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strathcourier
summer edition 2012
encouraging creativity
bring out her best.
contents
contents
From the Principal
Encouraging creativity, Rose Assembly, Valedictory Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Departing School Captain’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Re-opening of Featherstone Hall
Mellor House Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Tay Creggan Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Front cover:
Regina Yang
Production:
Elisabeth Chalmers,
Community Relations Office
2
School Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Social Service activities
The Arts, Academic and Co-curriculer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 – 11
Music, Drama, Visual Art & VCD, Margaret Fendley Writing
Competition, UN Debating, SEED Program, Food Technology
Global Links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 13
Tours and Exchanges
Editorial Committee:
Sport Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 – 15
Encouraging Creativity through Sport, Sport Aerobics, Rhythmic
Gymnastics, Snow Sports, Brownlow Medal Breakfast
Elisabeth Chalmers
Helen Hughes
Diana Little
OSA News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 – 19
Message from the President, Vale, Births, The Feliciter Connection,
2013 Reunion Dates, 2012 Reunion Photos
Str athc our ier Sum m er Edition 2 0 1 2
from the principal
A
from the principal –
encouraging creativity
s we entered the 21st century, many
across the educational sector considered
the changes which would be needed so
that young people could face the challenges of
the new century. Innovation and creativity were
considered to be vital to the new knowledge
economies. Companies sought to keep pace
with the speed of change and businesses invested
huge resources into making people more
creative. Creativity has become the buzz
word within education.
intelligence is complex and multi-faceted. We
can think about the world and our experiences
in terms of sight, touch, sound, movement and
in many other ways. This is why the world is full
of music, dance, architecture, design, practical
technology, relationships and values … human
culture is as rich and diverse as it is because human
intelligence is so complex and dynamic.’ (p.9)
World-renowned expert in innovation and
creativity, Sir Ken Robinson, sought to
understand what happens to creativity when
children grow up. In his 2001 publication, Out
of Our Minds, he asks: What happens to their
imagination? Why do many adults think they
are not creative?
Often creativity is associated with particular
sorts of activities, especially the arts, or with
particular sorts of people, for example, the
unconventional. However, creativity is possible
in any activity that engages human intelligence.
Robinson writes that real creativity comes from
finding your medium, from being in your
element. ‘When people find their medium, they
discover their real creative strengths and come
into their own.’ (p.10)
Robinson argued that the fundamental problem
lay in our education systems, rooted in a narrow
definition of academic intelligence that ignored
some important creative abilities. He argued
that after more than ten years at school, and
even after university, too many people leave
education with no idea of their real abilities and
creative powers. He writes, ‘raising academic
standards alone will not solve the problems we
face: it may compound them. To move forward
we need a fresh understanding of intelligence, of
human capacity and of the nature of creativity.
Human intelligence is richer and more dynamic
than we have been led to believe by formal
academic education. Advances in the scientific
studies of the brain are confirming that human
Robinson builds on the concept of finding
one’s element in his book, The Element – How
Finding Your Passion Changes Everything.
Exploring many personal stories, he traces the
factors contributing to being able to connect
with one’s true talents and passions,
to understand what we are really capable
of achieving, to know who we really are.
He uses the term, ‘element’, to describe the
place where the things we love to do and the
things we are good at come together. It has
two main features, and there are two
conditions for being in it. The features are
‘aptitude’ and ‘passion’. The conditions are
‘attitude’ and ‘opportunity’. The sequence goes:
I get it; I love it; I want it; where is it? (p.22)
rose assembly
A
Influenced by Robinson and others expounding
the mysteries of intelligence, we have sought
in our developments of the curriculum and
teaching practices to acknowledge that all
students have great natural capabilities. Students
cannot be divided into the academic and the
non-academic. They all have distinctive profiles
of intellectual abilities with different strengths
in visual intelligences, in sound, in movement,
in mathematical thinking and the rest. Our
teachers work creatively to cater for a range of
preferred approaches to learning and a range of
capabilities. We have a shared understanding of
best practice to encourage learning and respect
for the individuality that our students bring
to the classroom and to their activities in the
co-curricular program. Our greatest hope is that
we open up avenues for each child to find her
strengths and ultimately her ‘element’.
Many of the features in this edition of the
Strathcourier explore how creativity is being
supported in many facets of school life.
The creative output of the students never
ceases to amaze!
As we conclude another year of achievement for
our students and staff, I thank all in the School
community who have contributed to the life
of Strathcona, supporting our many programs.
I wish you a blessed Christmas and relaxation
and enjoyment with family and friends.
Helen Hughes
valedictory dinner
T
s the last remains of the morning’s real life
‘Candyland’ were swept away, the Year 12
girls were already preparing for the
more formal part of the day’s festivities. A long
held tradition at Strathcona, the Rose Assembly,
is a moving time for parents and girls alike.
The presentation of a rose from a Prep girl to
each girl in Year 12 is representative of their
time as a child coming to a close, and, a way for
them to be welcomed into adulthood, as mature
and educated young women. Such an expressive
gesture is a formal acknowledgment of their
journey through school life and a blessing for all
that awaits them in their future. Accompanied
by the Irish Blessing, the end of the ceremony
saw the Year 12 girls officially farewell
Strathcona. The Year 12 girls of 2012 are
grateful to all the parents, teachers and staff
who have made their time at Strathcona the
best it could be.
o conclude what had already been a
wonderful day, the Year 12 Strathcona
students made their final costume
change for Valedictory into their beautiful
formal dresses. The girls and staff all looked
amazing, and it was a remarkable transformation
from the creative Candyland inspired costumes
from earlier in the morning. Many pictures
were taken on the night to commemorate
Valedictory, with the Jazz band creating a
wonderful atmosphere throughout the evening.
We enjoyed special video and photographic
presentations of special moments throughout
the year, including Celebration Day, Rose
Assembly and the Formal. Mr Pannam and
the three School Captains, Amelia, Klara and
Samira, delivered speeches highlighting our time
at Strathcona and the amazing experiences we
have all had. It was surreal to realise how quickly
this year had gone, as well as the past six years at
Strathcona. We could not have asked for a
happier, more celebrative day to end the year.
Klara Morey – Deputy School Captain
Samira Wakhlu- Deputy School Captain
References: 1 Robinson, K. (2001) Out of Our Minds. Learning to be Creative. Capstone. 2 Robinson, K. (2009) The Element – How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything.Penguin Books
3
farewell to year 12 students
departing school captain’s message
L
eading up to our final year at Strathcona,
we were told that it would pass by faster
than we could ever imagine. It seemed
impossible that a year filled with so many
milestones could be over quicker than Mr
Hamilton tearing up the athletics track, but
already, we find ourselves saying our final
goodbyes and taking off our summer dresses for
the very last time. From Year 7 students who
couldn’t figure out the mastery of our school
locks, to Year 12 students who can twist in the
combination without even looking. The time we
have spent at Strathy has truly been filled with
exceptional moments, shared with exceptional
girls. To leave the comfort of the world we have
known for the past six years is undoubtedly
going to be a challenge. Nowhere else will we
find such deliciously affordable muffins, nor
will it be acceptable to spontaneously break out
into a rendition of Whitney Houston’s classic
‘I Will Always Love You,’ without being severely
judged. As we have been told however, change
is inevitable, and I have no doubt that the Class
of 2012 will embrace the challenges of the years
to come and go on to achieve extraordinary
things in the future.
It’s hard to find the words to describe just how
much we have grown throughout our time at
Strathcona. In a literal sense, looking at the
Mellor House preps handing us roses on our
final day was a surreal moment and I finally fit
into the blazer my mum swore I would grow
into at the very start of high school. We have
grown together as a year level, grown into
our roles as leaders of the School and grown
into women ready to confront the endless
possibilities before us. I could not be more
proud of the 84 girls who screamed at the
sound of our final school bell ringing. The 84
girls who stood upon the balcony showering
the School with streamers, collected their
beautiful roses and released balloons into the
air, signalling a final farewell to our School and
to our childhood.
