Principal’s Report

Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,

We have made it half way through term 3 and unfortunately it is not looking likely that we will be back on school site for the remainder of this term. I would like to thank our students for diligently persevering with online learning and all our parents for the support that we know you are providing at home for your children.

The school has a maximum of 5 staff members on site on any given day. I would also like to acknowledge our teaching staff for the hard work being put into the delivery of quality teaching and learning experiences from their own homes, with many staff also juggling their own children learning from home. All staff have well and truly transitioned to meeting and planning via zoom and other online methods.

Debating Program

We understand that Fortians have been missing their many and varied extracurricular programs. The popular debating program will transition to an online platform for the remainder of term 3 and, in all likelihood, throughout term 4. Online classes will be conducted via zoom and resume on Monday August 16. Each class will be held from 3:30pm to 5:00pm on Monday afternoons. Students will remain in the same classes as in term 2, pending enrolments. Rolls will be marked according to zoom attendance. No one-to-one zoom meetings will be possible and zoom tutorials will not be recorded. All students will need to have their microphone and camera on, with a suitable zoom background to maintain privacy.

Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Ed team have also been meeting regularly trying to plan what is possible for each level – bronze, silver and gold for the remainder of the year given the current COVID-19 restrictions. Further information will be emailed directly to students participating in this program.

Wellbeing Day

In order to help Fortians remain engaged with online learning and to stay positive, the Wellbeing team is implementing a “Wellbeing day” which will take place on Monday 23 August. If this day is successful it will be repeated again in week 9 of this term. On this day, we will be asking students and staff to focus on their wellbeing by taking time to stop and recharge. There will be no timetabled classes on these days. This will allow students and staff to catch up on work, but more importantly to have time to focus on doing something for their own mental and physical health.

The wellbeing day will be structured into four areas – connect, create, self-care and move. There will be at least 36 different challenges students can participate in from a talent quest, a photography scavenger hunt to mediation and other physical challenges. Whilst students may need a phone to take a photo or video as evidence of their participation they will certainly not be sitting in front of a computer for the day. The P&C have very generously offered to donate prizes for this day. Detailed information regarding how to participate in these challenges will be sent to students and parents soon. Through this initiative it is hoped that students will take the opportunity to reduce their screen time and reconnect with their family and friends.

SRC Leadership Week

The Executive SRC have been organising a leadership event all year. This was supposed to involve an invitation to student leaders from around 10 – 15 other schools to come to Fort Street to listen to guest speakers and to participate in interschool leadership activities. I am so proud of the way that the SRC have been able to maintain their momentum and adapt this event so that it can still take place next week. All of the speakers have been contacted and interviewed directly by members of the Executive SRC.

The event has become a virtual event and the invitation has now been extended to all student leaders of every public High School in NSW. I am pleased to say that the event has gained registrations from students all over NSW. Each day from Monday 23 August until Friday 27 August, the SRC will release a new interview with one of their guest speakers which include the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Chris Gambian (CEO Nature Conservation Council NSW), Natalie Lang (Branch Secretary of the Australian Services Union NSW and ACT) and Erin O’Leary (young activist and co-founder of Youth against Sexual Violence).

If you would like more information about the event please see the attached flyer:

Fort Street Future Leaders week

Year 12 and HSC Students

After many changes of plans, all Year 12 and students from other years who are sitting HSC exams in 2021 will be participating in an online assessment period commencing Monday 16 August. A lot of thought and planning has gone into the style of assessment and procedures to be followed to allow for maximum efficacy during this online assessment period. I would like to wish our HSC students the best of luck during this time.

Approximately half of our Year 12 students were eligible to participate in the priority vaccination program held at the Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park. The Department of Education is continuing to work with NSW Health to assess whether they can widen the eligible cohort for vaccination. On the evening of Sunday 15 August, it was also announced that teachers from the 8 LGAs will also be eligible for a priority vaccination program which is pleasing news.

A message from Her Excellency the Governor of NSW

Her Excellency the Governor of New South Wales has prepared a video message to thank and encourage the school community.  The message can be viewed here until 16 August:

https://www.dropbox.com/t/i0BCddSLz1PEA6wE

SPECIAL REPORT: Instilling Hope In Uncertain Times

Although life is always filled with uncertainty, the levels we are currently experiencing are unprecedented and it is becoming evident that this is taking a toll on our young people. The most recent research from Mission Australia makes clear the breadth and depth the pandemic is having on our youth across the nation.

It appears that lockdowns and tighter restrictions will be with us for some time, but it is important in such times of uncertainty to instil hope and remain optimistic. Adult carers can play a vital role in helping young people reframe their worries, encouraging them to see life as it is and getting them to focus more on the things they can control, rather than those they can’t.

It’s important young people remain connected with their social networks during these times as often their natural response to uncertainty is to exhibit varying degrees of fear and anxiety. With the continued disruptions, mental health concerns are on the rise and it is evident that many students may need some extra support to achieve their goals. Parents can help their kids focus more on the good things in their life, rather than fill in the blanks with catastrophic narratives.

This Special Report outlines how adult carers can help instil hope and offer support in such times of uncertainty. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If this Special Report raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report https://fortstreet.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-instilling-hope-uncertain-times

Wellbeing Day 23 August

On Monday 23rd August the FSHS community will have the opportunity to switch off from school, have some fun, take time away from classes, let our hair down and participate in a wide variety of activities to connect with friends and family.

