Parent Bulletin 2
7 March 2025
Principals Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we approach the middle of Term 1, we have several important events and observances to share with our school community.
Ramadan Begins
Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community for Muslims around the world, has begun. We extend our best wishes to all our Muslim families during this significant time. Students observing Ramadan who may need accommodations during this period are encouraged to speak with their teachers or year level coordinators. Our school respects and values the diversity of cultural and religious practices within our community.
International Women's Day
This Saturday, March 8, marks International Women's Day. This year's theme focuses on gender equality and women's empowerment. The college was lucky enough to be hosted at a breakfast on Friday by Rotary which we extent our thanks for. The speakers emphasised themes of equality, opportunity and how everyone in the community can support women to ‘March Forward’, and the opportunities this brings to all.
Harmony Week Coming Soon
Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming Harmony Week celebrations (March 17-23). The school is planning several activities to celebrate Australia's cultural diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all who call Australia home. Details will be shared on Compass soon.
Long Weekend Safety Reminder
With the long weekend approaching, we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable break. We encourage families to discuss safety with their children, particularly if they will be traveling or participating in outdoor activities. Please remember:
As we approach the middle of Term 1, we have several important events and observances to share with our school community.
Ramadan Begins
Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community for Muslims around the world, has begun. We extend our best wishes to all our Muslim families during this significant time. Students observing Ramadan who may need accommodations during this period are encouraged to speak with their teachers or year level coordinators. Our school respects and values the diversity of cultural and religious practices within our community.
International Women's Day
This Saturday, March 8, marks International Women's Day. This year's theme focuses on gender equality and women's empowerment. The college was lucky enough to be hosted at a breakfast on Friday by Rotary which we extent our thanks for. The speakers emphasised themes of equality, opportunity and how everyone in the community can support women to ‘March Forward’, and the opportunities this brings to all.
Harmony Week Coming Soon
Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming Harmony Week celebrations (March 17-23). The school is planning several activities to celebrate Australia's cultural diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all who call Australia home. Details will be shared on Compass soon.
Long Weekend Safety Reminder
With the long weekend approaching, we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable break. We encourage families to discuss safety with their children, particularly if they will be traveling or participating in outdoor activities. Please remember:
- Plan ahead for any travel
- Follow water safety guidelines if visiting beaches or pools
- Keep emergency contact information readily available
- Return to school refreshed and ready to learn on Tuesday
We look forward to seeing all students back at school following the long weekend.
Best regards,
Vanessa Pratt & Michael Pakakis
Best regards,
Vanessa Pratt & Michael Pakakis
College Council Elections
Nominations were called for Parent Member, Department of Education Employee Member and Student Member categories of school council.
In the Employee Member and Student Member Category the number of nominations exceed the number of vacancies and a ballot will be conducted. In the Parent Member category at the close of nominations, the number of nominees did not exceed the number of vacancies and a ballot not required. Four positions are available, and the college received four Parent Member Nominees.
Congratulations to the following successful Parent Member representatives for 2025:
Melissa Brown Tracee Dukic Sarados Papadopoulos Deborah Cownley
We declare those who nominated for Parent Member category as being elected to School Council.
The declaration of College Council will be announced at the end of all ballots.
Congratulations to the following successful Parent Member representatives for 2025:
Melissa Brown Tracee Dukic Sarados Papadopoulos Deborah Cownley
We declare those who nominated for Parent Member category as being elected to School Council.
The declaration of College Council will be announced at the end of all ballots.
Privacy Notice
Annual privacy reminder for our school community.
Strathmore Secondary College collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy and the Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice.
Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn. We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Google Workspace for Education safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Google Workspace for Education, please contact the school.
For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents. This information is also available in ten community languages.
Strathmore Secondary College collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy and the Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice.
Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn. We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Google Workspace for Education safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Google Workspace for Education, please contact the school.
For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents. This information is also available in ten community languages.
Moonee Valley Division Swimming
On Thursday the 6th of March, we had 31 students represent Strathmore in the Moonee Valley Division Swimming sports. We started the day by announcing our swim captains for 2025, a big congratulations to Amelia Maciel and Hamish Keenan on this achievement.
