Principals Report

Welcome back to Term 3. I hope that everyone was able to enjoy their holiday break and are well rested. Term 3 is always a big term, it commenced with a staff development day at which all staff participated in a literacy strategy workshop and inclusivity training which was delivered by Twenty10. This is a Sydney based service working across NSW, providing a broad range of specialised services for young LGBTIQA+ people aged 12-25 including housing, mental health, counselling, and social support. The organisation also offers inclusivity training and consulting for organisations. Workshops are also scheduled for all students in Years 10 and 11 later this term.

Term 3 is the last term of school for Year 12 students before graduation and their HSC exams. This week Year 12 commenced their trial HSC examinations, and we wish all of them the best of luck during this time. This is also the final term for Year 11 course work before they commence Year 12 course work in term 4.

This week Year 9 students will receive information about the Year 9 Camp. This is a whole year group activity and is compulsory for all Year 9 students.

Year 8 have had their subject selection night and elective choices are due electronically by the end of this week.

Unfortunately, our Mock Trial team was knocked out in their last round in the competition against Meriden High School. The trial team did however put up an excellent prosecution, congratulations to the entire team which consisted of Aslesha Nepal and Brendan Posener (acting barristers), Ethan Lin (acting solicitor), Matei Stoenescu and Aria Kanhukamwe (acting witnesses) and Dennis Yeo (court officer).

Congratulations also to our Senior girls Futsal team who have made it through to the state championships. These students are competing in South Windsor this Friday – Lucie Atkin Bolton, Nina Gibian, Ashley Huang, Grace Zarb, Amelia Mardhikasena, Anne Sophie Hegi and Victoria Papathanasiou.

As cold viruses and COVID continue to spread through the community we continue to have a number of staff out sick each day. I would like to thank our staff for their generosity in continuing to cover colleagues whilst they have been sick and also our parents for keeping children at home when sick.

Please remind your children that masks are still compulsory on all public transport, we have had some reports from members of the public that our students have not been wearing their masks coming to and from school.

Working Bee – the school will be hosting a community working bee on Saturday 6 August. If you are able to volunteer some time and get involved in some gardening around the school or a host of other jobs please open and complete this google form. Students are welcome to come along to the working bee so long as they are accompanied by a parent and intend to assist. Most jobs will involve gardening. Students have been emailed a separate registration form.

Upcoming events in Term 3:

• Year 10 and 11 wellbeing presentations by Twenty10
• Astronomy Evenings – Thursday 28 July, Monday 1 August and Thursday 4 August: contact Mr Webb for details
• Community Working Bee – Saturday 6 August
• P&C meeting onsite Wednesday 10 August
• Open Morning for prospective students and parents Wednesday 10 August
• City to Surf – Sunday 14 August (if you are interested in joining the FSHS team please contact Ms Ezekiel)
• Gold Duke of Ed excursions, details TBA 19 August – 22 August
• Year 7 Gala Day – August 31
• Year 11 final exams – week 8 and 9
• Year 9 Camp – week 9
• P&C and SRC Fort Fair – Friday 16 September
• Year 12 Breakfast, FLOP assembly and evening graduation – Wednesday 21 September

Your Child’s School Attendance Matters to Us

A simple way to improve your child’s academic success and engagement with their learning is for your child to be at school on time every day.

You can easily check your child’s record of attendance using the Sentral Portal.

We encourage parents and carers to check in with your child to make sure they are arriving on time to school.

Research highlights a clear correlation between student attendance and the achievement of quality academic, socio-economic and health outcomes. This research tells us that students with an attendance rate below 90% are educationally at risk.

Below are the six key risk factors the Department of Education NSW highlights:

1.      Lower scores and poorer academic outcomes
2.      Increased likelihood of dropping out of school earlier
3.      Decreased likelihood of engaging in vocational education
4.      Poorer long-term mental health and social outcomes
5.      Increased likelihood of involvement with criminal activity
6.      Increased likelihood of requiring social assistance
If your child is struggling to get up in the morning to arrive to school on time, try any of the following strategies:

Ask your child to –

·         pack their school bag the night before

·         Check their uniform is ready

·         Pack their lunch the night before

·         Set their alarm to wake up 10 to 20 minutes earlier

·         Catch the earlier bus or train

We encourage every Fortian to be on time and ready to learn this term.

