Parent Bulletin 4
28 March 2024
Principal's Report
Celebrating a Successful Term 1
Term 1 has been a very productive and rewarding term. I am proud of our students’ achievements and the excellence they have demonstrated throughout the term. I wish our school community a safe, happy, and restful holiday. I look forward to welcoming our students back to commence Term 2 on 15 April.
Report from School Council March Meeting
1. Year 12 Pathways Data 2023 Cohort
Our pathways team have again assisted our students in achieving outstanding outcomes. Of those students who made VTAC applications and therefore wanted to go on to tertiary studies, 97.12% have received an offer. 88.48% of those who have received an offer got one of their top three preferences, which is a fantastic result.Where will our student’s study in 2024?
- RMIT – 27%, up from 25% in 2023
- La Trobe Uni – 23%, down from 25% in 2023
- The University of Melbourne – 14%, down from 15% in 2023
- Victoria University – 12%, up from 9% in 2023
- Australian Catholic University – 7%, down from 8% in 2023
- Monash University – 7%, same as in 2023
- Deakin University – 5%, down from 6% in 2023
- Swinburne University – 4%, same as in 2023
- Other – 1%, same as 2023
2. Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
The decision has been made that Parent-student-teacher conferences scheduled for 26 April are to run via video conferencing. This information will be communicated to the school community. Students are not required to attend school on the 26 April, and are expected to be active participants in the conversations about their learning with their parents at the conferences. We will ask that students complete the Student Reflection and Planning sheet on page 11 of the 2024 Student Diary in preparation for the conferences.
3. 2023 Annual Report
The Annual Report was discussed and approved at School Council on 21 March. This report will be available to the school community on the College website shortly.
Jillian EnglishPrincipal
Jillian EnglishPrincipal
Year 7 Parent Meet and Greet
On Friday the 15th of March the parents of our Year 7s came to the school for a meet and greet and were given the opportunity to get to know their child's coordinators and each other. Our school band performed, much to the delight of all. The night was then kicked off by Tallis Sell who introduced Miss English.
It was a great evening that was put together by one of our VM classes and their teacher, Mr Hirons, as a part of their numeracy assessment. Organisation of the event included the food and drinks for the appropriate number of people, writing a compass post and an email to the parents. The students also worked with the music department to get the band together and plan their performance. The VM students were also involved in the set up and pack up of the evening.
“The event was a great success. The VM students ensured the event ran smoothly and their contributions were greatly appreciated. The event was well received by the parents and a great time was had by all.” - Miss Fraser, Burnet Year 7 & 8 coordinator
Overall, it was a fantastic event, thank you to the parents and the coordinators that came and a special thanks to the students of VM class B and Mr Hirons who put this whole event together.
Thank you VM Team (Dani Breen and Sam Krine)
It was a great evening that was put together by one of our VM classes and their teacher, Mr Hirons, as a part of their numeracy assessment. Organisation of the event included the food and drinks for the appropriate number of people, writing a compass post and an email to the parents. The students also worked with the music department to get the band together and plan their performance. The VM students were also involved in the set up and pack up of the evening.
“The event was a great success. The VM students ensured the event ran smoothly and their contributions were greatly appreciated. The event was well received by the parents and a great time was had by all.” - Miss Fraser, Burnet Year 7 & 8 coordinator
Overall, it was a fantastic event, thank you to the parents and the coordinators that came and a special thanks to the students of VM class B and Mr Hirons who put this whole event together.
Thank you VM Team (Dani Breen and Sam Krine)
Performing Arts
The end of term 1 has been a busy time in Performing Arts, with senior excursions to Top Class concerts and presentations, music ensemble performances, recordings for ANZAC day celebrations and students rehearsing for our forthcoming production, ‘Running Commentary’.
Our music students have been supporting a range of initiatives this term, notably the Junior School Meet and Greet evening which featured the M1 Big Band, and the Rock Band performing at lunchtime last week to support the World’s Greatest Shave.
