MERCURIUS - Fort Street High School · 1-9 are basic education with examinations only during Year...

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MERCURIUS The News Magazine of Fort Street High School Issue 3, May 2017 Dear Parents, Carers and Fortians Fort Street High School, Parramatta Road, Petersham 2049 T: 02 8585 1600 E: [email protected] W:www.fortstreet.nsw.edu.au The Front Page by Hecht and MacArthur On 24 th and 25th May at 7pm The Senior Drama Company is performing The Front Page by Hecht and MacArthur. Year 10 Music students have composed original music for the production. It is a hilarious farce about tabloid journalism set in Chicago’s Criminal Court Press Room in 1928. The play has been performed regularly and adapted for the cinema several times. It is just as relevant today as when it was first written. Please join us for an enjoyable evening. The last month has been another busy and exciting one at The Fort. We started the term with a Staff Development Day where the staff had a presentation from Emil Hodzic, a psychologist who deals with gaming issues. He also presented at the recent P&C meeting and both staff and parents found his presentations to be interesting and educational and promoted much discussion. Also during our first week we commemorated the history of Anzac Day at a school assembly. It is always a special time of reflection for the school community. Our Year 12 information night was very well attended by parents and students where the staff delivered their advice on the best use of the final 24 weeks before the HSC final examinations commence. Years 7 and 9 sat for their NAPLAN exams. At Fort Street we continue to support all students to achieve their academic best and NAPLAN remains a diagnostic tool for students and staff to reflect and evaluate on the progress of students. We have many successful school sporting teams at Fort Street and the Volleyball team coached by Hugh O’Neill is no exception. Although they were very successful in their games, it was a letter sent to me from their last opponents at a youth detention school that was especially pleasing. The staff at the school were so appreciative of our players’ sportsmanship and leadership in enabling their students to compete in the competition. Congratulations to all the players and their coach. The process of designing a new winter school jacket has now been completed with SRC, P&C and School Council agreeing on a final product. The uniform shop has placed an initial order for 300 jackets and all the information regarding placing orders has been emailed to every parent and student. Once the jacket is in circulation, other external jackets will not be an acceptable part of our school uniform. This new jacket will not replace the school blazer on formal occasions. Karen Di Stefano Relieving Principal

Transcript of MERCURIUS - Fort Street High School · 1-9 are basic education with examinations only during Year...

Page 1: MERCURIUS - Fort Street High School · 1-9 are basic education with examinations only during Year 10-12 in preparation for matriculation. The school day is 9-2 and movement is a mandated

MERCURIUST h e N e w s M a g a z i n e o f F o r t S t r e e t H i g h S c h o o l

Issue 3, May 2017

Dear Parents, Carers and Fortians

Fort St reet High School , Parramat ta Road, Petersham 2049T: 02 8585 1600 E: for ts t reet -h.school@det .nsw.edu.au W:www.for ts t reet .nsw.edu.au

TheFrontPagebyHechtandMacArthur

On24thand25thMayat7pmTheSeniorDramaCompanyisperformingTheFrontPagebyHechtandMacArthur.Year10Musicstudentshavecomposedoriginalmusicfortheproduction.ItisahilariousfarceabouttabloidjournalismsetinChicago’sCriminalCourtPressRoomin1928.Theplayhasbeenperformedregularlyandadaptedforthecinemaseveraltimes.Itisjustasrelevanttodayaswhenitwasfirstwritten.Pleasejoinusforanenjoyableevening.

The last month has been another busy and exciting one at The Fort. We started the term with a Staff Development Day where the staff had a presentation from Emil Hodzic, a psychologist who deals with gaming issues. He also presented at the recent P&C meeting and both staff and parents found his presentations to be interesting and educational and promoted much discussion.

Also during our first week we commemorated the history of Anzac Day at a school assembly. It is always a special time of reflection for the school community.

Our Year 12 information night was very well attended by parents and students where the staff delivered their advice on the best use of the final 24 weeks before the HSC final examinations commence.

Years 7 and 9 sat for their NAPLAN exams. At Fort Street we continue to support all students to achieve their academic best and NAPLAN remains a diagnostic tool for students and staff to reflect and evaluate on the progress of students.

