From the editor

Leaves Newsletter Term 3 Week 4 2008

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

I would like to thank Mr Molony who has been Relieving Principal while I have been on leave for 5 weeks.  Mr Hong replaced Mr Molony as Deputy Principal and Mr Dowling was Relieving Head Teacher (Science) for that period. It is reassuring to know that we have an increasing depth of quality leadership in our school and I publicly acknowledge the excellent job they did.

2009 will be an interesting year and planning is well underway. Year 10 students returned their subject choice sheets last Wednesday and these will now be examined to determine which subjects will run next year and the pattern of choice ("Lines") will be established over the coming week.

It is very important to understand that students will frequently not receive all their 'first choices' and they would be wise to have a few alternative subjects ready. Every student will be interviewed by the Careers Adviser to confirm that their choices give them wide post-school options.

The Year 8 to Year 9 Subject Information Evening is scheduled for Tuesday 2 September and again, students will need a number of subject options as they do not always receive their first choices. Currently the choices (2008) are:

Line E	Line F	Line G
Fitness Leader	Fitness Leader	Fitness Leader
Engineering	Drama	Commerce
Food Technology	Food Technology	Art
Commerce	Graphics	Japanese
Music	Computing	Food Technology
Art 1	Wood Technology	Computing

Because our school has grown so much over the years, we will gain a second Deputy Principal and a Head Teacher (Administration) in 2009. The organisation is underway to form selection panels and advertise these positions.

I anticipate the school will have approximately 720 students in 2009.

Meet The Principal: 9-10am Monday 25 August. If you know of anyone who is thinking of attending The Forest in 2009, please invite them along and ask them to ring the school on 9451 5111.

SDD: Our recent School Development Day was particularly successful and a number of community members attended along with the staff of Frenchs Forest PS, Beacon Hill PS and The Beach School. The keynote speaker was Hugh Mackay who presented some particularly interesting information about family life today and the impact of changes on both families and the school.

Hugh is a very strong supporter of public education and we are indebted to him and his insights.

Trial HSC: the Trial exams have finished and there were a number of studnts who missed exams for health reasons. I believe the pressure on students contributes to this and the Board of Studies is currently examining ways to relieve some student stress... unfortunately for the 2010 HSC.

Mr Peter Gillam

Principal.

 

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Year 12 - End of Year Arrangements

With the trials tucked away there are now 6 weeks to go until the end of this term, and the HSC just around the corner.

I hope that all year 12 families received the letter detailing the end of year arrangements.

The students are filling out an information sheet at the moment with details that their Mentor can use in writing their reference. This is due during week 5.

Classes will continue as normal until the end of term and it is expected that all students attend. This is a very important time to consolidate the work taught.

The last day of term begins with a breakfast followed by a school assembly ( parents do not usually attend this ) to farewell Year 12. Later that day there is a Year 11/ Year 12 soccer challenge.

All Parents and Year 12 students are invited to the Thankyou Evening that Friday, 26th September at the Forestville RSL.  Please pay the $15 per person to the cashier's office before 19th Sept.

After the HSC we hold the Graduation Assembly where students receive awards and a Graduation Certificate. This is a photo opportunity for the parents and bring along some tissues. This is followed by the Formal. The formal tickets ($80 each) also need to be paid for at the cashier's office before 19th Sept.

These reminders are for students and parents, as the Year 12 students have a lot on their minds at the moment.

It has been a pleasure watching these Year 12 students grow and mature over the past 6 years. At times I feel we are a big family. I hope for a smooth ride to the HSC and encourage all students to keep the main thing, the main thing.

Nearly there...

Mrs G

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TAS FACULTY – WK 4. TRM 3, 2008-08-14

This term is always a busy one for the TAS Faculty at TFHS.  Our stage 6 year 12 students are completing their major projects in Design and Technology, Textiles and Design, as well as Software Design and Development.  All our year 12 students are also currently completing their Trial Higher School Certificate exams and are now on the downhill slope towards their HSC.

