Principal’s Report Term 2 Week 10, 2015

Principal for a Day Year 9 student, Oscar McSorley took over the top job at The Forest High School on Wednesday 3 June. Oscar acted as ‘principal’ as part of a program coordinated by Principals Australia Institute – Student Principal for a Day. Oscar is one of over 300 students who took part in the national leadership event that aims to give students a practical lesson in leadership and raise the profile of the profession. Oscar took on a variety of tasks as ‘acting’ principal including meeting with Year 7 students regarding improvements to the playground, reviewing plans for a second 21st Century learning space, working on the school planning milestones and attending an executive meeting.

I was pleased to hand over the leadership role and I hope it gave Oscar an insight into how the school is run and what it takes to be a quality leader. I thoroughly enjoyed Oscar’s insightful comments and observations throughout the day. Principals Australia Institute coordinated the day to focus the nation’s attention on the value and importance of quality school leadership. “Student Principal for a Day is a great opportunity to give students insights into the pivotal role that principals and school leaders play in building successful school communities and in shaping the future leadership of our country,” explains Jim Davies, CEO of Principals Australia Institute. “Being a principal is a challenging and rewarding job. What better way to inspire leadership qualities in our students than give them a chance to take on the top job in our schools!”

Students also went online to share their experiences with other students through webinars and a social media feed. Sherpa Kids Australia is the major sponsor of Student Principal for a Day in 2015. Their support has helped increase the number of students participating since 2013, the inaugural year of the event. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) The science faculty has been successful in acquiring Departmental funding for a STEM project within the school. The project will involve the Mathematics, Science and TAS faculties working collaboratively to enhance the use of technology in classroom practice, to incorporate project-based learning and to develop industry links with our community partners, including the Northern Beaches Hospital to create real world experiences in STEM education across the school. Hospital Update I attended a smoking ceremony for the new hospital on 1 June. Local Aboriginal elders, Lois and Jessica Birk, from the local AECG, performed the ceremony to cleanse the site as a “place of healing”. It was extremely cold and windy; however, it was a moving ceremony. The event was attended by Brad Hazzard, Jillian Skinner and Mike Baird as well as Deborah Latta from Healthscope. Deborah Latta acknowledged the strong relationship with the school and the community partnership we are developing. Joel Wood, Head Teacher Teaching and Learning, is continuing discussions with Healthscope to develop a vocational and curricular program with the hospital. Quite a few activities and events are now scheduled to occur and there should be some publicity forthcoming.

Properties Update The Hall change rooms and toilets are nearing completion and we are just waiting for a sign off from the builder. We are expecting the area will be ready for student use by Term 3. The mathematics classrooms were all carpeted in the April holidays and a number of

corridors and classrooms were painted including the Staff Common Room and the B-Block Computer Room, which was also carpeted. DEAR Year 8 Pilot Reading Program In response to our ongoing concerns about cyber safety and ensuring students’ appropriate use of technology, as part of our review of the DEAR Program we are developing and piloting a structured reading program with all Year 8 students. As well as promoting reading skills there is a personal development aspect to the content. The text is concerned with the associated effects of cyber bullying. During DEAR, Year 8 students will read the text, Fake Profile and take part in written and group activities relating to the text, guided by the roll call teacher. Year 9 Wellbeing Program We have hired an additional teacher in order to develop programs to support the academic achievement and well-being of Year 9 students. Year 9 is a critical year for students in terms of setting goals and developing study and learning skills prior to commencing their senior work at the end of Year 10. We want to ensure that all Year 9 students can set academic and vocational goals and develop resilience and social skills. The teaching position will be used for an additional science class and to free two members of the PD/H/PE faculty to deliver a special program to a targeted group of Year 9 boys and girls in order to increase their engagement in school and their wellbeing. Technology Plans are going ahead for a second 21st Century Learning Space and we now plan to update some of our standard computer labs into more flexible learning spaces. We are purchasing more technology for classrooms and by the end of next term we will have interactive data projectors or interactive white boards in every classroom. Our Term 3 Staff Development Day, 13 July, will focus on technology in the classroom and teachers will participate in workshops to learn new technology skills. Additionally a Head Teacher has been given an additional allocation of time to support and mentor teachers in the classroom to support the introduction of new technologies. Interested parents are invited to attend the school development day; however, we ask for catering purposes that they let us know if they are planning to attend. Staff returns to school 13 July. All students return to school Tuesday 14 July. Have a happy and safe holiday. Rosemary McDowall Principal School Links with the Northern Beaches Hospital Project

