Principal’s Report

Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of the first half of 2025 students, parents should now be able to access the Semester One reports in the Sentral Portal.

Term 2 has been another busy and productive term, culminating in the spectacular mid-year IMP concert. I would like to extend my gratitude to Matt Manchester for once again orchestrating a professional evening filled with music and entertainment. A special thanks also goes to our dedicated parent volunteers, whose generosity and effort in managing the dinner and dessert stalls created a chance for parents, students and staff to catch up whilst raising significant funds for the program.

Thanks also to our wonderful directors and conductors of ensembles for their leadership of our musicians; Matt, John Ockwell, Alex Pringle, Kerryn Joyce, Mike Raper, and Stuart Vangergraff, and to Liz Propsting for her backstage organisation, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

Subject Selection

Subject selection time is approaching for Year 8 and Year 10 students. Over the coming month, students will be making important decisions about their courses. The Year 8 information night coincided this week with the parent-teacher interviews, while Year 10 students will have their session in the first week of next term. It is crucial for students and parents to read the provided information carefully to understand what each subject entails. Students should base their selections on their interests and strengths, rather than on what their friends are choosing or their assumptions about the teachers. Academic reports will provide valuable feedback, with teacher comments offering guidance on areas for improvement in Semester 2. This feedback should be carefully considered to make informed decisions about subject choices.

Congratulations

CHS under 15’s Girls Netball Team – Avivi, Devika, Angela, Persephone, Olivia, Phoebe, Anvita, Mia, Pranaya and Nina. This team won their first-round match against Kuring-Gai High School with an end score of 37-6.

CHS under 15’s Boys Basketball Team – Ashmit, Justin, Magnus, Billy, Chip, Brayden, Joshua, Reif, Omar and James. This team started strong in their first game, winning 100-16 against Kariong Mountains High School, however, some costly mistakes meant they ended up losing their second match 57-40 against Cromer High School.

Zone Athletics Carnival – 82 students represented the Fort at this carnival held on Monday 19 May. A special congratulations is due for Ethan who broke the 15 years boys zone record for shot put and Miles who broke the 14 years boys zone record for high jump.

Fort Street Rugby – kicked off their season last Saturday with a friendly match against Sydney Boys High School, the first since 1987. As the FSHS Rugby is still in its infancy, we had to get a few Sydney Boys players to backfill each team to get a full 15, however, that did not deter or hinder the performances at all. The Juniors kicked off the day with a very dominant performance, defeating Sydney Boys by an 86-0 scoreline. The Intermediates unfortunately lost 37-12, however, they showed excellent grit and determination fighting to the very end. The Open’s team went up against a mix of Sydney Boys 1st and 2nd teams and were pipped 32-5 against a very well disciplined and organised Sydney Boys team. This gave the boys excellent practice and experience before we enter the David Horwitz Cup in Term 3 next term.

Commerce Students – to all the students who participated in the commerce stalls last week, these were again quite amazing with a wide variety of delicious offerings enjoyed by staff and students on the day. We also appreciate the assistance many parents provide behind the scenes both in the lead up and on the day for this event so thank you.

Vinnies CEO Sleepout

I would like to thank the Fort Street Community for your generous support again this year for my participation in the CEO Vinnies Sleepout. Together we raised $7 209 and as a team of NSW Secondary Principals Ms Cameron from Canterbury Girls, Ms Powell from Sydney Girls and I raised $30 035. So far together this year we have helped provide 95 individual support programs, 250 beds and 1001 meals. https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraiser/juliettemcmurray

Student Participation

Student participation in co-curricular activities is highlighted on the front cover of academic reports, emphasising its importance in overall student development. As Semester 2 approaches, it’s an excellent opportunity for students who are not yet involved to join these activities, which offer numerous benefits and align with the Fort Street High School ethos. Participation fosters personal growth, teamwork, leadership skills, and a sense of community, all of which are key components of our exit profile. Engaging in co-curricular programs enhances students’ academic and social experiences, providing opportunities to explore new interests and develop talents beyond the classroom. Additionally, involvement in school activities can support university entry, scholarship applications, and future career opportunities. These activities also help build resilience, time management, and communication skills, preparing students for future success. It’s not too late to join, and we encourage all students to take advantage of these enriching opportunities. Fort Street offers a wide range of programs that can be found here on the school website.

