Principal’s Report

Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,

Year 6 Orientation

On Tuesday, 3 December, we had the pleasure of welcoming our Year 7, 2025 students to the school for their first orientation day. This annual event is always a highlight as we share the excitement of starting high school with both students and their families.

The day began with an official assembly, where Year 6 students and their parents met key members of our school community, including our SRC President Miranda L and Vice President Grace Z, Deputy Principal Mr. Sherwin, Year Adviser Mr. Clarke, and Assistant Year Adviser Ms. Richards. They also heard from Dr. Manchester, our IMP Director, and two current Year 7 students, who shared their experiences and insights about transitioning to high school. Adding to the excitement, the audience enjoyed a lively Uniform Fashion Parade hosted by Daniel R and inspiring performances by the Concert Band and Philharmonic Orchestra.

Following the assembly, Year 6 students participated in a series of engaging activities led by our Year 9 Peer Support Leaders. These included a school tour, team-building games, a sporting activity, and a letter-writing exercise. While the students explored and got to know each other, parents stayed in the hall for a Q&A session with me. This was followed by a warm gathering in the Fountain Quad, where they enjoyed a delicious lunch generously provided by our P&C.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to our P&C volunteers, who dedicated their time to making this day special (Paula, Pak-Luan, Li-Anne, Belinda, Tracey, Vivian and Stella who assisted with the Year 6 parents’ lunch and to a very large number of parents who assisted Gladys in the uniform shop). Whether assisting in the uniform shop or warmly welcoming new families, their efforts played a vital role in creating a sense of community for our incoming parents and students.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day such a memorable and successful event for our new students and families.

NAPLAN 2024

Year 9 NAPLAN results this year at Fort Street were outstanding:

In reading: 90.7% of students achieved an exceeding proficiency level and another 9.3% achieved a strong proficiency. This was a higher result than the average statistically similar school.

In writing: 72% of students achieved an exceeding proficiency level and another 26.7% achieved a strong proficiency. This was a higher result than the average statistically similar school.

In spelling: 84.7% of students achieved an exceeding proficiency level and another 14.7% achieved a strong proficiency.

In grammar and punctuation: 88.7% of students achieved an exceeding proficiency level and another 10.7% achieved a strong proficiency. This was a higher result than the average statistically similar school.

In numeracy: 91.3% of students achieved an exceeding proficiency level and another 8% achieved a strong proficiency. This was a higher result than the average statistically similar school.

Based on the Daily Telegraphs analysis averaging Year 9 students’ reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy results in the 2024 NAPLAN Fort Street ranked 11th school in the state.

Schools Spectacular

Congratulations to the 29 Fortians who participated in the Schools Spectacular 2024 at Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park, last Friday and Saturday night. The breath-taking two-hour show showcased some of Australia’s most talented young stars, leaving audiences in awe.

We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work and stellar performances. If you missed the live event or would like to relive the magic, the show will be televised nationally on Saturday, 14 December, at 7:00 PM on 7Live and will also be available on demand via 7+. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of talent and creativity!

Ultimate Frisbee

A huge congratulations to our Ultimate Frisbee teams for their outstanding achievements at the NSW State Championships. Fort Street fielded a strong contingent with 2 senior girls’ teams, 6 senior open teams, 2 junior girls’ teams, and 4 junior open teams.

In the senior division:

· Our Year 10 girls tied 1st in spirit (sportsmanship and respect).

· One of our Year 12 open teams tied 1st in spirit, while another Year 12 open team finished 3rd in spirit for the open division.

In the junior division, although the events were cut short due to field closures:

· Both junior girls’ teams ranked 1st and 2nd in spirit.

· The Year 8 open teams were at the top of their pool, undefeated, and showed exceptional promise for taking the title had the competition continued.

The teamwork, determination, and skill displayed by all our Ultimate Frisbee players are a true testament to the Fortian spirit. Well done to everyone involved—we are incredibly proud of you!

Chess

Congratulations to our students who competed in the inter-school chess tournament at Canterbury Boys High School. This event focused on developing chess players, and our junior team proudly represented Fort Street.

Despite having one fewer player than other schools, our team performed admirably, finishing 4th out of 8 schools. With total scores calculated from all team members, this result highlights the remarkable effort and determination of our students.

Well done to all participants—you demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and strategic thinking, and we look forward to seeing your continued growth in future competitions!