Recently our Hospitality students in year 11 and 12 have completed their first (year 11) and second (year 12) work placement weeks for this course.  This mandatory 35 hour working week complements the course structure in that it allows the students to practise and display the skills and competencies that they have shown and worked towards in the classroom.  Some of the establishments that these students have been placed at included:

·        Aqua Dining Restaurant – Milson’s Point

·        Vibe Hotel – North Sydney

·        Out of Africa Restaurant – Manly

·        Manly Wharf Hotel – Manly

·        Brothers’ Pavilion – Balmoral

·        Ripples Restaurant – Chowder Bay

·        41 Restaurant – Chifley Square – Sydney CBD

Sophie Brooks and Lily Truszewski of Year 11 have written the following description of their experiences at their respective work placements:

“  In week 2 of Term 3 year 11 Hospitality spent a week doing Work Placement in a variety of restaurants / function centres.  Year 11 students were able to experience first hand what working in a commercial kitchen was like.  Many found the week to be highly enjoyable but very tiring.  Lily and I both had great weeks working at 41 Restaurant and Ripples at Chowder Bay.  We were kept busy cutting, peeling and slicing as well as assisting the chef’s with desserts and entrées.  We enjoyed tasting lots of food throughout the week although our legs were killing by the end of each day.  Lily would have been more than happy to spend another few weeks there, whilst Sophie was glad it was just one week.  All in all the majority of students thought it was a great week and look forward to another Work Placement in year 12. “

Thankyou to Mrs Blinkhorne and Mrs Horton for their support in the supervision of our students working in the community.

The two year 11 Hospitality classes also recently attended an excursion to the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Pitt Street Sydney.  This 5 star venue was visited in order for our students to tour an established hospitality venue in order to see how all the various departments of a large business such as this can work together to ensure the customer is totally satisfied.  All departments within this particular hotel were visited, including Engineering, Housekeeping, Accounts and Kitchens.  The range of accommodation available was also viewed by our students, including a $4000 per night Penthouse!  Students also experienced the various other amenities including lounges and meeting rooms, as well as viewing the private pool and gym facilities.   Students were finally given the opportunity to ask questions and meet some of the staff during an informal afternoon tea provided inside one of the historic Fairfax meeting rooms.  All our students thoroughly enjoyed this experience and are further motivated to succeed in their Hospitality studies.

Our stage 5 students are also experiencing a busy term 3 with our year 10 students preparing for their final School Certificate assessments.  Practical work is aimed to be completed by the beginning of term 4, as this is when the School Certificate exams commence, as well as assessment grades are entered. Year 10 Industrial Technology, Engineering students have recently participated in the “Making Tracks – Schools Engineering Challenge”.  This challenge is a result of collaboration between the DET and Railcorp, which is designed to raise the profile of Engineering as a career.

Our students were presented with a challenge which was to design a new rail system for a hypothetical location not currently serviced by a rail network.  To succeed, the students needed to have an understanding of different engineering roles and how they work together.  Mr Smith, the current ITE teacher, placed the students into small groups and supplied them with an information pack, including a detailed topographic map of the geographical area, as well as a set of design specifications.  Our students were then asked to plan, cost and present their solution, taking into account various social, environmental, geographical and demographic considerations.

This class then attended the Australian Technology Park at Redfern in early August to present their findings to a panel of engineers and judges.   Students were asked to give a 20 minute presentation on their findings and solutions to the initial problem.  All teams presented themselves very well, and spoke confidently and professionally.  These students also answered questions put to them by the interviewing panel.  Mr Smith felt that these students were excellent ambassadors for the school.  A tour of the Rail maintenance facility was also undertaken by our students, who were able to see first hand the repair and reproduction work done.

Thankyou to all the TAS staff at TFHS for ensuring a comprehensive and safe working environment for all our students.

 David Taylor - Head Teacher Technological And Applies Studies

Bianca Henry & Jamie Derwin at Elanora Country Club

Sophie Brooks

Katie Stroud at Bathers Pavilion

Bianca Henry and Jamie Derwin at Elanora Country Club

 

Andrew Brodie, Kurt Blakeman, Lincoln Fisher, Jaydon Witney and Lachland Deeney at Engineering Excursion

 

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Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians

Since its introduction in 1991, The Forest High has been running this national program which aims at developing problem solving skills in young mathematicians from years 7 to 10. Only a few thousands students Australia wide enter the Challenge Program in each division.  Being selected to participate is an achievement in itself as it is usually done on the basis of the results in the Australian Mathematics Competition.