All students showed a great level of effort throughout the day and there were some outstanding individual performances from Cassandra Biscocho, Amelia Maciel, Matilka Keyte, Matthew Moncur, Jonah Tanfara and Ignatius Koch. We also had Cassandra Biscocho break two individual records on the day – a fantastic effort!
Our relay teams were the strongest of all the schools with 11 of our teams placing 1st and making it through to the next round of competition.
Thank you and congratulations to all the students who came along on the day - you demonstrated excellence and represented Strathmore in such a positive way! We look forward to swimming the next round of competition, the Western Metro Swimming Finals on the 3rd of April in Geelong.
All students showed a great level of effort throughout the day and there were some outstanding individual performances from Cassandra Biscocho, Amelia Maciel, Matilka Keyte, Matthew Moncur, Jonah Tanfara and Ignatius Koch. We also had Cassandra Biscocho break two individual records on the day – a fantastic effort!
Our relay teams were the strongest of all the schools with 11 of our teams placing 1st and making it through to the next round of competition.
Thank you and congratulations to all the students who came along on the day - you demonstrated excellence and represented Strathmore in such a positive way! We look forward to swimming the next round of competition, the Western Metro Swimming Finals on the 3rd of April in Geelong.
Year 12 VCD
Our Year 12 VCD students recently embarked on an inspiring excursion to the National Gallery of Victoria, immersing themselves in the captivating world of Yayoi Kusama!
Exploring Kusama’s infinity rooms, polka-dot installations, and interactive artworks, students gained invaluable insight into her bold use of colour, pattern, and conceptual storytelling.
This experience provided a unique opportunity for primary research collection, allowing students to gather firsthand inspiration to inform their design solutions in response to the outcomes brief.
A huge thank you to our students for their enthusiasm and engagement!
We can’t wait to see the creative and innovative designs this experience inspires.
James Borrelli & Nicholas Mastrippolito
Exploring Kusama’s infinity rooms, polka-dot installations, and interactive artworks, students gained invaluable insight into her bold use of colour, pattern, and conceptual storytelling.
This experience provided a unique opportunity for primary research collection, allowing students to gather firsthand inspiration to inform their design solutions in response to the outcomes brief.
A huge thank you to our students for their enthusiasm and engagement!
We can’t wait to see the creative and innovative designs this experience inspires.
James Borrelli & Nicholas Mastrippolito
Year 9 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.
International Student Homestay Program
Do you have a spare bedroom or two at home?
Strathmore Secondary College is recruiting homestay families for long-term international students and short-term Study Abroad students.
What is a Homestay?Homestay families provide international students with a safe, welcoming, and friendly home while they study at our school. It is an extremely valuable opportunity for international students to experience an Australian lifestyle, practice their English language skills in a home setting, and be part of a family.
Who can become a Homestay?Homestay providers can be families, couples, or individuals who are preferably located within close proximity to our school or public transport. All members of host families over the age of 18 years must hold a current Working With Children Card. The cards can be obtained online or from the local post office and are free of charge.
Payments to Homestay Families.Homestay providers will receive a tax-free payment every 2 or 4 weeks to cover the cost of students’ meals, accommodation, and access to amenities ($350.00 p/w). Homestay providers can host up to 3 international students at any one time.
Further Information.For further information about becoming a Homestay Provider please contact our International Student Manager, Cathy Di Battista.
Email: caterina.dibattista@education.vic.gov.auPhone: 0417 301 835
What is a Homestay?Homestay families provide international students with a safe, welcoming, and friendly home while they study at our school. It is an extremely valuable opportunity for international students to experience an Australian lifestyle, practice their English language skills in a home setting, and be part of a family.
Who can become a Homestay?Homestay providers can be families, couples, or individuals who are preferably located within close proximity to our school or public transport. All members of host families over the age of 18 years must hold a current Working With Children Card. The cards can be obtained online or from the local post office and are free of charge.
Payments to Homestay Families.Homestay providers will receive a tax-free payment every 2 or 4 weeks to cover the cost of students’ meals, accommodation, and access to amenities ($350.00 p/w). Homestay providers can host up to 3 international students at any one time.
