Principal’s Report

Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,

Even as Term 2 was drawing to a rapid close, nothing slowed down at the Fort. The final few weeks of Term proving to be just as busy, positive and enriching as those that preceded them. Fortians have had innumerable opportunities to engage in rich, meaningful learning as well as countless extra-curricular activities and enrichment opportunities. In the last three weeks alone, our senior geographers have embarked on field work in the Great Barrier Reef, there have been Biology excursions to the National Maritime Museum and the Museum of Human Disease. Fort Street High School was well represented at both the Regional Cross Country and Zone Athletics Carnivals and the Year 10 Charity Committee demonstrated their commitment to fairness and equity and strong sense of social justice by hosting one of the most outstanding bake sales I have ever seen. The bake sale raised funds for the Newtown Asylum Seeker Centre. It was so popular, I couldn’t even sneak a photo of the delicious cakes and sweets!

Thank you to the charity committee and Mr De Jong for leading this initiative that raised over $1000.

I also had the pleasure of watching the Mock Trial between our school and the Kings School. Our team, made up of Year 11 students Mia, Mrunmayi, Isobel, Ollie, Oliver, and Raj argued that a verbal contract was breached when a DJ failed to bring lighting equipment along with the sound for his DJ set and arrived late to a 21st, requiring additional cost from a last-minute contractor. It was a very challenging case, but that didn’t stop our articulate, eloquent and determined Fortians from arguing a convincing case and winning the Mock Trial- even more impressive was the fact that the Kings School team was very formidable and impressive. Congratulations to the Mock Trial Team, and thanks to Ms Xu and Mr Shakibaei for their leadership of this initiative.

On Friday Evening, the annual Instrumental Music Program (IMP) Winter Concert was held in the Memorial Hall and Fountain Quad. What a truly magnificent and spectacular event and showcase of student talent and community spirit. I felt incredibly fortunate to be front row centre to witness the indescribable talents of so many Fortians who made up the various ensembles that performed on the evening. It was very special to hear Lila and Matthew reflect on their nearly six years as a part of IMP and explain that, in amongst the magic of making music together, the IMP is about much more than that. Although it was an evening of many highlights, there were two that stood out for me- the very special performance of “Farewell”, an original composition which Matthew wrote himself to mark his graduation from the IMP which was conducted on the night by Kai, and the rapturous applause and enthusiastic support shown after the Training Band played their piece from their older IMP peers. It was utterly delightful. Many thanks to Dr Matthew Manchester, Ms Emily Irvine, Mr John Ockwell, Ms Kerryn Joyce, Mr Alex Pringle, Mr Mike Raper, Mr Jem Harding and Mr Stu Vandergraff and the IMP Committee for their leadership and support of this phenomenal event.

The History Faculty have continued to impress me with their innovative, creative and purposeful approach to formal assessment. All Year 11 History students across the state have to complete an Historical Investigation, which is typically presented in the form of an essay- this is not the case at the Fort. Year 11 Ancient and Modern History students engaged in a rich and meaningful process of historical investigation. They were required to conduct rigorous research, demonstrate remarkable dedication and intellectual curiosity, while skillfully formulating insightful research questions that address the overarching themes of “Who Owns The Past?” (Ancient History) and “Hero or Villain” (Modern History). It was very clear that these incredible young scholars engaged in meticulous analysis of a diverse range of sources, critically evaluated evidence, discerned varying perspectives, biases and other historiographical considerations in a sophisticated way. Their ability to synthesise complex information and present it so engagingly in the form of a museum display was a wonder to behold. Bravo Year 11 Historians and many thanks to their teachers Ms Wark, Mr Galvin, Mr O’Neill and Ms Fisher for all their efforts.

The school community will celebrate NAIDOC this Friday with a whole school assembly. NAIDOC occupies a very significant place within the national calendar, and this year is particularly special as the event is in it’s fiftieth year. I encourage all of you to embrace the celebrations, and engage with the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and Culture by attending local community events. Information regarding the events being held by the City of Sydney can be found here, or for local events please see the official NAIDOC Website.

This will be my final article for the Mercurius as I will be returning to Dulwich High School of Visual Arts and Design next Term. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Fort Street High School community for making me feel very welcome during my time at this wonderful school. I have felt incredibly inspired by the brilliance I have seen from the perseverant, conscientious young scholars who comprise the student body, and from the dedicated, passionate educators who consistently pursue equity and excellence through their delivery of outstanding teaching and learning and the fostering of wellbeing and from the exemplary SASS staff who ensure that the Fort is well looked after. Similarly, I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting a number of members of the parent community- at P&C meetings, community events and celebrations- thank you for your support of your young Fortians and Fort Street High School.

It has truly been a humbling privilege to relieve as Principal of Fort Street High School, and I take with me countless happy memories of enriching experiences and meaningful connections that have been made. I hope that you feel that your school community has been well served during Ms Juliette McMurray’s tenure as Director, Educational Leadership. I know she is looking very much forward to returning to Fort Street High School next Term.

I have come to learn that at Fort Street High School, speeches and addresses are generally concluded with a quote. I would like to end this article with a reiteration of the school’s motto- faber est suae quisque fortunae. Each person is the maker of their own fortune. Lofty and aspirational sentiments that form a call to action for all Fortians to make choices today that will impact and enrich their tomorrows. I have been most impressed with the way in which the students at Fort Street High School embrace learning, opportunities, challenges and experiences so enthusiastically and with such flair; in doing so you are laying the foundations for a rewarding, meaningful and well-deserved enriching future. I wish each and every one of you every success and all the very best as you continue striving for excellence.

Have a safe and enjoyable winter school holiday.

Josh O’Neill