Parent Bulletin 21
10 November 2023
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day, a day for us all to remember those who have served and those who have died in all wars and peacekeeping operations.
At 11am on 11 November 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. The Germans called for an armistice in order to secure a peace settlement. They accepted the allied terms of unconditional surrender.
The conflict had mobilised over 70 million people, left between 9 and 13 million dead, and as many as one third of these with no grave.
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post-war years. It became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war.
We will remember them. Lest we forget.
At 11am on 11 November 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. The Germans called for an armistice in order to secure a peace settlement. They accepted the allied terms of unconditional surrender.
The conflict had mobilised over 70 million people, left between 9 and 13 million dead, and as many as one third of these with no grave.
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post-war years. It became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war.
We will remember them. Lest we forget.
Visible Learning Certified School Award
I am excited to announce that Strathmore College has achieved a remarkable milestone by being the first secondary school in the Asia-Pacific region to be honoured with the prestigious Visible Learning Certified School award. This accolade is a significant achievement, as there are only eight exceptional schools in the Asia-Pacific region and a mere twenty-two globally that share this distinction.
The Visible Learning Certified School award is bestowed by Professor John Hattie, a global authority on education effectiveness whose research consists of the world’s largest evidence on what works best in schools to improve learning. Professor Hattie shared the following insight when conferring the award:
“I know it is a lot of hard work to improve the mind frames of all in the school, turn the school into a learning organisation, and enjoy the fruits of the hard work and expertise. It also takes courage as it is so much easier to tweak the curriculum, alter the structures, etc. but to truly focus on the impact on students is the right work.” John Hattie
Recipients of the award had to provide substantial evidence, over a several year period, that the following characteristics were embedded in the school’s culture.
The Visible Learning Certified School award is bestowed by Professor John Hattie, a global authority on education effectiveness whose research consists of the world’s largest evidence on what works best in schools to improve learning. Professor Hattie shared the following insight when conferring the award:
“I know it is a lot of hard work to improve the mind frames of all in the school, turn the school into a learning organisation, and enjoy the fruits of the hard work and expertise. It also takes courage as it is so much easier to tweak the curriculum, alter the structures, etc. but to truly focus on the impact on students is the right work.” John Hattie
Recipients of the award had to provide substantial evidence, over a several year period, that the following characteristics were embedded in the school’s culture.
- Our school’s data and evidence drive practice in our school.
- Our school has embedded a shared language of learning.
- Our school has assessment capable visible learners.
- Our school has well-established processes around analysing student achievement data that focus on progress and achievement.
- Our school (faculty and students) shares achievement data with each other and with the community.
- Our school communicates high expectations to all members of our community.
- Our school has an open and collaborative environment both internally and externally.
- Our school provides quality feedback to both students and faculty.
- Our school provides a variety of teaching, leading, and learning approaches that meet the learning needs of students.
- Our teachers and students have clarity around learning and what success looks like.
- Our school has a focus on learning and progress (as opposed to teaching and achievement).
- Our school has a shared understanding of what progress looks like in core content areas in our school.
- Our learners are able to tell you where they are at in their learning and what their next learning steps are.
- Our school has a clear picture of the quality of practice expected from teaching staff.
- Our school incorporates feedback from students, families, and faculty in their planning and review.
My heartfelt congratulations to students, parents, teachers and school leaders involved in implementing the changes to process, practice and behaviour needed to meet the rigorous evidentiary requirements of this award.
As we look ahead, Strathmore Secondary College's steadfast dedication to ongoing improvement across all aspects will persist, nurturing not only the intellectual growth but also the personal excellence of each and every student. This unwavering commitment will continue to shape an environment where our students can truly thrive and reach their full potential.
Yours in celebration,
Jillian EnglishPrincipal
As we look ahead, Strathmore Secondary College's steadfast dedication to ongoing improvement across all aspects will persist, nurturing not only the intellectual growth but also the personal excellence of each and every student. This unwavering commitment will continue to shape an environment where our students can truly thrive and reach their full potential.
Yours in celebration,
Jillian EnglishPrincipal
Viva Magenta
The Creative Arts, Performing Arts & Design Technology faculties would like to officially invite all parents/guardians, students, and staff to ‘VIVA MAGENTA’ on Sunday December 3rd from 10am - 12pm.
This showcase celebrates the wonderful achievements of our VCE students.
We hope to see you there!
This showcase celebrates the wonderful achievements of our VCE students.
We hope to see you there!
Year 10 Fashion
Hey guys this is Annay and Siena.
This is what we have been doing in fashion for the past few weeks.
We learnt how to make absolutely fantastic pants from scratch. We learnt how to use new machines like the overlocker and apply our knowledge when sewing.
We are very proud of our work they are very cute and comfortable.