Penelope Starr

Head Teacher Wellbeing

2022 Australian Geography Competition

The Australian Geography Competition is offered each year for our Elective Geography students.  2022 was another excellent year of results for Fort street with many students receiving distinctions and high distinctions.

It was my pleasure to present certificates to those students who achieved in the top 1% of Australia at a recent assembly.

These students are:

Henry Daniels

Samuel Hubbard

Kelanie Prabhakar

Hannah Lee

Leo Sharwood

Johnathan Bonnice

Anne-Sophie Hegi

Joseph McGee.

Anne-Sophie and Leo are absent from the photo.

Garth Chapman

Head Teacher Social Science

Fortian Public Speakers forge their legacy in the 2022 Legacy Public Speaking Competition

On Tuesday the 19th of July 2022, Sammy Anand from Year 9 and Bhavnish Jain from Year 8, represented our school at the Legacy Public Speaking Competition.

Bhavnish gave a moving speech about importance of controlling gun violence and Sammy made a poignant speech about different representations of Feminism. The two of them then went into an impromptu round where they were given 5 minutes to prepare a speech that incorporated the words “in a moment” and deliver that speech in 3 minutes. Bhavnish took the topic to make a touching tribute to his grandfather and the importance of staying connected to his family’s heritage in India. Sammy took the opportunity through this topic, to unpack a moment of controversy that occurred at the Oscar awards between Chris Rock and Will Smith. This then allowed her to make an excellent philosophical point about the importance of an individual to consider the consequences of their actions.

In the end of the competition, Sammy was chosen by the adjudicator to represent Fort Street for round 2 of the competition which will happen later in the term.

Big congrats to Sammy and Bhavnish for putting in so much time and effort to prepare for this competition.

Ms. Truong

Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator

CHS Girls Basketball Team

On Monday the 20th of June, the 15 Girls Basketball Team travelled to Willoughby Girls High School to play in the CHS competition. Previously, in our first game against Tuggerah Lakes, the team played well together with many offensive and defensive rebounds won, leading to a win of 43-17.

Going into the second round against Willoughby Girls, we were pumped and excited for the away game. After going through a quick warm up, led by vice-captain Ashley Huang, as well as a pre-game pep-talk from the coach Mr Vaughan the team was ready. Beginning well, a total of 27 points were scored throughout the match 15 of them being impressive 3-pointers from Hannah-Grace Lee, Sophie Kilburn and Ashley Huang. However, it was a tough game with the opposition full of incredibly talented players who were recognised from the Junior Premier League.

Nevertheless, Fort Street’s effort and tenacity was admirable with a special thanks to Mr Vaughan for coaching and leading the team. Team: Yr 10- Lucie Atkin Bolton (No.2), Hannah-Grace Lee (No. 21), Vivian Shao (No.1), Yr 9- Anika Sinha (No. 9), Ashley Huang (No. 3), Koharu Seino (Away), Livia Zhen (No.22), Sammy Anand (No.7), Sarah Ly (No.10) and Sophie Kilburn (No.23)

Written by Lucie Atkin Bolton and Ashley Huang

Languages study at Fort St and beyond

Students in Year 7 at Fort St have the opportunity to study two languages; one semester of an Asian language (Japanese or Chinese) and one semester of a European language (German or French). In Year 8, they select one of these languages to study for the duration of the year.

Languages are then an elective course in Years 9 and 10. Students aiming to study a language for the HSC should continue with their chosen language in order to be eligible for the Continuers course in Years 11 and 12.

Is your child in Year 8 and wondering what it is like studying a language in Years 9 and 10?

