Principals Report

Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to the new school year! It has started off extremely busy with many exciting events taking place over the past three weeks. These include the whole school swimming carnival at Ashfield Aquatic Centre, the Year 11 Camp to Narrabeen, the German Language students hosting their buddies from our sister school in Germany, School Photo Day, and the Year 7 student and parent welcome BBQ. The BBQ was followed by a highly informative study skills session with Dr Prue Salter, who provided expert support to families and students on learning efficiently at home, managing distractions, organising learning resources, planning workload, and staying on top of assignments. We hope Year 7 families found this session valuable.

On Monday 9th February, we held a successful Clubs and Committees Day, introducing students to the extensive range of extracurricular opportunities available at our school. If your child expressed interest in any clubs or committees, you will soon receive an email outlining when and where these groups meet, and if there are any associated costs. Please complete these forms promptly if you wish for your child to participate.

Welcome to Year 7 2026

A very warm welcome to our new Year 7 students and their families! Introducing a new cohort always brings renewed energy to the school. The Year 7 class of 2026 appear vibrant, happy, and energetic as they explore the school and find their favourite spots to relax during breaks.

New Staff

There have been several staff changes for 2026. Please join me in welcoming the following teachers to Fort Street:

• Deputy Principal: Ms Kate Dunn (overseeing Years 7, 9, and 11)
• English Faculty: Ms Drinkwater
• Mathematics Faculty: Mr Finance
• Science Faculty: Mr Hasenbein – welcome back from paternity leave
• CAPA Faculty: Mr Reveleigh (teaching Drama and leading Debating and Public Speaking) and Ms Irvine (teaching Music)

Uniform

Thank you to parents for supporting the wearing of the Fort Street School uniform. I am confident that there are options to suit all students. The uniform shop is open on Wednesday mornings during term, from 10 am to 2 pm. Additionally, a second-hand uniform stall is held once a term at lunchtime; details are advertised on the school Facebook page. Uniforms can also be purchased online – instructions are available on the school website.

Please note that full school uniform includes all-black shoes, preferably fully enclosed black leather shoes, which are required for participation in science labs and Technology rooms.

Students in Years 8 to 11 should only wear the Sport Uniform on Tuesdays. Year 7 students should bring their sport uniform to change into only when they have practical PDHPE lessons or sport.

Special Religious Education

Special Religious Education (SRE) and Special Education in Ethics commenced last Thursday during Period 1. These classes are delivered by Department of Education-approved providers. At Fort Street, options include Christian SRE, Hindu SRE, and Ethics. Students attend these classes only if parental consent was given on their enrolment forms. You may change your choice at any time by completing an online form on the school website or by emailing the school.

Additionally, a Fort Street alumnus facilitates a weekly Friday lunch prayer session for Muslim students. Students wishing to participate should bring a permission note to the front office, where they will receive further information about the meeting location.

Upcoming Events

Week 5
Tuesday 24 February

• Year 12 HSC Minimum Standards Test (after lunch, periods 5 and 6)

Wednesday 25 February

• Year 7 Camp departs (returning Friday 27 February)

Thursday 26 February

• CHS Open Girls Soccer (Pennant Hills)
• Open Girls CHS Netball

Friday 27 February

• International Women’s Day SRC fundraiser BBQ

Week 6
Tuesday 3 March

• Clean Up Australia Day (Environment Team)

Wednesday 4 March

• Year 9 History/Geography Excursion
• Year 8 French Excursion – French Film Festival, Leichhardt

Thursday 5 March

• Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts Excursion
• Year 7 Peer Support and Year 10 Peer Support Leaders

Friday 6 March

• Northern Suburbs Zone Swimming Carnival

I look forward to an exciting term ahead!

Staff Profile: Ms Dunn

Meet Kate Dunn

What is your role at Fort Street? Deputy Principal- Years 7,9,11.

What do you love about your role? Seeing students grow from children in Year 7 into capable young adults in Year 12.

What other activities are you involved in at Fort St? All of the many diverse and enriching activities! Scheduling of the busy school calendar and various staff/student events.

What was your favourite subject at school? Biology and PDHPE (Health Movement Science-as it has recently been renamed).

What is something people may not know about you? In 2025, I travelled a lap around Australia while living in a caravan.

Do you have any pets? Yes, a dog- Rottweiler called Lucy.

