Parent Bulletin 23
19 December 2023
Strathmore Secondary College Celebrates Outstanding Year 12 Results
The Strathmore school community is delighted to congratulate the 2023 Year 12 graduates on their outstanding results and to recognise the time and effort expended by them, their teachers, and their families throughout the year.
VCE scores are one measure of a school’s success. We are delighted to report the following:• Our college dux scored a 99.7 ATAR.• Three additional students scored over 98.7 ATAR.• 23 students achieved scores of over 94 ATAR, which is 10% of our cohort.• 42 students scored over 90.• 85 students scored over 80.• There was one perfect score of 50 in General Mathematics
Students who study at Strathmore Secondary College are part of a learning community where everyone, regardless of their interests or passions, can experience success and achieve at the very highest level.
As ever, this year has been challenging and enjoyable. I thank the Strathmore community for its support and willingness to contribute in many ways to the success of the school. I take this opportunity to wish you a relaxing and well-earned summer break.
Jillian EnglishPrincipal
VCE scores are one measure of a school’s success. We are delighted to report the following:• Our college dux scored a 99.7 ATAR.• Three additional students scored over 98.7 ATAR.• 23 students achieved scores of over 94 ATAR, which is 10% of our cohort.• 42 students scored over 90.• 85 students scored over 80.• There was one perfect score of 50 in General Mathematics
Students who study at Strathmore Secondary College are part of a learning community where everyone, regardless of their interests or passions, can experience success and achieve at the very highest level.
As ever, this year has been challenging and enjoyable. I thank the Strathmore community for its support and willingness to contribute in many ways to the success of the school. I take this opportunity to wish you a relaxing and well-earned summer break.
Jillian EnglishPrincipal
Report from School Council November Meeting
Professional Learning Program -2024
Moving forward, Strathmore Secondary College aims to build on the foundations that the Visible Learning framework has provided with a deeper focus on ‘instructional excellence.’
Specifically: 1. All staff will continue embedding learning habits in classrooms.2. All staff will also continue to strengthen the alignment of learning goals, success criteria, and learning habits. 3. Teachers and students will work together to focus on high impact instructional practices and processes that amplify co-agency and learner agency that builds students’ capacity to drive their own learning.4. School leaders will engage in skilful coaching conversations to support ongoing improvement 5. School leaders will also engage in ongoing cycles of evaluation-data gathering, analysis and monitoring of progress and impact. Student Free Days-2024
Monday 6 May – strengthening alignment of learning goals, success criteria, learning habits and assessment.Tuesday 18 June - assessment and reporting.Wednesday 28 August – common Professional Practice Day.Monday 4 November– high impact instructional practices and processes that amplify co-agency and learner agency.
Annual Implementation Plan – 2024
To work on the goals outlined in the school’s strategic plan, an annual implementation plan has been developed for 2024.
Goal 1 – Improve student wellbeing and connectedness for all students across the school.This goal will focus on building teacher capacity to increase school connectedness for all students. The improvement strategy will focus on consistently implementing the PRIDE framework within classrooms and across the whole school. Goal 2 - Improve literacy and numeracy outcomes for all students.This goal will focus on the development of a whole-school literacy and numeracy approach. This approach will also focus on building teacher capacity to use data to differentiate teaching and learning at the point of need. Goal 3 – Build student agency and engagement in learning.This goal will focus on embedding the use and co-construction of learning goals and success criteria by teachers in the classroom. Students will be explicitly taught the skills that lead to improved learning behaviours. This approach will also focus on implementing our identified ‘Learning Habits’ as learning strategies and develop shared understandings of each of the habits.
Jillian EnglishCollege Principal
Moving forward, Strathmore Secondary College aims to build on the foundations that the Visible Learning framework has provided with a deeper focus on ‘instructional excellence.’
Specifically: 1. All staff will continue embedding learning habits in classrooms.2. All staff will also continue to strengthen the alignment of learning goals, success criteria, and learning habits. 3. Teachers and students will work together to focus on high impact instructional practices and processes that amplify co-agency and learner agency that builds students’ capacity to drive their own learning.4. School leaders will engage in skilful coaching conversations to support ongoing improvement 5. School leaders will also engage in ongoing cycles of evaluation-data gathering, analysis and monitoring of progress and impact. Student Free Days-2024
Monday 6 May – strengthening alignment of learning goals, success criteria, learning habits and assessment.Tuesday 18 June - assessment and reporting.Wednesday 28 August – common Professional Practice Day.Monday 4 November– high impact instructional practices and processes that amplify co-agency and learner agency.
