Principal’s Report

Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,
On Thursday 30th May the school athletics carnival was held at Sydney Olympic Park. I would like to congratulate all students for leaving their laptops at home and for their participation in the day. Most importantly I would like to thank Mr Uppal for his role in coordinating an extremely successful day, I am sure that all were delighted that the sun shone throughout the day. During the school assembly on Friday May 31st, National Reconciliation Week was celebrated by Fortians.
On Monday June 3rd the entire SRC attended a planning conference. I would like to acknowledge the organisational efforts of the SRC executive and in particular Mr Galvin and Bridget Gard for putting the event together. I look forward to seeing what the leadership team are able to achieve as a result of this time away together.
Over the past two weeks the review of the History Faculty has been well underway with myself and a number of other colleagues observing History lessons and collecting feedback from students and staff members. It has been an absolute delight to participate in so many stimulating lessons and to watch our young students’ eagerness to absorb themselves in rich learning experiences. The feedback from students in all of the History courses has been overwhelmingly positive.
As we speed toward the half year mark I would like to take this opportunity to thank Fortians for the increasing support that they have been showing over the past few weeks in regard to the wearing of school uniform. During these cold months I would encourage all students to invest in the warm jacket and long pants, the uniform shop is open every Wednesday at school.

Congratulations:
Staff Member of the Week Trophy
In the last edition of Mercurius, I forgot to mention the latest recipients of this newly established award so I have a few names to backdate. The first recipient of this award was recognised in Mercurius a few editions of ago – Jenny Xu(Social Science/English teacher).Jenny nominated the next recipient;
Week 3 – Dianne Debreczeni (School Administrative and Support Staff) for her hard work, dedication, friendliness and helpfulness to staff and students. Dianne works in the front office and her role is multi-faceted. Dianne has a huge responsibility in the area of enrolments and updating student and family data, POP receipting and desktop publishing along with many other duties in the front administration office. Dianne nominated for the following week;
Week 4 – Janice Eastment (Science Teacher and Head Teacher Administration) for the huge effort she puts into the schools daily administration and smooth running of the school every single day and for the happy and friendly manner in which she goes about this job. Janice is a dedicated and wonderful classroom teacher and she also supports the school by organising day to day casual relief, variations to routine within each school day, casual staff pays, exam schedules and so much more. Janice provides a great deal of support to teaching staff, office support staff, students and parents. Janice nominated for the following week;
Week 5 – Randev Uppal (Sports Organiser) for the enormous impact that he has had on “Sport at the Fort” over the past two years with the introduction of a new range of Summer and Winter Sport options, increased participation in Knockout competitions and representations in a wide range of activities with training sessions before and after school becoming a feature of extra-curricular activities at the school. He is not only an advocate for student participation in sport but has provided leadership opportunities as well. The school appreciates his professional approach to planning and organising weekly sport, carnivals and knockout events. Randev nominated for the following week;
Week 6 – Petra Fluitsma (Science Teacher) for her helpfulness and willingness to support all extra-curricular activities around the school. Petra’s kindness and generosity also brings much joy to staff members across the school recognising birthdays and other significant events often through elaborate desk decoration and/or gifts. As well as a talent in the classroom Petra has a talent for food carvings which she has shared on many occasions with staff.

Senior Drama Production – ‘Metamorphosis’
This years’ outstanding production was directed by the talented Lennie Neagle-Millar. All performances by music and drama students were exceptional.  Thanks also to the P&C for the delicious meal prepared especially for the evening.

Theatre Sports
Junior team – placed equal 3rd out of 9 teams in the recent semi-finals. For such a young team with no formal coaching they have come a long way.

Ella Easton (Yr 10) – Climbing Success
Ella has recently been offered a place on the Australian Youth Climbing Team as a result of her outstanding efforts recently. Ella achieved an Australian Youth placing of 2ndin Bouldering, 3rdin Lead Climbing, 2ndin Speed Climbing and 2ndOverall in her age group and will be heading off to the 2019 Australian Youth World Championships in Arco, Italy later this year.

National High School Mooting Competition
Aarohi Tanawade (yr 12), Yolana Truscott (Yr 12) and Niamh Elliott-Brennan (Yr 12) travelled to Queensland for their second event at Bond University. They were placed in the top 10 out of 104 team and can proudly call themselves National Finalists.

Debating Challenge v’s Randwick Girls High School
Congratulations to Luca Charlier, Max Collingwood, John Townsend and Meg Raven in their successful debate against Randwick Girls last week.