We asked students in Years 9 and 10 what they enjoy about their language studies. Click the image below to see what they told us: Or use this link 

What about senior language study at Fort St?

Year 11 and 12 students studying Chinese, Japanese, German and French at Fort St are positive and excited about their experiences with languages. Click the image to hear more from these senior students, or use this link

Are you already thinking ahead to opportunities to continue your language studies at university?

Universities seek students with language skills because they understand that linguistic and intercultural competence are essential for future employment. Your language studies at Fort St will be valued in university entrance applications and some universities even offer rank adjustments (ATAR ‘bonus points’) for students who have studied a language for their HSC. For example, click here to learn about UNSW’s HSC plus scheme.

You can combine most areas of study with an international or global studies component at university. All universities provide for international study, in-country experiences and exchange programs. As an example, consider the global opportunities UTS offers through its Think Global programme.

Students who are interested in attending Sydney University can participate in an upcoming webinar Studying Languages and Cultures at Sydney: How, why and where it can take you (details here). If you are studying a language in Years 9, 10 or 11, please come to C11 at 4pm on Wednesday August 3 so we can attend together. Afternoon tea will be provided! Ask your Languages teacher for details.

Meet Ms Propsting

What subject do you teach?

Music

Why do you love the subject?

Because who wouldn’t love rocking out to their favourite tunes all day for a living ! But seriously teaching music is challenging intellectually and emotionally. It allows me to explore my passion for music and to connect to community and build confidence in young people as they explore their talents and creativity. Music is a like a full body work out for your brain and I love guiding young people on the journey to meet new challenges and find their own strength

What was your favourite subject at school?

I actually really loved Biology during my HSC year, I’ve always been fascinated by science and especially human anatomy. At the heart of it though I can’t get past my love for making music.

An interesting fact about yourself:

I got to sing on the soundtrack to the Lego batman movie.

Do you have any pets?

I wish I had a pet! The closest I have is visiting my parents ginger cat called Aslan.

Why did you become a teacher?

There are so many reasons I fell in love with this profession! Teaching gives me a sense of purpose and hope.  Working with young people reminds me that when we work together and build community that values and learns to care for one another that we have can have so much of a positive impact on the world around us.

What do you love about being at Fort Street?

I love the people! I count myself so lucky to be a part of community that is so diverse and accepting and I love working with young people who challenge me to become a better teacher and person every day.

Do you think pineapple goes on a pizza? Nah man… gross.

Meet Mr Guy

What subject do you teach?

7-10 Science, 11-12 Biology, 11-12 Earth and Environmental Science. I also teach dad jokes and puns.

Why do you love the subject?

Science is the greatest thing ever, and how life and the universe developed without human interaction is deeply fascinating. I am a cheer leader for science and as a child (adult) I wanted to be a paleontologist, astronomer and marine biologist all in one.

I now realise sharing my passion, seeing the same spark in young people and opening the door for them is my true dream job, and I have it at Fort Street High School!

What was your favourite subject at school?

Science and/or music, depending on the day.

An interesting fact about yourself.

I LOVE heavy metal music. Metallica, Amon Amarth, Gojira, Slipknot, Satyricon, DevilDriver, etc. The heavier the better! \,,/

Do you have any pets?

Two cats, Daphne and Lola

Why did you become a teacher?

I had good inspiring teachers and influenced me, but I look back and it really came from an awful Science teacher I had in Year 10. Sitting in his lesson week after tedious week and realising “I could do this job better than you.”

What do you love about being at Fort Street?

The kids are nerds and so am I. There is a natural culture of learning and of celebrating individuality. It is a great place students can be themselves, at least compared to other places I have worked.

It is not without its faults, but no place is perfect. We don’t stay in a job because it is perfect, we stay because we believe in it, are proud of it and want to work make it better.

Do you think pineapple goes on a pizza?

Once again, celebrating individuality is important at the Fort. If you like pineapple on pizza, or pickled eggs, horseradish, chicken feet or motor oil, or whatever ingredient tickles your fancy, then yes, it belongs on pizza.

