Principals Report

Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,

Year 12 have completed their HSC Trial exams and have returned to class for their final 6 weeks of classes. Some of our students are making final preparations for the next few weeks when they will complete their HSC practical performances and projects. The HSC Language oral exams also officially began over the weekend.

All the best to the HSC Class of 2024 who will complete an exam over the coming weeks, and to those handing in major works.

Public Education Week

Last week was Public Education Week which is an annual celebration of NSW public education and the achievement of our schools, teachers and students. It is fitting that on the first day of Public Education Week as the oldest government high school in Australia, Fort Street received a visit from the Governor General of Australia Sam Mostyn AC with her husband Simeon Beckett SC (Fortial 1981) and Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG (Fortian 1955).

This awesome trio offered up advice in a Q&A session with our Year 11 Legal Studies students who one day wish to join the bar, with Mr Beckett and Justice Kirby reminiscing on their good old school days at the Fort. Our distinguished guests were then taken on a tour of the Robotics lab where they were introduced to our international award winning Year 11 robotics team who had the opportunity to proudly demonstrate their very own designed, built and coded soccer robots.

The tour then continued into the Wilkins building where Justice Kirby and Mr Beckett were treated to an intimate performance of ‘Gaudeamus Igitur’ and the School Song ‘Come, Let the Strains Resound’ by Year 10 Music students and Ms Propsting.

The tour ended with a visit to the school museum in which Mr Beckett was able to see articles and photos of himself.

Student Congratulations

The first day of Public Education Week ended with an event for the Public Education Awards 2024. Ms Cameron and I had the honour of attending this prestigious ceremony at Sydney Town Hall to congratulate Year 12 student Kalanie Prabhakar for being awarded a Minister’s Award for Excellence. Kalanie was presented her award by the Honourable Prue Car. This award was presented to Kalanie for initiating and organising a number of student campaigns and events at FSHS. As SRC President, she organised a Future Leaders Conference for over 200 students across 30 high schools. Kalanie has been a member of the SRC every year since Year 7, is active on a variety of committees and has completed the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. Outside school she coaches netball and is a (non-Jewish) member of the Sydney Jewish Museum Youth Committee. Kalanie is a positive, enthusiastic champion and ally for a wide range of people and causes she believes in.

The Honourable Justice Michael Kirby, who is leading the Department of Education’s new alumni project, was also recognised at this event with the presentation of one of the inaugural Outstanding Advocate for Public Education Award.

Upcoming events in Term 3:

Friday 16^th August: Multicultural Day – student to wear cultural dress to school. There will be a multicultural day focused assembly and special events and food stalls taking place during lunch.

Friday 16^th August: NSW Interschool Girls Teams Chess Challenge

Saturday 17^th August – Friday 23^rd August: International Students visiting from Suginami Sogo Sister School in Japan

Thursday 22^nd August: Be Smart Year 11 excursion to Homebush

Friday 23^rd August: Second Hand Uniform Stall at lunch

Juliette McMurray

Volunteers Needed!

Fort Fest is coming soon – Friday 20th September from 3.30 – 8pm.

Organised by the P&C and the SRC, this exciting afternoon of food, games and music brings together the school community and raises funds for the school. Plus celebrating our 175th Anniversary. Visit the Side Show Alley and win a prize at stalls like Spin the Wheel Stall, Hook A Duck or Flower Pot Ping Pong. Test your skills in the Challenge Zone with Bubble Soccer, Air Hockey, Giant Darts and the Pinball Machines. Pick up a book, board game or a plant and enjoy a wonderful evening of music from the IMP while dining on delicious food from the International Food Stalls.

Can you help with setting up…1.30 – 3.30?

Working on a stall for a couple of hours between 3.30 – 8.30?

Packing up at the end of the night?

Plenty of opportunities to get involved with this fun event and support the school community.

There’s lots on so we need your help. Get in quick to choose your preferred spot. Fort Fest 2024

We also need:
A qualified Electrician or two – onsite during set up and the event.

Qualified First Aiders to assist in the First Aid Room

Challenge Zone Coordinator to manage the space and work with the hire companies

Online Silent Auction Manager to set up the online auction and coordinate delivery of prizes

Can you help on our Donation Days – Friday 6th & 13th September 8.30 – 10.30am receiving and sorting donations?