Further Information.For further information about becoming a Homestay Provider please contact our International Student Manager, Cathy Di Battista.
Email: caterina.dibattista@education.vic.gov.auPhone: 0417 301 835
Harmony Week
Harmony Week Colour Run & Free Dress Fundraiser – Friday, March 28th
As part of our Harmony Week celebrations, Senior and Junior Student Leaders are hosting a Colour Run and after school sausage sizzle on Friday, March 28th, from 3:00–4:00 PM. This exciting event is just one of many activities planned to celebrate PRIDE value of diversity and respect.
On the same day, we will also be holding a free dress fundraiser, where students are encouraged to wear white to make the Colour Run even more vibrant! Donations collected from the fundraiser will go towards a charity supporting diversity and inclusion.To ensure a fun and safe experience, students are encouraged to bring sunglasses to wear during the run.
We look forward to celebrating this special event with our students. More details, including how to get involved, will be shared on Compass in the coming weeks.
As part of our Harmony Week celebrations, Senior and Junior Student Leaders are hosting a Colour Run and after school sausage sizzle on Friday, March 28th, from 3:00–4:00 PM. This exciting event is just one of many activities planned to celebrate PRIDE value of diversity and respect.
On the same day, we will also be holding a free dress fundraiser, where students are encouraged to wear white to make the Colour Run even more vibrant! Donations collected from the fundraiser will go towards a charity supporting diversity and inclusion.To ensure a fun and safe experience, students are encouraged to bring sunglasses to wear during the run.
We look forward to celebrating this special event with our students. More details, including how to get involved, will be shared on Compass in the coming weeks.
Para Swimming World Series 2025
Melbourne hosted the first meet of the World Para Series for 2025 and Hamish Keenan was fortunate to represent Australia in several events at the meet.
He competed in the 400m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle, 200m Individual medley, 100m Breaststroke and a 4 x 100m Freestyle relay. With a field of international and Australian paralympic medallists, Hamish was able to achieve a bronze in the 100m Breaststroke, silver in the 200IM and a gold in the relay.
It was a huge weekend which saw him compete all three days in morning heats and then return each afternoon for finals. Hamish received lots of positive feedback from the Australian coaching team which will prepare him for the big year ahead.
Congratulations Hamish!
It was a huge weekend which saw him compete all three days in morning heats and then return each afternoon for finals. Hamish received lots of positive feedback from the Australian coaching team which will prepare him for the big year ahead.
Congratulations Hamish!
Burnet, Dunlop and Napier Orientation Camp
The 2025 Burnet, Dunlop and Napier expedition to Camp Wilkin at Anglesea set off this year on the 26th of February with four buses full of eager campers.
The Year 7 students were divided into seven activity groups and took part in a high ropes course, canoeing on the Anglesea River, surfing at the main beach and mountain biking through the wetlands, accompanied by our Year 10 leaders and a selection of the college’s most fearless, adrenaline-craving teachers.
The activities were ‘challenge by choice’ and it was inspiring to witness many students stepping outside of their comfort zone and conquering some personal fears by trying their hand at new experiences. Many got to hang ten for the first time with the Go Ride A Wave surf school, navigate the Anglesea River by bike and boat or conquer their fear of heights. The Burnet, Dunlop and Napier teams would like to thank and congratulate all Year 7 students who attended for the manner in which they conducted themselves during our stay in Anglesea, the Year 10 leaders who did a fantastic job assisting students and staff, and the staff below who assisted in making the Orientation Camp a success and a joy.
We are looking forward to sharing some of our student’s experiences at the Yr 7 Parent Meet & Greet coming up on the 19th of March. Thank you:Mr Foster, Mr Giurdanella, Ms. Nicholls, Mr. Michaelis, Ms. Pakakis, Mr. Warrick, Mr. Ellul, Butho Ncube, Sophie Tsokas, Owen Knight, Simon Kelly and Chanelle and Blake our PE AFL trainees.
Erica Trahar and Jasmine Kirkpatrick - Burnet Junior TeamThomas Bates and Verity Gallagher – Dunlop Junior TeamHayley May and Alessandra Pecorari – Napier Junior Team
The Year 7 students were divided into seven activity groups and took part in a high ropes course, canoeing on the Anglesea River, surfing at the main beach and mountain biking through the wetlands, accompanied by our Year 10 leaders and a selection of the college’s most fearless, adrenaline-craving teachers.