Throughout this year the Year 12 girls have
shown the strength of a covalent bond, the
persistence of all those who continue to buy
100 watermelons in maths equations, the
determination of an athlete who has reached
their lactate inflection point in the middle
of a marathon and all have truly shown grace
under pressure.
To all of those who have seen us journey
through Strathy and helped us along the way,
we cannot give enough thanks for the dedication
and belief you have shown. In particular,
to Mrs Hughes and Mrs Farmilo, you have
demonstrated to us all the power of being
Amelia Hough
passionate and committed within all that you
do. Mr Pannam, although not looking quite
as similar to Voldemort with his newly shaven
locks as I had hoped, we thank you for your
energy and enthusiasm, your ability to
coordinate a year level with such a high rate
of Milo consumption is unsurpassed.
Finally, to all of the girls of Strathcona, it has
been such an immense honour and privilege
to represent you in 2012. I could not be more
overwhelmed at the chance I was given to be
your School Captain and to see how you have
embraced every opportunity given to you this
year. From embarrassing myself too many times
via song, pelting you with chocolates right
before exams, watching as the teachers took
the Hunger Games references in the dodgeball
match a little too literally and seeing you
all ingest a ridiculous amount of sugar on
Celebration Day, I have enjoyed every moment
this year and have no doubt that your future
years at Strathy will be phenomenal!
Finally, to bring it home with the musical
stylings of the immortal S-Club 7, ‘don’t stop,
never give up, hold your head high and reach
the top, let the world see what you have got,
bring it all back to you.’
Amelia Hough – School Captain
celebrating the re-opening of featherstone hall
O
n 30 October, we were honoured by the visit of His Excellency
the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC, Governor of Victoria.
Generously, he and Mrs Chernov have visited many schools in
Victoria since he was sworn in as the 28th Governor of Victoria on 8
April, 2011. The Governor’s wife, Mrs Elizabeth Chernov, is a past student
of Strathcona. She concluded her time here in 1960 before commencing
studies in Law at the University of Melbourne. Mrs Chernov is the
daughter of the late Rev. John Hopkins, who was President of the
School Council from 1956 until 1964. During his speech, the Governor
encouraged the girls to develop their talents and not to let opportunities
pass them by.
For us the visit was able to be linked to the completion of the renovation
of Featherstone Hall. The Hall was built quickly between the end of 1956
and the start of 1957, between the conclusion of the principalship of Miss
Dora Featherstone and the commencement of the leadership of Rev. John
Morley. In 1986 and 1987, the Hall was enlarged.
The Hall is named in honour of Miss Featherstone. Following the
purchase of the School by the Baptist Union of Victoria, Miss
Featherstone led Strathcona with dedication and warmth from 1943 until
1956. Since 1957, the Hall has seen many gatherings from assemblies,
services, meetings, music and drama performances to debates and more.
As a significant place of community and creativity for us, it will continue
to serve Strathcona for many more years to come.
The re-opening of Featherstone Hall was attended by many members of the
current School Board, past staff and our architects, PMDL Architecture
and Design, and paid fitting tribute to our forebears and to our students
and staff who will benefit from the improvements to the facility.
The Governor with School Captain and Deputy Captains
4
Helen Hughes
Str athc our ier Sum m er Edition 2 0 1 2
mellor house
mellor house
O
ur Year 6 students recently completed a unit of work about
Space. The wonders of the Universe stimulated great thought,
discussion and research interest amongst the girls. The girls
selected particular aspects of the topic to research in detail and later
present their findings to the class. The corridor outside the Year 6
classrooms is full of creative models and dioramas depicting aspects of
their research. Students also created board games based on the theme of
space. Through playing the board games created by one another,
students engaged in new ideas and concepts to further their
understanding about space.
Our current display of student art in the foyer demonstrates the breadth
of creativity across all the primary year levels. Based upon Swainston’s
book ‘Fishes of Australia’ and ‘Happy’ by Mies Van Hout, the children
were asked to create their own stylised fish and attribute an emotion to
it. The display features a variety of fish species and emotions. I’ve noticed
many girls stopping to look at the different fish, perhaps imaging that
they were real and, perhaps, drawing inspiration from the style, colour,
type of fish or overall impact of the display.
The creativity of children is always encouraged and ever so obvious in the
Early Learning Centre. Our younger children seem less inhibited and
naturally more open to creative opportunities. Through play, young
children role play various scenarios that teach them about life. Children
learn to negotiate, compromise, lead, follow, problem solve and entertain
as they create and play in role play situations. If asked, the children would
say that they’re just having fun, but they are achieving so much more.
The recent Pre Prep to Year 2 Concert was a wonderful showcase of
talent from all children. Our boys and girls each had a moment to shine
on stage in front of a proud and appreciative audience. Many children
would baulk at a request to perform in front of an audience of over 200
people, but they were so well prepared by their teachers it seemed
natural. It always helps when costumes are worn because children can
become a character rather than being on stage as themselves.
Ten of our Year 6 girls were presented with prizes, awards and bursaries
recently for their involvement in the Science Teachers Association of
Victoria’s Science Talent Search competition. The students were required
to submit projects for judging that could be presented in a range of
creative ways. Strathcona received a School Prize for providing so many
high quality and high achieving entries. The girls participated as part of
an extension program, recognising their interest in Science.
Christopher Phyland – Head of Mellor House
gift of a sundial
F
ormer Deputy Principal,
Mrs Lyn Wheat, held a
deep fascination with the
solar system. Year 6 completed
research on this topic in Term 3.
On 28 November, all this came
together with the celebration of
the gift of a sundial to the School
by Mrs Wheat. Following her
time as Head of Tay Creggan
1996 – 2000, Mrs Wheat was
Deputy Principal 2001 – 2009.
She was also a teacher of
Geography and Mathematics.
On the dedicatory plaque, she requested the inspirational words,
‘Time is given freely, but time is precious.’
The sundial will endure for years to come to stimulate the curiosity and
learning of the Mellor House students. Thank you, Mrs Wheat!
Helen Hughes
S t r a t h c o u r ie r S ummer Edition 2012
5
tay creggan
encouraging creativity at tay creggan
T
wo thousand and twelve has seen the introduction of the new
I-Learning program at Tay Creggan. Using iPads for creativity
and collaboration in the classroom has revitalised the learning
experience and done much to increase student and teacher interaction.
An iPad-enhanced curriculum has provided a more congenial learning
environment, with greater scope for social interaction with peers
and acceptance of different ways of expressing ideas. Students have
welcomed opportunities for hands on experiences where they can
express their ideas with iPad apps such as iMovie, Keynote, and Pages
along with podcasts, YouTube and more. iPads have been used to record
short summaries of what was learnt, what was seen, what was created in
an innovative and exciting manner.
The History Channel saw the Year 9 girls produce a virtual walking
tour of Melbourne using the iMovie app on their iPads. Small groups
of students were able to craft an original and dynamic presentation.
After a couple of trips to Melbourne’s CBD the girls started the
production process integrating all their images, videos and sound bytes
into an entertaining but also informative movie. The broad range of
visual designs and audio options within iMovie certainly had scope for
budding cinematographers to emerge.