Uniform

As we continue to experience colder weather, I want to remind all students of the importance of adhering to our school’s uniform policy. It is essential that students present themselves in full school uniform every day, which includes wearing the correct jumper and all black shoes. To ensure students are comfortable and warm, the uniform shop is fully stocked with winter jackets and jumpers. A reminder for students in Years 8-12: you are permitted to wear your full sports uniform on Tuesdays. If any student requires assistance with obtaining the appropriate uniform, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school. We are here to help and can provide support where needed. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining our school’s standards and ensuring a cohesive and professional appearance for all.

Lost Property

Every day, several items are left around the school, especially in the gym after sports activities. Many of these items, such as jumpers, jackets, hats, drink bottles, shoes, umbrellas, and pencil cases, do not have names on them, making it difficult to return them to their rightful owners. We kindly remind parents to label their child’s uniform and belongings to ensure they can be promptly returned. With uniforms being a significant expense, this simple step can save time and money. Students are encouraged to visit the front office to check for any lost items and reclaim their belongings.

Upcoming Events term 3

Week 1:

Tuesday 22 July: return to school for all students

Monday 21 July – Friday 25 July: Junior State Music Camp

Thursday 24 July: Year 10 Subject Selection Information Evening, 6.30pm School Hall

Thursday 24 July: Year 9 Drama Excursion – Parramatta Riverside Theatre

Friday 25 July: Whole School Assembly

Friday 25 July: 15’s Girls CHS Netball (home game)

Week 2:

Mon 28 July – Fri 8 August: Year 12 Trial HSC Exams, weeks 2 & 3

Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 July: Regional Athletics Carnival

Wednesday 30 July: Year 10 Visual Arts Exhibition

Week 3:

Wednesday 6 August: Vaccinations Catch Ups

Wednesday 6 August: In Concert Rehearsal

Week 4:

Monday 11 August: Year 11 Japanese Excursion – Tanken Centre

Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 August: Year 11 Geography Excursion – Blue Mountains

Wednesday 13 August: P&C Meeting online

Friday 15 August: Multicultural Day – whole school assembly and lunchtime stalls

Year 9 & 10 German Film Excursion

On Friday the 13th of June Year 9 and 10 elective German classes eagerly journeyed to Palace Cinemas Norton Street to participate in the German Film Festival. The festival offers a diverse program, including films from the Berlin Film Festival and other events. We watched a movie called “Winners”, coincidentally being the winner of the German Film Award for Best Children’s Film in 2024. 

This movie told the story of 11-year-old Mona, a Syrian refugee living in Berlin. Mona doesn’t speak German well, she misses her home and her friends from her old city, but she does know how to play football. She joins the girl’s team after the support of her teacher Mr Che at her new school but quickly discovers the challenges of teamwork, belonging and resilience.

We all found this coming of age film engaging and heartwarming. It was especially exciting as we recognised familiar phrases and words, especially the word “Fußball”! Year 8s also got the opportunity to see “The Chaos Sisters and Penguin Paul”. The day was especially memorable as the movie continued because of the entertaining commentary coming from us audience members, and the anticipation that built up towards the end of the movie. Overall, the day was educational and a fun experience, Vielen Dank to Frau Reynolds for her incredible organisational skills and spending her time to take us on this outing.

Avivi Davidson Year 9

Year 11 Ancient History Excursion

Year 11 Ancient History Excursion to the Chau Chak Wing Museum

On the 28th of May, Year 11 Ancient History students visited the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney for a hands-on and immersive learning experience. Guided by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic museum guide, students were led through the museum’s different exhibitions, engaging in thoughtful discussions and Q&A sessions. As they explored the exhibits, students reflected on the important role curators play in shaping how history is presented, and how these curatorial choices influence our understanding of the ancient world.

A highlight of the day was the opportunity for students to handle genuine ancient artefacts. Each student closely examined a selected item, drew a detailed sketch, and used their historical knowledge to deduce the artefact’s origin and use. After this enriching activity, students enjoyed some free time to further explore the museum’s diverse collections at their own pace. The day concluded with a relaxing lunch under the sun in the beautiful grounds of Sydney University before the group returned to school. The students had a wonderful time and thoroughly benefitted from this hands-on learning experience.

