Parent Bulletin 7
Friday 5 April
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Safe Holidays and Happy Easter
Term 1 has been both rewarding and challenging and hard work. I thank the staff, students, parents and the broader school community for their willingness to respond to the challenges of term 1 with enthusiasm. Any casual observers entering the grounds would of course be struck by the building work that is under way. At the same time, it is to be hoped that they would realise the difficulty associated with timetabling and negotiating how best to continue to run high-quality education for our students. I believe that we have done this effectively. The completed ‘temporary’ access walkway has provided improved student movement times between classes: to such a degree that that it may remain post-construction to reduce congestion in Building B corridors. Overall, the construction is progressing well and is within acceptable time and cost parameters for a project of this scale. I am also delighted to report that 91% of our total Year 12 cohort applied for tertiary education courses, and many of the 9% who did not apply already had secured apprenticeships or employment. It is pleasing to reflect on so many of our former students going about their lives, learning and enjoying the wider experiences of further education. A cornerstone of Strathmore Secondary College’s educational philosophy is the importance of our Student Teams arrangement which are designed to ensure students are happy and successful at school. The Team Leaders and Coordinators are the first point of contact with the school for parents; any concerns, questions and information should be directed to them. We have had a number of changes to Team Leaders and Coordinators due to staff taking leave or changing positions and have been pleased to make several new appointments. We know that these teachers will make positive and valuable contributions to the life of the school. I conclude by wishing all members of the school community a well-deserved break. I also remind our senior students in particular that ‘holidays’ may also be used to consolidate what they have learnt during first term. I thank you again, Jillian English Principal
Artist in Residence Mural
Eva from Ceramica Mechanica visited our Artist in Residence class early in term one to collaborate with the students on the new mural that’s being painted under Pascoe Vale Rd bridge. Eva and her team wanted input from a variety of different groups in the local community as to what sort of public art they would like to see in Strathmore. Our students spoke a lot about the natural environment, and their love of the local greenery and public spaces. The also spoke about a concern for the future, and what these spaces might look like in 20 or 50 years if the environment isn’t protected from waste and pollution. These ideas are reflected in the mural, as it explores what Strathmore might look like in the future. Eva has been visiting our Artist in Residence class every Monday and working with the students on a number of different projects. Watch this space for another update. Come down and see the unveiling of the new mural: Community Viewing Day April 6th 10am - 2pm Madeleine Scott Art & Design Teacher |
Awesome Library Displays
For those of you who missed out on visiting the Library during Parent/Teacher interviews, here are some examples of the fabulous displays that Library Team members Aneta and Liz have been working on over the past few weeks. Colourful and inspiring, they really improve the ambience of our Library. Year 8 Mission to Mars
On Friday the 29th of March and Monday the 1st of April, the 8S2 and 8B2 undertook a mission to Mars at the Victorian Space Science Education Centre. The aim of the mission was address two key questions: Firstly to investigate the geology of Mars, past, present and future. Secondly, students gained a better understanding why scientists are so interested in Mars. On the day, Students worked as a team and used their problem-solving skills to successfully complete a geological survey of the Mars surface. Students wore specially-designed spacesuits and acted as astronauts, mission controllers and research scientists. Mission Control officers communicated via radio to the astronauts on the surface, and were responsible for their safety and the success of the scientific mission. Dr. Chris Kladis Science Faculty Western Metro Regional Swimming Championships
Strathmore Secondary College wins Western Metro regional swimming championships. Strathmore has once again proved strong in the pool as the team travelled to Kardinia pool, Geelong to compete on Thursday. Every swimmer earned points towards the total points score and Strathmore came out on top after going neck and neck with Williamstown high school all day. Strathmore won 27 medals for the day. Outstanding results from Strathmore included: Georgia Duggan 1st in 13G 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke Ahmed Elgammal 1st in 13B 50m butterfly Ollie Salmon 1st in 13B 50m backstroke Kaito Nakada, Ollie Salmon, Ahmed Elgammal and Luke Panknin 1st in 13B 4x50m freestyle relay Taylor Moxon collected 7 medals in total (4 silver and 3 bronze), Youseff Elgammal collected 6 medals in total (all silver) and Edward Jenkins collected 5 medals (3 silver and 2 bronze) 9 students have qualified for the State championships to be held in the first week of term 2 at MSAC. Ollie Salmon (backstroke and relay), Ahmed Elgammal (butterfly and relay), Luke Panknin (relay), Kaito Nakada (relay), Georgia Duggan (freestyle and backstroke), Youseff Elgammal (relay), Todi Raychanovski (relay), Alex Raychanovski (relay) and Sam Duggan (relay). Congratulations to our 4 senior swimmers Michael Bourke, Anders Lyche, PJ Pusello (captain) and Lucy Bush Butler (captain) who all swam in their last carnival for the school. Together they swam the final race of the program, the 18B 4x50m freestyle relay and got the bronze medal. Thank you to captains PJ and Lucy who did an outstanding job as leaders showing the way to younger students, communicating to the team and motivating everyone at the early morning training sessions. |