We are very pleased to announce that as of next term there are a number of exciting projects we have running with the Healthscope team who are overseeing the building of the hospital next door. Early next term we will begin with site visits for our Construction class who will observe critical stages of site preparation throughout the year. We also have a leadership talk organised for our SRC students from project leaders within

Healthscope which will focus on what makes an effective leader, as well as management skills and responsibilities. In term four our Year 10 students are fortunate to have the chance to attend a number of career talks from the General Manager and industry leaders focused on project management, human resources, sustainable planning and marketing to name a few. The Forest High is very proud of the beneficial partnership we have with Healthscope and we are looking forward to presenting real and authentic learning experiences to our students as a result of these collaborations. More information will be provided about these and other events as they unfold. Joel Wood Head Teacher Teaching and Learning Misuse of Facebook, cyberbullying and how to deal with it.

Our school recognises that misuse of technology is an issue for the whole community and can lead to all sorts of problems for people, especially the inappropriate use of photos, cyberbullying and misuse of facebook and other sites. Next term our Year 8 students will be taking part in a program in DEAR which addresses these issues and gives the students ways to deal with them. Parents play an important part in this as well, but may feel they don’t know how to help protect their children from some of these problems. To support parents, we will be giving information as part of our newsletters. The first one is included today - click on heading to access information. Monitoring Computers Tips - Cyber safety The information is obtained from a book called ‘Keeping Kids Safe” and is written by Leonie Smith, also known as the Cyber Safety Lady. She has actually been employed by our local council to run information nights for parents during 2015. The book can be purchased online as well. For further questions, please feel free to contact the school. Student Representative Council (SRC)

Term 2 has been busy with examinations and sporting commitments. We have organised a successful Mufti Day to support Cystic Fibrosis and a bucket drop to support the efforts in Nepal after the Earthquake. Our 2014 Captain Tys O. has recently finished five months of volunteer work in Nepal and has experienced the tragedy first-hand – two major earthquakes and the ensuing aftershocks. Working closely with the community he has lived the despair the locals are feeling and when Tys contacted us we decided we would support the organisation he has been working with as they deal directly with the people of Nepal. If you would wish to learn more of this group or wish to donate the link is

http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/gvi-nepal-emergency Wednesday 24th June saw the running of the SRC Trivia Night. On our tenth anniversary a fun evening was had by all who attended, with the SRC raising money to put towards a future school project. We would like to thank all who participated, coming dressed in wonderful costumes and really getting into the night. A special thank you to our hosts for the night Mr Goodwin and Miss Roberts – excellent Trivia Masters of Ceremonies –and our wonderful markers Miss Wallace and Mrs Parker for their dedicated work behind the scenes. It was a draw for first place – Mad Hatters (a parent table) and Space Jam (Yr 12). A thank you to our sponsors who donated such great prizes for the night.

Our school captains Erika K and Brandon E-W recently attended a dinner at Parliament House with Brad Hazzard. They both enjoyed the evening impressed with the dinner conversation.

The Forest High School Anti-Racism Contact Officers – ARCO’s

Ms Yumi Watanabe in Languages and Ms Lee Chaloner in PDHPE are The Forest High School Anti-Racism Contact Officers. They can be contacted by any member of The Forest High School community (students, staff or parents) for support with issues and concerns that pertain to matters of racial discrimination. Interrelate Award - Congratulations

I would like to congratulate Oliver Parratt on winning a highly commended certificate in Interrelate’s 2015 ‘Say No to Bullying’ poster competition. Whooping Couch

For more information, please click here. Report on the first two rounds of the Premier’s Debating Challenge, Year 7: May 5th Term 2

Congratulations to the Forest High Year 7 and debating team: Vladimir L, Oscar G,

Maddy S and Jazzy D, on completing two rounds of their competition against Normanhurst Boys High School on Tuesday. In the two closely contested debates, the Forest High team won against the Normanhurst A team from Year 8. In the subsequent Round 2 debate they ran a very close second to the Normanhurst B team from year 7. The first debate topic was, ‘that we should suspend students who do not report bullying’. Forest argued the negative case with the proposition, educate do not punish’. Both sides gave graphic accounts of the process of bullying and this made for compelling listening. Normanhurst argued that a new approach is needed to solve the intractable problem and calling on bystanders to act was supported with strong statements that withdrawal from school would ensure the actions of bullies are known. However, Forest argued more persuasively that the problem can only be solved in the long term with education. In the second debate the two teams chose the topic, ‘that we should ban junk food advertising’. Again Forest faced preparation of the negative case. They answered the affirmative case arguing for complete abolition of advertising to solve the health and welfare problems with a case based on personal responsibility. The Forest argument that we know enough to resist advertising was not fully argued. The distinction between the products and their advertising was not clearly articulated and Normanhurst won the debate by a narrow margin. The students will each receive a Merit Certificate at their Junior Assembly. Thank you to Mr DeMontfort for organising and escorting the students to and from the debate. Write for Fun Competition Entries from Year 7: May 7th Term 2