If you are keen to join our organising committee we would really love some help – please contact dewolfies@yahoo.com.au

Fort Street Careers Fair

On Tuesday, 20 August, Fort Street will once again host a special Careers Fair for students in Years 11 and 12, as well as their parents/caregivers. Last year’s Careers Fair was a great success, receiving extremely positive feedback from both Fortians and stallholders.

The event will take place in the school hall from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

All the major Sydney universities will be present, along with several other prestigious tertiary institutions and scholarship programs. This is an outstanding opportunity for students to have one-on-one conversations and ask individual questions to the academics and current students from various institutions. Parents and caregivers are also invited to attend to have your questions answered and learn about all the available opportunities.

Year 12 students will be able to participate from 12:30 pm onwards, after Period 4. Year 11 students will be able to join them after sport concludes at approximately 2:45 pm. For both groups, this will be in the students’ own time, not during class time. We hope you can encourage your child to take advantage of this special opportunity to connect directly with these organisations all in one place at one time.

The school’s Careers Service will also provide a free BBQ and soft drinks for students attending the Careers Fair. If you have any questions about this event, please contact the school’s Careers Adviser, Kylie Salisbury, at kylie.salisbury@det.nsw.edu.au.

Wear It Purple Day!

On the 30th of August – Friday – Week 6 – we’ll be raising money for Wear it Purple, a charity that supports and celebrates LGBTQIA+ Youth.

To show your support: 

Bring a gold coin donation for mufti (something fun and something purple!)

Don’t forget your money at home because there will be a bake sale in the fountain quad @ lunch

Strut down the catwalk to show off your purple outfit in the hall at lunch (best dressed prizes!)

Year 9 Camp at Fort Street

Fort Street’s Year 9 students embarked on an unforgettable adventure for their annual camp this week. Their location was Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre nestled in the stunning natural surroundings of the Colo River, the camp provided an excellent opportunity for students to bond, learn, and create lasting memories.

“This Duke of Ed camp experience was really awesome for me and gave me a chance to work collaboratively with a group. I enjoyed nights around the campfire the most, talking with friends and playing games.”

Pranaya Prasath 

Throughout the three-day experience, students participated in a range of learning activities in outdoor education as they worked towards their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. This hands-on learning approach allowed students to gain practical skills while deepening their appreciation for the environment… And have a lot of fun.

“​​The Bronze Duke of Ed hike was extremely challenging but rewarding experience for everyone. On the practice hike, getting used to the rucksacks (and feeling how heavy they actually were) was one of the biggest challenges throughout camp. Climbing uphill and downhill on the qualifying journey with our rucksacks was tiring and difficult, but as a group we communicated and took frequent breaks to support ourselves. Navigating and taking charge of the group was new for a lot of us, but we took it on and used our skills to push through and get to base. Surprisingly, making our lunches and cooking dinner went relatively smoothly. We kept our motivation and powered through the last day even though our legs were tired and shoulders hurt.

Throughout the camp, I gained many skills like navigating, pitching tents and planning meals. It also taught us teamwork skills such as communicating and being supportive in a tough environment. This experience helped me form closer bonds and new friendships. The camp leaders from Somerset were extremely friendly, and I would like to thank them and the teachers who joined us for making this experience possible.”

Jacquline Chen

Being on camp without their electronic devices for three days was a fantastic way to refocus and be mindful of the friendships and beautiful scenery around them. This prompted some students to unlock their creative sides.

I rest my head up on my shoe, 

my eyes cast to the sky.

Mark out patterns in the jewels, 

watch them glimmer in the night.

The tide of day has long retreated

revealing the black,

How keenly the sand shines when its light is unmasked.

But really to say sooth,

No beach, no screen, no dream, 

Could ever match the beauty that I have just seen.

I trace the gentle smear

of Milky Way across the void.

Realising just how small I am,

And that life should be enjoyed.

We lay in solemn quiet,

Enraptured by the view.

There! A shooting star!

I wish you saw it too.

I’m feeling a little sad,

For my house is not nearby.

Though now when my eyes shut closed,

A billion stars, I spy.

A Poem about Year 9 Camp

By Terance Kang

As the camp came to a close, it was clear that the experience had a significant impact on everyone involved. Year 9 students returned eager to share their stories and insights with their classmates, grateful for the friendships forged and the lessons learned.