Year 12 German Excursion

Year 8 Food Technology

Year 8 Food Technology – Term 2 Highlights

What Have We Been Doing in Food Technology?

This semester, Year 8 Food Technology students embarked on an exciting culinary journey, diving into the delicious world of dairy. Our focus has been on understanding and using cheese and butter in a variety of dishes while learning the science behind these ingredients.

Cheese Tasting & Butter Making

One of the highlights of the term was our cheese tasting session. Each class had the opportunity to sample different types of cheese, analysing their flavours and textures, and guessing what kind of cheese they might be. It was a fun and engaging way to sharpen our sensory skills and food knowledge!

We also learned how to make butter from cream—a hands-on activity that resulted in fresh, homemade sticks of butter. This gave us insight into food processing and an appreciation for how simple ingredients can be transformed.

From Theory to Kitchen

Our lessons balanced both theory and practical work. We studied food processing methods, the importance of flow charts in recipe planning, and applied that knowledge in the kitchen. We cooked a range of delicious meals, from simple entrées to breakfast favourites like omelettes and pancakes.

One of our favourite challenges was using leftover ingredients from another class to invent a completely new dish—putting our creativity and problem-solving skills to the test!

Skills for Life

This immersive experience has equipped us with valuable life skills, boosted our confidence, and deepened our understanding of the culinary arts. We’ve learned teamwork, planning, and adaptability—all while having a lot of fun in the process.

We can’t wait to continue our journey and cook up even more delicious creations next term!

 Featured Below: Examples of 8TEF1 Dishes

Year 9 Commerce ASX Sharemarket

Over the past few months, Year 9 Commerce students have taken part in the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) game. As part of our investing topic, the game provided us with the opportunity to learn about the sharemarket and develop our skills in using Excel to analyse our hypothetical investment portfolio.

Students began the ASX schools sharemarket game in early April, roughly a month after it commenced, and started to develop a game plan informed by their basic knowledge of investing in the sharemarket. In groups of 2-3, students were given $50 000 of virtual cash in the game to invest in ASX-listed companies using live market prices. As the classes continued to play, we further developed our knowledge, learning about factors which influence share prices, sectors and the benefits and risks of investing. We aimed to employ techniques such as diversification to build a portfolio which would yield long-term profits over a time span of 10 years. The game provided valuable insight into the world of investing, teaching us strategies to build and maintain a secure portfolio in the future.

After the ASX game finished on May 22, we then used a spreadsheet to plot our stock price data, predict future returns, analyse the performance of the portfolio and justify our choices during the game. By exploring the results of the game, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of the stock market and develop better decision-making skills regarding investments.

To integrate these skills in our learning, Ms Nolan’s commerce class has been working in small groups to develop a board game to teach players how investing works on the ASX, showcasing the effect of real-world economic and political events on the sharemarket. We constructed board games with cardboard, scissors and glue, to create engaging and informative strategy games. This task helped us become more informed about contemporary events relating to the ASX and encouraged us to collaborate in producing an entertaining learning tool. 

Overall, this unit was highly successful in providing knowledge and techniques to make stable and profitable investments, giving us a toolkit to make our own financial decisions in the future. Congratulations to Joshua Fang and Hayden Kan, who ranked 23rd out of 20,178 players despite entering a month later than the game’s starting date!

By Avivi Davidson and Evie Cairns (Year 9)

Year 8 French Activity

Year 8 French plays pétanque

To complete their studies of French sports and leisure activities, the year 8 French classes (8O and 8I) spent a day out on the oval to experience the most classic French sport of pétanque for themselves. Pétanque, similar to lawn bowls, bocce or boules, is played all over France, with special lawns in every French town.

Before we went outside, we learnt essential pétanque vocabulary through a game of Lire Courir Écrire (Read Run Write), where students have to memorise and relay a written script hanging outside the classroom to their partner on the inside. Useful phrases included “je joue à la pétanque” (I’m playing pétanque), “c’est mon tour!” (it’s my turn), “c’est un carreau” (it’s a diamond/great shot), and “j’adore ce jeu!” (I love this game).

