News

In the Herald Sun, Carolyn Joubran, Head of English shared some valuable insights and tips into how students can tackle the VCE English exam.

Ahead of today’s VCE English exam, Amber Sowden, Dean of Students spoke on 3AW Breakfast Radio and shared some valuable advice to students on how to deal with the nerves of the exam and some tips on heading into a 3-hour exam of this kind. Listen to the full interview below.

In July, the English Department launched a Micro Writing Competition for students in Years 7 – 12 as part of the Literature Festival. The students were invited to write on a topic or theme of their choice, and the challenge was to use just 300 words to tell the story. There were lots of great entries, but the winner was decided as Kate Henry, Year 11 with the story Chrysanthemums. Read the story below.

For many teachers, who are now in their eleventh term of delivering education in the face of a pandemic, ‘normal’ still feels far away. And with COVID-19 cases refusing to abate, despite the warmer weather, disruption continues to impact our school halls, sports fields, classrooms, and staff rooms. In an article in The Age over the weekend, Principal Marise McConaghy explored the question, How sick is too sick? Read the full article below.

Building STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills in school-age children, goes far beyond teaching science and mathematical concepts in the classroom. STEM education prepares children to move into any industry by equipping them with valuable skills that support future success – including problem solving, analytical thinking, creativity, continued curiosity, and the ability to work independently. In an article for the Parents Website, Rebecca Kerr, Head of Science shares how we can encourage STEM skills at home. Read more below.

Tracy Herft, Deputy Principal contributed to an article in the Herald Sun this week. She discusses the importance of students having a positive mindset in the lead-up to exams and how the support of their families can play a key role for a Year 12 and their studies. Read more below.

When I ask families why they chose Strathcona, usually they tell me something about the ‘’feel’’ of the place. This is then often closely followed by a comment about the ‘’warmth’’ of the Strathy community. These two intangibles have long been a huge part of what makes our school so special. We are built on a rich history of generations of generous, intelligent and humble people who share a set of common values. There’s a certain understatedness about the Strathcona community, but don’t be fooled by it – it’s most certainly intentional.

After escaping a conflict-torn Sarajevo with her family in 1992 Elena Mujkic thrived on an academic scholarship at Strathcona. Since graduating in 2008, Lena continues to exemplify the Strathcona spirit.

Combining her professional experience in communications and her passion for refugee and humanitarian issues, Cassie Cohen(’12)’s career journey to date has been a fascinating one. From volunteering and interning at the Australian Embassy in Kathmandu, to participating in Bounding Plains to Share – a multicultural storytelling adventure project to raise money for ASRC, (Asylum Seeker Research Centre) -, Cassie’s endeavours have been remarkable. Read more about Cassie’s story below.