Parent Bulletin 15
August 11 2023
School Council July Meeting Report
School Upgrades and Minor Capital Works GrantThe school is applying for a grant of $146,000 for new basketball courts to be built on vacant land near the rear of Napier. The decision to apply for this project is based on feedback form students and staff who all agree that basketball courts are a priority.Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences 4 and 15 September
On Monday 4th of September and Friday 15th of September scheduled classes will not run to accommodate Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences. In light of one of our Strategic Plan goals of engaging student voice in learning conversations, students will be expected to be active participants in the discussions about their learning and attend every interview with their parent or carer.
Prior to Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences, students will be expected to complete a teacher-guided reflection and planning for success task as part of the Parent-Student-Teacher Conference. As part of this process, students will be identifying Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely (SMART) goals for each of their subjects. The template for completing these goals is embedded in the Strathmore Secondary College student planner.
Public Reporting Meeting and 2022 Annual Report to the School CommunityThe public reporting meeting is an opportunity for Council to report on the proceedings of the Council in the previous year. The Annual Report to the school community provides an opportunity for the community to celebrate achievements, reflect on the school’s performance, and understand where and how improvement efforts have enhanced student achievement, engagement, and wellbeing.
The Public Reporting meeting will be held at the College from 6pm-6.45pm on 30 August. Please notify Alison McKenzie via the school email of your attendance by 25 August so that a suitable venue can be arranged.
Recent Activities
- Our school production ‘The Addams Family’ performed in our theatre 20 July – 29 July was an outstanding production warmly received by appreciative audiences.
- Akaigawa Junior High School staff and students will visit us from 7 August – 9 August as part of an ongoing connection with the school.
Jillian English
Principal
Debating News
The Debating Association of Victoria Competition for 2023 concluded last Monday 31st of July, marking the successful completion for the 22 students who participated in the competition.
Throughout the six months of the competition, there were 3 Grade C teams and 2 Grade D teams, which were as follows:
Grade D: Team 1. Joseph Thorsen, Andreas Oltoumis, , TJ Abdulla, Vu Minh Ha Dinh, 5/5 wins - currently in the Playoffs.
Grade D: Team 2. Kerem Genc, Aki Beaumont, Sam Wallace, Luke Panagiotidis, Abdul Waqas, 3/5 wins.Mentor of the above teams: Mr. Geoff Warrick. Grade C: Team 1. Willow Rodwell, Mars Thomson, William Cerritelli, Cadel Reading, 3/5 wins.Mentor of the above team: Mr. C. Bassios.
Grade C: Team 2. Madi Wilson-Sims, George Warren, Bonnie Green, Gabrielle Gnanaolivu, 3/5 wins.Mentor of the above team: Ms Shaalu Chaudhary.
Grade C: Team 3. Rhianna Hage, Cadence Jacobson, Leilani Beayni, Declan Grant, Zoe Leahy, 3/5 winsMentor of the above team: Mr. C. Bassios. All teams achieved 3 out 5 wins throughout the six months of the competition, although the first Grade D team is currently in the playoffs and has the chance to make the finals. Perhaps the biggest success was the involvement of 22 students in debating, showing that public speaking is growing in the school because students are winning debates and want to compete against the very best teams in the Essendon Region. It is also pleasing to note that most of the team members are interested in continuing with the DAV competition next year. Of course, the assistance offered by Ms. Shaalu Chaudary and Mr. Geoff Warrick as mentors to the teams has been invaluable.
The Debating competition is an extremely valuable learning tool, enabling students to develop their speaking skills, their ability to structure arguments, and their capacity to work as a team, all of which will assist them in their work for VCE.
Areas for improvement: While most debaters have improved their ability to engage with the arguments and team cases of opposition teams, more can be done in this key area. Despite this, the strength of Strathmore debating teams has continued to centre upon the thorough research that is consistently produced by students for each debate.
Reflections from the debaters themselves:
'Debating has been an amazing experience. It gives you the opportunity to work as a team and meet like-minded individuals from a variety of schools.' (Bonnie Green) ‘I believe that it inspires cooperation, leadership, confidence, perseverance as well as public speaking and research skills.’ (Joseph Thorsen)
‘ I like being able to use my skills of arguing and persuasion in a useful way and being able to use my skills for something good while working with friends.' (Andreas Oltoumis)
Congratulations to all debaters.
Mr. C. Bassios.
Throughout the six months of the competition, there were 3 Grade C teams and 2 Grade D teams, which were as follows:
Grade D: Team 1. Joseph Thorsen, Andreas Oltoumis, , TJ Abdulla, Vu Minh Ha Dinh, 5/5 wins - currently in the Playoffs.