We then went outside to have a go for ourselves. We experienced many successes and also learnt that it’s not always as easy as it seems. Some groups of students also played croquet (debatably not a French sport but with an undeniably French sounding name, perhaps descended from the French game ‘paille-maille’).

It was lovely to get out of the classroom and to put our French knowledge into action. Special mention must be made of Sophie, Hannah and Cara’s exceptional close shots, an achievement worthy of les Jeux Olympiques. Now that we have flexed our pétanque muscles, it’s time to move on to a delicious French breakfast feast.

Mr de Jong

French Teacher

Year 10 Commerce Stalls

Let’s rewind the clock… During subject selection in year 8 all we could look forward to was the year 10 commerce stalls. We couldn’t wait for our turn to have the opportunity to host this event ourselves. In our time at FSHS we’ve attended 3 commerce stalls without knowing the time and dedication students put into delivering the experience. Looking back it was another fun day to spend some money and get a good lunch. However, we knew that when our time came, we would definitely do better than our predecessors. On Thursday the 19th we all learnt what running a commerce stall truly meant. The weeks leading up to the stall day were filled with rigorous planning. Food was tested, posters were made and menus were curated. By the time the day arrived, we were all filled with anxious excitement, today was the day all the pieces would fall into place. The time before recess was spent setting up and filling the Kilgour quad with every colour, sound and smell imaginable. Food offerings included churros, HSPs, tiramisu, dumplings, curry, pancakes and ice cream, candy floss, banh mi, ramen, tteokbokki, meat skewers, nachos, scones, sausage sizzle and so much more! Then when the recess bells struck at 10:35 all hell broke loose. Power overloaded, food needed to be hot, weather was cold. But yet, we persevered, friendships were formed, competition bloomed into camaraderie. Through thick and thin, we conquered the challenges faced, developing a new understanding of what it truly meant to run a stall.

Sincerely,

Mia Gray, Jane Nguyen, Ethan Luu.

Year 11 Mock Trial

SRC attend Sydney Boys High School Assembly

The Addams Family School Edition

• • Performance Dates: Thursday 21st & Friday 22nd August
  • Time: 6:00pm start
  • Location: Fort Street High School – School Hall

The Addams Family features an original story that’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. Chaos, comedy, and clashes follow as the Addams host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents…

Sisters Inside Bake Sale

Amnesty Day and Sisters Inside Bake Sale and Cookie Decorating 28 May and 6 June.

For Amnesty Day on Wednesday, May 28, the Amnesty Committee ran an information table for Sisters Inside and collected coin donations for the charity. This marks the date in 1961 when lawyer Peter Benenson published an article entitled “The Forgotten Prisoners” which told the story of various people imprisoned for their beliefs and called for their release. The article formed the basis of Amnesty International, an organisation which continues to protect and promote human rights.

The Amnesty Committee researched various charities which shared this aim and ultimately decided on Queensland-based Sisters Inside. The organisation advocates for the rights of women and girls in prison to transform criminalised womens’ lives and provide services to address their needs. Fuelled by her loss of family and a home during her time in prison, the founder, Debbie Kilroy, believes that the prison system triggers complex challenges for those incarcerated rather than effectively controlling crime. Sisters Inside recognises the external factors which may have contributed to the behaviour of prisoners and the racism that causes the  immense over-representation of First Nations women in prison. 

At the information table, Fortians were encouraged to take part in a quiz about the charity to enter a guessing competition for the number of lollies in a jar. This attracted many students to the table and thus spread awareness about the cause. Members of the committee also visited classrooms for the collection of coin donations during class time, offering the students another opportunity to show support. 

On 6 June, the committee also ran a bake sale and cookie decoration table for Sisters Inside. Members brought in a wide variety of homemade cookies, donuts, cupcakes and brownies to sell to the student body and fundraise further for the charity during break time. The group also organised a stall which allowed customers to decorate home-baked sugar cookies with icing, sprinkles, lollies and edible charms. Both of these initiatives were popular amongst students and teachers as many wanted to enjoy a sweet treat in support of Sisters Inside.

A total of $1,176.58 was raised between the coin collection, bake sale and cookie decoration, marking a major success for the Amnesty Committee. Profits were donated to Sisters Inside, and this money will help the charity further support incarcerated women.

By Evie Cairns (Year 9).

