Principals Report
Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,
The teachers would like to express their gratitude to our generous parents and in particular our wonderful P&C for organising morning tea for staff on Friday 28 October for World Teachers’ Day. This was a very nice surprise and truly appreciated by the staff.
Student Support Officer
It has been wonderful to see so many students interacting with our new full-time SSO Ms Dooley this term. Ms Dooley joined the wellbeing team at the end of last term to create another layer of support for our students. Students who would like to raise any concerns or wellbeing issues about themselves or others are welcome to speak with their Year Advisers, Assistant Year Advisers, the Head Teacher of Wellbeing Ms Starr, the School Counsellors or either of our two Student Support Officers. Of course, parents and students can also raise any issues with any member of staff they feel comfortable speaking to across the school. Our SSO’s are also trialling a QR code on their office door allowing students to request an appointment/check in. The QR code will take students to a google form to book in.
School Uniform
I would like to thank the entire school community for their support in enforcing the correct full school uniform including all black shoes. Students will be given three warnings before penalties are imposed for being out of uniform. If there are valid reasons why students are unable to wear any aspect of the school uniform, please send an email to the school or write a note of explanation for your child.
Excerpt from the Footwear Guidelines for NSW Government Schools
Areas where safe footwear must be worn:
In accordance with the Safe Working Policy, the Department has identified areas of its workplaces where appropriate footwear must be worn by employees, students and visitors to ensure their safety. Areas where enclosed leather footwear (or other material confirmed by the manufacturer to be suitable, refer to Australian/NZ Standard 2210: Safety Protective and Occupational Footwear) is required are:
- Industrial Arts and trades workshop areas
- Science laboratories
- Canteen or Food Technology (kitchen areas)
HSC exams completed for 2022
This week will see the final exams for Year 12 completed with the Physics exam, the last cohort exam to be held on Thursday. Congratulations to all Year 12 Fortians for their resilience and hard work over the past few years. The school will now be able to reclaim the hall and the Fountain Quad from Friday.
SRC Halloween festivities
Fun was had by many students and staff dressing up for the day in Halloween costumes on Monday 31 October. The new SRC executive did a great job organising this event and decorating the school. Visa Gift Card Vouchers and Canteen Vouchers were awarded to the best costumes by group and individuals and lollies and chocolates distributed by the SRC students at lunch.
Kennedy Cup Competition
The race to the finish line is close with all five houses competing for the coveted Kennedy Cup. House meetings were held last week in preparation for the final house tournaments taking place this week – dodgeball competitions and a trivia contest. The students from the winning house for 2022 will be invited on a rewards day at the end of the year. We look forward to announcing the winning house at an assembly in week 8.
Year 7 2023 and Year 10 Peer Support Leaders
Final preparations are being made to welcome the new Year 7 cohort for next year to their orientation day on Tuesday 29 December. Students in year nine have been asked to apply for positions in the peer support team and will commence their peer support training before this orientation day. For further information about the peer support program please contact Ms Propsting or Ms Starr.
Congratulations
Ethan Lin of Year 11 who was successful in his application to participate in the NSW Constitutional Convention later this month.
Lee Sheen Pong of Year 8 for his participation in the 2022 Harmony Day Poster and Song Writing Competition.