Annual Implementation Plan – 2024
To work on the goals outlined in the school’s strategic plan, an annual implementation plan has been developed for 2024.
Goal 1 – Improve student wellbeing and connectedness for all students across the school.This goal will focus on building teacher capacity to increase school connectedness for all students. The improvement strategy will focus on consistently implementing the PRIDE framework within classrooms and across the whole school. Goal 2 - Improve literacy and numeracy outcomes for all students.This goal will focus on the development of a whole-school literacy and numeracy approach. This approach will also focus on building teacher capacity to use data to differentiate teaching and learning at the point of need. Goal 3 – Build student agency and engagement in learning.This goal will focus on embedding the use and co-construction of learning goals and success criteria by teachers in the classroom. Students will be explicitly taught the skills that lead to improved learning behaviours. This approach will also focus on implementing our identified ‘Learning Habits’ as learning strategies and develop shared understandings of each of the habits.
Jillian EnglishCollege Principal
Orientation Day
On Tuesday 12 December, we welcomed 320 of our new Year 7s for 2024 to the school community.
The students participated in a program designed to provide an insight into the life of a Year 7 student at Strathmore. They met their coordinators, peer support leaders and also went on a tour of the school. Some students even tested out the games created by our Year 9 3D printed design class. It was a hot and humid day but there were plenty of smiles as we wished them a happy holidays.
We look forward to seeing them again on the first day of Term 1 2024.
The students participated in a program designed to provide an insight into the life of a Year 7 student at Strathmore. They met their coordinators, peer support leaders and also went on a tour of the school. Some students even tested out the games created by our Year 9 3D printed design class. It was a hot and humid day but there were plenty of smiles as we wished them a happy holidays.
We look forward to seeing them again on the first day of Term 1 2024.
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Year 8 PRIDE Camp
On the 22nd of November, our Yr 8 cohort, accompanied by 20 or so staff, boarded half-a-dozen buses and headed north (well it was more north-west) to Campaspe Downs for our Yr 8 PRIDE Camp, where we focus on, reinforce and celebrate the college community values of Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence.
Students were organised into diverse activity groups and had the opportunity to demonstrate perseverance while navigating their way through a variety of challenging activities and initiative exercises.
Whether they were scrambling up the climbing wall, zipping down the flying fox, grasping a better understanding of buoyancy on their rafts or hanging out on the giant swing, it was so pleasing to witness our Yr 8 students demonstrating respect to one another, the camp staff and the environment while having the opportunity to gather as a cohort in an unfamiliar but awesome location.
The camp providers ensured our students were well fed, well entertained, and well worn out by the end of the three-day camp and us college staff were impressed with the way the Yr 8s demonstrated excellence and integrity in their interactions over the course of the camp.
We hope the Yr 8 students enjoyed their time out in the Macedon Ranges and we’re looking forward to continuing the tradition next year and beyond.
On behalf of the junior teams, thank you to the students for a great experience and thank you to all the staff who accompanied our Yr 8s over the course of the three days.
Junior School Teams
Students were organised into diverse activity groups and had the opportunity to demonstrate perseverance while navigating their way through a variety of challenging activities and initiative exercises.
Whether they were scrambling up the climbing wall, zipping down the flying fox, grasping a better understanding of buoyancy on their rafts or hanging out on the giant swing, it was so pleasing to witness our Yr 8 students demonstrating respect to one another, the camp staff and the environment while having the opportunity to gather as a cohort in an unfamiliar but awesome location.
The camp providers ensured our students were well fed, well entertained, and well worn out by the end of the three-day camp and us college staff were impressed with the way the Yr 8s demonstrated excellence and integrity in their interactions over the course of the camp.
We hope the Yr 8 students enjoyed their time out in the Macedon Ranges and we’re looking forward to continuing the tradition next year and beyond.
On behalf of the junior teams, thank you to the students for a great experience and thank you to all the staff who accompanied our Yr 8s over the course of the three days.
