the annual chronicle of fort street high …...the annual chronicle of fort street high school fort...

2016

THE ANNUAL CHRONICLE OF FORT STREET HIGH SCHOOL

THE ANNUAL CHRONICLE OF FORT STREET HIGH SCHOOL

Fort Street High SchoolParramatta RoadPetersham, NSW 2049 AustraliaPhone: (02) 8585 1600Fax: (02) 9550 9219Email: [email protected]

THE FORTIAN 2016

AcknowledgementsFortian Production Team: Catriona Arcamone, Roslynne Moxham

Note From The Editors 2Principal 4Deputy Principals 5SRC 6Fort fest 7Speech Day Awards 8Careers 13Volunteering 13Special Guest Speech 14Obituaries 15Shakespeare Day 16

FACULTY REPORTSEnglish 17History 18Social Science 19Languages 20Sport 22PDHPE 23Science 26TAS 28Robotics 30Mathematics 31Music 32IMP 32

Visual Arts 34Drama 37

STUDENT WORKYear 12 English Extension 2 38Year 8 English 43Year 7 Picture Books 44HSC Art Major Work 46English Enrichment 47

EVENTSJapanese Sister School Visit 48Public Speaking Competitions 49Multicultural Day 50Michael Kirby Visit 50Open Evening 51Year 10 Seminars 51Remembrance Day 52Year 9 History Dance 53Jean Arnot Memorial Luncheon 54EXITE Engineering Camp 54

CLUBS AND COMMITTEESAmnesty Committee 55Debating 56

Art Studio 58Diversity Committee 58Environment Committee 58Year 9 High Resolves 59Mock Trial 59Year 7 Charity Committee 60Year 8 Charity Committee 60Year 9 Charity Committee 61Drama Club 61Theatresports 61Tournament of Minds 62Fortian Families 63

FAREWELLSMatthew Dopierala 64David Osland 64

YEAR REPORTSYears 7 - 11 Reports 66

GROUP PHOTOGRAPHSStaff Photo 71Years 7 - 11 Photos 72

YEAR 12Year 12 Photo 75Year 12 Graduation Speech 78

DETAIL OF A POSTER BY DOMINIC BICEGO

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A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

FROM THE PRODUCTION TEAM

It’s been another busy year for Fort Street, which means it’s been another busy year for Fortian. In a way, it can be quite exasperating. All we want to do is peacefully put together a magazine filled with the casually interesting stories about the Fort, but every year someone decides to achieve something, which frankly just makes it harder for all of us here. I mean, honestly. Here we are, slaving away all week at the end of term to compile what should be a vaguely interesting collection of stuff, and people are constantly deciding to win awards, construct new artworks, and visit camps (and/or other countries).For example, this year we had someone establish a new sport within the school. It was rowing. Do you realise how much more time we had to spend writing about that? Actually, none, because we found someone else who actually knew about it to write an article, but if we had had to write about it, that would have taken time. And that would have been effort, which would have been a nuisance. Just thinking about it burns me up.And here we are right now. I’m sitting in front of a laptop, writing a welcome to this year’s Fortian. That’s Fortian 2016. It has been a taxing but rewarding oddysey. Henceforth, I will end this welcome, and I hope you enjoy this journey of journalistic exellence.Yours,Moss Johnston, Editor-in- chief.

I would like to acknowledge the great work of The Fortian Production Team who this year have really been responsible for its whole production. Under the outstanding leadership of Moss Johnston and Oscar Martin, both of year 10, the students have worked independantly to produce the 2016 Fortian. In particular, Oscar has worked to design the complete annual chronicle single handedly. The team is to be congratulated for its professionalism, creativity and commitment.

CATRIONA ARCAMONE

Front Row: Max Carter, Ailish Campbell, Moss Johnston, Niamh Elliot Brennan, Luca IttimariSecond Row: Lucy Bailey, Alexander “Woody” Coombs, Sophia Locke, Jayden White, Dante Burn, Imogen Marosz, Bhuvan Senthil, Grace ShanBack Row: Dominic Smith, Ben Hamer, Luca Charlier, Oscar Martin, Alexander Migdalias, Cole Johnson, Adrian Castillo, Rahel SahniAbsent: Aidan Limnios, Sabrina Pham

MOSS JOHNSTON

Fortian Final.indd 2 1/2/17 4:53 pm

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The school plan, with three strategic directions of Excellent Teaching, Effective Learning, Inclusive and Positive Culture and Communication has focused our strategic direction. In 2017 the final year of this planning cycle we will see some wonderful achievements I am sure.

I am ever humbled by the work of Fortians in the community working tirelessly to make a positive difference to support others in need. The opportunity afforded to me to relieve as Director Public Schools NSW gave further opportunities for staff to relieve in higher duties. Ms DiStefano has been a fabulous co-principal. She has been most effective and is well respected by the school community. Ms Arcamone Ms Cameron have been committed and capable in the role of Deputy Principal while Ms Mattick ably stepped into the role of Head Teacher CAPA as did Mr Pike as Head Teacher TAS.

I thank them and all of the staff for their commitment to Fortians each and every year and especially during 2016. In addition to my work as a Director Public Schools NSW I visited Singapore as part of the exchange program LEAP and took some long service leave to explore the world through the Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Siberian railway. My adventures and the variety of experiences have certainly enhanced my leadership skills.

I thank you all for your support during 2016 and look forward to our work and a supportive community in 2107.

Roslynne Moxham.Principal FSHS/Director Public Schools NSW Inner City Strategy

In 2013 I wrote that the year had been one of change and relieving in higher duties as well as preparation for LMBR and SAP finance.In 2016 I again write that we have lived in a time of change. It seems that change is a constant in our lives in the twenty first century, or at least change at a much faster rate than in the twentieth century.We have adapted to substantial changes in key staff and welcomed a range of new and highly capable members of staff to our school. One of our school songs says Fort Street’s name rings round the world. This is true of the achievements of Fortians each year and of staff. The teachers who have been mentored from fine teachers to outstanding teacher leaders are now spreading the Fort Street way across the public education system, and we should be rightly proud that we have so developed our staff. As Principal it has always been my priority to develop a culture of nurturing leaders, those leaders are students teaching and non- teaching staff.

I am immensely proud of our achievements in 2016. These achievements include the promotion at the end of 2015 of Ms Manson to Deputy Principal, at the end of Term 1 2016 , Mr Dopierala to Deputy Principal and Mr Osland to Principal. It is always preferable that such change occurs over a wide time frame and in 2016 the stars aligned so that this time frame was truncated to six months. In addition two teachers who I was fortunate to select on merit, Dr Strauss and Mr Hoekstra, have secured moves to schools much closer to their now homes. Each of these wonderful teachers has left an enormous legacy at the Fort, they are passionate educators as well as deeply knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. Let us celebrate our fortune to have such a fine teaching staff and wish them well in working in the public education system to enhance the lives and learning of other students. Our staff team is one of our strengths as a school. The team has gained from the addition of new permanent members of staff, Mr Boyle as Head Teacher History, Mr Backhouse, Head Teacher Languages, Mr Semaan as Head Teacher TAS and Mr Morrison as Deputy Principal as well as Mr Prasad in Science and Mr Jayacody in TAS.

Our school year has been full of wonderful achievements to celebrate across the range of activities in the school, including our very first Science Challenge across three primary schools and one high school; Year 7 History students being placed 1st in NSW and third in the nation in the Australian History Competition, the initiative of a Cross Curricular Project on Anxiety in Year 8, the expansion of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and Year 12 students achieving gold during their final year of school; two nominations for HSC Encore and four nominations and three inclusions in HSC ArtExpress. Our musicians excelled and completed 89 gigs during the year including at the Schools Spectacular in the orchestra, choir and as featured artists.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT


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incarnations of the crest.2016 saw the implementation of the inaugural connected curricula program, which was developed for Year 8 to address both gifted education and the wellbeing of students. It was a highly successful program with students working collaboratively to produce academic journal articles and innovative presentations on the topic of adolescent anxiety. The program will run again in 2017 for Year 8, and a different model will be implemented for Year 9, with the focus of study being global issues.A rigorous professional learning program has been in place throughout the year for staff, and while many outside providers gave excellent workshops, some of the best training was provided by our own colleagues on a variety of subjects, including Google classroom, Schoolology, Visible Learning, Mind Matters and staff development in writing CVs and undertaking job interviews – all things which enhance student outcomes. Programs across the school were developed and refined to implement the GERRIC material (gifted education) that all staff had been trained in.There have been a number of other innovations during the year, often in response to needs of the time. A technical support team was established – of Year 11 students to assist the student body with issues pertaining to BYOD. This excellent team will be replaced by a new batch of Year 11 volunteers for 2017. Student volunteering extended with a wonderful team of Year 11s working with international students at the University of Newcastle.Another year at the Fort – busy, innovative, productive, supportive. The DP quartet has worked as an ensemble, each member providing a counterpoint for the others, dynamic but harmonious in the diversity of the skills we bring to the position.

Karen Di StefanoJoel MorrisonCatriona ArcamoneRebecca Cameron

When reflecting on 2016, many ideas crossed our collective mind: the four emperors of 69AD, the four pillars of wisdom, the awesome foursome; like any good quartet all participants need to work together, playing different parts, to create a perfect harmony. Fort Street 2016 has been a year of opportunity and growth in the Deputy Principal position. We farewelled David Osland, long time Deputy and often Relieving Principal, and Matthew Dopierala, who had relieved as Deputy for long periods of time, as they took up new substantive positions at Chatswood High School and North Sydney Boys High School respectively. This brought opportunities for others to fill the chair. Happily and effectively sharing two chairs, (two musical chairs?), hot-desking, (we are nothing if not responding to 21st century working life), and being flexible and responsive to situations as they arise, as well as forward planning for 2017 and beyond, we (Catriona Arcamone, Rebecca Cameron, Karen Di Stefano and Joel Morrison) have led the school with vision, energy and humour. Karen Di Stefano has not only been Deputy Principal in 2016, but Relieving Principal, and she is now also Co-Principal, two days a week. Catriona Arcamone has been Relieving Deputy Principal until the arrival of Joel Morrison, our new Deputy Principal, from St George Girls High School in Term 4. A very warm welcome is extended to Joel. Rebecca Cameron has been Relieving Deputy Principal and is now Co-Deputy Principal two days a week.Strong connections have been formed with four new Head Teachers and a number of teachers in relieving Head Teacher positions. Faculties across the school have continued to grow and develop under their new leadership, delivering quality programs within the school to enhance teaching and learning, but further, too, many faculties have demonstrated quality teaching and learning beyond the school in the wider community. Connections were also made between Year Advisers, Assistant Year Advisers and Deputies, ensuring the wellbeing of all students is addressed in a timely manner.Changes in leadership have seen changes in the school in a number of arenas. In line with the reinvigoration that comes with new leadership, comes the reinvigoration of the school’s new structure. After much consultation and robust discussion with the student body, the teaching staff and community, we have restructured our school day and this will be implemented in 2017. A major consideration for the restructure was to allow for greater student recognition and student voice. The development of the school’s website and parent portal has been a major undertaking this year, and 2017 should see a stronger form of communication between all stakeholders at the Fort. Part of this process has been the refinement of the school’s logo from the many

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS’ REPORT


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in so little time without the help of the rest of the SRC body. Thank you everyone for attending meetings, voicing your opinions, representing your student body and helping run events by making posters or working shifts at stalls. Thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment and we hope you enjoyed our games-packed camp and urgent lunch pizza party!The entire Year 11 SRC team has been honoured in taking part to help the school through events and consulting with the Executive, coordinating over the course of this year with Mr Osland, Ms Di Stefano and Ms Moxham. We’d like to thank them for their support with the SRC and guiding us when organising events. We’d also like to thank the office staff, for helping the SRC with the finance system and our countless printing of posters. Thank you to the all the teachers who gave up their time at lunch to help supervise our sport competitions. Our biggest thank you goes to Ms Ryan, who has continuously supported the SRC with her energy and care for all the students. She has been an amazing coordinator and without her the SRC would not have been able to function the way it has.This year has been an amazing year, expanding our horizons and enabling us to develop leadership skills that we would otherwise not be able to experience. We know that the incoming SRC executive will be able to continue to progress and improve Fort Street with their passion and hard work. To President Alicia, Vice-President Claudia, and the rest of the SRC, congratulations from the Year 11 SRC of 2016 and we wish you all the best!

Victor Tsang & Olivia Le KhacOutgoing SRC President & Vice-President

This year was another success for the SRC as we extended our focus on celebrating school spirit within the Fort Street community. Keeping with tradition, we ran the SRC Handover Barbecue, the retro-themed Christmas Dance, the Rose Drive and the Year 7 and 8 Welcome Trivia Dance, all of which were extremely successful. Some new projects included the Easter Egg hunt, and Project Positive where we encouraged the Year 12s in their HSC Trial examinations with heart-warming messages from the students. In Terms 2 and 3, rather than only organising one sporting competition as in previous years, we pushed ourselves and ran the Basketball and Mixed Netball competitions which were enormously popular, allowing for diverse groups to show their sporting talents. However, there is no doubt that the highlight was the Fort Street Festival. Despite a deluge of rain in the worst storm of 2016, the school came together and showed off our school spirit in the SRC’s first ever Talent Quest, the student stalls, P&C multicultural food stalls, and the IMP performances. We hope that everyone who participated had fun! Finally, to finish our term off, we made the first amendments to the SRC Constitution in 13 years to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Student Representative Council.As SRC President and Vice-President, we have had the pleasure of experiencing many opportunities that have inspired and motivated us as leaders of the school; attending events from other schools, interacting with the student body, speaking and meeting with the staff, organising the biennial Fort Street Festival, along with many other events. It has been an honour to work with Brianna, Edwin, Zoe, Bonnie, Hans and Harvey this year, and there is no doubt that each member has contributed significantly to the SRC. Moreover, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve so much

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

SRC GROUP PHOTO HERE


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Bands to encourage more participation within the student body. There was a diverse range of performers including dancers, beatboxers, and bands of varying styles and genres. The variety and quality of all the performances made it hard for judges Ms Cameron, Ms Mattick and Mr Scudds to pick a single winner from the bunch. In 1st place was the rock band The Roaring Campbells, 2nd was Claudia Stone-Stacy with a solo singing performance, and 3rd was a tie between Praise Akuete and Evalena Chilas, both doing some very impressive dance acts. These groups and individuals received cash prizes, but it was all participants who deserve to be congratulated for their performance skills and confidence.

Sunday 5th June. Fort Fest 2016. Despite the poor weather, in was a day of unity and diversity that raised over $10 000. It was supported by over 200 volunteers, included over 25 stalls and had a turnout of over 2000 people.

There was a wide range of stalls run by students, parents and school faculties including stalls advertising robotics, the Diversity Committee or selling foods from across the cultural board. There were also some extremely impressive IMP performances from various ensembles. A great variety of acts were performed at Fort Fest's very first Talent Quest, a change from last Fest's Battle of the

FORT STREET FESTIVAL


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YEAR 7

AIDAN JAMES LIMNIOS The Alma Hamilton Prize for Dux; The James Baxendale Memorial Prize for English; The Prize for FrenchSASHA CARYS MENDES The Fortian Prize for 2nd in Year 7; Year 7 Leadership Award; The Prize for Technology; The Prize for PD.H.PE (aeq.)ANSON LEE The Fortian Prize for 3rd in Year 7BENJAMIN FELIX PLUNKETT HAMER The Major-General Fewtrell Prize for English and HistoryINDIA RASCHE TREWEEK The Dr William Gailey Prize for ScienceLUCA ASHLEY PETER MACRAE CHARLIER The Sanjay Seth Prize for History; Year Adviser’s Award for ExcellenceAMEIRA KIM SANT Year 7 Perita Omnium Artium Award; The Prize for DramaSABRINA KT PHAM Year 7 Perita Omnium Artium AwardCALVIN ZHEN YANG XU Year 7 Peritus Omnium Artium AwardJADEN ANDRE WHITE Year 7 Leadership Award; Year Adviser’s Award for ExcellenceLENNIE JAVIER NEAGLE-MILLAR Year 7 Leadership AwardSAM BACH NGUYEN Year Adviser’s Award for Excellence; The Prize for GermanCECILIA ELIZABETH MADDOX The Class Prize for 7FMATTHEW JOEY MOLONEY The Class Prize for 7O; The Prize for PD.H.PE (aeq.)AMELIE FRANCESSCA JESS SKELTON The Class Prize for 7RELLE QUYNH ANH NGO The Class Prize for 7TTHOMAS WILLIAM STEVENS The Class Prize for 7I; The Prize for Geography; The Prize for Visual ArtsFELICITY CHARLS The Prize for MathematicsJENNIFER JIAYIN SHU The Prize for JapaneseNICOLE LIU The Prize for Chinese; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in 7TJUSTIN KIN SUM CHEUNG The Prize for MusicTIFFANY TIEU The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in 7FLUCA THOMAS ITTIMANI The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in 7OBRIDGET HOLLY GARD The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in 7RALANA GRACE HODZIC The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence 7I

YEAR 8

ROSEMARY RACHEL HEARNE The 1953-57 Boys Prize for Dux; The Dr J Bradfield Prize for Proficiency in Science; The Prize for DramaTARA JAMUNA LUCKOCK The Fortian Prize for 2nd

in Year 8; The Prize for PD.H.PEJACQUELINE MAI RAWSON The Fortian Prize for 3rd in Year 8SARAH THIEN KHANH TRAN The James Baxendale Memorial Prize for EnglishSUNIL NAVIN JASSAL The Dr William Gailey Prize for Science; Year 8 Leadership Award; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in 8TAARTHI MUVVA Year 8 Perita Omnium Artium Award; Year Adviser’s Award for ExcellenceNIAMH SAOIRSE ELLIOT-BRENNAN Year 8 Perita Omnium Artium AwardYOLANA MARIA SIDWELL TRUSCOTT Year 8 Perita Omnium Artium AwardASHLEY JANE CHALLINOR Year 8 Leadership AwardLARISSA QIAN HUI YANG Year Adviser’s Award for Excellence; The Prize for History (aeq.)NICOLE DIEM ANH NGO Year Adviser’s Award for Excellence; The Prize for TechnologyBETTY XIAN TIN CHEN The Class Prize for 8FKYU REINA LEE The Class Prize for 8OELOISE RUBY KERSHLER The Class Prize for 8RSOFIA MAY LOCKE The Class Prize for 8TBONNIE HUANG The Class Prize for 8I; The Prize for Geography; The Prize for FrenchYUNTAO GEORGE JIANG The Prize for MathematicsAAROHI TANAWADE The Prize for History (aeq.)HUGO JOHN DEGOTARDI The Prize for French ContinuersRENA GAO The Prize for GermanDENISE LIN The Prize for JapaneseDZAN GWAN ALAN AU The Prize for ChineseLUCA TROPEA The Prize for MusicLILY THY LAM The Prize for Visual ArtsVIVIAN LUFAN ZHANG The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in 8FGEMMA ALANA HINTON The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in 8OCHANTELLE ANOCHA JOHNSTONE The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in 8RBONNIE ZHAN The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in 8I

YEAR 9

JIA MIN GUO The Year 12 1994 Prize for Dux; The Dr William Gailey Prize for Science; The Prize for Elective History; The Prize for Geography; The Prize for German; The Prize for PD.H.PECOLE GRAY JOHNSON The Vimal Seth Prize for 2nd in Year 9; The James Baxendale Memorial Prize for English; The Prize for Elective Geography; The Prize for French; The Prize for Drama; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in PD.H.PE (aeq.)MICHELLE HOI YING CHEUNG The Fortian Prize for 3rd in Year 9; The Prize for Japanese

2015 SPEECH DAY AWARDS


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ANNALIESE GABRIELLE MCGUIRK The Bishop Kirkby Prize for Australian History (aeq.)DALENA LY The Bishop Kirkby Prize for Australian History (aeq.); The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Music; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Food TechnologySOO HYUN LEE Year 9 Perita Omnium Artium Award; The Prize for Visual ArtsYU CHENG RACHEL ZHANG Year 9 Perita Omnium Artium Award; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence Geography; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Electronics TechnologyYUANWEI ZHANG Year 9 Perita Omnium Artium AwardAAVA SHREE ADHIKARI Year 9 Leadership AwardALEXANDER AGYRIOS MIGDALIAS Year 9 Leadership AwardYASMIN NATASHA KIRK Year 9 Leadership Award; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in DramaADA QIU Year Adviser’s Award for Academic Excellence; The Prize for Commerce; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Science; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in JapaneseDANIEL LEE WARK Year Adviser’s Award for Academic Excellence; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in History; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Elective GeographyJULIAN VAN GERWEN Year Adviser’s Award for Academic Excellence; The Prize for Music; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in FrenchSEAN YAO The Prize for MathematicsCLAUDIA NGUYEN The Prize for Elective HistoryCHRYSTAL YAN LIN The Prize for Chinese; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in CommerceJOHNNY QUAN The Prize for Electronics Technology; The Prize for EngineeringWILLIAM YILONG MA The Prize for Graphics TechnologyALICIA USTINA GAO The Prize for Food TechnologyJOHN DAVID BIVELL The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in EnglishEMILY MAI TRAM NGUYEN The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in MathematicsMORRIS CHUN KI CHENG The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Elective HistoryLAUREN ELIZABETH BERG The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence German ERWEN ZHAO The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in ChineseYUANRUI ZHANG The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Visual ArtsALAN VIEN The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Graphics TechnologyOSCAR MARTIN The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Engineering

YEAR 10

DAWNLICITY CHARLS The Judge Redshaw Prize for Dux of Year 10; The Emily Moulsdale Prize for Science;

The University of Sydney Business School Award for CommerceELLIE ZHENG The Molly Thornhill Prize for General Proficiency (2nd)SAMUEL JOHN ALEXANDER-PRIDEAUX The Vimal Seth Prize for 3rd in Year 10; The Major-General Fewtrell Prize for English and History; The James Baxendale Memorial Prize for English; The Prize for Elective History; The Prize for MusicVIVIAN TRUONG The University of Sydney Year 10 Academic Excellence Award; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Visual Arts; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Food TechnologyKEVIN YANDA ZHU The Dr William Gailey Prize for Proficiency in Science (2nd); Year 10 Adviser’s Award for Academic Excellence; The Prize for PD.H.PE; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in EnglishJEFFERSON LEE The George Mackaness Prize for History; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in CommerceJESSICA ELLEN BOYLEY The Joseph Taylor Memorial Prize for Geography; Year 10 Perita Omnium Artium AwardHYO BIN SUGIE AN The Ross McBride Prize for Visual Arts; ASTHA MALIK Year 10 Perita Omnium Artium AwardEMILY KATHERINE HENDERSON Year 10 Perita Omnium Artium Award; The Prize for DramaBONNIE PAK KWAN OU Year 10 Leadership AwardMONICA THU TRAN Year 10 Leadership AwardSAMUEL JAMES MARTIN Year 10 Leadership AwardMONICA TRAN Year 10 Adviser’s Award for Academic Excellence; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in ChineseANGELA ZHA Year 10 Adviser’s Award for Academic Excellence; The Prize for German RACHAEL FRANCES HWANG The Prize for MathematicsROWAN DENISON LEMBIT The Prize for Elective Geography; The Prize for French; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in GeographyUMA CHOUDHURY The Prize for Japanese; The Prize for Food TechnologyJOY LI The Prize for ChineseLUCILLIA ALISON YIN LAM The Prize for Electronics TechnologyHANS PING HAN CHOY The Prize for Graphics TechnologyJUSTIN TRINH The Prize for EngineeringGEOFFREY NI The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in MathematicsHENRY JAMES LEE The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in HistoryWILLIAM ALEXANDER KINMONT The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Elective HistoryJORDAN DYLAN WOODS The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Elective GeographyZOE MAY ROBERSTON The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in FrenchOWEN DANIEL SILVER The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in GermanMARTIN LIANG The P&C Prize for Academic


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Excellence in JapaneseOTTO ALEXANDER HO-LENG KHOO The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Music; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in DramaOSCAR WINTON COWDERY LACK The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Electronics TechnologySYLVIA LI The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Graphics TechnologyBRANDON WONG The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in EngineeringATHENA HOU-LAM LEE The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in PD.H.PE

YEAR 11

CHRISTINA QUYNH-NHI NGUYEN The Lilian Whiteoak Prize for Dux; The Old Girls’ Literary Circle Prize For English Extension 1; The James Baxendale Memorial Prize for Advanced English; The Prize for Ancient History; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Physics; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in ChemistryDOMINIC LIAM DWYER The Lodge Fortian Prize for General Proficiency (2nd in Year 11); The Ross McBride Prize for Visual Arts; The Prize for French ContinuersWILLEM CHARLIE PROOS The Girls of 1950-54 Prize for 3rd in Year 11; The Louise Herzberg Prize for Creative Writing; The Lyndon Sayer-Jones Prize for Legal StudiesANGELE YAN University of Western Sydney Scholarship Most Outstanding Year 11 Student; Year 11 Leadership AwardDAWNLICITY CHARLS The David Verco Prize for Mathematics Extension 1JAMES TUAN VU The P&C Association Prize for Physics; The Year Adviser’s Award for Academic Excellence; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in BiologyALAN MINH CHAU PHAN The Elvie Selle Prize for ChemistryIKE PRINGLE SCHWARTZ The Dr William Gailey Prize for Biology; The Williamson-Coutts Prize for PD.H.PE; The University of Technology Creativity and Innovation Award; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in EconomicsSARAH VIOLET DESNEY The Warren Peck Prize for Modern HistoryKIRA BILLIE HORNEMAN The Catherine, Janet and Pauline Calver Prize for Geography; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Advanced English; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in MusicEILISH CATHERINE SALMON The University of Sydney Business School Award for Economics; Year 11 Perita Omnium Artium Award RICHARD LIN CHEN The Anna Kennedy-Smith Memorial Prize for Japanese Language and Cultural StudiesSHARANYA NAPIER-RAMAN The Michael Kirby Prize for Drama; The Year Adviser’s Award for Academic Excellence; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in

English Extension 1KATE ANNE COUSINS The Michael Kirby Prize for Music; Year 11 Perita Omnium Artium Award; The Prize for 2Unit Mathematics; The Prize for Earth and Environmental ScienceDEAN HOU The Institute of Engineers, Sydney Division, Prize for Engineering StudiesLINDSAY ROBERT SMALL The Thomas Cooke Memorial Prize for Software Design and TechnologyWILLIAM THOMAS THACKWAY Year 11 Peritus Omnium Artium Award; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in German ContinuersCHRISTINE CHEN Year 11 Leadership AwardLAUREN JEAN ASHLEY Year 11 Leadership AwardWESLEY LAI The Year Adviser’s Award for Academic Achievement; The Prize for Studies of ReligionDANIEL THIELE The Prize for German ContinuersWINNIE ANNE ZHANG The Prize for Heritage ChineseREBECCA JEONGMO KANG The Prize for PhotographyBENJAMIN GAHOLT LAM The Prize for HospitalityCHRYSTAL YAN LIN The Prize for Information Processes and TechnologySAMANTHA PEI YEE CHIA The Prize for Business Studies (aeq.)ALEXANDER AGYRIOS MIGDALIAS The Prize for Business Studies (aeq.)OLIVIA AIDUYEN LE KHAC The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Mathematics Extension 1SEBASTIAN VAN GERWEN The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Mathematics 2UnitHAGAR GAL The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Modern HistoryDOMINIC ROSS BICEGO The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Ancient HistoryMATTHEW CHOO The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Studies of ReligionCATHERINE TRAN The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Legal StudiesAVA LOUISE COOMBES MCCONNELL The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in GeographyFRANCIS VALENTINE DWYER The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in French Continuers; The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in DramaYUJIN LEE The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Japanese ContinuersLILY WONG GAINTS The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Heritage ChinesePHAEDRA RUBY ROSE CARROLL The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Visual ArtsERIN LONG The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in PhotographyDENISE CHAN The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Engineering StudiesADRIAN GUO The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Software Design and Development (aeq.) AMIR HARAMBASIC The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Software Design and Development (aeq.) SADDHA KETHAKIE FERNANDO The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Hospitality


