Parent Bulletin 1
5 February 2021
Welcome to 2021 - Jillian English, PrincipalI would like to welcome our students and their families back to Strathmore for the beginning of a wonderful school year. A special welcome to our new students and their families. I trust that everyone had an enjoyable holiday.
Strathmore Secondary College Strategic Plan for 2019-2023 outlines our school's goals for four years. The Strategic Plan includes our agreed five School Values. At Strathmore Secondary College we value:
These values apply to all members of the school community, students, staff and families and place an emphasis on shared responsibility. In welcoming students to the new academic year I spoke about our school values and what they mean in our learning context. In summary, I asked the students to 'Be their Best' and to take advantage of every opportunity our outstanding school offers. Thursday morning Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) teaching staff meetings commenced. These are small teams of teachers working collaboratively on matters directly related to learning and thus leading to higher levels of student achievement. To allow staff to meet in these teams, form assembly on Thursday will commence at 9.15am rather than 9:02am. A small number of Year 10, 11 and 12 classes will run during the PLC meeting time because of the pressure we have on room availability. These classes will start at 8.25am. Of particular importance to parents are our Student Coordination arrangements. The central role of Team Leaders and Coordinators is to work with students and families to ensure students are happy and successful at school. Teams are led and overseen by a Leading Teacher - Team Leader with two Coordinators in the Year 7-10 teams. Senior School has a Leading Teacher responsible for Year 11 and one for Year 12 with one Coordinator for each Team. Junior School - Years 7 to 10:
Senior School - Years 11 & 12:
Team Leader Year 11 – Andrew Beavis Team Leader Year 12 – Gokhan Karahan
Jenny Sali is responsible for organisational and administrative matters within the Senior School.
Compass will continue to again be used as our primary means of communication in 2021. Parents are able to login to Compass via the link to the Compass portal on the Strathmore Secondary College website. Help using Compass is available on the College ICT website if you are having difficulty logging on. Year 7 parents received their parent login in December. If you have misplaced the letter or are having difficulty please contact the College via email: strathmore.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au. Mobile Phone Policy In 2020, the Education Department has asked all schools to implement a ban on mobile phone use during school hours. This will also take effect from day one of the 2021 school year. Any student who brings a mobile phone to school will be required to leave it, turned off, in their locked locker during school hours. The phone is not to be accessed at all during the day. I have included the Implementation guide into the body of this email and attached the link to the SSC Mobile Phone Policy so that you have full knowledge of how we will be rolling out this policy. If you have any questions, feel free to email strathmore.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au. We ask for your support in implementing this policy. Next week I will provide our Assessment and Reporting update. I hope that 2021 will be an enjoyable and rewarding year for students and staff alike. I am happy to meet with parents or carers to discuss your child's learning and to hear your feedback. If you would like to take the opportunity to meet with me please contact Rebecca Oosterhof, Principal's Assistant, to make an appointment. Jillian English College principal |
Michael Pakakis Awarded an Australian Day Honour
Michael Pakakis AM, Assistant Principal, and Director of the Victorian Space Science Education Centre at Strathmore secondary College, was awarded an Australian Day honour for his significant service to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Victoria.
Michael has been the Director of the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC) since its official opening in 2005 and Assistant Principal of Strathmore Secondary College since 2016. He was instrumental in conceiving and developing the idea of establishing a centre where students could engage in hands-on immersive scenario-based science learning.
VSSEC was established in 2001 to promote innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education programs for Victorian students in year’s five to twelve. VSSEC uses the context of space to engage teachers and their students in the teaching and learning of STEM. As Director, Michael oversees implementation of the latest educational research to develop effective programs for both students and teachers. To maintain the highest level of excellence in both pedagogy and science content, VSSEC’s programs support dedicated subject and cross-curricula domains. These programs are delivered in context and highlight career and study pathways. Programs support both primary and secondary school learning. VSSEC also offers a range of outreach programs for students, both in person and online. A range of events to engage the general public in STEM are also held. A teacher of science and mathematics for more than 35 years, Michael brings a passion for both innovation and excellence in the teaching of science and mathematics to his current role. He has been a member of a number of advisory boards involved in the development of senior science curriculum and the inclusion of integrated communication technologies to the Australian National Science Curriculum. The whole Strathmore Secondary College community congratulates Michael on his inspirational career and this outstanding achievement. Jillian English Principal Drop & Go Map - Strathmore Secondary CollegeStrathmore Secondary College and Moonee Valley City Council are committed to creating a safe and more sustainable environment for students. Walking and cycling to school is a great way for your child to start the day, as it stimulates the mind and improves overall health.
This map has been created through the Better Moves Around School Program, this program brings Council and schools together to improve safety and encouraging walking, cycling and the use of public transport. Moonee Valley Council has identified Drop and Go locations for Strathmore Secondary College students, each location is within a comfortable walking distance. The map has been designed to encourage more students to walk to and from school at least part of the way to reduce congestion in Pascoe Vale Road. Strathmore Secondary College is very appreciative of the support of Moonee Valley Council and encourage the College community to support this initiative. PLEASE NOTE - Parents are not to enter the Pascoe Vale Road carpark or the rear driveway of the school. 
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