Principal’s Report

Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of the school year, life at the Fort has continued to be vibrant and dynamic. There has been an unmistakable buzz of excitement among students and staff as we gear up for the summer break, though some are feeling a bit weary from the busy term.

Last week, students from the winning house, Kirby, enjoyed a day of fun at Luna Park and the History Faculty hosted the annual V for Victory History Dance, where it was wonderful to see both students and teachers dressed in period costumes. This week, Year 7 celebrated the completion of their first year at the Fort with a fun day at the movies following a morning picnic with their year advisers, teachers, and peer support leaders. A special thank you goes to Mr O’Neill, Ms. Wark and Mr Clark for their exceptional efforts in organising these memorable events.

MAD Night was held once again to showcase students work in Music, Art and Drama. Guests were able to enjoy a gallery experience curated of all the work from Visual Arts students 7-11 whilst being serenaded by the best and brightest of our Year 9-11 Music students. Interactive circus and drama performances from elective drama classes were also woven through the evening to bring the gallery experience to life.

I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Matt Manchester, all the IMP tutors, and the IMP committee and helpers for the outstanding end-of-year summer concert held on December 12. The event had a fantastic atmosphere and as always showcased an incredible array of musical talent.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Parent and Citizens Association (P&C) for their continued support this year, as well as to the generous families who contributed to our staff end-of-year thank you lunch. Your support is greatly appreciated.

HSC Results

Yesterday HSC results were released, the students of Year 12 2025 should be incredibly proud of their achievements. This year Fort Street ranked 20th school in the state amongst all private and public high schools. Of 156 students who sat HSC exams this year 30 (19%) achieved an ATAR of 98 or above. 37% of the entire cohort achieved an ATAR over 95.

Jayden Nguyen is awarded Dux of the year with an ATAR of 99.85.

The following students achieved state ranks:

Emil Hurley-Stone – 2nd in German Extension

Joseph McGee – 15th in Modern History

Luka Penney – 6th in Earth and Environment Science

Lily Vujovic – 19th in Modern History

Yujing Zhou – 3rd in Chinese Continuers

18 students achieved a result in the highest band (Band 6 or E4) in 10 or more of their courses making them HSC all-rounders.

129 students made it onto the distinguished achievers list.

For full details see the school website.

Australian Volleyball Schools Cup

I would like to thank Mr. Feng and Ms Catalan for accompanying our students on their trip to the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup, as well as Mr Sarif for his organisation of the event. Congratulations to the teams and our dedicated staff for their hard work!

Staff Farewells

As we near the end of the school year, it is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to some of our dedicated staff members. This year, we say goodbye to those taking a break and to others departing permanently. Their unwavering commitment and contributions have significantly impacted our school community.

We extend our heartfelt goodbyes to Ms. Carolyn Mattick, who has taken on the role of Senior Curriculum Adviser for the Department of Education at the Parramatta Office after 15 years at the Fort. In a last-minute surprise Ms Propsting has been offered a permanent Head Teacher position at Carlingford High School, so she will also have her last day at the Fort today after 10 years. We also bid farewell to Ms Camille Nguyen from the Science Faculty, Mr Robert Richie (Social Science Faculty), Ms. Angela Morosin (CAPA Faculty – Drama) and Charlie Bishop (Social Science Faculty).

We will also miss Ms Millie Lawson who will be on leave in 2026 working as the Head Teacher Teaching and Learning at Hunters Hill High School, we look forward to welcoming her back in 2027.

As this is the final edition of Mercurius for 2025, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Fortians and their families a wonderful, safe, and restful summer holiday.

2026 Important Dates

Week 2A

Monday 2 February – First day of school for all students

Tuesday 3 February – Swimming Carnival – Ashfield Swimming Pool

Wednesday 3 February – Friday 6 February: Year 11 Camp

Week 3B

Wednesday 11 February – School Photo Day

Friday 13 February – Second Hand Uniform Stall

Week 4A

Wednesday 18 February – Year 7 parent and Student evening

Thursday 19 February – SRC Rose Drive (roses delivered)

Friday 20 February – Speech Day at Sydney Town Hall