The beautiful field sketches by Emily Gao

Field Sketches 

By Emily Gao

A special thanks to the teachers and staff who attended the camp; Ms Cho, Mrs Smith, Ms Dooley, Mr Saraif, Mr Feng and Mrs Thompson – They were an excellent and supportive team and camps like this cannot happen without teachers giving up their personal time. Hopefully, Year 9 are keen to continue their adventure into Silver Duke of Edinburgh in 2025!

Mr. Latimer

Year 9 Year Advisor

Gotcha4Life 24hr Row

IMP Update

12 August 2024

1. IMP Tutor Reports being retired

This year, the IMP is retiring the tutor reports that in the past have come out each semester. After an in-depth review, these reports were found to not fulfil their dual purpose: supporting student learning, and keeping the IMP and school informed of progress and/or issues faced by our students. The reports are also a huge unpaid administrative burden on our wonderful tutors.

In place of these reports, we have implemented a regular checkup on all students taking lessons at school. Our IMP Administrative Assistant, Eve Osborn, will be talking to all IMP tutors once each term, and will make brief notes highlighting any issues that have arisen, challenges with progress, and also any notable accomplishments by students.

For students who have made great progress, there will be the opportunity to earn profile points in one of the following areas: Academic Excellence, Skills and Talents, Independent Learner, Resilience, Collaboration, & Communication, Community and Social Justice. For any issues raised, Dr Manchester will be following up directly with students and parents.

This new model will better allow the IMP to support students who are facing challenges in their music learning and provide meaningful reward for students who are demonstrating great effort and achievement.

2. The 2MBS Young Virtuoso Award 2024

Classical instrumentalists under the age of 25 years and classical singers under the age of 30 years are now invited to apply for the 2MBS Young Virtuoso Award 2024.

Applicants submit up to a maximum 10-minute audition video by 5pm Monday 30 September 2024 using the online submission form: https://www.2mbsfinemusicsydney.com/yva/

Prizes include:

1. A cash prize of $3,000 for the winner, $1,000 for the runner-up and a $500 Adjudicator Encouragement Award.
2. A performance opportunity with the North Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
3. Rising Star feature interview in Limelight Magazine
4. Represent 2MBS in the National Fine Music Network Young Virtuoso Award

There is a $50 application fee, and applicants must be Australian citizens.

3. The Royal Australian Navy Band Alongside Mentorship Program

The #RANBand Sydney Alongside: Mentorship Program is open for applications! Applications are open for high school musicians aged 15 and over in years 10-12 to join the Royal Australian Navy Band for rehearsals and performances.

The Alongside Program gives participants the opportunity to experience rehearsals amongst professional musicians and a unique access to life in a military band. The program can act as a springboard for those wanting to pursue performance at a professional level providing participants with the skills to establish a diverse and successful career in music. The program is designed for high school students in years 10-12 who wish to experience the joy of tackling highly challenging repertoire and who may be contemplating a performance career.

Closing date for applications: 19th of August 2024

Rehearsal session dates: 16th and 23rd September 2024

Performances: 24th and 25th September 2024

Download information pack and apply HERE: https://bit.ly/RANSyd

Audition video submissions due by 22nd August 2024

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Premier’s Reading Challenge ending soon!

The deadline for entering your books for the Premier’s Reading Challenge is August 23^rd. Remember you can read ten own choice books and ten from the PRC list in the years 5-6, 7-9 and 9 plus book lists. You can now read five books in a PRC series and another ten in the series for your own choice books. Due to the disruption we have all experienced over the last few years, year 10 students can still take part in the Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Please see Ms Page in the Library if you need any assistance with your Premier’s Reading Challenge entries.

Happy reading!

Year 10 Work Experience Success!

Congratulations to Nicholette Anastasia in Year 10 who undertook work experience at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UNSW. Her outstanding written report won her a gift voucher from the faculty.

Well done Nicholette!

From the Fort Street Archives

Fort Street Olympians

The Olympic Games are considered the world’s foremost sports competition with more than 200 nations participating. From 241 participants representing 14 nations at the first modern Games in Athens in 1896, the Olympics Games have grown to about 10,500 competitors from 204 nations at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

Some of the past Fortians who have brought great honour by winning thirteen medals include Freddie Lane, Harold Hardwick, Betty McKinnon and June Maston. Interestingly, if Fort Street was a country, it would rate with of nations like Chile, Israel, and Malaysia in the medal tally to date. Take a look at the list, below, of other Fortians who have participated in the Olympics. It makes you wonder who, amongst the current cohort of Fort Street students, could be Australia’s next great Olympian.