The first stage of the program, called the Challenge Stage, consists of six very difficult problems to be solved in a period of three weeks. This took place in June.  The results are once again very pleasing.

Junior Division  ( Years 7 and 8)

Jack Tonzing   (Yr8)   obtained a   Credit, missing out on a Distinction by only one mark.      

Lauren Kersenboom and Emma Myers, (Yr8 ) missed out on a Credit by one mark as well.    

Intermediate Division  ( Years 9 and 10 )

Chris Bowden,  Yr10   gained a   Distinction .

A special mention must go to Chris Bowden. Chris has participated in the Mathematics Challenge every year since Year 8 and gained a High Distinction and two distinctions over the three years. Congratulations Chris on an outstanding achievement!

Congratulations to all four 2008 participants for their results and efforts in this difficult competition!

G. Gouiric - (Challenge Coordinator)

Chris Bowden, Jack Tonzing, Emma Myers and Lauren Kersenboom

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Mathletics

Mathletics is an interactive computer program designed to help students enjoy maths and improve their results. It is used by more than 3000 schools worldwide. The course covers the full curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12.

The Mathematics staff have trialed Mathletics with a Year 7 and Year 10 class during Term 2 and were impressed with the interest and results.

All students at the Forest High from Years 7 to 11 have now been registered for Mathletics. This program would normally cost $99 for a year but as we have registered all students we are able to offer it at the reduced rate of $5 for the rest of the year.

Students will be bringing home an information letter and password and can begin straight away.

The program contains course work that can be done at the students own pace and an online challenge that improves basic skills. The teacher is able to send homework through Mathletics and keep track of the students results.

This program allows parents to take an active role in your childs mathematics progress. Encourage your child to do activities that are challenging, and celebrate in your child's success.

Mathematics Staff

 

Congratulations to the following students from Mrs Gourlay's year 8 class who, after only 2 days have achieved a Bronze Certificate. Ben Barker, Ayla Blakeman, Holly O'Sullivan, Kailie Potter and Robyn Sinclair.

Congratulations also to Scott Gray from the Year 7 trial class who now has 4 Certificates.

Who will be next?

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CAPA REPORT

MADD NIGHT   (Music, Art, Dance, Drama) Wed 27th August - 7pm

 

Congratulations to:

Matt Blick, Nick Benjamin and Alex Nichols, our fabulous jazz trio, for their performance at Sydney Opera House, Wednesday 13th August in the NSW Combined Schools Choral Concert.

Years 9 & 10 for a wonderful Stage 5 Music Night on Thursday 14th August.  Well done to Christina Elder!

Parents of our School Band members are invited to attend an information evening for our proposed tour of Japan in December 2009.  Language & Drama students will also be looking at joining this tour for their curriculum studies.

Information evening:  School Hall - Monday 18th August 7.30-8.30 pm

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CANTEEN - VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED

 

 

 

 URGENT CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS, PARTICULARLY MONDAYS.

 

If you have as little as an hour (or 2!) to spare weekly, fortnightly or monthly, please help our students to enjoy nourishing meals from their canteen.

Putting your name down for something as simple as washing up, chopping vegetables or a quick 30 minute supermarket shop will benefit all of our students.

Dates to fill are:

4^th Monday of the month

4^th Wednesday of the month

1^st and 2^nd Thursday of the month

4^th Friday of the month

We DESPERATELY need help on Mon 25^th August as we have no one available for that date.

Please call 94515111 and ask for the canteen

 or ring Karen on 94014303 or 04174174

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Rugby League Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Harold Matthews and SG Ball Squads

This email is being sent on behalf of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.  

Please advise any boys at your school from year 9 up to year 12 that trials for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Harold Matthews and SG Ball Squads (Under 16s and Under 18s) will take place on Saturday 27th September.

Boys must apply by clicking on the link below as soon as possible to book a place.

http://www.manlyseaeagles.com.au/news.asp?newsid=3587&Mth=8&Yr=2008 

Further details can be obtained from Dave Warwick - 0433 404 989 

Junior players can see Mr. Mansell and Senior players can see Mr. Cavill regarding suitability.

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SUMMER SOCCER