Principal’s Report
It is always a pleasure to have the opportunity to complete the principal’s report while Peter is away. The half yearly reports have been posted and most parents/carers will have received or are about to receive the report. After reading all of the senior reports and many of the junior reports it is amazing to see the exceptional calibre of students at The Forest High School. I would like to thank David Taylor for his hard work with the new reporting system and invite parents to give any comments or constructive criticism regarding the new system.
We understand that many sporting clubs and organisations conduct very worthwhile fund raising drives. We request that any student involved in outside fundraising seek appropriate permission before conducting these activities at school. The SRC is allowed limited opportunities for fund raising and these activities negatively impact The Forest High Schools targeted charities.
Parent Teacher Interviews
On Tuesday July 1 parent teacher interviews will be held for Years 7, 8 and 10. I would encourage all parents, if possible, to attend this important function.
Examination Period
The Year 12 Trial HSC examination period commences on Monday August 4 and concludes on Friday August 15. All students need to be utilising a consistent study program to achieve the marks they deserve and overcome examination pressures. We wish Year 12 well in these important examinations.
Shane Molony
Acting Principal
Creative & Performing Arts Report - June 2008
Who would have known there was such a depth of talent in years 7 and 8 music, apart from those of you close to the students that performed so well!! Congratulations to all students who participated, from piano solos, to band items, including our Concert Band and Junior Jazz Quintet, to solo vocal items and a combined 7M/7B choir. In the spirit of including all students in this performing opportunity, the Junior Dance Ensemble showed us how far they have come in a short time, under the direction of Emma Power – well done girls! A special congratulations to Mrs Elder who worked tirelessly to put the night together, training students in and out of class time to make this event a special one for all concerned. Many also commented on the art display that adorned the walls – well done Mrs Higgins and year 7 / 8 art classes.
Plans are underway to expand on the existing Band Parent Support Group, to include all disciplines of the Creative and Performing Arts and to address curriculum and extra curricular activities (band, dance, drama, art exhibitions, show choir, curriculum achievements). It is hoped that parents and community members will see this as an opportunity to show support, share ideas for future directions and simply meet more people with similar desires, to see our children succeed in their endeavours and enjoy themselves along the way.
The first meeting of our new support group is the Monday of the 2nd week back, Monday 28th July, at 7pm. Light refreshments will be served on the night.
Our Year 12 Music Night has been rescheduled for Wednesday 30th July. Each student will be performing their entire HSC program, so the evening proves to be one of high quality. Instruments featuring on the night include saxophones, piano, vocals, flute, acoustic and electric guitars and a rock band item. Such a broad program has something to offer everyone, so come along and show support for our latest HSC group. Our Drama students will be presenting a similar program later in the term, details will be provided as we approach the event.
Working behind the scenes across this busy term (and indeed the whole semester) is our 2 Entertainment Industry classes, acting as technical operations crew for an event almost every 2nd week, including assemblies, music nights, year 12 Auction Day. Term 3 will see them even busier, starting with their participation in the School Development Day, proving how versatile they are – their first corporate event!
Year 8 report - Term 2
Term 3 has been a busy term for year 8. It was great to see so many students participate in the x-country, last day of term 1 and the athletics carnival towards the beginning of this term. We have so much athletic talent and great sportsmanship among year 8 students - well done.
Year 8 have also showed off their high level of skill whilst competing in a variety of grade sports against other schools in the district each Wednesday. A special congratulations to the frisbee team, who to date are undefeated, despite having played short each week. Keep up the great work.
The majority of students produced pleasing results in the half yearly exams, however many found these exams difficult due to a lack of revision. As the years pass, exams will get harder and therefore I urge all students to revise their class notes on a daily basis. If you happen to miss parent-teacher night and you would like to speak to teachers, please call the school to arrange a time to meet the class teacher or speak to them over the phone.
As the weather gets cooler we have seen a decline in the amount of students, especially the boys, wearing the correct school jumper or pants. Please ensure your son/daughter leaves in the morning wearing the correct uniform. The uniform shop is open each Monday, if students need to make a purchase.
I wish you a happy and safe holiday,
Mrs K. Inches
(Year 8 Year Adviser)
2008 NSW Secondary Schools Challenge Cup Report
The Forest High's team consisted of Matthew Wright and Harry Crawford, both of Year 7, who entered into the Junior (Years 7-8) section. The tournament was held in the Sports Halls at Sydney Olympic Park, under the auspices of Table Tennis NSW Inc. We arrived there about half an hour early so that Matthew and Harry had a good time to warm up. The event started about an hour late due to late entries being accepted on the day and also some withdrawals.
The matches were of teams of two, Davis Cup style, with each individual rubber the best of three games to 11. Each match was played until there was a result only.
The initial round robin groups of three teams were read out and tables allocated. Forest won both its round robin matches 3-0 to progress to the quarter finals.