During the I-Learning Arts Channel, the Year 9 girls had a wonderful
opportunity to join students attending The Victorian College of The
Arts Secondary School (VCAS) to explore a range of choreography
styles from Jazz to Hip Hop to Classical Ballet. They were not only able
to observe the classes at work but could join in and express their own
creative responses to these diverse dance and music genres. The girls
came away with a far greater appreciation of the creative and disciplined
dedication involved in this area of The Arts. The girls also went to the
city to visit the studios of Blender Arts, a street art collective, where the
girls learnt the difference between street art and graffiti. The girls were
then given a blank canvas, spray cans and stencils and encouraged to
create their own piece of street art. The girls loved the opportunity to
create a piece of art containing bold direct statements in minutes. A tour
of hidden city laneways allowed them to appreciate the diverse, dynamic
and international street art scene.
During the I-Learning program, students were offered opportunities
to explore and enhance their creative aptitude utilising the natural
6
environment at Tay Creggan. The focus of Art was to make use of the
rich diversity of plants from the gardens at Tay Creggan to produce
a series of collagraph prints. Elegantly drawn botanical sketches and
experimentation with composition were completed before transferring
the preferred designs onto each individual Year 9 student’s printing
plate. Every print was an experiment in light, shadow, line and balance.
After printing three or four black and white prints the girls delighted in
using a range of coloured printing and drawing inks to further develop
their series of botanical prints.
Year 9 students have experienced a range of creative experiences in
Food, Health, Wellbeing this year. Students have completed design
exercises on an Afternoon Tea, Healthy Noodles, a Mud Cake and a
MasterChef Assignment. The opportunity to create a two-course lunch
as part of their MasterChef Challenge was eagerly embraced as the
students were given a mystery ingredient to be incorporated into their
two-course lunch. Ingredients included mushrooms, leek, strawberries
and prosciutto. The meals were required to illustrate a variety of
textures, flavours and colours as well as being nutritionally balanced.
Time management skills were also developed as part of this activity.
Some of the meals that were produced included ginger and garlic king
prawns, sushi, peking duck, beef stroganoff, asparagus and tomato baked
snapper, san choy bau and stuffed chicken wrapped in prosciutto.
The desserts produced were as equally mouth-watering and included
mini croquembouche, passionfruit tartlets, mini strawberry sponge
cakes, raspberry swirl cheesecakes, chocolate brulée and raspberry
soufflé. Year 9 students are to be congratulated on their creativity and
enthusiasm in regards to this challenge.
One of the final events in the Year 9 calendar was the House Dance and
Drama Festival, where girls from each House had an opportunity to
embrace this year’s theme of ‘Give It One More Try’ by creating their
own play and choreographed dance sequences to the song ‘You Won’t
Let Me In’ by Karise Eden. Their creative and collaborative approaches
and responses were outstanding, all four Houses producing focused and
unique items.
Marg Bowden, Geoff Wriedt, Jane Bromby, Eve Close, Matthew Morrison
and Kerry Wilson
Str athc our ier Sum m er Edition 2 0 1 2
school community
social service activities
T
he commencement of Term 4 saw
the arrival of numerous and colourful
Operation Christmas Child boxes.
These generous gifts were filled with delightful
presents for the charity Samaritan’s Purse.
On behalf of Samaritan’s Purse, I would like
to thank the Strathcona girls and families
so very much for their kind donations. I am
sure many children in the developing world
will be surprised to receive such a lovely gift
this Christmas.
At one of our School Assemblies, the School
hosted the visit of Dr. Maithri Goonetilleke
the Executive Director of Possible Dreams
International. The doctor gave a talk on his
work in Swaziland, highlighted issues such as
current health problems, the plight of orphans
and living conditions for the disadvantaged.
His speech concluded with the powerful gospel
song ‘He Lifts Me Up’. Dr. Goonetileke was
assisted by a group of Year 10 singers.
Following this message, The Dreaming Council
(Briony Harrison, Kaiva Kaiminis, Madison
Fairlie and Elisha Catlow) organised a sausage
sizzle to raise funds for the Choir’s visit to
Australia next year and a concert to be held
on Tuesday 12 March.
At Tay Creggan the Year 9 students hosted a
very special morning tea for Malala Yousafzai,
the 14 year-old girl from Pakistan who recently
suffered an attack by terrorists. The girls were
deeply moved by this story and were able to
raise a significant amount of money to donate
to the education of girls in the developing world.
Foundation. Girls also donated on a casual
clothes day to raise funds and awareness. In the
same week, staff also supported this cause by
sharing in a special morning tea organised by
Mrs Kerry Wilson.
Rhonda Burns – Chaplain
In Term 4, the Year 8 students organised Live
Aide. The objective of this concert is to give
the girls an opportunity to work together to
raise awareness and funds for women suffering
with fistula. Donations for this cause will be
forwarded onto the Christian Blind Mission
who run an extensive program working with
women in the developing world with this
condition. On Thursday 25 October, Heath
McSolvin visited Strathcona to share with the
girls the nature of this problem and his work
with the Christian Blind Mission.
We also proudly supported our Year 12
Coordinator, Mr Scott Pannam, who shaved
his head to raise funds for the Cancer
S t r a t h c o u r ie r S ummer Edition 2012
7
the arts
the arts
drama
music
year 10 shakespearean
duologue evening
O
nce again our Music Camp was held
in July and it was wonderful to see 90
students working together across the
year levels, grappling with challenging music
and helping one another. There was much
laughter, much noise, a huge amount of music,
little sleep and a real sense of camaraderie
which all assisted in our preparations for the
Annual Concert. The 88th Annual Music
Concert for 2012 was the 5th in our series
of concerts throughout the year. This concert
followed the Scholarship Holders Recital,
the Vocal/Instrumental Soirée, the VCE Solo
Performances and our most successful Concerto
Evening, which were held during Terms 1
and 2. This concert, which presented all our
larger ensembles, was held in a new venue
this year, which we succeeded in selling out!
It was fantastic to see 160 choristers and
instrumentalists performing together in the
Finale, where the girls presented ‘Rolling in the
Deep’ and ‘Hallelujah’. We were all very proud
of the girls’ performances.
The Annual Concert was followed by two more
major performances. The Friends of Music
8
The Stage Band and the Modern Jazz Ensemble
concluded our performances for Term 3 with
an entertaining performance at Dizzy’s Jazz
Club in Richmond. It was quite a challenge
to bear in mind that all these musicians
and soloists are actually students and not
professional musicians, especially as they were
playing alongside professional jazz musicians.
The girls rose to the challenge and provided
us with a fantastic evening of entertainment,
improvising and showcasing a variety of
contemporary music styles.
The Year 10 Drama class showcased their
skill at Elizabethan Theatre with an evening
of Shakespearean duologues. The girls
selected a Duologue from quite an extensive
range of Shakespearean plays from both the
comedy and tragedy genre. They were given
the opportunity to recontextualise their
duologue into a more contemporary setting
if they believed it would enhance the themes
and resonate with their audience. It was
compulsory, however, to present the original
language. The girls performed with
admirable focus and skill. They conveyed
a thorough understanding of the text and
motivations of character and articulated
the language precisely and perceptively.
A wonderful array of characters was brought
to life during the evening. We commend
the motivation, commitment and talent of
our delightful Year 10 Drama class who
throughout the year conveyed an admirable
thirst for excellence and dedication to
extending their skills in Drama.
Georgina Nagy – Head of Music
Marisa Rowlands – Head of Drama
Dinner, held at Tay Creggan, highlighted
all our Chamber Ensembles from Middle
School through to the advanced Senior Piano
Trio as well as the Modern Jazz Ensemble.
The fabulous food, great music and good
company enabled everyone to have a most
enjoyable evening. The success of this function
was due to the fantastic work of the Friends
of Music. We are all grateful for their tireless
efforts and support.
Str athc our ier Sum m er Edition 2 0 1 2
visual art & VCD
S
trathcona encourages the advancement and creativity of all
students who pass through its doors from Pre Prep to Year 12.
