Parent Bulletin 1
February 20 2026
Principal’s Message
We have made a very positive and energetic start to the 2026 school year, welcoming 12 new Year 7 classes as they commence their secondary school journey at Strathmore Secondary College. Starting secondary school is a significant milestone for students and families alike, and it has been heartening to see how confidently our newest students are settling into new routines, subjects and friendships. This transition has been strongly supported by our dedicated Year Level Team Leaders, Coordinators, teachers, education support staff and our outstanding Year 9 Peer Support Leaders.
The Peer Support Program plays a vital role in building connection and belonging. Our Year 9 leaders have modelled kindness, leadership and care, helping Year 7 students navigate the practical and social aspects of secondary school life. Through structured activities and informal support, they are building strong connections and promoting a sense of belonging and confidence, which underpin positive engagement, learning growth and overall wellbeing.
With school photos now complete, we look forward to seeing new and updated images of our students and staff available on Compass in the coming weeks.
Free resources for families of adolescents aged 10 to 14 years.
The Department of Education has launched an Easing into Adolescence webpage for families of students aged 10 to 14 (Grade 5 to Year 8).
The webpage has information and strategies you can use to help ease your child into adolescence and secondary school. These include:
The Peer Support Program plays a vital role in building connection and belonging. Our Year 9 leaders have modelled kindness, leadership and care, helping Year 7 students navigate the practical and social aspects of secondary school life. Through structured activities and informal support, they are building strong connections and promoting a sense of belonging and confidence, which underpin positive engagement, learning growth and overall wellbeing.
With school photos now complete, we look forward to seeing new and updated images of our students and staff available on Compass in the coming weeks.
Free resources for families of adolescents aged 10 to 14 years.
The Department of Education has launched an Easing into Adolescence webpage for families of students aged 10 to 14 (Grade 5 to Year 8).
The webpage has information and strategies you can use to help ease your child into adolescence and secondary school. These include:
- a guide to emotion coaching. Staff from The University of Melbourne’s Tuning in to Teens Kids program developed the guidance.
- how to support your adolescent with their studies and more generally. Parenting expert and clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller helped develop this resource.
Subtitles for videos by The University of Melbourne on the webpage are available in 10 languages. You can select your preferred language on the translations page.
For questions about these resources, contact the Strategic Partnerships, Transitions and Student Voice team. You can email them at Secondary.School.Transition@education.vic.gov.au.
Year 12 students began the year with a purposeful and engaging Year 12 Retreat. The day’s program was carefully designed to strengthen the skills students need to be successful in their final year of schooling. Targeted sessions focused on building positive and respectful peer and staff relationships, developing effective and sustainable study habits, and supporting student wellbeing during this important year. Last week, our Year 11 students took part in a ‘Thriving in the VCE’ day, participating in workshops focused on study skills, careers exploration and an introduction to senior school expectations. These programs are part of our deliberate approach to preparing students for the academic and personal demands of the VCE.
We also held a VCE information evening for parents and carers, where we shared key information about the Senior School Team, VCE pathways and events, VCE policies and processes including requirements about learning tasks and SACs, attendance expectations and available supports. In addition, families were invited to attend a virtual VCE family evening delivered by Success Integrated. This session provided practical strategies to support success in the VCE, with insights into building positive study habits, managing wellbeing and ways families can actively support students throughout this significant learning journey. We greatly value the strong partnership between school and home that underpins student success.
We extend a very warm welcome to nineteen new staff and four returning staff to Strathmore Secondary College. Many commenced our comprehensive induction program late last year, ensuring they are well prepared to contribute to our learning community.
New Staff: Adam Rogers, Jun Lin Ge, Antonello Capote, Yin Yin Wang, Zoe Field, Rachel Gramm, Haifa Hedayati, Danny Rorke, Sandra Girgis, Trisha Dennis, Mardi De Kretser, Maddison Budd, Leyla Omer, Shuyi Zhang, Rodney Coote, Natali Poloni, Shai Martin, Laura Chen and Em Criticos.
Returning Staff: Alex Smith, Morgan Barker, Miranda Weir and Liana Pagonis.We are pleased to welcome them to our professional community and look forward to the expertise and enthusiasm they bring to our College.
Students are making great use of the new weights room next to the Gym facilities, rotating between the various equipment stations and cardio skipping routines. The newly polished gym floor and repaired hockey pitch netting have further enhanced our sporting facilities. In addition, we are installing extra air conditioners and replacing blinds in some of our classrooms, and planning improvements to our Performing Arts space to continue strengthening learning environments and facilities across the College.
