Principal’s Report

Principal’s Report 14/8/24

Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,

Whilst many of our year 12 students were breathing a momentary sigh of relief, many of their peers have still been working every minute they can find finishing off their major works in English Extension 2, Visual Art, Design and Technology and Music. These works will be on display on Monday 2 September after school. English Extension 2 works will be on display in the Ron Horan Museum from 5.30pm, Visual Art Body of Works and Music Major works will be showcased in the staff common room from 5pm until 7pm and there will be a Music Performance Recital in the hall between 6pm and 7pm, all family and friends are welcome to attend.

Visiting Japanese students

It was our great pleasure last week to host students from our sister school Suginami Sogo High School in Tokyo. The visiting students from Japan spent full school days participating in daily lessons and visited Taronga Zoo and Manly. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr Gillespie for taking care of all the arrangements for this group during their stay and to the families who hosted these students in their homes.

SAS Staff Recognition Week

Week 6 has been SAS Recognition week. This is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to thank our support staff for their dedication to our students, staff and parents. Every day our School Administration and Support Staff keep the school running efficiently. Our SAS staff play many roles supporting the efficient management of the school including administration, health and safety, asset management, project management and finance.

School Canteen

The provision of healthy food options at Fort Street is important to us. Bon Appetit Catering has been our canteen provider for over 5 years, they are committed to providing fresh and healthy food for our students and staff every day. It is policy of the Department of Education that school canteen services are subject to a regular formal tender process prior to a licence being granted to the chosen operator. After gaining support from the school P&C to continue with an external provider the school has commenced the tender process. An advertisement with further details can be found at the end of this issue of Mercurius.

Fort Fest

Our biannual Fort Fest is fast approaching – Friday 20th of September from 3:30pm to 8.00pm. This year Fort Street is celebrating 175 years and as such there are some additional events taking place throughout the afternoon and evening. At 4.30pm there will be a First Nations smoking ceremony and cultural performance, the IMP ensembles will be playing in the Kilgour Quad all afternoon and evening and we have games, challenges, as well as plenty of amazing food. Make sure to save the date and bring all your family and friends along. If you would like to participate in a school tour these can be booked through the school website.

Upcoming events in Term 3:

Monday 2 September: HSC VA and Music Showcase

Wednesday 4 September: Reconciliation Action Lunch

Thursday 5 September: Year 9 PDM excursion to Cockatoo Island

Friday 6 September: Year 8 History/Geography Excursion, 5

Friday 6 September: Year 7-10 Meetings Period 2 to vote for SRC 202

Monday 9 September – Thursday 19 September: Year 11 exams

Wednesday 11 September: P&C Meeting

Friday 20 September: Fort Fest 3:30pm – 8:00pm

Sunday 22 September – Tuesday 24 September: Duke of Ed Gold Practice and Silver Qualifier Walk

Juliette McMurray

State Wind Band Concert

Congratulations to Gabriel Huang from Year 7 for being a part of the State Wind Band Concert this month.

The State Wind Band coordinated by The Arts Unit, consisted of 76 students from 57 different public high schools across NSW. The students engaged in an intensive weekend rehearsal before taking to the Sydney Opera House stage, performing two challenging pieces in front of sold-out audiences as a part of the Festival of Choral Music. The students are to be commended on their musical achievements as well as the positive manner in which they represented their schools.

National Geography Competition

2024 National Geography Competition Results

We are thrilled to announce the outstanding achievements of our students in the recent 2024 National Geography Competition! Our talented participants showcased their expertise and passion for geography, bringing home remarkable results. Moreover, Fort Street students have a track record of excelling in Geography with a student in last Year’s HSC cohort, Leonard Kelly, achieving a state ranking with his spectacular performance.

This year, our school was represented by an enthusiastic group of students who competed against some of the best talents from across the nation. They demonstrated not only their knowledge of geography but also their ability to think critically and apply what they have learned in real-world contexts. The competition included various challenging components, such as map reading, geographical analysis, and even a quiz on current global events.

Of particular note:

• Two Year 8 students achieving in the top 1% of the country within their age group. Congratulations Evie Cairns and Audrey Khong!
• 76% of Fortian entrants earned a distinction result or higher.

We are incredibly proud of all the participants. Their commitment to learning and excellence reflects the spirit of our school. We encourage all students to continue exploring and nurturing their interests in geography and the world around them and enter next year’s competition.

Mr David Latimer

Social Science Teacher

CHS Netball Team

IMP Update

IMP Update – 26 August 2024

1. Fort Fest Performances

Fort Fest will take place Friday 20 September, from 3:20pm-8pm, and is the IMP’s major performance event for Term 3. There is a fantastic festival atmosphere at this event and family and friends are encouraged to attend.

All IMP members are expected to perform with their respective ensembles. If students are running a stall, they must ensure coverage is available during their performance(s).

Please note that the IMP performances run throughout the afternoon and evening in the Lower Kilgour Quad.

Performances are NOT at regular intervals! It is incredibly important that everyone reads the schedule carefully and arrives at the correct time.