We have many successful school sporting teams at Fort Street and the Volleyball team coached by Hugh O’Neill is no exception. Although they were very successful in their games, it was a letter sent to me from their last opponents at a youth detention school that was especially pleasing. The staff at the school were so appreciative of our players’ sportsmanship and leadership in enabling their students to compete in the competition. Congratulations to all the players and their coach.

The process of designing a new winter school jacket has now been completed with SRC, P&C and School Council agreeing on a final product. The uniform shop has placed an initial order for 300 jackets and all the information regarding placing orders has been emailed to every parent and student. Once the jacket is in circulation, other external jackets will not be an acceptable part of our school uniform. This new jacket will not replace the school blazer on formal occasions.

Karen Di StefanoRelieving Principal

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Important Dates

May22-24 Big Science Competition23 ICAS Digital Technology24-25 Senior Drama Production24 WAFTS Year 10 Science24 Open Morning24 Australian History Competition28 Red Shield Appeal30 ICAS Science

June2 Year 7 Vaccinations5 Zone Athletics7 WAFTS Year 10 Science7 School Council Meeting7 Foundation Meeting7 UNSW Scholarship info night (register at UNSW)8 Year 9 Study Skills

NSW Principals’ Educational Visit to FinlandRoslynne Moxham - Director PSNSW Inner City Strategy / Principal FSHSFinnish education is summed up in the quote below and was on display in a school.“A child is not brought up so that he can beas pleasant and effortless for us as can be,but so that he can be healthy and strongto fill in his future place in the world and discover himself”Maria JotuniThe focus of Finnish education is on developing and supporting young people who understand responsibility for self

and to the community. They are explicitly taught creative thinking and are encouraged from a young age to take responsibility for their learning. Flexibility in learning is encouraged. Teaching and learning spaces are flexible and flexibly organised to enable the development of collaborative learning. Finnish children learn Finnish from the beginning of school, English and Music from Year 3 and Swedish from Year 4. Years 1-9 are basic education with examinations only during Year 10-12 in preparation for matriculation. The school day is 9-2 and movement is a mandated part of the curriculum each hour. The concept of students as risk taking collaborative learners is encouraged.

A fantastic multipurpose space- part of a new build. It is the performance hall, food hall and school foyer at different times of the day. The stage is behind the wooden folding wall.

June (cont)9 Regional Cross Country12 Public Holiday14 WAFTS Year 10 Science14 P&C Meeting15 Sport/Special Photo Day20 USyd Scholarship Info Night (register with University of Sydney)21 WAFTS Year 10 Science21 Year 7 and 10 Parent Teacher Evening23-30 TAU Senior State Music Camp23 Recognition Assembly23 IMP Concert26 Year 8 and 9 Parent Teacher Evening26 Year 8 Information Evening28 Open Morning28 WAFTS Science Presentation30 End of Term 2

We featured in both Finnish and Swedish newspapers.

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Workshop with Acclaimed Playwright Hilary Bell On Tuesday 4th April, Ms Hilary Bell visited Ms Schlam and Ms Tan’s Year 10 English class. Our class has recently been studying feminism and had read “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Ms Bell is a writer of stage, fiction, radio, screen, and theatre and had written a radio drama title ‘Beautiful Hands’, a sequel to Gilman’s short story. She wrote this piece in 2011 for a competition based on ‘Old Texts Revisited’. Ms Bell outlined her writing process which involved reading and analysing the original piece which sparked a range of ideas. Her main analysis of the story came down to the question: “Is it better to be delusional and happy or realistic and miserable?” This was followed by a Q & A. Ms Bell explained that the themes in “The Yellow Wallpaper” were not culturally significant and therefore could be set universally. She also mentioned that as an Australian composer she is instinctively drawn to using Australian actors in her work.We’d like to thank Ms Bell for giving so generously of her time to share with us her knowledge as a playwright, and her experiences within the industry. We enjoyed the lesson immensely and have learnt invaluable techniques in helping us to become successful writers. Larissa Yang and Lily Lam Year 10 English 1

Duke of Edinburgh Award - Gold Walk

Congratulations to Andrew Stevenson, Rex Collin, Ivan Chu, Kevin Le, Owen Silver, Diren Goonasekera, Jordan Woods, Seamus Kirk and Tony Mao who completed a 6 day hike at Cradle Mountain, Tasmania as part of their Gold level Duke of Edinburgh Award. Thanks to teachers Simon Pike and Robbie Begg who accompanied them.