Teaching staff have begun reviewing our 2025 VCE data and are developing action plans to further strengthen our curriculum and learning programs. Professional Learning Communities have also commenced, with each faculty engaging in inquiry cycles to analyse student learning data, identify learning gaps, and undertake targeted professional learning to implement and evaluate pedagogical strategies and curriculum resources aimed at improving student outcomes.
This week the Team Leaders engaged in an onsite professional learning session focused on trauma-informed practices and restorative approaches. In addition, they collaborated on strategies to continue their work in leading consistent, predictable classroom routines that strengthen positive student–teacher relationships and establish clear expectations for productive and respectful learning environments across the school.
Our Learning Support Team is working closely with students and staff to implement targeted learning support strategies and programs, while continuing to lead the implementation of the Disability Inclusion initiative. Student Team Leaders and Coordinators are also reviewing and setting goals with students requiring additional support through their Individual Education Plans.
A reminder that we will hold a Curriculum Day on Thursday 26 February. No classes will run at the College on this day, as all staff will be participating in professional development. Curriculum Days are an important part of our annual planning and improvement cycle. They provide dedicated time for staff to strengthen teaching and learning programs, engage in professional learning and collaborate on key priorities that support student achievement and wellbeing across the school. Students are not required to attend on this day.
At the heart of all that we do at Strathmore Secondary College are our PRIDE values of Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence. The beginning of the school year provides a powerful opportunity to reflect on how we are living these values each day; whether in our classrooms, in the yard, during assemblies or at community events. We are proud of the respectful and inclusive behaviours demonstrated by our students and staff as we welcome new members of our community and reconnect with those we know well. By continuing to embed PRIDE values in our actions, relationships and learning, we strengthen the culture that defines Strathmore Secondary College and ensures every student is supported to thrive and achieve success. Susan Prosenica College Principal
For questions about these resources, contact the Strategic Partnerships, Transitions and Student Voice team. You can email them at Secondary.School.Transition@education.vic.gov.au.
Year 12 students began the year with a purposeful and engaging Year 12 Retreat. The day’s program was carefully designed to strengthen the skills students need to be successful in their final year of schooling. Targeted sessions focused on building positive and respectful peer and staff relationships, developing effective and sustainable study habits, and supporting student wellbeing during this important year. Last week, our Year 11 students took part in a ‘Thriving in the VCE’ day, participating in workshops focused on study skills, careers exploration and an introduction to senior school expectations. These programs are part of our deliberate approach to preparing students for the academic and personal demands of the VCE.
We also held a VCE information evening for parents and carers, where we shared key information about the Senior School Team, VCE pathways and events, VCE policies and processes including requirements about learning tasks and SACs, attendance expectations and available supports. In addition, families were invited to attend a virtual VCE family evening delivered by Success Integrated. This session provided practical strategies to support success in the VCE, with insights into building positive study habits, managing wellbeing and ways families can actively support students throughout this significant learning journey. We greatly value the strong partnership between school and home that underpins student success.
We extend a very warm welcome to nineteen new staff and four returning staff to Strathmore Secondary College. Many commenced our comprehensive induction program late last year, ensuring they are well prepared to contribute to our learning community.
New Staff: Adam Rogers, Jun Lin Ge, Antonello Capote, Yin Yin Wang, Zoe Field, Rachel Gramm, Haifa Hedayati, Danny Rorke, Sandra Girgis, Trisha Dennis, Mardi De Kretser, Maddison Budd, Leyla Omer, Shuyi Zhang, Rodney Coote, Natali Poloni, Shai Martin, Laura Chen and Em Criticos.
Returning Staff: Alex Smith, Morgan Barker, Miranda Weir and Liana Pagonis.We are pleased to welcome them to our professional community and look forward to the expertise and enthusiasm they bring to our College.
Students are making great use of the new weights room next to the Gym facilities, rotating between the various equipment stations and cardio skipping routines. The newly polished gym floor and repaired hockey pitch netting have further enhanced our sporting facilities. In addition, we are installing extra air conditioners and replacing blinds in some of our classrooms, and planning improvements to our Performing Arts space to continue strengthening learning environments and facilities across the College.