The Senior School students work through the design process from
Year 7 until Year 12. The design process starts with the students receiving
a brief, researching and looking for inspiration, creating a number of
designs, choosing a final design and creating their finished artwork.
Discussions with the students and good guidance and encouragement
from the teacher are an important part of the design process. Students
are encouraged to constantly question their ideas and continually
challenge themselves. Each artwork that is created is original and
unique, reflecting the student’s own interpretation of the brief and
their imagination.
This year, the Year 7 theme was ‘Self ’. The students have created
artworks reflecting this theme using the techniques of mono printing,
ceramics, watercolour painting and drawing. They were also introduced
to Photoshop, to further their skills and creativity.
The Year 8 theme this year was ‘Surrealism’. The students researched
artists to create a number of surrealistic artworks. They created tea pots
from clay, dolls using textile techniques, paintings using acrylic paints
and gouache and collage using Photoshop. Year 9 at Strathcona gave
the students the opportunity to learn a range of different printmaking
techniques and taught them how to make jewellery using metal
combined with textiles.
In Year 10 students choose whether to continue studying Art, with
options for study in 2D, 3D or Design or they can enrol in all three
subjects if desired. Their work becomes more sophisticated as they are
introduced to more complex techniques and different media.
This enables their artworks to more closely reflect their own
imagination and creativity.
In Years 11 and 12, students are given more freedom in the type of art
they wish to create. They draw upon the knowledge and creativity they
have acquired from their schooling at Strathcona. They continue to have
the opportunity to learn new techniques and to expand their knowledge.
Students are constantly encouraged to research and experiment with
different techniques and media, while working through the design process
to enable them to create a folio of individual and creative artworks.
The 2012 Art and VCD exhibition, held during October, showcases
students’ years of learning and dedicated work needed to create their
folios. The Art Department would like to congratulate all the Year 12
Art and VCD students and we hope they all continue to foster their
creativity in whichever area they choose.
Helen McCormack – Head of Visual Arts
margaret fendley writing competition
T
he English classroom values creative writing. This enables
students to express thoughts and emotions in an imaginative,
often unique and poetic way. This avenue of expression also
allows for another kind of thinking, one that focuses on exploring ideas,
generating possibilities and looking for many right answers rather than
just one. This is vital for a successful school and work life.
The discipline of creative writing is not only about self-expression
and responding to literary texts under study, but how to craft a
piece of writing from the initial idea, drafting to editing and
publication. The relationship between purpose, audience, form
and language is explored and we encourage our students to read
widely and pay more attention to choices made by authors in order
to construct meaning. As a consequence, students learn to note the
S t r a t h c o u r ie r S ummer Edition 2012
precision of language in creating an image for the reader.
The Margaret Fendley Writing Competition is a major platform for
creative writing talents. It provides an opportunity for all students in the
School to enter their own work and have it judged by an external judge
who is an experienced and published writer. For this competition, we
emphasise that creativity is also not just about waiting for inspiration to
strike. Teachers use a range of stimuli to allow students to explore ideas
and a variety of literary devices and strategies. In the past, it has been
sculpture and poetry. This year, our theme was ‘The World Beyond’ and
we used the photography of Strathcona Year 12 student Megan O’Keefe
to enable students to explore their own experiences and imagination.
Simone Boland – Head of English
9
UN debating
G
lobal education strives to develop
informed global citizens who are
willing to take action, value diversity
and participate as creative individuals in the
development of peaceful, just and sustainable
solutions. Global Education will have a strong
role in the Australian curriculum in years to
come and will enrich the learning of every
student. An increased interest in global current
affairs this year saw Strathcona enter a record
number of teams in United Nations style
debating competitions. The students, from
Years 9 to 12, were able to learn about the
world whilst bringing their own passion and
personal social justice to a forum with other
like-minded students from across Victoria.
This experience is invaluable in allowing
the students to develop their own views and
solutions to contemporary global issues such as
the situation in Syria, global peacekeeping and
the issue of arms proliferation.
Using procedures based on those of the actual
United Nations Security Council, students
in teams of two are challenged to think
on their feet while making well-researched
speeches, posing and answering points of
information, negotiating amendments, and
repeatedly voting by placard. Mutual respect
and intercultural understanding is essential
and the students are involved in critical and
creative thinking for the duration of the 3 ½
hour event. Every student gained a deeper
understanding of the processes and topics
discussed, as well as broadening their ability
to operate with confidence in this increasingly
complex, information-rich, globalised world.
Melissa King – Commerce Teacher
the seed program
T
he SEED program (Seek, Engage,
Enrich, Diversify) aims to provide
students with opportunities to
make connections with our changing world
(the overarching concept of the program)
through involvement in interdisciplinary units
of work. Each unit includes explicit teaching of
ICT, information literacy and thinking skills.
Students are encouraged to explore problems in
depth, develop creative solutions and reflect
on their learning.
Students are provided with opportunities to
select three units to study over the course of
the year. As well as participating in these units,
in 2012, students also attended sessions which
focused on how the brain works, learning styles
and Professor Carol Dweck’s work on fixed
and growth mindsets. Students have also
been involved in activities associated
with ThinkPlus, an initiative of the
de Bono Institute.
Students work in mixed Year 7 and 8 classes
(apart from the first unit of the year when
they remain in year level groups). They are
encouraged to develop their inquiry skills,
work as part of a team and to participate
in activities which promote innovation
and creativity.
Units for the SEED program continue to be
revised and created. Some of the programs
offered in 2012 included:
Head, Heart and Hands – Students explored
a local, national or global issue that they
wanted to know more about or already were
passionate about.
Illuminating Identity – Students explored
the concept of identity through investigation,
discussion, art and action, culminating in
the creation of a lamp to illuminate their
own identity.
Stuffed and Starved – Students participated in
a program designed to make a difference to the
lives of those less fortunate.
What Goes Up Must Stay Up! – Students
explored the challenges of construction
through hands-on activities.
Sportswomen and the Media:
What’s Fair? – Students explored the impact
of media coverage on women’s sport.
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Str athc our ier Sum m er Edition 2 0 1 2
Lost and Found – Students created their own
picture story book to explore different issues.
Myths, Magic and Monsters – Students
worked in small teams to create their own
myth or legend. They developed a script
for a short play, based on their story, which
was recorded.
Project Runway Meets Australia’s Best
Athlete – Students investigated equipment
and uniforms that enable athletes to perform
to their best and break world records. They
designed a uniform or piece of equipment to
help performance.
figure out Whodunnit!
digital, video or performance formats.
Sacred Food – Students researched four
religions: Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism
and Islam and cooked significant food for
each of these religions.
Creative Letterform – Students explored the
creation of letters through the use of different
materials, methods and media, and created
their own fonts.
The Chocolate and Coffee Trade – Students
explored the economics of the chocolate and
coffee trade. They investigated production,
fair-trade and the retail industry as well as
Melbourne’s coffee culture.
Up, Up and Away – Students took part in
an airline company simulation and explored
different aspects of the airline industry,
including staffing, advertising, scheduling
and innovation.
Our Space – Students considered the
environmental impact of design when
redesigning a part of Strathcona.
Sounds Different – Students learnt about the
key aspects of how musical instruments work.
Students then designed and built their own
instruments which they used in groups to
record their own compositions.
Making TV – Students simulated a news
production team to broadcast a special news
bulletin for Strathy TV. Students used the full
range of software and hardware in Strathcona’s
TV studio.
Whodunnit? – Students explored the
development of forensic science techniques
and used their new found knowledge to
Fractured Fairytales – Students fractured
favourite fairytales and cast them into a
modern context before publishing them in
Did You Get The Message? – Students studied
how advertising manipulates and convinces
people to change their attitudes. They then
created their own advertising campaign.