Arts Unit Composition WorkshopCongratulations to Jonathon Kelley from Year 9 who took part in a Composition Workshop with musicians from London’s prestigious chamber orchestra the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. The workshop was organised by the NSW Department of Education’s Arts Unit. There were 38 students from across the State who attended the intensive weekend masterclass at the Sydney Opera House.

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Our Chocolate is made by Child Slaves

Many children in the Ivory Coast and Ghana are taken from their homes and forced to harvest cocoa beans just to make it to our first world consumer aisles. How would you feel if you lost everything you cared for and were sold into slavery? This is why you should buy fair trade chocolate.

Initially, you should certainly buy fair trade as you will reduce slavery. Hundreds of slaves have never even tasted the very chocolate that they source. Instead, they spend countless days doing inhumane labour that no child should experience. They are exposed to noxious chemicals, sharp, unsanitary tools and cruel slavers. No child should live like this.

Furthermore, you should absolutely buy fair trade chocolate as it is satisfying knowing that you have made a difference in a child’s life. You would feel content that you have lessened a slave’s rigorous labour, and if enough of us buy the better chocolate, companies might have a moment of clarity and realise their wrongdoing. Then the slaves could have a better life.

In conclusion, it is absolutely imperative that you buy fair trade chocolate to help slaves, beat cruel slavers, and show that anything is possible through people power.

Joaquin Benavides (Year 7)

Kevin Luu (Fortian 2011)Fortian Kevin Luu was guest speaker at City of Ryde Volunteer Awards during National Volunteer Week. Kevin suffered a serious brain injury after a bike accident soon after leaving FSHS. The SRC and the school community helped support Kevin through the charity Fresh Tracks. Kevin is now giving back through volunteering at Royal Rehab in Ryde and has recently returned to University.

Kevin is pictured with Ms Eastment and Kevin Shaw who was one of the nominees.

Report from Fort Street School Council

The School Council, comprising representatives of the School Executive, teachers, parents, students and the commu-nity, has met three times in 2017.

A major focus has been on how best to progress plans for a new contemporary performance and teaching space at the school, using the school’s vacant block. To this end, Council has established a Buildings Sub-Committee, and in the first instance is meeting with a number of Fortians expert in building design and fundraising to seek their input. A number of other building and renovation initiatives are being coordinated by the school.

Other matters considered have included the 2017 School Budget, the school canteen, plans for the school library, the School Plan (which is due for review), the 2016 HSC results, the school’s Assessment Policy, the School Excellence Framework (which enables schools to self-assess their performance against key educational areas), and the revamp of the school’s website.

Reports are received at each meeting from the Principal, P&C, student representatives, the Fortian Union and the Fortian Foundation.

Dr Kathy EssonChair

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FSHS IMP 2018 EUROPEAN TOUR FUNDRAISING TRIVIA NIGHT

SATURDAY 5 AUGUST 2017

Fort Street High School has a long tradition of musical excellence. On rare occasions our senior students have been given the opportunity to travel overseas for a bespoke performance and learning opportunity with peers and teachers. The last trip was in 2015 when over 60 students travelled to Europe. Senior Fort Street IMP members will again have the opportunity to tour in Europe during the 2018 April school holidays. This tour will visit Vienna, Budapest, Zagreb, Split, Bratislava and Prague, where our Fort Street musicians will experience amazing musical opportunities and showcase their musicianship for local audiences, in historic and contemporary venues. Students and their families pay for the touring costs inclusive of all travel, accommodation and catering. Logistical costs, including hire of additional equipment and the associated transport and miscellaneous items, are understandably high. To cover these additional costs of approximately $10 000, we are fundraising by hosting a trivia night at the Petersham Bowling Club, on Saturday 5 August 2017, and would love for you and your friends and family to attend. Even if you aren’t touring this time, we would encourage you to support this event.

