Principals Report

Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,

International Women’s Day, globally observed on March 8th, was commemorated at our school through a whole-school assembly dedicated to celebrating women and their invaluable contributions to society.

SRC members Stephanie and Nancy from Year 8 delivered a speech highlighting this year’s theme, “Count Her In.” It was a moment of reflection and empowerment, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and recognition for women in all spheres of life. Mr. O’Neill and I had the privilege of accompanying our SRC executive team to the UN Women Australia’s 2024 International Women’s Day Lunch, held at the Grand Ballroom of the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour. The event featured esteemed guest speakers such as Sen. The Hon. Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance, Women, and Public Service; Michele Bullock, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia; and Moana Hope, AFLW Powerhouse and Host of the Entrepreneur Her radio show.
The SRC demonstrated commitment by presenting a substantial donation to UN Women Australia, a testament to our school community’s generosity and dedication to supporting important causes. Congratulations to our SRC members for their successful organisation of a sausage sizzle, furthering the spirit of International Women’s Day within our school and beyond.

Naplan
This week, our Year 7 and Year 9 students are engaged in the NAPLAN Online assessments. We extend our apologies to both students and parents for any inconvenience caused by the disruption to regular lessons and the occasional technological hiccups encountered during testing sessions. We want to assure you that our dedicated coordinators, Ms. Mattick and Ms Hussein, and Technology Support Officer, Mr. McGeachie, have been diligently working overtime to ensure the smooth administration of these assessments.

Attendance
Undoubtedly, consistent attendance is the crucial foundation for your child’s positive school experience, as the evidence suggests. Education holds immense importance for your child’s growth, and regular attendance is key to unlocking their educational potential, broadening career prospects, and enhancing life choices. NSW public schools, in partnership with parents, actively promote and support the regular attendance of children and young individuals. A daily presence at school not only facilitates easier learning but also enables your child to forge and sustain meaningful friendships with peers.

Families are encouraged to travel during school holidays. If travel during school term is necessary, discuss this with your child’s school principal. An Application for Extended Leave may need to be completed. Absences relating to travel will be marked as leave on the roll and therefore contribute to your child’s total absences for the year. Thank you for your commitment to improving student attendance. I know that you care deeply about your students and their progress at school.

Energy Drinks
As part of our commitment to fostering a healthy and supportive learning environment, we would like to remind students and parents of our school’s policy regarding energy drinks, in alignment with the NSW Department of Education’s Healthy Canteen guidelines. Energy drinks, such as Monster, Red Bull and similar beverages, are not permitted to be brought or consumed on school premises. These drinks contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other additives, posing potential health risks, especially for young individuals. The NSW Department of Education emphasises the importance of promoting nutritious and balanced choices for our students. Any energy drinks seen in the playground will be confiscated in accordance with these guidelines. By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to create a school environment that prioritises the wellbeing and development of our students.

Parent/Teacher Interviews
It was wonderful to see the significant turnout of parents at school on Monday night for the Year 12 Parent-Teacher Interviews. We look forward to hosting Year 11 interviews next Monday, and bookings can be conveniently made through the Sentral Parent Portal.

Upcoming Events
Wednesday 13 March – Monday 25 March: NAPLAN Year 7 and 9
Friday 22 March – Sunday 24 March: IMP Camp at Galston
Monday 25 March: Year 11 Parent Teacher Interviews in the School Hall
Friday 29 March: Good Friday Public Holiday
Monday 1 April: Easter Monday Public Holiday
Tuesday 2 April – Friday 5 April Year 12 Assessment Period
Friday 12 April: Cross Country Carnival