Junior School Teams
Year 7 Textiles
Over Term 4, Year 7 Textiles students have been following the design process to create a monster soft toy. Student’s have been building their hand skills in threading needles, tying knots, cutting fabric and hand sewing felt.
Nice work, Year 7s!
Nice work, Year 7s!
First Lego League
Strathmore Shockwaves Tasmanian Tournament
The Strathmore shockwaves met at 4:50am at the Tullamarine Domestic terminal for a 6:50am flight to Launceston Tasmania. From there Mr O’Regan drove the team in a minibus to Leighland Christian School in Ulverstone, the site for the National Finals for our First Lego Leage Robotics Competition.
Upon arrival the Shockwaves assembled in the school hall for the opening ceremony, learning about what the day would entail. Soon after at 10am The team had their Judging Session, where they presented their Innovation Project alongside their Robot Design. The theme this year for the Lego League competition was Masterpiece and students were tasked to research, design and develop an innovative product to create art using technology. The team developed a functioning prototype of a crane designed to assist non-artistic, and disabled individuals in creating their own illustrations.
Led by Stella, Anthony & Steven, the shockwaves spoke with conviction, clarity and passion, sharing their inclusive prototype & presentation with the judges.
An hour later the team had their first Robot Game where Otis, Archie, Anthony & Julian stood calmly at the competition table with two and half minutes to complete as many missions as possible. Working extremely well under pressure the four communicated clearly, securing a respectable first score. The Shockwaves had three attempts throughout the day, with a top score of 375 Points, improving dramatically from their previous achievements at Oliver Plunkets in Melbourne.
While the Strathmore Shockwaves did not fly home with a trophy, they did return with a refined set of digital skills, an experience they will never forget and a burning desire to compete again in 2024.
A massive thank you to the parents, Miss Zovi, Mr Stebbing and Mr O’Regan in supporting the students throughout this process.
Fantastic work Shockwaves!
Upon arrival the Shockwaves assembled in the school hall for the opening ceremony, learning about what the day would entail. Soon after at 10am The team had their Judging Session, where they presented their Innovation Project alongside their Robot Design. The theme this year for the Lego League competition was Masterpiece and students were tasked to research, design and develop an innovative product to create art using technology. The team developed a functioning prototype of a crane designed to assist non-artistic, and disabled individuals in creating their own illustrations.
Led by Stella, Anthony & Steven, the shockwaves spoke with conviction, clarity and passion, sharing their inclusive prototype & presentation with the judges.
An hour later the team had their first Robot Game where Otis, Archie, Anthony & Julian stood calmly at the competition table with two and half minutes to complete as many missions as possible. Working extremely well under pressure the four communicated clearly, securing a respectable first score. The Shockwaves had three attempts throughout the day, with a top score of 375 Points, improving dramatically from their previous achievements at Oliver Plunkets in Melbourne.
While the Strathmore Shockwaves did not fly home with a trophy, they did return with a refined set of digital skills, an experience they will never forget and a burning desire to compete again in 2024.
A massive thank you to the parents, Miss Zovi, Mr Stebbing and Mr O’Regan in supporting the students throughout this process.
Fantastic work Shockwaves!
2023 Photos
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VCE High Achievers Assembly
Following the release of VCE results, the Senior School hosted the VCE High Achievers Assembly held in the Theatrette on Thursday 14th December. Strathmore Secondary College High Achiever Awards recognise students within the College who attained an ATAR above 94. Congratulations to all VCE High Achievers on your outstanding efforts and results.
High Achiever Award:
High Achiever Award:
Dante CalabroShane LiuElizabeth WottenKyousuke NakataEren KurucuEzra FauldsJasmine SilvaThomas KruspeNoah SuzukiLizge ErdemirMietta Vampatella
Robert BaldockTrinity KitcherEmma HodzicVictoria BosioCharli O’BrienKatherine BaynesMolly GasperVolesh MushyamKerem KurucuMax CaruanaMia Luzietti
College Dux
Strathmore Secondary College Dux for 2023 with an ATAR of 99.7 Max Maccora
Strathmore Secondary College Dux for 2023 with an ATAR of 99.7 Max Maccora
The Subject Dux Award is presented to the student or students who received the highest study score, in an individual subject within the College.