As part of the Wellbeing Day, the school is offering a range of prizes for the most consistent and impressive participants in the day’s activities.

For more information follow click here: Wellbeing Day

Delta COVID-19 Lockdown Vignettes by Fortians

I’ve heard many say, “Since we did it last year, I find this time loads easier.” I have to contest that. Last year, there was novelty! It was a little something new to stimulate myself with. Now, it’s almost become my norm… which makes it a lot more strenuous this time round.

But negativity aside, I find remote learning gives me a chance to reach out to my friends in different ways. Instead of having fun in the classroom, we’re showing each other our mugs, our food and even our pets.

It’s a rather conflicting medium of learning.

Grace Han, Year 9

When it was announced that we were back to remote learning, I was secretly looking forward to it. It’s such a privilege to be working from home and enjoying the environment I am learning in. So far, I’ve enjoyed the flexibility of my time, without the 45-minute commute to and from school, allowing me to pick up new interests like reading, trying to play guitar, cooking, art and running. Lockdown has given me a much-needed social break. Although, I miss my friends so much and learnt FaceTime’s will never be the same as laughing together on the school oval at lunch.

Alyssa Khaw, Year 10

I often feel overwhelmed at school, there’s so much work to do, so many people to talk to, so many places to be. Online learning in lockdown has kind of given me a break from that; I’m able to have quiet time to myself to listen to music, concentrate on my work, play with my dog, read a book, or just sit and relax. While I’m grateful for this, lockdown has some cons as well. I miss my friends immensely, I feel disconnected from my teachers, and I really want a change of scene from my bedroom. I have found a few ways to combat these struggles like calling and texting my friends often, trying my best to participate in the seemingly endless number of Zooms, and going on walks regularly. I think the only way we can get through this lockdown is by staying positive and looking for little bits of brightness where we can find them.

Claire Bentley, Year 8

Though it’s been difficult, I’ve tried to find a few positives to this round of quarantine and remote learning. What I find most exciting is getting to explore new music. I’ve been listening to music a lot lately while I do my work. I was getting sick of my usual stuff so I found it necessary to expand my repertoire. I’m an avid fan of classic rock, so getting to dig a little deeper into the discography of some of my favourite artists has been a nice treat. I find it very easy to get caught up in a song, bopping along to the music and all – it has a way of making me feel a little less scared of everything that’s going on.

Johnathan Bonnice, Year 9

Being in lockdown has given me more time to do more things. I have done more weeding and planting which has made my garden look better than ever! I sowed a type of flower that is yellow and feels like plastic, and I have been looking after the papaya plants. I have also had time to read. I picked up some classic novels to gain different perspectives of the world and to broaden my vocabulary. Overall, the situation that got us into lockdown is unfortunate, but I have used the time to my advantage to do things I enjoy.

Savannah Pradhan, Year 9

The day in the life of a dog in COVID-19, by Lizzie:

When we started the lockdown, I thought it was fantastic! I used to love having my family at home 24/7 – constant attention, opportunities for snacks, games, walks…

But now we are 5 weeks in.

I am exhausted!

Who doesn’t appreciate a long walk of olfactory delights around the neighbourhood? But now everyone wants to take me for a walk, all the time. Really though, five walks a day?

I just can’t seem to find time for my usual daytime naps in the delightful sunshine. I am disturbed every 45 minutes, at recess, at lunchtime, after school, before dinner.

And how many times can they throw a ball to me before they get bored? Don’t they find it repetitive?

It’s too much! When will you humans get back to normal?

Kalanie Prabhakar, Year 9

Year 7 Technology

This week in remote learning, Year 7 Technology engaged in some practical activities and created their own ‘Robotic Hand’ using a range of household materials. Students demonstrated some very innovative thought processes as we problem solved and substituted missing materials for other items around the house. We are looking forward to doing more of these each week and it was great to have a break computer work!

Food Technology and Hospitality

It’s always good when we can have a break from screentime.  Here are some examples of practical work that Food Technology and Hospitality students have completed during lockdown.

Food technology and Hospitality students practical work while in lockdown

Australian History Competition

Congratulations to Tyrone He (Year 7) and Charlie Dey (Year 8) for being announced as State Champions in the Australian History Competition – the largest History competition in Australia.

This is another fantastic result for Fort Street at this competition.  Well done Tyrone and Charlie.

A list of the High Distinction and Distinction high achievers will be posted at a later date.

P&C

The P&C has set up a group notice board for messages of appreciation for the Fort Street teachers and their efforts during lockdown. They are all working so hard while juggling technology, their own families and daily changing circumstances. We would love Fort Street families to add their own messages to the board.

This is the link:
https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/RgpSaNnx

Messages can be to individual teachers, to a faculty or to all the teachers as a group.

The board is open for posts until August 31st, then we will send it out to all the staff as a slide show.

Fort Street High School P&C

University Open Days

The UNSW Open Day is online on Saturday 4 September.  For more information and to register follow the link:

UNSW Open Day

Sydney University Open Day is online on Saturday 28 August.  For more information and to register follow the link:

University of Sydney Open Day

UTS Open Day is online on Saturday 28 August and Tuesday 31 August.  For more information and to register follow the link:

UTS Virtual Open Day