The following students: Marcus V, Sophie Van K, Jazzy D, James H, Nicholas G, will also receive Merit Certificates for being invited to have their short story entries in the Write for Fun competition published in the Write for Fun 2015 Anthology! Well done. The Forest is very proud of these students, and we thank Mr De Montfort (class teacher) and Mrs MacDonald (English Competitions Coordinator) for providing this opportunity for the students. Well done to all those students who entered. Year 12 Report

Year 12 are reminded that they need to pay for the formal and return their notes as soon as possible. On the last day of this term, Year 12 will engage in the traditional touch football game against Year 11. With so many talented athletes in the year, it will be exciting to see them attain victory. Year 12s are encouraged to support their peers and participate in as many school activities as possible between now and the end of Term 3 in order to forge special memories. During the upcoming holidays, Year 12 students should be engaging in rigorous study regimes in order to prepare them for assessment tasks and the HSC Trial examinations in Week 4 of Term 3. They should undertake this as part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Alex Castle Year 12 Adviser

Year 11 Report

Congratulations to Year 11 on finishing their first round of exams. The 3+3 students are now halfway through their HSC courses and are due for a well deserved two week holiday. With only one term left to go before finishing their first round of HSC subjects, we urge all students to put their heads down and give their best effort. A reminder that the Trial HSC exams will run from August 3rd to August 10th (Week 4, Term 3). In the last newsletter, I reminded students about the importance of balancing their study with regular exercise. Accordingly, I have just registered a school team (called Run Forest Run) in the annual Pub2Pub Charity Fun Run which will be held on Sunday August 23rd. The 14.5km course starts in Dee Why and ends in Newport. If that sounds a bit intimidating, there is a more user-friendly 3km course which runs from Mona Vale to Newport. We are raising money for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, who are Australia’s leading provider of aid and advocacy to asylum seekers living in the community. If you wish to make a donation, you can do so at the following link: https://pub2pub.gofundraise.com.au/payments/donate/page/348637 It would be great to get as many people on board as possible! Stay tuned for further information and have a great holiday. Chris Falkland Year 11 Adviser Year 10 Report

Year 10 have had another very busy term and are no doubt looking forward to the holidays and a chance to recharge their batteries. The Reach workshops in week 6 went really well with the year breaking into gender groups to discuss issues specific to boys and girls. The post-workshop survey indicated a really positive response from the vast majority of students. We will be doing one final Reach workshop in term 4 which will focus on Dreams and Motivation leading to the commencement of their Preliminary and HSC studies. Subject selections for Year 11 should have been made by now and the lines are being worked out so that hopefully the students should find out sometime next term which subjects they will be doing. Notes should have gone home during the last week of term about the year 10 formal. It is necessary to pay a deposit to secure the venue. Prompt payment of the deposit will assist in organising the formal and ensure that it goes ahead. I wish all year 10 students and their families a very happy break and look forward to seeing them all fresh for a new term starting on 14th July. Jason Millar

Year 10 Adviser Year 9 Report

Time is flying; we are already half way through the year! This means it’s time to receive your reports for semester one. Reports will be posted out to the families. Parent teacher evening will be held early next term on Tuesday 28th July. An information sheet will be enclosed with the reports explaining how to register online for appointments with teachers. Next term we request that parents ensure students are bringing a book to school to read at roll call. Studies show positive academic results are associated with reading daily. Our wide reading program runs during roll call which allows students 20 minutes of extra literature exposure each day. Have a happy and safe holiday! Michelle Garnett Year 9 Adviser Year 8 Report

This term has been action packed; congratulations to all the students in Year 8 for their ongoing commitment to personal best in all aspects of school life. I would like to make special mention of the students who have participated in ongoing Athletics programs which have been running largely in students’ own time because of bad weather and I acknowledge the efforts of our Sportsmasters, Mr Dodds and Mr Neely who continually encourage our athletes at The Forest High School. Thank you and congratulations to the Year 8 members of our school band who performed beautifully at the recent On Stage presentation and the music festival last weekend, supported by Mr Goldsmith and Mr Moore. To the members of the SRC and year 8 students who attended the Trivia Night on Wednesday evening, thank you for participating in the activity and making the school a better place to be. I would also like to congratulate the students who represented the school in the Dance Ensemble. Next term, the year 8s will have the opportunity to participate in a wide reading program that will be run during roll call time. All students will be reading a book titled Fake Profile, written by Khyiah Angel. I encourage all students to ensure they arrive on time for school and participate in this program to the best of their ability. Finally, I hope everyone has a happy and relaxed holiday, and return to school ready for another great term of learning on Tuesday 14 July.

