Principal’s Report

Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,

As always, the end of the year is a busy time for students and staff as all school reports are finalised, timetables are prepared for the following year and end of year events and festivities take place. Last week saw the conclusion of the Year 9 connected curriculum which again was a huge success. With the easing of restrictions our Silver Duke of Edinburgh hikes finally went ahead and Year 9 will also be completing their Adventurous Journey as part of their Bronze Award this week.

Library Foyer Upgrade
Thanks to P&C Vice President Elizabeth Kenyon the school will receive $23 000 toward the refurbishment of the Library Foyer. Elizabeth was successful in her grant application to the Community Building Partnership 2020 on behalf of the P&C.
A recent renovation of the library has made the space more popular than ever, but the entrance to the library remains dated, dark and cluttered, with school bags stored on the floor. The foyer refurbishment project will brighten and refresh the whole space and supply sufficient storage lockers for all library visitors. The school library is used intensively by students attending Fort Street High School and is also used as a meeting place for staff, parents, school alumni and the local community.
The intention is to install cameras in this area, new bag racks and fresh paint including a mural to brighten up the area. The entire project will cost close to $40 000.

Congratulations
Ryan Ho – Year 11 participated in this year’s online NSW Schools Constitutional Convention on Monday 2 November, he has recently been selected to participate in the 2021 National Schools Constitutional Convention. Normally this event is held in Canberra, but in 2021, due to COVID-19, the event will be held at NSW Parliament House for NSW students with online links to the students in other states who have also been selected to participate at a national level.

Year 7, 2021
It was delightful to be able to host Year 6 on site for their orientation to High School on Tuesday 1 December. After a quick drop off and exit from parents the Year 6 students were led by a wonderful team of Year 9 Peer Support Leaders to the Hall for the formal part of the morning, this was followed by a tour of the school and some activities with their peer support leaders.

Recognition Assemblies
It has been an absolute pleasure to recognise our high achievers at formal year assemblies held over the past fortnight for Years 8 and 9. During these assemblies our newly elected SRC executive were also inducted, hopefully we will be able to hold another assembly to which parents can be invited early next year. The last recognition will be held for Year 7 this Friday.

Raise Mentoring

On Monday 23 November, eleven students from Years 8 and 9 were recognised at the Raise Mentoring graduation attended by Ms Jenny Leong MP, Raise Mentors and the Raise Director.

Welcome – Youth Worker
I would like to welcome Teddy Ollis to the Fort. Teddy is a Youth Worker and previously worked at Marsden High School. Teddy will be assisting the school counselling and wellbeing team 2 days a week in 2021. Teddy has only been with us for 2 weeks now but has already been busy trying to meet as many students as possible as she settles into the school.