cathedral... which helped provide us with historical and cultural knowledge. These places were very beautiful because they were built with a lot of heart and soul, so they had a lot of historical value.
In my view, I think this trip was very meaningful and interesting because it brought many emotional values and knowledge for me which can expand my understanding about Melbourne city. Thanks to our teachers, Ms Chaudhary and Mr Warrick for organizing the trip so I could get a chance to learn about Melbourne art culture.
Among all the places we visited, there are three places I loved best: ACDC Lane, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the State Library, especially the library, it has historical charm and has stood here for over a hundred years. Its inside is so fancy that there are countless tourists attracted to the place. I saw many people taking photos. What a beautiful place!
After the trip, I learnt lots of things like a new art form—street art, European building style and so on. In conclusion, this excursion has been of great benefit to me. I am looking forward to the next trip as well!
By Kaeetsu
Our City Experience
Our class undertook a one-day excursion to Melbourne Central Business District (CBD) which is the largest city in Victoria with the aim to explore the cultural highlights and featured places. The trip focused on visiting the famous street art laneways and the prominent landmarks that are symbols of Melbourne, giving us an opportunity to have a best experience of the artistic and historical character of the city.
On the trip, there were many interesting activities that left an impression on us. Firstly, we had an opportunity to explore the street art laneways such as Hosier Lane the most famous and other streets include AC/DC, Duckboard Pl. etc. These artistic streets brought interesting experiences with unique and different styles, each image having its own meaning and emotion.
Secondly, we spent time visiting landmarks such as the State Library, Flinders Station, St. Paul's Cathedral... which helped provide us with historical and cultural knowledge. These places were very beautiful because they were built with a lot of heart and soul, so they had a lot of historical value.
In my view, I think this trip was very meaningful and interesting because it brought many emotional values and knowledge for me which can expand my understanding about Melbourne city. Thanks to our teachers, Ms Chaudhary and Mr Warrick for organizing the trip so I could get a chance to learn about Melbourne art culture.
Japanese Language Speech Contest
Congratulations Elysa on winning the 1st prize at the Japanese Language Speech Contest Victoria 2025.
We are thrilled to celebrate Elysa’s outstanding achievement at the 2025 Japanese Language Speech Contest, held on Sunday, 24th August.
Elysa Diaz (Year 11) dedicated herself to weeks of preparation, showing remarkable perseverance and commitment as she crafted and refined her speech, all in Japanese (of course!). Her hard work paid off as she delivered her speech confidently and clearly to a live audience, impressing both the judges and attendees with her fluency, composure, and passion for the language.Her performance earned her 1st prize, a well-deserved recognition of her dedication, effort, and excellence.
Congratulations Elysa on your incredible effort and outstanding achievement. We are so proud of you!
We are thrilled to celebrate Elysa’s outstanding achievement at the 2025 Japanese Language Speech Contest, held on Sunday, 24th August.
Elysa Diaz (Year 11) dedicated herself to weeks of preparation, showing remarkable perseverance and commitment as she crafted and refined her speech, all in Japanese (of course!). Her hard work paid off as she delivered her speech confidently and clearly to a live audience, impressing both the judges and attendees with her fluency, composure, and passion for the language.Her performance earned her 1st prize, a well-deserved recognition of her dedication, effort, and excellence.
Congratulations Elysa on your incredible effort and outstanding achievement. We are so proud of you!
Year 10 and 11 Geography
Year 10 and 11 Geography students were lucky to have Strathmore alumni Leon Hill (graduated 2020) run a presentation for them regarding where geography can take them in their future careers.
Students heard about potential opportunities and pathways into geospatial science, surveying, local government, even real estate in New York!
Our thanks to Leon for visiting and talking to students.
Students heard about potential opportunities and pathways into geospatial science, surveying, local government, even real estate in New York!
Our thanks to Leon for visiting and talking to students.
Student Attendance
Dear Parents and Guardians,
If your child has unexplained absences, please ensure you explain these by adding an Attendance note. You can select multiple absences at once and add a note to explain the absence, which makes the process quick and easy.