To find out more information about Sisters Inside https://sistersinside.com.au/

Space Teams Academy

The first day of the space teams programme run by One Giant Leap was packed with interesting activities. When we arrived, we were put into teams and had a fun icebreaker session. We met our hosts, Jenna and James, and made our team name. My team was called Nova Horizon.

Then we got straight into it. We learnt a lot about planets and our solar system. Then, after a quick morning tea, we did a ‘Planet Builder’. This is a simulation that allows you to build your own hypothetical planet. It was very interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed thinking up my own planet, ‘Varina’. Then, we got to listen to a real-life astronaut talk about his experience of space. Dr Greg Chamitoff has been to space more than once. He was on Expedition 18 in 2008 and another 15 days as part of STS-134 in 2011. It was inspiring to listen to him talk about his amazing experiences in space. He told us about how he loved space as a child and how that fuelled his passion to become an astronaut. We also heard about the tough training he had to go through. He recounted having to sit in a small spherical capsule without any light. I don’t think I would have lasted long in such a capsule, but Mr Chamitoff did in order to pursue his dreams.

Then we designed our mission patches. A mission patch is given to astronauts for each mission. My design had a black hole to signify the unknown, a spacecraft next to it to show that we will discover the unknown, and a lot of stars to signify the wonder of space. The colours in the design represent our galaxy, the Milky Way.

On the 2nd day we learnt about spacecraft. We attempted to make our own spacecraft that can support a mission to the imaginary planet ‘Vulcan’. The spacecraft is to be sustainable, energy efficient, and good for scientific research, and it should be fit for astronauts to live in. We looked at different types of fuel for our engine. We learnt about how kerosene engines are most common for rocket ships nowadays. But we also looked at ‘metallic hydrogen tanks and how they would be more energy efficient’, but sadly ‘metallic hydrogen’ (hydrogen in its solid form) is not to be mass-produced yet, so we will not be seeing it in real rockets. However, in this rocket simulation, this fuel source was available (and a favourite).

Then after some morning tea, we went on to trajectory design. That is planning the trajectory of your spaceship. We learnt how to plan an orbital trajectory to the planet ‘Vulcan’. I had a lot of fun trying to get to the planet even though in the first few tries I was not able to leave my orbit around Earth. After some time, I got the hang of it and successfully started to orbit Vulcan .

Then after lunch we got to visit a planetarium where we got to witness the night sky in the middle of the day without pollution, clouds or any other hindrances. We entered what looked like a big balloon that had the starry sky projected on all the walls around us. It was amazing to be able to see the constellations mapped out in front of us. We managed to see the sky all the way to March 2026! We watched a video on solar maxims, which is when the sun is the most prone to solar flares. Here on Earth, our magnetic field prevents us from facing the full impacts of solar flares, but because of climate change, the effects are worse than before.

After that we had some time to catch up on the previous three projects. Then went to a meeting with JPL scientist Todd Barber. He was on call all the way from France. He talked about his job and the fun things he got to do working for JPL. He designed the orbital trajectory of multiple missions, including the Voyager missions that are now at the very edge or past our solar system. It was so cool to hear how his team made the Perseverance rover, which included JPL in Morse code on the wheels of the rover.

On the 3rd day we learnt about orbital descent, how to land your plane on the Vulcan surface, which was super challenging. Then we heard from Luke Barns, a university professor at Western Sydney University. He came and talked to us about black holes. He told us about how inside a black hole the theory is that everything will become stretched. So Cooper from Interstellar would have no chance. He also told us that light gets warped around a black hole, and that is what gives it its rings. I was fascinated by the depth of his speech, and it has given me a more accurate representation of black holes.

On the 4th day we went and learnt about habitat construction. We studied what we would need in the habitat on Vulcan. It was very similar to the spacecraft builder in that we were judged on the sustainability of the habitat, energy efficiency, and scientific capabilities, as well as making sure it is fit for living.

On the 5th and final day, we had so much fun doing surface operation, in which we were able to search the surface of the planet Vulcan, looking for things like water, geothermal energy and methane. It was fun to try and look for these resources on an unknown planet.

It was so much fun to try out all the simulations and inspiring to hear the speakers talk. Over all it was a educational fun experience. I loved it so much that I was very sad when the program ended. I made friends and experienced things I would not have dreamed of. I am very thankful for space teams academy for allowing me to partake in such wonder.

