Principals Report
Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,
Congratulations to Mawson for winning the Kennedy cup! The students from Mawson will be invited to a special rewards day on December 14.
Year 7 2023 and Year 10 Peer Support Leaders
The year 6 orientation day was held on Tuesday of this week. It was wonderful to be able to invite families and Year 7 2024 students for a welcome assembly and morning tea at the Fort. I would like to thank Kellorin Long and Diane Debreczeni along with all of the office staff and our Year 7 Adviser for 2023 Mr Rod Carritt and Assistant Year Adviser Ms Maddy Cove for bringing this day together. The Year 9 Peer Support leaders led by Ms Propsting and Ms Dooley did an amazing job introducing our newest Fortians to the Fort.
Slum Survivor – Vinnies School Sleepout Success!
This year, our resilient Year 8 students once again demonstrated their commitment to making a difference in the community by participating in the Vinnies School Sleepout. By participating in the sleep out we are doing our best to avoid tokenism and take the students out of their comfort zone. No Mattresses, tents, pillows, phones or other devices were allowed. Despite braving cold, wet and windy weather conditions, students courageously slept on the balconies of the Wilkins Block, to date raising an impressive $33,637. In a time when housing affordability is at an all-time high this cause is so important, and these funds are crucial for Vinnies to continue providing support and assistance to those in need. The work they do helps with the costs of living, education, food insecurity and homelessness and they work to alleviate the pain of poverty and move people out of disadvantaged circumstances. The dedication of our students reflects their understanding of the importance of empathy and awareness in addressing homelessness. We extend our gratitude to all participants and acknowledge the incredible efforts of our school community in contributing to this meaningful cause. Together, we are making a positive impact on the lives of those who need it most.
A huge thank you also to those staff members who camped overnight to supervise our students – Mr Chapman, Mr Sherwin, Mr Latimer, Mr Shakibaei, Ms Nolan and Ms Dooley.
There is still time to make contributions, if you would like to donate to this cause please use the following link https://my.fundraise.vinniesnsw.org.au/vinnies-school-sleepouts/fort-st-sleep-out
Schools Spectacular
The annual Schools Spectacular was on last week Friday 24 and Saturday 25 at the Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park. Channel 7 usually broadcasts the event mid-December, and I would highly recommend that you tune in if you can. This year Schools Spec celebrated its 40th year as the highest profile performing arts event for the NSW Department of Education. As always Fortians represented across many areas.
Eleven students from Years 8-11 performed in the Core and Combined Choirs, Orchestra and Stage Band. Congratulations to Andy Bestel, Lucinda Man, Ivy Singh, Kai Hall, Jasper Kameron, Jasmin Loh, Hugo Newman, Isobel Jefferson, Eryk Francis, Rhys Miers and Edmund Huang.
HSC Showcase Triffeca
In the last Mercurius I had the pleasure of announcing Kost Giltsidis’ artwork ‘For my Grandparents had been nominated for ARTEXPRESS. I am delighted to share his work has been selected for the Hazlehurst ARTEXPRESS exhibition in 2024.
Encore recognises the exceptional major works created by HSC Music Students, showcasing performances and compositions selected from the HSC exams. Congratulations to Hugo Ceran-Jerusalemy whose composition has been nominated.
OnStage features a selection of exemplary group and individual projects from Higher School Certificate Drama students including performances, video drama, and a moved reading of a script. This year Fort Street received two individual project nominations – congratulations to Rose Kenyon and Arlo Coleman for their nominations this year. Arlo’s work will be showcased at the Seymour Centre in February 2024.
Upcoming Events
IMP Summer Concert – Friday December 1
Year 10 Connected Curricular – Thursday 30 November – 6 December
Year 7 Picnic Day – Monday 11 December
Year 9 History Dance – Wednesday December 14
Kennedy Cup Picnic Day – Thursday December 14. This event will be for all students in Mawson House.
School Talent Quest – Friday December 15 all entries must be submitted to the SRC by Tuesday December 13
HSC Results Breakfast – Friday December 15 Year 12 2023 are invited into the school to share and celebrate their HSC results.