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EMILY KATHERINE HENDERSON The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Earth and Environmental ScienceMAKSIM STOJKOVIC The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in PD.H.PEALAN VIEN The P&C Prize for Academic Excellence in Information Processes and Technology

YEAR 12

JESSICA TRUONG The A J Kilgour Prize for Dux ANNIE SHU The Ada Partridge Prize for 2nd in the HSC; The Francis Killeen Memorial Prize for the Best Student proceeding to the University of Sydney; The Dr William Gailey Prize for Biology; The Gail Salmon Memorial Prize for Japanese ContinuersJUDY CHEN The Fanny Cohen Prize for 3rd in the HSC; The John Hunter Prize for the Best Student entering the Faculty of Medicine; The James Baxendale Memorial Prize for Advanced English; The Dr Bradfield Prize for Physics (aeq.)LIAM VARLEY The Constance Frith Memorial Prize for the Best Student proceeding to the University of Sydney; The Kilpatrick Memorial Prize for the Best Student entering the Faculty of Economics at the University of Sydney; Year 12 Innovation AwardALEX GENE GRADY The Constance Frith Memorial Prize for the Best Student proceeding to the University of New South Wales; The Prize for Chinese Continuers; The Prize for Chinese ExtensionTRAVIS ANDREW STUART The Macquarie University Prize for the Best Student proceeding to Macquarie UniversityDANIEL JUERGEN SYJIN SCHMOLL The 1925-29 Girls’ Prize for the Best Student entering the Faculty of Law; The Annie Turner Prize for English and History; The Emily Cruise Prize for Extension History; The Harold Jones Prize for Modern HistoryPRAVEENA BAHEERATHAN The Laurence Goddard Prize for the Best Student studying Mathematics at UniversityALICE TANG The John Henry and Glad Hopman Prize for the Best Student studying Engineering at UniversityALBERT LOUIS ONG The University of New South Wales Computing PrizeLIGAYA LEILANI QUIBUYEN The Terry Glebe Prize for the Best Student studying History at University; Year Adviser’s Award for Academic ExcellenceLAUREN AIMEE WHITE The Michael Kirby Prize for the Most Outstanding Student studying Music at Tertiary Level; The Olga Sangwell Prize for Extension MusicDOROTHY MADDOX SYMONS The Charles Harrison Memorial Prize for English Extension II; The Herbert Percival Williams Prize for the Best HSC Question on Shakespeare; The Helen Gwynneth Palmer Prize for Continuers French; The Prize for German Beginners; The University of Technology Creativity and Innovation Award; The Frederick Bridges Memorial Prize for Extension French RAELENE SWATHIE EMMANUEL The Peter Kennedy-Smith Prize for English Extension I

KELVIN LIN The Dennis Austin Prize for Mathematics Extension II (aeq.)WILSON YIN The Dennis Austin Prize for Mathematics Extension II (aeq.)JAMES WANG The Anne Weston Prize for Mathematics Extension IVIVIEN YEN LE The 1961 Fort Street Girls Prize for Mathematics 2 UnitDANIEL FAN The Dr Bradfield Prize for Physics (aeq.)KATE ANNE COUSINS The Alma Puxley Prize for ChemistryZAIN MEHDI The Evelyn McEwan Rowe Prize for Ancient HistoryCHUN FUNG WONG The Joseph Taylor Memorial Prize for Geography; The Sir Bertram Stevens Prize for EconomicsTYLA KIM BICKLEY The Michael Kirby Prize for Legal StudiesDIANA YIN XUE The Christa Kennedy-Smith Memorial Prize for Heritage ChineseSPENCER HARRY FERRIER The Ron Horan Prize for German Extension; The Prize for German ContinuersSIMON BERNARD ZWI GORTA The Girls of 1953 Prize for Music; The Ross McBride Prize for Visual ArtsKASHIF AHMED SHEIKH The Val Lembit Prize for DramaTHOMAS ROBERT VLAKIC The Institute of Engineers, Sydney Division, Prize for Engineering StudiesJIN-WEN DYLAN WONG The Boys’ Classes of 1940 and 1941 Prize for Software Design and DevelopmentANGELEH LAURA MORRIS The Williamson-Coutts Prize for PDHPE; Year 12 Leadership AwardANGELA ZHA The Prize for Business StudiesBRANDON WONG The Prize for Information Processes and TechnologyRAHIM THOMAS VASTANI Year 12 Peritus Omnium Artium AwardYASHAS BHATT Year 12 Peritus Omnium Artium Award JEMIMA ALICE KHOO Year 12 Perita Omnium Artium AwardU JIN CHO Year 12 Leadership Award ANNIE CAI Year Adviser’s Award for Academic ExcellenceNANCY LIN HUA Year 12 Leadership AwardMatthew Craig BASS Year 12 Innovation Award

SPORT AWARDS

RAHIM THOMAS VASTANI Johnson Memorial Prize for Senior Sportsman; Northern Suburbs Cross Country Champion 18 yearsEILISH CATHERINE SALMON The Jan Stephenson Memorial Prize for Senior Sportswoman; The Most Outstanding Girl in Swimming; Sydney North Regional Swimming Champion 17 + years; Northern Suburbs Swimming Champion 17 years; NSW Swimming State Age Championships 2nd place 100m breaststroke; NSW Swimming State Age Championships 3rd place 200m breaststroke; NSW Swimming State Age Championships 4th place 200m individual medley; NSW


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Swimming Metropolitan Championships 2nd place 100m breaststroke; CHS NSW Swimming Championships 2nd place 200m individual medley; CHS NSW Swimming Championships 2nd place 100m breaststroke; CHS NSW Swimming Championships 3rd place 100m butterflyTomo Sebastian Yoneda TARRANT Johnson Memorial Prize for Junior Sportsman; Northern Suburbs Cross Country Champion 12 yearsZOE MAY ROBERTSON The Jan Stephenson Memorial Prize for Junior Sportswoman; The Most Outstanding Girl in Cross Country; Northern Suburbs Cross Country Champion 15 yearsADAM MATTHEW STUART The Most Outstanding Boy in AthleticsDENISE CHAN The Most Outstanding Girl in Athletics; Northern Suburbs Athletics Champion 17 + yearsARTEM SYDORENKO The Most Outstanding Boy in Swimming; Northern Suburbs Swimming Champion 12 yearsMATTHEW JOEY MOLONEY The Most Outstanding Boy in Cross Country; Sydney North Regional Cross Country Champion 13 yearsIKE PRINGLE SCHWARTZ Northern Suburbs Cross Country Champion 17 yearsOTTO ALEXANDER HO-LENG KHOO Northern Suburbs Cross Country Champion 15 yearsAIDAN MICHAEL SHEILS Northern Suburbs Cross Country Champion 13 yearsALANA TOHKO YONEDA TARRANT Northern Suburbs Cross Country Champion 16 years

SPECIAL AWARDS

SINEAD GEORGINA BORDER The Rona Sanford Pepper Prize for ServiceDANIEL JUERGEN SYJIN SCHMOLL The Old Boys’ Union Prize for Scholarship and ServiceTANWEE SHRESTHA The Charles Chrismas Prize for Scholarship and Service; Australian Defence Force Long Tan Higher School Certificate Course AwardSPENCER HARRY FERRIER The 1976 Year 12 Prize for the Best All Round Contribution to the SchoolLIAM VARLEY The Len Carroll Prize for the Outstanding Individual Achievement of the Year; The Instrumental Music Program PrizeENRICA TSUI The Principal’s Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Student LeadershipGAYATHRI SHANKAR The Caltex Best All RounderALEX XIE The Reuben F Scarf Prize for CommitmentHATTIE SHU XIN HUA The John Hills Memorial Prize for Leadership and Service (Peer Support)EDWIN HONG LAM The Major Isador Sender Memorial Prize for ServiceOLIVIA LE KHAC The Ladies Committee Prize for ServiceTRAVIS ANDREW STUART The Boys of 1950-54 Prize for Commitment to the School CommunityLAUREN AIMEE WHITE The Girls of 1964-69 Prize for Commitment to the School Community; The Bruce Leonard Memorial Prize for Outstanding Achievement

in Music; The Fortian Prize for the Best Individual Performance in the Performing Arts (Music); The Gareth Ivory Memorial Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Languages/The Arts together with Significant Contribution to Student LeadershipAVA LOUISE COOMBES MCCONNELL The Elizabeth Cayzer Prize for the President of the SRCJENNIFER ZHAO The Elsie Ferguson Prize for Consistent Service to the SRC; The Raymond Sly Memorial Prize for MusicLACHLAN JAMES WHITE The Phillip, David and Robert Lindsay Prize for DebatingASTHA MALIK Australian Defence Force Long Tan School Certificate AwardALICE TANG The UNSW School of Mathematics & Statistics Prize for Best Student in MathematicsZHONG LIANG CHEN The Raymond and Frank Evatt Memorial Prize for Australian HistoryLINDSAY ROBERT SMALL The Clive Coogan Prize for his work in the National Titration Competition (aeq.)DOROTHY MADDOX SYMONS The Gombert Prize for French and GermanPATRICK WU The David Anthony Prize for Contribution to MusicAILISH ROSE TAYLOR CAMPBELL The June Anthony Prize for Contribution to MusicAILSA LIU The Liberty Jools Prize for Originality in the ArtsJOSEPHINE SARAH ARMIGER The Fortian Prize for the Best Individual Performance in The Performing Arts (Drama)VICTOR WING CHI TSANG The 2002 Year 12 Prize for Leadership in the Junior SchoolMOSS THEO BELL JOHNSTON Fortian Commendation for Contribution to the Design of the Fortian Magazine

FORTIAN & PREMIER’S AWARDS

JUDY CHEN Fortian Award and Premier’s AwardMAY WEI CHEN Premier’s AwardWEI HONG CHEN Premier’s AwardDANIEL FAN Fortian Award and Premier’s AwardALEX GENE GRADY Fortian Award and Premier’s AwardHYUNGSIK KIM Fortian Award LIGAYA LEILANI QUIBUYEN Premier’s AwardADAM SAKER Fortian Award and Premier’s AwardDANIEL JUERGEN SYJIN SCHMOLL Fortian Award and Premier’s AwardANNIE SHU Fortian Award and Premier’s AwardJESSICA TRUONG Fortian Award and Premier’s AwardCHUN FUNG WONG Fortian Award and Premier’s AwardJEFF WU Fortian Award and Premier’s AwardDIANA YIN XUE Premier’s AwardJOE DAVID YOUNG Premier’s AwardAUDREY ZHANG Premier’s Award


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The school’s Careers Office – located in what Ms Salisbury calls “W 2 ½” – is probably the place in the school most aware of the enormous social and workplace revolution occurring in the world around us. 2016 has seen more of the significant disruptive change which will affect the way we live and work in the years to come. Whole new careers are coming into existence (think: cybersecurity, global resource management, neuropharmacology amongst many others) and significant numbers of industries and jobs are just as rapidly disappearing. At least 50% of the occupations Fortians will eventually work in do not yet exist!

It is the role of the Careers Adviser, Ms Salisbury, to help us develop the qualities that will enable us to become leaders in the emerging professions, and allow us to adapt to the rapidly changing working environment we will face after school and university.For example: the first question asked by most recruiters or selection panels is … Tell us about yourself. This apparently simple question is an invitation to set yourself apart from all the other applicants vying for the same job, scholarship or cadetship. Your answer allows you to prove that you are more than just your ATAR, that you have the “three C’s” most needed in the future world of work – creativity, critical thinking and complex problem solving. In Careers terms this is called “narrative” and this year Ms Salisbury has been working with classes, whole year-groups and individuals to develop each student’s personal sense of self, and their own personal “narrative”.

Other key focus areas this year have been: understanding the value of resilience, learning positive lessons from

Every Tuesday afternoon, we, ten volunteers, made our way down the road to Taverner’s Hills Infants School to help the children there. We decorated the classrooms, read books with the kids, marked their weekly homework and played with them during lunchtimes.

It was an amazing opportunity as we were able to reminisce on the fond memories of our own primary school days. We learnt to communicate effectively with different age groups (children and teachers!) as well as gaining a first hand experience in interacting and sharing our knowledge with others.

This program between Fort Street and Taverner’s Hill has been running for several years now. We found this a really enjoyable and rewarding experience, whilst allowing us to acquire new skills in both communication and leadership. We highly recommend this amazing volunteering opportunity to other Fortians in 2017 and beyond.

failure, developing our ethical imaginations, and being open to the possibilities which flow from change, no matter how disturbing or incomprehensible events may initially be.

The Careers office is open all day, every day, and Ms Salisbury is happy to make appointments to chat to students and parents, or just have people drop in for a casual conversation in passing. There are up-to-date books about the economy, societal change, growing up, feminism, social media amongst other topics; brochures and booklets from all the universities, and advertisements and posters. It’s never too early to start having a conversation with Ms Salisbury about the amazing world beyond the school, and after study, and how we can best be preparing ourselves for that now.

CAREERS

VOLUNTEERING

KYLIE SALISBURY

Fort Street partnered with the University of Newcastle Postgraduate Business School to run a series of afternoon activities titled "Tea @ 3". The purpose of the partneship is to provide the international postgraduate students studying at the University of Newcastle with an opportunity to have informal English language conversation practice. The university was so impressed by the Fortians, they have renewed the partneship, and we look forward to working with them again in 2017.


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Good morning ladies, gentlemen and fellow Fortians. I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we are on today, the Gadigal people of the EORA nation, I would like to pay my respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to Aboriginal people in this grand hall and all that join us today.

Let me introduce myself, my name is Elizabeth Sinnott, I am currently the Principal of Darlington PS in Chippendale and I attended this wonderful school from 1977 to 1982, back then I wasn’t married obviously and my name was Elizabeth Kelly. I must say from the outset that I laboured over this speech for a very long time. I kept asking myself, why me? Why would anyone want to listen to what I had to say? It reminded me of why I needed to speak to you today. I’ve come to believe that despite your background, early years or where you came from you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

I’m an Aboriginal woman and my ancestors from my mother are Wailwan (freshwater people from the centre of NSW) and from my father Yuin (saltwater people from the south coast of NSW) so I’m a Freshwater/Saltwater woman. I grew up with 4 brothers in a small terrace in Newtown. I am an Aboriginal woman who was born before the 1967 referendum. I was effectively not a citizen of the country in which I was born – I was classed as “Flora and Fauna” – not a person. Before the 1967 referendum Aboriginal people were not counted in the census and each state determined all laws governing Aboriginal people. The two sections of the constitution that needed to be changed were:Section 51: The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Commonwealth with respect to: (xxvi) The people of any race, other than the Aboriginal people in any State, for whom it is necessary to make special laws. Section 127: In reckoning the numbers of the people of the Commonwealth, or of a State or other part of the Commonwealth, Aboriginal natives should not be counted.

Being defined as flora and fauna when I was born meant that I didn’t enjoy the freedoms I enjoy today but on 27 May 1967 the Australian people returned a resounding ‘YES’ vote by 90.77%. Aboriginal affairs became a Commonwealth matter, and various state native welfare acts—which had maintained state and mission control of Aboriginal life—were repealed. I also must add that I was in Year 2 in 1972 when the NSW Director-General of Education removed the section of the teachers’ handbook that allowed school principals the right to refuse enrolment to Aboriginal children because of home conditions or substantial opposition from the wider community.

Being born under the cloud of the older constitution could have defined me and my people for our lives but we refuse to let it. My message here is: do not let others define you, make your own impression on the world, defy those who want to tell you who or what you are.

I realise that for Year 7 students here today (and in this audience are some of my ex-students from Darlington) this is your first year in a new school and I’m sure the Year 12 students in the audience are feeling pretty good right now as it is their last year at school. No matter which year you are in, trust me you are in a school that produces articulate, intelligent and energetic humans.

Every person in front of me today has something they’re good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That’s the opportunity an education can provide.Maybe you may be a good mathematician and will ultimately solve a problem that could make an incredible difference to the entire world. You may be a great problem solver and ultimately be the next Steve Jobs.

No matter what you want to do with your life – trust me you’ll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, or a lawyer? You’re going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You’ve got to work for it and learn for it.There will be challenges before you and times when you may feel it is all too much for you. I know exactly how that feels, there were times when I attended Fort Street that I began to listen to the thoughts I was having, that I couldn’t do this and I wasn’t clever, I worried about what other people thought of me. Don’t get me wrong I was always the smartest in my class in primary school and when I came to Fort Street I found I was surrounded by others who were much smarter than me (or so I kept telling myself), other students may have been better at remembering dates or better at completing a quiz than me, even the images I saw in the media influenced my thoughts about my ability, many of the images and comments about Aboriginal people were negative or living traditionally in the desert. These images looked nothing like me nor did they reflect how I wanted people to see and understand me, I was and am a proud Aboriginal woman I am also an urban Aboriginal who comes from a family and community proud of our ancestors and heritage. The voices and images that surrounded me could have ensured I confirmed the negatives but I came to understand my strengths and realised I was at this school because I deserved to be, I was able to argue a point better than anyone I knew, I had a deep understanding of how the English language works and how to manipulate it to influence others. I was also fortunate that my teachers believed in me, as did my family. I decided that I was going to focus on my learning, I wasn’t going to let others define who I was or what I could do. I had many things that would statistically have me fail, I was an Aboriginal child, I came from a large family from a low socio economic background and I was the only person from my culture in a school that had so many. I didn’t let the others decide my future, I took control. As you can do with the amazing abilities you all have.

I completed my education at Fort Street HS in 1982 and gained entry into the University of Western Sydney to study education (I was the first person in my family to enter and complete university – My mother only completed Year 7 and my father Year 6). I can proudly say 2 more people from my family have entered university, both are currently completing law degrees.Today I stand here, a product of Fort Street High School. I am a Principal of a school and have helped to mould and guide students for more than 25 years. I have an important job, one that I take very seriously. I get to shape what Australia will look like in the future, me, that young woman who attended Fort Street HS and had many doubts about my ability. I’m grateful for the wonderful education I received at Fort Street HS

The advice I give to you today is value each day you have at Fort Street, extend yourselves – you may find this difficult but trust me the rewards cannot compare to anything else. This is the recipe for a wonderful and substantial education. You are learning in a

SPEECH DAY SPECIAL GUEST SPEECHELIZABETH SINNOTT


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wonderful school which provides you all with a great educational base. Use it and value it! I certainly appreciate the education and the friendships Fort Street afforded me (I even found my husband while at this school and we recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary, we have a beautiful daughter who makes us proud each and every day). We are all fortunate to be Fortians as we are a select group of people who each has the ability to make a difference in this world.

Remember our school motto: Faber Est Suae Quisque Fortunae (Everyone is the maker of their destiny).

It is appropriate to record the death of the above Fortian. He died suddenly and unexpectedly on 27 December 2016 in Sydney, leaving his partner Merran McDevitt and their children.James Dunn was a member of the class that arrived at the school in 1976. That was the first year of the amalgamation of Fort Street Boys’ High School and Fort Street Girls’ High School. The two selective high schools had been separated after 1914 when the boys moved to Petersham from the original site at Observatory Hill. The girls had remained on the original school site. The re-amalgamation of the two schools brought a number of challenges both to the culture and physical facilities of the Petersham site. However, the amalgamation went smoothly and it gave the year of 1976 a feeling of being special. At the Speech Day of the school, early in 1976, Justice Michael Kirby (then chairman of the Australian Law Reform Commission) gave an address at the Sydney Town Hall. It was about continuity and change. James Dunn remembered that occasion for 40 years. On the 40th anniversary of commencing at the school he and two of the Fortians who had arrived at the same time, Dr Susan Yates (now a specialist psychiatrist) and Mr Mick Franco (now a Sydney

CBD lawyer) decided to arrange a reunion. They elected to hold it in the School Memorial Hall, with its many memories. Catering was arranged and a very large cohort of the year of 1976 turned up on 22 October 2016. They invited Michael Kirby to give an address, which he did, promising to return for future reunions. The school principal, Ms Roslynne Moxham spoke of the academic, musical and other achievements of the school in recent years. The school archivists ( Ms Robin Perry and Christine Egan) were applauded for the evocative photographs and memorabilia that were put on display showing the teachers, students and events of the years 1976-81. James Dunn took a personal interest in all of the arrangements. It was as if he was hanging on to complete the reunion. Fortians of his time were shocked to hear of his death, which was unexpected. The affection in which he held the school demonstrated once again the feelings held by many Fortians for their school, despite the passing of many years. A photograph shows James Dunn with Susan Yates and Mick Franco planning the reunion in Michael Kirby’s office. Vale James Dunn 1963-2016.

JAMES DUNN: 1963 - 2016ROSLYNNE MOXHAM


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What a day! A day to celebrate the man whom the English faculty had stirred up a tempest about, a day that would be any English nerd’s midsummer night’s dream, a day that certainly wasn’t much ado about nothing to the average Fortian. Fort St would be the only place to have SHAKESPEARE IS COOL signs littered throughout a classroom and for kids to think “you know what, he is pretty cool”. Sure enough, on the 31st of August, Fort St celebrated the man whom English teachers regard as the ‘coolest person ever’. Fortians from far and wide all gathered in the Fountain Quad and the hall, in the costumes of famous Shakespearean characters. Many Shylocks, Julius Caesars, Bottoms, Hamlets, Macbeths, King Lears, even a Birnham Wood, were present and some received prizes, (bought directly by Ms Arcamone from Stratford-upon-Avon) for their creativity.

Friends, Teachers of Fortians, Lend me your ears,We come to celebrate Shakespeare, not to bury him.If we offend, it is with our good will,That you should think, we come not to offend,But with our good-will.So, to be or not to be enthused,That is the question?Wear your heart on your sleeve,And while,It is better to be a witty fool than a foolish wit,Strut and fret your hour upon our stageEven if,It is a tale told by an idiot,Signifying nothing.

So, as brevity is the soul of wit,We will be brief.Shakespeare, 400 years dead, yet very much alive at Fort Street.Wonder as the Fountain Quad becomes the Fountain Inn, the precursor of theatres like the Globe. Marvel at the marvellous Elizabethan music and dance, taste the wonderful Elizabethan food. Be amazed by the appearance of the three weird sisters and a visitation from fair Virgo herself. And even if child actors are now the fashion, and are tyrannically clapped for it, be prepared to let clothes become the man, or woman, and bedeck yourself as your favourite Shakespearean hero, heroine or villain. August 31st, from midday till the close of day,Choose your favourite character and join the fray.

So, Once more unto the breach, dear friends…Exit, pursued by a bear…

We were even privileged enough to have a guest speaker; John Bell from the Bell Shakespeare Company said some words on the company and the theatre in general. Particularly moving was his discussion of Shakespeare’s impassioned pleas about minority groups and refugees, making us realise the continuing relevance of the bard in so many ways. Scenes were performed: Roy Zhang gave a very dramatic monologue from the Tempest and two twinkie groups performed adaptations of scenes from Romeo and Juliet. Ruari Campbell delivered the following invitation to all, dressed in a kilt and sporting a fabulous beard and Scottish accent! Ms Moxham appearing as Queen Elizabeth I was certainly something to remember. It was indeed a memorable day.

All’s well that ends well.

SHAKESPEARE DAY


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“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves” - William ShakespeareThe 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death is a fitting reason to turn to the Bard to set a tone that befits this year’s English report. It was also a fitting reason to hold our inaugural Shakespeare Day this August, brainchild of our esteemed Mr. Scudds and Ms. Arcamone, who were ably assisted by a team of enthusiastic students. We were privileged to have the company of actor and director, John Bell AO, OBE, whose inspirational speech about the continued relevance of Shakespeare (amongst other ideas he presented a powerful discourse about the refugee crisis) moved all Fortians, as it did the nation a week later when he appeared on the panel of Q&A.The works of Shakespeare are a pillar of the Fort Street’s English program, which embraces the comedies A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night and Much Ado About Nothing; histories Henry IV Part 1 and Richard III; our favourite tragedies Macbeth and Othello; the Roman histories Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra, as well as selection of those we all have difficulty labelling, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, and The Merchant of Venice. At the heart of this year’s opening statement - from Julius Caesar - is an idea we hope to instil in our students: self determination. It is in our students' work, through their determination to apply, to engage, and to create that we see evidence of this self-determination. Every year the Year 7s undertake a picture book project and this year continues the tradition of creative excellence, not only in the outstanding visual skills demonstrated but in the ability to use the picture book medium as a force for social comment. An exciting adjunct to the Year 7 Life Writing unit was the powerful and entertaining The Peasant Prince, a theatrical interpretation of Li Cunxin’s Mao’s Last Dancer, one of the memoirs studied by our students.The Year 8s have just completed the direction of their own short films as part of the Composer Study unit of work. Directors of influence included Alfred Hitchcock, Tim Burton and Martin Scorcese. Students were responsible for storyboarding, filming and editing their work with some final works featuring an original Fortian score. Our Year 9 students have spent the year producing works that tap into both their critical and creative skills. Special mention is to be made of the Romeo and Juliet inspired performance by 9E4’s Finnegan Collins, Sandy Hwang, Betty Chen and Justin Phan which was – in the words of their teacher, Ms. Chamas – stunningly realised. Year 9’s Shakespearian Transformations unit of study culminated in a matinee session of The Taming of the Shrew at Parramatta Riverside Theatre, enjoyed by all. Year 10s rose to the challenge of a highly rigorous and highly enjoyable English program that culminated in a study of the tragic form through a comparison of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Miller’s Death of a Salesman.Modelled on the Extension 2 course, the English Faculty

runs an enrichment program for Year 9 and 10 students who demonstrate talent in English and who wish to engage in independent research and composition. Well done to all participating students and thanks to their teachers, Ms. Tan, Mr. Scudds and Dr. Strauss. The pressures of the Year 11 English course are but a distant memory as the year group embarks on the more arduous journey that is the HSC. They are a fabulous cohort and have quickly demonstrated their mettle. We look forward to working with them to ensure the year is as successful as it is challenging. This year’s Extension 2 Showcase evening was a very special evening. Despite the darkness of winter and the torrential rain, the evening was well attended by students and parents alike. It was an inspiring and emotional affair where we marvelled at the incredible work our students had crafted and what incredible young adults our Year 12s had suddenly become. It was with immense pride that we received the news that our 2015 Fortian, Illya Conn had been included in the HSC Young Writers Showcase for his anthology of poetry, At the Doors of the House of Bread. Ms. Arcamone, Ms. Lawson and Dr. Felicity Plunkett attended Illya’s award ceremony at the State Library. Fellow Fortian, Kashif Sheikh, in acknowledgement of his dynamic and original Major Work, was honoured with an invitation to be part of a presentation panel at the State Library’s 2016 Extension 2 Seminar. Ms. Arcamone and Dr. Plunkett joined him onstage as the panel of Extension 2 experts. It was with great sadness that we farewelled our much beloved and highly esteemed Dr. Strauss who, after 18 years of Fort Street, service has taken a teaching position closer to home. Ms Macdonald, who had been on leave formally retired from 25 years of unique and inspirational teaching here. These ‘two deep divines’ cannot be easily replaced. Our fabulous Ms. Kerr, a passionate supporter of teachers' rights, has taken a six month tenure with the Teachers Federation. Farewell also to Ms. Ford who, despite having only been with us for six months, has impressed us all with her dedication and energy. Many thanks to Ms. Tan who forged a most formidable teaching duo with Ms. Schubert, recently back from maternity leave. We are delighted Ms. Tan will be staying with us into the next year. We welcomed Mr. Wright into the faculty and welcomed back Mr. Cox. Ms. Kendall and Ms. Lawson have enjoyed sharing the role of Relieving HT English yet welcome Ms Arcamone back to the faculty fold after her year of Relieving Deputy Principal. Our sincere thanks to staff and students alike for another stimulating, challenging and inspiring year at the Fort.