We learnt how to make absolutely fantastic pants from scratch. We learnt how to use new machines like the overlocker and apply our knowledge when sewing.
We are very proud of our work they are very cute and comfortable.
Year 8 PRIDE Camp 2023
Dear Parents & Carers of Year 8 Students, A reminder that this year we are offering our PRIDE Camp for all Year 8 students. The camp will run 22nd - 24th November at PGL Adventure Camps, Campaspe Downs (near Kyneton).
Students will be participating in a range of adventure and challenge activities that are linked to our school PRIDE values. This will be both an enjoyable and important experience for all our students to participate in. Due to the shorter school week, we have extended our timeline for collecting payment and consent to Sunday,12 November.
We need to pass our numbers to the campsite very soon; so please action the event on Compass. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to your child’s coordinator. We look forward to sharing this experience with your students.
The Junior Teams
Students will be participating in a range of adventure and challenge activities that are linked to our school PRIDE values. This will be both an enjoyable and important experience for all our students to participate in. Due to the shorter school week, we have extended our timeline for collecting payment and consent to Sunday,12 November.
We need to pass our numbers to the campsite very soon; so please action the event on Compass. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to your child’s coordinator. We look forward to sharing this experience with your students.
The Junior Teams
Year 7-8 Baseball
Stepping onto the diamond in the fresh spring air, the Year 7-8 baseball team took the field against Springside. Batting first, Strathmore set the tone with an impressive 5 runs. The offensive pressure didn’t stop with Akein Alwis Bentara Hettiarachchige and Connor Davin leading the charge with some strong hits to secure a comfortable win in the end. Unfortunately, we were unable to replicate the results in game 2. Some excellent pitching from Grovedale made it difficult to continue the same hitting in the previous game. Nonetheless, our hitters persevered in the box to put up a respectable score. Despite the standout fielding performance from Otis Karp and strong pitching outings from both Oscar Dodds and Patrick Leyden, we were unable to come out with a win in a close game.
To end the day, Manor Lakes threw the best lineup against us for game 3, which resulted in a close pitching duel. An excellent pitching performance from James Dennis, who had been a standout behind the plate all day, as well as Lachlan McArdle’s clutch hit. However, we were unlucky not to come out on top.
Overall, it was an impressive performance from the youngest team on the day, who were able to prove their skills and carried themselves with respect, diligence and integrity throughout the day. Hopefully they are able to prove themselves next year and achieve the results they can.
Mr. David AndrewsMr. Tyson Foreman Coaches
To end the day, Manor Lakes threw the best lineup against us for game 3, which resulted in a close pitching duel. An excellent pitching performance from James Dennis, who had been a standout behind the plate all day, as well as Lachlan McArdle’s clutch hit. However, we were unlucky not to come out on top.
Overall, it was an impressive performance from the youngest team on the day, who were able to prove their skills and carried themselves with respect, diligence and integrity throughout the day. Hopefully they are able to prove themselves next year and achieve the results they can.
Mr. David AndrewsMr. Tyson Foreman Coaches
Year 7 Swirly Scones
Over the past few weeks, the year 7s have been designing their own Swirly Scones! They were asked to make a batch either sweet or savory and to include a fruit, vegetable, nut and/or seed. The scones were also to have a contrasting colour.
This week was production week where they finally were able to try their creative combinations.
Well done Year 7, the smells coming from the kitchen this week were mouthwatering!
This week was production week where they finally were able to try their creative combinations.
Well done Year 7, the smells coming from the kitchen this week were mouthwatering!
Great Cycle Challenge
This October, the Fernando Brothers took part in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer, because right now, cancer is the largest single killer of children from disease in Australia – over 600 children are diagnosed with cancer every year and sadly, 3 die every week.Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.
Well Done to the boys, they raised a total of $1,351.00.
Well Done to the boys, they raised a total of $1,351.00.
FestAble 2023
When: Sunday 26 NovemberTime: 11am – 3pmWhere: Crown Street Stables and Coronet Park, 40 Crown Street, Flemington FestAble is a free event for everyone, to recognise and celebrate the 15% of Moonee Valley’s residents living with disability*, along with their families, carers and friends, in a day of music, dance, art, sport, inspiration and inclusion.
It’s a day for people of all abilities and talents to take centre stage – and shine!
Guests to this fabulous and free event will be supported by an Auslan interpreter, accessible facilities, and the City of Moonee Valley’s Access and Inclusion team. Members of Moonee Valley’s Disability Advisory Committee will also be on hand for a chat. Bring a picnic and stay for the day!
It’s a day for people of all abilities and talents to take centre stage – and shine!
Guests to this fabulous and free event will be supported by an Auslan interpreter, accessible facilities, and the City of Moonee Valley’s Access and Inclusion team. Members of Moonee Valley’s Disability Advisory Committee will also be on hand for a chat. Bring a picnic and stay for the day!