Friends of Strathcona
A PLACE TO BELONG AND
MAKE LIFELONG CONNECTIONS
Strathcona’s Friends Of groups offer support to specific school activities relating to their daughter’s interests. These groups provide opportunities for connection and friendship amongst parents of students, who are involved in the same cocurricular activity, by contributing to the life of the School.
Friends Of groups are made up of a dedicated network of motivated parents who hold events and fundraising initiatives throughout the year to support their daughters in their ventures.
Community spirit is greatly valued at Strathcona – much of this community spirit is attributed to the volunteers who work for the School through various associations, including our Friends Of groups. Membership of these groups is open to all parents and their participation is greatly appreciated.
Strathcona Rowing has become a strong club since its inception in 2006. Strong parental support, a responsive Friends of Rowing Group and an experienced and enthusiastic coaching staff continue to develop the girls’ skills and bring out their best.
Strathcona Rowing is based at the Tay Creggan campus in Hawthorn on the Yarra River, where we are fortunate to have our own jetty.
Rowers have access to:
- Storage facilities
- A fleet of 17 boats, including quads, single and double sculls
- A dedicated fitness area
- Eight ergo exercise machines
- Before school, afternoon and weekend coaching sessions
Parental Involvement with Strathcona Rowing
Parents also have the opportunity to participate with either a five session or eight session ‘learn to row’ program and have the chance to compete in the ‘Strathy Regatta’ at the beginning of spring each year. Parents can form their own crew or we can form a crew for you. The program is designed for first time rowers or rowers with some experience looking to improve. All programs include Introduction Sessions focusing on understanding the boat, safety and basic technique prior to taking the boat out on the water.
The Rowing Experience
Rowing is an incredibly popular sport amongst girls’ schools. It promotes a high level of fitness, develops discipline and resilience and engenders teamwork unparalleled in other sports. It’s also lots of fun with plenty of socialising and it’s a great way for students and parents to build new friendships.
Further Information
You can request further information or register your interest in any of the programs being offered by emailing Michael Cornwell, Director of Rowing, or phoning 0411 732 233.
The Friends of Performing Arts is a group largely comprising parents of children at the music, drama or arts program at Strathcona but all members of the School community are welcome to join. The purpose of the group is to support the high-quality performing arts program at Strathcona.
The group holds monthly meetings to discuss planning for upcoming music, drama or art events, fundraising, and other support for the music department.
Strathcona offers Snowsports as a winter sport and welcomes all students (Prep-Year 12) to join the Snowsports Team. Participation is available at all ability levels and students who are capable snowboarders, downhill or cross-country skiers are encouraged to join the team. Students do not need to be experienced skiers or snowboarders as racing events include beginner to expert levels.
Participating in Snowsports allows students to embrace the Strathcona team spirit as they develop their fitness and skills, gain confidence and have fun while representing their school.
One of the benefits of being in the Snowsports team is the opportunity to interact with other like-minded families from Strathcona through social events hosted by the Friends of Snowsports.
The focus of Friends of Snowsports is to develop a ski team for Strathcona each year, with the objective of bringing these students together for fitness training, team social events, race training and a presentation night to celebrate their achievements.
Rhythmic Gymnastics is a beautiful and elegant sport that combines dance and gymnastics. Rhythmic Gymnastics enhances students’ posture, musicality, flexibility and team spirit. Students learn to work with apparatus, rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbons with a combination of ballet, jazz and acrobatics.
The aim is to provide a safe, fun and rewarding experience with qualified coaches who have all competed in the sport.
Strathcona Rhythmic Gymnastics offers all levels of gymnasts the opportunity to take part in the National Levels system. The training demands vary depending on the level of the gymnasts, ranging from once a week through to five times a week. New members both from the Strathcona and wider communities are welcome.
If your child is interested in joining, please contact the Rhythmic Gymnastics convener.
The Kayak Team is based out of the Tay Creggan campus on the Yarra River, allowing beginners to come and try paddling throughout the year and club members to commit to weekly training.
Students from Years 7 – 12 participate in training sessions, fun days, camps and competitions throughout the year. Strathcona has various boat styles that cater for different abilities, with the TK2 (marathon doubles / paddling pairs) the primary style used for racing. The team is affiliated with the Fairfield Canoe Club, which provides instructors, short courses and access to the club outside of school hours.
A supportive group of students and parents assists in fundraising and community awareness of the club, which is steadily growing.