Kennedy Cup

Last week, the school hosted a special Kennedy Cup Assembly to celebrate the spirit of competition and teamwork within our houses. I would like to congratulate those students who have received the most profile points for their house. These students have shown commitment to the school, their house and deserve to be acknowledged:

Joshi House – Nina O (Yr 8) and Yu W (Yr 10)

Kirby House – Dimitri M (Yr 8) and Lucinda M (Yr 9)

Mawson House – Evie C (Yr 8) and Akshaya R (Yr 11)

Preston House —  Clair Y (yr 8) and Niki L (Yr 9)

Sheikh House – Nancy Z (Yr 8) and Lila B (Yr 11)

The assembly also featured the introduction of our new House Captains and the announcement of this year’s Kennedy Cup champion.

After a thrilling and closely contested competition, Kirby House emerged victorious for 2024, dethroning last year’s reigning champion, Mawson House. The final points tally reflected the fierce rivalry and dedication of all participants:

· 1st Place – Kirby: 3747 points

· 2nd Place – Mawson: 3694 points

· 3rd Place – Preston: 3352 points

· 4th Place – Joshi: 3247 points

· 5th Place – Sheikh: 3048 points

Congratulations to Kirby for their hard-fought victory, and well done to all houses for their incredible effort throughout the year. There will be a picnic to Petersham Park for all Kirby students on Tuesday 17 December to celebrate their win. The Kennedy Cup embodies the Fortian spirit of enthusiasm, perseverance, and camaraderie, and we look forward to another exciting competition next year!

Upcoming Events

Week 9

Monday 9 December: this week (Monday – Thursday) Year 10 will be participating in the ‘Connected Curriculum Program’ rather than their regular timetabled classes.

Monday 9 December – Monday 16 December: 10 year 9 boys are participating in the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup at the Gold Coast.

Monday 9 December: Year 9 Japanese Excursion to the Nihongo Tanken Centre

Tuesday 10 December: Year 12 Music Performance Exam

Wednesday 11 December: Year 7 and 8 CAPA Carnival throughout the school day

Wednesday 11 December: Year 12 Legal Studies excursion to Mt Druitt local court

Wednesday 11 December: Final P&C Meeting for 2024 @ Villaggio Restaurant, Ashfield Leagues Club

Thursday 12 December: Year 9 Peer Support Training

Friday 13 December: whole school assembly

Friday 13 December: Year 8 Japanese Excursion to the Nihongo Tanken Centre

Friday 13 December: IMP Summer Concert – dinner from 5.30pm in the Fountain Quad followed by 7pm show in the School Hall

Week 10

Monday 16 December: Year 10 Japanese Excursion to the Nihongo Tanken Centre

Monday 16 December: Year 9 History Dance (periods 2 – lunch)

Tuesday 17 December: Kennedy Cup Picnic at Petersham Park for all students in Kirby House

Wednesday 18 December: Talent Quest (periods 3 and 4)

Wednesday 18 December: HSC results celebration morning tea in the library

Wednesday 18 December: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL for ALL STUDENTS.

MAD Night

We are delighted to share the success of our recent Creative and Performing Arts Night, fondly known as MAD Night, which took place on Monday 25th November. This event was a dazzling showcase of the artistic prowess and creative brilliance of our students from Years 7 to 11. The night not only celebrated visual arts but also featured captivating drama and music performances from our talented senior performing students from 9-11.

The visual arts exhibition displayed an impressive array of works, showcasing the diversity of talents within our school community. From the intricate details of charcoal drawings to the lively animations that came to life on the screen, the gallery was a testament to the creativity and dedication of our young artists. Painting, printmaking, and sculpture added a three-dimensional flair to the exhibit, demonstrating the students’ versatility in artistic expression.

The drama and music performances were nothing short of spectacular. Students from Years 9 to 11 showcased their acting and musical talents with enthusiasm and skill. The audience was treated to a range of performances, from gripping theatrical scenes to soulful musical renditions on a variety of small stages across the hall. These integrated performances allowed our audience to be immersed in the gallery experience while being serenaded by our solo or small ensemble performances.  

We would like to extend our gratitude to all the students who participated in MAD Night. Your passion and commitment to the arts is inspiring, and you have made our school community immensely proud.

A special thank you goes out to the dedicated staff members: Ms Wray, Ms Finsterer, Ms Cho, Ms Capel and Ms Thompson, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make MAD Night a resounding success. From coordinating the logistics to guiding the students in their artistic endeavours, your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Your commitment to fostering a creative and vibrant learning environment is commendable, and we are grateful for the positive impact you continue to have on our students.

