From the editor
Leaves NewsletterPRINCIPAL'S REPORT
This week I would firstly like to thank a very committed group of parents who attended a working bee last Saturday 28th March at the school. I was so impressed when I came in on Monday and saw areas of the garden transformed. We deeply appreciate our parents and our community for the ongoing support they provide to the school. This would not be the great school that it is without your hard work and support and we thank you for your time and your care. The extensive grounds are a beautiful feature of The Forest, but they come at a cost in terms of maintaining the gardens and keeping the trees trimmed.
We have another reason to be proud this week; students and teachers from The Forest participated in last weekend's Relay for Life. I have received a number of messages from community members praising their efforts and commenting on their positive, enthusiastic attitude. So far they have raised $500 for the cause, but they are not stopping their fund raising efforts until they reach their goal of $1000. I encourage everyone to continue supporting them to reach that goal.
I would again like to let parents know that they should tell me if they would like to attend the school's second development day on Tuesday 28th April. I have had responses from a couple of parents who will work with us on the day, but we would welcome others who wish to attend. The day will focus on boys' education and Positive Behaviour Engaging Learners. It is a full agenda.
Just a reminder to parents and students that we are still focusing on uniform. We are seeing some students with unsafe, inappropriate footwear and now that the weather is chilly at times, we are seeing jumpers and scarves in odd colours. We thank you for your support in this initiative and commend the students who are proudly wearing full uniform.
Rosemary McDowall, Principal
Year 8 Advisor Report
Well Term 1 has just about run its course and it has been a great transition for all of Year 8. It was interesting seeing the 2009 Year 7 students in the school as you notice how much our Year 8’s have grown and matured!!
This year we have had the introduction of sport on a Wednesday which has been enthusiastically enjoyed by most of our students. We have also had a number of our students get involved in extra curricular activities in sport, dance, band and drama. Congratulations to all of those who have been involved in continuing the school spirit which makes our school so special.
The awards night was a fantastic recognition of our many talented students. Congratulations to all those who received awards for their performance in 2008. Well done.
With the students now well and truly settled in at The Forest, most have forged some strong friendships. I am pleased to say that bullying has been on the decrease and the majority of Year 8 is working well together. However, as the largest year within the school with 155 students, we inevitably have issues that arise. We seek your continued support in guiding our students through the process of dealing with these issues and conflict when they arise. A great book for all to read and discuss with your children is “Personality Plus” by Florence Littaeur. This book discusses the differences in personality types and most importantly how to work with those who are different to you. As a parent it was great to discover that my 4 year old is not hyperactive, he is just a sanguine who loves to be with people – wow!
Have a great Easter and see you all safe and sound in Term 2.
Tony Dowling
CANTEEN - URGENT
Urgent VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. We have several days that we have NO volunteers and are at risk of limited food for the students or of having to close.
If you have any spare time, even an hour or 2 to help prepare food for the day please contact the canteen personally or by phoning the school on 9451 5111.
For any further information or questions please contact Heather Bone cbone@optusnet.com.au
T Duncan
FREE FITNESS COURSE IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
A free holiday program for teenagers 14 - 18 is being held at Fitness First. Please click on the link to view contact details. ffit_poster.pdf
Technology Skills Course for Women
A 5 week pilot program on Technology Skills is being held by TAFE in partnership with Mona Vale Library for women in the Pittwater area. Please click on the following link Pittwater__flyer_SkillsShortCourseMay2009__2_1.pdf for information.
Relay for Life
Last weekend - 28th-29th March - the SRC organized a team to participate in the Relay for Life, which is a major fundraiser for the Cancer Council. Our team were great ambassadors for The Forest in their enthusiasm for the Relay, and the respect shown for speakers, performers and other Relay team members. Our enthusiasm resulted in a prize for taking on board the true spirit in regards to the Relay - we (Amy Power) were still walking the track in the early hours of the morning, at one point leapfrogging our way around.
If you would like to support the school team you can donate on-line - any donation will be greatly received. Or donate at the school library, we are able to collect for six weeks after the Relay event. A thank you to all who have already donated to the school team, especially those donations on-line.
http://www.relay.cancercouncil.com.au/?2009/northern_harbour_2009/team_forest
Thank you to all who participated - those who stayed the afternoon and returned the next morning, those who visited and walked for just a few hours (Year 12 study break before the Half Yearlys) and those who stayed the full eighteen hours. All involved enjoyed the experience, despite the distinct lack of sleep, and plans are to join the Relay again next year. A thank you also to Mr and Mrs Power who stayed overnight with us and made it possible for us join this worthwhile event.
RISKY DRINKING PROJECT - FREE PARENT WORKSHOPS
The workshops are a combined project by Pittwater Community Drug Action Team, Pittwater, Warringah and Manly Council and are targeted at parents in helping them develop strategies to communicate effectively with their teenage children around the issue of under age alcohol consumption. Please click on this link to view the flyer giving details of this workshop Parent_Workshop_Flyers_ALL_LGAS.pdf