Principal’s Report

Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,

May I take this opportunity to welcome you all to Term 2, which has already proven to be a busy, productive, exciting one here at the Fort.

I would like to firstly acknowledge the fact that I consider it an indescribably humbling privilege and honour to have the opportunity to relieve as Principal at Fort Street High School for Term 2, and have been made to feel very welcome by the staff, students and the members of the parent community who I have had the opportunity to meet.

Few places exemplify the pursuit of equity and excellence in the same way as Fort Street High School, and I have thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the day to day operations and many opportunities that are made available to our wonderful students here. This flourishing school occupies a unique and deservedly exalted place within the history of public education in NSW, producing so many exceptional Australians that have contributed to and shaped our society across innumerable fields and in many different ways. This would not be possible without the exceptional work of the incredible teaching staff, individually and collectively, every single day. In my quest to introduce myself to as many Fortians as possible, I have visited a large number of classes and have been very impressed with the exceptional teaching and learning that I have seen, the high level of engagement and the positive relationships that are clearly evident.

As I noted previously, this Term has already been very busy, with many extracurricular activities, excursions and enrichment opportunities for students in amongst the rigorous cycle of teaching, learning and assessment. On Friday, Week 1 Fort Street High School, under Ms Wark’s exceptional leadership, meaningfully commemorated ANZAC Day. The commemoration assembly was led by student leaders who articulately explained the meaning of ANZAC, shared personal connections and honoured past Fortians who served. The Wind Ensemble, led by Kai H and Matthew Y, provided exquisite music to accompany the proceedings. I would like to acknowledge William S, Steph H, Avivi D and Yu W for leading the school community through the assembly and Hannah S, for leading the Ode and Yevin J for the bugle.

We have also had our annual Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals, which were well attended by Fortians- as both competitors and spectators and brilliantly organised by Mr Feng. Highlights of these two events will be celebrated in an article within this issue.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my weekly meetings with the SRC Executive and have been working closely with them as they prepare for the Future Leader’s Conference which is taking place on Friday, 22nd May. The Future Leaders Conference 2026, which is in its third year, is an inter-school educational and leadership event that the SRC will be hosting at Fort Street High School. The theme this year is “Strong Minds, Strong Leaders”, and focuses on the mental battles and challenges leaders have endured, emphasised by a practical mindset, adapting to an evolving world. Through the Conference, The SRC are aiming to support young leaders in building their confidence, empowering them with strong mental habits and supporting them towards positive change for the future while having the opportunity to build and strengthen connections and network with like-minded young people. This event will be attended by 350 student leaders from public schools across Greater Sydney and Newcastle. I have been incredibly impressed with the attention to detail, thoughtfulness and leadership shown by the SRC Executive as they have planned this event and look forward to sharing reflections, stories and images from the Future Leader’s Conference in the next issue of the Mercurius. Very exceptional and inspiring work from Lucinda M, Ethan L, Jethro S-L, Beatrice S, Jane N, Tim W, Christopher A and Helen L.

Ms Deb Summerhayes, Deputy Secretary Public Schools, visited the Fort during Week 2 and spent some time with Lucinda M, Helen L and Jane N discussing the Future Leader’s Conference, leadership, and their plans for the future. We were so fortunate to be able to receive such sage advice and wisdom from Ms Summerhayes who is a very strong advocate for public education, student voice and agency and empowering leaders.

Mr O’Neill, Lucinda M, Ms Summerhayes, Helen L and Jane N

Fort Street High School successfully hosted over 400 Year 4 and 6 students who sat for the Opportunity Class Placement and Selective Schools tests over the course of the past two weeks. I would like to thank the staff who supported this important undertaking; their diligence, professionalism and care ensured that all young people and their families had a positive experience of public education in what is, undoubtedly, a trying situation.

I wish you all the very best for the rest of the Term and I look forward to meeting, supporting and working with you over the coming weeks.

All the very best.

Josh O’Neill

Relieving Principal, Fort Street High School.

Upcoming Events

Week 5 – week B

Monday May 18 – Year 11 Museum Excursion
Tuesday May 19 – UNSW Model United Nations Day
Wednesday May 20 – Year 8 Geography Excursion
Wednesday May 20 – Year 8 History Incursion
Friday May 22 – SRC Future Leaders Conference

Week 6 – week A

Monday May 25 – Year 7 Incursion
Monday May 25 – Year 10 2026 Archibald Prize excursion
Tuesday May 27 -Year 7 Vaccinations
Friday May 29 – Reconciliation Week assembly

Week 7 – week B

Monday June 1 – History Competition
Wednesday June 3 – In Concert
Wednesday June 3 – Parliament of NSW School Leadership Program
Friday June 5 – Years 10 and 11 German Film Excursion

Week 8 – week A

Monday June 8 – King’s Birthday Public Holiday
Tuesday June 9 – Year 12 Assessment block begins
Friday June 12 – Sydney North Regional Cross Country