Principals Report

Dear Fortians, Parents and Guardians,

As usual the past two weeks of term have been eventful, filled with achievements, challenges and exciting developments. Our annual Athletics Carnival was held on Wednesday 24 May at Sydney Olympic Park. It was great to see so many students participating in events and wearing House Colours. There have been many excursions and activities just in the past two weeks. Year 12 Drama students attended a performance of The Removalists at the Actors Centre in Leichhardt, students from Years 7-10 participated in the History Competition, all Year 10 had the opportunity to see Macbeth at the Seymour Centre, Year 11 Biology students attended a field excursion at the Education Centre, Sydney Olympic Park and Year 12 Biology students visited the UNSW Museum of Human Diseases. To end the week students participating in the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award have headed off to the Blue Mountains National Park to complete their practice hike.

The SRC Future Leaders Conference was a huge success with over 260 student leaders from more than 35 school’s across Sydney spending a day at the Fort meeting each other, sharing ideas and listening to some amazing guest speakers including the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG, Advocate for Children and Young People Zoe Robinson, writer, academic and broadcaster Dr Sunil Badami, lawyer and human rights advocate Heather Pym, STEM ambassador Diana Zhang and Deputy Commissioner of Volunteering for St John’s Ambulance Marian Casey and also spending some time in student led workshops learning about the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Our SRC and House Captains did an amazing job hosting this event on the day. In particular I would like to congratulate the SRC executive who planned and implemented this event and to the Year 9 SRC who worked all day behind the scenes catering for the event. This truly was a great example of student voice and agency in action.

Teachers are coming to the end of the Semester 1 reporting period. These reports will be available on the Sentral Student and Parent Portals by the end of term for all year groups. Our students continue to excel in all their pursuits and I am proud of the hard work and dedication they display week after week. I encourage parents and guardians to review these reports and to reach out to our teachers for any necessary support. Parent Teacher nights are scheduled for Thursday 22nd June – Years 7 and 10 and Wednesday 28th June for years 8 and 9. Bookings for interviews will open to parents a week before each event and can be made through Sentral Bookings. This provides an excellent opportunity for parents and guardians to meet with teachers and to discuss their child’s progress. The Year 12 Academic Review team is slowly making its way through individual meetings with every Year 12 student as they approach their Trial HSC exams, we hope that Year 12 find these meetings useful.

UNIFORM: As the cold weather continues I would like to remind students to adhere to the school’s uniform policy. The uniform shop is currently fully stocked with winter jackets and jumpers. Student assistance is also available if required, please contact the school if you require this.

COVID-19 Safety Measures: Despite the progress in controlling the pandemic, we must remain vigilant. Please continue to follow the recommended safety protocols, including wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and maintaining social distancing whenever possible. Let us prioritize the health and well-being of our school community.

Upcoming Events:

Monday 12 June – Kings Birthday Long Weekend (Public Holiday)

Wednesday 14 June – Zone Athletics Carnival

Wednesday 14 June – P&C Meeting

Thursday 15 June – Regional Cross Country

Friday 16 June – Multicultural Day (mufti day – students encouraged to wear cultural dress and bring cash to buy food from the stalls)

Monday 19 June – Friday 23 June – Work placements

Thursday 22 June – Years 7 and 10 Parent Teacher Interviews: School Hall

Wednesday 28 June – Years 8 and 9 Parent Teacher Interviews: School Hall

Wednesday 28 June – Year 8 Subject Selection Information Evening for Parents and Students to choose electives for years 9 and 10.