Clare Diggins Year 8 Adviser Year 7 report

In week 7 this term, Year 7 and the Year 10 Peer Support Leaders celebrated the successful completion of their Peer Support Program with a trip to Taronga Zoo. This was a great way to not only reward the students for their enthusiastic participation in the program, but to also practice the skills in leadership and resilience that they have developed during the program. “Year 7 went to Taronga zoo with our Peer Support Leaders for the day. We caught the bus there after rollcall. When we got there we got maps and then got into groups and started walking around together. We went for a celebration and to have a fun day after finishing Peer Support. It was a really fun way to end the programme and I really enjoyed walking around with all my friends.” Ella Harris, Year 7. It was lovely to read through the student’s reports recently, and to see how hard they have been working during their first semester of high school. I encourage them to continue to apply their Personal Best as we move into the next half of the year, and wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday break. Amanda Walsh Year 7 Adviser (Relieving) Leave Passes

If you require a Leave Pass for your student at any time during the school day, please provide a note stating this and have your child present the note to the front office when they arrive at school for a pass to be issued. The student will then be able to leave the school grounds, with the pass and meet you at a prearranged meeting point. If you wish to meet the student on the school grounds you must present to the front office first. Parent Teacher Interviews

Appointments for the next 2015 Parent & Teacher interviews may be booked online. They will be held as follows: Years 7 & 10 – Thursday 16th July from 3.30pm – 6.00 pm Bookings will be open from Wednesday 24th June at 9.00 am Bookings will close on Thursday 16th July at 9.00 am. EVENT CODE: 47W69 Years 8 & 9 – Tuesday 28th July from 3.30pm – 6.00 pm Bookings will be open from Tuesday 14th July at 9.00am Bookings will close on Tuesday 28th July at 9.00am EVENT CODE: GBWK5

To book your Parent & Teacher Interview online, please follow these instructions: Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and follow the instructions. Enter the relevant school event code.

1. Enter your details 2. Choose teachers 3. Choose times

When you click finish, your interview timetable will be emailed to you automatically – check your junk email immediately. You can return to www.schoolinterviews.com.au at any time, and change your interviews – until the bookings close. If the teacher is booked out, contact them directly to make arrangements for an interview at another time, most parents find a telephone interview is ideal. Ed Louey - Head Teacher, Administration Entertainment books are available For Sale from Ms Murray in the Library

Term 3 Events

Tues 14 July Students return for Term 3

Mon 20 July & Tue 21

July Sydney North Athletics

Thu 23 July SRC Mufti Day (Bear Cottage)

Tue 28 July English ICAS

Thur 30 July Maths Competition

Wed 5 August Grade Sport Semi-Finals

Mon 10 August Meet the Principal

Tue 11 August SRC Election process begins

Wed 12 Aug Grade Sport Finals

Year 7 16.7.15 Parent/Teacher Interviews

29.7.15 Maths Olympiad

4.8.15 Gala Day

Year 8 16.7.15 High Resolves

17.7.15 High Resolves

21.7.15 Year 8 into 9 Information Evening

27.7.15 High Resolves

28.7.15 High Resolves

28.7.15 Parent/Teacher interviews

29.7.15 Maths Olympiad

31.7.15 Subject Selection deadline

Year 9 20.7.15 High Resolves

27.7.15 High Resolves

28.7.15 High Resolves

28.7.15 Parent/Teacher interviews

13 8.15 High Resolves

Year 10 16.7.15 High Resolves

16.7.15 Parent/Teacher interviews

17.7.15 High Resolves

27.7.15 High Resolves

28.7.15 High Resolves

4.8.15 – 7.8.15 Fitness Leader ski trip

Year 11 & 12 3.8.15 – 10.8.15 Trial HSC Examinations

ADHD Support Group - speaker evening

Please click here for further details

Class of 70-75 - 40th Year Reunion

Please click here for information on the upcoming reunion on Saturday 17th October, 2015.

Next Meeting - 19th August

Thanks again to the school executive for their time and effort to provide information to the parents and citizens of The Forest High School. We look forward to seeing the second 21st Century learning space that we were very proud to assist with funding. Parents are always welcome to come along a listen and ask questions. In the library from 7:00pm. Coffee, Tea and sandwiches are available.