It is going to be a really fun night featuring:• A quality trivia comp by the experts at Fame Trivia• A round of lawn bowls when you arrive• Bonus rounds of chocolate challenges and novelty • games• Dinner and dessert by the Petersham Bowling Club

Restaurant• Pay bar featuring great local beers and wine• The Wheel of Wine• A great raffle and amazing live auction.Tickets are $65 each and can be bought separately or for tables of 10 – make up a table of ten and take the opportunity to catch up with friends in a great night out! (Remember to nominate someone to have their name on the table). Don’t worry if you don’t have 10 people – we will form tables. There are only 120 tickets available so get in fast!

Tickets can be bought online at: http://fortstreethighschoolimp2018europetour.floktu.com/

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Fort Street High School Exit Profile

The school exit profile articulates the vision for student achievement. Successful Fortians will have:

• maximised their academic potential

• developed individual skills and talents across a variety of areas

• developed learning strategies to equip them to be independent, self-motivated and life-long learners

• developed emotional resilience, self-reliance, interpersonal skills, the capacity to connect to others and leadership potential

• recognised their responsibilities to the wider community

• developed a strong sense of social justice as well as a commitment to fairness and equity.

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UNSW Scholarships Information Evening

Wednesday, 7 June 2017 -6:15pm to 8:00pm

Location: Sir John Clancy Auditorium, UNSW Kensington

The Scholarships Information Evening provides depth and detail on the range of scholarships at UNSW and the application process.The evening is aimed at Year 11 and 12 students and their parents and will consist of an information session that includes:• General introduction to UNSW scholarships and

application process• Co-op Program opportunities and how to apply• Q&A panel to answer all your questions• An opportunity for one-on-one discussions about

specific scholarships To make the most of the evening be sure to have a look at the Scholarships and Co-op Program websites before attending.This is always a popular event, so register now to secure your place.

Register here

Law and Business Information Evening

Thursday, 22 June 2017 -6:00pm to 8:30pm

Location: UNSW Law, Union Road, UNSW Kensington CampusUNSW Law and Business invite High School Students in Years 11 and 12 along with their parents, to attend our combined Information Evening.

We will be holding two separate Faculty presentations on the night. After the presentations, you will have the opportunity to speak first-hand to our current students and staff, who will provide detailed information on degrees offered, opportunities available and what life’s like on campus at UNSW.

Presentation schedule for the night

6:30pm - 6:50pm Presentation by UNSW Law7:00pm - 7:30pm Presentation by UNSW Business SchoolUNSW Law will also host sessions on the night to give you a taste of what life as a Law student is all about, from mooting and skills competitions to experiential learning sessions. A detailed program of additional Law sessions will be available shortly.

Register here

For more events at UNSW visit https://www.futurestudents.unsw.edu.auFor more events at the University of Sydney visit http://sydney.edu.au/study/admissions/events-for-future-students.html

University of Sydney Scholarship Information EveningOur scholarships provide recognition for students who achieve an excellent Year 12 result and have the skills, attri-butes and passion to succeed.

Attendees will hear from current students and staff about a range of scholarships including Sydney Scholars Pro-gram, Residential College scholarships and the Elite Athletes Program. Those attending will also hear tips on how to write a competitive application and about the internship, networking and leadership opportunities available to recipi-ents.

Date: Tuesday 20 June

Time: 6 - 8pm

Location: Darlington Campus

Registration: sydney.edu.au/scholarships-info-evening

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Mercurius P&C News: May 2017 Page 1 of 6

Fort Street High School Parents & Citizens Association

ABN 59 424 414 672

E: [email protected]

P&C News

Thank you to all those parents who made it to the talk on gaming addiction. I personally found the information provided very useful. If you were unable to make it please check out Emil Hodzic’s website detailed below.

