From the editor
Leaves newsletterPRINCIPAL'S REPORT
URGENT NEWS...
... the fund-raising Carnival that was to be held on Friday 12 December has been moved to a date to be confirmed (probably Friday 6 March 2009). Unfortunately we were beaten by the rain that has soaked the Oval and is predicted to extend well into Friday with increasing intensity.
Trucks on our Oval at this time would cause considerable damage and it is simply not worth the risk.
A March 2009 date will allow more promotion and gain a greater participation rate by our new Year 7 students (estimated to be greater than 120 in number).
Consequently Friday 12 December will be a normal school day with 4 periods and school uniform to be worn.
Official 'Opening' of the COLA and Canteen
Last Wednesday evening saw a dedicated group of community members meet in the cold and rain under the COLA to hear the speech by the Hon Julia Gillard (Minisetr of Education)... I had the pleasure of reading the speech as the Minister was unable to attend at this time.
I have reproduced the speech in this edition of the LEAVES.
The total contribution of the Commonwealth government to TFHS totalled $150 000 under the Investing in Our Schools Program. A plaque will be mounted on the wall at the entrance to the Administrative building to mark this significant investment in our students.
There will be a final LEAVES next week.
Mr Peter Gillam
Principal.
LETTER FROM THE HON JULIA GILLARD MP
The following letter was received from Julia Gillard, Deputy Prime Minister
"On behalf of the Australian Government I would like to congratulate the Forest High School on the official opening of the covered outdoor learning area and canteen upgrade.
The Australian Government believes that every child deserves the right to a quality education, and this project is one way of helping to create a positive learning environment. The funding provided for this project brings us one step closer in meeting the Australian Government's goal to provide students with the best possible facilities and equipment.
The Australian Government is committed to investing in an Education Revolution, and I am excited about maximising learning opportunities for our children by providing the necessary tools to do so. Quality education is one of the greatest gifts we can give young Australians - because it allows our students to achieve personal success and contribute to national strength and prosperity.
One exciting initiative which will deliver these outcomes is the Trade Training Centres in Schools program which will provide secondary schools with funding to build or upgrade trades training facilities. Another initiative, the National Secondary School Computer fund, provides secondary schools with funding to purchase new or upgraded information technology equipment.
The Australian Government will continue to work with schools so that students have the opportunity to achieve to the very best of their abilities.
I extend my gratitude to the staff at The Forest High School for constantly meeting the demands that are placed upon you in nurturing your students. I know that the parents of The Forest High School students believe their children's education is in the best hands.
Yours sincerely,
The Hon Julia Gillard MP
Deputy Prime Minister-Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
SCHOOL CARNIVAL
THE SCHOOL CARNIVAL HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN
THE NEW DATE FOR THE CARNIVAL WILL BE 6TH MARCH, 2009
ALL BAND MEMBERS AND POTENTIAL NEW MEMBERS
Dear Parents
We have organised a Band Camp to be held Monday 2nd to Wednesday 4th February 2009. The main purpose of the camp is to get the bands started for the year, to provide an intense rehearsal time and to give the students in the bands an enjoyable activity to start the year’s music making.
We would like to invite all students who are currently involved in their school’s band program to participate in the camp. All new students will be placed into the most appropriate band (current bands include Wind Orchestra, Concert Band, Stage Band and 2 Jazz Ensembles) before or during the camp.
The arrangements for the camp are as follows:
Venue: Naamaroo Conference Centre, Chatswood
Cost: Approximately $250 (inclusive of transport to camp, accommodation and meals for the 3 days)
As we would like to confirm numbers for the Camp, could you please forward an $80 deposit to the school with your student's name.
A more detailed note about the camp explaining what students will need to bring, a roster of activities and full costing, will be forwarded home prior to the last school day of 2008.
HSC HOLIDAY ENRICHMENT COURSES
The Centre for Continuing Education's intensive HSC enrichment program is designed for all Year 12 students who would like to make a head start in the HSC examination and to participate in the program at the University of Sydney in January 2009.
The University of Sydney is offering a range of courses to assist students in their HSC subjects - visit them at www.cce.usyd.edu.au/hsc for more detailed information.
Dr Elvira Fonacier-Program Team Leader University of sydney
SUPPLY MEANS SUPPLY CAMPAIGN
'Alcohol kills more young people and is responsible for a greater amount of harm in this age group, than all other drugs combined' (Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia, 1997). The Australian Secondary School Students Survey (2005) found that students who had consumed alcohol in the past week were supplied the alcohol by their parents (37%), by a friend (19%) and by someone else (20%).
Secondary Supply refers to the illegal sale or supply of alcohol to people under the age of 18 years and is the main way that young people (under 18 years) obtain their alcohol.
The Pittwater Community Drug Action Team in partnership with Manly, Pittwater and Warringah Councils, Northern Beaches Health Promotion and Manly Drug Education and Counselling Centre are working together to address the issue of 'secondary supply of alcohol'.
The Northern Beaches Supply Means Supply campaign will be highly promoted over the summer holiday period and will target parents and the broader community. The awareness-raising message will be extended via cinema advertising, resource promotion and distribution in liquor outlets and schools, and press releases in the Manly Daily.
If you wold like additional information please contact Susan Machar on 9970 1172
Pittwater Community Drug Action Team
BELROSE RURAL FIRE BRIGADE
Recruitment Information Evening
Date: Monday 15 December 2008
Time: 7.30pm
Location: Belrose Rural Fire Brigade, Forest Way, Belrose (opposite Four Seasons Nursery)
Duration: 30 minutes
If you have any questions or would like to arrange an alternate day please email your contact details to belrose@wprfs.org.au and we will contact you.
SCHOOL STUDENT TRAVEL UPDATE
We have received correspondence from the Minister for Education and Minister for Transport in regard to student travel. Please click on the following link the read the letter received at the school School Pass Letterhead.pdf