Lane, Frederick Claude Vivien “Freddie” (Fortian 1893)

Paris 1900 – Swimming – Gold medals 200m & obstacle.

Hardwick, Harold Hampton (Fortian 1905)

Stockholm 1912 – Swimming – Gold medal 4×200 relay; Bronze medals 400m & 1500m freestyle

McKinnon, Elizabeth L ‘Betty’ (Fortian 1941)

London 1948 – Athletics – Silver Medal 4x100m relay

Ferguson, June Elaine (Maston) (Fortian 1944)

London 1948 – Athletics – Silver Medal 4x100m relay

Mathews, Marlene Judith (Fortian 1951)

Melbourne 1956 – Athletics – Bronze Medals 100m/200m

Henricks, John Malcolm ‘Jon’ (Fortian 1954)

Melbourne 1956 – Swimming – Gold medals 100m freestyle and 4x200m relay

Black, Marilyn Mary (Fortian 1960)

Tokyo 1964 – Athletics – Bronze Medal 200 metres

Weeks, Liz (Fortian 1989)

Sydney 2000 – Water Polo – Gold Medal Water Polo

Woods, Taryn (Fortian 1993)

Sydney 2000 – Water Polo – Gold Medal Water Polo

Announcing our Fort Street Sponsors!

Thank you to Milk & Honey Photography for their generous support of our school.

Milk & Honey are award-winning photographers based in Leichhardt, known for beautiful, natural style photography. They are a family-run (and parents of a Fort St student) small business who would love to capture your family relationships and moments in time that you will cherish for years to come.

Find out more at www.milkandhoney.com.au.

Math Words Not Squiggles 

A massive THANK YOU to Maths Words not Squiggles for donating a term of tuition to our Fort Fest 2024!!

If you’re interesting in tutoring, we recommend MWNS because:

✏️ Every lesson is personalised to your child’s individual needs & aligned with their schoolwork!

📚 They teach all levels and abilities in Maths & English from Kindergarten through to Year 12!

💪 They have been building confident leaners since 2003 – that’s over 20 years of experience!

🤗 The teaching team is professional, passionate & friendly – so your kids will love going to tutoring!

Want to learn more? Visit their website (www.mwns.com.au) or call them (02 9697 9999)

Fort Fest is on September 20th and we are looking for more sponsors to support our big birthday fundraiser.

We are offering 3 Sponsorship Levels to suit different sized businesses:

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Donation Amount: $5000

Benefits:

• The business’s name as a Platinum Sponsor on signage at the event
• The option to hold a stall at the event
• An invitation to present an award at the event.
• Free banner ad in the school’s fortnightly newsletter for 5 editions
• Profile piece in the school newsletter and on the P&C’s Facebook page
• Acknowledgement and thanks in the annual school publication, ‘The Fortian’

GOLD SPONSOR

Donation Amount: $2000

Benefits:

• The business’s name as a Gold Sponsor on signage at the event
• An invitation to present an award at the event.
• Free banner ad in 1 edition of the school’s fortnightly newsletter
• Profile piece in the school newsletter and on the P&C’s Facebook page
• Acknowledgement and thanks in the annual school publication, ‘The Fortian’

SILVER SPONSOR

Donation Amount: $1000

Benefits:

• The business’s name as a Silver Sponsor on signage at the event
• Free banner ad in 1 edition of the school’s fortnightly newsletter
• Acknowledgement and thanks in the school newsletter and on the P&C’s Facebook page
• Acknowledgement and thanks in the annual school publication, ‘The Fortian’

If you or a family member owns a business which would like to contribute to this great event, please contact Elizabeth Kenyon – events@fortstreetpandc.org or 0431 485 995

Book Week Quiz

To celebrate Book Week we’re holding a book quiz!

If you think you know your way around books, come and test your knowledge in the library Thursday 22nd August at lunchtime.

See you there!

Fair Day at Wilkins Public School

Head down to Wilkins Public School in Marrickville for classic fair day Sunday 8th September – rides, games, food and prizes!

Calling all ex-Wilkins students – visit your old school for a nostalgia kick and take your friends!

With thanks to Wilkins P&C for sharing resources with Fort Street P&C for our own upcoming Fort Fest on Friday September 20th.