Principal’s Report

Dear Fortians, Parents and Carers,

It has been another busy few weeks with lots of fantastic school events.

SRC Events

The SRC hosted Clubs and Committees Day in the school hall and it was wonderful to see so many students signing up to extra-curricular activities. We are very fortunate to be able to offer such a wide range of activities to our students. Thank you to the SRC and student volunteers for hosting the event.

Congratulations to the SRC for another successful Rose Drive, a favourite event amongst the students. Love was definitely in the air as the SRC delivered roses and heartfelt notes to the lucky recipients.

Study Skills

On February 26, Fort Street conducted a study skills workshop in the school hall, targeting Year 7 students along with their parents. Dr. Prue Salter, an experienced expert in the field, delivered the workshop, offering practical insights into effective learning strategies. The session covered essential aspects such as time management, note-taking, and examination techniques, providing attendees with valuable tools for academic success. Dr. Salter has been a longstanding contributor to our school community through these workshops, emphasising a commitment to enhancing students’ academic journeys. The interactive and informative workshop aimed to equip participants with tangible skills and foster a collaborative learning environment.

Speech Day

Last Friday we held our annual Speech Day. The gathering at Sydney Town Hall, is an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students and it is wonderful to be able to share this occasion with parents and former Fortians in such a beautiful venue.

Our guest speaker, Professor Margaret Burgess, Fortian from the Class of 1954, shared her insightful reflections including her memories of starting at Fort Street during the Centenary year. She encouraged students to take part in school and activites and shared how she still maintained friendships today that were made at the Fort. Professor Burgess also challenged the students to imagine how different things might be when they celebrate the bicentenary of Fort Street High School in 2049. She asked them to imagine what the world might be like and what their contribution would be.

Additionally, Auslee Pamintuan, the School Dux of 2024, delivered a wonderful valedictorian speech, making particular mention of his gratitude to his cohort. Auslee shared his personal challenges with his health and how fortunate he was to have support from his extended family at the time. Auslee reminded us how fortunate we are to be a part of Fort Street High School and that not everybody gets the same opportunities. He asked Fortians to take what they have learned at Fort Street and spread light into what can sometimes be a dark world.

Special thanks go to Ms. Propsting, who coordinated the entire event, and the Speech Day committee, including our wonderful office staff, Ms. Mattick, Mr. Scudds, Mr. Manchester, Mr Dong, Mr Latimer and Mr Atkins for their dedicated efforts in the preparations leading up to and on the day itself.

Swimming Carnival

The swimming carnival proved to be a resounding success again this year, with a commendable turnout from our students. A special appreciation goes to Mr Feng and his dedicated team for their efforts in organising the event which ran smoothly.  Mawson’s enthusiasm and house spirit saw them win the hotly contested house chant – congratulations to them! There were also action-packed inflatables house races that proved to be lots of fun. It was great to witness enthusiastic student participation in various events, setting a positive tone for the upcoming fiercely contested Kennedy Cup. We extend our congratulations to all competitors and wish our team progressing to the Zone carnival the best of luck.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN testing is on again for Year 7 and Year 9 students. An email containing the test timetable will be sent out early next week. The tests are scheduled to take place between Wednesday, March 12, to Monday, March 24.

Upcoming Events:

 March 6:

• Zone Swimming Carnival
• SRC BBQ at lunch for International Women’s Day

March 10:

• Year 12 Parent Teacher Interviews

March 12 – 22:

• NAPLAN Window for Years 7 and 9

March 13

• Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh Parent Information Night

March 19

• Sydney North Regional Swimming Carnival
• P&C Meeting online
• Open Morning

March 20

• Neurodiversity Week Celebration

March 21 – 23

• IMP Camp

Juliette McMurray

Principal

Future Creator’s Day

Cultural Exchange Program

Fort Street High School Hosts Chinese Students for Cultural Exchange Program

From February 10th to 14th, Fort Street High School had the honor of hosting 21 students from China for a week-long Cultural Exchange Program. The program aimed to foster mutual understanding, respect, and curiosity between the two cultures. The exchange was welcomed by Principal Juliette McMurray, who gave an inspiring speech to kick off the event.