To the families and friends who joined us for MAD Night, thank you for your support. Your presence added to the joy and excitement of the event, and we hope you enjoyed the opportunity to witness the incredible talents of our students.

MAD Night was more than just a showcase; it was a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the arts. As we reflect on this wonderful event, let’s continue to nurture and encourage the artistic spirit within our school community. The success of MAD Night serves as a reminder of the incredible talent that resides within our students, and we look forward to more opportunities to celebrate their achievements in the future.

Year 8 Sleep Out

On the 28th and 29th of November, Year 8 participated in the Year 8 Sleep Out, an event designed to encourage us to develop an understanding and empathise with the conditions and struggles of those sleeping rough and experiencing homelessness.

Teachers from different subject areas designed the Sleep Out program, teaching students about homelessness throughout the world, different causes and degrees of homelessness, ways to be empathetic toward homeless people and how homelessness can be reduced. This experience was nurturing while also being informative and allowed students to gain a new perspective on people facing homelessness lives on both a local and global scale.

We participated in various activities over the two days, such as the walk for water, which shone a spotlight on the 2 billion people without access to safely managed drinking water services, and Ms Ryan and Mr Carritt’s ‘Education Game’ that informed us of the difficulties experienced by those immigrating to Australia with a lower proficiency in English. Over the course of the two days, we were provided with limited, simple food, which, although more than many homeless people receive, allowed us to gain insight into the struggles of nutritional and physical nourishment on a low budget.

This experience was very immersive and enlightening, helping Year 8 students gain a new perspective on people facing homelessness lives in societies throughout the world and Australia, and we find ourselves with greatly enhanced empathy, knowledge and respect for those struggling with homelessness. Overall, the grade has raised almost $18 000 in support of those experiencing homelessness. We were all really happy to go home and have a shower and something to eat at the end of the experience!

Kiyasha Chakraborty, Grace Nguyen, Elizabeth Ung, Evie Cairns, Devika Warrier & Avivi Davidson

Building Beautifully Guest Speaker

On Monday the 28th of October, Fort Street had the opportunity to welcome Sharath Mahendran, creator of the Building Beautifully YouTube channel, to the school for a brief yet exciting visit. Sharath’s channel has accumulated over 45,000 subscribers, primarily creating content around public transport, urban planning and the housing crisis in Sydney.

Sharath was welcomed to the school by Luka (Year 12), Jethro (Year 9) and Jem (Year 7), who accompanied him on a brief tour around the Wilkins and Kilgour buildings, whereafter he spoke in the lecture theatre to two Year 9 Geography classes about their current topic, ‘Changing Places’. In an informative Q&A, Sharath answered questions from eager students, providing his perspective on Sydney’s housing crisis, revitalisation of the ‘Stroad’ Parramatta Road and his support for increased housing density in Sydney.

At lunch, the lecture theatre was opened to the other grades. Answering diverse questions ranging from the feasibility of high speed rail to his proposals for future metro lines, Sharath provided insights into creative solutions to Sydney’s housing crisis and urban planning challenges. He additionally shared his inspirational journey of leaving medicine to pursue his passion in civil engineering and starting his youtube channel, Building Beautifully, which has gained incredible success in raising awareness of urban planning decisions within Australia.

Students of all ages came to hear Sharath speak, with many staying behind for autographs and photos. It’s fair to say that he was a celebrity amongst the students! We’d like to thank Sharath again for coming and sharing his knowledge with us.

By Luka Penney (Y12) and Jethro Shapiro-Liu (Y9)

FSHS Amnesty Committee

Amnesty Committee has organised a Christmas Drive in collaboration with Addison Road Community Organisation’s ‘Hampers of Hope’. From 25th November – 6th December, all Fort Street students are encouraged to support the program and bring their donations to the Amnesty Christmas tree in the office from 8:00-8:45 am. 

These donations can include non-perishable food items (e.g. tinned fruit/vegetables, nuts), small gourmet food items (e.g. biscuits, jam) or small gifts (e.g. novels, basic stationery), and every item makes a drastic difference in improving the livelihood of struggling families during the holiday season.

