Principal’s Report

Principal’s Report

Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,

It has been another busy few weeks with lots of fantastic school events.

SRC Events

The SRC hosted Clubs and Committees Day in the school hall and it was wonderful to see so many students signing up to extra-curricular activities. We are very fortunate to be able to offer such a wide range of activities to our students. Thank you to the SRC and student volunteers for hosting the event.

Congratulations to the SRC for another successful Rose Drive, a favourite event amongst the students. Love was definitely in the air as the SRC delivered roses and heartfelt notes to the lucky recipients.

Study Skills

On February 26, Fort Street conducted a study skills workshop in the school hall, targeting Year 7 students along with their parents. Dr. Prue Salter, an experienced expert in the field, delivered the workshop, offering practical insights into effective learning strategies. The session covered essential aspects such as time management, note-taking, and examination techniques, providing attendees with valuable tools for academic success. Dr. Salter has been a longstanding contributor to our school community through these workshops, emphasising a commitment to enhancing students’ academic journeys. The interactive and informative workshop aimed to equip participants with tangible skills and foster a collaborative learning environment.

Speech Day

Last Friday we held our annual Speech Day. The gathering at Sydney Town Hall, is an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students and it is wonderful to be able to share this occasion with parents and former Fortians in such a beautiful venue.

Our guest speaker, Professor Margaret Burgess, Fortian from the Class of 1954, shared her insightful reflections including her memories of starting at Fort Street during the Centenary year. She encouraged students to take part in school and activites and shared how she still maintained friendships today that were made at the Fort. Professor Burgess also challenged the students to imagine how different things might be when they celebrate the bicentenary of Fort Street High School in 2049. She asked them to imagine what the world might be like and what their contribution would be.

Additionally, Auslee Pamintuan, the School Dux of 2024, delivered a wonderful valedictorian speech, making particular mention of his gratitude to his cohort. Auslee shared his personal challenges with his health and how fortunate he was to have support from his extended family at the time. Auslee reminded us how fortunate we are to be a part of Fort Street High School and that not everybody gets the same opportunities. He asked Fortians to take what they have learned at Fort Street and spread light into what can sometimes be a dark world.

Special thanks go to Ms. Propsting, who coordinated the entire event, and the Speech Day committee, including our wonderful office staff, Ms. Mattick, Mr. Scudds, Mr. Manchester, Mr Dong, Mr Latimer and Mr Atkins for their dedicated efforts in the preparations leading up to and on the day itself.

Swimming Carnival

The swimming carnival proved to be a resounding success again this year, with a commendable turnout from our students. A special appreciation goes to Mr Feng and his dedicated team for their efforts in organising the event which ran smoothly.  Mawson’s enthusiasm and house spirit saw them win the hotly contested house chant – congratulations to them! There were also action-packed inflatables house races that proved to be lots of fun. It was great to witness enthusiastic student participation in various events, setting a positive tone for the upcoming fiercely contested Kennedy Cup. We extend our congratulations to all competitors and wish our team progressing to the Zone carnival the best of luck.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN testing is on again for Year 7 and Year 9 students. An email containing the test timetable will be sent out early next week. The tests are scheduled to take place between Wednesday, March 12, to Monday, March 24.

 

Upcoming Events:

 March 6:

  • Zone Swimming Carnival
  • SRC BBQ at lunch for International Women’s Day

March 10:

  • Year 12 Parent Teacher Interviews

March 12 – 22:

  • NAPLAN Window for Years 7 and 9

March 13

  • Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh Parent Information Night

March 19

  • Sydney North Regional Swimming Carnival
  • P&C Meeting online
  • Open Morning

March 20

  • Neurodiversity Week Celebration

March 21 – 23

  • IMP Camp

 

 

Juliette McMurray

Principal