To wrap out the term, students in the junior wind & brass band ensemble classes and Concert Band gathered in M2/3 to stage a celebration of the work done this term. It is incredible to think about the growth and musical development of our new year 7s who have only been playing for a term.
Thank you for your support of Performing Arts this term. We look forward to having you at some of our future events including the Production and Mid-Year Concert.
Luke Steward
Our music students have been supporting a range of initiatives this term, notably the Junior School Meet and Greet evening which featured the M1 Big Band, and the Rock Band performing at lunchtime last week to support the World’s Greatest Shave.
To wrap out the term, students in the junior wind & brass band ensemble classes and Concert Band gathered in M2/3 to stage a celebration of the work done this term. It is incredible to think about the growth and musical development of our new year 7s who have only been playing for a term.
Thank you for your support of Performing Arts this term. We look forward to having you at some of our future events including the Production and Mid-Year Concert.
Luke Steward
Year 7 Design & Technology
Throughout this term some of our Year 7 Design & Technology students have been exploring the role good design plays in our daily lives and learning how to manipulate materials to make products.
They have spent time testing and trialling with acrylic and timber, and experienced what it is like to work as a designer; researching, designing, innovating and making! Their brief was to create a pair of food servers for an end user.
Here are some of their veneer server solutions. We look forward to seeing their matching acrylic servers early next term and their designed solutions when they experience using textiles to solve design problems.
They have spent time testing and trialling with acrylic and timber, and experienced what it is like to work as a designer; researching, designing, innovating and making! Their brief was to create a pair of food servers for an end user.
Here are some of their veneer server solutions. We look forward to seeing their matching acrylic servers early next term and their designed solutions when they experience using textiles to solve design problems.
Year 7 Food Technology
Year 7 Food Technology students are learning to use their stove tops safely to prepare basic and healthy meals that they could prepare at home.
These students produced delicious omelettes with fillings like cheese, mushrooms, deli meats and fresh herbs. As we learn about the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, students can reflect on the exciting and diverse range of foods from the 5 food groups which could be included in this quick and easy meal. We hope this inspires some yummy meals at home over the school break!
These students produced delicious omelettes with fillings like cheese, mushrooms, deli meats and fresh herbs. As we learn about the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, students can reflect on the exciting and diverse range of foods from the 5 food groups which could be included in this quick and easy meal. We hope this inspires some yummy meals at home over the school break!
Year 8 Systems Technology
In year 8 Systems Technology, we learnt to make functioning circuits.
We did this by adding electrical components to the design we created on timber, using wires and nails to transfer the energy. We started simply by wiring an LED light, a resistor, and a battery, before expanding and adding more lights, a capacitor, a buzzer, and a switch. We also used soldering irons to make sure our circuits were conductive! We did this by melting solder over the joints, so they stuck properly.
Overall, we learnt a lot about the designs and their components this term.
Dani & Indigo, Year 8
We did this by adding electrical components to the design we created on timber, using wires and nails to transfer the energy. We started simply by wiring an LED light, a resistor, and a battery, before expanding and adding more lights, a capacitor, a buzzer, and a switch. We also used soldering irons to make sure our circuits were conductive! We did this by melting solder over the joints, so they stuck properly.
Overall, we learnt a lot about the designs and their components this term.
Dani & Indigo, Year 8
Year 11 & 12 Art
Art Making and Exhibiting Excursion to Galleries.
On Monday 18 March, a beautiful sunny day, a combined group of VCE students visited the Ian Potter Gallery at Federation Square to view student artworks and Visual Arts journals.
Top Arts 2024 featured the most exceptional work from students who completed the new VCE study designs of Art Making and Exhibiting and Art Creative Practice in 2023. The exhibition was a fascinating survey of the curious, creative and innovative spirit of young artists. We hoped that our Strathmore students would benefit from hearing from the curator about some approaches the selected students took, to apply to their own concepts and processes.
In Art Making and Exhibiting, we are doing artworks on lens-based techniques, photography and videos, both analogue and digital.
