Fort Street School Council Annual Report 2018

Fort Street High School Council was established in 1995. It comprises representatives of the school executive, teachers, parents, students, alumni, the Fort Street Foundation and the wider community. The role of Council is to provide advice to the principal on the planning and direction of Fort Street High School in the context of the school’s educational aims, organisation and available resources. It meets on the first Wednesday of each month during school term. In 2018, Council met on eight occasions from February to December.

2018 saw the departure of the longstanding and widely respected Principal, Ms Roslynne Moxham. In the context of the search for a new principal, Council welcomed its responsibility, as outlined in its Constitution, to work with the Department of Education to develop “a profile for the position of School Principal”. At its February meeting, Council met with members of the Fort St High School Principal Selection Panel, to present the school community’s views on the desirable attributes of a new principal. This information was provided in summary to the Department of Education and helped inform the selection of our new Principal, Ms Juliette McMurray, whom Council welcomed at its June meeting.

Throughout the year, the School Council has examined in detail elements of the Fort Street School Plan. The plan has three strategic directions:

1.    Excellent Teaching, Effective Learning
2.    Inclusive, Positive School Culture
3.    Engaging Community

The School Plan is designed to focus on specific enhancements being undertaken by the school rather than covering all school priorities, and incorporates targets and milestones for measuring progress. Key current initiatives include a continued focus on improving literacy, collaborative learning, wellbeing and anti-bullying, and improved communication across the school community. Broad consultation took place in the development of the plan, including with Council. Copies of the School Plan can be accessed here: SchoolManagementPlan2018-2020

During 2018 a significant school building and grounds refurbishment program was commenced. This had the full support of members of the School Council and represented a change in focus from significant exploratory work on a new building for the school, which has been set to one side. The refurbishment program has so far seen the completion of external art works, landscaping and seating, and painting and re-carpeting and contributed to a refreshed and vibrant physical environment. Other projects scheduled over the next year include upgrading the library, the toilets and bathrooms under the gym, the food tech facilities and the school hall, and creating a robotics classroom.

In August, the Principal and Council considered Council’s own role moving forwards. It was agreed to update the 2008 School Council constitution to reflect current practice and changes in Departmental policy. Amendments were developed and agreed at the November Council meeting. An Extraordinary General Council Meeting on 5 December, comprising teachers, students, parents, alumni and community members, unanimously endorsed the changes. A copy of the revised School Council constitution can be accessed here: FSSC-Constitution2018

Council members retain a strong interest in the academic activities of the school. During 2018, a very positive review of the Languages Faculty was received, followed by a discussion on support for languages in the school. While recognising challenges, Council reiterated its support for the school offering as wide a range of courses to students as possible, including languages, even when classes are small. Activities that reflect the strength of the school community are also of great importance, including Speech Day, Fort Fest, Multicultural Day, IMP concerts and the various showcases.

During 2018, other initiatives that were brought to the attention of Council for comment and input included the development of the revamped school website, the new Wellbeing Roadmap, the introduction of cadets into the school, an analysis of school finances to guide planning for future refurbishments, the Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh program, initial outcomes from the Tell Them From Me surveys of parents, teachers and students, and an update on the 2019 school budget. Council members participated on the School Finance Committee, at school open evenings and on various staff selection committees during the year. Initiatives outside the school that may impact on the school, such as the selective schooling review and review of Confucius classrooms, were also monitored.

As the oldest government high school in Australia, Fort Street has an active alumni body, and Council is fortunate to include representation from Fort Street alumni. This provides a valuable historical perspective and input to current school priorities. During 2018, Council received a report on the evolution of names of the school houses at Fort Street, and updates on alumni reunions and contributions to the school from different year groups.

At all Council meetings, members are advised of some of the many successes of Fort Street students. Council also receives reports from the School Principal, P&C, student representatives, the Fortians Union and the Fort Street Foundation.

Dr Kathy Esson
2018 President, Fort Street School Council