IMP News – An exciting opportunity for choral singers

Applications are now open for the Arts Alive Secondary Choir. This is an SATB vocal ensemble that is being formed specially to perform at the Arts Alive Choral Festival at the Sydney Town Hall on Tuesday 9 August. Any NSW public school student from Years 7 to 12 can apply to be in the choir. You will need to attend two workshops prior to the performance. The choir will be conducted by Rachel Kelly. If you are in the Fort Street Vocal Ensemble or Chamber Choir you do not need to submit an audition video. Instead, please type “Fort Street” in the part of the form that asks for an audition link. Follow this link for more information and to apply:

Arts Alive Secondary Choir Information

The deadline for applications has been extended to Monday 1 August.

SRC Report and Spirit Week

School Spirit Week

In Week 10, Term 2, the SRC co-organised School Spirit Week with the House Captains. The event entailed a week-long of events, activities and competitions students could get involved with. The goal of the event was to raise school and house spirit, along with hosting fun events to keep students engaged as the halfway mark of the year approached. The house captains organised netball competitions, chess competitions and a Mario Kart tournament. We had a few disruptions throughout the week, but nonetheless, it was a fun and successful Spirit Week!

Spirit Week Monday

Monday was stalls day, where students and committees were able to host stalls during lunchtime which were self-profitable or towards a charity. 13 student-led stalls were hosted in the Kilgour Quad, including the SRC BBQ, bake sales, Indian food, jewellery, waffles, cookies, brownies and drawings. Thank you to all students who put in initiative to organise their stall for the school to enjoy. If you are interested in hosting a stall for Fort Fair in Week 9 of this term, please fill out the form – https://forms.gle/XGaXzisJ9JXJMZfA8.

Spirit Week Wednesday

Wednesday was mufti day and the Rubik’s cube competition. The speed cubing competition had 3 different events; 3×3, 2×2 and Pyraminx. Thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to the following students who ranked in the top 3 of their events (averages are listed).

Spirit Week Friday

The SRC hosted a movie night in the hall during an extended lunchtime. Many students joined us in the hall to watch My Neighbour Totoro and munch on some snacks. The movie was voted on via our Instagram page (@fshssrc) which the Fort Street community should follow to stay updated with upcoming events and school business!

After the NAIDOC assembly, the SRC collected donations for Gunawirra, a non-profit organisation. Gunawirra connects Aboriginal families and children to early intervention programs centred around healing, resilience, self-reliance and culture. For more information about their work, visit their website – https://gunawirra.org.au/.

Here are the winners from the competitions organised by the House Captains.

Netball Results

Chess Results

The SRC raised $500 from School Spirit Week and $200 for Gunawirra. We’d like to thank the school for their involvement in the event. 

Future Leaders Week

The funds raised for the SRC, via School Spirit Week, will be going towards Future Leaders Week in Week 5, Term 4. It is an upcoming inter-school event where students from all over Sydney (Fort Street included) will be invited to interact and listen to our guest panellists, followed by workshops, aiming to promote leadership amongst young people.

Fort Fair 

Fort Fair will be held in Week 9, Term 3. The SRC are looking for students to host stalls for this after-school community event, similar to the Spirit Week stalls and commerce stalls. As previously mentioned, if you are interested in hosting a stall, please fill out the expression of interest form by Monday 1st August at 9am – https://forms.gle/XGaXzisJ9JXJMZfA8.

If you have any feedback or ideas on school related business, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to contact your SRC via email (srcfshs@gmail.com), Instagram (@fshssrc) or simply talk to one of our friendly SRC members.

Have a great day!

Alyssa Khaw (she/her)

Year 11

SRC President

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, the Gadigal and Wangal people of the Eora nation. We respect and recognise their strong continuing connection to their culture, land, water and community, and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.

Get involved – Working Bee Saturday 6th August

Fort Street High School will be hosting a working bee on Saturday 6^th August to finish off the school  kitchen garden, get some planting and other gardening done across the school possibly even paint a classroom or two and some other general tidy up. We will be hosting a barbeque for all our volunteers at lunch time.