In the afternoon, the group also visited the Triennial at the NGV on St Kilda Road, looking not only at photography and video, but also immersing itself in installations, sculptural works, paintings and drawings and mixed media as a source of joy and inspiration. Some works from Photo 2024 were also seen at Federation Square: these were mainly billboards that provided easy access for public viewing in the city environment.
Parents and students are encouraged to visit each of these exhibitions during the holidays to see wonderful artworks.
Helen Kostiuk and Sam ThomasArt Making and ExhibitingVisual Arts Faculty
On Monday 18 March, a beautiful sunny day, a combined group of VCE students visited the Ian Potter Gallery at Federation Square to view student artworks and Visual Arts journals.
Top Arts 2024 featured the most exceptional work from students who completed the new VCE study designs of Art Making and Exhibiting and Art Creative Practice in 2023. The exhibition was a fascinating survey of the curious, creative and innovative spirit of young artists. We hoped that our Strathmore students would benefit from hearing from the curator about some approaches the selected students took, to apply to their own concepts and processes.
In Art Making and Exhibiting, we are doing artworks on lens-based techniques, photography and videos, both analogue and digital.
In the afternoon, the group also visited the Triennial at the NGV on St Kilda Road, looking not only at photography and video, but also immersing itself in installations, sculptural works, paintings and drawings and mixed media as a source of joy and inspiration. Some works from Photo 2024 were also seen at Federation Square: these were mainly billboards that provided easy access for public viewing in the city environment.
Parents and students are encouraged to visit each of these exhibitions during the holidays to see wonderful artworks.
Helen Kostiuk and Sam ThomasArt Making and ExhibitingVisual Arts Faculty
8C2 Mission to Mars
On Friday the 22nd of March students of 8C2 undertook the perilous journey to Mars as part of their science project-based learning in geology. The objectives of the journey were to answer two questions:
a) What the story of Mars?b) Why are we interested in the story of Mars?
The students successfully completed their mission via teamwork and perseverance.
Dr Chris KladisScience Faculty
The students successfully completed their mission via teamwork and perseverance.
Dr Chris KladisScience Faculty
Outdoor & Enviromental Studies Coastal Camp
The Year 11 and Year 12 OES students took a trip down to the coast to Anglesea during Week 8 to participate in some studies regarding relationships with outdoor environments. The senior students (Year 12s) were keen to show off their exemplary menu planning and cooking skills to the new recruits (Year 11s) and taught them how to put up and pack down a camp-site.
The 12s learnt some of the history around Aireys Inlet including a visit to Bark Hut and a look at the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary location. They also tested the environment around the Anglesea River Mouth – checking pH, temperature and turbidity in the soil and water. Next in line was some snorkelling at Point Roadknight,
followed by stand up paddle boarding along the Anglesea River and a hike up to the top of Mt Ingoldsby to learn about human impacts on outdoor environments. Lastly, the group journeyed to the You Yangs Regional Park to check out Big Rock and learned about Indigenous relationships with the land.
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Meanwhile the 11s embarked on a different cultural adventure by visiting the famous “Round the Twist” lighthouse. They also had a fun time playing beach games, followed by setting up camp in tents and cooking on a Trangia. Day two started by watching a beautiful sunrise on the beach and breakfast. Then they completed a canoeing journey along the Anglesea River down to Koogoorah Wetland and then embarking on the Point Addis Koorie Cultural walk, immersing themselves in the local Indigenous culture and learning about the significance of the land.
The activities provided an opportunity for students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice and gain hands-on experience. On the last day of the camp, students enjoyed surfing in the morning before packing up and heading back to school.
The camp was a great success, with students gaining valuable insights and knowledge about the environments encountered. Ms Trahar, Miss Rigden, Mr Hill and Mr Crook were impressed by the enthusiasm and participation of the students across the entire camp and all the activities!
