From the editor
Leaves NewsletterPRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Multicultural Day
Thursday 9th July was our school’s Multicultural Day. It was organised by the Student Representative Council (SRC) to raise funds to improve the area near the bus bay and build a bus shelter for our students. It was absolutely one of the best days in which I have participated since coming to the school. Teachers supported the day by providing international foods from a variety of countries. It was great to sample Canadian pancakes, American brownies, Mexican tacos, French crepes and Japanese sushi, just to mention a few.
The wonderful food stalls were not the only highlight of day. There were activities and performances of the highest quality on offer all day. Karaoke and face painting were happening in the Library, while a hand print mural was being created outside. A massive game of twister set up in the Hall was the source of great amusement for many students who participated. The activities were followed by outstanding multicultural student performances in the afternoon.
The behaviour and attitude of all the students involved was excellent. I had the pleasure of showing several prospective parents around the school during the day and the way in which our students conducted themselves was a perfect advertisement for the school.
Bob Philpott Challenge Cup
It is regrettable that the Bob Philpott Challenge Cup scheduled for the last day of Term had to be postponed due to inclement weather. The constant rain meant that the school oval was too wet and muddy to be used. We actually had ducks playing in the puddles on the oval on Thursday.
Term 3 uniform and playground blitz
I have noted that a number of students are still not wearing the correct uniform. Of particular concern is the unsafe footwear being worn by a number of students. All students must wear enclosed black shoes that adequately protect their feet on the playground and in practical lessons. We ask that parents support us with this in order to ensure the safety of our students.
We will be focusing on uniform next term. I will be asking all students to have appropriate footwear and to be in full school uniform. We occasionally have intruders on school grounds and it is imperative from a safety perspective that we are able to quickly identify our students.
Finally, I will be emphasising playground cleanliness with the students in Term 3. A small group of students seem to believe that it is appropriate to throw their rubbish and food waste on the ground after eating. Numerous bins are provided for this purpose and littering will not be tolerated. As we are surrounded by bush, rubbish attracts bush rats and other vermin. We will be introducing some positive initiatives to encourage responsible behaviour, but I will also be imposing consequences for students who do not behave responsibly.
Positive Behaviour Engaging Learners (PBEL)
The school community should soon begin to notice our school’s expectations clearly displayed around the school. Respect, Responsibility and Personal Best will be prominently featured on signs and murals in classrooms and in the playground. We will be actively modelling and teaching our expectations in all areas of the school. I also wish to remind students that we expect them to meet these expectations in the community as well as at school, particularly when they are travelling to and from school in The Forest High School uniform.
Happy holidays to everyone. Be safe and take care during your holidays. We look forward to seeing you on the first day back: Monday, 27th July for teachers, Tuesday, 28th July for all students.
Rosemary McDowall
Principal
COMMENCING A CAREER WHILE STAYING AT SCHOOL
Andrew Brodie, a Year 11 student, is studying a Transport and Logistics Certificate II specializing in
warehousing while working at Reece Plumbing, Brookvale.
Andrew is one of the 55 Northern Sydney Region School Based Apprentices and Trainees. Other students are studying a variety of courses such as Tourism, Carpentry and Joinery, Commercial Cookery, Retail , Sport and Recreation, and Property Real Estate, just to name a few.
School Based Apprentices and Trainees (SBAT) combine school, training and paid work for their two years of senior study. All students must be able to accommodate and manage a diverse pattern of study, often travelling to training outside the school, and attending a workplace.
As well as the one day per week Andrew needs to work part of his school holidays to make up the requirements of a minimum of one hundred days over the two year period.
Securing a supportive employer was not an easy job. The traineeships at Reece are competitive and Andrew had to complete an application, attend information sessions and interviews before he secured his position.
At the end of Year 12, Andrew will have an HSC, a nationally accredited industry qualification, gained credit and a pathway to further study, and become part of an adult team in the workplace, while remaining at school to experience the senior years of high school.
In Year 11, as well as Andrew, The Forest High School has Kevin Vinnall completing an Automotive Traineeship at G Bros and Jordan Wilson at Bill Buckle Autos.
For more information about SBATs see Mr Mansell
BAND NEWS
After a somewhat rocky start to the year, the Band program kicked off to a fresh start this week, with band numbers growing, a new Band Supporters Committee elected and planning for the rest of the year underway. Inspirational Band Directors, Patrick Brennan and Tim Crow, are planning some fun performances and outings for band students next term, so any students interested in joining (or rejoining) the Band, please see Mrs Dean (Deputy Principal).
We'd love to see all band parents at the next meeting on Wednesday 5 August at 7pm where the committee restructuring will be completed. If you have any ideas/items to add to the agenda, please email them to Jeanne@growingdaily.com.au by 31 July. Sincere thanks to Bernie Banjamin for her endless energy and commitment over the past 8 years and to all previous committee members; and to Jane Dean and laurie Cavill for their efforts and support.
Jeanne LaBash-Lewis - Secretary - Band Supporters Committee
POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM
The Northern Beaches Business Education Network is proud to present the Positive Parenting Programme!
Seminar 1- Raising Responsible Teenagers- Wednesday 19th August 2009. 6.45 pm – 9.00 pm
Seminar 2- Raising Competent Teenagers – Wednesday 26th August 2009. 6.45 pm – 9.00 pm
Seminar 3- Getting Teenagers Connected – Wednesday 2nd September 2009. 6.45 pm – 9.00 pm
These seminars are held at Warringah Mall Community Room above Warringah Mall Library.
This evidence based and internationally recognised seminar series is FREE all you have to do is register at
rsvp@nbben.com.au or call Thali at NBBEN on 9907 3133
NBAS - Dealing with Teens Backchat
The Northern Beaches Adolescent Service (NBAS) is pleased to be offering the popular group "Dealing With Teens Backchat", for parents and carers of adolescents.
This workshop will be held on Tuesday 18th August 2009, from 7 - 9.30pm at Queenscliff Community Health Centre, corner Lakeside Cres & Palm Ave, North Manly. The cost will be $20 per person, and bookings are essential.
The following link is the poster which outlines the group in more detail:
Vicki Allen
Northern Beaches Adolescent Service
Queenscliff Community Health Centre
Phone: 9466 2500
Fax: 9938 4805
E-mail: vallen@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au