Strathcona Girls Grammar Strategic Plan 2021-2025

The future never stands still.

NOR SHOULD YO U R D A U G H T E R .

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Gathering the Strathcona Momentum into our Centenary and Beyond.

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To become unstoppable, a girl must first be set into motion...

Strathcona is the catalyst of a life-shaping momentum, ensuring each girl discovers a trajectory as unique and full of potential as she is.

Contents 03 Message from our Principal 04 Our Motto, Vision and Mission 05 Our Values, Guiding Principles and Strategic Pillars 06 Experience 07 Character 08 Connection 09 Momentum 10 Democratic Principles and Our Philosophy Statement

On each of their respective journeys, Strathcona girls break the stereotypes of private education — and we are proud of it. Action, meaning and fulfilment take precedence, and are aptly expressed in the School motto: ‘Bravely, Faithfully, Happily.’

Through a culture of academic excellence and a rich selection of co-curricular activities, girls grow and thrive. Strong, resilient, empowered — at Strathcona these are more than just words. We imbue them with impetus tied to each girl’s uniqueness and personal ambition.

As a student’s voice and identity emerge, so does her character, and it’s here that Strathcona truly sets itself apart. A Strathcona education balances the mind, body and spirit.

Her developing sense of self is founded upon respect, integrity, compassion, courage and genuine community spirit. Being ready for life isn’t about bettering others — it’s about improvement within.

In essence, Strathcona affords its girls the opportunity to discover who they really are, and to pursue their life’s potential by being the best version of themselves.

Or, put another way: unstoppable girls begin at Strathcona.

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From the

Principal As Strathcona prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024-25, we have reflected as part of our planning on our successes, areas of growth, and defining characteristics that differentiate a true Strathcona education.

Guided by our mission and core values our Strategic Plan is anchored by our historic legacy of nearly 100 years and our commitment to provide an exceptional education and holistic learning environment to girls and young women.

In a unique point in time, in a progressive interconnected society, it is our purpose to develop lifelong learners with a strong social conscience who will courageously serve as active global citizens as our alumnae.

Within the creation of our plan we have undertaken an evaluation of our strengths based on feedback from our community, studied the evolution of our current initiatives and identified areas of opportunity.

This Strategic Plan is a collaborative work that outlines Strathcona’s goals and objectives as we move forward excitingly to our centenary. We look forward to building on this plan in the next five years and beyond and sharing our progress with you, our valued community.

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MISSION Strathcona educates girls and young women within a compassionate, inclusive, balanced framework of learning experiences, scaffolded by Christian values and care.

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VISION To inspire and empower young women to live courageous and purposeful lives so they can contribute to the world with wisdom, imagination and integrity.

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Our Motto FORTITER • FIDELITER • FELICITER BRAVELY • FAITHFULLY • HAPPILY

Our Values RESPECT • INTEGRIT Y • COMPASSION • COURAGE • EMPOWERMENT

Our Guiding Principles Our Guiding Principles provide us with direction and purpose, and are our shared beliefs and values contributing to our culture, learning and organisational path forward.

1 T o be courageous, curious and creative.

2 T o act with purpose, service and empathy.

3 T o be resourceful. optimistic and resilient.

4 T o create authentic, agile learning places and ecosystems.

5 T o enrich and strengthen our multifaceted community.

6 T o ensure visionary leadership and wise stewardship.

Our Strategic Pillars Underpinning our Guiding Principles are our Strategic Pillars. These pillars represent the essential elements of focus contributing to Strathcona’s ongoing success as we move to our centenary and beyond.

EXPERIENCE • CHARACTER • CONNECTION • MOMENTUM

The Strathcona Experience • A holistic, balanced education enhanced by co curricular activities • Excellence and experience in wellbeing and pastoral care • Transformation of new and existing programs and initiatives equipping students with skills for an everchanging world • Dedication to service, social justice and community • An engaged, collaborative and generous learning community • A courageous learning community open to new ideas, judicious risk-taking and creativity • Autonomy, independence, confidence and motivated learners.

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• Innovation and excellence in teaching, thought and technology

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The Strathcona Character • Diverse, caring, connected community embracing all cultures, faiths and beliefs • Collaboration and engagement with all stakeholders within our community • To lead with integrity and compassion • Relationships that are respectful, kind and supportive • The attraction and retention of exceptional staff • Genuine opportunities for professional and personal growth • Developing future leadership excellence and capability • The nurture of a culture that is inclusive, collegiate, optimistic and kind • The development and support of courageous and confident students, staff and community.

The Strathcona Connection • Celebration and gratitude of School, students, alumnae and staff • To build on partnerships and outreach into wider community • Clear, respectful and transparent communications • Service, connection, opportunities and dedication to our past students • Global and active citizenship, collaboration and learning.

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• A vibrant and connected community

The Strathcona Momentum

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• A conducive, safe, contemporary environment for learning and collaboration

• To seek opportunities of future evolution and progress as we move to our centenary

• Good Governance inclusive of oversight of risk and compliance

• Build confidence through strategies and acquiring of new abilities to equip with skills for an everchanging world

• Financial wellbeing, stability and sustainable enrolments ensuring future legacy • To continually seek efficiencies and improvements • A commitment to sustainability and environment • To create an embrace a culture of giving, philanthropy and care of others

• Celebrate, today, the past and our future as we propel towards our centenary.

— Mrs Marise McConaghy, Principal

Democratic Principles Strathcona is a not-for-profit independent school. In its policies and practices, the School supports and promotes the principles and practice of Australian democracy, including a commitment to: • Elected government • The rule of law • Equal rights for all before the law • Freedom of religion • Freedom of speech and association • The values of openness and tolerance.

Our Philosophy Statement • We are committed to advancing education within a Christian learning community and operating in a manner which bears witness to the Christian faith having regard to the School’s Baptist foundation.

• We are committed to offering our students the best education possible, and allowing each student to realise their full potential.

• We are committed to offering the best academic environment possible. To do this, we support each student’s learning and ensure that each student can learn in an environment free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

• We are committed to caring for each student’s emotional and pastoral needs. To do this, we have a pastoral care framework and provide support such as counselling services and education on resilience and mental health.

• We are committed to allowing each student to achieve in areas of their own interest. To do this, we accommodate each student’s interests, allowing them to balance curricular and extra-curricular activities, and encourage them to pursue their interests.

• We are committed to fostering leadership in all of our students.

To achieve this, we have programs and activities which encourage each student to lead among their peers.

• We are committed to allowing each student to live a healthy and active lifestyle. To do this, we provide education on a healthy lifestyle, and encourage sporting and other co-curricular activities.

Our philosophy is enacted through our teaching and care for students. Our philosophy guides our teaching, strategic plans and governance decisions.

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“ In a unique point in time, in a progressive interconnected society, it is our purpose to develop lifelong learners with a strong social conscience who will courageously serve as active global citizens as our alumnae.”

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GIRLS U N S TO P PA B L E

P +61 3 8779 7500 E registrar@strathcona.vic.edu.au strathcona.vic.edu.au

Early Learning Centre 34 Scott Street, Canterbury VIC 3126

Junior Campus 173 Prospect Hill Road, C anterbury VIC 3126

Year 9 Campus 30 Yarra Street, Hawthorn VIC 3122

Middle & Senior Campus 34 Scott Street, C anterbury VIC 3126

Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar

A Child Safe School

ABN 75 073 413 626

CRICOS 00577C