What is your favourite food? Pizza- any flavour but hold the anchovies.

I started my career in NSW public education as a PDHPE teacher twenty-one years ago. Over the years I have worked in a range of diverse schools (Southwest Sydney, Southern Sydney, Inner West Sydney & London) in various roles- gained qualifications as a Technology Teacher, Year advisor, Duke of Ed Co-ordinator and Head Teacher- Wellbeing, PDHPE & TAS. Prior to my appointment at Fort Street, I was Deputy Principal at Georges River College Penshurst Campus for three years. I look forward to continuing my educational journey at the wonderful school that is Fort Street High School.

Year 9 Bronze Duke of Ed Information

Swimming Carnival 2026

On Tuesday of Week 2, Fort Street High School students returned to the pool that we all know and love, Ashfield Aquatic Centre, for the annual Swimming Carnival.

The day began with our speediest racers taking the blocks for the 50m Freestyle. Familiar faces such as Brenden Fu (9) and Niki Lloyd (11) led the way, clocking the fastest times across the day, however, new recruits like Lewis Zhu (7) and Josephine Neild (7) were not far behind. Next came the backstroke. Terence Kang (11) showed that retired swimmers should not be looked down upon, and Xixi He (10) displayed another strong performance after illness disrupted the end of her previous season.

The house chants were like no other year. Previous Kennedy Cup winners Kirby House came ready to compete, donning multiple new signs and memes related to the Honourable Michael Kirby. However, they fell short in the intensity, with underdogs Preston House claiming top honours for the House Chant.

Next came the butterfly, with Elliott Steel (10) taking out the hotly contested 16 YO Boys division, and Zoe Lee (9) continuing to show her expertise across all strokes. The breaststroke often helps unearth the best of the specialist swimmers at our school with Anne Liu (11) dropping the fastest time across the Girls division in a one and done job, and Horatio Zhang (9) blitzing the Boys division, showcasing why he demolished the 13 YO Boys record at zone last year by 9(!) seconds. 100m Freestyle, the last of the individual events, gave us a small taste of the endurance masters in the lead up to the cross-country next term, with notable performances from Brendan Ma (7), Antony Walczak (10), and Emilia Edwards (7).

The relays, as always, were filled with controversy. Students racing for rival houses led many teams to disqualification, with Mawson taking out the most points, followed closely by Kirby and Preston (tied), then Sheikh and Joshi close behind.

Final points have been tallied up, with all to be revealed at a future assembly.

Selected Fort Street students now turn their attention to the Zone Swimming Carnival, which will be held on Week 6 Friday.

Welcoming New Year 7s

Year 7 have settled into high school life beautifully, quickly finding their feet and embracing the opportunities on offer. They have shown wonderful enthusiasm during Speech Day rehearsals, proudly demonstrating their best singing voices and a real sense of teamwork. 

Through the Year 10 peer support program, students have buddied up with their mentors, forming positive connections and feeling supported as they navigate their new environment. Year 7 have also been fitting into the school community with confidence, looking smart in their exemplary uniforms and showing pride in their school. 

With excitement building for camp in Week 5, it’s been a fantastic start to their high school journey.

Ms Catalan + Mr Tennent 

Year 7 Year Advisor + Assistant Year Advisor

German Sister School Visit

Year 11 Camp

In Week 1 this term, Fort Street High School’s Year 11 students embarked on an exciting and memorable camp experience at Narrabeen Sports and Recreation Centre. Over three days, students immersed themselves in a variety of engaging outdoor activities designed to build teamwork, develop new skills, and foster lasting friendships. In part the camp delivers our life ready learning program to help students move towards independence as they move into their senior years. The camp also helped welcome our 15 new students and offer them an opportunity to build new friendships in the cohort.

The camp featured exciting sessions of sailing and kayaking on the waters of Narrabeen Lake, offering students a unique opportunity to connect with nature while challenging themselves physically and mentally. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students learnt about water safety, navigation, and teamwork, enhancing both their confidence and communication skills.

In addition to water-based activities, participants took part in a range of group games and team challenges on land. These activities emphasised cooperation, strategic thinking, and leadership, encouraging students to support one another and work collectively to achieve common goals. Hopefully, students can approach their studies efficiently, successfully and without biting off more than they can chew!

