From the editor
Leaves NewsletterP&C MEETING
The next P&C meeting will be on Wednesday 17 June, 2009
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
The Forest High School is an active member of the Forest Learning Community (FLC). The FLC includes our partner primary schools, Beacon Hill, Allambie Heights, Frenchs Forest and Seaforth Public Schools and also Arranounbai School and The Beach School. The FLC will be holding a formal Launch at Harbord Diggers on Tuesday 23rd of June. The launch will be the first official public function to highlight the work being done by the community of schools.
One of the first projects the Forest Learning Community implemented is a project called, “WoW! – Web of Writers”. WoW! – Web of Writers is the FLC’s writing project. It is a shared and connected learning initiative, with elements of learner diversity and peer support. Year 6 students (multi-age at both Arranounbai School and The Beach School) will participate in structured text-type writing lessons before undertaking a narrative writing task, that involves mentoring by a Forest High Year 9 or 10 student, via visits and email, in order to produce a polished piece of work for inclusion in a published Forest Learning Community book. All students will receive an official Certificate of Success and each school will receive a writing project trophy. The project will be showcased at the FLC Launch.
WoW is not the only FLC project. Two of our partner primaries, Beacon Hill and Allambie Heights Public Schools are working with our Year 7 Enrichment Team and those teachers will be participating in a Connected Communities Conference in the near future. Additionally a portion of our next School Development Day will be devoted to the FLC and the Connected Classrooms.
On another note, it was my great pleasure this week to attend an Entertainment Day presented by our Student Representative Council (SRC) for the Collaroy War Veterans. The day featured drama, dancing, singing and music. The performances were of a high standard and were enjoyed by all who attended. This was the first of many such community performances planned by our SRC and we are looking forward to many more.
Rosemary McDowall
Principal
YEAR 12 REPORT
We are on the downhill run now as more than half of Yr 12 is completed and the Trial HSC exams are scheduled for early next term. With the end near, it is time to stay focused and prepare for the finish.
Half yearly reports will be sent home very soon giving you an indication of strengths and areas that require work. The vast majority of reports were very pleasing and the students need to be congratulated for their hard work and effort.
Stress levels are sure to rise for parents and students alike and understanding of the pressures of Yr 12 is essential for all parties. Goals should now be clearly defined for the HSC and beyond.
At the recent motivation day many tools were suggested for achieving their personal best and the students should be encouraged to implement these, e.g. goal setting, study techniques and avoiding procrastination. Hopefully, the careers expo last week has given the students even more focus and ideas.
Aside from the HSC, Yr 12 have some exciting events to look forward to. Tickets are now on sale to students for the formal which is booked on the 19th of November at Taronga Zoo Function Centre. The graduation ceremony at school will precede this and further information will be available next term.
All students should be in training for the annual Bob Philpot Cup on the last day of this term where Yr 12 WILL dominate Yr 11 in the boys rugby league and girls touch football games.
As always, it is a pleasure to be associated with such a wonderful year group. I wish them all the happiness and results they deserve.
Tracy Stubbs
Update on Human Swine Influenza as at 4 June 2009
We’ve had further discussion today with NSW Health to clarify how to best implement the exclusion of staff and students who’ve been in greater metropolitan Melbourne, Mexico, Panama, USA, Canada and Japan.
State Dance Camp
"Dance is the hidden language of the soul" - Martha Graham
A few weeks ago, we attended Senior State Dance Camp at The Sydney Dance Company studios. The variety of styles we danced ranged from ballet to hiphop and from musical theatre to pilates. We had fantastic choreographers, many of which are regular teachers at the Sydney Dance Company. We also had guest teachers from overseas, such as David Cuthbertson (Broadway) and Adrian Van Winklehoff.
The four days we spent at dance camp was a great experience. We met lots of young aspiring dancers from a lot of schools around the state.
The camp has given us the opportunity to attend a five day winter school intensive in the next holiday, featuring dances from SYTYCD (BJ, JD and Marko)
Yvette Sturrock and Kara Peake
PARENT TEACHER EVENINGS
Please note the parent teacher evenings are on as follows:
Year 8 Tuesday 30 June
Year 9 Tuesday 7th July (previously 30 June)
Year 10 Tuesday 7th July
Year 11 Tuesday 30 June (previously 7th July)
Please click on the following link for a blank form(if required) blank booking sheet.doc