Teaching staff have begun reviewing our 2025 VCE data and are developing action plans to further strengthen our curriculum and learning programs. Professional Learning Communities have also commenced, with each faculty engaging in inquiry cycles to analyse student learning data, identify learning gaps, and undertake targeted professional learning to implement and evaluate pedagogical strategies and curriculum resources aimed at improving student outcomes.
This week the Team Leaders engaged in an onsite professional learning session focused on trauma-informed practices and restorative approaches. In addition, they collaborated on strategies to continue their work in leading consistent, predictable classroom routines that strengthen positive student–teacher relationships and establish clear expectations for productive and respectful learning environments across the school.
Our Learning Support Team is working closely with students and staff to implement targeted learning support strategies and programs, while continuing to lead the implementation of the Disability Inclusion initiative. Student Team Leaders and Coordinators are also reviewing and setting goals with students requiring additional support through their Individual Education Plans.
A reminder that we will hold a Curriculum Day on Thursday 26 February. No classes will run at the College on this day, as all staff will be participating in professional development. Curriculum Days are an important part of our annual planning and improvement cycle. They provide dedicated time for staff to strengthen teaching and learning programs, engage in professional learning and collaborate on key priorities that support student achievement and wellbeing across the school. Students are not required to attend on this day.
At the heart of all that we do at Strathmore Secondary College are our PRIDE values of Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence. The beginning of the school year provides a powerful opportunity to reflect on how we are living these values each day; whether in our classrooms, in the yard, during assemblies or at community events. We are proud of the respectful and inclusive behaviours demonstrated by our students and staff as we welcome new members of our community and reconnect with those we know well. By continuing to embed PRIDE values in our actions, relationships and learning, we strengthen the culture that defines Strathmore Secondary College and ensures every student is supported to thrive and achieve success. Susan Prosenica College Principal
Wellbeing 2026
Happy New Year to our Strathmore Secondary College Community.It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the Student Wellbeing Team for 2026.
Christina Coldebella – Student Wellbeing ManagerFunda Uluer – Mental Health PractitionerSam Hansen – Student Wellbeing OfficerButho Ncube - Student Wellbeing OfficerMeghan Lightfoot - Student Wellbeing OfficerSophie Tsokas – Student Wellbeing Officer
We have some exciting things planned for this year, some include:
Christina Coldebella – Student Wellbeing ManagerFunda Uluer – Mental Health PractitionerSam Hansen – Student Wellbeing OfficerButho Ncube - Student Wellbeing OfficerMeghan Lightfoot - Student Wellbeing OfficerSophie Tsokas – Student Wellbeing Officer
We have some exciting things planned for this year, some include:
- Peer Support program with our Year 7s and Year 9s
- Murrup wellbeing and personal development program for Year 8s
- Teen Mental Health Matters webinar, run by The Black Dog Institute, coming up in March
- Cyber-Safety with Susan McClean in term 2 with our Year 7s
- Reverb 2.0 program run by the Centre for Multicultural Youth and Headspace for our International students
- R U OK? Day – whole school event in September
- Headspace pilot boxing program
- And much more!
Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Coordinator or Team Leader should you feel they would benefit from wellbeing support.We look forward to working with you.
Christina ColdebellaStudent Wellbeing Manager
Christina ColdebellaStudent Wellbeing Manager
Art & Technologies 2026
Welcome back to a brand-new year of creativity, curiosity and making! The Art & Technologies team are so excited to see our spaces buzzing again - paint on palettes, clay on hands, ideas on paper, code on screens and collaboration in every corner. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or continuing your creative journey, there is something here for everyone. A couple of wonderful programs we’re running this year: ART CLUBFridays at lunchtime - Room C4Art Club is open to all year levels and is a relaxed, safe, welcoming space to create, experiment and connect. You might work on your own project, learn a new technique, collaborate with friends, or simply enjoy making for the joy of it. No pressure…just creativity!!!
