Principal’s Report

Dear Fortians, Parents, and Carers,

As we conclude Term 1, I wish everyone a happy and restful break. Please note that school does not commence for students until Wednesday, 23 April, after our Staff Development Days on Monday 20 April and Tuesday 21 April.

I would also like to inform our community that in Term 2, I will be seconded to the role of Director of Education and Learning for the Marrickville Network, replacing Chris Pevy-Buenen. During this time, Josh O’Neill, substantive Deputy Principal at Dulwich High School of Visual Arts and Design, will be relieving as Principal. Josh comes with substantial relieving principal experience and is excited to join the Fort Street community for Term 2. I look forward to returning to the Fort at the start of Term 3.

Celebrating Success

This term, Fort Street students have achieved outstanding results in a variety of areas:

Christopher Sakal placed 1st in the NSWCHSSA Tennis Championship, captained the team, and was invited to the NSW All Schools U18 Tennis Trials.

The Fort Street team took out top honours at the Northern Suburbs Zone Swimming Carnival, coming 1st in the zone. Congratulations to our Zone Age Champions: Josie N (12YO Girls), Brendan M (12YO Boys), Horatio Z (14YO Boys), Xixi H (15YO Girls), Antony W & Brenden F (= 15YO Boys), Caleb J (17-19YO Boys).

A number of students have qualified for the NSWCHSSA Swimming Championships, including Caleb J, Horatio Z, Antony W, Brendan M, and Lewis Z for individual events. Our relay teams also qualified: Matthew L, Lewis Z, Oliver Z, Brian Z (13 Boys 4x50m Relay), and Antony W, Benjamin D, Horatio Z, Brenden F (15 Boys 4x50m Relay). Special congratulations to Brendan M, crowned Boys 12 Years Sydney North Regional Age Champion.

Our CHS Boys Tennis team (Christopher S, Andrew L, Jayden Y, James S, Joshua L) and CHS Boys Volleyball team (Darwin C, Wesley C, Matthew C, Victor F, Henry H, Henry J, Joshua L, Ethan L, Alexander S, Ethan T, Aidan T, Andrew V, Kenneth Y) will begin their Round of 16 campaigns next term – best of luck!

Events and Acknowledgements

Bill Turner Cup Soccer: On Wednesday, 1 April, 29 students from Years 7 to 10 represented Fort Street at Arlington Oval in matches against Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt. Our boys team went down 0–2, and our girls lost 0–4. Despite the results, we are proud of their participation and teamwork.

Year 12 have completed their final assessment block before the Trial HSC exams in Term 3. I encourage them to study steadily while also taking time to rest and recharge over the break.

Year 11 Premier’s Debating Challenge: Our teams were unsuccessful in the second round, but we’re proud of their efforts and determination.

IMP Soirée: Thank you to Casey Atkins, Emily Irvine, and Helen Thompson for managing the event so successfully in Matt Manchester’s absence.

Easter Egg Hunt: On the last day of term, House Captains hid tokens in the school playground for students to exchange for Easter eggs – a lovely way to end the term.

I wish you all a happy Easter and safe holiday.

Upcoming Events – Term 2

Week 1B

• Monday 20 April – Staff Development Day
• Tuesday 21 April – Staff Development Day
• Wednesday 23 April – All students return for Term 2
• Thursday 24 April – Year 11 Parent Teacher Night, 3:30pm – 7:00pm
• Thursday 24 April – Year 11 English Theatre Excursion: Drive Your Plough Over the Bones of the Dead
• Friday 25 April – ANZAC Day Assembly
• Friday 25 April – Inner West Council – Youth Voice Summit

Week 2A

• Monday 27 April – ANZAC Day Public Holiday

Thank you for your support and involvement in the school community.

Warm regards, Juliette McMurray Principal

Easter Egg Hunt 2026

Year 10 and 11 French Excursion

On the 10th of March, the Year 10 and 11 French classes went on an excursion to Palace Cinema to celebrate the annual French Film Festival. This year, we watched ‘Le Secret de Khéops’ (Treasure Hunters), which was about an archaeologist going on an unexpected journey to find King Khufu’s lost treasure that was hidden in Paris, along with his grandson and daughter.

At the start of period 2, both classes met at the Cohen undercroft to begin the excursion. We received a delicious pain au chocolat to eat while we walked to the cinemas. We then attended the screening of the movie before returning to school for an assortment of French pastries as well as baguettes and cheese. The movie was very enjoyable and interesting and allowed us to further develop our understanding of the French language. We particularly liked the very excitable old man, the absurd plot, and hearing some familiar expressions in context. We had lots of fun on this excursion and look forward to more French excursions! 