FACULTY REPORTS

ENGLISHAMELIA LAWSON & CLAIRE KENDALL


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2016 was a successful year for the History faculty. Again, Fort Street History students achieved to a high standard in the Australian History Competition. Year 7 students placed equal third in Australia and first in New South Wales with notable performances from Nathan Nguyen and Paul Nguyen. In Year 8 a special mention for Aidan Limnios and Nikita Ukladchikov for their exceptional results and in Year 10 John Bivell received a special mention for his individual score. Congratulations and thanks go out to all of the competition participants in 2016 and we look forward to participation numbers growing in 2017.

Year 10 Elective History students Luke Magee, Imogen Marosz, Melody Lee, Alexander Coombs and Moss Johnston made up the History Debating team that represented Fort Street High School in the 2016 Les Gordon History Debating Competition. They saw off formidable competition in the first round from the Penshurst Girls Campus of Georges River College, to move through to the second round against St. George Girls High School. Arguing in the affirmative that Australia should stop fighting other people’s wars, Fort Street was able to convince the adjudicator of the superiority of their argument to win the debate and proceed to the semi-final. Debating against Meriden Anglican School for Girls, again in the affirmative, that the United Nations has failed to deliver on human rights, Fort Street unfortunately had to concede to the opposing team. Special thanks goes to 2014 Fortian and champion debater Janek Drevikovsky for his coaching and support of the team throughout the competition.

We would like to thank students Michelle Cheung, Victor Tsang, Charlie Boyd, Tony Mao, Cole Johnson, Adrian Castillo, William Li, Olivia Le Khac and Sam Alexander-Prideaux for their participation in our commemorations of Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. We must also thank Matthew Manchester and the Wind Orchestra for their contributions of March Grandioso and Invercargill March to those events.

Excursions this year in History saw Year 7 attend Cockatoo Island for a site study, with Year 9 heading to the Quarantine Station at North Head to investigate its rich history. The Elective History Year 10 students visited the Sydney Jewish Museum in their examination of the topic Genocide and produced some outstanding assessment results related to the trip. Year 11 Ancient History attended an enjoyable and informative visit to the Nicholson Museum at Sydney University to review their

preliminary course and get a peek at some of the topics they will encounter for HSC next year. As a school who studies USA for HSC, a small number of Year 12 Modern History students were presented with the opportunity to attend a debate between Democrat and Republican representatives from the USA before a question and answer session. Thank you to Dominic Dwyer, Ava McConnell, Liam Dodd, Huw Morgan, Ailin Gist and Shannon Reynolds for their thorough interrogation of the guests from the US Consulate General (so thorough that one of the strategists tweeted that the forum with Sydney schools was more rigorous than that of the local media!).

This year also saw the departure of two from our History ranks, Dr Strauss to Normanhurst leaving outstanding contributions to History generally, History Extension and the implementation of the Philosophy course. Mr Hoekstra is also leaving Fort Street for Penrith High School and new challenges. Mr Hoekstra’s contribution to the History Faculty and school through his various roles will be greatly missed, we thank him and wish him well.

The History V for Victory Bash once again impressed with Year 9 students engaging in the clothing, dance and food of the 1940s. Well done to the winning cake design, tables, best dressed and dancers and again to the band members on the day your professionalism and organisational skills are to be commended – Marlena Stanhope, Hugo Giles, Patrick Wu, Patrick Vistani, Nick Andresen, Rena Gao, Andy Papadopoulos and Anthony Meneguzzo, thank you.

Finally, congratulations to the 2016 HSC Ancient History, Modern History and History Extension students for completing their studies at Fort Street with such excellent results overall. Dominic Dwyer receives a special mention here for his equal first placing in the state for Modern History.

HISTORYJUSTYN BOYLE


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Year 7 Gibberagong ExcursionYear 7 Geography students travelled to the Northern area of Sydney to West Head to undertake fieldwork on the physical environment. Students conducted an inquiry project on Liveability to research and create new plans for the school based on liveability criteria that would help to improve learning and experiences at the school. Some of these were presented to the Principal and subsequently the P&C.Year 9 Sydney Harbour Geography Excursion Year 9 students visited the Sydney Harbour area to investigate the cause and implications of changing land use. Students visited Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, and Millers Point and took a ferry ride into White Bay. Year 10 Cronulla Beach Geography Excursion and Science of the Surf IncursionDr Rob Brander, (AKA Dr Rip), a coastal geomorphologist from UNSW, spoke to our Year 10 as part of their Coastal Management studies. Dr Brander’s engaging lecture on the morphodynamics of rip currents gave students the opportunity to explore geographic processes in the coastal environment. During the Year 10 Cronulla Beach excursion, students utilised information from Dr Brander to recognise rip currents on-site and discussed beach safety strategies in light of what they observed. We commend the Year 10 Geography students on their resilience battling stormy weather and remaining positive and engaged during the excursion.Year 10 Commerce StallYear 10 Commerce and accelerated Business Studies students planned, organised and ran a very successful Commerce Stall day in Term 3. Students and teaching staff were treated to an array of multicultural foods including Vietnamese vermicelli salad bowls, pork rolls, spicy Korean rice cakes and BBQ, handmade Gozlemes, bubble milk tea, tacos and hamburgers. We raised over a thousand dollars for the Year 10 Charity Committee. The passionate enthusiasm, strong work ethic and cooperative spirit of the students of Year 10 really made this an enjoyable event for all.

Year 11 Bantry Bay Geography Excursion Year 11 visited Bantry Bay as part of their fieldwork to understand the implications of humans on the surrounding environment and the biophysical interactions that take place in a pristine ecosystem.Year 12 Geography FieldworkThis year’s Senior Geography class undertook a wide range of field studies to supplement their HSC core topics of Ecosystems at Risk, Urban Places and People and Economic Activity. The students travelled up to the Blue Mountains to investigate the fragile Blue Mountain Hanging Swamp ecosystem, investigated the impacts of urban consolidation and renewal at Barangaroo and Green Square, and finished with a trip to the Hunter Valley to examine the nature of the viticulture and winemaking industry at Tamburlaine Organic Winery and a number of other vineyards in the Hunter Valley region.Australian Geography Competition 2016This year we had 77 students, from the Years 9 and 10 elective Geography classes and both senior classes, who competed against students from all around Australia in the 2016 Australian

Geography competition. A total of 70 000 students from 760 schools entered the competition from around Australia. The competition is a joint initiative of the Australian Teachers’ Association, the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland and Macquarie University. We have a number of students who performed to a very high level this year with 7 students gaining a result in the top 1% of Australia, 28 gaining High Distinctions and 17 Distinctions. The Australian ASX Game156 students from Years 7-12 at Fort St High School participated in the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Competition this year. Participation in the competition is a valuable way to learn about the risks and rewards of sharemarket investing. The students from Fort Street with the highest profit were Rahel Sahni and Adam Stuart of Year 10 who ended up with a portfolio value of $57,378 which was the 23rd highest syndicate value in NSW and the 74th highest value across Australia. Kelvin Hua of Year 10 had the second highest portfolio value at the end of the competition with $56,603. Liam Young of Year 7 achieved the third highest portfolio value at Fort St with $56,359.

2016 Mock TrialMr O’Neil of the Social Science faculty led the Mock Trial team on a successful campaign through the qualifying rounds. The team narrowly missed out on a win during the elimination rounds. For more details on their trials and triumphs refer to the Mock Trial team report in the Fortian.Australian Economics CompetitionEconomics students took part in the 2016 UNSW Business School Australian Economics Competition. Many of our students performed to a high standard in the state wide competition and were recognised for their High Distinction and Distinction performances. Notably, Curtis Godfrey of Year 11 won an award and the cash prize of $50.The faculty would like to thank all our Geography, Commerce, Economics, Business Studies and Legal Studies students for their intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm both in the classroom and on excursions. We also thank Mr Paul Pagani for his leadership and support as Relieving Head Teacher in 2016 and look forward to 2017.

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We had our turn to be hosts in the Languages Café at Fort Fest that was a warm and welcoming place for visitors to escape the deluge and take one on one Languages lessons over a cup of coffee. Efforts by students to brave the cold and share their knowledge are acknowledged. Japanese classes demonstrated their cooking skills at their food stall. The warmest of hospitality was provided by the school community for the visit in August by sister school, Suginami Sogo High School in Tokyo, Japan. As usual it was a huge success fostering cultural understanding and ongoing relations. The year drew to a close with the thrilling announcement that a courageous and creative group from Mr Wright’s junior French classes won 3rd place in the Alliance Française Song Competition! We were the only public school among prizewinners. I share with you a consideration from the findings of a National Languages Research Project in which Fort Street High School participated. Passion plays one of the biggest roles in successful teaching and learning – a quality that the pedagogues of the whole Languages Faculty have proven throughout my first year of observations. Many thanks to my talented colleagues for their commitment to the intellectual and practical pursuit of Languages , world communication and development of 21st Century skill sets.

Examining items of interest in the Ron Horan Room, named after one of my predecessors as Head of Languages, I recalled being handed the generational textbook “A New French Course”, co-authored by the guru himself, at the commencement of my teacher training course. Now our French textbooks are “Tapis Volant” written by Jane Zemiro, who was my Methodology lecturer, and Alan Chamberlain, my university tutor. As a fellow linguist and educator I am excited by the faculty’s contributions past and present supporting a breadth of curriculum and discipline which is required for study of foreign language. We are equipping Fortians with more than one language to be true global citizens. At the Recognition Assembly for Years 9, 10 and 11, 17% (nearly 1 in 5) of our students were awarded High Distinctions in the tests for Australian Languages Competence, performing well above the national standards along with recipients of Distinctions and Credits. These results are not only due to the academic excellence of students but also the sedulous efforts of Mr Gillespie, Mr Dong, Ms Sorbello and Mr Wright. Mr Gillespie worked very hard with HSC candidates to achieve improved HSC results in Japanese , tutoring them during lunchtimes and study periods. Mr Dong continues to share his skills and specialised knowledge of the Heritage Chinese course gained from his involvement at BOSTES. He is popular for ping pong challenges! Ms Sorbello was also an active coordinator of the Connected Curriculum Program in Year 8 and led Professional Learning sessions for individualised online learning platforms. We are sorry that her temporary position ends as Ms Reynolds returns from leave. Congratulations to Mr Wright for being selected as Year 7 Adviser 2017. A momentous year too for Latin which will be re-introduced to the school and taught by the new Deputy Principal, Mr Morrison, who has joined the Modern and Classical Languages Faculty!Ms Salisbury, Careers Adviser and Languages teacher, is a faithful team member. We thank her for her regular guest teaching, participation in faculty discussions, supportive spirit and assistance on excursions. They have included outings to a French bistro, the Nihongo Tanken Centre, Chinatown and the Chinese Garden of Friendship. We are also patronising Sydney University’s Go Global Day that provides information to Year 12 students about tertiary study in Languages and employment opportunities. Thanks to Ms Jenny (Hongzhen) Li, volunteer teacher for the school’s Confucius Classroom. Jenny has dedicated herself to the studies of Chinese language and culture at Fort Street for two years when most volunteers choose only one year of service. She is returning to China for her Masters degree in Teaching Chinese to Non-Chinese Speakers. A Confucius Afternoon was organised in Term 4 for the whole school to enjoy Chinese food, entertainment and cultural activities. This took place on Multicultural Day to emphasise the role that the Chinese community plays in Australian society and its richness of culture. We were also guests at the Annual China Day at Kingsgrove North High School which this year hosted all Confucius Classroom Schools in New South Wales.

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GINGERBREAD HOUSES

At the culmination of our German elective experience was, by far, the most important lesson of the two years - the gingerbread house making. In true German fashion, we struck down the walls between our respective houses in favour of a grand mansion, compiled from the parts of the individual houses. The resultant spectacle was fawned over by visitors from classes all around the school, coming to delight themselves with a glimpse of the picturesque mansion. With the icing sugar delicately sprinkled to give the appearance of snow, the multitude of treats stuck to the house in ever more hilarious ways, and the rooftop balcony topped by an edible Hansel and Gretel, the gingerbread house captivated the eyes and watered the mouths of all those who saw it. A true feat of German engineering and efficiency.

CASSIUS HOPKINS, YEAR 10

LATIN

MMXVII Anno Domini will mark the triumphant return of Latin to the Fort. Of course Latin has a long and proud history at the school. Ian McLeod (Fortian 1954) and Bernie Newsom (Fortian, dux 1957) are just two of the names which I’ve noticed on honour boards around the school who pursued Latin teaching careers after school, and who were very well-respected and influential Latin teachers over many years. I myself learned Latin from two outstanding educators with strong links to the school: Roderick West (requiescat in pace) and Sandra Stark, and am thrilled to be able to continue in their footsteps and revive their legacy.

In recent years Latin has been slowly but surely insinuating its way back into the school. Janek Drevikovsky (Fortian, dux 2014) on his own initiative and with the encouragement of the school, pursued the study of Latin through the Open High School with great success. In 2015 Bernie returned to his alma mater to tutor a group of dedicated Year 8 students as part of an after school Latin co-curricular club organised by Ms Salisbury. In 2016, Janek continued the after school program, before taking up the wonderful opportunity to study Latin further at the Vatican. In 2017 Latin will be offered to incoming Year 7 students as one of five language choices, and options for continuing the after school Latin club for Year 8 and 9 students are being explored.

In this day and age, it is a rare opportunity to study a classical language. Latin is different from modern languages, in that the purpose of learning is not primarily communicative. We learn Latin not to speak with the ancient Romans, but to listen to and learn from the literature they have left behind. Learning Latin opens up a world rich in history, mythology, art and culture, a world which has shaped our own culture and language in fundamental ways. It is fascinating to read the literature of the ancient Romans in their own language, and to see the common humanity which we share with them, though far removed in time, space and language. It is revealing to observe a culture so sophisticated and advanced in many ways, but so barbaric in others, and to reflect on how our own culture may be judged by those who follow.

The language itself is paradoxically one of great structure and logic, and at the same time capable of great beauty and subtlety. Learning Latin, as with all languages, can be incredibly intellectually stimulating and rewarding, and assists students to develop their logical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills. The addition of a classical language to the two Asian and two European languages already offered by the school, brings a new depth and richness to an already strong Languages faculty. I am very much looking forward to teaching Year 7 Latin next year, and to seeing the language grow throughout the school.

JOEL MORRISON


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ROWINGOver the past 13 months, a rowing team has evolved within the school. What started as a handful of novices at Sydney Rowing Club became a dedicated team who made the sport their own under the banner of Fort Street High. This program began in Term 4 last year under our coach and Sydney Rowing Club captain Paul Coates. Those summer holidays were spent learning the basics, rowing with friends and aspiring to the far away promise of the Combined High Schools (CHS) Championships in Taree.After five months of rowing, the 2016 CHS Championships arrived. The Year 10s rowed admirably in the double scull event – Stephen Lowe and Bradley Deng; Richard Quach and Aaron Winata; Jason Huang and Adrian Castillo. John Bivell and Alexander Migdalias took out second in the state for the U17 Men’s Double Scull. The second day saw another silver medal from Rahel Sahni, Andrew Li, Adrian Castillo and Alexander Migdalias in the U17 Men’s Quadruple Scull. For some, this was their first ever regatta, and they did themselves proud. That was in April. A lot has happened since. During the winter, we competed as novices at the local J.B. Sharp regattas and, on the back of our strong showing, won the J.B. Sharp Series. This is an honour not accorded to Sydney Rowing Club for over 80 years. Rowing is now a Tuesday sport supervised by Mrs. Tan – a special thanks to Mrs. Cotton for making this happen! The team has seen fresh blood over the winter months – William Ma, Michael Chen, Daniel Wark, Tiana Tsang and Rebecca Gismondo. We have a fancy new rowing zootie in the works with a custom Fort Street look, designed by artistic director Alexander Migdalias. Over the past 6 weeks, a dedicated squad of Year 9 Fortians have begun their rowing careers. Right now they’re going through the motions – getting the basics down like the senior team a year ago. But in a year’s time, they’ll be just as competitive as Year 10, and that’s exciting. CHS 2017 is unprecedented because we will be represented by Year 10 and 11 athletes. That’s twice the competition, twice the experience – and of course, twice the fun. In the future, we plan to make rowing an integral part of the Fort Street experience.The Fort Street Rowers are recruiting. The possibility of younger teams next year is looking increasingly likely.The day of writing is the day after the annual Reindeer Regatta where Jason Huang and Alexander Migdalias won the D Grade Quad Scull, with Richard Quach and Bradley Deng in second. With our amazing coaches Paul Coates, Luke Stait and Sean

Madeley, the potential of the Fort Street Rowing Team has continued to grow. Watch this space.

CROSS COUNTRYThe yearly Fort St High School Cross Country carnival never fails to deliver a day of excitement, competitive performances and, most importantly, enjoyment. This year’s 2016 event was no exception. With a record turnout of competitors, the day began with thundering of feet pounding the pavement around FSHS and its surroundings.

Age Champions Cross Country 2016:Liam young 12 yrs BoysAshley Saipaia 12 yrs GirlsTomo Tarrant 13 yrs BoysElla Easton 13 yrs GirlsAidan Sheils 14 yrs BoysAmeira Sant 14 yrs GirlsJulian Williams Kelly 15 yrs BoysFarrah Lin 15 yrs GirlsOtto Khoo 16 yrs BoysErika Koit 16 yrs GirlsIke Schwartz 17+ yrs BoysKiona Verrall 17+ yrs Girls

With the school carnival out of the way, 120 FSHS students set their sights on the Zone Carnival on 18TH May 2016. Six schools make up the Northern Suburbs zone, being Marsden, Ryde Secondary College, Burwood Girls, Concord, Fort St and Hunters Hill High Schools. A pleasing result followed with FSHS winning the zone carnival.

Zone Carnival age group FSHS winners:Tomo Tarrant 13 yrs BoysAidan Sheils 14 yrs BoysOtto Khoo 16 yrs boysErika Koit 16 yrs boysKiona Verrall 17 yrs boysIke Schwartz 18 yrs boys

Moving on to the Regional level 24th June 2016, 29 fit Fortians braved the icy elements of the harsh Gosford winter running course to secure an outstanding performance for the Sydney North Regional Cross Country Champions.The following students gave outstanding performances and were

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Regional Age Champions and continued on to the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships 22 July 2016.

NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships:Tomo Tarrant 13 years BoysAiden Sheils 14 years BoysOtto Khoo 16 years BoysErika Koit 16 years GirlsIke Schwartz 18 years BoysKiona Verrall 18 years Girls Lydon Wale 18 years Boys. He was not age champion at Regional level.

ORIENTEERINGTina Chen, Winston Sun, Richard Trang, Aaron Winata, Jason Huang and Emma Doan, six Year 10 students who, on Monday 8th August, ventured out to compete in the Sydney North Schools Orienteering event at St. Ives Showground, and came back with new knowledge and new memories. Expectations weren't high - it was their first time after all - yet excitement still built among them. The sight of the place was daunting. Every other school had more than 30 students participating and the atmosphere was filled with a sense of professionalism. Nevertheless, they stuck together through the walk through of the course, helping each other read the map and point out key features (thank you to all past Geography teachers).Despite never having tried orienteering, the day ended in various successes. Aaron Winata finished first in the Long Easy 4km Course in a time of 30 min while Emma Doan finished her Long Easy 4km Course in second place with a time of 52 min. Tina Chen came first in her race, but it was not a valid result as she ran the wrong race, though it's still a success worth mentioning. Relay Team 2 (Aaron Winata, Jason Huang, Emma Doan) came 5th overall.

EMMA DOAN, YEAR 10

ATHLETICS CARNIVALA fantastic day was held at the SOPAC warm up track on May 23 2016. In some closely contested events the following students were successful in becoming Athletics Age Champions 201612 Bhasin Karin Karen Luo13 Ji Ho(Danile) Lee Ella Easton14 Zi Hong Fan Angela Ha15 Julien Parry Mina Brcic16 Otto Khoo Angela Meneguzzo17 Carlo Pane Kiona Verrall18 Reuben Mon Denise Chan

Fort Street High then went on to the Zone Athletics Championships where the following students became age champions for the Northern Suburbs Amateur Athletics Association:12 Girls Karen Luo14 Girls Angela Ha15 Girls Mina BrcicFort Street completed its clean sweep of all carnivals at this event becoming the Zone Champion School Athletics 2016.

TRIPLE CROWN CHAMPIONSHIPSFort Street High School has won all three carnivals run by North Sydney Amateur Athletics. Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics Champions at the 2016 Zone Championships.

Congratulations to all students who participated with enthusiasm and skill to secure this remarkable achievement.

Fort Street’s extensive Personal Development, Health and Physical Education program once again helped students to explore their creativity through dance routines and fitness programs, and stay safe in the real world through programs such as RYDA (Road Youth Development Association)’s “Crossroads” safe driving course.

The Year 10s had lots of fun this year, performing fantastic choreographed dance routines in costume and making their own fabulous health booths. The Year 7s did their own unit on gymnastics and creative dance (which also involved a dance routine) and went to a gala day at St. Luke’s Oval in Concord, where there was a tasty barbecue and a sport for everyone. The Year 8s developed their own personalised training program in order to improve their fitness while the Year 9s had their own aerobic dance task and a sporting skill analysis task, which allowed the students to produce brilliant work.

The Fort’s ongoing involvement with Newcastle University’s Resistance Training for Teams program continued in 2016, with staff being trained throughout the year. These staff were able to inspire and aid students throughout the year, yet the students were still capable of creating their own brilliance in creative tasks such as the previously mentioned health booths and student-choreographed dance routines from the Year 10s and Year 7s. And not only were these students given opportunities to make use of their creativity, they received aid in preparing for future challenges in and out of school with units such as the Year 7 “Managing Change” unit on puberty (yes, the obligatory puberty unit) and the Year 8 unit on mental health in which they studied different mental disorders and illnesses, and ways of living with them in case students faced them later on in life.

Overall, 2016 has been an excellent year for PDHPE, and many students (particularly in Year 10) are seeing it as their last year of the subject. We had a heavy focus on creativity this year, as well as the healthy development of young people we have always specialised in as a school. Whatever happens next year in this extensive, ever-important subject, we wish you all the best in it.

PDHPEJOHN GAAL


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2016 has been a year of innovation and growth for the Science Faculty at Fort Street.

Following the donation of a 10” telescope by the parent of a former student, the Science faculty established the Astronomy Club in Term 2, in which students would spend evenings using the telescope to observe and identify celestial objects. Thirty students were involved in the Astronomy nights during Term 2. We were fortunate to be donated a second 10” telescope with GPS tracking in Term 3. Ten astronomy nights, seeing clouds on Jupiter, rings of Saturn and globular clusters, have been fantastic.

This will be continuing next year. Students across the school participated.

During Term 2, Ms. Moxham proposed the idea of a Science challenge, where Year 10 students from Fort Street and Tempe High Schools would go to local primary schools - Ashfield, Wilkins, and Summer Hill - and help primary school students carry out a Science project, visiting once a week over the course of two months. The students were judges, and the best projects were displayed for UTS Academics to judge, in the Fort Street Memorial Hall. The Year 10 students built great mentoring relationships with the primary school students, and learnt a lot about teaching Science.

The Science Faculty also established connections with scientists in the FSHS community through the Science careers talk, and the first-ever FSHS Science Fair.

The Science careers talk was presented to Year 12 students by four speakers, three of whom were parents of students at the school. The students enjoyed the talks. The speakers, three parents and a CSIRO Scientist were:Roslyn Wilson (Forensics)Roger Lembit (Ecology)Rosemary Barr (Meteorology)Edwin Kirk (Genetics)

Peter Lam, father of a student in the school, also spoke to HSC Chemistry and Physics students about a range of topics, including nuclear medicine.

Fort Street held its inaugural Science Fair in 2016 in Term 3 during Science Week. Teachers chose the 15 best group Research Projects from Year 9 and the 15 best individual Student Research Projects from Year 10. These students then presented their projects for other students to look at, and discussed their projects with 5 scientists (mostly parents), who judged the projects.

The results were:Year 9:1st Nicholas Mok, Joshua Quek, Felix Tran - Electroculture2nd Bonnie Zhan, Simran Kathuria, Ryan Roberts - Effectiveness of Anti-Bacterial Products3rd Nemo Gage, Chloe Tran, Rachel Siu - Five Second Rule: Fact or Myth?People’s Choice: Niamh Elliott-Brennan, Grace Shan, Sofia Locke - The Effect of Pen Colour on Memory

Year 101st Rachel Yu Cheng Zhang - The Height of Wind from Passing Cars2nd Rachel Lee - The Crude Reality3rd Nathan Cao - The Effect of Blue Light on Memories and Reactions After SleepPeople’s Choice: Alicia Gao - Do Cats Have Paw Preference?

The Science Fair provided a chance for FSHS students to do what real scientists do, in discussing their research and work, and made the learning in class more relevant to the work of real scientists in the field.

In Term 2, the top students of Year 12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology did lunch presentations for their peers based around

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explaining difficult past HSC problems. Students involved learnt a lot from each other and felt more confident about the HSC. Picture: Victor Kuok presenting his solution to a previous HSC Physics question.

In 2016, the Science Faculty compacted the curriculum so that Years 9 and 10 would be able to choose an in-depth study area to research during the last seven weeks of Term 4. A choice of five study areas were provided: Aquaponics, Local Water Quality study, Physics of the Smartphone, Chemistry of Everyday Substances, Physics of the Car, and CSI: Fort Street. The teachers and students involved were extremely enthusiastic about the projects, and students found the depth studies to be a great learning experience. The project was also used to prepare students, as Depth Studies will be part of the new HSC Science syllabus in 2018.

Students of Science at Fort Street participated in multiple competitions in 2016.

Fort Street was highly successful in ICAS Science this year, with a total of 37 High Distinctions, 207 Distinctions, and 264 Credits. Congratulations to all, especially those who earned a High Distinction:Year 7: Shrihari Amirthalingam, Kobi Beckett, Bowen Cheng, Xavier Cooney, Marley Donald, Augustine Evans, Tian Fu, Alan He, Laura Moe, Yaz Muraben, Maleeka Prabhakar and Xin Weng.Year 8: Isaac Broadhead, Luca Charlier, Max Collingwood, Thomas Mei, James Nguyen, Sam Nguyen, Bhuvan Senthil, Tom Stevens, India Treweek and Lara Vance.Year 9: Maxwell Bennett, Finnegan Collins, Hugo Degotardi, Gage Nemo, Georgio Hawi, Rosemary Hearne, Yuntao Jiang, Alexander Mead, Pang Zi Shan, Harrison Pritchard, Patrick Wu, and Bonnie Zhan.Year 10: Julien Van Gerwen, Justin Weng and Lucky Zhan.

Students at Fort Street also participated in the Young Scientist Awards (Science Teachers Association of NSW). Congratulations to the following students for receiving Certificates of Excellence, the highest-level award:Andrew LiNehal Nukala

Dalena LyAurora MuirAnnaliese McGuirkJohn Bivell

Fort Street also competed in the Big Science Competition in 2016. Students from Years 7 to 10 enjoyed the experience of testing their scientific skills in a competitive situation outside the normal school assessment framework. The questions tested their critical thinking and problem solving skills, not just factual recall. The questions were also set in real-life, contemporary contexts, making them relatable and interesting. 23 students competed and received the following awards:12 High Distinctions8 Distinctions2 Credits1 ParticipationCongratulations to all students who participated in this competition.