The SEED program continues to evolve as
units are reviewed by students and teachers,
allowing it to continue to ‘make connections
with our changing world’.
Charlotte Forwood - Leader of Advanced
Learning, SEED Coordinator
creativity and food technology
A
t Strathcona, Food Technology students are encouraged to use their
creativity in all aspects of their learning. Allowing students to
choose their own ingredients, adapt recipes and create their own
food products enables them to gain confidence in a wide variety of skills
and gives them the tools they need for independent living in the future.
The Year 8 Food Technology students’
first challenge was to design a healthy
muffin, the students were encouraged to
use a basic recipe to create a muffin that
was healthy, attractive and delicious.
This ‘design and create’ theme is repeated
regularly in Food Technology classes as the
students progress through the year levels,
with such assignments as ‘Design and
Make your Own Noodle Box’, ‘Create a
Healthy Risotto’, ‘Organise and Prepare
an Afternoon Tea’ and the ever popular
‘MasterChef Challenge, where students
are given a variety of ingredients from
which they create their own food item.
Due to overwhelming demand, we
have also continued to offer a Cake
Decorating option in Year 10 where the
students have managed to produce some outstanding decorated cakes,
many of which are entered in the Royal Melbourne Show.
The students’ high level of creativity prepares them well for the demands
of Units 3 and 4 VCE Food and Technology, which requires the
students to prepare original food items for a set theme. The success of
this task is reflected in the number students who have their folios chosen
for the Top Designs Exhibition at Melbourne Museum.
Through independent thinking, designing and creating, we hope to
encourage a confidence that will remain with our students for life.
Claire Chambers - Head of Food and Technology
S t r a t h c o u r ie r S ummer Edition 2012
11
tours & exchanges
global links
r
ges
s
at h c o n
an
S
tou
During August we were privileged to go on
exchange to Somerset West, in South Africa.
While in South Africa, we participated fully
in school life and activities, and were able to
visit the many beautiful sights that South
Africa has to offer.
tr
a
south africa exchange
& exch
Chelsea Newton & Shannon McKenna – Year 10
year 8 exchange
Eliza Sammells, 8D, had a wonderful time on
exchange at PLC Armidale. It was the highlight
of her time at Strathy so far. Caitlin Shinnie,
8D, at Armidale and Laura Chiaramonte, 8D,
at Meriden School, Sydney enjoyed meeting a
lot of new people and experiencing different
learning styles.
Mabry Simpson-Bull, 8B, at Rockhampton
and Brigit Dossetto, 8B, at Armidale enjoyed
getting to know their Strathy friends better and
meeting new friends. At Rockhampton Girls
Grammar School the outings to a rodeo, camp
and the beach were fantastic!
city excursion
A combined group from China, America, South Africa
with hosts from Strathcona and Trinity.
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Str athc our ier Sum m er Edition 2 0 1 2
china tour
2012 Tour to China
In Tiananmen Square,
Beijing.
programs
co-ordinator’s
visit to cambodia
Diane visited Cambodia during
October as part of a team of volunteers
to conduct a children’s program. Thanks
to the Strathcona students who raised
funds to buy materials for the program.
kakadu/central australia tour
A total of 29 girls from Years 10 and 11 joined
the Kakadu & Central Australia Tour this year.
‘Kakadu & Central Australia depicted Australia as I
envisaged it to be, it was the best experience of my life’
– Samara Hughes, Year 10
visit to seoul, south korea
The Chair of the Board, Mrs Laurinda Gardner, visits our sister
school, Ewha Girls High School in Seoul, South Korea.
S t r a t h c o u r ie r S ummer Edition 2012
13
p
a
r
w
s
t
r
spo
encouraging creativity
through sport
Estelle Warren (Year 7) shaking hands with A.I.S. visitor, Jared Tallent,
Olympic 2012 Silver medallist in the 50km Walk.
P
young, diverse individuals, or make adjustments during a match to win
a game? If a teacher isn’t creative, how are we able to keep the young and
enthusiastic girls in our teams, and during our PE lessons, motivated and
excited about their sport?
The value of participation in regular physical activity and team sport
is sometimes intangible. It can contribute to developing a healthy
school-life balance, a young woman’s identity, a sense of belonging to
her community and even enhance positive mood. Positive moods can
lead to an increase in creative thinking and productivity throughout the
school day and at home.
For a student to step out and learn a new sport, attempt a new skill,
or try something different requires them to use their creativity. While the
skill or activity may not be new to the teacher, it’s often very new to the
girls in the team or the class. They have to be willing to step out of their
comfort zone and try new things. That’s creativity! Teachers and coaches
encourage the girls involved in sport at Strathcona to take risks and be
brave, and in doing so, experience the benefits of being involved in sport
at its best.
articipation in sport is a part of, and not in addition to, the
education of the girls at Strathcona. Sport helps young women
build confidence and self-awareness, encourages greater social
contact and interaction, as well as improving their sense of well-being,
self-esteem and self-confidence.
When teaching and coaching young women, creativity is a must. If a
teacher isn’t creative, how will they create a team out of a group of
Megan Barber – Head of Sport
aerobics
On Friday 14 September, Strathcona’s two
intermediate aerobics teams flew to Brisbane
with their mothers, to compete in the 2012
Aeroskools National Championships on that
Sunday. We all enjoyed the two days of
sightseeing around Brisbane, but on the
Sunday morning, it was all systems go!
With our hair buns slicked and sprayed stiff,
we practised our routine over and over and
over! Then it was time to go on stage and
perform at our best! We were pointing every
toe, extending every arm, and perfecting the
aerobics smile! Bell aced each high leg kick,
Isabelle had a perfect flat splits, and I had
hit every push up! But before we knew it,
the one minute and thirty second routine
we had worked on all year had just flashed
before our eyes.
Just like that we were off stage, hoping we
had remembered to do everything perfectly as
practised, but it was in the hands of the judges
now. We were up against four incredibly skilled
trios and we waited anxiously for the winners
to be announced. We all held hands as they
announced ‘Level 2 Intermediate Trio’. As our
names had not been called for 5th, 4th or 3rd
place, we grew even more excited! The judges
announced us as 2nd place winners and after
that split second of disappointment that our
names hadn’t been called 1st, we jumped up
extremely excited onto the podium to receive
our silver medals.
We smiled for the camera and enjoyed a feeling
of happiness knowing that once again, we had
placed top three in the whole of Australia for
our division! We made not only ourselves, our
coach and our parents proud, but also
Strathcona for another successful year in
Competitive Sports Aerobics!
Written by Sophie Brugliera (Yr 9) who
competed in the Aeroskools National
Championships. Sophie and her team-mates
Isabelle Winiarski and Isabella Rossidis won a
silver medal for their section. The School was also
very proud of the Year 8 trio: Delia McKeon,
Briana Pappalardo and Caitlin Morarty who
competed in this esteemed event.
rhythmic gymnastics
Rhythmic Gymnastics is a beautiful and
elegant sport that combines dance and
gymnastics. Rhythmic Gymnastics enhances a
gymnast’s posture, musicality, flexibility and
most importantly team spirit. Gymnasts learn
to work with apparatus; rope, hoop, ball, clubs
and ribbons, within a combination of ballet,
jazz and acrobatics. The gymnasts, who range
in age from four years to seventeen years, work
individually, in pairs, in trios and in small groups.
