From the editor
Leaves newsletterPRINCIPAL'S REPORT
As term four approaches its conclusion, it is an appropriate time to reflect on the outstanding contribution that year 12 has made to the culture of success that is The Forest High School. Year 12 students of 2008 have established an outstanding reputation at school and in the wider community. They are rightfully proud of their myriad of achievements in the academic, sporting, cultural and community service domains. As we approach the time of their graduation and formal ceremonies I would like to take this opportunity to thank the students for their effort, dedication and achievement.
Year 10 Crossroads Program
After a very successful week of work experience year 10 students will undertake the mandatory crossroads program. This program will give students the opportunity to hear from a variety of speakers and representatives from areas including the military, police and universities. The program also gives students the chance to set personal targets and explore career directions.
Shane Molony - Acting Principal
YEAR 9 REPORT
As we are fast approaching the end of yet another very busy year for Year 9, it is important at this stage to celebrate the successes of this group of students. Year 9 is a hard year as they move into the middle of the school. They are no longer the youngest ones nor are they the senior ones with the responsibilities of school leadership. More often than not we tend to focus on the negative aspects of our students but I think it is really important that we encourage these students in every way possible. Many of our students achieve great things in a variety of areas that are never acknowledged. I believe that if these students are to be the strong and confident leaders that I envisage they will be in the coming years, I think we need a change in focus in how we approach the welfare of these students. This will be my aim for this year group next year.
As they are approaching the end of Stage 5 and heading into their School Certificate, it is essential that we encourage effective study habits. Most importantly is the fact that the students need to value their school work as well as taking pride in their bookwork. The more pride and value taken, the easier it becomes when they need to revise the work they have done. Due to the short time these students will have before they sit for their School Certificate exams, it is crucial for them to stay on top of their work and assessments.
Next year will be extremely busy with work experience, the Crossroads program and the Year 10 Formal so effective time management is the key to succeeding in this year. Next year the students will be continuing in their subject electives but need to also think about what they are heading towards in terms of senior study and what they want to accomplish when they finish school. Throughout this year, our numbers have increased and this places pressure on subject selections. Due to this, the students need to think really carefully about the choices they make in the coming years.
Homework and Assessment
It is still really important for the year group to stay on top of their homework and class as reports are due out within the next couple of weeks. As parents, there are a variety of things that you can do to ensure that your students are not wasting their time. These include looking at their school diaries, reading with them, talking to their teachers and looking through their school books.
Uniforms
As the weather is getting hotter, the uniforms need some attention. The students are still required to wear full school uniform at all times. This includes ties and appropriate school shoes. Students need to also make sure that they have an appropriate school bag that is big enough to carry their essential equipment. We would also encourage students not to bring their mobile phones and MP3 players to school.
Melanie Read
Year 9 Adviser
SPORTS AWARD EVENING
The annual Sports Awards Evening was held on Tuesday night. Susan Pratley- Sydney Swifts Player, Drew Williamson - Westbus Spirit player, Bronwyn Bishop -Member for Mackellar and Brad Hazzard, were our special guests.
The junior and senior dance ensembles entertained the assembled. The major award winners on the evening were Kara Wall and Rowan Smith as Sports People of the Year. The team awards were won by the open grade soccer in both the boys and girls category. Congratulations to all the award recipients who have contributed to sport throughout the year. A special thank you to the PDHPE staff who helped run the evening and all other teachers who attended.
A reminder to all the year 7 parents that swim school will be occurring on the 11th and 12th of December and attending the beach on 16th December. Please ensure that all money and permission notes have been returned. Please let Mrs Power know if there are any problems.
Jenny Power - Head Teacher PDHPE
Boys Open Soccer Team
Girls Open Soccer Team
Rowan Smith - Sportsman of the Year
Kara Wall - Sportswoman of the Year
PANASH DESIGN