Olympiad

22 students sat the Olympiad examinations and 10 received Distinction or High Distinction results. A High Distinction places students in the top 10%. A Distinction places students in the top 20% of candidates.Tao Zheng, Yuntao Jiang, and Harvey Ling each received a Distinction in Physics.Shabrina Yusri and Jeffrey Lu received Distinctions in Biology. Alvin Cheng received a Distinction in Chemistry.Daniel Wark, John Bivell, and Hattie Hua received Distinctions in Earth and Environmental Sciences.Anthony Kwee-Kartawardenan received a High Distinction and a Gold Medal, placing Anthony in the top 1/3 of Distinction results. He has been offered a place at the 2 week 2017 Olympiad Summer School, to be held at the ANU in January.Congratulations to all students involved!


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2016 was a time of reorganisation for the TAS faculty, with many staff changes. Head Teacher TAS Mr Matthew Dopierala received a promotion to Deputy Principal of North Sydney Boys High, and he will be sorely missed. Mr Simon Pike took up the mantle of Head Teacher for two terms and has now handed over to the new permanent head of TAS, Mr Adam Semaan, who joins Fort Street from his previous position of 6 years at Randwick Boys. With the added departure of Engineering, Graphics and Electronics teacher Mr David Grant, and Ms Jo Ruth who left to pursue her interests in Hospitality, we were able to secure the service of Mr Priyantha Jayakody on short notice as a temporary Engineering teacher, who will now be joining us on a permanent basis in 2017. The faculty would also like to thank Mr Callum Endacott and Mr David Cartwright for their dedication and efforts as temporary teachers in 2016 and we wish them well for the next stage of their careers. Years 7 and 8 continued with their Technology Mandatory studies, gaining a taste for food, moulding plastics, soldering electronics, learning computer programming, creating animations and developing skills in promotional and digital media design. Year 9 Industrial Technology Engineering commenced the year with their first water rocket project within the module Engineered Structures, and were able to successfully launch them from the school oval. From Term 2, and under Mr Priyantha Jayakody’s guidance, students completed another two projects: a balsa wood tower in Engineered Structures and a dragster in the module Engineered Mechanisms. Students were testing, analysing, plotting graphs, sketching diagrams, presenting results and writing engineering reports. Year 10 Industrial Technology Engineering were once again constructing Rube Goldberg machines, while their Industrial Technology Electronics friends designed simple circuits and useful devices. Graphics Technology students completed tasks involving Computer Aided Design (CAD) engineering and architectural drawing. Years 9 and 10 Food Technology prepared many delicious dishes

in line with the theory focus on nutrition and health. Year 11 Hospitality catered for the Open Evening and Visual Arts Night with plenty of enjoyable canapés and hors d'oeuvres as well as preparing many industry standard recipes in class. The Year 11 Hospitality class also had the valuable experience of completing work placement and attended venues as diverse as Doltone House, the Pullman Hotel, Cargo Bar, King Street Brewhouse and the Westin Hotel.The accelerated Information Processes and Technology students started their HSC in Year 9 or completed their exams in Year 10 and at the time of writing are awaiting their results. March was the month of the Big Day In – a Careers expo attended by Year 10 and hosted by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to present opportunities in the Information Technology field and also let students experience some new technologies such as virtual reality. Mr Adam Semaan will be taking the accelerated classes in 2017 and will hopefully bring his expertise to bear in keeping the course an interesting and exciting computing subject.A new 3D printer will be arriving soon and should be fully functional for 2017, presenting all kinds of new opportunities for TAS that the technical faults with the previous model couldn’t quite achieve. A selection of students from the Year 11 Software Design and Development class (and two students from Year 10) participated in the Zero Robotics competition, run by UNSW and NASA. The team competed nationally, and are now through to the international round where they will make a combined effort with the world No. 1 team from the USA, and team No. 25 from Italy. The winners will program two CO2 powered spheres on the International Space Station itself. Hopefully, our team will make it through to that amazing opportunity.Overall, 2016 has been a year of preparation, and we’re all very excited to see 2017 offer new prospects for the TAS faculty.

TECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED STUDIESALLISON WOODLEY


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We did it again… 2016 was another spectacular year for FSHS Robotics. This year, we were one off our record contribution to the trophy cabinet with an addition of five:Lightweight Soccer: 1st place in the NSW Open and 2nd place nationally by Oliver Locke (Year 11), Alex Pham (Year 11), Brandon Wong (Year 11), Angela Zheng (Year 11)Open Soccer: 3rd place in the NSW Open and 2nd place nationally by Victor Kuo (Year 12), Brendon Ly (Year 12), and Kevin Zhu (Year 11) Open Rescue: 3rd place in the NSW Open by Yu Wern Choo (Year 9), Georgio Hawi (Year 9) and Sunil Jassal (Year 9)FSHS Robotics will be celebrating its tenth birthday in 2017 and so we’d just like to take this opportunity to consider our awesome progress over the past nine years. Founded in 2007, FSHS Robotics is a student run club dedicated to experiencing the rapidly evolving fields of mechanical, software and electrical engineering with the goal of winning trophies at the RoboCup Junior Australia competition (RCJA).We primarily compete in two divisions: Rescue, where robots navigate an obstacle course to locate and rescue a victim, and Soccer, where teams face off with two robots each to score the most goals possible. The third division we offer is Dance, where students interested in creative expression but also wishing to learn about the digitisation of the onstage performance, dance to moving props and characters. Though we haven't had much interest registered over the years, we are still offering it this year to interested students. Please contact us via the email below if you are interested in participating in RCJA Dance competition.The club started off with just one team of 2-3 students, which has grown over the years to the 10 teams we entered this year at the state competition, being the second largest extracurricular activity Fort Street offers.Firstly, this would not have been possible without the generous financial support from the Foundation and P&C. At these competitions, we are usually up against a plethora of private schools. The reason we exist and the reason we can afford to provide our students with such a great learning experience in robotics is because of this monetary assistance.Furthermore, we would also like to express immense gratitude to our staff mentors (Mr. Endacott and Mr. Cartwright) who spent countless hours catering to our members’ every need: from unlocking the door on Thursday afternoons and lunchtimes to submitting last minute order requests for broken parts days before the competition. Most notably, Mr. Grant, an engineering teacher who left in the middle of this year, spent 4.5 years growing robotics from an infant club of 3 teams in 2012 to the 10 teams we boasted this year.Robotics isn’t just any other extracurricular activity. Senior mentors not only pass on knowledge based on their competition experience, but also the core values of robotics for the next generation: that it

is the process of inspiring initiative, generating innovative ideas, then patiently cultivating them through stages of learning, development, prototyping, refining and producing, that breed interest into trophy winning robots. As such, we have produced two videos that outline our successes in 2016, and then summarises Robotics as a whole for the past nine years, available at http://tinyurl.com/fshsrobovid2016, or from the scanable QR code below.We look forward to an amazing 10th season of robotics next year!

VIDEO AVAILABLE HERE:

ROBOTICSKEVIN ZHU


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MATHEMATICSPHIL NIVEN

STUDENTS HAD FUN INVESTIGATING PARABOLIC CURVES!

MATHS IS my passion

Each year this program provides opportunities for students to participate in mathematical activities outside the classroom to challenge and enhance their problem solving skills.In 2016, students participated in• The AMT Maths Challenge Stage (Junior and Intermediate)• The AMT Maths Enrichment Stage (Euler, Gauss, Noether and Polya Series)• The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)28 students entered the Australian Mathematics Trust Maths Challenge Stage. Overall, students achieved 6 Credits, 5 Distinctions and 4 High Distinctions. These were awarded to Jack Coleman (Year 7), Daniel Lee (Year 7), Maleeka Prabhakar (Year 7) and Rachel Zhang (Year 10).22 students entered the AMT Maths Enrichment Stage with 2 students, Xavier Cooney (Year 7) and Maleeka Prabhakar (Year 7) achieving a High Distinction.In 2016, 568 students (Year 7 - 144, Year 8 - 143, Year 9 - 142, Year 10 – 100, Year 11 - 5) sat for the Australian Mathematics Competition. This year 1 student, Michael Seebury (Yr 8) won a prize. 21 students achieved a

High Distinction, 198 achieved a Distinction and 240 achieved a credit in the competition. A special award in this competition is the Best in School Award for the student with the highest standardised score, which was won by Michael Seebury (Yr 8).We hope to grow on this participation rate in 2017.

Outstanding results were achieved by the Year 11 Accelerated Mathematics class of 2016. Twenty three students from Year 11 (one student, Georgio Hawi was in Year 9), completed 2 Unit Mathematics and Extension 1 Mathematics courses. All students gained a Band 6 for 2 Unit, all students achieved E4 the top band for Extension Mathematics. This is an outstanding result for the class and many marks were in the very high 90s. Particularly outstanding was Dawnlicity Charls’ achievement – first in the state for Extension 1, with 50/50 and 7th in the state for 2 Unit , (six students were placed first but her examination and HSC marks were both 100/100.) A stunning achievement for the class and their teachers, Ms Sally Baker and Ms Mary Stamoulos – congratulations.


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Another packed year for the Music department in 2016…

In 2016 we welcomed Miss Elizabeth Propsting to the music

department as Mrs Peta Harper continued to work part time.

Miss Propsting has brought an enthusiasm for singing and

technological expertise.

The Year 12 class of 2016 was a very talented cohort. The class

achieved 2 HSC Encore nominations. This outstanding result

is in no small way due to the incisive, focused and passionate

teaching of Mrs. Harper and Miss Propsting. Congratulations to

the nominees, Sefa Laga'agia and Kate Cousins. Congratulations

must also go to the entire HSC Music class for their hard work

throughout the year.

Year 10 Music students made an outstanding contribution to

the school’s annual Senior Production – this year, Our Town. The

classes composed and performed a highly original and evocative

score, which showcased this cohort’s exceptional creative skills

and their strength as performers. Congratulations to the entire

class, and in particular to our Musical Director, Julian Van

Gerwen, and our Assistant Musical Director, William Li, who

both made fantastic contributions to the production.

This year’s MAD nights were a highly successful and well attended

vehicle for showcasing classroom work. Miss Propsting’s Year 7

classes were a stand-out with their self-composed variations on

various themes from Saint-Saens' “Carnival of the Animals”.

8I provided some nostalgia for some parents: a wonderful

arrangement and performance of Eleanor Rigby by Lennon

and McCartney. This year's Year 8 film music task once again

showcased the creative endeavours of the year 8 cohort. The

solo performances from Year 9 students were a reminder of

the depth of instrumental talent in the school. Vivid readings

of Syrinx by Debussy ( Patrick Vastani ) and Danzas Argentina by

Alberto Ginestera( George Jiang) were stand-out items. We were

also treated to some international music in the form of Balinese

Kecak involving percussive speech and body percussion. The

Year 10 classes were active again this year with terrific renditions

of Roses by the strangely named group, the Chain Smokers and

a very colourful and effective performance of Clapping Music by

Steve Reich. Every year this piece is re-invented by the yr 10

cohort as part of their Technology unit. I can’t wait for next

year’s arrangement!

The Fort’s association with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s

Meet The Music series has also continued in 2016. This gave

Year 11 and 12 Music students the opportunity to see the Sydney

Symphony Orchestra perform at the Opera House across a

series of four concerts. This included several premieres of new

Australian works, alongside music from the traditional Western

art music canon.

Music at the Fort continues to thrive and long may it do so!

The Instrumental Music Program continued to go from strength to strength in 2016, with an increase in membership such that now almost 300 students, around one third of the student body, are involved in 14 ensembles. This has been the biggest IMP year so far, and it is extremely exciting to see so many Fortians involved in music.IMP ensembles performed at all important occasions at Fort Street, and represented the school by giving many performances throughout the year at local school and community events, and in concerts, competitions, and festivals. Performances included FSHS Speech Day, FSHS open days, FSHS Anzac Ceremony, Fort Fest, City of Sydney Eisteddfod, the NSW School Band Festival, the Australian Choral Grand Prix, Wilkins Public School Fair, and Summer Hill Public School Fete. In total, the IMP presented 87 performances in 2016.The IMP Mid-Year and End of Year Concerts, which showcase all the IMP ensembles and are important fundraising opportunities that help provide ongoing financial support for the IMP, were very well patronised, the hall being only just big enough to contain the enthusiastic audience of family and friends.The annual IMP camp was held in April at the Meroo Conference Centre at Kurrajong. Over 150 students attended, making this the largest IMP camp so far. Four days of intensive rehearsals and workshops with professional musicians culminated in a wonderful concert on the last afternoon, featuring performances by each of the camp ensembles. All students took part in a performance of sections of the Haydn 'Nelson' Mass, which had been learnt and rehearsed during the camp.After 2015's successful European tour, planning is underway for an IMP tour in 2018, to include Prague, Hodonin, Bratislava, Budapest, Zagreb, Split, and Vienna. The tour will be open to students who will be in Years 10-12 in 2018.

MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAMJOHN OCKWELL MATTHEW MANCHESTER


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As always IMP ensembles performed extremely well in competitions and festivals. Results were as follows:

City of Sydney Eisteddfod: Big Band 1st place

Chamber Choir 1st place

Jazz Ensemble 1st place

Senior Percussion 2nd place

Vocal Ensemble 3rd place

Stage Band Highly Commended

Symphonic Orchestra Highly Commended

Congratulations to the bands who took part in this year's NSW School Band Festival. All ensembles performed brilliantly and the results below speak for themselves.

Concert band - Gold

Wind Orchestra -Gold

Big Band - Silver

Training Band - Silver

The Chamber Choir's gorgeous program took out the Audience Choice award at the Choral Grand Prix, with many favourable

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAMMATTHEW MANCHESTER

reviews. The prize money will be spent on commissioning a new piece from a prominent composer.Earlier in the year the Chamber Choir toured to Melbourne where they performed in a concert with the Sydney Youth Orchestra, and sang during the Sunday morning service at one of the city churches. They were also the backing singers for American singer Josh Groban in concerts at the Sydney Opera House, and performed in the Resonance Concert Series, which was recorded live for CD.Many IMP members participated in the NSW Arts Unit ensembles, and IMP members featured prominently at the Schools Spectacular, with 24 students in the choir, and six students in the Stage Band or Orchestra. Chamber Choir member Sefa Laga'aia from Year 12 was selected to be a featured soloist in many of the show's numbers, including the finale.


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and 3D forms. Their folio of drawings displayed a diverse range of perspectives and techniques.There was a buzz in the art rooms on Thursday afternoons. The Art Studio students had the opportunity to work with Ms Starr, Ms Blake and Ms Cameron in 3 different art forms. We were impressed with both the dedication and talent of the students, who extended their skills in watercolour, ceramics and oil painting. Creatures once again took over the art rooms and the kiln certainly worked overtime this year with both year 7 and 8 working with clay. Year 7 also explored the Bondi to Turramurra walk on their excursion to Sculpture by the Sea. The Pop-inspired Year 8 comic paintings were a hit at Mad night and filled the space with bright colours, showcasing the skills the students had developed in composition and paint application.Year 9 explored the Australian landscape as a theme this year. Looking closely at the local environment students visited the Stencil Art exhibition with Ms Thompson to see how urban artists where responding to the local area and their lino relief designs of Petersham were outstanding. Year 10 conducted self-examinations resulting in self-portraits. This work was enhanced by a workshop with local portrait artist Loribelle Spirovski and the painting expertise of Ms Starr.The enthusiasm and dedication of the art staff has continued in 2016 and this is reflected in the growing interest Fortians have shown in the arts.

MAD Night Art Prize Winners:

Best Extraordinary Creature Jean Hinchcliffe (Yr 7) Perspective Drawing Ashley Lu (Yr 7)Best Surrealist Sculpture Leah Zheng (Yr 8)Best Pop Painting Kayla Chen (Yr 8)Landscape Drawing Prize B e t t y C h e n ( Y r 9 ) Printmaking Prize Hazel Duwenbeck (Yr 9)Prize for Portraiture Phillip Jian (Yr 10) Best Mini Body of Work Adrian Mok (Yr 10)

“Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.” -Salvador DaliWhile artmaking, by its very intention, is not about reaching perfection, the quality and diversity produced in Visual Arts this year by students in Years 7 to 12 has been extraordinary. We celebrated the success of the Visual Arts students at our Annual MAD Night in Term 4, with prizes awarded for the most outstanding artwork in each year group.Salvador Dali’s words really do ring true but the Year 12 class of 2016 challenged the sentiment with their exceptional artmaking. Creating artworks from a wide range of forms including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, digital media, ceramics, collection of works, graphic design and time-based forms, their hard work and dedication was rewarded with outstanding results and four ARTEXPRESS nominations: Zachary Edwards, Poppy Duwenbeck, Lillian He and Helena Ke. Early in 2017 the works of Zachary Edwards, Poppy Duwenbeck and Helena Ke will be on display at Hazelhurst Gallery, Campbelltown Art Centre and The Armory respectively. Congratulations to Helena Ke for making the Top Achievers list with 6th place and a Visual Arts HSC mark of 99.Our senior classes kicked off the year with a visit to Melbourne to see the Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. Accompanied by Ms Blake, Ms Cameron and Mr Boyle, the weekend also included looking at art from the private collection and exploring street art with two of Melbourne’s prominent street artists and photographers. This year saw the continuation of ‘Afternoons at the Gallery’ with both Year 11 and 12 students visiting local galleries during class-time. The Greats, Grayson Perry, The Archibald Prize, White Rabbit and The Nudes, are just some of the experiences organised for our senior students this year. These experiences have been crucial in challenging and extending the critical and historical knowledge of the art students. Year 11 spent the first part of the year exploring the history of the still life in both 2D

VISUAL ARTSREBECCA CAMERON


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2016 has once again been a fruitful year for Drama at Fort Street.

In class, Ms. Thompson, Ms. Zachariev and I have been amazed at the high quality work being produced by the students. Year 7 and 8 students have developed their confidence in communicating with an audience through a study in puppetry, theatre in education, improvisation and performing Shakespeare. Many of these outstanding performances were recognised at M.A.D Night with Barnaby O'Keefe, Daniel Lee, Dom England and Christina Kaprinski all winning awards for stand-out performances throughout the year.

Years 9 and 10 engaged with a historical study of the development of Theatre and again, there was some creative, experimental and challenging works being produced. Through these years, students also engaged in the practical side of producing theatre which resulted in some excellent design work in costume, poster and promotion and set.

Year 11 and 12 engaged in challenging studies of 20th Century theatre forms and specific studies in Australian theatre. The year 12's were a talented and focused group who excelled in a number of areas with some notable performances, design work and scriptwriting displayed at the HSC showcase night in Term3.

Year 11, with the addition of some year 10 performers,

worked tirelessly on the Senior Drama Production - an engaging performance of the Expressionist piece, Our Town. Otto Khoo's direction brought to life this 1938 play with a contemporary and engaging modern take that incorporated multi-media and a highly stylised performance style. The performances by the whole cast were exceptional in this challenging production. Yet again, the year 10 music students' original scores and live performances added another level of sophistication to the production.

We continued to see great enthusiasm for the co-curricular Drama groups with a huge number of students being involved in the Year 7 and 8 Drama club that culminated in a fantastic transformational performance of an excerpt from Wolf Boy. Theatresports continued to be popular, inspired by our passionate year 12 leaders. Graaduating students Milo Watkinson, Angelo Mortinson, Sefa Laga'aia and Will Thackway started the Theatresports movement in the school and I thank them for the wonderful legacy they have left behind them.

The level of energy and commitment that has been seen throughout the year in all levels of Drama within the school, as always, evidenced the exceptional talent and passion that is present for Drama at The Fort and I thank all Drama students for their invaluable contribution to the subject.

DRAMACAROLYN MATTICK


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“The universe (which others call the Library) is composed of an indefinite, perhapsinfinite number of hexagonal galleries.”Jorge Luis Borges, The Library of Babel

I have spent my youth searching for a book to make sense of it all, like so many who have come before me. That was our task as Librarians. I have even thought to write one, because I couldn’t find the book I wanted to read on the shelves of those hexagonal galleries. But my job was not to write – I was born into a Library to serve its wholeness. To serve the search. I remember the time when the Librarian Elders announced over the speakers that the Library now contained all books that ever were and ever would be – all combinations of all things possible, and that each book was infinitely linked with every other book. People travelled to all sections of the Library more than they ever had. Teams of people worked together, undaunted by the depths and heights of the spiral staircases, greeting each other in the galleries and gleefully reaching out to touch the

I caught a glance of the body in the gap between a trilby and a fedora. It wasn’t pretty. Blood and brains, spattered across the wall. I’d have probably been sick, if I hadn’t been wearing the hat. Another useful feature. It really hardens you to that sort of stuff. It looked like this one was a bust. Time to follow up on Casey’s investigations. If you could call them that. Once again, the spirit of the streets, that blood-soaked, grimy spirit, guided me through the streets. I passed the rows of offices, the ordered blocks of nightclubs and gin bars, little dens of sin, flea pits of the corrupt and powerful, little pockmarked sores on the skin of the city. Wait, scratch that. They’re just criminal dens. Just that, not sores, not even flea pits. The city is like a woman, fallen into a rotten bed with plague-filled, biting insects- No. The city’s just a city. Nothing special about this one, other than the employment opportunities. I needed to remember that. I wasn’t sure what had happened to Casey that he ended up like that, but I didn’t want it happening to me. Had to keep the hat under control. So this is where he’d found her. Or supposedly found her, anyway. I

Valarie allowed herself to shut her eyes only for a few moments, before standing to pad towards the kitchen for a mug of coffee. The page crammed with notes she had taken yesterday was pinned to the fridge, outlining what she had to accomplish for the writing task. Engage the audience, write what you know, be concise, and write, write, write. Valarie already knew, obviously, as did any other aspiring writer. And that was the problem, wasn’t it? She was used to praise back in high school, where she was practically a savant, able to churn out paragraphs upon paragraphs, twisting sentences and drawing wild comparisons, like words were nothing more than her simple playthings. Come a long period wherein she abstained from any form of writing, not for lack of trying, and suddenly she was out of her depth. How could one stand out in a sea of geniuses? The coffee machine rang hollow in her ears, begging for her attention. Valarie removed the mug and trudged back to the living room, sipping at the weak coffee. It had been over a year since she started university, and she still felt like she was half-submerged, desperately trying to keep her head

books, which blessed them with meaning – with potential, with the hope of future discovery.

For years we looked through the books for coherence, for a Vindication to provide the Library’s people with a meaning for existence. But the truth emerged. There is nothingbeyond the five shelves, each with their thirty-five books and the monotony of 410 pages in each and every one of them. I am sorry to say this. I had hoped for more, too, but the symbols are no more than twenty-five. I have reconciled myself to the fact that in an infinite world we must repeat ourselves. Our Divine Creator, Borges, must have been exhausted at His own efforts, and come to rely on trusted formulas. It is true that in that vast Library none of the books are identical, but the algorithms have a complexity that allows for the appearance of difference. And it is true that the letters written on the spines of each book have nothing to do with the content of the pages. Such hopefulness we had, and for what?

was pretty sure no horse was attractive enough to drive a thousand men to despair. The Diamond Casino. Sandwiched between the Drunken Sergeant Casino and the Death’s Dice Casino. Huh. I had to keep my wits about me. If this really was the place where the Dame was hiding out, I had to keep my wits about me. I could find myself in the middle of a firefight, and me without a gun. Never a good idea to bring a dog treats to a gunfight, unless the guns were dogs. Which they wouldn’t be. Stupid thing to think. I had to focus. The bouncer was tall, of course. Covered in tattoos. Wearing a coat, open, to show off his admittedly impressive pectoral muscles. And a hat. Probably worked as an investigator when he wasn’t guarding the lair of the most notorious criminal in the city. Ironic. But everyone’s gotta pay for their gin. I readied the old silver tongue, honed selling petunias to the types of people who’d never even heard of petunias, but before I got the chance, he just nodded and let me inside. Odd. Suspicious. I must have been expected, or else the Dame was more confident than I thought. Maybe he thought I was here to apply as a bouncer.

above the water. She had drowned herself in poetry and literature, skimming over phrases and absorbing whatever she bothered to concentrate on long enough. Over time, letters and words sentences seemed to meld together, shifting into simple, monosyllabic lines that drifted away as soon as they registered, and she was left with nothing. Nonetheless, there had been one thing that stood out the most intensely, sometimes echoing over her head: a line from one of Donne’s poems:If they be two, they are two soAs stiff twin compasses are two;Thy soul, the fixed foot, makes no showTo move, but doth, if the other do.Valarie remembered poring over the verse like how a teenager faced with his first prospect of an unrequited romance did so with Pinkerton. It was tender, sickeningly so, but there was a certain tightness in her throat whenever she studied the poem. She had imagined what it was like, imagined her own writing having this sort of effect on strangers. Perhaps, someday, her writing would have the capacity to change lives.

Yet Another Creation Myth

Single Malt Whiskey

She's All States

RISHI GOLEMBIEWSKI

LIAM DODD

JASMINE ZHOU

STUDENT WORKHSC ENGLISH EXTENSION 2 EXCERPTS


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That evening, Lovecraft announced his newest ideas to a gathering of his associates: sallow, sombre faces, intimidating clarity in enunciation, piercing eyes that did not look away. His brief proposition of THEY WALK AMONG US: A THREAT FROM WITHIN seemed to spark some interest. After the slow discussion, a stale old associate puffed his cigar and tilted his head up at the high ceiling. “Lovecraft. I believe,” he said, “within this piece, is that pivotal kindling of the discourse we are anticipating.” It took everything for Lovecraft to say nothing, simply to look the man in the eye, to nod in acknowledgement of the praise. Lovecraft may have cracked a smile.

After a bout of routine commentary, the members all nodded solemnly at each other, each thinking his own thoughts, with a willingness to believe each of the others were on the same wavelength. They were all of a kind, a brotherhood.

These meetings were always a grand old time, Lovecraft thought, whilst reclining on his sofa, staring up at the high corniced ceiling – a grand old time proposing theses, having profound discussions. They restated his life’s purpose: he was rightfully a thinker, a critic, a philosopher, a true society man, so far above those mainstream academics. Academics, he thought, like that little Miss Simone, who

latched on to those who didn’t conform to that mutual academic backslapping, for that was the most effective way she found attention in her circles.Under the filigree arches of his patio, the men said their farewells.And with that, the evening concluded.Lovecraft was pleased that day, for he could not go a day that lacked indulgence in his paranoia, spinning webs of far-fetched reason, forming constellations from bodies that were simply not there. He couldn’t stand it when there was no speculation, no subject to speculate about. All he wanted was his ideas to be put out there, received by someone.

There by the fireplace, Lovecraft searched for the pile of highest quality hand-produced paper he’d left on the end-table, but the manuscript was gone. It had vanished entirely, as if it had never been there, as if his day had been an odd hallucination, or perhaps there had been a glitch in the matrix. Something was not quite right, even less right than usual, but what it was that was wrong, he could only speculate about.

A spectre of apprehension loomed over Lovecraft in his Victorian bungalow.

Why We Wrote Conspiracy TheoriesLUXI LIN

Burt Jennings witnesses a car crash on his way to work. The cars light up in a fury and an eruption of black smoke begins to shoot up into the sky. A woman is heard screaming in the distance, the pitch of her voice rising high into the stratosphere. The victims topple out of their cars engulfed in flames and roll toward Burt like bowling balls hurling toward its pins. Blackened, battered and burnt they unfurl in front of Burt’s car, blooming like Bouvardias. Alive, unscathed, and somewhat comic.