Subject Dux Award Recipients:
AccountingApplied Computing:
Data AnalyticsSoftware DevelopmentArt Creative PracticeBiologyBusiness ManagementChemistryChemistryDramaEconomicsEnglishEnglish as an Add' LanguageEnglish as an Add'LanguageEnglish LanguageEnglish LiteratureFood StudiesGeneral MathematicsGeographyGlobal PoliticsGreekHealth and Human DevelopmentHistory: History RevolutionsItalianJapaneseLegal StudiesMathematical MethodsMathematical MethodsMediaMediaMusic Repertoire PerformanceOutdoor and Enviro' StudiesPhilosophyPhilosophyPhysical EducationPhysical EducationPhysicsPhysicsProduct Design and TechnologyPsychologySpecialist MathematicsVisual Communication DesignVisual Communication Design
Charli O’Brien
Charlotte FedericoEzra FauldsAlex Joyner McCollZoe WarrenVictoria BosioKyousuke NakataMax MaccoraJavier LumsdenCharli O’BrienBella BallardBavley DanialIzza RahimMax MaccoraMietta VampatellaZoe ElekMax MaccoraMakayla InsanaThomas KruspeKaterina PapadopoulouKatherine BaynesVitalii StochanskyiElizabeth WottenKaito NakadaThomas KruspeDante CalabroShane LiuStephanie SkourisWill StrachanJoshua FrankAurelia WilsonIsabelle MilicMietta VampatellaKatherine BaynesSofia PisanoElizabeth WottenEzra FauldsAdrian PalumboMax MaccoraDante CalabroNeyra MutapcicLola Tasevski
Viva Magenta
On Sunday, December 3rd the college’s creativity was on full display at Viva Magenta, our Creative Arts and Design showcase day. It was two fabulous hours of music and drama students performing, media films playing and Visual Arts, Visual Communication and Product Design work on display. Well done to the students who participated and thank you to all those who came along. Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Technology Faculties.
This Semester in STEAM
Students have been exploring big idea questions related to food sustainability, prevention of bushfires and climate change.
The Year 7s have demonstrated excellent critical and creative thinking skills in their pursuit to feed our growing population sustainably. Elaborate dioramas of urban farms have been designed and presented which included solar panels, hydroponic and aquaponic elements. Beans are just one example of the different types of plants that students have been attempting to grow using hydroponic and aquaponic systems. The students also took part in an excursion to CERES earlier in the semester to learn about the future of farming and a day in the life of an urban farmer.
The Year 8s have put their construction skills to the test by making an underwater rover! The issues surrounding climate change were first researched and presented as a one-minute thesis and then students reflected on how technology could be developed to collect data to track changes to ecosystems. The students put their ROVs to the test at Coburg Lake.
The Year 9s were tackling the issue of how to manage bushfires in Australia. Students investigated the impacts bushfires have had and how they could develop a means to collect data to help in their management. They used the design process to plan and construct a water rocket that would launch a CanSat to collect data to be analysed. Students used this data to interpret how this system could be relevant to the overall big idea question.
Well done STEAM students on a highly reflective term! Excellent ideas were discussed, and creative solutions were presented.
The Year 7s have demonstrated excellent critical and creative thinking skills in their pursuit to feed our growing population sustainably. Elaborate dioramas of urban farms have been designed and presented which included solar panels, hydroponic and aquaponic elements. Beans are just one example of the different types of plants that students have been attempting to grow using hydroponic and aquaponic systems. The students also took part in an excursion to CERES earlier in the semester to learn about the future of farming and a day in the life of an urban farmer.
The Year 8s have put their construction skills to the test by making an underwater rover! The issues surrounding climate change were first researched and presented as a one-minute thesis and then students reflected on how technology could be developed to collect data to track changes to ecosystems. The students put their ROVs to the test at Coburg Lake.
The Year 9s were tackling the issue of how to manage bushfires in Australia. Students investigated the impacts bushfires have had and how they could develop a means to collect data to help in their management. They used the design process to plan and construct a water rocket that would launch a CanSat to collect data to be analysed. Students used this data to interpret how this system could be relevant to the overall big idea question.
Well done STEAM students on a highly reflective term! Excellent ideas were discussed, and creative solutions were presented.
