From the editor
Leaves NewsletterPRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Year 12 Celebrations
Our Year 12 students are nearing the end of their school studies and there are several school events to mark the importance of this part of their education. On Friday 2nd October there will be a breakfast at the school for Year 12 and that will be followed by our formal Farewell Assembly. This will be followed by a Year 12 Farewell Evening for parents, staff and students at 7:30 pm.
This is a time for celebration and it is paramount that we are all aware of and vigilant about the students’ safety. Recently all Year 12 students received a publication ‘Next: Life After School’ and associated pamphlets that focus on the importance of staying safe during this time. I would encourage parents/caregivers of all Year 12 students to discuss these issues with them as we have done here at the school.
It is very important that all students, and Year 12 in particular, understand that there is no tolerance at all for anybody who engages in inappropriate behaviour at this time of the year. The Police School Liaison Officer, Lynne Kennedy and I have explained to the students that they are expected to continue to attend all of their lessons until the end of this term and that they must continue to conduct themselves in accordance with our expectations of their behaviour. Any decision to behave otherwise will be dealt with according to the school’s and DET behaviour codes.
PBEL Launch
PBEL (Positive Behaviour Engaging Learners) was officially launched at a formal school assembly last Wednesday16th September. The SRC performed a very humorous skit illustrating respect and the School Captains, Rose Griffiths and James Moorhouse gave outstanding speeches about respect, responsibility and personal best and Year 12 Music students performed a musical item. The assembly was followed by a morning tea for the SRC and our guests, Councillor Julie Sutton and Simone Taylor and Cathy Moran from Regional Office. In 2010 the school captains will join the PBEL Leadership Team and the SRC will be actively involved in developing lessons on PBEL to be delivered to all students from Term 4 onwards.
Year 11 Preliminary Exams
Year 11 Preliminary Exams begin this week. It is vital that the students focus on achieving their personal best in the exams as they are excellent preparation for the demands of the HSC course. Many Year 11 students will soon be making decisions about their HSC pattern of study. The HSC courses commence in Term 4 so students need to be focused when they return from their holiday break. If students are changing subjects they will need to ensure that they follow the correct process and have parental permission. Students should direct questions about subject changes to Mrs. Dean and Mrs. Steed.
Gold Medal Challenge Reminder
The NRMA and Bicycle NSW have launched the NRMA 500km Gold Medal Challenge which encourages high school students to get fit riding their bikes and learn more about road safety at the same time. Students who register for the challenge have to clock up 500km on their bikes through everyday cycling activities. Students who complete the challenge will receive a gold medal and great prizes such as bikes, cycle computers, velodrome workshops and free entry to a number of cycling events are also on offer. Register free until 18 December at: www.bicyclensw.org.au/content/ride2school.
Rosemary McDowall
Principal
DRAMA REPORT
What an exciting term it has been! After Year 11's fantastic production of the scripted play, Living with Lady Macbeth last last term, I though I might be able to stop for a moment but this did not happen.
Year 12 Drama class spent many days during the July holidays and a number of weekends polishing their performances and Individual Projects as they had to be completed by mid August. These were shown to parents and friends on a special evening before the HSC exam. We also had the pleasure of listening to the Year 12 Music students who performed their pieces. Although very nervous, all the members of the class were pleased with their performances for the actual HSC exam. Many of these students performed again for MADD night. The group performance by Jordie, Lizzy and Monica proved to be one of the most popular items of the night.
Meanwhile, year 10 had been selected to perform thier playbuild, Tick, Tock for two performances of the Arts North Regional Drama Festival, at the NIDA Theatre. This gave students a wonderful experience of performing to a very large appreciative audience. The class chose to again perform this piece for MADD night. This year I took over the role of Back Stage Manager of the Festival which was a very rewarding experience. A big thank you to Laura, Fran, Cassie, Heloise and Emma who were the Back Stage crew for the event. They worked tirelessly and were a credit to the school. Year 10 is now finishing final rehearsals for their Greek Theatre assessment. I can't wait to see how they have decorated their masks.
Also Year 9 were preparing for their first public performance at MADD Night. We decided to use some of the conventions of Gothic literature and experimented with side stage lighting to create an eerie atmosphere. Again students were very nervous but excited. They are to be congratulated for their fine performance.
Ms Burgess (our Dance teacher) and I decided to join forces to create a new style of performance for this year's Orientation Day assembly. We have formed a group of interested students who are meeting on Monday and Tuesday after school and we are hoping Mr Goldsmith will also join us. Watch this space for more news of this project.
Year 10 and 11 students travelled to the Sydney Theatre to see a production of the very famous play, Accidental Death of an Anarchist by Dario Fo. We were all very impressed with the physical skills of the actors which resulted in an extremely funny production, one that we will not forget for a long time.
Year 11 is preparing their performances for the final exams. All have chosen to present an extract from Absurd Theatre. After their chosen theme of the 7 Deadly Sins as the basis of their MADD night presentation, I look forward to another fantastic performance by these talented students.
Hopefully there is little else that has to be organised between now and the holidays!
Enjoy the break
Kim Ahearn
WELFARE REPORT
Last Wednesday saw the launch of our new initiative PBEL. Our school was selected as one of the few schools to pilot this program because of our commitment to provide the best possible environment in which our students can develop both socially and academically. Our core expectations of Respect, Responsibility and Personal Best encompass the qualities that we expect of the Forest High students.
Obviously we have always believed these qualities to be important and have provided many opportunities for students to mature and experience new situations. The year 9 camp this term organised by Mr Goodwin allowed us to focus on these expectations in a different environment. I was very impressed with the students' attitude, behaviour and, as always, delighted when particular students accepted the challenge to achieve their personal best.
Our Peer Reading Program draws to an end this term. Ms Wallace and I would like to offer our congratulations to the Year 10 and 11 tutors who have patiently and enthusiastically assisted Year 7 students. They have been an outstanding group and we hope many will sign up again next year.
This term also saw the return of Techno Bully. This excellent production gives the Year 7 students the chance to observe the negative and dangerous effects of cyber bullying. We take this opportunity to stress that bullying will not be tolerated.
Our senior welfare program focuses on respect for oneself and public responsibility. We invite a group of doctors into the school, to give the students the opportunity to ask questions on a wide range of topics. As many of our Year 11's gain their Ps, it is critical that students are aware of safety issued on the road. The popular driving course gives them an insight into the responsibilities that they now face when they are behind the wheel.
These are just a few of the opportunities that we provide to make the Forest High a supportive and caring environment.
TRIVIA NIGHT NEW DATE - 30th SEPTEMBER 2009
Our Trivia Night is back on the agenda, apologies to all for unseen circumstances that led to postponement, and approaching fast so please book your tables at the Library this week. On the 30th September be in the School Hall at 7.30pm for a fun night, totally organised and run by the students.
$5.00 per child/student
$20.00 per family – 2 adults and up to 3 children
A table of ten Forest students will cost $40.00. We would love to see you there.
Line up the trivia buffs and sign up now for a table at the SRC Trivia Night. Bring your own nibbles for your table. What a great way to share a fun evening and raise funds for The Forest High!
Prize awarded for best dressed table – pick any theme you wish.
TRANSITION TO HIGH SCHOOL SEMINAR
TRANSITION TO HIGH SCHOOL PAYMENT FORM