“Burt! Burt! Can I get an autograph?”

“Ahh...sure.” He takes out a pen and begins signing. “You’re on fire. Do you need medical assistance?”

“No. No. We’ll be fine.”

The woman continues to be heard screaming in the distance, but no

one can see her. It’s persistent, monotonous. The screams remind Burt of dust accumulating in a silent attic, of a tired building sitting in a crowded street. How long has she been there?

He looks up and the injured are gone. He scans the intersection and the debris from the crash has disappeared. The sky is clear. The cars continue to hum along the road as the morning begins to fade into the afternoon.

Burt pauses. Caresses the steering wheel. And turns on the radio.

He continues driving along the boulevard with the rest. The radio announces that driving conditions are fine and that traffic is clear in his area. He believes the radio; he accepts it as the truth, and himself as the destabiliser trying to manifest his own reality of car accidents. It was going to be one hundred and three degrees today. August was always the warmest month.

The Character, The Author, The ManiacWESLEY LAI

As the Coens’ genre mash-up demonstrates, pastiche allows for critical reflection in a rather novel way: viewing one genre through the lens of another offers new insight into its internal contradictions. By overlaying Homer’s classical myth with the generic framework of screwball comedy, the Coens set the stage for the unravelment of the Homeric monument to masculinity. As the transgressive tropes of the screwball genre are invoked, especially its interrogation of normative gender roles and challenge of phallocentric authority through farce and slapstick, the Odyssean paradigm of masculinity comes under the scrutiny of the screwball lens too. By layering pastiche as such in their patchwork text, the Coens disrupt the ontological horizon of Homeric myth by viewing it through the prism of arguably its antithesis; the low-brow “dead language” of screwball comedy, best articulated in the films of Preston Sturges, whose Sullivan’s Travels even provides the source of the Coens’ title.

From the film’s outset, the Coens comically emasculate their Odyssean prototype through the slapstick of screwball, even pilfering a Sturges’ scene as Everett is yanked off a moving train by the escapees still chained to him, to reveal that he is not the Homeric paradigm of cunning and strength so much as a vain, oft-foiled gas-bag. While the treasure McGuffin is the impetus of Everett’s escape from the chain-gang, it is later revealed that there is no treasure; thwarting the nuptial of his wife Penny to her new beau, Vernon Waldrip, is his real motivation. The odyssey this stooge faces then, becomes an arduous, humiliating journey to reclaim a semblance of masculine dignity, to salvage the marriage that Penny annulled after his imprisonment, much less the grandeur of a throne on Ithaca. And even this modest resolution the Coens deny their Odysseus: in the film’s ironic ending, Penny insists there will be no remarriage unless he retrieves their wedding ring from the flooded Tennessee Valley.

O Fredric, It ’s Art Now: An Odyssey in Defence of PasticheDOMINIC DWYER


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Enter Phoebe, titan, goddess of prophecy and oracular intellect.

Sing to us, muse, of the deeds of golden Aphrodite the Cyprian, who stirs up sweet passion in the gods; of the glorious goddess Athena, saviour of cities; of Persephone, blessed queen, daughter of Zeus; of elusive Daphne, bright eyed and beautiful.

Enter Phoebe, for the six o’clock news.

DAPHNE

Phoebe: Daphne was a forest nymph whose beauty and grace attracted a number of suitors. None of these, however, were quite so insistent as Apollo. He chased her relentlessly and she ran from him relentlessly. Eventually she collapsed and, fearing the arrival of Apollo, she begged Gaia to save her from an eternity with him. Gaia took pity on the young nymph and turned her into a tree, which Apollo vowed to worship for the rest of time.

America fights a war on foreign soil. Soldiers fall and Vietnam burns. Jungles lie thick with smoke, palms shredded. Lives turn to rubble in a single explosion.

Some call it defensive...

Winter comes to the northern hemisphere. Snow leaves puddles on dirty footpaths and gloves cover frostbitten fingers. The small towns of the midwest become host to training camps and the men claim the streets as their own.

...Some call it an invasion.

Scene 1: Daphne sits at the bar, an empty shot glass in front of her. The modest wing of her liquid eyeliner conveys both a steady hand and a sense of existential disinterest.

Inside the air is stale and warm, tasting like old beer and a hint of cologne, much like the patrons themselves. The countertop is patterned with rings of condensation, the infrequent attempts of the bar staff to wipe the vinyl-covered oak slab merely leaving a sticky residue.

The door swings open, allowing a gust of icy wind to sweep the room and sending a shiver through those still sober enough to feel the cold.

Enter Apollo, unaccompanied.

He surveys the room once, his eyes resting on the patrons sitting alone, searching. His eyes rest on Daphne, and then away. Then back. Then away.

She is not unaware. A woman, of course, is never unaware.

He begins to walk towards the bar, sliding past waiters with trays of empty beer glasses and sodden rags. She doesn’t turn around, not even when he props himself up beside her and orders a drink. Not even when he taps his fingers on the countertop, and Daphne imagines she can feel his impatience echo through her bones.a“What’s a nice broad like you doing in a place like this?”

Greece LightningAVA MCCONNELL

“Now, after much neglect and repression, translation studies has become well established.” - Jeremy Munday“Let the meta-discussion begin.” - James S. Holmes

The practice of translation has long inspired debate among scholars of culture and society. The term itself derives from the past tense of the Latin transferre, meaning “to bring over” or “carry across”, yet from the time of Ancient Greece, classical scholars have distinguished between metaphrasis, the literal, and paraphrasis, the metaphorical. Translation is inherently and linguistically controversial. This tension has since only intensified: Renaissance humanists and medieval theologians confronted each other over exegetical veracity; Alexander Pope’s neoclassical translation of Homer came under criticism from Romantic scholars; Neo-Orthodoxy challenged the translational hermeneutics of Romanticism. It is not unusual, then, that the advent of post-structuralism in the mid-20th century has had a profound impact on perspectives of translation.Post-structuralist translation is hardly a site of consensus. The publication of Ton Naaijkens’s Translation Studies: The State of the Art in 1991, and its aim of assessing ‘the international development of Translation Studies’, seems to have polarised commentaries on the trends of translation. This has included Laurence Venuti’s The Translation Studies Reader in 2000 and its observations of ‘multiplied theories of translation’. Venuti was followed in 2006 by both Song Chaoxian’s Reflections on Post-Modernism Translation Studies and Mary Snell- Hornby’s The Turns of Translation Studies, and, most recently, Rosemary Arrojo’s The Revision of the Traditional Gap in 2014, which

argues that the prominence of modern translation is related to ‘the dissemination of post-structuralist conceptions of meaning’. For the post-structuralist translator, words are never enough. Curiously, though, the characteristically post-structuralist tensions in translation are but a continuation of the original binary of metaphrasis and paraphrasis. Ironically, post-structuralist concerns have resulted in a rebirth of description, as well as an expansion of the theory and analysis of the study of translation.In order to understand this development, it is useful to focus on current translational praxis. The majority of translation-based work in the last 40 years is, in the nomenclature of the academy, ‘translation studies’. This is a broad term for all areas of research and application for translation. The field is characteristically prone to technical abbreviation: Translation Studies (TS) looks at both source texts (ST), the text to be translated, and target texts (TT), the finished, translated text. As in any discipline, the theory and ideology of the field have varied markedly. These changes, however, derive from three main divisions of translation studies, as defined by James S. Holmes’ 1972 paper ‘The Name and Nature of Translation Studies’, which is seen to be a ‘foundational statement’ for the field by prominent translation scholars such as Lawrence Venuti and Gideon Toury. This ‘map’ for translation studies is described at length below. Briefly, there are descriptive translation studies, where deconstructive post-structuralism problematises the assumptions of structuralism; theoretical translation studies, in which interdisciplinary approaches resolve the tension between grammar and rhetoric; and applied translation studies, where traditional perspectives of equivalence are rejected as antiquated and outmoded.

Translation, RebornThe Impact of Post-Structuralism on Translation StudiesAIDAN KEMP


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"Madame Hélène Cixous, you plead guilty to rejecting the value of all that is masculine in literature...is this correct, you abominable toad of a woman?”Before she can answer, he yells, “Enough! The trial is now in session.” The judge bangs his gavel, a hammer from his toolbox, and the room falls silent.Harold Bloom, guardian of the Western canon, shakes his rounded head with frustration, wobbling his many chins, and refills his brandy to the brim with practised ease. His eyebrows are two furious, bristly caterpillars resting above his beady eyes, squirming and threatening to engage with the other in a vicious fight to the death. Eyeing the ancient grandfather clock by the billiards table, ticking into the early hours of the morning, he grabs his glass and downs the entire drink in one gulp. The ensuing belch echoes around the bar, garnering applause from the jury, assembled from twelve Men, great and true,

The smoke from the smokestacks billowed and whirled into a phantasm, an apparition, ghost, spirit, shade, poltergeist—a spectre in all its transparent permanency. Its nebulous form and featureless grey face betrayed no emotion, and Marx wondered whether spirits could possess emotion, as the apparition, vast and chilling, dove down the building’s edge.“Mister Marx, I think your knowledge of the political economy is seriously lacking,” burped the spectre as it towered over the poor, outclassed economist. Marx did not respond, as if he had seen a ghost. This appeared to anger the shade, who expanded and glowed bright blue, exclaiming: “How will you improve if you don’t accept criticism? Listen to me, Mister Marx, listen. I have haunted Europe waiting for you, and I do not have the time to put up with ignorance.”Marx did not reply. He only gulped. Though he was, perhaps, one of the more open-minded characters of his time, a confrontation with a physical phantom was trying in the least. Yet it so happened that Marx, after some minutes of acclimation, had a bout of insightful discussion with the shade, who was, true to its word, only interested in pursuing a discussion of historical, demographical dialectics and

gathering around the sputtering fire. Hélène winces as his sticky liquor-tinted breath engulfs her.Back pressed against the chair’s metal skeleton, Cixous sips at her gin and scrunches her nose. The sour scent of sweat permeates the room and clings to walls the colour of mustard. She surveys the room, doing her best to ignore the glares from the men clustered in the dark corners, predators watching their prey, waiting to pounce. Her hands tightly grip her precious notebook, cradling it as one would a child.“Harry...” she says, turning back to the bartender. “It’s Harold.”

She rolls her eyes. “Yes, sir, Mr. Bloom, sir. It’s a bar, not a courtroom. And I’m not so much trying to reject the masculine altogether as I am trying to challenge the dismissal of the feminine... ”

their consequences. After a long conversation, which ended relatively one-sided in favour of the poltergeist, Karl Marx calculated his exit, appealing to the spectre’s courtesy.“Well, spectre, it has been lovely talking to you, but I must go. I promised to meet Michael Hamburger in the morning.”The ghost howled an echoing “no”, which bore through Marx’s ears into his skull. He tried to leave, but try as he might he could not escape the confines of the strange, concrete English city-complex. Through Marx’s open mouth, past rigid jaw, through the spaces between teeth, flew the apparition, adding to the turmoil in his stomach and brain. He felt a frost in his insides, and a muffled voice from his stomach said, “Kahl Ma...teach you- umph...mmm...possessed forever...” As sunlight from the window of the inn warmed him, and the embrace of slumber waned, Karl Marx worried a little, noticing that the chill in his stomach did not pass. This particular grievance would, however, disappear, as the disremembering effects of awakening took hold of the economist, and, as he had done each day of the past two weeks of his English excursion, he ate tasteless sausage and eggs in the dining room without even a thought of ghosts or economics.

Last Night at the Tequila Mockingbird

Manifest Der Opiumhöhle

WILLEM PROOS

SEBASTIAN VAN GERWEN

Authoritarian political ideologies have a vested interest in promoting fear, a sense of the imminence of takeover by aliens – and real diseases are useful material. – Susan SontagPerhaps the most mystifying obstacle one encounters while studying Shakespeare’s women is the reluctance of scholars to move beyond what we call the “literary.” Why are Shakespeare’sfemale characters always adjudged on the limited grounds of the literary metaphor – that is, by the extent to which they conform to, or diverge from, the literary-gender archetypes of the middles ages? Is it because Shakespeare himself intended for his various modes of womanhood to be reduced to homogenous images, abjured and spurned ab initio? While it is tempting to classify Shakespeare’s women only as “types,” in the manner often undertaken in the criticism of the eighteenth, nineteenth, and even twentieth centuries, this seems to overlook what is arguably one of their most crucial and

understudied functions: they are the vectors of disorder, the vectors of disease. By “vector of disorder,” I mean nothing more or less than the medical definition, where a vector is a transmitter of illness that functions in the external environment.

Whether of the mind or body, whether metaphorical or literal, the diseases that women introduce into their patriarchal regimes mark them as figures of social discord; they are, like pathogens, to be monitored closely, guarded against, and expelled. Susan Sontag suggests something similar when she writes that “where once it was the physician who waged bellum contra morbum, the war against disease, now it’s the whole society.” However, as I will argue, what is “disease” in Shakespearean drama – what brings about social discord, and what war must be waged against – is embodied in the figure of the woman.

He Kills Her in Her Own Humour: Shakespeare’s Pathological Models of FemininityCHRISTINA NGUYEN


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Night now broods dumblyKnows not whose dreams to intrude,Violate, lone hours

Playing dominoesWith constellations, (Careless!)One by one, toppled

The last flickers nowScarcely sustained in the mortuary airIts soft fire yearns for

(A delicious death)

A bellow’s strong armsStoking and poking its heatPreserve lonesome light

Night quits its game (abruptly)Trumpets bark dawn’s eulogyAnd night continues

(May I too partake in death’s parade?)

(Stand on night’s boughsLucidly rememberingA coin’sdescent.)

(Ripples)

Nothing is here but it and I.

“Actually on a Windy Night...”ANGELA BIVELL

Repressed images return through restless dreams: condensed // displaced

“At bottom dreams are nothing other than a particular form of thinking, made possible by the conditions of the state of sleep. It is the dream work that creates that form, and it alone is the essence of dreaming—the explanation of its peculiar nature”. – Sigmund Freud

Wake to this dream, fallTo where river shatters, where Breathless sleep stirs you once more.

Crystals scatter, Refracting thoughts. Wake – to this dream, fall

Down, drown in thedark deep –Breathless, sleep stirs you once more.

Follow the splintering waves, The veins of river leading to yourWake; to this dream fall.

Stumble entranced throughTwilit hours beforeBreathless sleep stirs you once more.

Submerged –Shards of ice engulf you.Wake to this dream, fallBreathless – sleep stirs you once more.

reverberationsSHARANYA NAPIER-RAMAN

Requiem

She sleepsskin rises, a balloon of breathher spine uncurls and arches each willing node to my hands

My fingers trace the hollows gently, so gentlytaut over bones of her back embedded in the rich skinpressed outwards under

the delicate frame of porcelain, dewed withthe hint of perspiration

Blooming at my touchfrom the crisp crushed cotton gathered at her waistslipping softly betweenthe sweet and the sinful;

to watch the mind and not to think of her transience, and the violet-stained complexionthat betrays her evanescence.I slide closer immersed in her hair hear the murmurof her waking sigh

Lips parted, moistwith the trace of her tongue.Hair hangs lankover the purple blemish,insinuating beyond the caverns of her eye

Brown pools filled with tears and such beauty and so I ache towards her lipsand forgive her againand again and again.

SfumareSABRINA ZENG


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If curiosity killed the cat, what killed the monkey? . . . The Authority has reigned for ages supressing and filtering knowledge and free will, yearning to preserve the innocence of the inhabitants of the various worlds, but for how long will this inevitably condemned campaign exist? Just ask Lyra! Renowned and highly acclaimed author Philip Pullman illustrate these views through the medium of literature. His ideological aim is to criticise organised religion and prove that the Magisterium and Authority work like a mundane machine rather than an emotional organism. In His Dark Materials trilogy he brings to light the aging suppression that The Magisterium has employed upon the populous. On a grander scale he shows the devious ways of highly held angels and The Authority and their attempts to control the thousands of worlds and preserve them in a state of innocence; as to not challenge their power. Pullman achieves this by utilising the art of intertextuality and symbolism. Such examples include borrowing from Genesis, the story of Adam and Eve; and sampling and reciprocating Paradise Lost by John Milton. He also uses daemons to symbolise the soul and maturity. Intertextuality is demonstrated by sponging key ideas from other texts and utilising them to one’s own demands. Pullman does this by relating his characters and plot to religious stories and motifs. Pullman uses the story of Adam and Eve from Genesis, primarily in the third book, The Amber Spyglass. In replacement of Eve and Adam, characters Lyra and Will don their positions respectively. In addition, to the witches’ prophecy states that Lyra is the mother of all (like Eve). Lyra feeds Will a piece of fruit and they suddenly realise their love for each other. With a piece of fruit, they become aware of themselves and gain knowledge of good and evil, they depart from innocence into a state of knowing, (or sin). This reciprocates the unfurling of man, from Genesis. “The joy that flooded through her when she had put the fruit to his lips, that she couldn’t protest because she was breathless. She knew that Will was feeling exactly as she was.” (page 527-528, The Amber spyglass) Additionally, Pullman incorporates this familiar theme earlier on in The Amber Spyglass, “He took a bit of marzipan and he just gently put it in my mouth-I remember trying to smile, and blushing and feeling so foolish-and I fell in love.” (page 467, The Amber Spyglass) This narrates Mary Malone falling in love with a boy by a piece of marzipan, through similar circumstances, the feeding. Pullman reinforces the importance of physical pleasure by making Will and Lyra’s physical pleasure the tonic that saves the world. For Mary, Lyra, and Will, receiving food symbolises physical pleasure and mental maturity. “She found herself breathing faster. She had never been on roller-coaster... The sensation continued, and deepened, and changed, as more parts of her body found themselves affected too. She felt as if she and been handed the key to a great house she hadn’t known was there.” (page 467-468, The Amber Spyglass). This passage indicates that she is becoming aware of her love for Will, her innocence and grace is deteriorating, she is maturing. “My story resolved itself into an account of the necessity of growing up, and a refusal to lament the loss of innocence” says Pullman. This is unlike Milton’s spin on the story of Adam and Eve where the loss of innocence results in the Fall of Man. Some view his trilogy as a campaign against other works of literature such as C.S Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Pullman begs to differ as his trilogy bears great semblance to John Milton’s Paradise Lost. Pullman has said that his aim in writing His Dark Materials was to produce a version of Paradise Lost in three books for teenagers, and also that his characterisation, where individuals stand for abstract qualities, is modelled on Milton's work. Both works centre around an act of temptation - in Paradise Lost Satan is responsible for tempting Eve to sin, and at the end of Pullman's trilogy Mary Malone 'plays the serpent' and tempts Lyra. Both authors share a common goal to criticise authoritarian bodies and demand the right to freedom and free will. They are preoccupied by authority and freedom and how they tie into religion and God. Pullman decided to write the series seeking to invert the ideals of Paradise Lost, but in the process he borrowed a key idea from the epic poem and placed it into his literary series. Instead of an all-powerful God, he crafted a frail, petty deity called The Authority. Instead of a great fall after the loss of innocence, Pullman celebrates a young girl’s growing up and defying an all-powerful order called

The Magisterium. This book has derived its main ideas from Paradise Lost and is in many ways similar and equally dissimilar from the epic poem. As well as intertextuality, Pullman’s trilogy is riddled many examples of symbolism, and none greater than and more prominent than his didactic daemons. “And usually [daemons] end up something that fits. I mean something like your real nature. Like if your daemon’s a dog, that means you like doing what you’re told.” (page 483, The Amber Spyglass). Pullman wanted daemons to be representative of one’s personality and mental maturity (growing up). This is essential to his plot, as the series is centres around celebrating growing up and becoming mature. Essentially, a daemon is one’s soul and as one reaches adolescence, personality and destiny are determined by the settling of one’s soul (or daemon). This is a very powerful message that enhances the reader’s understanding of the text. The idea that a human being’s personality and ambitions and ultimate path in life are set at puberty or undergo some sexual awakening, portrays a remarkably narrow understanding of the incredible range of human experience. Pullman is almost fatalistic in his insistence that a person essentially is whatever form his or her daemon settles into. Separating from one’s daemon is a painful task, as Lyra finds out on the banks of the river of the world of the dead. Leaving their daemons behind is a difficult coming-of-age ritual for the witches. “It was such a strange tormenting feeling when your daemon was pulling at the link between you; part physical pain deep in your chest, part intense sadness and love.” (page 196, The Golden Compass) The process of separating from one’s daemon is extremely upsetting and potential fatal. “He was going to sacrifice himself and his soul. The bomb would work whether or not she was a part of it.” (page 365, The Amber Spyglass) This excerpt illustrates the President of the Consistorial Court sacrificing the bond between himself and his daemon, experiencing the highly excruciating process of intercission. The bomb would then locate Lyra with a lock of hair, consequently, killing her. This shows the dire lengths that followers of the Magisterium will go to in order to prevent the second Fall of Man and stop Lyra from being tempted. Pullman’s multiple William Blake epigraphs make it clear that so much of what happens in His Dark Materials is tied to the inseparable themes of innocence and experience. Understanding the interaction between the two themes helps the reader better grasp the religious symbolism and metaphysical implications of the novels. Yet, this is hindered by the sidelining of Lyra for The Subtle Knife and the fact that she is rendered unconscious for the start of The Amber Spyglass. The transition between innocence and experience could have been better narrated from the perspective of Lyra, who serves as their symbolic embodiment. Lyra is so important that her sexuality effectively functions as the key both to the Garden of Eden and to the Kingdom of Heaven, not to mention, as the key to the books themselves. Perhaps Lyra and Will, who matured quickly over the course of their adventures, are exceptions, but it is suggested elsewhere that almost everyone’s daemon settles in early adolescence. It’s also clear that there is a strong sexual element implicit in the settling of one’s daemon. This seems to be related to the onset of puberty, but part of it seems to be tied to a concrete sexual experience. “She knew that neither daemon would change now, having felt a lover’s hands on them. These were their shapes for life: they would want no other.” (page 528, The Amber Spyglass) Philip Pullman has utilised the literary techniques of intertextuality and symbolism to enhance the reader’s understanding of the characters and their motives, plot and sub-plots. He borrows ideas from the story of the Fall of Man from Genesis. He also uses the symbols of daemons and feeding to better enhance the reader’s insight into the “coming-to-age” and reaching maturity. Overall, Pullman is highly apt in challenging the reader’s thoughts and views, simultaneously, conveying his underlying purpose; to narrate the importance of learning about our wants and thoughts, thinking without barriers, namely the Magisterium and the acceptance our maturity and development. If the Authority is the sieve, who is the sifter?

Authority killed the monkey.

His Dark MachinationsAIDAN LIMNIOS, YEAR 8


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YEAR 7 PICTURE BOOKS


4746HSC ART MAJOR WORK BY HELENA KE


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“Bella! Bella please. Bella come back to me. Izzy.” The animal bares its teeth at him but stills. It watches his hand warily as it comes closer. “Easy Bella. Everything is going to be fine. I got you.” He glances away for a moment, sending a pleading look at Della to just do something. Her eyes go wide and she points behind him - “Dad!” - but the next thing he knows he’s been knocked on the ground, with a pounding headache and black spots in his vision.“What...”Della feels stuck. Glued to the spot. As the beast scampers away, shivering in the underbrush along the periphery of the garden, she does nothing. Her heart beats. One. Two. Three. Breathe in. Out. In. Out. A beat passes. Then another.

HAIKU

Sand, gritty like hungerRunning through his ceaseless brainMaybe that’s all there is

Those manufacturedSouls, not at heart but at mind Boots, eels and whiting

Cloaked in forgottenHis smile like a ravenHis time cloaked by ends

LIMERICK

Richard von Wale never returnedNo-one ever learnt that which he learnedSome say he diedSome say he criedSome say he crashed and burned

Now they wait for him to reappearLike a pot of gold or a baseless fearThey read the tale Of Richard von Whale

I can do this, it’s just another exam. I’ve done exams before. I’ve passed them, it was okay. It’s going to be okay? Yeah? Yeah. Yeah. Maths exam. It’s maths, cos I’m meant to be doing three units which is a bunch. I mean, that’s a lotta units if you’re asking anyone but mum. But she only made me cos she says she wants me to get a good job when I’m older. Like, what she considers a good job. So like, what she does. Working in a big law firm in the city where she answers the phones. But you don’t need three units of maths to answer the phone.

See this is when the cracks grew to crevasses and there was no going back. None of our plans had ended up working out, though that was more of a mutual decision than additional careless mistakes. Since then I’d let myself fall apart. I was becoming everything any parent would be afraid to see in the child. Think of the worst thing you can do at that age; the shit I was doing was worse. Alright now that’s an exception; I did have morals in how I treated others. The stuff I was doing only ruined myself.

The enemy’s leader lived in a large, but not excessive building in the idle of the city like ours did. The entirety of the government worked and performed bureaucratic duties there. We floated down to the door and knocked. A large cockroach poked its head between the doors. It wore a cardigan the colour of hospital gowns, and a straw hat with a single daisy. When it smiled, I could see dentures so gap-toothed, whole teeth were missing. It had cat slippers on its lower legs; slippers made out of dead kittens. This was no cockroach. This was Gran.

Dysphoria - Fragmented

Untitled Poems

Movement

No Regrets

Audrey Awesome

NIAMH ELLIOTT-BRENNAN

MOSS JOHNSTON

LUCY BAILEY

ADAM STUART

IMOGEN MAROSZ

YEAR 9 ENGLISH ENRICHMENT

YEAR 10 ENGLISH ENRICHMENT


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In Week 5 in Term 3 Fort Street High School was visited by 20 students and 2 teachers from our Sister School in Tokyo - Suginami Sogo High School. They arrived at our school on Saturday morning, and were briskly paired up with their Australian hosts. That afternoon, many students were taken into the city to see the sights, made nicer by the fortunate weather. The Suginami students and their Fortian companions arrived at school on Monday morning and spent the week attending lessons and other school activities throughout the week. In addition, many groups met after school to give our Japanese guests a first-hand account of the life of Australian high school students. On the fourth day of the visit, there was an all-day excursion to the Blue Mountains, where students met at Central Station at 7am, and made the trek to see the Three Sisters and the panoramic view of the Jamison Valley from the lookout at Echo Point. Many photos were taken recording the events of the day, including a spontaneous chorus of “Happy Birthday” to one of the Suginami Sogo students.

Although shocked at the gradient of the Scenic Railway, there was much shouting and laughing, and again, life-long memories were created. After a short walk along the valley floor, we took a cable car to get back to the bus which took us to Katoomba station. On Suginami Sogo’s last day at the Fort, a Special Assembly was held to say goodbye to our sister school. The highlight of the assembly was having our guests sing two songs for the school - one in Japanese and the other, the well known hit, ‘Happy’! After school that day, the Parents and Citizen’s Association provided an Aussie sausage sizzle and salad, a great end to an enriching, deeply educational experience.

From being curious about your new friend to getting tired of every special day with your best buddy, is what makes hosting an exchange student a great and unforgettable experience. Not only because you had an excuse to say to your tutor’s face or you could stay up late playing games with your bestie, but it is because you could learn and find out little, interesting things about the differences between our cultures and societies. When my buddy and I first

met, we had a confusion of whether to speak English or Japanese to each other, making our drive back home an awkwardly silent one. But when we started to get to know each other back at home, we were automatically matched up perfectly. The weekends we spent with my friends and the other Japanese students were fun but tiring, as we went laser tag, touring around the famous places in the city, going to the beach, and Korean BBQ at night. Our Blue Mountains trip with the school enabled me and my Japanese buddy to make new friends on our way to, from and at the mountains. The Australian students taught the Japanese students new cards games and learnt more about their school life. While the Japanese students’ confidence in their English skills grew as we also taught them some English. After school, we would go shopping in Westfield, go karaoke, eat dessert and have fun until the sky dimmed. On the last day in the airport, tears burst out of every Japanese exchange students’ eyes. All buddies hugged each other and expressed their gratitude to both their homestay families and their Australian friends. Many pictures were taken to capture this special moment and in a matter of minutes, our friends had disappeared around the corner. This new experience of making a friend living on the other hemisphere on Earth was surely an amazing and fun time for all of us.