Grade D: Team 2. Kerem Genc, Aki Beaumont, Sam Wallace, Luke Panagiotidis, Abdul Waqas, 3/5 wins.Mentor of the above teams: Mr. Geoff Warrick. Grade C: Team 1. Willow Rodwell, Mars Thomson, William Cerritelli, Cadel Reading, 3/5 wins.Mentor of the above team: Mr. C. Bassios.
Grade C: Team 2. Madi Wilson-Sims, George Warren, Bonnie Green, Gabrielle Gnanaolivu, 3/5 wins.Mentor of the above team: Ms Shaalu Chaudhary.
Grade C: Team 3. Rhianna Hage, Cadence Jacobson, Leilani Beayni, Declan Grant, Zoe Leahy, 3/5 winsMentor of the above team: Mr. C. Bassios. All teams achieved 3 out 5 wins throughout the six months of the competition, although the first Grade D team is currently in the playoffs and has the chance to make the finals. Perhaps the biggest success was the involvement of 22 students in debating, showing that public speaking is growing in the school because students are winning debates and want to compete against the very best teams in the Essendon Region. It is also pleasing to note that most of the team members are interested in continuing with the DAV competition next year. Of course, the assistance offered by Ms. Shaalu Chaudary and Mr. Geoff Warrick as mentors to the teams has been invaluable.
The Debating competition is an extremely valuable learning tool, enabling students to develop their speaking skills, their ability to structure arguments, and their capacity to work as a team, all of which will assist them in their work for VCE.
Areas for improvement: While most debaters have improved their ability to engage with the arguments and team cases of opposition teams, more can be done in this key area. Despite this, the strength of Strathmore debating teams has continued to centre upon the thorough research that is consistently produced by students for each debate.
Reflections from the debaters themselves:
'Debating has been an amazing experience. It gives you the opportunity to work as a team and meet like-minded individuals from a variety of schools.' (Bonnie Green) ‘I believe that it inspires cooperation, leadership, confidence, perseverance as well as public speaking and research skills.’ (Joseph Thorsen)
‘ I like being able to use my skills of arguing and persuasion in a useful way and being able to use my skills for something good while working with friends.' (Andreas Oltoumis)
Congratulations to all debaters.
Mr. C. Bassios.
The Addams Family
From the 20th to the 29th of July, Strathmore Secondary College was thrilled to present our stage production of The Addams Family.
The cast was made up of more than 40 students from all year levels, who spent upwards of 120 hours rehearsing over 3 terms. Our hard work culminated in a show run of seven evening performances, as well as one special matinee performance for drama students at the College.Staging a full musical is a tremendous undertaking: The cast was joined by a student backstage crew and a live band (containing current students and Strathmore alumni), with additional student support in sound, prop making, set building, and costuming.
This was an incredible opportunity for us to learn new skills, meet new people, and challenge ourselves. It was amazing to see everyone bond through the production process: we had just as much fun behind the scenes as we did on stage, and will treasure these memories and relationships for years to come.
We're so grateful to the entire production team for their passion and dedication in bringing this wonderful experience to life. Finally, we would like to thank everyone in the audience for cheering us on and bringing a unique, exciting energy to every one of our shows.
We really are one big Addams Family!
Elizabeth Wotten and Javier Lumsden
The cast was made up of more than 40 students from all year levels, who spent upwards of 120 hours rehearsing over 3 terms. Our hard work culminated in a show run of seven evening performances, as well as one special matinee performance for drama students at the College.Staging a full musical is a tremendous undertaking: The cast was joined by a student backstage crew and a live band (containing current students and Strathmore alumni), with additional student support in sound, prop making, set building, and costuming.
This was an incredible opportunity for us to learn new skills, meet new people, and challenge ourselves. It was amazing to see everyone bond through the production process: we had just as much fun behind the scenes as we did on stage, and will treasure these memories and relationships for years to come.
We're so grateful to the entire production team for their passion and dedication in bringing this wonderful experience to life. Finally, we would like to thank everyone in the audience for cheering us on and bringing a unique, exciting energy to every one of our shows.
We really are one big Addams Family!
Elizabeth Wotten and Javier Lumsden
Year 10 Sculpture and Ceramics
Year 10 Sculpture and Ceramics students have been creating functional objects using the pinch pot and double pinch pot method. In our learning, we have been making pinch pots into fun and functional shapes.
