Principal’s Report

Principal’s Report

Mercurius – Principal’s Report
23 March 2026

Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,

It’s hard to believe, but we’re almost at the end of term with just two weeks remaining before the holidays. I would like to share some highlights and important updates from the past weeks and what’s ahead.

Year 7 Camp
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff who generously gave up time with their families to accompany our Year 7 students on camp to Point Wolstoncroft. The camp was a tremendous success, filled with exciting activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery, and evening bush walks. The students gained valuable experiences and created lasting memories.

Clean Up Australia Day
I extend my gratitude to Ms Maddox and the student volunteers from our Environment group. On Tuesday 3rd March, they worked in small teams to clean up areas around the school in observance of Clean Up Australia Day. We are fortunate to have such beautiful grounds at the Fort, and it is our collective responsibility to care for these spaces.

Year 12 Career Dating
Last Friday, our Year 12 students took part in an inspiring ‘career dating’ event. Alumni Fortians—from the Class of 1975 through to 2023—returned to share insights about their career journeys and university studies in diverse fields including medicine, vaccine research, engineering, software development, screenwriting, politics, visual arts, and meteorology. It was wonderful to see past graduates support our current students, and we hope to make this an annual tradition.

Premiers Debating Challenge
Round 1 of the seniors’ competition saw Kiyasha, Sujay, Gabe, Raj, and Jim representing our school. Many of these students are new to competitive debating, and their impressive win against St George Girls is worthy of high praise. Congratulations to all involved!

Other Highlights

  • Our CSSI enrichment program has recommenced bringing together students for engaging science mentoring and training. The year 10 mentors will be paired with students from Ashfield PS, Summer Hill PS and Wikins PS.
  • On International Women’s Day, around 300 guests visited the school during our Open Afternoon. The entire school community came together at an assembly to raise funds for the UN International Women’s Organisation. The Executive SRC shared reflections from an inspiring Women’s Day Conference they attended at the ICC.
  • Thank you to our Year 7 and Year 9 students for their cooperation and patience during the NAPLAN exams, despite some delayed starts and technical challenges.
  • Another successful IMP Music Camp and concert took place recently, thanks to Matt Manchester and the wonderful staff team who supported the weekend events.

Upcoming Events
Week 9

  • Tuesday 24 March: Year 12 Assessment Period
  • Wednesday 25 March: Year 12 Assessment Period / Year 10 CSSI Science Mentoring Training (8:45am–11:00am)
  • Thursday 26 March: Year 12 Assessment Period
  • Friday 27 March: Year 12 Assessment Period / Interschool Chess Challenge (Burwood) / Mock Trial Competition

Week 10

  • Monday 30 March: Year 11 Geography Excursion to Auburn / RAISE Mentoring
  • Tuesday 31 March: Year 9 French Excursion – Leichhardt Film Festival
  • Wednesday 1 April: Year 11 Earth and Environmental Science Excursion to Australian Museum / IMP and HSC Music Term 1 Soiree / Bill Turner Cup Soccer Boys and Girls
  • Thursday 2 April: Easter Egg Hunt / Year 12 Design and Technology Excursion
  • Friday 3 April: Good Friday Public Holiday

Students will return to school in Term 2 on Wednesday 22 April.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our vibrant school community.