The activities provided an opportunity for students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice and gain hands-on experience. On the last day of the camp, students enjoyed surfing in the morning before packing up and heading back to school.
The camp was a great success, with students gaining valuable insights and knowledge about the environments encountered. Ms Trahar, Miss Rigden, Mr Hill and Mr Crook were impressed by the enthusiasm and participation of the students across the entire camp and all the activities!
Year 9 Visual Communication Design
Students explored the 3D drawing method of Isometric and were asked to design a brand new character for the game Crossy Road. The characters had to appeal to a younger audience and incorporate elements of road safety.
Enjoy some examples of their wonderful work below.
Enjoy some examples of their wonderful work below.
Senior Volleyball
On Thursday the 21st of March, the Senior Girls and Boys Volleyball teams played in the Moonee Valley Division first round against Mt Alexander College and EKC.
Unfortunately, the boys lost their first match against EKC. They were able to win their second match against EKC’s second team, however, in their third match of the day, Mt Alexander came back after a very close first set and won in two sets. The boys played very well together and improved as a team as the day went on. A special mention to Jacob Thompson, the team captain, as well as Xander Lacson for his excellent spiking and Archie Cottom and Archer Koo for their excellent defence at the net.
For the girls’ team, first up was EKC. Although EKC won the first set, the girls managed to come back and win the next two sets. Next, the girls played Mt Alexander and were able to win in two sets. The girls were then required to play against both teams again, and coincidentally, they won in the same pattern! They played so well together and demonstrated exceptional teamwork skills. A special mention to Chloe Hamilton for being an excellent team captain, Olivia Speechley and Arianna Davoli for their exceptional serving and Cady Jacobson, Matilda Fitzpatrick and Zoe Miladinovic for their excellent defence work on the court.
All students had such a fun day and put in such a great effort! They should all be very proud. The girls are looking forward to the next round.
Ms Ferraro
Unfortunately, the boys lost their first match against EKC. They were able to win their second match against EKC’s second team, however, in their third match of the day, Mt Alexander came back after a very close first set and won in two sets. The boys played very well together and improved as a team as the day went on. A special mention to Jacob Thompson, the team captain, as well as Xander Lacson for his excellent spiking and Archie Cottom and Archer Koo for their excellent defence at the net.
For the girls’ team, first up was EKC. Although EKC won the first set, the girls managed to come back and win the next two sets. Next, the girls played Mt Alexander and were able to win in two sets. The girls were then required to play against both teams again, and coincidentally, they won in the same pattern! They played so well together and demonstrated exceptional teamwork skills. A special mention to Chloe Hamilton for being an excellent team captain, Olivia Speechley and Arianna Davoli for their exceptional serving and Cady Jacobson, Matilda Fitzpatrick and Zoe Miladinovic for their excellent defence work on the court.
All students had such a fun day and put in such a great effort! They should all be very proud. The girls are looking forward to the next round.
Ms Ferraro
Year 10 Art
10ART1 have completed their assemblage sculptures drawing inspiration from the Dada Art Movement and the results are wonderfully ridiculous!
Students explored their own creative practice to experiment, refine and execute a 3D assembled sculpture. We are extremely proud of our students who delved into the world of anti-art, challenging conventions, and embracing the absurd.
We can’t wait to see what you create next term!
Nicholas Mastrippolito + Rebecca Frith
Students explored their own creative practice to experiment, refine and execute a 3D assembled sculpture. We are extremely proud of our students who delved into the world of anti-art, challenging conventions, and embracing the absurd.
We can’t wait to see what you create next term!
Nicholas Mastrippolito + Rebecca Frith
Western Metropolitan Region Swimming Finals
On Wednesday the 27th of March, we had 32 students represent Strathmore at the Western Metro Region Swimming Finals held in Geelong.
It was a great day and our students excelled in their effort and performances across all events.