Students should arrive at the Lower Kilgour Quad at the time specified for their ensemble in the timetable below. They should then unpack in the Basement, K7 or K19, and proceed immediately to the stage when the preceding group has finished playing. The 8-minute changeover time includes all stage resets, tuning, and announcements.

In the event of wet weather, the IMP performances will take place in the Library, following the same schedule.

2. AUDITIONS for WAAPA Diploma of Music and Bachelor of Music

WA Academy of Performing Arts will be holding live music auditions in Sydney on Friday 20 September.

NOTE: The closing date for applications is 2 September 2024!

WAAPA offers Diploma of Music and Bachelor of Music courses in classical music, jazz, contemporary music, singer-songwriting and composition.  WAAPA have over 600 music students and their graduates can be found working and performing world-wide.

For more information, see the attached flyer or visit these links:

Classical: https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/614893/Classical_Performance_Audition_and_Interview_Guide.pdf

Jazz: https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/614896/Jazz_Performance_Audition_and_Interview_Guide.pdf

Contemporary: https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/614895/Contemporary_Music_Audition_and_Interview_Guide.pdf

Composition:

https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/614894/Composition_and_Music_Technology_Audition_and_Interview_Guide.pdf

Multicultural Day 2024

This year’s Multicultural Day was a lively celebration of Fortians’ many cultures, nationalities, and languages.

On Friday 16th August, students wore cultural dress (or a sports jersey) to represent their cultural heritage – and they looked amazing! Thanks to all the parents who kept their children’s cultural dress and encouraged them to wear it.

During the Multicultural Day assembly, two student groups performed a K-Pop routine and a South Asian performance, while others participated in an Olympic opening ceremony-inspired parade of flags, ranging from Mauritius to Ireland to the Australian Aboriginal Flag. 

The SRC also presented the results of a survey conducted to hear about Fortians’ cultures, languages, nationalities, and their thoughts on multiculturalism at Fort Street. A clear majority agreed they felt included at Fort Street, and that it was accepting of all cultures. 

Students and staff were clapping and cheering so loud throughout the assembly that few words could cut through the noise, but the message – celebrating multiculturalism – was heard loud and clear.

At lunch, 17 student-run stalls sold food and drinks from around the world – everything from Chinese dumplings to German pastries and Egyptian guava nectar. Shout out to the Year 8 SRC’s amazing Chinese food and the SRC’s world map stall, where students could place a diamante on a place they associate with their culture.

Thank you to the school executive and teachers who facilitated all the stalls on the day, and the office staff who purchased more flags than the school has ever seen. 

Thanks also to Dante and Charlie who planned this amazing event – this SRC Executive’s last event! Multicultural Day never fails to make us proud of our cultures, and proud to be part of such a diverse and welcoming school.

P.S. Below are some of the statistics the SRC gathered (of the 170 Fortians surveyed) for anyone who’s curious!

Rugby

After a strong rugby season last year in the Queens Park competition in which we entered one intermediate team, this season began with promise as we entered Junior, Intermediate, and Senior teams. In the first round, despite strong efforts, our Intermediate and Senior teams lost, while the Juniors celebrated a resounding win over Moriah College.

In the second round, the Juniors continued their winning streak by defeating Emanuel College. The Senior and Intermediate teams faced tough opponents and, despite losing, delivered commendable performances.

The Juniors will play Kesser Torah College in the final group stage round, while the Intermediates have a bye before their semi-final. Unfortunately, our senior’s team will not get to play any more games. The finals start on Wednesday, September 4th, at Nagle Park, 4 pm. We wish our students luck in their upcoming matches.

Fort Street Careers Day

Fortian Alumni came back to the school to connect with current year 11 and 12 students at our Careers Fair.

They represented the UTS Bachelor of Accounting Co-op Scholarship program, the Macquarie University Actuarial Co-op scholarship program, the University of Sydney Faculties of Law, Engineering and Advanced Science, and UTS post-graduate Architecture.

They loved connecting with the current students and wish our current HSC candidates all the very best for their exams, and for their future studies.

Visual Arts Excursion

Year 10 and 11 students visit the Art Gallery of NSW!

During Week 4, students from Year 10 and 11 Visual Arts visited the Art Gallery of New South Wales to see a variety of exhibitions. We started the day in the Naala Nura building to view the Archiblald, Wynne and Sulman prizes. This allowed students to see a variety of portrait and landscape paintings. The variety of artworks allowed for some different responses amongst everyone (and Ms Capel and Ms Cho) – some brought admiration, joy, intrigue, and even a bit of shock! It was also fun to debate the winning painting and the judges choice.

Later in the day we visited the Naala Badu building where students were able to roam the different levels and go on a scavenger hunt to find artworks they liked, would never want to make, and could smell! We finished the day with some sketches of their favourite artworks…and a photo shoot in front of some of the permanent sculptures. Such a wonderful day at the gallery!

Ms Capel & Ms Cho

Healthy Study Habits with School TV

In today’s world, where distractions are abundant and the pressure to excel is high, guiding children to develop healthy study habits is more important than ever. As students aspire to achieve academic success, the cornerstone of that achievement lies not just in their intelligence or drive, but in the study habits they cultivate.