Please contact the Junior School Attendance Officer if you require assistance.
https://strathmore-vic.compass.education/
https://ict.strathmore.vic.edu.au/compass-absence-help.html
LouiseJunior School Attendance Officer
If your child has unexplained absences, please ensure you explain these by adding an Attendance note. You can select multiple absences at once and add a note to explain the absence, which makes the process quick and easy.
Please contact the Junior School Attendance Officer if you require assistance.
https://strathmore-vic.compass.education/
https://ict.strathmore.vic.edu.au/compass-absence-help.html
LouiseJunior School Attendance Officer
Akaigawa Junior High School Visit
Celebrating 20 Years of Friendship
During Week 3, we had the pleasure of welcoming students and staff from Akaigawa Junior High School in Hokkaido, Japan, marking their 20th visit to Strathmore Secondary College, a wonderful milestone in our long-standing sister school relationship.
The group arrived on Wednesday 6th August and stayed until Monday 11th August, participating in a range of activities that strengthened our cultural connection. The visiting students were given a warm welcome and a guided school tour led by our Year 11 Japanese class, and also had the chance to join in with Year 10 and Year 8 classes for a truly immersive experience.Our Year 7 Japanese classes also had an exciting opportunity to participate in the Yosakoi dance workshop run by the Akaigawa students. This energetic and joyful traditional Japanese folk dance brought students together in a fun and meaningful cultural exchange.
A heartfelt thank you to all the host families, students, and staff who made this visit possible. Your generosity, support, and enthusiasm played a vital role in the success of this special event. We are proud to continue this enriching partnership and look forward to many more visits in the years to come!
Strathmore Secondary College is looking forward to visiting Akaigawa in the June/July 2026 Holidays!
The Japanese Team
The school's exchange program was really fun and it brought me so many beautiful memories and experiences. It also helped me improve my Japanese and get to know more about Japanese culture.Elliot N
Hosting Iroha-san was one of the best experieces, as she didn't only help me improve my japanese skills but also became one of my closest friends. Everyday after school we would do various activites, such as origami, practicing kanji and making pizza, she made my daily routine a lot more enjoyable. I will never forget the time we stayed up late watching her favourite anime and danced to music while making pizza. My house felt a little empty the day she left, i was not prepared for how much i would miss her. however, my heart and phone gallary are filled with moments that i will carry with me forever.Nihira K
Deciding to host a student was one of the best and most fun experiences of my life. Meeting Yume the first day was nerve wracking. I was scared to think about whether or not she would like her room or my home, even me! However, the second I started to talk to her all of those thoughts just washed away. Yume was super energetic from the start, super polite and seemed excited to do the home-stay. She loved her room and the little gift basket of Australian snacks we gave her, she absolutely loved my dog (which was a relief because my dog is big and loves to jump on people), and even wanted me to hang out with her in her room for the first night. Yume seemed comfortable and that made me glad, I was worried she wouldn't be able to have fun or go out because I had to be at production. However, she was at ease with my family so my parents would take her out to experience the city, the shopping centre, bowling, the arcade and a bunch of Australian foods. It was my birthday, one of the days she was staying and it was such a wonderful experience to have her there for it, it was truly a birthday I will always treasure. I won't forget the night she taught me how to make a origami paper crane, as well as having a paper airplane fight for at least an hour that night. When I was available, we went to the zoo, the beach, Eureka towers and ate even more aussie foods. Yume was the one who made this experience a memorable one and I hope I get to see her again next year. Hosting a student was a really great way for me to improve my speaking skills and help me get out of my shell and make new friends and memories!Aleina S
During Week 3, we had the pleasure of welcoming students and staff from Akaigawa Junior High School in Hokkaido, Japan, marking their 20th visit to Strathmore Secondary College, a wonderful milestone in our long-standing sister school relationship.
The group arrived on Wednesday 6th August and stayed until Monday 11th August, participating in a range of activities that strengthened our cultural connection. The visiting students were given a warm welcome and a guided school tour led by our Year 11 Japanese class, and also had the chance to join in with Year 10 and Year 8 classes for a truly immersive experience.Our Year 7 Japanese classes also had an exciting opportunity to participate in the Yosakoi dance workshop run by the Akaigawa students. This energetic and joyful traditional Japanese folk dance brought students together in a fun and meaningful cultural exchange.