We have 8 swimmers that are advancing to the State Championships which will be held early term 2. Ahmed Elgammal, Cassandra Biscocho and Hamish Keenan all advanced through to the state championships in both individual and team events. We also had 2 relays advance through and our swimmers Isla Fitzgerald, Sorrell Pakula, Gemma Matthews, Jonah Tanfara and Ollie Salmon will all be vying for gold on the day.
Good luck to all the swimmers in the State Championships. Go Strathmore!
It was a great day and our students excelled in their effort and performances across all events.
We have 8 swimmers that are advancing to the State Championships which will be held early term 2. Ahmed Elgammal, Cassandra Biscocho and Hamish Keenan all advanced through to the state championships in both individual and team events. We also had 2 relays advance through and our swimmers Isla Fitzgerald, Sorrell Pakula, Gemma Matthews, Jonah Tanfara and Ollie Salmon will all be vying for gold on the day.
Good luck to all the swimmers in the State Championships. Go Strathmore!
World's Greatest Shave
Celebrating Community Spirit: Strathmore SC Shines in the World's Greatest Shave!
Dear parents, carers and community, we’re so excited to share an update about our successful participation in the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave! The energy, enthusiasm and generosity displayed by our school community has truly been remarkable.
Together we raised over $7000 (and counting) for a cause close to our hearts!
Thanks to the collective efforts of our incredible students, dedicated teachers, supportive staff, and you, our wonderful school community, we have raised an outstanding amount for the Leukaemia Foundation. This achievement goes beyond mere fundraising; it reflects the compassion and unity that define the Strathmore community.
A Shave to RememberSo many of our fearless students, teachers, and staff, in the true spirit of solidarity, took on the challenge of shaving their hair. It was heartening to witness such a visual representation of our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by blood cancer. Congratulations and thank you to Mr Kosowski, Mr Roberts, Mr Delaney, Xavier B, Alex M & Michael L for donating their locks to the event. Thanks also to our world class haircutters Ms Krine, Mr Gourley, Michael A and our special guest Tash W.
Thank You for Being the Heart of Our SuccessOur deepest gratitude goes out to each and every one of you who supported, sponsored, and participated in this meaningful initiative. Your commitment to making a positive impact is the driving force behind our success. Thanks to Ms Martucci and the SSLC for their support, Ash Graham and the school rock band for performing at lunch time, for Mr Hirons watching over the BBQ and all other SSC staff for being present on the day.
As we reflect on the achievement of our World's Greatest Shave experience, let's carry forward the spirit of giving and continue to make a difference in the lives of others.
The Year 11 VCE VM team
P.s. There’s still time to donate to our school team online at: https://secure.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?TeamID=144278
Together we raised over $7000 (and counting) for a cause close to our hearts!
Thanks to the collective efforts of our incredible students, dedicated teachers, supportive staff, and you, our wonderful school community, we have raised an outstanding amount for the Leukaemia Foundation. This achievement goes beyond mere fundraising; it reflects the compassion and unity that define the Strathmore community.
A Shave to RememberSo many of our fearless students, teachers, and staff, in the true spirit of solidarity, took on the challenge of shaving their hair. It was heartening to witness such a visual representation of our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by blood cancer. Congratulations and thank you to Mr Kosowski, Mr Roberts, Mr Delaney, Xavier B, Alex M & Michael L for donating their locks to the event. Thanks also to our world class haircutters Ms Krine, Mr Gourley, Michael A and our special guest Tash W.
Thank You for Being the Heart of Our SuccessOur deepest gratitude goes out to each and every one of you who supported, sponsored, and participated in this meaningful initiative. Your commitment to making a positive impact is the driving force behind our success. Thanks to Ms Martucci and the SSLC for their support, Ash Graham and the school rock band for performing at lunch time, for Mr Hirons watching over the BBQ and all other SSC staff for being present on the day.
As we reflect on the achievement of our World's Greatest Shave experience, let's carry forward the spirit of giving and continue to make a difference in the lives of others.
The Year 11 VCE VM team
P.s. There’s still time to donate to our school team online at: https://secure.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?TeamID=144278