The activities were ‘challenge by choice’ and it was inspiring to witness many students stepping outside of their comfort zone and conquering some personal fears by trying their hand at new experiences. Many got to hang ten for the first time with the Go Ride A Wave surf school, navigate the Anglesea River by bike and boat or conquer their fear of heights. The Burnet, Dunlop and Napier teams would like to thank and congratulate all Year 7 students who attended for the manner in which they conducted themselves during our stay in Anglesea, the Year 10 leaders who did a fantastic job assisting students and staff, and the staff below who assisted in making the Orientation Camp a success and a joy.
We are looking forward to sharing some of our student’s experiences at the Yr 7 Parent Meet & Greet coming up on the 19th of March. Thank you:Mr Foster, Mr Giurdanella, Ms. Nicholls, Mr. Michaelis, Ms. Pakakis, Mr. Warrick, Mr. Ellul, Butho Ncube, Sophie Tsokas, Owen Knight, Simon Kelly and Chanelle and Blake our PE AFL trainees.
Erica Trahar and Jasmine Kirkpatrick - Burnet Junior TeamThomas Bates and Verity Gallagher – Dunlop Junior TeamHayley May and Alessandra Pecorari – Napier Junior Team
Year 12 Food Studies
The Year 12 Food Studies students are beginning their study of the Australian Dietary Guidelines.
They examine how the Australian Guidelines to Healthy Eating was designed as a visual model that represents Guideline 2 - Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods from these five groups daily. The students recently prepared a Chicken Noodle Salad, which is a meal that reflects the AGTHE. The salad includes a wide range of vegetables including red capsicum and carrot which provide a source of Vitamin C, A and B6 and dietary fibre. The chicken is also an excellent source of protein, and the noodles provide carbohydrates.
The students did a great job preparing this healthy meal.
They examine how the Australian Guidelines to Healthy Eating was designed as a visual model that represents Guideline 2 - Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods from these five groups daily. The students recently prepared a Chicken Noodle Salad, which is a meal that reflects the AGTHE. The salad includes a wide range of vegetables including red capsicum and carrot which provide a source of Vitamin C, A and B6 and dietary fibre. The chicken is also an excellent source of protein, and the noodles provide carbohydrates.
The students did a great job preparing this healthy meal.
International Women’s Day Breakfast
On March 7, eight Year 12 student leaders from Strathmore Secondary College attended the International Women’s Day Breakfast hosted by Moonee Valley Council. Joined by members of Essendon North and Strathmore Rotary Club, students engaged in discussions about gender equity, allyship, and the ongoing fight for social change.
Key takeaways included the importance of active progress—recognizing that equality doesn’t happen passively but requires action. Speakers highlighted the role of men as allies, the need for gender-inclusive workplaces, and the power of economic independence for women, particularly migrants and refugees. The event also explored intersectionality, encouraging students to challenge their biases and assumptions.
Students remarked that the panel was a reminder that change starts with knowledge, advocacy, and using our voices to shape the future.
Key takeaways included the importance of active progress—recognizing that equality doesn’t happen passively but requires action. Speakers highlighted the role of men as allies, the need for gender-inclusive workplaces, and the power of economic independence for women, particularly migrants and refugees. The event also explored intersectionality, encouraging students to challenge their biases and assumptions.
Students remarked that the panel was a reminder that change starts with knowledge, advocacy, and using our voices to shape the future.
Year 7 Art
Our Year 7 art students recently swapped the classroom for the great outdoors as they progressed through Task 1 of "Real and Imagined," focusing on landscape drawing. Working en plein air, a technique used by many famous artists, students practiced their observation skills, capturing the details of their surroundings while learning how to create depth and space in their artwork.
They focused on representing landscapes familiar to them, using shading, perspective, and composition to bring their sketches to life. This hands-on experience encouraged them to see the world through an artist’s eye and deepen their understanding of how landscapes can be represented.
Look out for their incredible artwork as the term progresses!