Sasha Anandh | Year 7

Wellbeing Corner

World’s Greatest Shave Update

This year, Year 12 proudly led the school community in participating in the World’s Greatest Shave, a Fort Street tradition and an initiative run by the Leukaemia Foundation to raise money and awareness for Australians living with blood cancer.

Fundraising has been taking place throughout the school year, with one of the early highlights being the colourful hair-spraying at our Cross Country Carnival. Students and staff coloured their hair in house colours and came together in a vibrant display of support and solidarity.

The campaign culminated in an inspiring event where students from Years 9 to 12 bravely shaved, cut, and dyed their hair in front of their peers – an act that not only raised significant funds, but also sparked powerful conversations about empathy, courage, and community action. Highlights included Keith Huang (Year 12 Social Justice Committee) shaving his head, Yvonne Szmajda courageously letting Lily Vujovic and Sammy Anand cut her hair into a bob, and Ms Catalan partially shaving her head. Special thanks to Claire Bently and Ashley Huang (Year 12), who provided excellent haircuts for all participants.

Fundraising efforts are set to continue until the end of Term 3, and there’s still time to get involved. Students are encouraged to dye, cut, or shave their hair to help raise money for this incredibly important cause. Every dollar goes toward supporting families facing blood cancer and funding vital research.

Together, we’re proving that small actions can make a big difference.

Year 12 Social Justice Committee

Free Parent & Caregiver Workshops – The Kidman Centre UTS

The Kidman Centre UTS is offering a series of FREE, one-hour Zoom workshops for parents and caregivers throughout 2025. These sessions provide practical, evidence-based psychological strategies to help families navigate a range of common challenges.

Please see the flyer below for the full 2025 workshop calendar. To register, simply follow the link or scan the QR code provided in the poster.

Festival of Instrumental Music

 Two of our Fort Street students, Kit White and Edmund Huang, will be performing at the Sydney Opera House for the Festival of Instrumental Music.

Tickets for the Festival of Instrumental Music (FoIM) go on sale during Term 3 Week 1 at 9 AM Thursday 24 July via the Opera House Box office:

Where: Tuesday 9 September 6:30 PM at the Sydney Opera House

To buy tickets click here (this link will not go live until the week before tickets go on sale – before then, it will lead to a ‘page not found’ error message)

Please note:

·       Tickets will sell out quickly so make sure you purchase tickets early.

·       There is a limit of THREE tickets per transaction.

·       To save time, we would suggest creating an account on the Sydney Opera House website ahead of time.

Book Talk

Book Talk

From The Library Team

Good books are windows and mirrors, reflecting the age of their creation yet also shedding light on the reader’s own world.  Each year in Australia, for the past eighty years, Australian books for children and teens have been nominated as ‘Book of the Year’, awarded books gaining gold stickers on the cover which we all may remember as young readers borrowing from the school library. These prize- winning books highlight the shifting book landscape, offering windows and mirrors to a world which is perhaps very different to the world of young readers’ parents and grandparents

This year, six Australia books for teens have once again been nominated as Book the Year, the winner to be announced in Book Week in August. The shortlist offers fascinating insights into the world of 2025. We may observe broad diverse representation in terms of cultural background, sexual orientation, neurodiversity and more. Indigenous characters now inhabit many narratives. The current reading landscape also demonstrates that the teen novel market is dominated by rom-coms and social realist stories that are gritty, honest and authentic.

The 2025 CBCA Book of the Year Awards Older Readers Shortlist is:

• A Wreck of Seabirds by Karleah Olson (Fremantle Press)- This is a tightly written, atmospheric novel that captures the depths of human compassion.

‘Both grappling with grief and loss, Briony and Ren are brought together in their hometown, where Ren has returned to care for his dying father and Briony remains hopeful of finding her missing sister, Sarah. Meanwhile, Sarah and her best friend Aria are hopelessly trapped on a remote island off the coast, and nobody has a clue where they have gone.’

• Birdy by Sharon Kernot (Text Publishing)- Birdy is a tender warm-hearted verse novel about the pain of loss and shame, the beauty of words, and the healing power of small acts of kindness.