The Year 11 camp was a chance to develop invaluable experiences promoting resilience, camaraderie, and personal growth. Fort Street High School is proud of all the students for their enthusiasm, positive attitude, and willingness to embrace new challenges. We look forward to seeing their communication skills and team approach supporting an excellent start to their Preliminary academic progress.

Mr Latimer

Year 11 Year Advisor

Year 11 Drama: Presenting OnSTAGE

Lights, camera, action!

On Wednesday of Week 3, the Year 11 Drama class was lucky enough to snag tickets to an amazing showcase they’ll never forget: OnSTAGE!

In this collection of exemplary HSC Drama performances and IPs (would you guess, the acronym for individual projects), Fort Street students viewed everything from group performances to video dramas, and even a moved (read: acted out) reading of a script.

Highlights of the night were the absurd adventures of a Year 12’s last-day-turned-Groundhog-Day in Last Days, the blood-chilling recount of a refugee yearning to find freedom in Australia in A Refugee Story, and the hilarious performance of three young princes deep-diving into historical royal fails to please some not-so-pleasant peasants in Red, White and Screwed that had everyone choking with tears by the end of the showcase.

Unfortunately Year 11 only got to watch half of the fabulous HSC nominations (OnSTAGE is split into two programs – they’re just 2 exciting to handle 2 much of!), but they definitely came away with awe, inspiration for future performances, and lots of lots of injokes! As the class put it, “it’s an experience I’ll want to go back to again and again.”

Lucinda Man

Maths Challenge and Maths Enrichment Competitions Programs

The Mathematics Challenge is a three-to-four-week commitment where students engage with intriguing mathematical puzzles and apply their knowledge to solve them. It is best suited for students with strong mathematical skills and understanding. In 2025, 113 students participated with over two thirds of participants achieving Credit or higher, eight of whom received High Distinction.

Maths Enrichment is a more challenging competition in which students commit to a 10-week program. Throughout this period, they research mathematical concepts, solve problems, and submit their work for marking on a weekly basis. It is a commitment that tests students resolve but can be very rewarding. In 2025 70 students from Years 7 and 8 as well as 16 students from Years 9 and 10 participated. Most participants submitted a significant amount of work, leading to a significant increase in the number of students achieving a Credit or high over the past few years.

The following student achieved a High Distinction:

Information regarding Mathematics Challenge has already been sent out to parents and students while the Mathematics Enrichment will begin in Term 2. Students who would like to put their mathematics skills to the test are encouraged to participate in the Mathematics Challenge. If students also have a passion for learning mathematical concepts and their applications to solve complex problems, beyond their work in school, then they should enrol in the Enrichment program. All students are advised to talk to their parents prior to enrolling in either competition. The Mathematics Faculty would like to congratulate all participants for the 2025.

Sample Problem:

Australian Geography Competition

Fort Street High School has a number of outstanding Geography students, many of whom go on to achieve highly in the HSC. To continue to encourage success in Geography and reward student achievement Fort Street participates each year in the Australian Geography Competition. Winners of the competition have the opportunity to represent Australia at the International Geography Olympiad. Last year, the Australian team took out second place. In the past, we have had a Fort Street student participate in the team in Mexico. 

The competition will take place in Term 2, Week 3 to Week 4. Fort Street High School and the Social Sciences faculty invites and encourages all students to enter. However, participation in this event is not compulsory.

Winners are eligible for prizes and printed certificates. Students with the highest results in Year 11 have the chance to represent Australia in the 2026 International Geography Olympiad.

The entry fee is $5.00 and will be billed to students’ accounts. Please complete the form below prior to the 23rd March to enter.

Geography Competition Entry Form

SRC

Hey Fortians! 

We hope you had a restful holiday, because the SRC is back with even more awesome events to enjoy!

This year’s Rose Drive sales have already closed, thank you to everyone who participated and spread the love!

Clubs and Committees Day, run in Week 2 by our Committee Liaison Tim, was a big hit this year, with a showcase of over 20 clubs in the Hall, enjoyed by Years 7-12 alike! If you missed the day or want to know more about any club, below is a summary of the clubs and their meeting times.

“Empowered women empower the world” – Coming up soon is International Women’s Day on March 8 with the theme #BalanceTheScales, aiming to recognize women’s achievements, raise awareness about equality and emphasise a mindset of reciprocity and support. 