A heartfelt thank you to all the host families, students, and staff who made this visit possible. Your generosity, support, and enthusiasm played a vital role in the success of this special event. We are proud to continue this enriching partnership and look forward to many more visits in the years to come!
Strathmore Secondary College is looking forward to visiting Akaigawa in the June/July 2026 Holidays!
The Japanese Team
The school's exchange program was really fun and it brought me so many beautiful memories and experiences. It also helped me improve my Japanese and get to know more about Japanese culture.Elliot N
Hosting Iroha-san was one of the best experieces, as she didn't only help me improve my japanese skills but also became one of my closest friends. Everyday after school we would do various activites, such as origami, practicing kanji and making pizza, she made my daily routine a lot more enjoyable. I will never forget the time we stayed up late watching her favourite anime and danced to music while making pizza. My house felt a little empty the day she left, i was not prepared for how much i would miss her. however, my heart and phone gallary are filled with moments that i will carry with me forever.Nihira K
Deciding to host a student was one of the best and most fun experiences of my life. Meeting Yume the first day was nerve wracking. I was scared to think about whether or not she would like her room or my home, even me! However, the second I started to talk to her all of those thoughts just washed away. Yume was super energetic from the start, super polite and seemed excited to do the home-stay. She loved her room and the little gift basket of Australian snacks we gave her, she absolutely loved my dog (which was a relief because my dog is big and loves to jump on people), and even wanted me to hang out with her in her room for the first night. Yume seemed comfortable and that made me glad, I was worried she wouldn't be able to have fun or go out because I had to be at production. However, she was at ease with my family so my parents would take her out to experience the city, the shopping centre, bowling, the arcade and a bunch of Australian foods. It was my birthday, one of the days she was staying and it was such a wonderful experience to have her there for it, it was truly a birthday I will always treasure. I won't forget the night she taught me how to make a origami paper crane, as well as having a paper airplane fight for at least an hour that night. When I was available, we went to the zoo, the beach, Eureka towers and ate even more aussie foods. Yume was the one who made this experience a memorable one and I hope I get to see her again next year. Hosting a student was a really great way for me to improve my speaking skills and help me get out of my shell and make new friends and memories!Aleina S
Strathmore-Bologna Exchange Program
The Strathmore-Bologna Exchange Program is an integral part of the Italian program at Strathmore Secondary College. This is a reciprocal program with many benefits for our students and has been running successfully for the past 10 years. Hosting an exchange student helps form strong connections and lifelong friendships and is a mutually rewarding experience.
We are seeking host families this year who will be able to provide accommodation for one or two students for the last two weeks of Term 3. They will arrive on Sunday, 7th September and depart Friday, 19th September.
Ideally your family should be able to offer the student(s) a room of their own, either single or twin share, as well as transport to and from school. The 22 students are aged between 15 and 17 and are from il Liceo Galvani in Bologna, Italy, a prestigious senior high school specialising in teaching foreign languages through science. All students are proficient in English.
Should you be interested in hosting an Italian student (s), please contact Antonella Alampi at antonella.alampi@education.vic.gov.au
In your email, please include:
• Your family name• Your child’s name and year level• Your address• Your contact details (phone, e-mail, mobile)• Number of students you can accommodate (1 or 2)• Preferred gender (if applicable)• Nominate how your child gets to school (car, public transport, on foot)• Declare any family pets• Declare if you are smokers/non-smokers
We hope to hear from you soon.
We are seeking host families this year who will be able to provide accommodation for one or two students for the last two weeks of Term 3. They will arrive on Sunday, 7th September and depart Friday, 19th September.
Ideally your family should be able to offer the student(s) a room of their own, either single or twin share, as well as transport to and from school. The 22 students are aged between 15 and 17 and are from il Liceo Galvani in Bologna, Italy, a prestigious senior high school specialising in teaching foreign languages through science. All students are proficient in English.