Canteen Update On 27 March 2017, Natasha Pollock and I attended a workshop on the revised NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy that forms part of the NSW Government’s commitment to reducing childhood overweight and obesity by 5% by 2025. All schools will transition to the strategy by the end of 2019. The strategy is mandatory and will be reviewed as part of the normal audit process of the school. The strategy categorises foods into everyday and occasional. Everyday foods are made from the foods in the five food groups (see Australian Guide to Healthy Eating). Everyday drinks are milk and water. Occasional foods are mostly high in saturated fat, sugars and/or salt and often with little nutritional value – eat only sometimes and in small amounts. At least 75% of each section (hot food, cold food, snacks, etc) of the menu must be everyday foods, a maximum of 25% occasional foods. Packaged foods stocked by the canteen must be at least 3.5 Stars according to the Health Star Rating (www.healthstarrating.gov.au). Sugary drinks are banned from NSW school canteens.

The P&C held a special meeting on Monday 3 April to discuss the new canteen strategy and were fortunate to have Ms Helen Dirkis, Program Manager of Live Life Well@School from the Sydney Local Health District attend to explain more about the revised Strategy.

The P&C supports the canteen and the school in the transition to the new strategy and will present some motions as a result of the meeting in April that will be voted on at the next P&C meeting on Wednesday 14 June at 7:30pm.

References:

Australian Guide to Healthy Eating: www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/australian-guide-healthy-eating Health Star Rating: www.healthstarrating.gov.au NSW Department of Education Healthy School Canteens: https://healthyschoolcanteens.nsw.gov.au/

Melanie Bruniges P&C Canteen Representative

10 May 2016: Gaming Addiction & Cyber Bullying P&C Guest Speaker: Emil Hodzic

The P&C were fortunate to welcome Psychologist Emil Hodzic from the Video Game Addiction Clinic to speak before the 10 May P&C meeting. Emil covered a number of topics around video game use, both good and bad.

Emil identified a number of the reasons parents seek help:

• Preventative work around their child’s gaming habits • Concerns around their child’s internet and gaming usage • When a their child is showing signed of stagnation in day to day life while indicating a desire to

become a professional gamer • When their child’s gaming is escalating – parents seeking cessation and/or repair of entrenched

behaviour

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Mercurius P&C News: May 2017 Page 2 of 6

• When there is a crisis within the home with self harm and violence a reality

Further information about Emil’s work can be found on his website:

videogameaddictiontreatment.com.au Also keep an eye out for Emil’s handout that will be sent via email by the school.

commonsensemedia.org Emil recommended a wonderful online resource for parents – Common Sense Media. Although this is an American organisation and website it is equally valid for parents and children in Australia.

“Common Sense is the leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology. We empower parents, teachers, and policymakers by providing unbiased information, trusted advice, and innovative tools to help them harness the power of media and technology as a positive force in all kids’ lives.

Media and technology are at the very center of all our lives today -- especially our children’s. Kids today spend over 50 hours of screen time every week. The media content they consume and create has a profound impact on their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Learning how to use media and technology wisely is an essential skill for life and learning in the 21st century. But parents, teachers, and policymakers struggle to keep up with the rapidly changing digital world in which our children live and learn. Now more than ever, they need a trusted guide to help them navigate a world where change is the only constant.

Common Sense Media helps families make smart media choices. We offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites, books, and music. Our Parent Concerns and Parent Blog help families understand and navigate the problems and possibilities of raising children in the digital age.”

From: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/about-us/our-mission#about-us, accessed 19/05/2017

Dates to remember

School Plan: Strategic

Direction 3, Communication 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Wednesday, 14 June 2017

School Library

The school is in the process of reviewing the current 2015 - 2017 School Plan and developing the next iteration of this important document, which will run from 2018 – 2020. From 7:00pm to 7:30pm relieving Principal Karen Di Stefano will be discussing Strategic Direction 3 – Communication of this school plan. The school plan is developed in consultation with staff, students, and parents through various focus group activities and other forums. This will be the first opportunity for parents/carers of FSHS to contribute to the new school plan. So please consider coming along to hear from the school and have your feedback considered. Fort Street High School - School Plan 2015 – 2017:

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Mercurius P&C News: May 2017 Page 3 of 6

Purpose: To strengthen communication channels and interaction between all groups within the school community and ensure common understandings and effective contributions. Improvement measures are:

• 50% increase in the number of hits on the new improved website to access information about the school’s policies and procedures

• 100% of staff use Sentral in a consistent manner • Feedback from communication surveys indicate that the school community believe that there is

effective communication.

