Parent Bulletin 7
Friday 24 April
ANZAC Day Commemorations
Tomorrow is ANZAC day, and as a school community we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as all the men and women who served in conflicts around the world.
Families who would like to participate in ANZAC day commemorations from home should read details in this ABC article. A friendly reminder that Monday is not a public holiday. Remote and Flexible LearningStrathmore Secondary College has chosen to adopt a polysynchronous approach to online learning. Student learning will be delivered by a combination of synchronous and asynchronous methods of instruction. Research tells us that this is the most effective way for students to learn remotely. We also know that the synchronous component of the students’ learning experience should not constitute the majority of learning time for students, but should be used for review, consolidation and clarification. In our approach, students have the opportunity for synchronous learning and interaction with their teacher at their regular timetabled class times where teachers are available to them. VCE students will have access to a collaborative weekly question and answer tutorial session using video conferencing software.
Synchronous learning happens in real time. The learners typically log on to an eLearning platform, such as Compass or Google Classroom and engage with the instructor and peers. This can even come in the form of an online chat room such as Google Hangouts where learners gather at a specific time and date to broaden their understanding of the topic. It is an opportunity for a more collaborative online experience. This is the opposite of asynchronous learning, which can occur at any time. Learners are able to complete modules at a time that suits them, regardless of whether other members of the online class are logged on. They are given the tools and information they need, but must decide when and how they will use these online resources to achieve their learning goals. With that being said, there are usually deadlines and schedules that a learner must follow. For example, they may have to turn in their online assignments or learning tasks by the end of each week. Asynchronous learning often has a common space (Google Classroom) where learners can post questions, turn in online assignments, or engage in eLearning activities. InfographicsWe have produced a number of infographics to help support our families and students in remote learning. Please see the ‘Remote and Flexible Learning Guides’ on our home page.
NBN Internet Access Package - DET informationNBN Co announced that they would be waiting access fees for internet service providers (ISPs) to enable the ISPs to provide disadvantaged families with internet access at significantly reduced or no cost. The families need to meet certain criteria, including:
• They reside in an NBN serviced area • They do not have an existing NBN service • They have school aged children living at the residence • They are in receipt of a Job Seeker Allowance or Family Tax Benefit There are two providers who have established this service; Superloop (www.superloop.com/education) and Aussie Broadband (www.aussiebroadband.com.au). Other ISPs may offer similar packages over the coming weeks. Queries in relation to this can be directed to learning.from.home.technology@education.vic.gov.au Maths Faculty InformationThe Maths faculty have put together a website - The Maths Hub, where you can access the lessons set for your child in the past and upcoming week. On the home page, you’ll also find a Weekly Maths Teaser. If you fancy giving your brain a work out, give these a go and check your answers on the solutions page!
We have also asked students to join their teachers’ Online classes for Cambridge and Mathspace (Yr 7, 8, 9 and 10 General Maths). Year 11 and 12 students should also have access to Edrolo. We appreciate your support in ensuring your child is on all these platforms as we set work expecting all these resources are available. Junior School AttendanceDuring Remote Learning it is more important than ever to ensure that all students are engaging well with their lessons online. Students are required to sign in to Google Classroom during Form Assembly each day. Attendance rolls are then marked in Compass, by their teacher.
Please ensure that you update Compass Attendance regularly. If your child is unable to sign into Google Classroom on a particular day due to illness, then please add an Attendance note in Compass in the usual way. Remember to also check the ‘unexplained’ tab, to view past absences and add an Attendance note in Compass for those as well. You can tick multiple boxes at once and explain with a single Attendance note. If you have any queries or require assistance, please email details to the Junior School Attendance Officer. |
Squadron Leader Melissa HoustonMelissa Houson, class of 2004, featured in a Herald Sun article this week, acknowledged for her significant appointment as No. 11 Squadron C Flight Commander as part of International Women's Day 2020.
There is also an article on the Department of Defence website "High achievers blazing a trail through the sky" featuring Melissa. https://news.defence.gov.au/people/high-achievers-blazing-trail-through-sky 
Strathmore Dominates District Swimming SportsStrathmore competed in the district swimming sports with a team of 47 students across all age groups and events, lead by our captains Edward Jenkins and Hamish Moncur.
Strathmore won 5 out of 6 categories of the points score – junior boys, junior girls, intermediate boys, senior boys, senior girls, boys aggregate, girls aggregate and total aggregate. Strathmore was well in front of the other schools in the grand aggragate. Final results of the carnival:
Strathmore students broke 7 swimming records in the district.
72 events were held at the carnival. Strathmore won 45 of these events. The following students won several individual events on the day: Georgia Duggan (5), Youseff Elgammal (5), Taylor Moxon (5), Hamish Moncur (3), Aaron Suitela (2), Ollie Salmon (2), Ahmed Elgammal (2), Edward Jenkins (2), Leyla Corkill (2). Many other students were also part of the winning relay teams. Many of these swimmers have attended our regular training sessions at Oak Park pool on Wednesday mornings. The training sessions will continue for the remainder of the term to help these swimmers prepare for their next competition. Congratulations to all of our swimmers and good luck to those who have qualified for the Regional swimming championship to be held at Geelong on the 26th March. Thank you to coaches Angella Davis, Tim Girgin, Hayley May, Kate Hutchinson, Jen Trinh. 
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