JAPANESE SISTER SCHOOL VISITKEN GILLESPIE

EVENTS


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The library of Ashfield Boys High School played host to an eclectic conglomeration of students on the morn of the Plain English Public Speaking Competition. Wringing hands and whispered conversations sprouted around the room. Many stood in corners and recited their speeches to the walls. Into this Wild West saloon cum bibliotheca arrived Fort Street representatives Aurora Muir and John Bivell. The topics on offer were diverse, wide-reaching and in some instances a little vague. A thought-provoking speech from April of Strathfield Girls on the overreach of political correctness was an intriguing opener to the day. PLC had two very strong speeches: one on the empathy gap, the other on terrorism and its portrayal in the media. John from the Fort spoke on the geopolitical machinations of Europe in light of last year’s migration crisis, while pointing to the effects such policy has on the individuals at stake. Aurora discussed one of her key passions: animal rights. Revolving around her voyage to veganism, it argued for humane treatment of animals in a heartless meat industry. The speakers bonded in the quad as they were individually called for their impromptu speeches. The hearty table slowly dwindled in number as each contestant was summoned by a stony Year 7 aide to the prep room. The topic was revealed: “Assume if you know not.” From both speeches, John and the two PLC entrants progressed to the regional level. The field here was exceptionally strong. Topics

Three minds. One week. And a whole lot of sleep deprivation. This is how we (Lucy Bailey, Yolana Truscott and Niamh Elliott-Brennan) crafted an inspirational speech on the mental health of refugees in the current global climate for the annual Mental Health Public Speaking Competition. After 7 grueling days, full of jigging class and playing around in the interview room (occasionally in the company of the year 10 team from last year) the day had arrived. We were up against the odds - the twelve other teams had 2 months and an orientation day under their belt, and it showed. We were the only team to run overtime, and one of many teams to use movements in their speech (something we thought we were unique in).Third place Wiley Park Girls performed slam poetry about the stereotypes surrounding gender and mental health, and after the fact we talked and bonded with the team, who were incredibly talented and open minded. Homebush Boys took home second (and at this point we were sure we’d lost the competition) but unfortunately none of us were present for their speech due to prior commitments. We can only assume they too were very good. Sitting, sweating in our seats, we waited for first place to be announced. The judges spent what felt like years discussing the pros and cons of first place, describing it as “profound, powerful and eye-opening”. Lana, Lucy and I looked at each other in despair, already

included, “The Christian Caliphate,” “My Beef with Ethics” and “Living, But Not Alive.” Subjects were almost exclusively on social issues and current affairs: animal rights, drug usage and the portrayal of Asians in the media. Three strong speeches were selected to compete at the state final, at which John and public speaking enthusiast Vanessa Lam spectated. The overall winner, Tandee Wang, gave a powerful and insightful analysis of the excesses of political correctness and its reactionary effect on the ‘alt-right’ Internet movement. Such a high calibre of spoken communication was an eye-opening experience for the three Fort Streeters who entered this competition. Year 9 also fielded two exemplary candidates in the junior public speaking competition, Ameira and Max. After some speaking preparation sessions on Monday lunchtimes, they both competed well at the tournament despite Max’s illness on the day. Ameira asked the topic question of whether Australia should accept more refugees, while Max delved into science fiction becoming science reality: the role of artificial intelligence in the workplace and its threat to human livelihoods. The impromptu topic, as always, was very open-ended: “If you could have dinner with anyone…?” Ameira did especially well, with the judge naming her one position off runner-up. These two enthusiastic competitors can be very proud of their participation in the arena of public speaking for 2016.

preparing our congratulations for the winning team. Silence. “Fort Street High School”. A burst of applause. A still team. None of us could believe it. In our days of preparation we found quite a lot of surprising and confronting information regarding the mental health of refugees around the world. 3.5 million refugees under the age of 18 suffer from a mental illness that’ll most likely be left unheard and untreated. There are approximately 21.3 million refugees in the world, and one third of them will suffer from some form of mental illness - and a majority of those mental illnesses are caused by the detention camps they are kept in, not the country and the situation they are fleeing from. The way our world deals with refugees and mental illness needs to be changed, and in order to do that it needs to be talked about. Our ignorance to this issue prior to doing in-depth research - a trio who are a part of the school’s debating team and who are fairly well-advised of current affairs - just proves that it’s not on the social issues agenda of our world’s leaders, where it should be.To use a line from our speech, “We are left oblivious to the battles refugees fight everyday in their minds, leaving them trapped in their own mental illness they can’t escape.”.

PLAIN ENGLISH PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION

MENTAL HEALTH PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION

JOHN BIVELL

NIAMH ELLIOT-BRENNAN


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One of the great things about Fort Street High School is our long legacy with figures who have made a significant impact both in Australia and globally. Particularly, Fort Street has impacted Australia’s legal system: our students are to be found in great numbers amongst High Court Justices and at least two of our students have been involved in the UN, both in its creation (The Right Hon H. V. Evatt) and in the pursuit of its goal of Global Human Rights (The Hon Michael Kirby). An important element of this legacy are the visits from esteemed students of the past who return to the school to talk to the students of present. The visit of Michael Kirby this year is a great example of this tradition.

Delivering a lecture following the Pulse Night Club shooting, a terrorist attack in the United States in which a night club was targeted because of its affiliation with the LGBT community. Kirby reflected on this tragedy and spoke about his struggles with his own sexual identity. Then bringing it back to a broader point Kirby talked about how we as Fortians can create a more accepting world. Students were given the opportunity to ask a variety of questions which ranged from the topics of American Politics to Food Security.

After the discussion Hon. Kirby spoke to Teachers and SRC members at a morning tea event. According to attendees, he offered

I’m speaking to you today because I am the school’s Anti-Racism Contact Officer. It’s my job to be a contact point for anyone in the school who feels discriminated against or has witnessed discrimination. Some of you may remember that Student Anti-Racism Network. Sadly, this program, which connected schools across the region, is no longer funded by the department. One of its main aims was always to encourage students to take ownership of issues - to think constructively about race, multiculturalism, creating harmony in a school context, and to act – and what is enormously pleasing is that students at this school continue to do so under their own steam. What you are enjoying today is happening because students have had an idea, and acted upon it, and seen it come to fruition. You were instructed today to wear items of “cultural” clothing. Some of you have. I wonder why some haven’t. Perhaps it is because, deep down, you understand that there is more to multiculturalism than wearing a costume. After all - do you wear these clothes at home?When you’re taking the bins out. Watching television perhaps. Do you, when you arrive home, tear off your uniform and get into lederhosen or a hanfu before doing your homework?As someone with Dutch heritage, clogs have always been a feature of my life, in some way. But I’ve never actually worn a pair. Let alone a milkmaids hat. I could ask Mr Debres or Mr Van de hoek or Ms Fluitsma if they have either, and I suspect the answer would be the same. The reason I bring this up is because I think it is always important that we note that multiculturalism is not actually about traditional fancy dress, interesting food and special dances. These cultural expressions have their place of course, but the important part of

a great deal of wisdom and drove home the important point that one should value their place at a school like Fort Street. All in all these visits from successful students of the past are much appreciated, particularly from a guest as esteemed as Kirby. Putting into focus global affairs and the position of Fort Street students in the world, Kirby’s visit was as enjoyable as it was informative and we, the student body, eagerly await future visits.

multiculturalism occurs aside from these once a year expressions. Some academics have labelled such festivals as being tokenistic – going so far as to suggest that they reinforce stereotypes, and devalue culture as being something you can comfortably understand by reading a cook book. I don’t necessarily subscribe to that view – and I want to stress that it’s wonderful that we as a community can feel comfortable expressing our culture on days like this - but I do agree that the guts of multiculturalism really occurs on a day to day basis. In how we interact with one another, in finding similarities in the way we live, the way we think, what we aspire to, and in acknowledging the differences and attempting to understand those too. I would urge every one of you to reflect on this on the other days of the year, in your interactions with your peers and with other members of the community. In this country, we are free to do so – actively encouraged to do so, in fact. But in other places around the world, this is not the case. To the extent that people in many places are persecuted for their cultural practices, or for political beliefs that may go against the dominant culture. Amnesty International of course exists to highlight these human rights abuses. I wish to congratulate the students who have organised today’s festivities on their efforts in trying to highlight these things, many of which are a lot closer to home than we might hope. These students have acted upon their beliefs, beyond a simple donation or gesture, and I hope that the rest of you will endeavour to do the same.

MICHAEL KIRBY'S VISIT

MULTICULTURAL DAY SPEECH

MOSS JOHNSTON

TOM HOEKSTRA


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Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, parents and carers, friends. Hello! My name is Victor, and I would like to share with you a snapshot of my high school life so far.In my time at this school, I’ve come to realise that Fort Street is about opportunities. Every moment that I’ve spent here has presented me with so many new opportunities, and the only limit has been my own commitment. That has been true from the beginning.I was not going to go to a selective high school in year 7 – as Reserve No. 40 for Fort Street, I had given up all hope for getting into a selective high school. And yet, in the middle of December of 2011, I received a letter congratulating me on making it to Fort Street High School. That was how my high school career began: spontaneously and humbly.Over these five years, many friends have come and gone. Each time, I have thought to myself, why stay? There are higher ranked schools out there. So why? This is a place that celebrates learning. And not just the academic – maths and science and English kind of learning, but all kinds of learning. It seems obvious, but not every school is like that. Here, every assembly has presented something different, celebrating someone’s commitment and passion towards learning and achieving great things. The teachers, the staff, the students, every person here loves learning – they may not enjoy studying, but they all love to learn. I distinctly remember the words that deputy principal Ms Di Stefano said to me last year: It’s not about the stuff. It’s about how we learn the stuff. And often, we students forget that – the content is important, but it’s not the end goal. Fort St is about learning how to learn, and every teacher here is helping the students to appreciate that: encouraging wider reading, more participation in extra-curricular activities and pursuing one’s passions.The extra-curricular play a huge role in a Fortian’s life – you would

Year 10 Seminars Earlier this term, year 10 students received seminars from Brent Sanders, an ex-cop, about sexual violence, criminal records and accepting the consequences of our actions. There were two seminars:

be hard pressed to find someone that has not participated in some kind of activity here, and that is something that my parents have very strongly encouraged me to do – to make full use of my time here, and not miss any possible opportunities.I’m the President of the Student Representative Council (the SRC). It is a group that meets and discusses issues affecting the students, as well as organising events for the benefit of the students. We’ve been exploring ways to build up our school community, organising free events and competitions for the students to participate in: during our biennial Fort Street Festival, we decided to deviate from the traditional a little. The previously open-to-public Battle of the Bands became a Fort Street’s Got Talent that showcased our school’s wide variety of talents and skills across all age groups: from a courageous year 8 band to a lone, self-taught year 12 dancer. It is these kinds of changes that build up our school, and make us unique.At the Fort, we like to flaunt our history – the oldest public school in Sydney, educated the Honourable Michael Kirby – and yet, Fortians are not afraid to step out and do things that need to be done. An example would be our step towards social media – we have a very active Fort Street Twitter (@fort_street is where you can find us) and an SRC Facebook page.When I sat down to write this, I didn’t know where to start. What to say, how to say it. I thought about what really drives me to come to school – aside from my dad. The fact that education is not about getting good marks – it’s about building the skills and offering the opportunities that will help us succeed and achieve. This is what I think defines our school, and I genuinely believe that Fort Street does that.Thank you.

Male

Brent drew from multiple personal anecdotes in his talk - when he was 17, he was jailed for driving a stolen vehicle into a house. Fortunately he avoided getting a criminal record, as two years later he was the youngest police officer in New Zealand. He informed us about the changes in legal rights we are subjected to at 16, and outlined the legal definition of rape and sexual assault. The most important thing he wanted us to take from the seminar was that when we knowingly commit a crime or make a poor decision we have to consider the possible repercussions in advance.

OPEN EVENING SPEECH

YEAR 10 SEMINARS

VICTOR TSANG

ADRIAN CASTILLO & IMOGEN MAROSZ

Female

Mr Sanders spent more time than he was required answering all our questions. He wanted to ensure that all the girls of our class would be safe from sexual assault, and detailed multiple examples of when girls were the victims of such crimes, and others on how they escaped from these situations. He went through each type of sexual related assault, from indecent assault, sexual assault, and attempted sexual assault, and explained exactly what each crime entailed. He ended with a strategy to escape situations such as these, potentially preventing scores of sexual assaults. His seminar was both insightful into the legal world and helpful to us as women of the future.


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JUSTYN BOYLE11:00am on the 11th of November 1918 saw the official end of the Great War.Relief and reflection are the common themes from the recounts of participants and their families on that day.Thereafter, functions and parades were hastily organised to celebrate the occasion but there was a growing unease in that first year for the celebratory nature of some events by the general population as well as by some who served.11 November 1919 was declared as Armistice Day, and Peace Day in some quarters.The joyous celebrations of the previous year gave way to ceremonies commemorating - with thoughts turning toward those who fell during war. That number of those killed during the Great War was 17 million soldiers and civilians with countless more people suffering the the many after effects of the war.In that first anniversary the fitting Ode of Remembrance (which you will hear later) was included, minutes silences were also observed. “A great awful silence” as it was reported, and it is a description that becomes more appropriate today with thoughts of the staggering death and casualty tolls of the all wars and conflicts since.Armistice Day had became a day of ‘obligation’ and remembrance to remind and better represent the debt owed to those who served - and those served who might be struggling in their lives. The day then came to include the Unknown Soldier; and supporters of Remembrance Day took the poppy as their symbol. Others still held parties, but used the day to experience that which had been denied or forgone during wartime.Those first couple of years Remembrance Day showed its flexibility within the community but also maintained its core values.So, I'll skip ahead a fair few years to today and ask "What additional meanings or aspects has the day included?" and "Are the core values of peace and remembrance day still there?"I will ask William Li and Adrian Castillo to speak to their connection with Remembrance Day for the answers.

WILLIAM LI (YEAR 10)"The world was a darker place. People hoped it would be the war to end all wars… unfortunately, they were mistaken." John D. Ruddy said this in a video on the seminal catastrophe of the twentieth century, World War I. Today marks the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, and it is on this day, every year, where we remember all those, over the past hundred years, whose lives were cut short because of armed conflict. I've always commemorated Remembrance Day; I've understood that millions of lives were scarred and lost; and I'm living in a time where the impacts of such conflicts have and still are shaping the world. But, in a way, I'm removed from it all, because I've never been caught up in a war; I've never lost someone in a war; I've never experienced the feelings of those who have lived through those times. Nevertheless, it is a time to empathise with and for those who have gone through those times, whether they are here now, or have passed on.Yet, it begs the question, who are ‘they’? Our first thoughts go to

the soldiers; the ones who fought for their countries. Now I say their countries because many Australians have come from afar to call Australia home, often bringing the tales of war from their own countries; countries that may have even been our enemies at some point. But these tales tell us that “often in war, does the line between soldier and civilian blur.” That those who were producing supplies and munitions straddle the border between combatant and noncombatant in the strategies of the war room.And so, I would say, that ‘they’ are the people who participated in those many conflicts. Whether they be on the front line or on the home front, they have gone through those conflicts so that we do not have to.

ADRIAN CASTILLO (YEAR 10) Remembrance Day to me should be more than just remembering the lives of Australians and allied nations in our various modern conflicts, it should extend to the mourning of the death of the other side.Just because we saw other nations as our enemies, does not mean the deaths of their soldiers aren't just as tragic. Is human life not meaningful enough for us to do everything in our power to preserve it? Does the government have the moral right to enter us into a conflict at all?To me, it seems almost unbelievable there is still armed conflict in the world today. In the Syrian civil conflict, over 400 000 lives have already been snuffed out prematurely. The great tragedy of this war is that many of these deaths have been civilians, including 15 000 children. Absolutely ordinary people like you and me simply in the wrong place at the wrong time who end up getting killed by both sides. A further 400 children have been arrested and tortured in Syrian prisons. We have to ask ourselves, what drives people to commit these acts against another human being, let alone a child? Do these terrible acts justify western nations and people for joining the conflict? The questionable aspects of the conflicts doesn't devalue the life of the militants, whether they were brainwashed by an extreme ideology, sent to intervene from a western nation, or conscripted by their own country desperately in need of defense. We have to accept that war can be the only solution in some cases, and that is why we need Remembrance Day, to reflect on those who have fought for their beliefs and given their lives. For one day, we can put aside the complex political reason for war and focus on respecting the dead, because I for one, believe that every soldier or civilian life is profound and valuable enough to be mourned, as a person who in their lifetime experienced happiness, joy, anger and fear, just as every one of us seated in the hall today. So if you're sitting blankly during the minutes silence, unsure of what to do, give some thought to all the lives cut short in all war, and ultimately give them your respect, reflect on the nature of war and be grateful to be free from the fear of death on a daily basis. Thank you.

REMEMBRANCE DAY SPEECHES


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The V for Victory Bash is one of the most anticipated dates in the history calendar. On the 12th of December, year nine assembles to celebrate the end of the war, and what a celebration it was! Each class’ designated social committee organised buffets of delicious refreshments, and the moral was high. The young men and women, free from years of participation in the war effort, marched around the hall to show off their carefully pieced together outfits (or, for some proud patriotic people, their uniforms).After we had paraded around in our costumes, and the teachers had judged our table set-ups, prizes were awarded. They were for the best of the best, the most prestigious awards any of us could ever hope to receive; Cadbury’s Assorted Milk Chocolates, and Maltesers. There was complete silence in the hall as tension rose. We were all on the edges of our seats. “The winner of the best cake goes to...” Patrick Vastani on the snare drum. “Table 5, with their tank cake!” A burst of applause as Angela Ha, Chloe Tran and Jacqui Rawson got up to accept their award. The rest of the awards ceremony followed in the same fashion, with Table 1 winning Best Dish for Bonnie

Huang’s potato mash, and Table 3 winning Best Overall Table, run by Angie Khuu, Reina Lee, Grace Shan, Sofia Locke and Niamh Elliott-Brennan. For Men’s Best Dressed, Harry Pritchard won 3rd, Barry Li won 2nd and Cooper Jia, dressed ready to fight the communists, won 1st prize. For Women’s Best Dressed, Marlena Stanhope won 3rd, Sofia Locke (dressed as Rosie the Riveter) won 2nd and Lucy Bailey took home 1st prize. One of the highlights of the dance was Mr Fischer showing us not only how to waltz, but also testing our limited dancing skills with the cha-cha and the jive. Reina and Eric achieved 3rd prize, Lily and Alan acquired 2nd with their outstanding moves and the most exceptional couple, Ethan and Rachel, took out 1st prize. The clean up was difficult, but the teamwork and organisational skills of the Year 9 students and teachers led to a spotless Great Hall and 150 happy teenagers. This was a day we will remember for years to come.

YEAR 9 HISTORY DANCE


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Jean Arnot, born on the 23rd of April 1903, completed her high school education at Fort Street Girls’ High School. She had a distinguished career of 47 years in librarianship, while being active in women's organisations and a pioneer of equal pay and women’s rights.On the 6th of May, we attended the 24th Jean Arnot Memorial Luncheon with Ms Sorbello at the NSW Parliament House. This luncheon is held annually to honour Arnot’s memory, her efforts to achieve equal pay for equal work for women, and to recognise women ninety years of age and over for their service to the community. This was the first time that representatives from Arnot’s school had attended the lunch.

The guest speaker this year was the Honourable Anna Bligh, former Queensland Premier. The audience was captivated by her inspirational speech on women’s rights and women in leadership. She spoke not only of what has been achieved but also what remains to be done. She said that we, the next generation, are the face of change. At this point, Ms Bligh specifically acknowledged the presence at the lunch of representatives of Ms Arnot’s school and asked us to stand up.

Anna Bligh’s attitude towards empowering ourselves and others encouraged us to acknowledge that we can make the changes necessary to build a better future. She also stated that stamina is the force that propels change. She believes that Jean Arnot was able to achieve so much because of her stamina in the face of obstacles, such are earning less pay than all the male staff she managed in the library. When Ms Bligh spoke to us in person, she reminded us again that our setbacks are often our greatest learning experiences.Furthermore, Ms Bligh said that our personal experiences help us become better leaders. Encountering and overcoming difficult situations in our personal lives shapes our ability to then make decisions that are in the best interest of our peers and society. Overall, we had a great time conversing with nonagenarians, eating scrumptious food and meeting inspirational peopl, such as Ms Bligh. This excursion has enriched our understanding of leadership as members of the Student Representative Council. Thus, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Sorbello for accompanying and taking care of us, and everyone else involved in the organisation of this excursion.

JEAN ARNOT MEMORIAL LUNCHEONMICHELLE CHEUNG AND ALICIA GAO

The EXITE program which was hosted by IBM is a program made for girls who have disabilities. Several schools were chosen for this program with a few representatives from each school. This program aimed to build confidence and encouraged us to pursue our interests and careers, particularly in technology. On the first day, the introductions took quite some time but it was fun meeting helpers and representatives from IBM who helped us immensely throughout the program. It started out quite awkward as everyone was getting to know each other with the tension being uncomfortable at first but after the first activity, everyone attempted to talk with one another, easing the tension. The different workshops involved us working with girls from other schools and it was fun to discuss and co-operate with each other to come up with interesting ideas. The second day continued comfortably with everyone easing up to one another and making new friends from other schools. Workshops on the second day were technology based, with paper-based coding. Instead of using computers to do coding, we did puzzles on paper and worked out solutions together in groups. Meeting Dino was

also an enjoyable workshop where we would ask questions to a toy dinosaur who would answer back in a unique way. The last and final day started off wistfully as we had enjoyed the program with the company of the other girls many of whom became our new friends. Our graduation was going to be after recess. Other than this important event, everyone else enjoyed meeting the “intelligent” soccer bots - the development of these robots being advanced and complicated. Everyone then wrote warm and pleasant messages for each other to say goodbye and show our pleasure in meeting and working with one another. With graduation from the EXITE program, we would like to give an enormous thanks to everyone from IBM who put a lot of effort into providing us the opportunity to attend such a lively and productive camp. In addition, we would also like to thank Ms Sorbello, Ms Kendall and Ms Salisbury who accompanied and supervised us on this camp. The last thanks goes to Ms Arcamone who put in a tremendous amount into organising and meeting with us to discuss about the camp. Thank you!

EXITE ENGINEERING CAMPCAROLINE JIANG


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The Amnesty group had an extremely successful year of fundraising and raising awareness of the human rights issues around the world. We collected and donated the past two years of fundraising to Amnesty International, an amount that totalled over $1800. During the year, we also focused very much on the harrowing news stories that were coming out of Australian detention centres and discussed the obligations of Australia to refugees and asylum seekers.

Our main fundraiser from this year was the Multicultural Day we held on Monday of Week 6 during Term 4. On the day, the students and staff dressed in mufti with the theme of cultural outfits that they identified with or the colours of the flag of their background, of which a gold coin donation was collected for. Evalena Chilas and Sam Martin hosted an assembly that brought the school together to celebrate multiculturalism in all its forms and presented many great acts to the school. Mr Hoekstra gave a speech about multiculturalism, Bonnie Zhang and Connie Wong performed Mandarin pop singing, the IMP vocal ensemble performed a song, and Angela Zha gave a traditional Chinese dance performance. As well as the assembly,

during recess and lunch there were performances and stalls too. Aurora Muir performed a Russian character dance, Evalena Chilas (of Amnesty) led a Greek dancing group and Year 9 students played music from around the world. The recess and lunch stalls were ran by a plethora of groups from around the school, as this day was a communal event. Amnesty had a butterfly wall to show support for refugees, Year 11 Charity had a face painting and hairspray stall, students from Year 11 held an informative stall about various volunteering opportunities, Year 9 charity sold ‘Pokemon Plushies’, Diversity and SRC joined to provide a baked goods stall, the Canteen provided multicultural food, and the Environment Committee sold drinks and held a raffle to raise money for plants in the Volleyball Quad. The day was a great success and raised hundreds of dollars for the respective charities and groups. Special thanks go to the student organisers, as well as Ms Xu for her continued support of the Amnesty group.

AMNESTY COMMITTEE

CLUBS AND COMMITTEES


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JUNIOR DEBATINGPETER SCUDDS

It has been a year of change and development in junior debating, beginning at the end of first term, when Mr Melser implemented a new coaching program managed by Ms. Alison Thompson (Fortian, 2013) from which the Year 7 and Year 8 teams were chosen for the inter-school competition. The sheer number of students who wanted to take part in this program is testament to the continuing enthusiasm for debating at the school. The program was very successful in raising the standard of junior debating and there are plans to diversify the competition in 2017 so that more teams can take part in debating other schools.The main annual competition is the Premier’s Debating Challenge, run every year by the DoE Arts Unit. As usual, Fort Street entered a Year 7 team (Elysia Castillo, Bowen Cheng, Jack Coleman, Maleeka Prabhakar, Meg Raven, Phoebe Rosser and Hardik Sharma) and a Year 8 team (Luca Charlier, Max Collingwood, Sasha Mendes, Crystal Pham, Bhuvan Senthil, Jack Williams, Jessica Yoon). These students were chosen after a rigorous audition process. The signs were bad after our Year 8 team was defeated by the Year 7s from our zone opposition, Rose Bay Secondary College, but, as all good teams do, we learned from our mistakes and at the end of the preliminary round the Year 8 team was the zone champion. The Fort Street Year 7s were valiant, clever and competitive in the preliminary round, but were knocked out of the competition by their Fort Street Year 8 peers. This is a promising team and we hope they return next year to fulfil their potential. Excitement built as Year 8 advanced in a suite of victories over Sydney Girls High School, Randwick Girls High School, St George Girls High School and Peakhurst Secondary College to be awarded the Sydney Region Championship after successfully arguing that children who are not vaccinated should not be removed from schools.

For many years now the state finals have been held at The Women’s College, the University of Sydney. One of the memorable aspects of attending this two and a half day finals tournament is the chance to stay at this historic and important educational college. Our five selected team members had justifiably high hopes of doing well against the other regional champions. Five straight victories brought them to the state final and there they met their match from Merewether High School, who took out the title in a split decision by the adjudicators. As NSW runners-up the Year 8 debating team gave us one of the highlights of the 2016 school year. All team members improved during the course of this tournament but it must be said that the team benefitted enormously from the contribution and intellectual commitment of Luca Charlier, anchoring them as third speaker. These students deserve a word of thanks and acknowledgement from me as their coordinator for being such a wonderful group to manage. I would also like to thank their parents who made my work so much easier because of their practical assistance and their enthusiastic support.The team’s success is due, in no small measure, to the expert coaching they received during the year from Alison Thompson and her group of dedicated Fortian ex-debaters who have raised the profile of debating at the school. On the administrative side, debating could not take place without the unqualified support of the Head Teacher Administration, Ms. Eastment, Mr Asher, the Front Office staff, Ms Long and the school Executive all of whom adjusted a busy school schedule to assist the Year 8 team and I record my thanks to them here.

The Year 8 Debating Team after winning the Sydney Region Championship. From left to right: Sasha Mendes, Jessica Yoon, Crystal Pham, Luca Charlier, Jack Williams, Max Collingwood, Bhuvan Senthil.

The Year 8 Debating Team, Runners-Up in the NSW State Final. From left to right: Jessica Yoon, Crystal Pham, Sasha Mendes, Max Collingwood, Luca Charlier.