Should you be interested in hosting an Italian student (s), please contact Antonella Alampi at antonella.alampi@education.vic.gov.au
In your email, please include:
• Your family name• Your child’s name and year level• Your address• Your contact details (phone, e-mail, mobile)• Number of students you can accommodate (1 or 2)• Preferred gender (if applicable)• Nominate how your child gets to school (car, public transport, on foot)• Declare any family pets• Declare if you are smokers/non-smokers
We hope to hear from you soon.
National Science Week
During Week 4 this term, SSC celebrated National Science Week. Students went head-to-head designing weight bearing structures with pasta.
Congrats to the Year 9s who won - Elena Nguyen, Busra Gocmen, Rina Cantiani and Mia Louden! We had a fantastic turnout for "Outside Science" where the crowd was wowed with chemistry demonstrations, and got to participate in the ever popular "flaming hands" activity.
The week wrapped up with a highly competitive trivia event, where teams of students competed for the top of the leaderboard - Congratulations to our winners, Apollo Rathbone and Owen Swan.
A huge thank you to those who came along, participated and helped the events run!
Congrats to the Year 9s who won - Elena Nguyen, Busra Gocmen, Rina Cantiani and Mia Louden! We had a fantastic turnout for "Outside Science" where the crowd was wowed with chemistry demonstrations, and got to participate in the ever popular "flaming hands" activity.
The week wrapped up with a highly competitive trivia event, where teams of students competed for the top of the leaderboard - Congratulations to our winners, Apollo Rathbone and Owen Swan.
A huge thank you to those who came along, participated and helped the events run!
RUOK? Day
Thursday 11th September 2025
Hello to the Strathmore Secondary College Community,
R U OK? Day is coming up in about a month's time! We are planning a much bigger and bolder event this year.
Hello to the Strathmore Secondary College Community,
R U OK? Day is coming up in about a month's time! We are planning a much bigger and bolder event this year.
We have Headspace coming to join the Wellbeing Team outside the library at lunchtime for lots of fun activities and sweet treats!
Please see the flier attached - we encourage all to get involved to promote awareness around a very important topic.
Thanks to all in advance for your support.
Warm Regards,The Wellbeing Team
Thanks to all in advance for your support.
Warm Regards,The Wellbeing Team
Food Technology
For the past few weeks, Year 9 Food Technology students have been focusing on the importance of breakfast and have been making a range of breakfast meals.
Last week students had a practical demonstration of 4 different ways to cook eggs. Students were then able to create a breakfast dish using this skill pairing it with some other breakfast ingredients. Here are some of their creations.
Last week students had a practical demonstration of 4 different ways to cook eggs. Students were then able to create a breakfast dish using this skill pairing it with some other breakfast ingredients. Here are some of their creations.
Library Murder Mystery
This year’s library murder mystery has been solved by 9 hard-boiled student detectives. These disillusioned sleuths were on the case day and night, trying to find some justice for poor, innocent Tony Michaels; and while they learned who killer was, they also learned that there aint no such thing as true justice on a dystopian Mars colony of the future.
Congratulations to:Nixie, Lily, Ela, Ellena, (7D1) James KAnh DAnnay & JordanWill C
Congratulations to:Nixie, Lily, Ela, Ellena, (7D1) James KAnh DAnnay & JordanWill C
Chamber Concert
Monday 15th September @ The Edge, Federation Square
A celebration of large and small ensembles in the classical tradition, as well as a showcase of some of our senior students as they prepare for their final end of year recitals.
Tickets via trybooking
A celebration of large and small ensembles in the classical tradition, as well as a showcase of some of our senior students as they prepare for their final end of year recitals.
Tickets via trybooking
Jazz Night
Wednesday 3rd September @ Brunswick Ballroom, Sydney Rd Brunswick
Join our students as they perform contemporary Jazz in a real-world venue. Enjoy a range of solos, small ensembles and big bands.
Tickets via moshtix
Join our students as they perform contemporary Jazz in a real-world venue. Enjoy a range of solos, small ensembles and big bands.
Tickets via moshtix