Burnet Bulletin
Happy last day for 2023 Burnet. While very shortly we will all get our chance to put our feet up and schoolbooks down, our Year 10 students got a bit of a head start. The Yr 10 Graduation at Moonee Valley last fortnight was a wonderful way for us as a team to celebrate with our parent community and reflect on a massive four years in the junior Burnet team. It was a real pleasure to be able to recognise their successes and wish them all the best as they move into the senior school or on to their next educational pursuit. It’s always an emotional goodbye to farewell our Yr 10 students, but they’re in great hands with their senior Burnet coordinator Ben Hirons, and Yr 11 team leader Andrew Beavis eager to welcome them to the senior school. On the subject of final events, last Wednesday afternoon the rest of the Burnet junior cohort gathered to celebrate the year that was. It was a nice way to farewell our students before the holiday break and acknowledge the many successes and celebrations of 2023. We recognised our Maths Competition participants, peer mentors and of course our official award winners. Well done to all Burnet students on a great year, and congratulations to our official award winners. Official Award Winners
Year 7Academic Excellence: Community Contribution: Perseverance Award:
Year 8
Academic Excellence: Community Contribution: Perseverance Award:
Year 9
Academic Excellence: Community Contribution: Perseverance Award:
Year 10
Academic Excellence: Community Contribution: Perseverance Award:
Amari V
Owen V
Ethan C
Kaitlin B
Amelia H
Emily C
Joey P
Kerem G
Samantha R
Viktoria C
Willow R
Willow R
We also welcomed our junior Burnet leadership team for 2024 at our final team assembly. We are looking forward to working with our leaders and ensuring there’s a strong student voice in the team for 2024.
Burnet Team Leaders
Burnet Student Voice
Burnet Events Team
Magie EMarley CAki BKerem GSienna PKeira SJonah HAkin MMei KGeorgia SDana AHammad S
Burnet also had a successful year on the sporting field with a number of our students recognised for their outstanding efforts in their chosen sport. Congratulations to these students on their outstanding performances, particularly Owen, who claimed the 2023 Rising Star Award for Year 7 students.
Owen V - Yr 7 Boys Athletics Player of the Year AND Rising Star AwardWillow C - Yr 7&8 Girls Hockey Player of the Year Marielle P - Yr 7 Girls Soccer Player of the Year Zoe S - Yr 8 Girls Soccer Player of the YearKai S - Yr 8 Boys Soccer Player of the Year Ben D - Yr 8 Boys AFL Player of the Year Caspar R - Yr 10 Boys Basketball Player of the Year
We in the Burnet team would like to publicly farewell Stephanie Bhangoo who has been our primary wellbeing support person for the year. The work that Stephanie does with our students and families has been immeasurable, and we know how grateful those families are for her tireless work, support and advice and so are we. Thank you so much for all you have done for the Burnet team. Finally, a massive thank you to our Burnet community. It’s been a big year. Our students have persevered through some long terms and have earned this summer break. We hope the sun comes out for you all and you get to spend some quality time together with those that mean the most to you. Before you know it we’ll be back onsite but for now, reflect on the successes of the year, take some time to unwind and enjoy the clarity of mind a nice long break can bring. Until next year, be safe and look after one another.The Burnet Team
Owen V - Yr 7 Boys Athletics Player of the Year AND Rising Star AwardWillow C - Yr 7&8 Girls Hockey Player of the Year Marielle P - Yr 7 Girls Soccer Player of the Year Zoe S - Yr 8 Girls Soccer Player of the YearKai S - Yr 8 Boys Soccer Player of the Year Ben D - Yr 8 Boys AFL Player of the Year Caspar R - Yr 10 Boys Basketball Player of the Year
We in the Burnet team would like to publicly farewell Stephanie Bhangoo who has been our primary wellbeing support person for the year. The work that Stephanie does with our students and families has been immeasurable, and we know how grateful those families are for her tireless work, support and advice and so are we. Thank you so much for all you have done for the Burnet team. Finally, a massive thank you to our Burnet community. It’s been a big year. Our students have persevered through some long terms and have earned this summer break. We hope the sun comes out for you all and you get to spend some quality time together with those that mean the most to you. Before you know it we’ll be back onsite but for now, reflect on the successes of the year, take some time to unwind and enjoy the clarity of mind a nice long break can bring. Until next year, be safe and look after one another.The Burnet Team
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.