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YEAR 9 DEBATING

JUNIOR STATE DEBATING COMPETITIONJOHN BIVELL

John Bivell standing third from the left.

Year 9 Debating has been a wonderful experience characterised by our brilliant coaching and dedicated, close-knit team. Our team, Oliver Reucassel, Yolana Truscott, Finnegan Collins, Larissa Yang, Lucy Bailey and Niamh Elliott-Brennan, had their differences at the beginning, but over the course of the year they grew closer and developed into a well-oiled debating machine. Every Tuesday morning at 7:30 (depending on whether our coach, Arin, was running on-time) we met up and went over the important news events of the week before delving either into an important debating activity or how the organ trade in Nepal operated and the pros and cons of said operation. This year, our team participated in the Premier’s Debating Challenge,

On the back of Fort Street’s commendable results in this year’s Premier’s Debating Competition, I was privileged enough to be selected for the Sydney Region debating team competing at the NSW Debating Championships. This involved a three-day camp lodging overnight at the Women’s College, Sydney University. My team had three days training with coach Justin, who dispensed valuable life lessons on exams, university and The Amazing Race as well as quality debate advice on characterisation and modelling. On my team was Bella from Canterbury Girls, Lachlan from Caringbah High, Ashna from Sydney Girls High and Alex from Sydney Boys High. They were all fantastic debaters and really outgoing and sociable; as a result, we had a great team dynamic in debate and around town. Under the tutelage of Justin, coordinator Lis and Fort Street grad Ali, my team and I checked into the Women’s College with high hopes. After an early upset by the lads from New England Region, my team won our pool by the second day against the tough Western

where we were quite successful: winning a total of 2 out of 3 debates. Unfortunately, due to some school politics regarding which team (year 9 or year 10) was to be sent onwards, we didn’t make it to the next round. No matter, however, as we have made great strides as a team since then. And had a few serial killer documentary marathons during the holidays. On a week to week basis, our coaching has moved from a focus on the technicalities of debating to discussions about current events and global citizenship. Our team has a strong focus on being able to see both sides of an argument and creating sophisticated and nuanced responses to questions surrounding real world issues.

Sydney Region. We narrowly defeated Southwestern Sydney Region that night in a nerve-wracking semi to make the 2016 grand final. The final was on the morning of the third and final day of the tournament against the enigmatic Riverina Region. This mysterious team had reached the final undefeated, beating the powerful North Sydney Region. Breakfast was a tense war council between Sydney and North Sydney Region to discuss tactics over Alex’s milkless cereal. The showdown came soon enough with the topic, “That we should ban sports betting.” In a 2-1 adjudication, Sydney Region won! It felt amazing to be First Affirmative on the winning team – a hat trick for Sydney Region and its team coordinator, Lis Speechly. She provided us with endless encouragement, advice and rabbit Snapchats. Huge thanks to Lis, Justin and Ali for their guidance and training. The Junior Schools Debating Competition was an exhilarating camp which reinforced my love for debating and its quirky culture.


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Art studio this year has been an extremely fun and productive experience. Outside of our mandatory school art classes (which don't occur nearly enough times per week for students in year seven and eight with a great interest in visual art), art studio has enabled us to practise all kinds of art types including watercolour, clay work, acrylic painting and oil painting.

During our first term of art studio we were experimenting with watercolour painting. Ms Starr, our teacher for the term, shared her expertise on the subject, showing us how to experiment with the flow of water on paper, how to manipulate brush types, the usage of blank spaces along with block colouring and more. For our test works we adventured around the school and found various types of leaves and flowers to paint, leading to our final works, featuring various floral studies and nature.

During our second term, we created clay sculptures with Ms Cameron. We even had opportunities to work with porcelain, a finer and more delicate medium than clay. Our theme for that term was hypothetical undersea creatures inspired by the works of Ernst Haekel. Most of us had worked with clay in our compulsory art classes before, but not many of us had had the chance to make sculptures with porcelain, so this was an inspiring experience for us.

Our third term was a short one, and the subject matter was mostly

The Diversity Committee is a group of students that run a variety of events and initiatives over the course of the year. We aim to educate and promote discussion around three key issues within both the school and the broader community – racism, sexism and LGBTQIA+ rights. At only just over two years old, some of our achievements thus far include establishing a non-gendered uniform, holding a conference with similar groups from surrounding schools and running the annual Wear-It-Purple (WIP) Day.

WIP Day is held nation-wide, and is growing every year. Its message is that everyone has the right to be proud of who they are, regardless of sexuality or gender identity. 2016 was the second year the Diversity Committee has run Fort Street’s High School WIP Day. As always, students came to school in purple clothing, attended an assembly where students, ex-students and community members spoke on the topic at hand. At recess and lunch, students were invited to sign a pledge to accept and celebrate diversity, and contribute to our stairway of love, where supportive messages were written on hearts and stuck onto the wall. The day was a great success, and we already have a series of projects lined up for 2017.

This year has been very fruitful for the Environment Committee, both figuratively and literally. The year kicked off with a changing of the executive: Alexander Migdalias, John Bivell and Cole Johnson assumed the positions of President, Vice President and Secretary respectively. Brianna retained her position as Treasurer, however, she handed the position over to Betty Chen at the conclusion of Semester one. Our major project for the year has been the planning and developing of school gardens. These will be used to educate the school community about the sustainable and responsible practices in regards to produce. The gardens will also offer field work opportunities for classes such as Food Tech and Earth & Environmental Studies. Construction will start Term 1 2017.The Environment Committee also participated in the diversity day during Term 4 this year, raising money for one of our projects – replanting a dilapidated garden bed in Kilgour Quad. The current executive will stay in power until garden beds or constructed and initial planting completed. 2017 is going to be an exciting year for the Environment Committee, and we plan for membership to grow exponentially.

preparation and practise for the upcoming task of oil painting, which we would study in Term 4.During our fourth and final term for the year, we used classical oil painting techniques to paint self-portraits from photos, after some still life studies of eggs in acrylic paints looking at light and shadow, all under the guidance and expertise of Ms Blake.

Overall, we are very glad we had the opportunity to experiment with different mediums in a relaxed atmosphere, and we would like to thank our dedicated teachers for spending their time hosting this activity for us.

ART STUDIO

DIVERSITY COMMITTEE

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

CHEYLON DEVINE & LINA DAI

ALEXANDER MIGDALIAS


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Domestic violence is a controversial and delicate issue, which requires a high level of finesse and authenticity in order to tackle it as a social issue - so naturally, in our first year as High Resolves leaders, we decided this would be the issue we focused our short-term projects on. Our High Resolves experience started with us choosing a group, as our first activity was a co-operation and communication based team challenge. The game consisted of each individual being presented an image of a retro tech item, which then needed to be distributed verbally amongst the group through descriptions and gestures. What we achieved through this was the ability to link small pieces of information together to form a larger picture, as well as gaining knowledge by listening to what others had to contribute and share.Participating in games like this helped us to build up core skills: communication, listening, tolerance, conflict resolution. It allowed us to fill in gaps in our own knowledge, be that in regards to social interaction or leadership skills. The main and most interesting part of our experience was, of course, our projects on domestic violence. There were 7 groups, all under the umbrella name “Unsilence The Violence”. Some of the campaigns were: Stop The Abuse, which was a poster campaign focusing on raising awareness through social media - the viewers were asked to take a photo of the poster and post it on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. with the hashtag “#utv” or “#utvmovement”, in order to spread

This year, the mock trial team had a slew of successful trials against schools from the Sydney metropolitan area, and were in the top 32 out of more than 200 across the state. The team of ten learned the ins and outs of criminal and civil court proceedings and even gained a few tricks that could be used in the ‘real world’. With the support of our facilitator, Mr O’Neill, and coaching from Fortian 2002 and lawyer, Andy Ta, we successfully defeated four schools over six trials. We managed to progress to the second elimination round, but were unfortunately defeated by Liverpool Girls, and the journey ended there.

Our first trial, against St Mary’s Cathedral College, gave us our first taste of victory after two hours of sweaty palms and debates about particular motorbike sounds. Henry, Ankita and Jordan were the first to experience the nerves and adrenaline of a mock case. The team then travelled to Dee Why for the second trial against St Augustine’s College, and lost the case but won the mock round – meaning Harvey Ling, also known as Theo Mann from Snowy River, was sentenced to some years in prison despite the efforts of his barristers and solicitor. In the first civil case of the season, we suffered a painful 2 point loss against Meriden. The German International School was our next opponent in the last round robin trial, and the mock team enjoyed a victory along with an almost perfect score, and an especially amazing performance from barrister, Maddy.

We successfully made it through to the knockout rounds, as one of the top 64 schools. We redeemed ourselves with a win against our past opponents, Meriden. As our witnesses, Zoe and Mitchell convincingly presented their story as an 80-year-old couple who had suffered a fall due to an uneven footpath paver. The mock team travelled to Liverpool Girls for what would be the last trial, in a criminal case of assault, and was unfortunately defeated – Sylvia was

ripples of awareness through their followers. This campaign was run by Niamh Elliott-Brennan, Caitlin Long, Reina Lee and Emily Yu. Danny Lai, Yerin Kim, Gemma Hinton, Erlin Li, Aidan Martin, Larissa Yang, George Jiang, Ricky Mai and Betty Chen started up the #bluesagainstabuse campaign in order to raise awareness about male victims of domestic violence. They handed out blue ribbons to everyone in years 7, 8 and 9 as a physical show of support.Bonnie Huang, Min Kim, Samuel Xu and Barry Li created a video dealing with the statistical side of domestic violence and posted it on Facebook and Youtube. The viewers were asked to share the video as a call to action in order to spread knowledge and understanding of domestic violence as a contemporary issue.A petition was made on Change.org to increase funding for domestic violence counselling services in NSW, and their aim was to reach at least 30 supporters. This campaign was run by Patrick Wu, Angie Khuu, Joshua Quek, and Cooper Jia.Overall, we reached around 700 people, and over 100 people took our calls to action to stop domestic violence. This may not seem much when you’re reading it in a journal full of outstanding achievements, but in reality it was a result well-worth the effort.We have progressed a long way in terms of confidence, teamwork and personal skill, but we know that our education and skillbuilding doesn’t stop here. We have a whole life to perfect our skills, and learn new ones along the way.

sentenced to 18 months behind bars. However, pizza for lunch was a big highlight. Mr O’Neill baked an appropriately themed cake to congratulate the team: depicting the assault of the taxi driver from the mock case against Liverpool.

The team mostly enjoyed Tuesday afternoon meetings in K24, which included half working on the case and half binging on chips, lollies, cake and chocolate, especially thanks to Terry, Sylvia and Vivian who were very concerned with keeping the team well-fed. We also had several meetings with Mr O’Neill and Andy Ta on the weekends, sipping coffee at the MCA cafe while overlooking Sydney Harbour. Despite occasional arguments about strategies, and tensions in K24, the team spent a lot of time getting to know each other; and now knows not to speed, wantonly ride horses, manage risky car businesses, set traps, neglect council maintenance or assault taxi drivers

YEAR 9 HIGH RESOLVES

MOCK TRIAL


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The 2016 Year 7 Charity Committee was formed at the end of Term 2, but people joined all throughout the year. It was formed to help relieve people of their guilty consciences and to help those less fortunate than us.

We decided to support the Charity Stewart House which provides important services to children and young people in need. We met during many of our lunchtimes discussing plans to raise awareness and researching how to assist Stewart House to help people in need. The charity committee was successful in raising over five hundred dollars to give to Stewart House, through the sale of high bounce handballs, torch key-rings and generous donations from members of our school community.

At the beginning of the year, the Charity Committee consisted of a small, but highly dedicated group of Year 8s. However, as the year progressed and we raised more awareness about our cause, there was an increasing amount of interest in the committee. Currently we have over 30 dedicated students in the Year 8 Charity Committee who give up their lunchtimes every Thursday in order to discuss and organise events to raise money for charities.This year, the main focus of the Year 8 Charity Committee was to fundraise for the Cancer Council by participating in the Seven Bridges Walk event. In order to raise funds, we held a raffle supported greatly by India Treweek. and also reached out to family, friends and businesses.

2016 Members:Angelica WilsonAbigail WongShira Gressel-KeichJuvela TanDoreen ZhaoEleanor McLeodStella SharwoodMadeleine GrisardSerena NguyenErica LiuCatherine Nguyen

Next year, as the Year 8 Charity Committee 2017, our main focus will be to raise funds for the Cancer Council and match the achievements by Year 8 this year during the “Seven Bridges Walk”.

Altogether, Year 8 raised an amazing $23,500 from 434 generous donors, passing the high benchmark that was set by last year’s Year 8.The walk itself was very enjoyable, with people both in the committee and out participating in the 28km walk across the beautiful Sydney Harbour. 70 participants trekked around the Harbour in small groups, socialising and overall having fun. Overall, being in the Charity Committee is a wonderful way to spend a Thursday lunchtime, having loads of fun whilst knowing that you are helping to improve another, less fortunate life.

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2016 was a year that presented interesting opportunities for the Year 9 Charity Committee. We had a challenge – to raise money in a school environment without involving any element of food. In the two semesters, we focused on two main fundraisers; a second hand stall for the Malala Fund and the selling of plush animals for Animals Australia.

The Malala fund is an organisation named after Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani female rights activist. She campaigns for women’s education in Pakistan, against the will of the Taliban. Though receiving countless death threats, she persisted in her will for equality and at the age of 15, was shot three times while boarding a bus to school. Lucky to survive, she vowed to pursue her will to fight for women’s rights. At the last minute, the Year 9 Charity Committee decided to hold a stall at Fort Fest to raise money for this cause. Through atrocious weather, we persevered running a diverse second hand stall, two games of connect four (with delicious prizes) and two games of chess all running simultaneously. It was a great learning experience for all of us and despite the

Downey Jr to Kidman, J Law to Jolie, Hemsworth brothers to the Jonas brothers, what unites them? Drama. Is Drama Club the beginnings of the next Jackman?

Drama Club is run by Ms Mattick on Wednesdays from 7:45am to 8:30am. Drama Club it is open to all students in Year 7 and Year 8 regardless of skill levels. It aims to teach participants about Drama and acting techniques and styles. It supplements the Year 7 and Year 8 curriculum enhancing students’ skills. It is great to boost the confidence of students who may be a little stage shy.

In Term 1 we were introduced to several Drama games which aimed to improve our skills in manipulating the elements of drama. Games improved focus, memory, space, movement and character. These games were a fun introduction into Drama and eased us into the Term ahead. In Term 2 we were introduced to transformational theatre, in which where our mind transforms the landscape around us into something it is not, such as a room becoming a desert or jungle. This can also be applied to ordinary objects and change them into an object which is utterly dissimilar from the original object. Such as a water bottle morphing into a box of tissues. This developed participants’ focus and made them understand that an actor needs to completely commit to these transformations in order for audience to believe in the world they are creating. This task, although challenging, was quite enjoyable and strived to improve the acting techniques of the students.

In Term 3 we worked on character development, which enriched our portrayal of characters. We were given an excerpt which we had to act out as different characters. This complemented our work in Term 2 as we could portray and completely transform into their different characters. In Term 4 all our practise, preparation and enhancement of Drama skills culminated into one final performance which we performed at MAD Night (Music, Art, Drama). This performance consisted of members from the whole ensemble

Drama Club is very useful for anyone wanting, willing or eager to participate. It is a highly entertaining and rewarding extra-curricular activity which teaches contributors all about Drama and

This year, a small group of year 10s, comprised of Adrian Castillo, Moss Johnston, Rahel Sahni, and Dom Smith, competed in the NSW theatresports competition. At the first heat, Fort Street were victorious, becoming one of the four schools out of eight going through to the next round. In the semi finals. Unfortunately, Fort Street was unable to secure a place and were knocked out of the competition. Next year, we hope to enlarge the theatresports team with the addition of year 9 members so that we can have multiple entries into official competitions. Year 8 participated in a theatresports workshop earlier in the year hosted by Improv Australia, so they have already started nurturing their skills for the future. As participants in the NSW Theatresports competition, we have been given an annual theatresports license to hold our own competitions at school, something we are very excited to have the possibility of doing for the very first time.

weather, our Fort Fest Fundraiser was enjoyable and successful.

In semester two, we focused on an organisation called Animals Australia. They give rights to animals and fight against animal cruelty, shutting down inhumane cat and dog ‘farms’ where cats and dogs are raised in truly appalling conditions to be sold to pet stores for profit. Even though there is an overpopulation of cats and dogs, these pet farms still continue to breed them, leading to over 250,000 cats and dogs being euthanised each year as a result of not finding an owner. To raise money to fight against this cruelty, we sold a variety of warm and fluffy plush animals via a system where students purchase the toys first, then we aquire the amount of purchased toys from the supplier to ensure we did not have excess. We sold over 100 plush toys, ending the year positively with a unique fundraiser that did not involve the selling of food.

Overall, the year has been a challenge, but in the end, 2016 has proved as yet another successful year for the Year 9 Charity Committee.


DRAMA CLUB THEATRESPORTSAIDAN LIMNIOS

its various forms and techniques. If you are a Drama lover wishing to heighten your Drama skills, a little shy of the stage wishing to improve your confidence or wishing to improve your acting skills to get better marks in Drama, Drama Club is where you should be. Come along and take centre stage!!


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Social Science 1: Meg Raven, Ben Alpert, Steven Pang, Mina Brcic, Joshua Lam and Simon Tang

Over the last six weeks, we were preparing for Tournament of the Minds in the Social Science category. The entire experience encouraged a lot of team- building and relying on people to do certain parts, and was a great memory for all of us.

We first started to create a general idea of what the plot was, and while we did that, we created props that we definitely needed in our plot. It was interesting, because we finished a lot of the props before the script was anywhere near finished. It was efficient though, as once the script was all done, there were very little props to be finished and made. We created a plot all about books, and put a post-modern twist on the idea of absolute truth, which was the message aliens were trying to tell us by sending us two books. The props turned out to look really cool, and we even made a pod.

Out team-building was further developed in out of school gatherings that we had. We revised our script, had some of our first rehearsals, ate, talked and laughed. These definitely helped our progression into an excellent and close team.

Although we didn’t leave a whole lot of time for rehearsals, we made very efficient use of it, making any adjustments to the script to ensure that everyone could remember it in time. When we performed, it was great! No one butchered their lines, and our efforts could really shine through the play.

Overall, we all learnt many things during those few weeks of script writing, brainstorming, plotting, painting, cutting, gluing, eating, laughing and rehearsing in preparation of our final product. This experience has allowed us to bond with people that we never knew and to exercise and explore our creativity in a dramatic performance.

Social Science Team 2: Alex Guan, Chris Cheng, Barry Li, David Fu, Alyssa Koit, Jean Hinchcliffe, Lola Rose van Overdam

Tournament of the Minds – a hectic, exhausting, and demanding yet fun-filled six weeks of drama and imagination. Every year, Fort Street enters in this inter-school problem solving challenge, where teams of sevens are posed with unique situations and are asked to write and perform a script with creative solutions, create inventive props, and demonstrate the power of team-work. For this year, we were posed this situation: at the site of Mount Vesuvius, an archaeological dig uncased a ‘pod’ containing two identical ‘pea’ items serving different purposes. What is it? How did it arrive there? Where and when is the item from?Meeting up almost every lunchtime, as well as two school days in the weeks that led up to the competition was crucial in the preparation performance. At first, we thought of the idea of a medieval king owning two insignias and sending them through time, one original to signify his throne, and a replica filled with his memory. However, we did not have a clear idea on how to complete the storyline for this idea, so halfway through, we had to scrap it.This was only one of the many problems that we encountered during the process of solving our challenge. We had brainstorm and collaborate our thoughts to create a new, sustained storyline. Thanks to Alyssa’s creativity and Barry’s script skills, we settled on incorporating a future war, using new technologies, to send a message back to the present to prevent the war from occurring. During the week of preparation, had to write and polish our script, make props which included Chris’s origami, and rehearsing our performance. In the end, though we were not as prepared as we liked it to be, we turned up to Sydney Girl excited, we produced a remarkable performance, thanks to our use of sound effects made by Lola. Overall, we had a team that not only learned from our mistakes and our differences, but also produced valuable friendship.

Language Literature 2016: Alexandra Kilham (Y7) Mary Nguyen (Y7) Catherine Nguyen (Y7) Serena Nguyen (Y7) Melody Lee (Y10) Claudia Nguyen (Y10)

Language Literature team with Year 11 Facilitators Monica Tran, Madeleine Huynh and Sam Martin.Although things started off rocky, eventually, after a week or so, we warmed up to one another. The first week was mostly just us screaming instructions at one another and not really being productive, but after we had chosen our characters and themes, things started to run more smoothly. Serena and Melody worked on props and Claudia and the rest of the group worked on the script. It went very well because I felt I was better at creating props than scripting, and Claudia felt she was better at scripting rather than creating props. With one older member leading the younger team members in the two main aspects of the solution, everything was working and coming along nicely. However, due to time constraints, everything felt like a massive rush at the last

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Many students at Fort Street have another sibling, older or younger, at the school - however there are some Fortian Families who are especially unique, because they have more than one sibling who also attends. There are numerous families in the school with three or more siblings: the Kirks, the Koits, the Nguyens, and the Charls. To these families, going to school with multiple siblings is normal to them, even in a school where the students are selected, not just accepted. Most of them stated that having multiple siblings at the school can make it more supportive, as they’ve already had a sibling or two who have been through all the exams, tests, excursions, activities etc. that they are having to go through now. We approached a couple of them and asked them about their experiences at the school.Finn Kirk in Year 8 has 2 siblings at the school; Yasmin Kirk in Year 10, and Seamus Kirk in Year 11. For the Kirks, they feel it is completely ordinary to have two siblings in the school, they went to primary school together and now continue to attended high school together.In the Koit family, Austin will attend his first Year in Fort Street and join his three older siblings, Alyssa in Year 7, Ethan in Year 9 and Erika in Year 10. It is unusual to have four siblings in one family to attend the same school at once.Serena Nguyen in Year 7, and her sisters Claudia in Year 10 and Christina who just graduated this year, have said that having people you already have a close bond to in the school is very supportive and thinks that it’s making their high school experience different to others. Felicity Charls is the youngest sibling of the four, three of them went to the school. Dawnlicity in Year 11 and Khrystal who graduated school two Years ago also came to this school.This school has also had families who have had multiple generations attend the school. A special case of this is the Lembits, Rowan Lembit is currently attending the school in Year 11 and not only was his father a student at this school, his grandfather also went to this school and became the principal of Fort Street from 1980 - 1983. Rowan said these connections to the school makes his school pride stronger.

FORTIAN FAMILIESGRACE SHAN, SOFIA LOCKE AND NIAMH ELLIOTT-BRENNAN

minute, especially the paperwork. Even though we only had a short time to memorise our lines, overall, everyone did really well. On the day, we practiced furiously and spent most of the time working out stage directions and where to go. Thanks to the help of our facilitators – Monica Tran, Sam Martin and Madeleine Huynh, they advised us on where we couldn’t go and the size of the square as well as bringing food and being supportive (as well as helping guide us through the confusing hallways of Sydney Girls High School). Even though we only had a short time to memorise our lines, overall, everyone did really well.

Tournament of the Minds 2016 Maths Engineering TeamJack Coleman, George (Yuntao) Jiang, Sruthi Supriya, Abigail Wong, Patrick Wu, Bonnie Zhan, Rachel Zhang

In the Maths Engineering team, we were assigned with the task to create a device that can accurately measure whether if a piece of paper is in golden ratio, and everyone worked together as a team to make the device, props and the script. We came up with some interesting ideas some of which include including two perpendicular sticks extending in ratio, controlled by rotating gears with a radius of x. However, one of our Year 7 members came up with the better concept of using shadows, which increase and decrease in size in the same ratio. We utilised this idea to create a device using the principles of similar figures. Some difficulties were encountered in making a golden ratio rectangle for our device but our group members successively managed to find a way online to do so. After designing it we found cardboard and we tested and tried making our various designs. Eventually, we made a tripod-style device. Writing the script was much easier, and we assigned two people to complete the task. Rehearsing was a little difficult, because we had to cope with noise and the lack of a dark room, which was essential for the testing of our device. Finally, on the day of the Tournament, we found a quiet place in the corridor and rehearsed relentlessly.

During our performance, we encountered some slight problems with scripts because some of us went mind blank. Additionally, some of our props began to break prior to the performance and we had to adapt to the changes. However, with quick wit, we managed to pull through the play with a time of just under 10 minutes. In our spontaneous challenge, we made sure that everyone who spoke was heard, and their ideas were integrated into our final answer. We managed to come second with our efforts.

In conclusion, we believe that we tried our hardest and did our best, and so we are satisfied with this result of obtaining honours in the Regional East Region, Tournament of the Minds competition on the 28th August 2016.


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As engineers we are familiar with working the night before a deadline, and this speech is no exception, and for the most part we’re going to wing it. We were officially told you were leaving just yesterday and were told to write a farewell speech a little afterwards; of course we learnt that you were leaving far earlier in the week, we just hoped it wasn’t true. Rumours of you leaving produced tension within the members of the class. Its put us under a bit of pressure and has left our hearts with spider-web fracture patterns. Instead of telling us however, you decided to spend your last lessons with us making paper aeroplanes, and that is why we are here. This speech is a sum of all the moments we shared with you. As well as a collection of engineering puns.You leaving isn’t great. You were our alloy. We truss-ted you to stay. Like a tensile test machine, you are increasing our stress. The resultant of your decision has left us in despair. But that is only because you provided the foundation of what we learn everyday sitting on those stools in that engineering class room. You were

I would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, and would like to pay my respects to the traditional custodians of this land, of elders past and present, on which this event takes place.

I would also like to pay my respects to engineering teachers both past and present, and the engineered structures we meet on today. To many of you Mr Osland was known as the relieving principal, or just “Osdog”, but to us he was our engineering teacher, a teacher of one of the only classes that can use the principal’s office as a classroom, and yet, our measly class of seven often dwindled even more with one student’s regular “sickness”. We’ve been through many excursions together from the engine of your Tarago to the power lines at Petersham station. We’ve seen teachers admire you, often offering you coffee in the car park, while we hold the same respect for your creative teaching. You have truly broken the stereotype of introverted engineers sitting at an office crunching numbers all day long.

Although all our lessons were awesome, Harvey has decided to share his most memorable one.The lesson started out in your office and we were learning about electron flow through a wire when you happened to ask the class if everyone knew what a toaster was and how it worked. Unfortunately, I embarrassingly put up my hand claiming that I have never seen this mystical artefact that was known as a toaster. We all saw your surprised reaction which followed, but I was the only one that saw the disappointment in your eyes. You went to get the toaster, a treasure in the staff kitchen and set it up in the spotlight of the table next to me. As the wires of the toaster began to warm, so did my heart. One of my life goals had been fulfilled; I had witnessed the simplicity yet practical application of a toaster: that a few heating wires had the potential to do so much, toast bread to a light orange, crispy brown or even burn it.

always there supporting us. You always had structure to your lessons. You were always willing to give us more material. When our results were rock-bottom, you lifted us up and gave us potential. At times, we were all torque, no traction, at other times we were very dense; we were a heavy load to bear, but you put in the effort. And when you made us put in the work, we went the distance. This is nothing new, you’ll be our 4th engineering teacher to leave us in the past 2 years. We’re beginning to see a pattern. You were probably up there in the “Best Dressed Teacher” category, with bonus points for consistency, so I’m sure the runner-up is ecstatic to hear you’re leaving. For us, not so much, but let that be a measure of how much you taught us. You were the rope to our pulley, the wings on our fuselage. PVA for Balsa. It will be difficult, but we didn’t take the subject because it was easy. We won’t forget you. We won’t forget what you’ve taught us. We will manage. Trust us, we’re engineers. On behalf of all of your students - thank you for bearing with us.