It’s essential for students to recognise that good study habits aren’t merely about spending extra hours hitting the books. It’s more about quality over quantity and having a more balanced approach. Emphasising the value of a routine is essential. Consistent study times establish a sense of structure and discipline, turning studying into a natural part of their daily routine rather than a burdensome task.

Additionally, how students approach their study sessions is equally important. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of this process in maintaining focus and preventing burnout.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and consistent physical activity are indispensable elements that will significantly impact your child’s ability to study effectively. Fostering these healthy habits is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer children, paving the way for a lifetime of learning and achievement.

This Special Report will help you support your young person as they embark on studying for exams.

Here is the link to your Special Report. 

Leichhardt Wanderers Cricket Club

Children’s Week Art Competition

For Children’s Week 2024, the Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People, together with the NSW Children’s Week Council, is inviting entries for the NSW Children’s Week Art Competition.

Children’s Week runs from 19 October – 27 October 2024, with the theme based on the UNCRC Article 24: Children have the right to a clean and safe environment.

Children and young people are invited to submit an artwork that shows the ways they connect with and enjoy the environment around them. The competition is open to all children and young people up to the age of 18 living in NSW. Group entries are accepted and encouraged!

Steps on how to enter for children and young people:

Brainstorm

Before you start creating your artwork, take a moment to brainstorm:

Which parts of the environment do you enjoy being in regularly?
Where do you feel connected to the environment and why?
How do you show the environment love and care?

Create your own artwork that shows us the ways you connect with and enjoy the environment around you. Your artwork can be in the form of drawing, painting, photography or digital illustration.

We encourage using materials for your artwork that are easily accessible and already available to you.

Describe

In 50-150 words, explain what your artwork represents including the reasons how and why you feel connected to the environment and how you show it love. This description will be provided through the submission form alongside your artwork.

Submit

Once you have completed your artwork please take a clear digital picture of your artwork. Then, click on the submission form and fill in the appropriate details. Insert the picture and description of your artwork in the sections provided.

Prizes

There will be a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place chosen for each of the 3 age groups (5 years and under, 6-11 years and 12-18 years), with up to nine winners in total.

The winning entries will be decided by the Advocate for Children and Young People, with the support of the NSW Youth Advisory Council and members of the NSW Children’s Week Council.

Entries close Monday, 30 September 2024.

Enter here.

Fort Fest Donations

Fort Fest – Donation Days

One month to Fort Fest and we are now calling for DONATIONS!

There will be two DONATION DAYS

WHEN: 6th & 13th September

WHERE: from 8.30 – 10.30 at the school Front Office

WHAT to DONATE:

• Quality second hand books and games
• Plants
• Chocolate Bars – large and small
• We’d also love donations of delicious baked goods for the Sweet Treats stall – but these can be delivered on the 20th September to the office or directly to the stall from 1.30pm.

Volunteers are still needed for the food stalls and other tasks on the night – sign up now for your choice of spot: https://signup.com/go/dEkEKJC

Are you a qualified Electrician – can you help us from 1.30 – 3.30?

Two more qualified First Aiders needed.

Can you help from 2-3pm to supervise the delivery of the pinball, air hockey and bubble soccer games in the Challenge Zone. See the SignUp link above for more details or contact dewolfies@yahoo.com.au

Plus many more great ways to get involved and help to make this Fort Fest – Celebrating the 175th Anniversary, a great success

Fort Street Sponsor

Announcing another Fort Fest Silver Sponsor!

Thank you to Vision Personal Training Leichhardt for their generous support of our school.

Head trainer Alex and his team say that their Leichhardt studio is more than just a gym, it’s a family. You will find yourself surrounded by likeminded individuals and you will be surprised the impact that has on you! The Vision community will become your home away from home.

Everything they do is about transforming your health for the better. The studios are small and friendly and the Personal Trainers are ready to coach and support you every step of the way.

Find out more at https://www.visionpersonaltraining.com/our-studios/leichhardt.

Come and take on Alex or one of the Vision trainers in a table tennis match at Fort Fest, where they and some of the sportier teachers will be defending their honour against all challengers!

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 fortnighAnnouncing another Fort Fest Silver Sponsor
• tly 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

Autism Workshop

Positive Partnerships is holding a 1 Day Autism Workshop for Parents and Carers this September 4th.

Details below

School Canteen License

Fort Street High School – School Canteen License

Tenders are called for the license of the school canteen for the school year commencing on 31 January 2025 for a term of 3 years with an option to renew for 2 years.  Annual school enrolments will be approximately 920.

General enquiries and requests for a Tender Information Package should be referred to:

Vivien Davies – Business Manager

8585 1632 or fortstreet-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au ATT: Vivien Davies

Tenders must be sent electronically and noted in the subject line “Commercial in Confidence – School Canteen Tender” and sent to:

The Principal

fortstreet-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Tenders close at 3pm on Friday 20 September, 2024

Mandatory Criteria: All employees must hold a current working with children check.