Principal’s Report Term 2 Week 5 2015

Staffing update David Taylor, Head Teacher TAS has been successful in merit selection and has been appointed Deputy Principal at Secondary College, . A panel has been formed and an advertisement will run for Head Teacher TAS during the next two weeks. Karen Gourlay’s position in the Mathematics Department is also vacant due to her merit selection as Head Teacher Mathematics, The Forest High School. A panel has been formed for that position and an advertisement will be running in the next two weeks. Jacqui Payne from the English faculty has been successful in merit selection and has been appointed Head Teacher English, High School. We congratulate these teachers on their success in the merit selection process. They are all excellent teachers who have made a strong contribution to education at The Forest High School.

Properties Update Remediation work was completed on the pathways into the back of the Hall over the holidays and the new change rooms and toilets will be completed in the next couple of weeks. This whole area of the Hall has been remodeled into a clean, spacious, attractive facility that will enhance learning in Creative and Performing Arts and provide improved amenities for the public.

We will be refurbishing the staff common room into another 21st Century learning space. Joel Wood, Head Teacher Teaching and Learning and Nicole Murray, Teacher-Librarian, are managing that project and it will commence sometime this term, ready for Term 3.

The Principals’ Tour to Korea Over the Easter holiday I went on a Principals’ Study Tour of Korea. I was one member of a delegation that included 22 principals and education officers from all over Australia. The tour was sponsored by the Ministry of Education in Korea, the Australia-Korea Foundation and the Korean Tourism Organisation. The tour lasted nine days and we were able to visit several schools and see the innovative technologies being used to enhance education in Korea. The schools we visited included the Elementary School attached to Gong-ju University of Education, Sejong Global High School, Chungnam Arts High School, Seoul English Education Centre in Gapyeong and Yeouido Middle School. We also visited the Ministry of Education and met the Education Minister and the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. We then travelled to the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.

In addition to the educational visits, we were given the opportunity to do some sightseeing at some of the significant cultural and natural sites in Korea and the innovative companies and factories such as Hyundai, i-KAIST and Samsung d’light. The trip was very intellectually stimulating and I came away with many ideas of ways we can incorporate innovative technologies into our learning programs and encourage students and teachers to look beyond the classroom walls for inspirational learning experiences. I will be sharing photos of the Korean schools with the students at assembly and donating gifts of books on Korean history and culture to our library.

School Plan The new school plan has been published and is available on the school’s website. We are now working on milestones for the projects we will be running over the next three years.

Rosemary McDowall Principal

WHOOPING COUGH A case of whooping has been reported in the school community. Following is information and action regarding whooping cough. Whooping cough starts like a cold and progresses to bouts of coughing that can last for many weeks. Older children may just have a cough that is persistent and is worse at night. The infection can occur even in fully-vaccinated children.

Anyone with symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Your GP can test for whooping cough. If your doctor diagnoses whooping cough, please let the school know and keep your child at home until they have taken 5 days of antibiotics. After 5 days of antibiotic treatment, enough bacteria are killed to stop the spread to others, although the cough can linger for weeks.

People diagnosed with whooping cough should stay away from school until no longer infectious. Ask your doctor for a medical certificate and find out when it is safe to return.

Thank you and good bye Thank you so much to the wonderful parents and students of Forest High. I have loved every minute of teaching at this school and am truly grateful for the opportunity of being part of such a wonderful community of learning.

Throughout my nine years at The Forest I have seen our students consistently demonstrate compassion towards others, a desire to learn and achieve and a genuine love of their school. Forest students treat others with respect and kindness and I wish all students and their families all the very best for 2015 and beyond.

Jacqui Payne - English Faculty

Achievement Awards

Congratulations to the following students who have received 10 green Certificate of Recognition slips and been awarded a Certificate of Achievement

Year 8 Sacha Bensaul Aaron Gurd Bailee Glynn Jeremy Butler

Year 9 Joseph Kim x2 Samantha O’Shanassy x2 Robert Buttiglieri Luke Chronis

Year 10 Baden Kelly Aidan Wylie

Year 11 Hollie Wedlake x2

Saltbush 2015

On Tuesday 12th May, 2015, 9 students from The Forest High School accompanied by Mr Pitt and Ms Chaloner joined 10 students from and three of their teachers for a trip out to Bourke to visit Bourke High School. Students had a wonderful time in Bourke attending classes with the Bourke students. As well as subjects they were used to they also attended Agricultural Studies, Barkindji Language class in the Bush Tucker Garden and a Girls healing Circle.

There was also a day trip to Gundabooka, Ngemba country which was lead by a Ngemba woman, Missy who is also a support teacher at Bourke High School. Missy taught everyone about the land, how you could tell where her people had cooked and camped and she taught students about bush tucker and medicine and how to find water. She also showed students some very old Aboriginal paintings.