To fundraise for the dedicated efforts of UN Women Australia, the SRC will be hosting a IWD BBQ Fundraiser Week 5 Friday (27th February) in the Upper Kilgour Quad. We encourage all students to wear purple, green and white accessories to show support, and purchase a sausage to celebrate the day 🙂

For more information on UN Women Australia and International Women’s Day visit: https://www.iwd.net.au/ 

We hoped you enjoyed all the events so far, and can’t wait to see you at the next ones! Have a great Term 1 Fort Street!

Lucinda Man (she/her)

SRC President

Fort Street Archive

110 YEARS @ PETERSHAM

Welcome back to a new year at The Fort! Although Fort Street is almost 180 years old, in 2026, the school enters a significant year in its long and distinguished history, marking the 110th anniversary of the Fort Street move to the current Petersham site – a defining moment that shaped the school’s identity for generations to come.

In 1916, Fort Street boys relocated from Observatory Hill to its new home in Petersham, establishing a purpose-built campus designed to continue the school’s expanding academic ambition and civic standing. At the heart of this move was the construction of the impressive Wilkins Building, a structure that remains one of Sydney’s most significant heritage-listed educational buildings.

More than an architectural statement, the Wilkins Building symbolised Fort Street’s commitment to scholarship, public education, and opportunity. Its grand façade and commanding presence have stood for over a century as a testament to the school’s enduring values and the generations of students who have passed through its halls.

Today, the Wilkins Building continues to serve as a living bridge between past and present. It houses the Ron Horan Museum and the Preston Gallery, preserving the rich story of the school while showcasing its artistic and cultural legacy. These spaces, open on Thursdays and Fridays, honour the achievements of Fortians and celebrate the ongoing contributions of the school community. If you are unable to visit, please join us at Lost Fort Street on Facebook and Instagram or download the Fort Street Tours app.

Mr Iain Wallace

School Archivist

Book Talk: 2026 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge

The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge is now open and Fort Street is excited to be participating!

Celebrating 25 years of the Premier’s Reading Challenge

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge! Since it began in 2001, millions of students across New South Wales have enjoyed taking part in this wonderful reading journey. Fort Street is proud to be celebrating this milestone and joining in the fun again this year!

What is the NSW PRC?

The PRC is a statewide initiative that encourages students to develop a lifelong love of reading for fun and pleasure. It is not a competition, but a challenge to inspire every student to read more books and explore different kinds of stories and information.

All students who complete the Challenge and have their reading logged and validated by our PRC coordinator will receive a certificate signed by the Premier of NSW.

How many books do students need to read?

Read 20 books independently. At least 10 must come from the official PRC booklists, and up to 10 can be books of their own choice. If a book is part of an approved PRC series, students can include up to 5 of those books on their Challenge list and up to 10 more from the same series as Personal Choice books. Books must be added to students’ online reading records by Friday 18 September 2026 to be validated and qualify for a certificate.

How do students log their reading?

Students can log their reading using the PRC Student Experience website, which they can access with their Department of Education username and password via the Student Portal. A video guide to help students use the site is available below.

How can students find PRC books?

Books that are in the PRC have a sticker on the spine and are also tagged in the online school catalogue, Oliver.

What do students get for completing the PRC?

The NSW PRC tracks student progression throughout their schooling.

1-3 years of completion: Standard certificate

4 years of completion: Gold certificate 5-6 years of completion: Standard certificate

7 years of completion: Platinum certificate 8-10 years of completion: Standard certificate

PRC Medal: The PRC medal is awarded to Year 9 or 10 students only.

Year 9 students qualify by completing the Challenge every year from Year 3 to Year 9. Year 10 students qualify by completing the Challenge seven times between Year 3 and Year 10, allowing them to skip one year.

If your child has previously participated in the PRC but has changed schools, make sure you check their challenge history. If they have previously attended a non-government school, their accounts may need to be merged.

If you have any questions or want to support your child’s reading, please get in touch!

PRC coordinator

Ms Donna Page

Teacher Librarian

IMP News

Welcome to new and returning IMP families! 2026 is going to be an amazing year full of inspirational musical opportunities. IMP camp is coming up on 20-22 March and director Matthew Manchester has lots of exciting performance opportunities lined up throughout the year. Make sure to read all IMP communications.