We have discovered the importance of slipping and scoring our clay and how to prevent cracks forming. We have put our creative skills to the test when shaping our double pinch pot master pieces, learning to hand sculpt clay. Sophie T
We have discovered the importance of slipping and scoring our clay and how to prevent cracks forming. We have put our creative skills to the test when shaping our double pinch pot master pieces, learning to hand sculpt clay. Sophie T
Akaigawa School Visit
For the first time in three years, students from Akaigawa Junior High School in Hokkaido, Japan were finally able to visit our school from August 7th to 9th. The visit brought together 30 students and staff members from Akaigawa, creating an opportunity for interaction and cultural exchange with our students.
Despite their brief stay, the students from Akaigawa were able to engage in numerous activities that fostered meaningful connections with our student body by immersing themselves in our Japanese classrooms. This exchange not only broadened their horizons, but also provided our Japanese students with a chance to meet and practise their Japanese with students their own age.
A notable difference for the Akaigawa students was the stark contrast in population size between our school and their entire village. Our school's population is twice that of their local community! However, the warm nature of our students left a lasting impression. The hospitality and enthusiasm displayed by our students made them feel welcome.
Strathmore Secondary College will continue our long standing sister school relationship with Akaigawa and hopes to visit their school in the coming year. Such cultural exchanges play a pivotal role in nurturing global awareness, breaking down stereotypes, and cultivating a spirit of empathy among young minds. Through exchange, our school not only provides a memorable experience for students but also contributes to the creation of a more interconnected and compassionate global society.
Despite their brief stay, the students from Akaigawa were able to engage in numerous activities that fostered meaningful connections with our student body by immersing themselves in our Japanese classrooms. This exchange not only broadened their horizons, but also provided our Japanese students with a chance to meet and practise their Japanese with students their own age.
A notable difference for the Akaigawa students was the stark contrast in population size between our school and their entire village. Our school's population is twice that of their local community! However, the warm nature of our students left a lasting impression. The hospitality and enthusiasm displayed by our students made them feel welcome.
Strathmore Secondary College will continue our long standing sister school relationship with Akaigawa and hopes to visit their school in the coming year. Such cultural exchanges play a pivotal role in nurturing global awareness, breaking down stereotypes, and cultivating a spirit of empathy among young minds. Through exchange, our school not only provides a memorable experience for students but also contributes to the creation of a more interconnected and compassionate global society.
Year 10 Textiles
Our design Technology Textile Year 10 class is learning about print making technique. Our first assignment is about making our own tote bag design using fabric paints and different techniques , such as stamping technique, stencil technique and masking tape technique.
Different students have different designs which then makes each one unique. Our assignment requires to do repeating patterns on our tote bag design.
A lot of students are using stamping techniques for their tote bag design because it makes the pattern stands out and the production will be faster. After we have completed our tote bag fabric, we are now learning the basics of using the sewing machine. We will have to use this to combine the fabric together to make the final tote bag.
Kirin Nakata + Elle Haley
Different students have different designs which then makes each one unique. Our assignment requires to do repeating patterns on our tote bag design.
A lot of students are using stamping techniques for their tote bag design because it makes the pattern stands out and the production will be faster. After we have completed our tote bag fabric, we are now learning the basics of using the sewing machine. We will have to use this to combine the fabric together to make the final tote bag.
Kirin Nakata + Elle Haley
Strathmore VCE VM
This week the Strathmore VCE VM students were fortunate enough to be only one of three schools selected to take a tour of QANTAS.
After extensive security checks, they were taken for a backstage tour of operations and were given the grand tour of one of the new planes in the fleet (business class looks very good by all accounts!). QANTAS is teaming up with Aviation Australia to establish the QANTAS Engineering Academy so it was great to give the students a taste of what a career path in aircraft maintenance could involve. Students also had the opportunity to interview staff on their roles within the organisation.
Thank you to Jade McQuilken, our super LLEN’s representative who organised the tour and who continues to work with students to secure their structure work placements. Also a big shout out to Mr Whittle, Ms De Santis and Vicky for leading the excursion.
After extensive security checks, they were taken for a backstage tour of operations and were given the grand tour of one of the new planes in the fleet (business class looks very good by all accounts!). QANTAS is teaming up with Aviation Australia to establish the QANTAS Engineering Academy so it was great to give the students a taste of what a career path in aircraft maintenance could involve. Students also had the opportunity to interview staff on their roles within the organisation.
Thank you to Jade McQuilken, our super LLEN’s representative who organised the tour and who continues to work with students to secure their structure work placements. Also a big shout out to Mr Whittle, Ms De Santis and Vicky for leading the excursion.