From: Fort Street High School - School Plan 2015 – 2017, accessed 19/05/2017 A copy of the current 2015 – 2017 school plan can be accessed via the school website under the ‘Our School’ tab. NSW Department of Education Excellence Framework: The School Excellence Framework supports all NSW public schools in their pursuit of excellence by providing a clear description of the key elements of high-quality practice across the three domains of learning, teaching and leading. The Framework will help schools engage with their communities in identifying strategic directions, decide on improvement measures, and assess their progress. Schools will:

• develop their own plans by consulting with their school communities to develop a shared vision • self-assess and report annually on their progress, and • within a five-year cycle, have their self-assessment validated againist the Framework by a panel

made up of two highly experienced principals From: http://www.dec.nsw.gov.au/about-the-department/our-reforms/school-excellence-framework, accessed

19/05/2017.

Next P&C Meeting

P&C Meeting for 2017 7:30pm - 9:00pm

Wednesday, 14 June 2017

School Library

Please consider coming to the next P&C meeting. The membership will be voting to donate over $39,000 to the school so they can purchase additional IT resources and a laser cutter. Representatives from the TAS department will be presenting on their request for a Helix Epilog laser cutter and 3D printer.

All welcome!

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Mercurius P&C News: May 2017 Page 4 of 6

Help needed 2017

Key Roles &

P&C Sub-Committees

We are still looking for help with the following key roles:

• Assistant Treasurer

Further information on the role and the time commitments involved can be obtained by emailing us at the above address.

If you don’t think you can take on such an important role but would still like to contribute the P&C are still looking for people to join the following committees:

• Fundraising • Grant Writing • Communication • Parental Engagement

Not only does the whole school benefit from parental involvement but your own child will directly benefit too. It is a great way as well to role model to your children how to contribute to the community and help be a part of a team working towards the same goals.

The more parents/carers can contribute time to the P&C, however large or small, the greater the school benefits and the more we can achieve.

Landscape Architect needed! The school is looking for a volunteer with the suitable skills to help students realise a planned refurbishment of a section of the grounds beside the main oval. In 2016 the Year 7 Geography students completed a project that involved the revitalisation of their chosen section of the school grounds. A preferred project was selected and the school now wants to make the project a reality. With limited funds the first step is developing a set of plans from which quotes can be obtained for the work.

Therefore the school is looking for a suitably qualified individual who can make this happen. The volunteer must be able to work with the students in the development of the plan. If you think you could help please contact the P&C at the above email address.

Second Hand Uniform Shop Coordinator The P&C are would like to host a second hand uniform shop on specific days throughout the year. But before we can make this happen we need volunteers to help coordinate the venture.

Please note the second hand uniform shop would not run all the time and would not be run out of the existing uniform shop. The P&C have identified a need/demand in the community and wish to see second hand uniforms put too good use.

If you think you may be interested in helping with this initiative please contact the P&C via email.

Uniform Shop Volunteers Needed

Day: Wednesday (during school term) Time: from 10:00am – 2:00pm (as much or little as you can) Email: [email protected]

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Mercurius P&C News: May 2017 Page 5 of 6

Uniform Shop News

New Winter Jacket The Fort Street High School Winter Coat which will be sold through the uniform shop. The coat is on display in the school library. The cost is $88.00 and should be paid by cheque or credit card only. CASH OR ONLINE PAYMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Please complete the form provided and drop into the front office by 1pm on 31 May 2017. FSHS WINTER JACKET

• Navy Exterior • Maroon Fleece Lined • Hood zips into the back of the collar when not

in use • Draw string inside to give the jacket a fitted

look if required • * Size in photo is a XS

P&C Meetings We encourage all parents and carers to attend the P&C meetings so they can join and enjoy full participation rights in the activities of the P&C. P&C meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday of each month (during school term) at 7:30pm in the school library. Please keep an eye out for meeting announcements as the P&C is always open to new ideas and welcomes anybody who wishes to share their time and expertise to help make the Fort even better. Agenda items you would like raised at meetings should be sent to the P&C Secretary, Amanda at least one week before the meeting.