The trip to Bourke was a very special experience for everyone involved. Everyone learnt a lot about our Indigenous heritage and made some new friends. Students gained a greater appreciation of all the opportunities afforded them by where they live and the challenges facing rural Australians. Both students and teachers were sad to leave Bourke and all hope to return there again one day.

Ms L. Chaloner

Year 7 Report

Year 7 continue to participate wholeheartedly in high school life. They formed strong friendships at the Year 7 Camp in Term 1 and these are evident in the caring and compassionate way many of them interact with one another.

Year 7 students have recently completed the Peer Support Program with their Year 10 buddies, which was very valuable. They learnt how to build resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity and they have also learnt how to overcome challenges.

As a reward and celebration for completing this program, Year 7 along with their Year 10 buddies, will be going on an adventure to the Zoo. We are very much looking forward to this trip with this delightful group of students.

We encourage them to keep embracing the many opportunities that The Forest High School offers.

Sarah Hawling Year 7 Adviser

Year 8 Report The year 8 students recently have had the opportunity to attend a poetry incursion organised by the English faculty. I was impressed to hear the students were punctual and joined in the incursion responsibly and with enthusiasm. I would like to thank them and also the English teachers, particularly Mr David de Montfort and Ms Blae Levy for organising this opportunity for the students. Many student comments were along the theme of "who would have thought poetry can be fun..."

On the subject of literacy, we ask all students to participate in our "Drop everything and read" program. The objective is all students choose a book to read during our first morning session, which allows the students to settle their thoughts to prepare for learning throughout the day. Please assist your child by asking what book they are reading and encourage them to choose books that interest them - preferably hard copy rather than downloaded books on their devices.

The weather is changeable at the moment and a jumper may be needed throughout the day. Could I please ask all students wear correct uniform and that each item of clothing is labelled with your child's name so that lost property can be returned to the student (school uniforms can be expensive if items of clothing need to be replaced). If the weather requires scarfs and or beanies - plain black is the most suitable colour for these types of accessories. Variants in bold colours or comical designs should be kept safely at home until a suitable mufti day is organised at school.

We are nearly mid way through the term and I wish to commend the students for their efforts across all classes so far. Keep up your personal best.

Clare Diggins Year 8 Adviser

Year 9 Report Term 2 has proven to be very busy for year 9. Only half way through the term they have already had to undertake NAPLAN in Week 4 as well as have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities.

Friday of week 4, year 9 participated in the Reach program which was aimed at developing self-esteem, confidence and positive peer dynamics. It was a very powerful workshop; the students showed respect and empathy as individuals were brave enough to express their feelings. This was wonderfully timed leading into camp where the students could put into practice the values they explored and discovered.

Camp was held at Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre for the first 3 days of Week 5. Activities included abseiling, high ropes course, archery, bush walking, damper cooling, initiative games and orienteering. Everyone pushed their boundaries and gave each activity a go to the best of their ability. I want to thank the following staff for their efforts on camp; Mrs Goulay, Mr Goldsmith, Mr Millar, Mr Moore, Ms Watanabe, Ms Page and Mr Neely. I would also like to thank the students for conducting themselves in an appropriate manner while they were representatives of The Forest High School, well done!

Michelle Garnett - Year 9 Advisor

Year 10 Report

Students in year 10 are in the throes of considering their subject choices for their senior studies which are due to commence in week 6 of term 4.

In early June the students will have an opportunity to consult in small groups with the head teachers of each faculty. They will be given information about each of the subjects available to them and an opportunity to ask questions. In addition, the students will be taught how to make their subject selections using Web Choices, an online subject selection program.

Once the choices have been made, the executive, including all head teachers, deputies and the principal, will meet to discuss the merits and abilities of the students in relation to their choices. Feedback will then be provided to those students whose choices may have caused some concern.

On Thursday 28th May, year 10 will undertake a further round of Reach workshops. These workshops deal with gender-specific issues. The students are divided into smaller gender- based groups to allow them to explore gender issues confronting them.

Plans for a year 10 formal have been put in place. Miramare Gardens at Terrey Hills has been booked for 5th November. A formal committee has been appointed and is considering all sorts of options for making the formal a wonderful event.

Jason Millar Year 10 Adviser

Year 11 Report It has been all business so far this term for Year 11, who are now five weeks through their HSC courses for their chosen subjects. It is fair to say that this is probably the busiest that they have ever been and we remind them of the importance of staying on top of all their academic work over the next term and half. Some subjects will be running a holiday class which will be beneficial for students to attend. Additionally, there are external HSC holidays programs that students are encouraged to attend. HSC in the Holidays (website can be found at hscintheholidays.com.au) is a reputable program that runs specific subject workshops in both the July and September holidays.