In 2012, Strathcona has had gymnasts
competing in many different competitions. The
Strathcona Junior Cup is the first competition
for many gymnasts as it caters for gymnasts in
Levels 1 to 6. This is the major fundraiser for
14
the club and we thank the Friends of Rhythmic
Gymnastics and the parents for all of their
support in making the event such a success for
the club. The younger gymnasts also compete
in the State Pennant Competition, in which
the Strathcona gymnasts were very successful
this year and placed 1st in the Level 2 division
and 3rd in the Level 3 division. The senior
gymnasts at Strathcona have competed in the
State Championships, National
Championships in Sydney and at an
International Competition in New Zealand,
with very pleasing results. Seven Strathcona
gymnasts have been selected for the Victorian
State Training Squad for 2013 following their
performances at the State Championships. The
end of year display is a highlight for all the
gymnasts and their families as it provides
the gymnasts with an opportunity to be
creative with their performances for parents
and friends.
In 2013, the Strathcona Rhythmic Gymnastics
Club looks forward to welcoming more
gymnasts to the club, involving more gymnasts
in competitions and displays and supporting
current and future coaches and judges in
courses to further develop their skills. For more
information, please contact Tiffany Kelly via
email to: [email protected]
Tiffany Kelly – Rhythmic Gymnastics
Coordinator
Str athc our ier Sum m er Edition 2 0 1 2
sports wrap
snow sports
brownlow medal breakfast 2012
Friends of Snowsports welcome families and encourage students of
all skiing abilities.
2012 was another great year for Strathcona Friends of Snowsports.
Although not being a large team this year, we had an extremely
committed group of five girls, with the youngest in Year 5.
Our Information Night in February started the year off with the
Snowsports Leaders being announced and the Snowsports Calendar
of Events outlined to all interested students and their families.
The year consisted of social events, a family weekend at Mt Hotham,
a Team Breakfast and our main event, the Victorian Interschool
Snowsports Championships at Mt Buller.
The Friends of Snowsports family weekend at Mt Hotham in July was a
most enjoyable weekend with excellent snow conditions. Many thanks
to the Patterson Family who have continued with Friends of Snowsports
since their daughter Alex (1st Captain of Snowsports) finished in 2007.
This year’s Snowsports Team to represent Strathcona consisted
of Monique St Clair (Year 12) and Elisha Catlow (Year 11) as
Co-Snowsports Captains, Evelyn Gomm (Year 12) as Vice Captain,
Shannon Griffiths (Year 10) and Tara Skelton (Year 5). These girls were
part of the 5,533 competitors from over 140 schools at the 2012 Subaru
Victorian Interschool Snowsports Championships. There was mixed
weather, some skiing in clear skies and sunshine, but others struggling
with poor visibility and strong winds.
Monique, Evelyn and Elisha were in Division 1. We competed in Alpine
Giant Slalom in perfect conditions. Evelyn in Moguls, and Evelyn and
myself competed in Skiercross. In Division 2, Shannon competed in
Alpine Giant Slalom and our youngest member, Tara, representing
Mellor House, competed in Skiercross. Strathcona was also proudly
represented at both the Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony by
the Snowsports Team and parents in attendance. It was a wonderful week
to be together and watch each member of the Strathcona Snowsports
Team compete, as well as having the opportunity to socialise with many
of our neighbouring schools.
The Presentation Night at the end of the year is a fun celebration and
an opportunity to thank all involved. Snowsports especially appreciate
the valuable support from Chris Phyland, Head of Mellor House and
Snowsports Coordinator, the Committee: Debbie Griffiths, Nadine
Goldsmith and Cathy Catlow, all parents and the Patterson family.
If anyone is interested in being part of the Snowsports Team next year,
please do not hesitate to contact Chris Phyland or myself. We welcome
all abilities. If you enjoy skiing, you will enjoy Snowsports, so please
join us in 2013.
Elisha Catlow 2012 Co-Captain Year 11
On Monday 24 September 2012, Strathcona hosted its 22nd Annual
Brownlow Medal Breakfast in the Medallion Club at Etihad Stadium
with an attendance of 350 past and present School parents, business
people, and football fanatics from across Melbourne.
Strathcona’s Brownlow Medal Breakfast is widely recognised as
the start to Grand Final week celebrations and enjoys support
of the AFL who provided us with the Cup for display and guests
enjoyed having a photo taken with the AFL Premiership Cup.
Once again one of the original founders of the Breakfast, David
Parkin was in attendance and was guest speaker. Our Master of
Ceremonies was Terry Wallace and the panel consisted of Kevin
Sheedy (Greater Western Sydney Coach), Chelsea Roffey (AFL goal
umpire), Debbie Lee (VWFL President & player) and Paul Barnard
(past player of Essendon FC). Mike Brady rounded off the morning
with ‘Up there Cazaly’.
This high profile event is a major fundraiser for Strathcona raising
approximately $27,000 for our School and we were again pleased to
donate the lucky ticket proceeds of $6,800 to Life Education Victoria.
We are extremely grateful to the sponsors of this event, Budget Rent
A Car, Bendigo Bank, PMDL Architecture & Design, WOW! Travel,
McConnell Dowell Constructors, Capital Finance, Cyan Press,
Coldflow Heating & Cooling, Coffey, Grant Day James, Marshall
White and Adams Print.
Sincere thanks is extended to the 2012 Brownlow Breakfast
Committee: Paul Wheelton, Brian Walsh, Michael Catlow, Lisa
Fekete, Helen Hughes, Richard Sallows, Chris Phyland, Tim
Kitchen, Diana Little and Anita Burman for their networking
contacts and commitment to making the event such a success.
Elisabeth Chalmers - Community Relations
S t r a t h c o u r ie r S ummer Edition 2012
15
osa news
OSA
message from the president
T
wo thousand and twelve has been
another rewarding year for the OSA
and it’s partnership with the School
with a range of successful events and activities
having taken place. This year many of the
OSA Reunion groups have enjoyed meeting
in the Creative and Performing Arts Centre.
Those of us who were encouraged to cook and
stitch and paint and create in an earlier time
reminisce about the old houses that once stood
on this site, and we admire the current facilities
the girls use to great effect: the Mac lab, and
TV studio, the Food Tech kitchens, the graphic
design and painting studios. Evidence of their
creativity is all about us: from fabulously
decorated cakes visible through the glass, to
the artwork on display throughout the year,
much of it quite extraordinary quality in
concept and execution. It is always inspiring.
The wonderful music spaces including studios
for individual tuition or practice, as well as
the group rehearsal areas and the Atrium space
with its excellent acoustics. We read with
interest the notices on display calling various
ensembles to rehearsal or announcing
a forthcoming performance.
At the top of CPAC is the Drama studio: the
beating heart of Performing Arts at Strathy
and the scene of many theatrical triumphs not
least of which, this year, was the OSA Cabaret.
For the second year in a row the creative team
led by Tori Wood designed a brilliant show:
‘21st Century Musicals: Songs from Stage
and Screen’ performed with panache by a
very talented cast of past Strathcona students
and supported by an excellent band of
musicians and backstage crew most of whom
also attended the School. Twelve weeks of
rehearsals, followed by a sellout season of six
performances attests to its popularity and we
look forward to more next year! It is wonderful
to see the creativity nurtured at Strathcona
being demonstrated in this way. In Tori’s words
‘Why should that fun end after year 12?’
This sentiment has been repeated over and
over as the OSA welcome back alumni for
numerous events at Strathcona, whether for
the Gingerbread House workshops in
December, when we get to use those great
Food Tech facilities, or for a special reunion
lunch at Tay Creggan to hear news of our peers
who have pursued their own creative journey
in their chosen field as journalists, lawyers,
educators, farmers, health professionals,
undertaking scientific research, working in
the sporting arena, the media or a myriad of
other professions. Such is the breadth of the
education that has been offered at Strathcona
over successive generations.