Junior Girls AFL
OFF TO THE STATE FINAL! Strathmore Secondary College's Year 7/8 Junior Girls AFL Team Triumphs in State Quarter and Semi Finals.
On Monday the 7th of August our very own Strathmore Secondary College’s Year 7/8 Junior Girls AFL team played the State Quarter and Semi finals, making it through to the State Final.
Quarter Final RecapStrathmore Secondary College dominated against Catherine McAuley College in a fantastic victory with scores tallying to Q1 17-0, Q2 36-0, Q3 42-2, and Q4 42-14. The girls showcased their impressive pressure, relentless determination, and unwavering effort. Key contributors included goal kickers: Zoey Steer, Holly Clough, Daniela Curtis, Sadie Cottom, Olivia Goldstein and Ella Brown.
Semi Final ShowdownDiamond Valley had a good start with a few early goals, however, as the game progressed the girls showed incredible perseverance and kept coming back. By half-time, they were well and truly back in the contest, showing they had no intentions of backing down. With the game evenly poised at 21-21 with just 3 minutes left, Angelina Fazio executed a game-changing play from the backline, finding the middle of the goals, pushing Strathmore ahead 27-21. The final 30 seconds saw Ella Brown skilfully securing the ball, kicking another goal and driving it home, sealing the victory for Strathmore at 33-21. The scores were Q1 0-13, Q2 8-19, Q3 20-19 and Q4 33-21. Key goal kickers included Myah Hesketh, Zoey Steer, Angelina Fazio, and Ella Brown (2).
Standout PerformersThe best players of the day were Daniela Curtis, Hollie Capuano, Zoey Steer, Willow Ciantar, Holly Clough, Olivia Goldstein and Angelina Fazio. Their exceptional skills and teamwork were tremendous on the field.
I cannot express enough how proud I am to coach this fantastic group of girls. Their unwavering performance, consistent effort, resilience and perseverance have not only brought them to the State Final but also defeated many well-known Sports Football Academy Schools including Maribyrnong College, Western Heights College and Diamond Valley College. There is approximately 500 schools in the competition and we have made it down to being in the top two! It is also a notable achievement to have come this far, given that only four times in Strathmore Secondary College's history has a girls AFL team reached this prestigious State Final, and once claimed the title.
One more to go! The team will be competing in the Victorian State Final on Tuesday the 29th of August at Tony Sheehan Oval, La Trobe University, against Catholic College Wodonga. Please congratulate all of the players on the team and wish them the best of luck in the Final!
Year 8s: Holly Clough, Hollie Capuano, Daniela Curtis, Angelina Fazio, Audrey Marnell, Sophia Laskaris, Zandalee Veneziano, Paige Hutchinson, Andie Torcasio, Ella Mozjerin and Zoe Nikolopoulos.
Year 7s: Zoey Steer, Sadie Cottom, Olivia Goldstein, Myah Hesketh, Emmerson Johansen, Mackenzie Felmingham, Willow Ciantar, Maeve Rashid, Ella Brown, Jazz Lee, Olivia Ziogas and Zahra Sheehan.
Miss Rigden
On Monday the 7th of August our very own Strathmore Secondary College’s Year 7/8 Junior Girls AFL team played the State Quarter and Semi finals, making it through to the State Final.
Quarter Final RecapStrathmore Secondary College dominated against Catherine McAuley College in a fantastic victory with scores tallying to Q1 17-0, Q2 36-0, Q3 42-2, and Q4 42-14. The girls showcased their impressive pressure, relentless determination, and unwavering effort. Key contributors included goal kickers: Zoey Steer, Holly Clough, Daniela Curtis, Sadie Cottom, Olivia Goldstein and Ella Brown.
Semi Final ShowdownDiamond Valley had a good start with a few early goals, however, as the game progressed the girls showed incredible perseverance and kept coming back. By half-time, they were well and truly back in the contest, showing they had no intentions of backing down. With the game evenly poised at 21-21 with just 3 minutes left, Angelina Fazio executed a game-changing play from the backline, finding the middle of the goals, pushing Strathmore ahead 27-21. The final 30 seconds saw Ella Brown skilfully securing the ball, kicking another goal and driving it home, sealing the victory for Strathmore at 33-21. The scores were Q1 0-13, Q2 8-19, Q3 20-19 and Q4 33-21. Key goal kickers included Myah Hesketh, Zoey Steer, Angelina Fazio, and Ella Brown (2).