With exams coming up in Week 7, all students should be committing to a study plan and employing some of the strategies that they learnt during the Study Skills sessions at the end of Year 10. Remember to take care of your physical and mental health, eat well, get plenty of regular exercise and go easy on the technology and social media around bedtime so you get the necessary amount of sleep.

Chris Falkland Year 11 Adviser

Year 12 Report At the beginning of Term 2, Year 12 started their HSC courses and are now working hard to refine their skills and consolidate their understandings of content in the lead up to half-yearly examinations in Week 7. Students are encouraged to seek out additional help from their teachers if needed and use the library effectively if they have free periods.

In Week 4, the cohort received their jerseys after patiently awaiting their arrival. It is so lovely to see everyone looking so smart and mature and there are some very witty nicknames on the backs.

Formal notes were distributed in Week 5. Students need to make their payments to the office before the 21st of August. They are able to purchase a maximum of 2 tickets, which means that they are able to bring one guest. This will be a special and memorable evening that I hope everyone is looking forward to.

Alex Castle Year 12 Adviser

Year 11 and 12 Parent/Teacher Interviews Please click here for further information

Term 2 Events YEAR 7 1 June Zoo Excursion 9 June Vaccinations 10 June Maths Olympiad 11/12 June High Resolves

YEAR 8 10 June Maths Olympiad

YEAR 9 26 May High Resolves 29 May 9A/9B Web of Writers 5 June High Resolves 22 June High Resolves

Year 10 26 May Child Studies Excursion 28 May Reach Seminar 1 June Peer Support Leaders to Zoo with Year 7 15 June High Resolves

3+3 29 May – 5 June Half Yearly Exams 12 June ETA English Modules Day 13 June History Study Day 18 June Parent/Teacher interviews 3.30 – 6pm

SRC 12 June Mental Health Forum 24 June Leadership Program

Miscellaneous 26 May U/13 & U/15 Rugby League Gala Day 27 May Award Ceremony 2 June ICAS Science testing (various students participating) 3 June World Vision Leadership Day 10 June Stage 5 Music Night 11 June North Cross Country 12 June SRC Mufti Day 12 June International Student’s lunch 17 June P&C Meeting 7pm 19 June Zone Athletics 24 June Trivia Night 26 June Last day of school 26 June Bob Philpott Challenge Cup

Students return to school for Term 3 on Tuesday 14th July. ANZAC Day Trent Settree was involved in a very special Anzac Day ceremony at Collaroy Beach. He was one of the lifesavers who rowed a special Australian surfboat at the 100 Years, 100 Boats: Collaroy Beach Anzac Day 2015 event.

The annual SRC Trivia Night is back so please book the 24th June 2015 7.00pm in your diaries – this evening in the past has been a fun night, totally organised and run by the students.

The Student Representative Council are currently collecting prizes and would appreciate any donations for the night. A thank you to those parents who have already donated wonderful prizes - it helps make our night. Please contact the school, or drop off prizes to the library, if you can help.

Please book your table as soon as possible for a great night of trivia and fun. The Student Representative Council look forward to seeing you there. Tables of ten can be registered at the Library.

$20.00 per adult $10.00 per child/student $50.00 per family – 2 adults and up to 3 children A table of ten Forest students will cost $70.00.

Line up the trivia buffs and sign up now for a table at the SRC Trivia Night. A rolling raffle will be held on the night.

Bring your own nibbles for your table - as this is a student run event no alcohol is to be consumed thank you.

What a great way to share a fun evening and raise funds for The Forest High! The last two Trivia Nights have purchased new seating and artwork for the Library. Prize awarded for best dressed and table decoration.

COLLECT YOUR REGISTRATION FORM FROM THE LIBRARY

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS We now have the 2015/16 entertainment books in stock. Please click here to view details and order form.

Warringah Council - presentation by Leonie Smith on Cyber Safety. Click here for information New Canteen Menu

The P&C handed over operations of the school canteen to an experienced school canteen provider. Please find attached the new menu being provided to students. Click here for the PDF. The file will also be available on the website for future Next Meeting 17th June reference.

The P&C will be meeting again on the 17th June 7pm in the school Library to continue to hear about what's happening in the school and voice any questions or concerns that parents may have.

Thanks to Mr Wood & Mr Goldsmith Special thanks to Joel Wood & Ben Uniform Shop Goldsmith for sharing with parents details of the computer administration system that The Uniform Shop will continue to be run by supports the school and plans to provide the P&C. Note that any enquires can be parents with greater access to student sent to: schedules. Their response to a enquiry [email protected] earlier in the year was informative and Orders can be pleased via this email and inspiring as to what is yet to come. students can collect items if parents are unable to make it to the school during these operating hours. Mondays from 8:00 - 10:00am and Thursdays 2:00 - 4.00pm.

Uniform Order Form Uniform Size Guide