So, don’t let the fun end after Year 12. Keep
in touch, make contact via the Strathcona
website, note forthcoming events on the OSA
pages, join us on Facebook. We are open to
suggestions for future events and look forward
to welcoming your creative input to the further
improvement of what the OSA can offer you.
Libbie Smith (Bowe ’76), OSA President
vale
Kathryn Jane Buckeridgee 1959 – 2012 Betty Flatman (Williams) 15.3.21 – 18.10.12
Kate attended Strathcona from 1971 – 76, and earlier this
year visited the school one last time. Kate’s older sisters Jan
and Sue also attended Strathcona and their younger brother
Paul was educated at Carey Grammar.
After completing her teaching qualifications at Monash University, Kate
enjoyed a career in the Department of Education in both Victoria and the
Northern Territory. She began as a Physical Education teacher in Victoria
and moved about the state leaving a great impression on many secondary
school students. Kate was also involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards
Program in the Northern Territory and up until the start of her illness,
held the position as Head of Middle School at Kormilda College in Darwin.
Betty was a proud Strathconian and fondly remembered her school days
and the teaching of ‘Civics’ as being a valuable subject for learning about
the workings of society. She always held the School in high regard. She
had fond memories of the principals, Miss Hughes and Mrs Livingston
and enjoyed regular attendance at ‘old girl’ reunions as one of Shirley
Lowthian’s (Balfe) contemporaries. Her impressions of the students and
the development of the School was always favourable.
Jo Hopkins (Holmes ‘32)
Passed away 29.06.2012 at Mt Martha.
Kate travelled to many countries and displayed a tremendous regard for all
cultures. She showed great respect for indigenous people and for a time,
held a position in the Victorian Police Force as a Project Officer in the
field of Aboriginal Welfare.
Cheryl Hutchinson (nee Banks) 1936 – 2012
Kate was a great sportsperson. A keen runner, she competed in the World
Masters Games at the age of 50, winning a bronze medal for the 100
metre sprint. Kate was a keen horse rider and her love of horses was
expressed in some of her amazing artwork. Kate also loved snow skiing
and spent much time at the slopes in the North-East of Victoria. At
Mount Buffalo Chalet she worked as an entertainment officer organising
daytime walks and night time activities.
One of her granddaughters wrote that ‘she was as grand as a chandelier in
a small dark dungeon.’
Cheryl lived a full life right to the end. She completed her nurse’s training
at the Royal Children’s Hospital before marrying Les and becoming a
mother to two daughters and three sons and Grandy to 14 grandchildren.
As a loving and committed mother to Tom (16 years old), Kate showed
unfailing dedication to bringing up her son, who is a wonderful young
man with many talents.
In 1974 she became a teaching leader in Bible Study Fellowship and the
area advisor. A new position was created for a coordinator for the South
Pacific. This appointment led her to establish classes for men and women
all over Australia and New Zealand and in Singapore, Fiji, Samoa and
Mayanmar. She retired in 2004. Her desire to reach out to battered and
homeless women resulted in working in Bible studies and mentoring, and
as Chair of the Benwerren Home for women and children. Her greatest
joy was to lead others to know Jesus.
Kate was unwell for 18 months and sadly passed away at Cabrini Hospice
on June 10 this year at the age of 53.
She is greatly missed as the family driving instructor and as a prayer
warrior for so many and we know she is safe in the arms of Jesus.
Sue Bilous (Buckeridge ’73)
Deidre Banks ‘51
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Str athc our ier Sum m er Edition 2 0 1 2
osa news
Beatrice Glascodine
group that encouraged discipline in spiritual life.
nursing until she retired at the age of 60.
Even in her early 90s Bea was still delivering
Meals on Wheels, and kept in touch with a
wide circle of friends. She took delight in the
beauty of nature, appreciated music, and her
sense of humour made her a delightful and
loyal friend to many.
Bea and Alice were amongst the
first students of Strathcona,
which opened as a Girls’ Grammar School on
12 February 1924. Our Principals and school
founders were Miss Hughes and Mrs.
Livingstone.
Bea passed away peacefully on the 14th of
October. She was a much-loved Old Girl of
Strathcona, and she graced the Former
Strathconians 1924 – 1942 luncheons each
November with her presence. Her joyful face
was a reflection of the wonderful person that she
was. Bea considered the annual Strathcona
luncheon one of the highlights of her year, as
had her twin sister Alice and younger sister
Helen, who both pre-deceased her.
She cared for her sister Evelyn, who lived in
Residential Care, visiting regularly. Evelyn spent
6 weeks with Margaret and Bill each Christmas.
They took her camping, or to Flinders Island.
When Margaret’s mother became frail and aged,
she moved from Melbourne to Launceston to be
cared for by Margaret and Bill.
26 December 1913 - 14 October 2012
Bea, her twin sister Alice and
younger sister Helen were born
at Currie on King Island. The
family moved to Melbourne for
the girls’ education.
Bea loved Strathcona and was an eager
participant in all activities, both academic and
on the sporting field, her particular love being
tennis, which was a very strong sport at the
school in those days.
The last couple of years of Bea’s schooling were
spent at Tintern. Then she studied at at Emily
McPherson College for two years.
She was only 18 years old when the Church of
England Archbishop of Melbourne, Archbishop
Head, arranged for her to study Theology and
Pastoral Care at St Christopher’s College in
Surrey, England. She was there for three years,
and then stayed on in England to gain practical
experience in Coventry, before returning to
Melbourne in 1939, where she was appointed
Diocesan Organizer for Sunday Schools,
providing spiritual guidance for women
educators and leaders from all dioceses.
Peter Hollingworth, the former Archbishop of
Brisbane and Governor-General of Australia,
recalled the time, over 60 years ago, when
Sunday Schools were strong, parish youths
groups thrived, and Christian education was
entering an innovative phase. The names of
three fine women were widely known, much
respected and highly valued throughout the
diocese and the national church: Mary Blackwood,
Dorothy James and Beatrice Glascodine.
In 1942 Bea was appointed to a committee of
distinguished people charged with establishing
Melbourne’s own St Christopher’s College to train
women students as lay parish workers. The College
opened in Finch Street, East Malvern in 1945.
At the age of 33, Bea took up a national
position as Field Officer for the General Board
of Religious Education for the Church of
England in Australia, travelling to all parts of
the country, conducting conferences, workshops
and discussion groups, and encouraging
potential students to study at St Christopher’s.
In 1949 Bea returned to England, where she
took part in Summer Schools and did some
lecturing. On her return to Australia later that
year she set up and became manager of the
GBRE bookshop that specialized in materials
for Christian education. When the bookshop
closed in 1973 Bea became a welfare worker in
the parish of St James, Glen Iris.
She retired in 1983 when she was 70, but
continued to care for the sick and elderly, and
disadvantaged children and adults. She valued
the gifts of silence and solitude, and was an
oblate of the Community of the Holy Name, a
Shirley Lowthian
Florence Margaret Barrett
(nee Atkinson)
22 November 1924 – 15
October 2012
Margaret, who passed away in
Tasmania in October was a
much loved and well known
Strathcona student. Margaret
was very dear and special to me
personally, and I shall miss her very much, as
will so many of our Old Girls of that era. We
loved seeing her smiling face at our luncheons.
Margaret and her sister Evelyn, together with
their mother Jean, lived at Strathcona.
Margaret’s grandmother was Mrs. Livinsgtone,
one of the founders of the school.
Margaret took part in all the school activities
and was an excellent student. She made many
friends, and many of us kept in regular contact
with her. Every couple of years in November
she would travel from Tasmania to join her
friends at the Former Strathconians luncheon.
She loved coming back as Strathcona was so
special to her.
Margaret left school in 1940, and became a nurse,
training at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.