Addison Road Community Organisation, located in Marrickville, is a vital community organisation in the Inner West, running various initiatives for human rights and food relief within the community, such as the ‘Hampers of Hope’ program. Amnesty International’s vision for the world is that everyone can enjoy human rights and experience equality, freedom and justice, a key element of which is food security. The Hampers of Hope program contributes to this overarching goal by offering free hampers for households struggling to support their families, which brings joy with food and gifts during the Christmas season. 15.5% of children in NSW live in households that struggle to pay rent and afford health care, adding to food insecurity within families. Access to food is a basic human right, and nutrition is especially crucial during childhood development, emphasising the need to donate to the Hampers of Hope program to provide much-needed resources to the community.

Evie Cairns (Year 8)

Fort Street Tennis Champion

Christopher Sakal, of year 9 Mawson, recently competed in the 2024 NSW School Boys and School Girls Tennis Championship, where he won the Open Boys Singles event as well as the Open Boys Teams event with his tennis partner from Westfield Sport.

As a winner of the Open Singles event, Christopher won a trophy and prize money, which he has selflessly donated to the school.

Congratulations to Christopher on his tremendous achievements!

IMP News

IMP Students Perform at the 2024 Schools Spectacular

Congratulations to all 30 IMP members who took part in the 41st Schools Spectacular “All 4 One” on 29-30 November 2024 at Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park, as part of a cast of 5000 talented students from public schools around the state. Fort Street was represented in the combined choir, core choir, dance, orchestra, and stage band.

The show was outstanding, and the Fort Street students were a credit to the school. The photo below shows 18 Fortians about to sing in Qudos Bank Arena.

If you missed out but would still like to watch this amazing performance, Schools Spectacular 2024 will be broadcast at 7pm on Saturday 14 December, on Channel 7, and will be available for streaming after that.

Orientation Day

The Fort Street High school Orientation Day was held on Tuesday 3rd December, with the Concert Band and Philharmonic Orchestra impressing 150 eager new Year 7s. This is the biggest recruitment opportunity of the year, and we are looking forward to a rush of sign-ups for our 2025 intake.

Registrations for new IMP 2025 new members are now open – the link to register can be found at https://fortstreet-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/cocurricular/instrumental-music-program.html under “Information for New Members – Registration for 2025”

Or to access the IMP New Member Registration form directly, click the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev01Lsn5HvfPC-t9ZzB-hk7wHURHIH4pi59-slY6CDrI6cww/viewform

Note that current members do not need to re-apply.

IMP Summer Concert

Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the IMP Summer Concert on Friday 13 December. This amazing event celebrates the incredible work of the IMP ensembles in 2024.

Come along for some delicious food at the traditional dinner market from 5.30pm before the show gets underway at 7.00pm.

The IMP Summer Concert is one of our two main fundraisers. All proceeds go back to support the IMP through instrument and music purchases, workshops and ensemble support, and keeping costs as low as possible for IMP membership. Bring your family, eat lots at the dinner market, and consider donating time or food.

Tickets must be pre-purchased via the link below. Every guest at this event must have a ticket to ensure there is enough seating for all patrons.

· Adult tickets are $13.50

· Children enter free (but MUST book a free ticket via the link below)

· Student performers in the IMP do not need a ticket

Please note this is a cashless event. Students who will not have a card with them can pre-purchase a meal at the link below. All other meals should be purchased via contactless card.

To Purchase TICKETS: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/1JATM

To Donate FOOD & GOODS: https://signup.com/go/hfhxPVM

To Volunteer TIME: https://signup.com/go/gnxbVwY

From the P&C

Thank you to FSHS staff 

As a way of saying thank you to the brilliant staff at Fort Street for their hard work throughout the year, you can leave a message and contribute to the end of year staff lunch by Tuesday 10th December using this link  https://app.grouptogether.com/FSHSThankYoutoStaffLunch

Fort St Tshirts 

The black t-shirts celebrating 175 Yrs of Fort Street  (that you might have seen at Fort Fest) are on sale in the online uniform shop at https://www.quickcliq.com.au/

There’s not many left so grab one while you can. 

Second hand uniforms

Thank you for all the 2nd hand uniforms that have been donated recently. You can leave donations at the front office at any time. The next Second Hand Uniform stall will be in Term 1 on Friday the 21st February.

Teen mental health matters: For parents and carers

1. How to make sense of adolescence.
2. Identify signs of mental health struggles.
3. Understand how to support your teen.
4. Know where you and your teen can get support.

Preparing Post HSC