This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to come to the school and meet with other parents whilst contributing to the kitchen garden. No skills are required just a willingness to help out! Children

If you have time to spare and would like to volunteer for either gardening, painting, general cleaning, water delivery to the troops please fill out your details in the google form and we will be in touch with you.

https://forms.gle/T7DRhtraim5zNELGA

Life Skills

Over a number of years (Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People) ACYP has regularly heard from children and young people that they want more opportunities to learn information about practical Life Skills to prepare them for adulthood. Young people often tell us that, in addition to the education

Life Skills
The Life Skills resource is a series of videos, created with a goal to provide young people with support as they transition to adulthood.

ACYP has regularly heard from children and young people that they want more opportunities to learn information about practical life skills. Young people often tell us that, in addition to the education and supports they already receive, they want more access to practical, real-life advice – including support on how to manage one’s health, finances, employment and households.

The Life Skills videos were created by drawing on feedback that ACYP has heard directly from consultations with young people. The topics chosen are based on ACYP’s consultation and polling findings, with young people reporting that they want more information on four key areas: health and wellbeing, financial management, career literacy and the ‘making a house a home’. ACYP worked with ATYP to produce these videos.

The overall purpose of these Life Skills videos is to help young people make informed decisions, solve problems, think critically communicate effectively and cope with and manage their lives in a healthy and productive manner.

Follow this link for more information

Free HSC Study Sessions

From 26-30 September 2022, Western Sydney University is offering a range of online study sessions to assist Year 12 students in their preparations for the HSC.

Delivered by highly qualified senior teachers, 26 free sessions across 14 key HSC subject areas, the sessions will include content analysis, tips and strategies, and a detailed exploration of key syllabus and curriculum areas. Students will also have the opportunity to sit a practice exam and deconstruction, with feedback and advice from experts.

The HSC Study Sessions are offered in partnership with leading education services provider InspirationED, with their team of highly qualified HSC teachers and experienced markers to deliver the sessions.

Click here for more information.

UNSW Open Day

Open Day is your chance to find out about the opportunities that await you at UNSW.

Expect a day of festivities, tours and touchpoints for you to explore your interests and have your questions answered. Register now to get access to plan your day.

Register here

University of Sydney Open Day

Experience Sydney at Open Day

Register now to build your personal timetable and take full advantage of everything on offer.

The program is packed with everything you need to start your journey. Join a range of information sessions, get personalised answers at our course advice and student services centres, meet staff and students and check out the campus! We’ll have activities and tours throughout the day, so you can explore all your interests.

Click here for more information.

UTS Open Day

Explore your course and career options at UTS Open Day! With 100+ info sessions, campus tours, advising and more on offer, it’s a great opportunity to talk to academics and current students and get your UTS questions answered.

Date: Saturday 27 August
Time: 9am – 3pm
Format: The event will be held in a hybrid format and you will be able to choose to attend the event on-campus or online.

Click here for more information.

AVCAT Scholarships

AVCAT Scholarships – Open 18 August

AVCAT scholarships, including the Long Tan Bursary, are tertiary scholarships for the children and grandchildren of Australian ex-serving veterans. Scholarships are $4000–$6000 per year for three years.

Applications open on 18 August 2022, Vietnam Veterans’ Day, and close at midnight AEDT on 31 October 2022.

Apply online at avcat.org.au

Applicants must be:

• Enrolled or planning to enrol in a full-time course for one or more academic year’s duration at university TAFE, or RTO in 2023.
• The child, stepchild, foster child, or grandchild of an Australian ex-serving veteran
• An Australian citizen or permanent resident
• In receipt of, or eligible to receive, Centrelink payments including Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, Austudy, VCES or an accepted means-tested Commonwealth government payment in 2023

The Long Tan Bursary is sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs. View the complete list of AVCAT Scholarship sponsors here.

Find information about scholarships, the application process or scholarship eligibility at avcat.org.au.