By Devika W and Olivia H

German Easter Egg Dying

Neurodiversity Week

Week 8 (16-20 March) was Neurodiversity Celebration Week. This year the FSHS Diversity Committee invited everyone to get involved, surveying staff and students for their perspectives on what Neurodiversity means to them and why it should be celebrated here at the Fort. These responses were collated by the Diversity Committee and displayed in the form of a mural wall that celebrated neurodiversity with inspirational messages from neurodivergent students, staff and allies who embrace the differences within our school community. The messages shared can now be viewed in the SSO office where they have been relocated. Along with this, a range of books with neurodivergent characters or authors were on display in the library courtesy of Ms Page. Sinead Byrne’s presentation on Neurodiversity in the lecture theatre was informative and engaging, and Ms McMurray invited her to give the presentation to school staff at the upcoming staff development day to further whole school understanding. The bake sale on Thursday was well received leading to $700 being raised to support autistic girls, women and gender diverse individuals through the Yellow Ladybugs Foundation. Neurodiversity Week was a big success all around among the school community. Thank you from the Diversity Committee to all who took part. More information about Neurodiversity Celebration week can be found here: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/

Chess Champions

Four of our top chess players competed in the Interschool Chess Challenge 2026 at the Sydney Academy of Chess, fighting off challenging competition and finishing the day on top.

Study Skills

STUDY SKILLS TIPS FOR FORTIANS – April Update

Did you make the most of Term 1? Time to take ownership of your learning and build confidence!

As you move through high school, becoming an independent learner is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. Independent learners don’t wait for teachers to tell them exactly what to do – they take initiative, ask questions, use resources, and monitor their own progress. This mindset not only improves academic results but also builds confidence and prepares you for future study and work. With a few simple habits, you can start becoming a more self-directed learner next term.

Parents you may like to discuss each of these with your child in the holidays.

1. Ask questions that deepen your understanding

Strong independent learners are curious and proactive.

• Ask clarifying questions in class when something is unclear.
• Write down questions that come up during homework or revision.
• Look for patterns, connections, or reasons behind concepts (mind-maps help).

Questioning helps you understand topics more deeply and strengthens critical thinking.

Tip: Keep a “question column” on your notes page so you can follow up with your teacher or research later.

2. Use available resources before seeking help

Independent learning means trying to solve problems before relying on others.

• Re-read your notes or textbook explanations.
• Use online videos or tutorials to reinforce tricky concepts.
• Attempt a problem again before asking for help.

Tip: After trying three strategies and still feeling stuck, then ask for guidance – this is the “Try 3 Before Me” rule.

3. Set your own mini-learning targets

Small personal goals help guide your study and keep you focused.

• Aim to understand one concept more clearly each afternoon.
• Choose one skill to improve each week, like summarising or diagramming.
• Track progress by ticking off completed goals in your diary.

Setting targets helps you take control of your learning rather than waiting for instructions.

Tip: Make targets specific, such as “learn three biology definitions” or “improve paragraph structure.”

4. Monitor your progress regularly

Independent learners reflect on how well they’re learning.

• Review your test results to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Check whether your study techniques are working effectively.
• Use quick self-assessments to see which topics need more practice.

Regular reflection helps you adapt quickly and improve over time.

Tip: After each assessment, write down one thing you did well and one thing you want to improve next time.

5. Practise active learning, not passive learning

Independent learning relies on active engagement, not just reading or watching.

• Summarise ideas in your own words.
• Teach the concept to someone else or to an imaginary audience.
• Create your own practice questions or flashcards.

Active learning strengthens memory and makes study sessions more meaningful.

Tip: If you can explain a topic clearly without notes, you’re learning it independently and effectively.

Take charge of your learning journey

Becoming a better independent learner isn’t about doing everything alone – it’s about taking responsibility, using resources wisely, and reflecting on your progress. With curiosity, initiative, and active engagement, you can build confidence, understand content more deeply, and perform better across all your subjects. Independent learning is a skill that grows over time, and each small step makes a big differ

Seniors Week

Below is a short article written by one of our SRE teachers, Barry Richardson, to celebrate Seniors Week.

Artcile available here.

Wellbeing Corner

• When: Friday 17th April, 12pm-1pm OR Wednesday 22nd April 5pm-6pm
• Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
• This is a one hour, online information session for parents and carers who want to learn more about anxiety during adolescence, and to build skills and strategies to support their young people.
• There are two options to attend, participants only need to select one time that suits them
• For more details head to the registration link here: https://events.humanitix.com/adolescents-and-anxiety-workshop-for-parents-5yewp4yb

• When: Beginning Thursday 7th May at 10am. The program runs for 6 weeks total (2 hours per week), finishing 11th June
• Where: 2 South Street, Marrickville
• Tuning into Teens is focused on providing parents and carers with tools, strategies and resources to support their young people to develop emotional resilience, and to strengthen their communication and connection
• Please see the attached flyer for details
• Once registered, participants will be contacted by a member of our team for a brief chat over the phone to ensure the program is right for their needs.

• Individual or family support for young people and parents/carers
• Guidance for parents around gaming, gambling and screen use
• Support navigating gambling-related harms or financial impacts linked to gaming
• Referrals to specialist services where required, including GambleAware

Book Talk

The Joys of Reading Over the School Holidays

As the school holidays approach, there’s no better time to dive into the world of books. The holidays provide a rare chance to read at a relaxed pace away from school pressures. Engaging with stories can reduce stress, boost mood, and even inspire creativity and writing. Reading diverse genres – including fantasy, contemporary fiction, and historical novels – can open windows to new cultures and ideas, helping build understanding and empathy.

