Principals Report
Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,
As we reach the final week of HSC exams, we extend our congratulations to our Year 12 students! The last exam, Geography, will conclude by 1pm on Friday, marking the end of a demanding season. Our students have shown commendable resilience and maturity throughout, and we couldn’t be prouder of their efforts.
Meanwhile, we are in full swing preparing for the upcoming academic year. Timetabling preparations are well underway, and students in Years 8 and 10 should now have access to their confirmed elective choices for 2025, which have been posted outside the timetabling room. Year 11 students have also begun their new extension courses and now that reports have been distributed, some of these students may wish to adjust their subjects. Those considering a change can consult with Ms. Mattick, provided they maintain a minimum of 10 units on their schedule.
New start dates for 2025
The Department of Education announced last week that additional professional learning days for school staff will be added to the 2025 calendar. These days will be student-free. Although staff will be engaged in professional learning activities beginning Friday, 31 January, students will not return to school until later the following week. Year 10 Peer Support Leaders, along with students in Years 7, 11, and 12, will commence on Thursday, 6 February, while Years 8, 9, and 10 will return on Friday, 7 February.
These changes have also affected other key dates in our school calendar. The Year 11 camp will now take place from Monday, 10 February, to Wednesday, 12 February, and the Year 7 camp will run from Wednesday, 12 February, to Friday, 14 February.
Uniform
We ask for your continued support in ensuring that all students wear their full school uniform each day, including black shoes. As the weather changes, we’ve noticed an increase in non-uniform items, and maintaining consistent uniform standards helps reinforce school pride and a sense of belonging. Wearing the correct uniform also supports a focused learning environment and helps students feel part of our community.
Starting in Week 6, staff will be conducting a uniform check, and detentions will be issued to students who are out of uniform without a note from home. If there are any genuine reasons your child is unable to wear the full uniform on a given day, please provide a written note to help us monitor and support them. Thank you for working with us to uphold our school’s standards and create a positive atmosphere for all students.
Halloween
It was fantastic to see so many students and staff getting into the spirit of our Halloween fancy dress day this year! The creativity on display was impressive, with some truly standout costumes and well-deserved prizes awarded throughout the day. I’d like to extend a special thanks to my Deputy Principal colleagues, Mr. Sherwin and Ms. Mattick, for joining me as an Addams Family trio! A big thank you as well to Ms. Dunn, who impressed us all with her wonderful fortune teller costume.
House Captain Opportunities
We are excited to announce the opportunity for students to nominate themselves as House Captains! This is a fantastic leadership role that allows students from Years 7-10 to contribute actively to shaping the positive culture of our school. House Captains play a pivotal role in organizing events, inspiring school spirit, and using their creativity to build a strong, inclusive community. Each of our five houses will elect four House Captains at the House Meetings next Friday, and we encourage students with enthusiasm, vision, and a passion for making a difference to step forward. This is an invaluable chance for students to grow in confidence, build leadership skills, and leave a lasting impact on their school community. Please encourage your child to consider this exciting opportunity!
Schools Spectacular 2024
This year’s Schools Spectacular ‘All4One’ is the flagship performing arts event for the NSW Department of Education. Featuring over 5,500 students from more than 400 schools across the state, it promises to be a truly spectacular showcase of talent. Highlights include 40 solo performances, a 2800-strong choir; 2,300 dancers; an 80-piece symphony orchestra; a world-class stage band and various special ensembles. If you would like to attend, tickets are available via Ticketek. Additionally, Spec-Fest, the free outdoor family festival will once again feature pre-show entertainment.
Congratulations to Alex Pringle, Fort Street’s choral conductor, who is conducting the entire show this year, and to all our students who have been selected to perform:
· Core Choir: Andy B. (Year 12), Isobel J. (Year 9), Melody R. (Year 11)
· NSW Singers: Ivy S. (Year 10)
· Orchestra: Noam Z. (Year 9), Kai H. (Year 10), Lucinda M. (Year 9), Rhys M. (Year 12), Hugo N. (Year 9), Henry S. (Year 8)
· Stage Band: Jasper K. (Year 11)
· Combined Choir: Yan Jun C. (Year 10), Jingwen C. (Year 9), Rita C. (Year 9), Owen D. (Year 11), Ozomi G. (Year 8), Chloe G. (Year 7), Steph H. (Year 8), Mieke H. (Year 7), Siena J. (Year 10), Audrey K. (Year 8), Nirvani K. (Year 7), Audrey L. (Year 8), Miranda L. (Year 10), Madeleine L. (Year 10), Aryadeep R. (Year 7), Maya T. (Year 10), Emma W. (Year 8), Nancy Z. (Year 8)
Upcoming Events
Monday November 11 – Remembrance Day Assembly and SRC Induction
Monday November 11 – Junior House Volleyball Competition
Wednesday November 13 – P&C AGM : school library at 7pm
Wednesday November 13 to Friday 15 – Year 12 sign out days
Monday 18 November – Ultimate Frisbee NSW State Championships
Monday 18 November – School Spectacular day rehearsal
Wednesday 20 November – Open Morning for prospective students and parents
Thursday 21 November – Year 10 English Excursion Belvoir Theatre
Thursday 21 November and Friday 22 November – Peer Support training Year 9
Friday 22 November – House Meetings and elections for 2025 House Captains
Juliette McMurray