Standout PerformersThe best players of the day were Daniela Curtis, Hollie Capuano, Zoey Steer, Willow Ciantar, Holly Clough, Olivia Goldstein and Angelina Fazio. Their exceptional skills and teamwork were tremendous on the field.
I cannot express enough how proud I am to coach this fantastic group of girls. Their unwavering performance, consistent effort, resilience and perseverance have not only brought them to the State Final but also defeated many well-known Sports Football Academy Schools including Maribyrnong College, Western Heights College and Diamond Valley College. There is approximately 500 schools in the competition and we have made it down to being in the top two! It is also a notable achievement to have come this far, given that only four times in Strathmore Secondary College's history has a girls AFL team reached this prestigious State Final, and once claimed the title.
One more to go! The team will be competing in the Victorian State Final on Tuesday the 29th of August at Tony Sheehan Oval, La Trobe University, against Catholic College Wodonga. Please congratulate all of the players on the team and wish them the best of luck in the Final!
Year 8s: Holly Clough, Hollie Capuano, Daniela Curtis, Angelina Fazio, Audrey Marnell, Sophia Laskaris, Zandalee Veneziano, Paige Hutchinson, Andie Torcasio, Ella Mozjerin and Zoe Nikolopoulos.
Year 7s: Zoey Steer, Sadie Cottom, Olivia Goldstein, Myah Hesketh, Emmerson Johansen, Mackenzie Felmingham, Willow Ciantar, Maeve Rashid, Ella Brown, Jazz Lee, Olivia Ziogas and Zahra Sheehan.
Miss Rigden
Art, Life and Colour
Year 12 Art Excursion to the Bonnard Exhibition
On July 27th, the Year 12 VCE Art class was lucky enough to attend the Bonnard exhibition presented at the National Gallery of Victoria.
In Year 12 Art we are currently researching and learning about Pierre Bonnard and his life and work as an artist. The excursion to the NGV allowed us to immerse ourselves in his artworks to further understand his creative practice. Bonnard is known for creating vibrant art pieces which illustrate interiors, and throughout the exhibition there was furniture placed around which mimicked those depicted in his paintings.
The designer of the exhibition, India Madhavi, did this intentionally to allow the audience to feel as if they were placed in one of his pieces. Patterned walls, like wallpaper, further echoed the domestic, intimate aesthetic of the show. Our class greatly benefitted from this experience in many ways. In year 12, life sometimes feels repetitive: excursions such as these provide us with some motivation to keep persisting throughout a very stressful time.
It was just a perk that we were able to learn while doing so.
Dinithi DevendraYear 12
On July 27th, the Year 12 VCE Art class was lucky enough to attend the Bonnard exhibition presented at the National Gallery of Victoria.
In Year 12 Art we are currently researching and learning about Pierre Bonnard and his life and work as an artist. The excursion to the NGV allowed us to immerse ourselves in his artworks to further understand his creative practice. Bonnard is known for creating vibrant art pieces which illustrate interiors, and throughout the exhibition there was furniture placed around which mimicked those depicted in his paintings.
The designer of the exhibition, India Madhavi, did this intentionally to allow the audience to feel as if they were placed in one of his pieces. Patterned walls, like wallpaper, further echoed the domestic, intimate aesthetic of the show. Our class greatly benefitted from this experience in many ways. In year 12, life sometimes feels repetitive: excursions such as these provide us with some motivation to keep persisting throughout a very stressful time.
It was just a perk that we were able to learn while doing so.
Dinithi DevendraYear 12
Year 10 Food Technology
The Year 10 students are currently learning how to assess the sensory properties and aesthetic qualities of food.
During one of their practical sessions, they were required to produce a sushi bowl with teriyaki chicken. They were given the opportunity to display their own creative skills in the production and presentation of this dish.
During one of their practical sessions, they were required to produce a sushi bowl with teriyaki chicken. They were given the opportunity to display their own creative skills in the production and presentation of this dish.
Senior Art Exhibition 2023
The Visual Arts Faculty would like to invite all parents/guardians, friends and staff to the Celebration Evening of the 25th Senior Art Exhibition. Please join us on August 25th from 6pm where over 45 students in years 10, 11 and 12 will have works on display. We hope to see you there and thank you for supporting the Creative Arts Community!
Neon Parlour791 High Street Thornbury
Nicholas Mastrippolito & The Visual Arts Faculty
Neon Parlour791 High Street Thornbury
Nicholas Mastrippolito & The Visual Arts Faculty
Coburg Cricket Club - Womens Cricket