Forest won the quarter final 3-1. They also won the semifinal against Blakehurst High 3-1. The final was against St Johns Park High, and Forest also won that 3-1.
At the conclusion of the final, Matthew and Harry were presented with Gold Medals for their efforts. In all the matches they did not lose a doubles, and Matthew did not lose a singles game.
There were around 20 teams entered in the Junior section of the Challenge Cup. Well done boys.
The Forest High School SRC Supervisor
Dear Ms Murray
On the weekend of 19 and 20 April this year, the Australian Government hosted the Australia 2020 Summit in Canberra. This event marked the formal beginning of a national conversation about some of the major long-term challenges for the nation.
Fittingly, it was some of our youngest Australians - students from every State and Territory - who took part in the first official discussions about our long-term challenges, at more than 500 School Summits held across Australia in March and April.
I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to you, and to all of the participants from The Forest High School, for hosting a 2020 School Summit and for your contributions to this important process.
I was very impressed at the extent to which young Australians were engaged, and the level of enthusiasm and fresh thinking in their ideas about our future challenges. The ideas expressed in the report from the School Summits, and from the associated Youth Summit, have been incorporated in to the Australia 2020 Summit discussions and final report.
I hope that you, your students, and the wider school community will remain involved in the Australia 2020 process, and will continue to follow the outcomes of the Summit through the Australia 2020 Website, www.australia2020.gov.au.
Yours sincerely
Kevin Rudd
Too Much Power On Fun Games
Around one-third of households in NSW have a game console, most of them plugged in and ready to use.
But according to Energy Australia energy efficiency expert Paul Myors, the bad news is that if you leave these appliances running 24 hours a day you'll be adding hundreds of dollars to your energy bill and over a tonne to your greenhouse emissions.
A recent study rated the Sony Playstation 3 the most power-hungry game console out of the three most popular models, the Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii.
The Sony PlayStation 3 consumed around 180W when switched on , but not in use.
This is equivalent to turning on around 12 energy-efficient light bulbs.
If this console was left on all year round, it would cost you between $200 and $250 per year and generate just over 105 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Even if you only left this console on for an extra two hours per day, it would add around $15 to $20 per year to your electricity bill and generate around 150kg of greenhouse emissions.
Out of the three game consoles studied, the Microsoft Xbox 360 consumed about three-quarters of the power of the Sony PlayStation 3, and the Nintendo Wii had only one-tenth of the power consumption.
In addition, if your game console is connected to a plasma TV screen and you leave both of them switched on, you could be using up to 500W of power, depending on the model of TV.
Leaving all these types of appliances on is wasting energy so our advice is if it's not in use, turn it off.
Details: energy.com.au or call 13 15 35.
Jump Rope for Heart
On 5th June, 2008, year 7 participated in Jump Rope For Heart. The program involves young Australian's in fun and healthy challenges that encourage positive attitudes toward physical activity and heart health; while raising funds to help improve and save lives. With one in five children considered overweight or obese, it is important for children to be physically active.
The year 7s were guided by year 10 fitness leader students through a range of skipping activities such as relays, double dutch and single rope competitions. All students participated with energy and enthusiasm.
Thank you to the fabulous year 10 students who showed fantastic leadership and organisational skills.
Congratulations to all year 7 students who raised a pleasing $1149 for the Heart Foundation, your support is greatly appreciated. A special congratulations to the following students; Stacey Farrawell raised $110, Mitchell Davies raised $100 and Chloe Ryman, Evie Smyth, Josh Zesach and Hannah Thompson who raised $50 each. Well done.
K.Inches
Basketball Camp
Just a short letter to inform you there is a Basketball Camp on in July. The new after school competitions start up at the beginning of term 3 (for all ages). If you are interested in entering a team or two then please ring MWBA on 99133622 for any extra details.
If you need my help you can contact me on 0405 158 598 or bdaltbasketball@optusnet.com.au
Many Thanks,
Brad Dalton
Dual Olympian, MWBA Development
MWBA IS A NON PROFIT ORGANISATION
Rugby League Skills Progam
During PE lessons in term two, Years 8 and 9 boys have been involved with the National Secondary School Rugby League Skills Program. This program includes five sessions of skills and tactics by qualified coaches in a non-contact format. It aims to introduce students to the basic individual and team skills of Rugby League and give them the opportunity to participate in modified games including Rugby Tag. The skills taught include passing, catching, scoring tries, evasion, kicking, defence and game sense skills. Parents should have received a permission note from their son outlining the dates and cost earlier in the term. Students need to return this permission note and $1 to the PE staff ASAP.
P&C FUNDRAISING
Attention: Business Owners
TAX TIME IS FAST APPROACHING!!
The Forest High P&C will be holding a Trivia Night and we are gratefully accepting donations. As the end of the financial year is approaching, it may be a good time to think about making a donation of goods (tax deductible) to support your school's 1st official fundraiser in many years.
For more information please contact Tracy Palmer 0402 907 336 or Christine Kaard 0408 975 626.