Message from the Principal
As we begin Semester 2, it is an ideal time for students to reflect on what they have achieved so far this year, what they are most proud of, and the goals they would like to set for the months ahead. Student goals might include maintaining consistent study habits and routines at home, reading for 30 minutes each day, persevering when faced with challenging learning tasks, joining a new lunchtime club, recognising opportunities to be an upstander and support others, or making a new friend. The greatest improvements are rarely the result of one big change. Instead, it is built through the small, deliberate actions we choose to take each day and maintain over time. I encourage all students to take the opportunity to reflect on their progress so far this year, discuss their goals with their parents and carers, and set some meaningful goals for the remainder of the year if they have not already done so. Small actions taken today can make a significant difference by the end of the year.
Looking ahead, Term 3 is also an important time as we begin planning for 2027 through our subject selection and course counselling process. Throughout the term, students across all year levels will have opportunities to learn about the subjects and pathways available to them. For our senior students and their families, this is a particularly significant period as they consider pathways beyond secondary school, including university, TAFE, apprenticeships, traineeships and employment. Our senior students and their families will be supported by information sessions, course counselling and resources designed to help them make informed decisions about their future learning.
We encourage parents and carers to take an active role in these conversations by discussing their child's interests, strengths, aspirations and future career goals. These discussions, combined with the guidance provided by our teachers, team leaders and coordinators and the Careers Team, help students make thoughtful decisions that align with their strengths and future ambitions. If you have any questions throughout the subject selection and course counselling process or would like further advice about senior pathways, please don't hesitate to contact your child's coordinator or a member of our Careers Team, who will be pleased to provide guidance and support.
The semester also began on a high note with our outstanding 2026 School Production, which showcased the remarkable creativity, talent and dedication of our students. The evening opened with Act One – Last Words, an original play written by our very own teacher, Lachlan Brown, followed by Act Two – Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical JR., presented under licence from Music Theatre International. Both performances were of an exceptionally high standard and captivated audiences with their energy, professionalism and outstanding theatrical talent. Our students are to be congratulated on the commitment, resilience and countless hours of rehearsal that brought these performances to life. Their confidence, teamwork and passion for the performing arts were evident on stage and are a testament to the many weeks of preparation, refinement and perseverance leading up to opening night. This success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of families and the exceptional dedication of our Performing Arts team, together with the many staff who contributed behind the scenes.
I extend my sincere thanks to our performing arts leader, Luke Steward, our wonderful performing arts staff members, production crew, technical team, musicians, volunteers and every staff member and student who helped make this year's production such a memorable success. I also thank our families for their continued encouragement of their children's passion for the performing arts, and to those who generously volunteered their time to support the production. It was a wonderful celebration of creativity, collaboration and the exceptional talent within our school community.
Supporting students to make safe, respectful and informed decisions is an important focus for the school. Throughout the end of last term and continuing into Term 3, we have partnered with Victoria Police's Proactive Policing Unit to deliver a series of educational sessions for all Year 8 and Year 10 students. These sessions are designed to help students better understand how conflict and violence can develop, the serious legal, personal and social consequences that can result from poor decisions, and the significant role social media can play in escalating disputes. Students are also learning practical strategies to manage conflict safely, respond appropriately to peer pressure or challenging situations, and seek support when needed. The program complements the school's ongoing commitment to student wellbeing, respectful relationships and positive behaviour by equipping students with the knowledge and skills to make safe, respectful and informed decisions both at school and in the wider community.
Another highlight over the term break was the 2026 Japan Study Tour, held from Wednesday 24 June to Wednesday 8 July. It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to travel with 17 students and Japanese teachers Maia Martucci and Mamiko Shimizu as we visited Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka and Akaigawa. The tour provided a rich cultural and educational experience, allowing students to deepen their understanding of Japanese history, language and traditions while developing greater confidence, independence and intercultural understanding. A particular highlight was our visit to our sister schools in Akaigawa and the opportunity for students to stay with local homestay families, whose warmth, generosity and hospitality helped create lasting memories and meaningful friendships. Throughout the tour, our students represented Strathmore Secondary College with maturity, respect and enthusiasm, embracing every opportunity and supporting one another along the way. Sincere thanks go to Maia Martucci and Mamiko Shimizu for their outstanding leadership, careful planning and unwavering care, which ensured the tour was such a memorable and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
As always, I thank our students, staff, parents and carers for the positive partnership we share in supporting student learning, wellbeing and success. I look forward to another rewarding term as we continue to celebrate our students' achievements, work together towards our shared goals, and provide every student with the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
Sue Prosenica
Principal