She was an excellent and very caring nurse.
She met and married Bill Barrett in 1948,
and they lived on Flinders Island, where their
daughter Pam was born. In 1950 they moved
to Tasmania, where, a year later, Maxine was
born, followed at two-year intervals by sons
Michael and Ian.
They were busy years for Margaret, but she was
a dedicated and extremely capable mum. As the
immediate family lived either on Flinders Island
or in Melbourne, there was no family support,
but good friends lived nearby to help when Bill
was at sea, working hard to support his young
brood. Margaret was a good money manager,
and a great homemaker.
In time, Margaret returned to nursing, working
part-time for the Launceston Council,
immunizing babies and small children. As her
own children grew older she began working for
the Launceston District Nursing Service, with
one other nurse. She remained in community
S t r a t h c o u r ie r S ummer Edition 2012
As the children left the nest, Margaret and Bill
managed regular holidays on Flinders Island,
where they had 60 acres and rustic
accommodation. They regularly took Evelyn to
Flinders, along with their beloved ‘spoilt rotten’
cocker spaniel, ‘Sailor’.
Bill’s mum became ill and came to Launceston,
and Margaret’s aunt Muriel was aged and in
separate need of TLC, so she was moved to
Launceston too. At one stage Margaret and Bill
had Nana Nellie, Aunt Muriel and Evelyn all
staying them – and all needing care!
Nana Nellie, Evelyn and Aunt Muriel passed
away within three months of each other, leaving
a void. The loss of Evelyn was huge. But it was
time for Margaret and Bill to enjoy their
retirement together. They moved to Bridport
and had 15 years of happy times.
Margaret bought a computer and took lessons
in how to use it. She spent considerable time
learning all she could, and became involved in
assisting to organize a global family reunion. She
enjoyed craft work, and was a member of the
Probus Club and the CWA.
With the passage of time Margaret and Bill
decided to move back to Launceston where
Margaret had the pleasure of being involved
with day-to-day activities of her grandchildren
and great-grandchildren. Margaret had nine
grandchildren. She loved those babies, enjoying
each and every one of them. She loved live
theatre and was again able to attend shows,
musicals, ballet and drama productions.
She loved her music, especially, Andre Rieu.
She made sure daughter knew that when she
could no longer make decisions for herself,
her favourite music should be played constantly.
It was, and in her last week this brought her
much comfort.
Over the past few years Bill cared for Margaret
with unbelievable love and attention, without
complaint. They loved each other forever, and
worked closely as a team.
Margaret was never backward in coming
forward. You always knew what she was
thinking, and she didn’t ever mince her words,
but she was the most loyal, devoted and caring
mum of all time. She was loving, giving and
generous – and taught her children ‘how to fly’,
and be responsible for their choices and actions
throughout life. She valued the social graces and
etiquette. She regularly said, ‘Remember, you
must always have a sense of occasion.’
Shirley Lowthian
17
osa news
births
2013 reunion dates
Date
Function
Venue
Feb
Thurs 21st
15 Year Reunion*
(1998)
CPAC
Cant Campus
March
Thurs 7th
20 Year Reunion*
(1993)
CPAC
Cant Campus
March
Thurs 14th
10 Year Reunion*
(2003)
CPAC
Cant Campus
March
Sat 2nd
Snr Centre
1943-54 Luncheon Gallery
Cant Campus
April
Thurs 18th
35 Year Reunion*
(1978)
CPAC
Cant Campus
Kelly Spurr (Talbot ’94) and Brett, a daughter, Maya Valerie Lyn
on 19.7.12.
May
Thurs 9th
25 Year Reunion*
(1988)
CPAC
Cant Campus
marriages
May
Thurs 30th
30 Year Reunion*
(1983)
CPAC
Cant Campus
Jacinta Cullum (‘95) to Michael Marlborough, on 2.6.12. Several
Old Strathconians in attendance, including heavily pregnant Matron
of Honour Alexia (Lexy) Milne (Cullum ‘97), and aunt Shane Turnley
(formerly Hancock, past teacher). A Mellor House excursion group
accidentally gate-crashed a bridal dress fitting too!
June
Thurs 20th
5 Year Reunion*
(2008)
CPAC
Cant Campus
July
Thurs 18th
40 Year Reunion*
(1973) & 45 Year
Reunion (1968)
CPAC
Cant Campus
October
Thurs 17th
50 Year Reunion
(1963)
Cant Campus
Merrin Blashki (Cole ’96) and Simon, a daughter Kate Annie on
10.1.12. Sister for Eliza Ruth.
Melissa Caleo (Nation ’89) and Andrew, a son Dante Romee Raphael
on 14.6.12. A brother for Celina and Luca.
Bronwyn Casley (Walters ’97) and Richard, a daughter Erica Samantha
on 15.6.12. A sister for Harley.
Month
Caroline Chudasko (Waters ’97) and Adrian, a son, Jack Oliver on
19.5.12. A brother for Emily.
Melissa Clubb (’98) and Sean Haney, a daughter Ella Jane
on 4.11.2011.
To Belinda Di Giulio (Bennett ’88) and Craig, a son, Carlo. Born in
July in Hong Kong. Brother for Massimo and Alessandro.
Kirsty Lykourinos (Perry ’93) and Evan, a son Harrison Evan on
10.11.11. A brother for Daisy (Year 8) and twins Nikolaus & Benjamin.
Carli Smith (Growcott ’93) and Andrew, a daughter, Zoe Ada
on 15.3.12.
the feliciter
connection
(past strathcona staff)
Functions for 2013
Dinner at Tay Creggan
Saturday 20 April 2013
Guest Speaker Judy Battle (nee Ziebell)
November Thursday 14th Pre 42 Lunch
CPAC
Cant Campus
November Thursday 28th 1 Year* (2012)
CPAC
Cant Campus
* 6.30pm – 8.30pm functions
Old Strathconians
Judy was a Strathcona student from 1959 to 1967 and the Head
Teacher of Mellor House 2002 to 2008. She will speak about her
ongoing work as a volunteer in Cambodia and South Africa
Feliciter Connection Lunch at Main School to be held
on Saturday 9 November 2013
Please contact Diana Little, Strathcona Community Relations on
8779 7517 or [email protected] to book for
these functions.
(Semmens ’79)
– Suzanne Phillips Malvern
ps
hi
ds
ien
Fr
of
in East
44 Years
Tea at The Gables
),
50th Birthday High
-Ann Fox (Smith ’79
Jo
),
’79
ull
rnb
(Tu
eanne Cooke
3), Simone
L-R Back Row: Le
ntha Semmens (’8
mmens ’79), Sama
eth Stuckey
(Se
zab
s
Eli
illip
),
Ph
’79
r
ne
ke
zan
Su
al (Ba
ne Van Veenenda
-Ann, Suzanne
lian
Jo
Ju
e,
7),
nn
(’7
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s
Le
en
to
Semm
d Grade 3 teacher
an
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us
Ho
llor
Me
(Taught in
70.
nes’56)
and Julianne in 19
rbara Semmens (Jo
rille Parkin (’85), Ba
Ne
w:
L-R Front Ro
Str athc our ier Sum m er Edition 2 0 1 2
osa news
reunions
5 Year
30 Year
40 Year
S t r a t h c o u r ie r S ummer Edition 2012
25 Year
1975
45 Year
19
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Main Campus: Senior/Middle School & ELC,
34 Scott Street, Canterbury
Year 9 Campus: Tay Creggan,
30 Yarra Street, Hawthorn
Junior Campus: Mellor House – Prep to Yr 6,
173 Prospect Hill Road, Canterbury
Tel: 8779 7500 Fax: 9888 5440
E: [email protected]
www.strathcona.vic.edu.au
bring out her best.