‘Maddy is mute. Since the Incident she has barely spoken. And now she and her mother and brother are staying in a farmhouse on an old apricot orchard not far from town. It’s a chance to rest and recuperate – or a way to hide further away from the world.

Alice is waiting. Since Birdy, her darling daughter, disappeared forty-five years ago, she has sat in her house waiting for her to come home. Alice says Maddy reminds her of Birdy, and Maddy feels a strange connection to the long-lost girl. In the quiet not-speaking and waiting, amid the clutter of the old woman’s house, Maddy and Alice slowly become friends. Until Maddy takes something that’s not hers.’

• Comes the Night by Isobelle Carmody (A&U Books for Children and Young Adults)- A superb YA fantasy set in the near future, full of secrets, high stakes, peril, deceptions and dream walkers

‘Will lives with his father in a future domed Canberra where citizens are safe from extreme weather events, dangerous solar radiation and civil unrest. He does not question his carefully controlled existence until the recurrence of an old nightmare propels him on a dangerous quest.
Gradually Will discovers his dreams hold cryptic clues that lead him into a shadowy alternate dimension. Here he must grapple with dark forces that operate in both worlds, with the help of his best friend Ender, her brilliant but difficult twin sister Magda, and a mysterious gift from his uncle.’

• I’m Not Really Here by Gary Lonesborough (A&U Books for Children and Young Adults)- Emotionally compelling, honest and warm, I’m Not Really Here is a beautiful novel about navigating family and friendships and finding a way through grief.

‘When 17-year-old Jonah arrives in a new town – Patience – with his dad and younger brothers, it feels like a foreign place. A new town means he needs to make new friends – which isn’t always easy. Especially when he’s wrestling with his body image, and his memories of his mother.
When he joins the local footy team so he can spend more time with his new crush, Harley, he feels like he’s moving closer to something good. But even though he knows what he wants, it doesn’t mean he’s ready.’

• Into the Mouth of the Wolf by Erin Gough (Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing)- An extraordinary novel that explores love and grief in a world wracked by the impact of climate change.

‘Iris lives on the run with her mother, Rohan. They’re travelling to escape the earthquakes, though of course that’s impossible. And they’re being followed. One day, Rohan insists Iris repeat the phrase in bocca al lupo: into the mouth of the wolf. The next day, Rohan’s vanished, leaving no clues about where she’s gone besides a contact in an unknown town. Entirely alone and fearing the worst, Iris reaches out to a stranger for help.

When Lena gets Iris’s message, she’s busy panic-studying for year 12 and helping run her family’s hostel. She’s intrigued by Iris, and can’t deny there’s a spark between them – but she’s also worried. A dead body has just washed up at the beach in Glassy Bay. And Lena’s old best friend – who’s just returned after an unexplained absence – seems to know something about it.’

• The Skin I’m In by Steph Tisdell (Macmillan Australia)- A powerful story of belonging from an Indigenous author, a narrative about finding out who you are and loving yourself during the transformation of teenage years.

‘Layla is in her final year of school. It’s the last year to make sure that the next major phase of her life begins correctly because she’s got big plans.
She just wants to be a normal teenager and to fit in but when her troubled cousin Marley comes to stay, he challenges everything she thought she was.’

As writer Vera Nazarian stated, ‘Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light’. 

Enjoy your reading!

The Library Team

IMP News

Fort Street Chamber Choir and Recorder Ensemble perform at Echos in the Nave

On Friday 20th of June, the Fort Street Chamber Choir and Recorder Ensemble delivered an amazing performance alongside Harmoni Choirs at Echos in the Nave, at Hunter Baillie Memorial Presbyterian Church in Annandale. The vocals were outstanding, and the recorder ensemble amazed the crowd with their brilliant performances. All profits raised from the event will go towards a new scholarship that is being set up to support Fort Street students to continue singing after school, as part of Harmoni Choirs.

State Choir applications now open

Open to all NSW public school students in Years 8 to 12, applications are now open for the State Choir. The choir meets to rehearse in Sydney before performing on the stage of the Sydney Opera House as part of the Festival of Choral Music. No audition is required.