They focused on representing landscapes familiar to them, using shading, perspective, and composition to bring their sketches to life. This hands-on experience encouraged them to see the world through an artist’s eye and deepen their understanding of how landscapes can be represented.
Look out for their incredible artwork as the term progresses!
Year 12 EAL
On Monday February 24 the Year 12 EAL students visited Northcote High School to watch a performance of ‘Oedipus the King’ an ancient Greek tragedy written by Sophocles.
The students enjoyed a very professional performance of the play and interacted with the actors to learn more about the key themes and ideas explored in the play. The excursion will help them improve their understanding of the play in preparation for upcoming assessment tasks. Thank you to Ms Shaalu Chaudhary for accompanying the students on this important excursion.
Geoff WarrickYear 12 EAL Teacher
The students enjoyed a very professional performance of the play and interacted with the actors to learn more about the key themes and ideas explored in the play. The excursion will help them improve their understanding of the play in preparation for upcoming assessment tasks. Thank you to Ms Shaalu Chaudhary for accompanying the students on this important excursion.
Geoff WarrickYear 12 EAL Teacher
Year 10 & 12 Dance
The Year 10 and 12 dance students were lucky enough to attend an excursion to Top Class Dance on Tuesday, 25th February.
For our Year 10 students, this was a wonderful opportunity to gain insight into the VCE curriculum and the expectations of the course. For our Year 12s, the excursion proved to be highly valuable, providing inspiration and a deeper understanding of the standards set by the previous cohort’s assessments.
There, they watched the top 35 students from the 2024 VCE dance cohort perform their own choreographed solos, which form a major component of their end-of-year dance exams.
A special highlight of the event was seeing former Strathmore student Fedora Cox take the stage. Fedora performed her exceptional skills-based solo, demonstrating to our current students that hard work and dedication to creativity can lead to incredible opportunities like this.
The students had a fantastic day celebrating dance and we all felt an overwhelming sense of pride for a member of our own community.
For our Year 10 students, this was a wonderful opportunity to gain insight into the VCE curriculum and the expectations of the course. For our Year 12s, the excursion proved to be highly valuable, providing inspiration and a deeper understanding of the standards set by the previous cohort’s assessments.
There, they watched the top 35 students from the 2024 VCE dance cohort perform their own choreographed solos, which form a major component of their end-of-year dance exams.
A special highlight of the event was seeing former Strathmore student Fedora Cox take the stage. Fedora performed her exceptional skills-based solo, demonstrating to our current students that hard work and dedication to creativity can lead to incredible opportunities like this.
The students had a fantastic day celebrating dance and we all felt an overwhelming sense of pride for a member of our own community.
Art Club & Social Justice Club
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”
Join us Tuesdays at lunch for Art Club & Social Justice Club in B6!
A creative hub using art to raise awareness and advocate for change.
Join us Tuesdays at lunch for Art Club & Social Justice Club in B6!
A creative hub using art to raise awareness and advocate for change.
Student Attendance on Compass
The school is required to record attendance for every student and every class, including the reason for each absence.
Parents and guardians must update Compass Attendance in advance if a student will be leaving the school early for appointments, or for any other reason.
Students cannot leave the school without parent or guardian approval and must not leave the school grounds without signing out at the General Office, before they leave.
Students arriving late to school or returning from appointments, must also sign in at the General Office, before going to class and an explanatory note on Compass is required.
If parents and guardians are unable to update Compass due to technical difficulties, they should telephone the Junior School Attendance Officer in the General Office for assistance.
For instructions on how to use Compass to enter Attendance Notes, go to:https://ict.strathmore.org.au/compass-absence-help.html
Parents and guardians must update Compass Attendance in advance if a student will be leaving the school early for appointments, or for any other reason.
Students cannot leave the school without parent or guardian approval and must not leave the school grounds without signing out at the General Office, before they leave.
Students arriving late to school or returning from appointments, must also sign in at the General Office, before going to class and an explanatory note on Compass is required.
If parents and guardians are unable to update Compass due to technical difficulties, they should telephone the Junior School Attendance Officer in the General Office for assistance.
For instructions on how to use Compass to enter Attendance Notes, go to:https://ict.strathmore.org.au/compass-absence-help.html