DIGITECH CLUBThursdays lunchtime – Room F5 DigiTech Club is a hands-on space to experiment; problem solve and bring digital ideas to life. Whether you're a beginner or already confident with tech, everyone is welcome. MINDFUL POTTERY (VCE Students)Wednesdays Period 3 & 4 – Room B4A space to unwind, reset and play around with clay. Mindful Pottery is designed for our VCE students; a chance to slow down, work with your hands and enjoy the therapeutic rhythm of making. No assessment, no expectations… just creativity and calm!!! What’s Coming Up for 2026…This year is packed with exciting opportunities and celebrations:
DIGITECH CLUBThursdays lunchtime – Room F5 DigiTech Club is a hands-on space to experiment; problem solve and bring digital ideas to life. Whether you're a beginner or already confident with tech, everyone is welcome. MINDFUL POTTERY (VCE Students)Wednesdays Period 3 & 4 – Room B4A space to unwind, reset and play around with clay. Mindful Pottery is designed for our VCE students; a chance to slow down, work with your hands and enjoy the therapeutic rhythm of making. No assessment, no expectations… just creativity and calm!!! What’s Coming Up for 2026…This year is packed with exciting opportunities and celebrations:
- VCE Top Arts / Top Designs Excursion
- Year 9 Street Art Excursion
- Year 7 NGV Adventure Day
- Year 11 & 12 Art Creative Practice Excursions
- Senior Art Exhibition (Years 10 - 12)
- Creative Arts Day
- Lego League Competition
In Art & Technologies, we believe creativity builds confidence, resilience, and JOY. We can’t wait to see what you imagine, design, construct, code, paint, photograph, cook and create this year. Together let’s make 2026 bold, thoughtful and full of possibility
Nicholas Mastrippolito & The Art & Technologies Team
Nicholas Mastrippolito & The Art & Technologies Team
High Achieving Student in Greek
Congratulations to Konstantinos Kiousis whose success in last year’s Greek examination has achieved public recognition.
Konstantinos attained the highest score in the state, shared with only two other students. In recognition of this achievement, his success was featured in Neos Kosmos, Melbourne’s main Greek newspaper, and he was also interviewed live on SBS Radio.
Konstantinos attained the highest score in the state, shared with only two other students. In recognition of this achievement, his success was featured in Neos Kosmos, Melbourne’s main Greek newspaper, and he was also interviewed live on SBS Radio.
This is a significant achievement not only for Konstantinos, but also for the SSC community, highlighting his dedication and excellence in our languages program.
Burnet Bulletin
We are pleased to share that the school year has begun with great momentum. Students across all year levels have settled quickly into their learning routines, showing focus, enthusiasm, and a commitment to their studies - an encouraging sign for the year ahead.
A special welcome goes to our new Year 7 students and their families. Transitioning to secondary school is a significant milestone, and we are incredibly proud of how confidently and positively our Year 7s have embraced this new chapter. They have navigated new subjects, new spaces, and new friendships with maturity and curiosity. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow and thrive in Burnet.
School photos are now complete, so a big thank you to all the staff and students in completing that huge job in the past few weeks. We will be hosting a Burnet BBQ at lunchtime on Friday 27th February - so please encourage your students to get along and partake in a lunchtime snack! Big thanks to our Year 10 leaders for helping to run the event as well. Our annual Year 7 & 8 Swimming Carnival is coming up on March 3rd. Students are encouraged to participate, cheer on their peers, and embrace the day with enthusiasm. We are also looking ahead to the Year 7 Camp in Term 2. This camp is an important part of our transition program, giving students the chance to build friendships, develop confidence, and experience new challenges in a supportive environment.
We appreciate the strong partnership between our families and the school. Your encouragement and involvement play a vital role in helping our students succeed. We look forward to a rewarding and inspiring year ahead.
A special welcome goes to our new Year 7 students and their families. Transitioning to secondary school is a significant milestone, and we are incredibly proud of how confidently and positively our Year 7s have embraced this new chapter. They have navigated new subjects, new spaces, and new friendships with maturity and curiosity. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow and thrive in Burnet.
School photos are now complete, so a big thank you to all the staff and students in completing that huge job in the past few weeks. We will be hosting a Burnet BBQ at lunchtime on Friday 27th February - so please encourage your students to get along and partake in a lunchtime snack! Big thanks to our Year 10 leaders for helping to run the event as well. Our annual Year 7 & 8 Swimming Carnival is coming up on March 3rd. Students are encouraged to participate, cheer on their peers, and embrace the day with enthusiasm. We are also looking ahead to the Year 7 Camp in Term 2. This camp is an important part of our transition program, giving students the chance to build friendships, develop confidence, and experience new challenges in a supportive environment.
We appreciate the strong partnership between our families and the school. Your encouragement and involvement play a vital role in helping our students succeed. We look forward to a rewarding and inspiring year ahead.
Senior Boys Cricket
On the 30th of January, Strathmore first XI Cricket ventured to St Bernard’s College to play a Twenty20 Cricket practice game. For our team, it was a very positive experience to play against a private school in our community and being able to play on a turf wicket with an exceptional facility. This was the first time since the 1970s that the senior cricket team competed against a school outside the government school sporting association.