In her speech, Principal McMurray shared the rich history of Fort Street High School and encouraged students to embrace the experience with an open mind. “I encourage you to approach this experience with open-mindedness and a genuine curiosity about each other’s worlds. Cultural exchanges provide an opportunity to foster mutual respect and understanding,” she said. Her words set the tone for an enriching week of activities and interactions.

The Chinese students were paired with Fort Street study buddies who guided them through daily lessons, providing them with the chance to experience Australian classroom activities firsthand. This mentorship allowed for a seamless integration of the visitors into school life, creating valuable opportunities for cultural exchange.

On Tuesday, February 11th, a special highlight of the program took place. Melinda Wark, the Head Teacher of Languages, returned from the Year 11 Camp to teach the visitors a fun and engaging Australian folk dance. This was not only a great way for everyone to learn about Australian culture but also provided an opportunity for the students to bond, share laughs, and get to know each other better.

The final day of the exchange was a memorable one, as a farewell ceremony was held in the school hall. The ceremony was filled with emotion as students from both China and Fort Street received Certificates of Participation in recognition of their involvement in the exchange program.

To cap off the week, a BBQ feast was organized by Ken Gillespie and Theo Leondios. Students, teachers, and visitors gathered to enjoy delicious food, share their experiences, and express their best wishes before heading to the airport. Special thanks were given to Kirrily Druery for her help with the VOR application and to Lina El-Deiri for organizing the purchase of sausages and drinks, making the farewell event even more enjoyable.

This cultural exchange program has provided a wonderful opportunity for all participants to learn about and appreciate each other’s cultures. It is an experience that will surely leave lasting memories and help build bridges between students in China and Fort Street High School.

We look forward to more exchanges like this in the future!

Message from Transport NSW

Fort Street High School has been selected to participate in a targeted campaign by NSW Transport Buses. The aim of their campaign is to collect data on the number of students using the bus services at our school.

During the campaign there will be a representative from Transport at your school who will have a small number of flyers to distribute where appropriate. Their main function will be to manually count students. Collecting accurate data and supporting students to use their Opal Card, will inform future planning for bus service allocations.

The date planned for Fort Street High School is Monday March 10. During this time Transport will waive the $10 Opal Card replacement fee for lost or damaged cards.

IMP News

IMP News – Term 1 week 5

Fort Street students selected for SYO Flagship orchestra

Congratulations to both Noam Zemack (Percussion) and Kai Hall (Cello), who have been selected for the Sydney Youth Orchestra (SYO) Flagship Orchestra. This is an outstanding achievement. Upcoming highlights for the SYO Flagship orchestra include working with famed conductor Stanley Dodds, touring Europe in 2026, and performing the epic 7th Symphony by Gustav Mahler later this year. Many of Australia’s most famous classical musicians, both in the past and working today, (and quite a few of the IMP and NSW Arts Unit Staff) played in SYO Flagship over the years, but most of us had to wait until we were studying at the Sydney Conservatorium before we were good enough to get in. Congratulations, Noam and Kai!

If you or somebody you know achieve something like this in your musical life outside the IMP, please let Dr Manchester know – we love to celebrate the incredible achievements of out musicians, but we have no way of knowing about them unless you tell us!

Symphonia Jubilate enrolments are now open!

2025 enrolments are now open for Symphonia Jubilate orchestra and recorder ensembles. Sinfonia Jubilate Primo Symphony Orchestra caters for high school string, wind, brass and percussion players. No auditions are required, and rehearsals are held three times a term on Saturday afternoon sat Homebush West Public School.

For more information, see attached poster or visit: https://www.symphoniajubilate.com

University of Sydney Info Nights

Registration coming soon 

On campus – Year 10 Subject Selection Evening | Thursday 8 May, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Online – Year 10 Subject Selection Evening | Thursday 15 May, 2025

On campus – Year 12 Information Night | Wednesday 21 May, 2025

Online – Year 12 Information Evening | Wednesday 11 June, 2025

Go to the USyd website – Future Students – for more information and to register when registrations open.

More info here