These are some of the books that have been popular here at school that you might consider giving a go:

The Sidekicks by Will Kostakis

This contemporary YA novel explores grief and friendship through the perspectives of three boys linked by the loss of their mutual friend. It’s honest, relatable, and beautifully written.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

This is a captivating fantasy novel – it follows two sisters who attend a legendary, magical game in which reality and illusion blur, and secrets unravel.

The Yearbook Committee by Sarah Ayoub

A fresh and realistic take on school life, friendships, and the pressures facing young adults today, set in Sydney. It’s a heartfelt, insightful read for teens.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

An action-packed fantasy novel with a diverse cast of characters, set in a richly imagined world. Perfect for fans of heist stories and adventure.

And of course, you could read a murder mystery! There’s Holly Jackson’s Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series or anything by Amy Doek.

If you’re reading this in the holidays, remember you can borrow ebooks from Oliver to read offline on your device. Alternatively you can visit your local library or bookshop.

Have a great holiday and I look forward to hearing about what you read next term.

IMP News

IMP Camp 2026

The 2026 IMP Music Camp, held from 20 to 22 March at CRU Galston Gorge, is always a highlight of the Fort Street musical calendar. With three days of intensive music making, culminating in a spectacular concert on Sunday afternoon, this year’s camp was attended by 191 students with the largest year 11 cohort on record.

The students didn’t let the late buses stop them having fun with the traditional ceilidh dance on Friday night. On Saturday evening, the year 11 students hosted an entertaining talent show, wrapping up with their brilliant group adaptation of Copocabana. A highlight of the camp concert was the Anvil Chorus from Il Trovatore, which would not have been complete without a pair of hammer wielding anvil players in high vis safety gear!

It was amazing to see how much the students were able to achieve in just three days. A heartfelt thank you to all conductors, teachers, and tutors involved in IMP Camp 2026 for giving up your weekend to share your knowledge and passion for music with the students.

• The Ceilidh Band

• Rehearsing the Anvil Chorus from Il Travatore

• Wind Band rehearsal

• Brass Band rehearsal

• Orchestra rehearsal

• Taiko drummers performing in the Sunday Concert

Upcoming Camps and performance opportunities!

1. State Music Camps (Junior and Senior)

The Arts Unit’s State Music Camps provide an opportunity for high potential music students in NSW public schools to develop their performance skills under the guidance of expert conductors and tutors in a residential camp setting.

2026 Dates:

• Senior State Music Camp (Years 8 to 12) – 28 June to 3 July (Term 2 Week 11)
• Junior State Music Camp (Years 5 to 8) – 19 July to 24 July (Term 3 Week 1)

For more information: https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/program/junior-and-senior-state-music-camps

Applications close: Friday 8 May

2. State Wind Bands (Junior & Senior)

The Arts Unit’s State Wind Bands provide an opportunity for high potential and gifted music students in NSW public schools to perform in a state ensemble under the direction of expert conductors, culminating in performances at the Sydney Opera House.

Dates:

• Senior State Wind Band: Workshops 19-21 September, Opera House performances 22 & 23 September.
• Junior State Wind Band: Workshops 22-23 September, Opera House performances 24-25 September

For more information: https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/program/state-wind-bands

Applications close: Monday 18 May

1. State Choir

The Arts Unit’s State Choir provides an opportunity for high potential and gifted choristers to sing challenging repertoire with Australia’s leading choral directors. The choir is open to all NSW public school students Years 8 to 12, with no audition required, culminating in performance at the Sydney Opera House.

Dates: Workshops 2-4 August, Opera House performances 3 & 4 August.

For more information: https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/program/nsw-public-schools-state-choir
Applications close: Friday 10 July

Careers Office News

P&C News

Join the P&C Fort Fest Committee!

Fort Fest 2026 will be held on Friday 18th September.

An evening event for all the school and local community, with music, food, games and stalls. Run jointly by the SRC and P&C to raise money for the school, we are looking for volunteers to join the planning committee. 

We have roles of all sizes to suit all interests, so please email us at events@fortstreetpandc.org if keen. 

We are currently looking for –

Finance Coordinator:

Responsible for planning the token sales, assisting with square reader set up, managing floats, and looking after cash and money on the night.

Sponsorship, Donations and Prizes Coordinator:

Finds businesses to sponsor the event, manages call-outs for donations, organises the donation week at school and purchases stall prizes. 

Our Fort Fest Committee members:

Committee Coordinator: Elizabeth Kenyon

Stall Coordinator: Emma Pearce

SRC Coordinator: Lucy Liang

Sustainability and Waste Coordinator: Jacqui Lumsdaine

Publicity and Comms Coordinator: Angie Teng

Alumni Coordinator: Suzy Small