Strathmore, captained by Alex Dukic won the toss and batted first. We set a total of 6/123 off 20 overs which was a little less than we had hoped. Matt D scored 33 off 40 balls and Archie game in at second drop to lift the run rate and scoring 36 off 28 balls. With the ball, Ashton W starred with 3/10 off 4 overs.
The game ended up in a tie with St Bernard’s scoring a 3 off the last ball to get their score to 4/123. As coaches we decided that the tie was a fitting result and there was no need for a super over.
Strathmore, captained by Alex Dukic won the toss and batted first. We set a total of 6/123 off 20 overs which was a little less than we had hoped. Matt D scored 33 off 40 balls and Archie game in at second drop to lift the run rate and scoring 36 off 28 balls. With the ball, Ashton W starred with 3/10 off 4 overs.
The game ended up in a tie with St Bernard’s scoring a 3 off the last ball to get their score to 4/123. As coaches we decided that the tie was a fitting result and there was no need for a super over.
Celebrating Lunar New Year
On Tuesday 17th February, the international students celebrated Lunar New Year.
Miss Di Battista marked the occasion by presenting students with traditional red envelopes filled with treats, symbolising good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. At lunchtime, students enjoyed a festive celebration, tossing the prosperity salad (Yusheng) — a joyful tradition representing abundance, unity and good fortune — and sharing delicious dumplings together.
It was wonderful to see students embracing cultural traditions and celebrating as a community.
We wish all our students and families celebrating Lunar New Year a wonderful and prosperous year ahead, filled with happiness, health and good fortune.
Cathy Di BattistaInternational Student Manager
Miss Di Battista marked the occasion by presenting students with traditional red envelopes filled with treats, symbolising good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. At lunchtime, students enjoyed a festive celebration, tossing the prosperity salad (Yusheng) — a joyful tradition representing abundance, unity and good fortune — and sharing delicious dumplings together.
It was wonderful to see students embracing cultural traditions and celebrating as a community.
We wish all our students and families celebrating Lunar New Year a wonderful and prosperous year ahead, filled with happiness, health and good fortune.
Cathy Di BattistaInternational Student Manager
Year 7 2026
We have welcomed 300 new Year 7s into our college community and they have had a great start.
Parents are invited to the upcoming Year 7 Parent meet and greet on Thursday 19th March – more details will be sent closer to the date.
Parents are invited to the upcoming Year 7 Parent meet and greet on Thursday 19th March – more details will be sent closer to the date.
VCE VM
Matilda Rawlings wins Elly Lukas VETDSS Award
Matilda graduated from her VET Cert III in Beauty at Elly Lukas on at the end of 2025 at Crown Palladium. She was awarded the teacher's award, and a wonderful tribute was read out, summarising her achievements.
Matilda graduated from her VET Cert III in Beauty at Elly Lukas on at the end of 2025 at Crown Palladium. She was awarded the teacher's award, and a wonderful tribute was read out, summarising her achievements.
Matilda is a quiet achiever. At only 15 years old, she stated she wanted to follow her passion in the beauty/wellness industry to become a dermal clinician. Every Wednesday for the last two years, including burst weeks over all term breaks, Matilda has shown such maturity and commitment, travelling into Flinders Lane, attending beauty expos while cruising on the Sydney Harbour, and being exposed to some of the leaders within the industry.
Matilda’s parents are so thrilled that she was acknowledged for her outstanding effort. The school community celebrates those students who have achieved high ATARs alongside those VCE VM/VET students who have shown great maturity and been rewarded for choosing a hands-on pathway to achieving their dreams.
Strathmore community looks forward to seeing what impact Matilda can make as she pursues her next qualification in her other passion – Early Childhood Education & Care.
Vicki BucherApplied Learning / VET Coordinator
Matilda’s parents are so thrilled that she was acknowledged for her outstanding effort. The school community celebrates those students who have achieved high ATARs alongside those VCE VM/VET students who have shown great maturity and been rewarded for choosing a hands-on pathway to achieving their dreams.
Strathmore community looks forward to seeing what impact Matilda can make as she pursues her next qualification in her other passion – Early Childhood Education & Care.
Vicki BucherApplied Learning / VET Coordinator
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://www.compass.education/guide/#Attendance
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://www.compass.education/guide/#Attendance