Rehearsals

· Sunday 3 August 10 am – 4 pm at Lewisham Public School (Arts Unit)

· Monday 4 August 10 am – 5 pm at Sydney Opera House

· Tuesday 5 August 2:30 pm – 5 pm at Sydney Opera House

Performances

· Monday 4 August 7pm at Sydney Opera House

· Tuesday 5 August 7 pm at Sydney Opera House

Fees: $110

Applications close: Monday 14 July

For more information, visit: https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/program/state-choir

Taiko drumming workshops

The NSW Arts Unit is running a series of one-day workshops Taiko drumming workshops.

Applications close: Friday 25 July

For more information, visit: https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/program/taiko-drumming-workshops

Careers Office News

P&C Updates from our Term 2 meetings

The IMP had two meetings this term, below are key highlights of what was discussed. Come along to our next meeting to find out more.

IMP Updates

Dr Manchester came along to our meeting and presented an update on IMP membership as well as finances and upcoming activities.

IMP membership is prospering with 362 members, 14 ensembles: strong participation and performance schedule.

Strategic plans are in place to support retention of senior students, accessibility, and possibly a Foundation to assist with future funds.

Dr Manchester took the P&C through the IMP finance requirements and structure. Information was shared about revenue, including fundraising and the expenses required to run the IMP. $10,000 annual IMP grant approved as recurring P&C expense.

Upcoming IMP concert: 27 June with dinner and volunteer support needed.

Parent asked about a future overseas trip facing: Education department request excessive amount of admin work for overseas trip, making it extremely challenging. Ms McMurray added that a team of staff would be required just to do the administration of applying for an overseas tour. The option of touring within Australia was raised as a potential substitute.

Student Representative Council Report

Future Leaders Conference successfully hosted 300+ students from 50+ schools.

The SRC are planning Spirit Month and Multicultural Day next term.

$3,000 was approved by the P&C for the Future Leaders conference catering.

SRC members to attend Wear It Purple Day Assembly at Sydney Boys High.

The Principal’s Report: Academics, School events and Community updates

Academics & Events:

• Busy Term 2 with many excursions across Years 8–12.
• Study skills workshops held for Years 9 & 10.
• English support ramped up:
  • Targeted help, study sessions, and Homework Club (with specialist teacher).
  • Encouragement to rebrand “Homework Club” to “Study Centre”.

Student Achievements:

• High HSC English results; top 10 selective schools in English Advanced.
• Year 7 student selected for Space Teams Academy.
• Sports: Cross Country & Athletics Days successful; students progressing to state level.

Inclusion & Community:

• Muslim prayer sessions launched successfully on Fridays.
• National Reconciliation Week celebrated with a planned mural project.

Careers & Mentoring:

• Proposed parent/alumni mentoring program, field visits, and alumni video series in the making, updates will be provided when available.
• Website page to list career opportunities and volunteering roles in development.

Other matters:

• Selective Test rescheduled; school hosting setup over two weekends.
• Uniform reminders issued for winter, grey pants now available.

Upcoming changes for Uniform ordering system

Transition to Flexischools underway; full changeover expected Week 1 ofTerm 4.

New photos for new system: $1,350 approved for professional photography of uniforms.

Testing: Plan to test system in parallel during Term 3.

Teacher Acknowledgements:

• Teachers were widely appreciated for their after-hours support to students.
• School Executive Team recognised for backing students in organising the Future Leaders Conference.
• Kirrily Druery commended for her patience and good humour during the hefty Uniform Shop’s Flexischools transition.
• David Paulie acknowledged for encouraging student interest in Open-Source software
• Mr. Feng praised for his support during school sports events.
• Ms. Ngo recognised for preparing additional exam prep quizzes.
• Ms. Mattick thanked for holiday support sessions with Year 12 Drama students.
• Neil Prothero acknowledged for his consistent help with the Second-Hand Uniform Stall.

The Parents & Citizens Association aims to support an inclusive and enriching community and provide students with the necessary experiences, resources, and facilities. 

The P&C holds meetings at 7:30pm on the second Wednesday of each month during school terms. The first meeting of the term is in the school library and the following meetings each term are held via Zoom. 

These meetings provide an opportunity to learn more about what is happening in the school and how it operates, to ask questions, and to meet other parents. The School Principal usually gives an informative report on the recent happenings within the school. 

The next P&C Meeting will be held on Wednesday August 13, 2025.