Sydney Con Brass Day to be held on April 11

If you are a brass player, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music will be hosting its annual ‘Brass Day’ on Saturday April 11, 2026. This is a free event where students and teachers come and participate in masterclasses with Sydney Con staff, hear performances from Sydney Con students and staff, and finish up the day with a concert featuring the Royal Australian Navy Band Sydney and world class brass soloists.

To book, visit the Sydney Conservatorium box office: https://boxoffice-music.sydney.edu.au/tiny/brassday26

Fort Street students attend National Music Camp

Our talented Fort Street musicians, Henry Shannon (viola, year 10), Rose Moloney (violin, year 10) and Clara Moloney (cello, year 12) attended the Australian Youth Orchestra’s National Music Camp in Adelaide in early January. They enjoyed 2 weeks of

intensive rehearsals with Australia’s finest young musicians, culminating in four public concerts which will be broadcast on ABC Classic FM in February and March. Congratulations to Henry, Rose and Clara for being amongst the 220 students chosen to participate from 750 applicants.

Clara Moloney, Rose Moloney and Henry Shannon at the Australian Youth Orchestra’s National Music Camp in Adelaide in January.

Noam Zemack awarded the David T. Smith Youth Vibraphone Development Scholarship

Congratulations to Noam Zemack who was awarded the David T. Smith Youth Vibraphone Development Scholarship! The scholarship aims to provide opportunities and develop performance skills for senior high school vibraphone and mallet percussionists. Watch Noah performing on the loan vibraphone he received as part of the scholarship (which belonged to the great Sydney Jazz drummer and percussionist, the late Alan Geddes) here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BesKr3mJv/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Workshop applications for Strike A Chord 2026 open on 23 February

The dates for Strike A Chord 2026, Musica Viva Australia’s national program celebrating chamber music for school-aged students, have been released. Now entering its sixth year, Strike A Chord continues in 2026 with the support of the Hansen Little Foundation, helping the program reach students at a formative stage across metro, regional and less resourced communities.

Whether you’re an emerging ensemble or ready to take the national stage, there’s a place for you in Strike A Chord. Strike A Chord gives students clear goals, expert feedback, and the chance to meet new musical friends from all over the country. Participants can apply for a free coaching session with a Musica Viva Australia-affiliated artist and take part in a national program with a total prize pool worth $50,000.

Who can enter?

· Full-time students up to Year 12

· Groups of 3–8 players/singers (one per part, no conductor or adult accompanist)

· Any instrument or voice combination performing repertoire broadly classical in style

Visit the Strike A Chord page for more information: www.musicaviva.com.au/strike-a-chord/

Further resources can be found here: www.musicaviva.com.au/strike-a-chord/strike-a-chord-resources/

Enrolments for SYO Orchestral Musicianship Programs now open

Sydney Youth Orchestras offers several musicianship programs, developed and delivered by some of Sydney’s leading music educators and conductors. Two of the three courses do not require SYO membership:

– Orchestral Musicianship Essentials is aimed at high school music students aged 12-19 (Years 7-12) and focuses on musical notation, chords and harmony, history of orchestral music, score reading and analysis, melodic and rhythmic dictation and sight-singing.

– Orchestral Music (1600-Present) is a perfect preparation or extension add-on course for students aged 14-19 (Years 9-12). It is ideal for those intending to, or who are currently studying Music 2* and/or Music Extension.

For more information, visit: https://syo.com.au/digital-programs/orchestral-musicianship/

Careers Office

P&C News

P&C Fundraiser

Save up to 50% on dining, shopping, travel and things to do. An annual Entertainment Membership means getting more of what you need and love, while giving back to a cause you care about.

Your purchase of an Entertainment Membership contributes to our Fort Street P&C fundraising, with 20% of every purchase going to the school. 

Help us achieve our fundraising goals by sharing the link with your friends and family. Thanks for your support!

Purchase here:
https://subscribe.entertainment.com.au/fundraiser/2d03327

Join the P&C Fort Fest Committee!

Fort Fest 2026 will be held on Friday 18th September.

An evening event for all the school and local community, with music, food, games and stalls. Run jointly by the SRC and P&C to raise money for the school, we are looking for volunteers to join the planning committee. 

We have roles of all sizes to suit all interests, so please email us at events@fortstreetpandc.org if keen.