Who can join the P&C? The following individuals are eligible to be members of the school's P&C Association. • parents and guardians of pupils attending the

school • all citizens within the school community • members of the school staff • the Principal is an ex-officio member

Individuals must pay an annual $1 membership fee to become a member of the P&C. All financial members have the right to move motions and vote at subsequent P&C meetings. A membership form can be found on the P&C page of the School’s website.

Time for Parents to Say: Stick to Full Gonski P&CFederationMediaRelease:12May2017

P&CFederationishighlydisappointedattheCommonwealthgovernment’sdecisiontoupendtheGonskiagreementsignedin2013infull.P&CFederationisurgingparentstowritetotheirlocalMPandpressuretheFederalGovernmenttonotrenegeonits2013commitments.

P&CFederationPresidentSusieBoydcommented,“HowdoesthegovernmentwantustobelievethatthenewfundingmodelwillbebeneficialforstudentsandschoolswhenaccordingtodatafromtheNSWDepartmentofEducation,NSWschoolsstandtolose$846millionofGonski1.0fundingintheyears2018-2019.

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Mercurius P&C News: May 2017 Page 6 of 6

UndertheGonski2.0itisconfusinghowMr.Turnbullclaimstoofferabrighterfutureforourkidsbydenyingthemajorityoffundingpromisedinthe2013dealduetobereleasedin2018and2019.

“Changingthefoundationofthefunding,priortothedeliveryofthebulkofthefundingbeingreleased,islikemovingthefinishinglineanother10km,duringamarathonrace”.

TotakejustafewGonskisuccessstoriesoutofmany,thenumberofgraduatingstudentsatMerrylandsHighSchoolmorethandoubledbetween2011and2014.AtCanleyValeHighSchool,from2010to2015,thepercentageofstudentseligibleforuniversityentryhasrisenfrom82%to92%thesearerealachievementsbeingdeliveredwithGonski1.0.

MsBoydstated“WhatdeeplyconcernsmeisthatourEducationMinisterSimonBirminghamadmittedthismonththatthereisnoguaranteeschoolswillreachtheSchoolingResourceStandardundertheTurnbullGovernment’snewfundingmodel.

“Mr.TurnbullneedstounderstandthattheschoolsrequirethefullsixyearsoffundingtobeabletoreachtheminimumSchoolingResourceStandardasrecommendedundertheGonskiagreement,”Ms.Boydadded.Statisticsrevealthat“Whereschoolswillreceiveanextra$18.6billionby2027under’Gonski2.0’,thisis$22.3billionlessthanGonski1.0whichwasagreedwithbetweentheFederalandStatesandTerritories”.Ms.Boydadded."WearebackingourPremierandourEducationMinister,whoaresupportingourstatebyinsistingthattheFederalGovernmenthonourthefullagreementsignedin2013.”

“Thepoliticalexpediencywillonlydisadvantageourchildrenanditisappallingthatthegovernmentisknowinglyunderfundingeducationofagenerationofstudents.It’snotasiftheGovernmentislackingfunds.SomefiguressuggestthatFederalbureaucratscostupto$58billionayear.Reducingonlythatbyjust2%couldprovidefundingforGonski.”

DatafromtheFederalGovernment’sdocumentsshowthatAustralianschoolswillbe$22.3billionworseoffover10yearsthantheywouldbeiftheGonski1.0agreementwerehonouredinfull,asreportedintheNSWTeachersFederationmediarelease.

“WehavenointentionoflettingtheTurnbullGovernmentoffthehookandweareadamantthatwhatwaspromisedin2013undertheGonski1.0agreementmustbehonouredinfull.Wefirmlysupportourstategovernmentininsistingthatthedealsignedingoodfaithin2013ishonoured.”

Sydney,NSW,12May2017MediaContact:[email protected]

FEDERATIONOFPARENTSANDCITIZENSASSOCIATIONSOFNEWSOUTHWALES

LockedBag40,GRANVILLENSW2142Telephone:1300885982Fax:1800655866Website:www.pandc.org.auABN:37439975796

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