...So beautiful. Who knew that a simple engineering lesson could so quickly turn into a life lesson?

We are truly saddened by your leaving to Chatswood High School and we know you’ll never forget us especially when we beat James Ruse in the HSC. We would like to thank you for all the good times we’ve had in the past half year and would like to propose a toaster to the future where you continue to creatively inspire a generation of students, and where we carry your enthusiasm for the subject.

FAREWELL TO MATTHEW DOPIERALA

FAREWELL TO DAVID OSLANDKEVIN ZHU, LUKE SIMMONDS AND HARVEY LING

FAREWELL SPEECHES


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YEAR REPORTS

My first year advising the Class of 2021 has been really rewarding. It has been an honour to meet and gradually get to know each student, see their talents and share in their experiences as they become Fortians. I look forward to the next five years.

There has never been a better time to be in Year 7 at Fort Street. This year’s group have quickly joined in the school’s tradition of forging their own style; that being active, vibrant and clever. Year 7 first showed off their active and colourful selves at the Welcome Dance where students threw off their shyness, strutting their stuff with energetic enthusiasm. Shortly afterwards, they continued their active enthusiasm at camp where they overcame both physical and metaphoric obstacle courses, to make new friends and even discover each student’s unique talent, such as Hayden’s belly rolling or Liam’s martial arts moves. During the Look Up week, Year 7 students put down their devices and picked up new activities with Quidditch being a particular favourite. From this, students began the most epic games of tip ever played in Fort Street, with seemingly most of 7F involved in games spanning the entire school grounds. Year 7 also showed a particularly unique vibrancy. They joined up choirs and music bands and chess clubs and robot clubs showing their multi talents and interests. In particular, vibrant students joined the Charity Committee and worked well to provide valuable support to Stewart House. Marley also showed particular vibrancy through her various choices of socks. In being clever, Year 7 showed particular skill. As a year group they came first in the NSW in the Australian History Competition and third overall in Australia. Throughout the year, an extraordinary number of students received awards in recognition assemblies, reflecting their academic ability across all subjects. In this I was immensely proud and full of praise for their efforts.

YEAR 7 REPORTHUGH O’NEILL


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various water slides and down the toboggan. The time has arrived for Year 8s to graduate from Stage 4 and to enter the ‘middle school’ years. They have now selected their electives and this is their chance to excel in the core areas of study, as well as specialising in those subjects that they have chosen. I will continue to challenge them to make the most of these opportunities. As usual, I’m certain that they will surpass my expectations. It’s been a pleasure to be involved with Year 8 this year. They have well and truly settled into high school, now it’s time to take their ‘personal best’ even further in anything they participate in at the Fort!

Congratulations, Year 8! You have managed to exceed my expectations in the way that you’ve achieved across an enormously wide range of academic and extra-curricular activities. This year I have observed each of you mature and settle into Fort Street extremely well.I would like to thank Simon Pike, the assistant Year Advisor, for having supported myself and each of the Year 8s this year. Together we have observed so many of them excel academically in course work, a wide array of competitions, in the sporting arena and in countless other areas. Be it in debating, the robotics team, the IMP or grade sport, enthusiastic spirit came through. Reading the various accounts of their pursuits and successes in this publication makes me a very proud Year Advisor. Pleasingly, the civic minded nature of Year 8 was demonstrated when they participated in the Seven Bridges Walk raising $23,470 for the Cancer Council. Year 8 Fortians were the highest fundraising team in the event, more than $11 000 ahead of the second-placed team. There were three Fortians in the top 12 individual fundraisers. The tenacity of all participants in the team was admirable as they trudged through the 28km course on that warm Sunday in October. Special mention needs to be made to the Year 8 members of the Student Representative Council. These include Kayla Chan, Luca Ittimani, Cecilia Maddox, Steven Meng, Jason Philip, Ameira Sant, Rory Stewart and Connie Wong. Remember, they are the democratically elected representatives and that they are the first port of call if anyone has ideas for projects or to elicit change around the school. Without doubt one of the most fun days of the year was the visit to Jamberoo Recreation Park. The two hour commute was forgotten once the Year 8s were let loose in the wave pool, on the

YEAR 8 REPORTRODNEY CARRIT


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surprised by the lack of food poisoning that followed.Year 9 also had the chance to prove their fundraising mettle at Legacy Day this year when they faced fierce rains and busy strangers to raise an impressive $23,178 to support war veterans and the families of those whose lives have been lost. Excursions to supplement subject learning took Year 9 abroad, from a decommissioned quarantine station in Manly to urban renewal sites in Barangaroo. When approached by members of the public during these sojourns I would be worried at first that they had not been charmed by the cohort’s eclectic mix of personalities. However, they invariably wished only to express how impressed they were with the manners and positive attitude displayed by these students. I could only agree, and now I look forward to seeing how these Fortians continue to grow and what they accomplish in 2017.

Year 9 cohort have taken multiple opportunities to flourish and engage with their interests and those of their peers, whether they be academic or social in nature. Although it has been a more tumultuous year for them, they have nevertheless leveraged confidence and compassion to support themselves and their compatriots with their learning and wellbeing. A solid foundation of comradery was on display during end-of-year events such as the belated BBQ picnic, the History Dance and the SRC Talent Quest.

Leadership skills and problem-solving strategies were developed during Peer Support training sessions at the Year 9 camp. This skillset was most evident during the campfire of the first night, wherein a group of intrepid students (pictured) attempted to cook a kilo of lamb instead of just the customary marshmallows. Staff were pleasantly

YEAR 9 REPORTTIM HASENBEIN


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This year, year 10 competed against numerous schools in the Zone Soccer Competition. Every Tuesday we played intense games against schools such as Burwood Girls High, Concord Girls High and Hunters Hill High. We made it through to grand finals in the game against Burwood Girls. In the end we beat them with a score of 1-3 which lead us to winning the whole competition. The Year 10 Charity Committee was actively involved in numerous charities outside of school such as Beyond Blue. Beyond Blue is an Australian, independent non-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety disorders and related mental disorders. We organised an event that raised awareness about mental health and collected over $1200 for Beyond Blue. The Environmental Committee is a committee run by year 10 students. This committee has been making a lot of progress this year such as organising a Recycle Day where people brought in their lunches in which plastic was not allowed. This included plastic sandwich bags, plastic forks, plastic plates etc. The Environmental Committee has also been involved in a project that will be finished next year. This project involves cultivating a vegetable garden which will be used for various activities near the school. The vegetable garden will be located near the water tanks below the Cohen Building. The committee has also been working on creating a working compost bin so that food scraps such as vegetables and fruit waste from student lunches can be used to benefit the environment.Volleyball has been a major part of year 10 this year. A team that consisted of Zachary, Winston, Nathan, Kejia, Jordan, Daniel W, Daniel G and Kevin participated in the Volleyball Schools Cup. Through numerous volleyball tournaments they fought their way through victory and they came 3rd in the whole competition wining a Bronze medal.

The rule of “third time lucky” most definitely held true for the Year 10 camp as it has been the best so far, it was held at Point Wolstoncroft two hours north of Sydney. The primary purpose of the camp was to allow Year 10 to cover the Crossroads course. However we also had the opportunity to participate in a large range of activities including archery, giant swing, high ropes, kayaking, sailing, swimming and rock climbing. The main cause of the success of the camp was the ease with which the cohort could talk and communicate with each other.

YEAR 10 REPORTVANESSA LAM


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This year has been another busy one for Year 11. With only three terms to complete the Preliminary course, students were focused and committed to their senior studies.

For the year 11 peer support leaders, their initial task was to guide our new year 7 students through their first weeks as Fortians. This included attending the year 7 camp at Stanwell Tops. The students led the groups in team building activities and fun challenges and did the year group proud in their ability to lead.

Throughout the year Ms. Thompson, Ms. Arcamone, Ms. Salisbury and I have worked closely with the group to develop skills and strategies to better prepare them for the pressures of senior study. The students participated in a study skills session with Elevate and then had seminars on different topics to address wellbeing and resilience. A variety of these programs continued through the year during our regular year meetings including a lovely meditation session, in which all 170 of the students were in total silence for a full five minutes!

In term 2, the year 11 Drama students made the year group proud, showcasing their exceptional talent in the Senior Production; Our Town. Fort Street Festival happened soon after that, and our year 11 SRC leaders, as well as

YEAR 11 REPORTCAROLYN MATTICK

numerous leaders of different charities and advocacy groups contributed to this vital, community building event.

The charity committee have worked tirelessly this year in their support of their chosen charity; Red Kite which provides support for young people living with cancer. Their dedication and passion for this cause was symbolic of the maturity and great leadership that has been evident in the year group as a whole.

2016 has seen the year 11's clearly taking their place as the leaders of the community. They have matured and galvanised their bonds as a year group, which has resulted in so many amazing achievements and student led initiatives. There has been a clear shift in their approach to their learning and there is a great sense of maturity, positive momentum and connectedness to their learning as they have begun the HSC course in term 4.

It has yet again been a great honour to be the year advisors for this group of exceptional students and the current dedication these students have exhibited to their schooling bodes very well as we head towards our last year together at the Fort.


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llo, P

enny

Sch

lam

, Cel

ia B

atist

a, R

owen

a Pe

nnim

ent,

Lina

El-D

eiri,

Mel

issa

Tid

onT

hird

Row

: C

arol

ine

Fent

oulli

s, Je

nny

Xu,

Alis

sa T

an, C

hrist

ine

Hum

phry

s, Te

ng F

ei D

ong,

Pet

a H

arpe

r, A

lliso

n W

oodl

ey, C

hris

Ega

n, R

hian

na B

lake

, Cla

re C

otto

n, Ji

ll R

yan,

Mar

jan

McK

eoug

h, L

oi T

ran

Four

th R

ow:

Kel

lorin

Lon

g, Jo

hn O

ckw

ell,

The

o Le

ondi

os, R

icha

rd S

trau

ss, C

arol

yn M

attic

k, H

ugh

O'N

eill,

Dav

id C

artw

right

, Ken

Gill

espi

e, G

abrie

l Guy

, Am

elia

Ker

r, K

ylie

Sal

isbur

y, D

iann

e D

ebre

czen

iF

ifth

Row

: Jo

hn d

e B

res,

Tom

Hoe

kstr

a, S

enid

a K

rcic

, Noa

h M

else

r, Si

mon

Pik

e, T

im H

asen

bein

, Mat

thew

Man

ches

ter,

Jam

es W

right

, Ted

Bay

asSi

xth

Row

: Sh

ane

Fisc

her,

Rob

bie

Beg

g, P

eter

Van

de

Hoe

k, R

od C

arrit

t, Pa

ul B

arto

n, S

teph

en A

sher

, Gre

gor R

oss

Abs

ent:

Mar

k C

oulst

on, M

artin

Cox

, Mar

k E

gan,

Hila

ire F

rase

r, B

ryan

Hal

l, C

arol

yn Je

rrem

s, C

laire

Ken

dall,

Jean

Kid

d, Z

orka

Lac

man

ovic

, Am

elia

Law

son,

Bill

Lio

utas

, Ann

ette

Mio

t, A

lissa

Nas

ti, H

ugh

O’N

eill,

Don

na P

adro

th, B

rett

Scov

ell,

Pete

r Scu

dds,

Den

ise S

loss

, Mar

y St

amou

los,

Edd

ie T

ran,

Sal

i Woo

dhou

se


7372

Year

7

Seat

ed R

ow:

Sere

na N

guye

n, A

biga

il W

ong,

Tan

ya N

guye

n, Je

an H

inch

liffe

, Xin

Wen

g, C

arm

en O

ssim

itz, K

im N

guye

n, Je

nnife

r Bui

, Jes

sica

Lova

tt, S

asch

a C

rane

y, M

eg Im

ogen

Rav

en, Y

uexu

an S

arah

Son

g, A

nna

Ngu

yen,

Chr

istin

a Le

e, S

tella

Sha

rwoo

d, C

athe

rine

Ngu

yen,

Nin

a N

guye

n, V

icto

ria T

ruon

g, P

hoeb

e Li

m, A

ngel

ica

Wils

on, A

shle

y Lu

Seco

nd R

ow:

Shrih

ari A

mirt

halin

gam

, Lia

m Y

oung

, Bar

naby

Jam

es O

'Kee

fe, J

amie

Ten

nent

, Pau

l Ngu

yen,

Nam

sem

i Lim

bu, R

icha

rdso

n Li

, Ilh

a Ju

ng, A

lexa

nder

Tho

mps

on, N

atha

n D

anie

l Ngu

yen,

Har

dik

Shar

ma,

Juha

Nar

imat

su, P

ei H

ung

Yang

, Mat

thew

Lam

, Tim

Bre

w, G

ary

Liu,

A

dhira

j Sen

, Aid

en L

eong

, Kes

hav

Dog

ra, M

arsh

all F

anT

hird

Row

: C

aitli

n Sh

owyi

n, Ju

vela

Tan

, Tyl

a Yo

ung,

Lea

nn Z

hian

-E N

g, S

hira

Gre

ssel

-Kei

ch, L

ara

Nie

to, J

essic

a N

guye

n, S

hrey

a B

hatta

rai,

Jihye

on M

oon,

Jade

Leu

ng, C

oryd

alis

Leun

g, Je

nnife

r Dan

g, L

aura

Moe

, Mah

ima

Meh

ta, E

rica

Liu,

Ash

ley

Saip

aia,

Man

die

Teoh

, Jill

Vu,

C

harlo

tte G

raha

m, D

oree

n Z

hao,

Mar

ia N

guye

nFo

urth

Row

: M

anit

Ana

nd, C

leav

on Y

oung

, Ash

vin

Bal

aram

an, J

ack

Mur

oyam

a, A

lan

He,

Yun

Seok

Yan

g, M

ateo

Bas

kara

n, T

yran

Ngu

yen,

Doo

won

Kim

, Seb

astia

n Sp

ina,

Cha

rlie

Orc

hard

, Der

ekR

ui K

uang

, Sam

uel Y

oung

, Lin

ye W

u, P

atric

k H

uang

, Jac

ob Jo

seph

, Ath

shan

Rah

man

, A

ndre

w S

un, K

aran

Bha

sin, B

enja

min

Alp

ert

Fift

h R

ow:

Che

lsea

Hoa

ng, M

arle

y D

onal

d, P

hoeb

e R

osse

r, Lo

la R

ose

Van

Ove

rdam

, Anj

a C

laus

ius,

Kel

ly Y

u, E

lean

or M

cLeo

d, H

ayde

n Fa

rley,

Suiy

ang

Qiu

, Ale

xand

ra K

ilham

, Ely

sia C

astil

lo, M

adel

eine

Gris

ard,

Ella

Eas

ton,

Kar

en L

uo, C

henq

i Zha

ng, Y

uqin

g C

hen,

Mal

eeka

Pr

abha

kar,

Aly

ssa

Koi

t, A

va C

orey

Sixt

h R

ow:

Vin

o Je

evak

an, R

aagu

l Sel

vara

jah,

Hon

gyu

Zho

ng, W

illia

m G

uan-

Ru

Cho

u, T

hom

as C

anna

ne, J

ason

Hu,

Will

iam

Wu,

Max

wel

l Car

ter,

Sora

O'D

wye

r, B

alaj

i May

uran

, Noa

h H

addo

n, H

enry

Car

mod

y, O

scar

Iwas

, Bow

en C

heng

, Dev

on A

rli, T

ian

Fu, P

rana

v R

ao, H

ayde

n Pa

sfiel

dSe

vent

h R

ow:

Felix

Atk

inB

olto

n, Jo

rdan

Mai

, Kob

i Bec

kett,

Yi T

ian

Zou

, Edw

ard

Coo

per,

Eric

Li,

Ji H

o (D

anie

l) Le

e, L

uca

Cau

s, N

icho

las

Zha

o, Jo

nty

War

d-G

emm

ell,

Car

lo F

amul

aro,

Dan

iel K

huu,

Jeon

ghoo

n Ya

ng, Y

az M

urab

en, M

artin

Vu,

Jona

than

Dan

gE

ight

h R

ow:

Osc

ar Z

irn, G

us E

vans

, Bria

n N

han,

Clin

ton

Tran

g, Ja

son

Rui

Ma,

Ber

ny Y

an, E

van

Yi F

eng

Jiao,

Oliv

er M

artin

, Jac

k C

olem

an, H

unte

r Eds

on, K

abila

n T

ibur

tius,

Mer

vin

Hao

, Yas

h A

garw

alA

bsen

t: X

avie

r Coo

ney,

Tash

didu

l Isla

m, R

ose

Scar

lis, D

anie

l Wan

g, D

ai L

ing

Zhu

Year

Adv

iser

s: M

s C

arol

ine

Fent

oulli

s, M

r Hug

h O

'Nei

ll


7372

Year

8

Seat

ed R

ow:

Car

men

Wen

, Ang

ela

Lin,

Li-Y

u Li

n, A

my

Bao

Pha

m, C

hrist

ine

Ngu

yen,

Tiff

any

Tie

u, S

arah

Bog

e, L

ily R

ober

tson

, Cec

ilia

Mad

dox,

Julia

n Fu

, Ang

elin

a Ph

am, C

heyl

on D

evin

e, M

illa

Hol

t, A

mel

ie S

kelto

n, Ja

smin

You

ng, C

onni

e W

ong,

Jenn

ifer N

guye

n, S

asha

Men

des,

Felic

ity C

harls

, Dhu

vara

ha B

ahee

rath

an, S

hirle

y W

uSe

cond

Row

: Jo

nath

on K

elle

y, M

ax C

ollin

gwoo

d, M

icha

el C

hiu,

Edm

und

Der

wen

t, Ja

son

Phili

p, M

atth

ew H

uang

, Rya

n Le

e, R

apha

el T

aib,

Len

nie

Nea

gle-

Mill

ar, S

am N

guye

n, T

omo

Seba

stia

n Ta

rran

t, M

icha

el S

mith

, Eric

Tra

n, Ja

mes

Ngu

yen,

Luc

a It

timan

i, N

eon

Kha

nal,

Will

iam

Sh

ao, M

atth

ew Y

oung

, Jas

on D

an, M

atth

ew T

ran

Thi

rd R

ow:

Car

olin

e Jia

ng, F

lora

Ye,

Lea

h Z

heng

, Ang

elin

a Le

e, X

ia X

uan

(Ang

ela)

Shi

, Sab

ine

Chi

n-Lo

we,

Mill

ie H

ai, A

lana

Hod

zic,

Cry

stal

Pha

m, V

edik

a G

oel,

Sabr

ina

Pham

, Yun

shu

Dai

, Cris

tina

Kop

rinsk

i, D

aphn

e A

u, In

dia

Trew

eek,

Trin

ity N

g, N

icol

e Li

u, O

live

Lene

han

Cho

o, K

aren

Shi

, Ang

el S

enth

ilnat

han,

Esz

ter C

oom

bsFo

urth

Row

: N

atha

n M

u, E

than

Cho

w, G

uang

Rui

Xu,

Zau

Lap

hai,

Will

iam

Fan

g, M

inh

Le, B

ridge

t Gar

d, E

lle N

go, J

enni

fer S

hu, K

ayla

Cha

n, E

llen

Cur

rie, A

mei

ra S

ant,

Lara

Van

ce, J

essic

a Yo

on, A

ntho

ny K

ha, M

icha

el S

eber

ry, D

anie

l Jiin

Par

k, G

eorg

e Z

heng

, Jos

hua

Lien

-Le,

A

iden

Du

Fift

h R

ow:

Cal

vin

Zhe

n X

u, V

icto

r Tan

g, ,

Stev

en M

eng,

Zi H

ong

Fan,

Nic

olas

Li,

Wen

Qi Z

hang

, Kev

in Z

he, E

lton

Zho

u, Ju

lius

Faith

, Woo

hee

Han

, Joo

n K

won

, Ale

xand

er W

ang,

Zho

u Y

u, K

ian

Tho

rnle

y, B

enja

min

Par

k, D

omin

ic E

ngla

nd, T

hom

as S

teve

ns, S

arva

m K

hann

aSi

xth

Row

: W

aeyl

in P

an, Y

in F

u, Ja

cky

Liu,

Sai

Thi

veya

vel S

akth

ivel

, Gav

in X

u, R

ong

Che

n, B

huva

n Se

nthi

l, Ja

den

Whi

te, J

ack

Will

iam

s, A

rtem

Syd

oren

ko, B

ryan

Le,

Max

wel

l Tos

ello

, Aid

an L

imni

os, J

amie

Tra

n, H

ao-R

ong

Leun

g, N

icho

las

Cha

n, Ja

yden

Do,

Kie

ran

Mui

Seve

nth

Row

: B

rahm

Sof

ta, J

ason

Ni,

Finn

Kirk

, Hua

Che

ng, J

ustin

Kin

Che

ung,

Tho

mas

Mei

, Joh

n To

wns

end,

Gab

riel T

hien

, Nik

ita U

klad

chik

ov, W

inst

on L

am, Y

iJun

Zou

, Oliv

er E

dste

in, A

lexa

nder

La,

Sco

tt Tr

ung

Ngh

ia L

e, L

aksh

ya V

erm

aE

ight

h R

ow:

Phill

ip S

huru

pov,

Ale

xand

er V

ojvo

dic,

Ale

xand

er E

pps,

Mac

kenz

ie W

ise, B

enja

min

Ham

er, L

uca

Cha

rlier

, Isa

ac B

road

head

, Ror

y St

ewar

t, A

nson

Lee

, Tas

man

Elw

ig P

ollo

ck, J

ason

Jia

Jun

Song

, Alis

tair

Mac

Don

ald,

Hen

ry Z

hou

Abs

ent:

Ans

on C

heng

, Ahm

ed D

eena

n, L

iang

Hai

Jim

my

Fan,

Dan

ny N

guye

n, A

rtur

Nur

iev,

Der

ek S

ae-J

ong

Year

Adv

iser

s: M

r Sim

on P

ike,

Mr R

od C

arrit

t


7574

Year

9

Seat

ed R

ow:

Sara

h Tr

an, K

aren

Xue

, Chl

oe T

ran,

Vik

nesh

war

i Kad

iress

ane,

Nia

mh

Elli

ott-B

renn

an, R

ache

l Siu

, Den

ise L

in, M

arle

na S

tanh

ope,

You

n Ja

e Le

e, S

unyo

ung

Hw

ang,

Jiab

o Su

n, B

onni

e Z

han,

Cat

herin

e Tr

an, S

imra

n K

athu

ria, L

aven

der L

in, T

racy

Qin

, Lily

Lam

, Min

Kim

, Ja

cque

line

Raw

son,

Yes

ung

Cho

Seco

nd R

ow:

Yu

Wer

n C

hoo,

Mat

thew

Lau

, Mon

ash

Sapk

ota,

Eric

Zhe

ng, J

ustin

Shu

, Run

kai H

ong,

Luc

a Tr

opea

, Vic

tor Y

ang,

Aid

an M

artin

, Bre

ndon

Cai

, Sam

uel X

u, R

ohin

Son

i, B

arry

Li,

Paul

Vu,

Has

ibul

Ala

m, J

ustin

Pha

n, Ju

stin

Wu,

Fel

ix T

ran,

Nic

hola

s U

tojo

, Yua

nhao

Liu

Thi

rd R

ow:

Bon

nie

Hua

ng, R

ena

Gao

, Ste

lla L

ee, E

mily

Yu,

Ang

ie K

huu,

Mav

is Ya

u, Jo

cely

n H

u, S

teph

anie

Won

g, L

ucy

Bai

ley,

Gla

mm

a C

hen,

Kyu

Lee

, Mic

helle

Yan

g, G

race

Sha

n, Y

erin

Kim

, Elo

ise K

ersh

ler,

Ang

ela

Ha,

Jacq

uely

n H

uang

, Yun

-Jun

g H

wan

g, K

risty

Yea

ts, B

etty

C

hen,

Aar

ohi T

anaw

ade

Four

th R

ow:

Jess

ica

Song

, Haz

el D

uwen

beck

, Erli

n Li

, Ros

emar

y H

earn

e, L

ariss

a Ya

ng, E

ileen

Wu,

Erin

Ash

ley,

Ale

xand

er M

ead,

Leo

n St

okes

, Yol

ana

Trus

cott,

Ash

ley

Cha

llino

r, R

yan

Rob

erts

, Nic

hola

s M

ok, S

ofia

Lock

e, G

emm

a H

into

n, N

icol

e N

go, V

ivia

n Z

hang

, Tar

a Lu

ckoc

k,

Cha

ntel

le Jo

hnst

one,

Cai

tlin

Long

Fift

h R

ow:

Seba

stia

n C

hen,

Hal

il A

slan,

Alla

n Z

hou,

Jack

y M

ei, H

a-ra

m W

oo, J

oshu

a Q

uek,

Ray

mon

d Ph

am, A

ndre

as P

apad

opou

los,

Ant

hony

Men

eguz

zo, C

aleb

Vuk

ovic

, Han

if V

asta

ni, H

ugo

Gile

s, D

zan

Au,

Sun

gIn

Cho

, Sun

ny W

ang,

Lia

m G

raha

m, A

lek

Spas

ovsk

i, Z

i Sha

n Pa

ng, A

aron

Rah

ardj

aSi

xth

Row

: R

icky

Mai

, Eth

an K

oit,

Eric

Den

g, R

ober

t Har

t, M

atth

ew N

guye

n, D

enni

s X

u, B

rian

Lee,

Will

iam

Huy

nh, A

llen

Zi Z

eng,

Aid

an S

heils

, Jul

ian

Will

iam

s-K

elly,

Dan

iel H

on, K

elvi

n Tr

inh,

Geo

rgio

Haw

i, T

hu H

tet M

aw, J

onat

han

Lai,

Oliv

er R

euca

ssel

, Max

wel

l Tes

orie

roSe

vent

h R

ow:

Har

rison

Prit

char

d, S

unil

Jass

al, M

ali W

oods

, Pau

l Cho

i, Z

izhu

o Z

hang

, DaW

ei F

u, Z

hen

Jia, N

icho

las

And

rese

n, Jo

han

Kim

, Jay

vier

Ng,

Dav

id L

in, H

ugo

Deg

otar

di, D

ylan

Pet

rozz

i, O

scar

Cho

ng, D

anny

Lai

Eig

hth

Row

: Pa

tric

k W

u, W

eiyi

Xu,

Dav

id H

oang

, Aid

an E

lwig

Pol

lock

, Ton

y D

ing,

Yun

tao

Jiang

, Jul

ien

Parr

y, M

axw

ell B

enne

tt, Iv

an L

i, C

hrist

ian

Bur

rello

, Fin

nega

n C

ollin

s, Fr

ank

Jia, D

anie

l Wan

g, N

emo

Gag

eA

bsen

t: H

umph

rey

Guo

, Aar

thi M

uvva

, Risa

Ots

uka-

Coo

per

Year

Adv

iser

s: M

r Tim

Has

enbe

in, M

r Pet

er V

an d

e H

oek


7574

Year

10

Seat

ed R

ow:

Tia

na T

sang

Ung

, Sru

thi S

upriy

a, K

a Y

i (K

itty)

Ton

g, Y

uxia

o H

ong,

Sam

anth

a C

hia,

Eva

lena

Chi

las,

Mic

helle

Che

ung,

Aav

a A

dhik

ari,

Yua

nrui

Zha

ng, Y

uanw

ei Z

hang

, Alis

on K

ing,

Yue

t On

Lee,

Dal

ena

Ly, A

licia

Gao

, Soo

Hyu

n Le

e, W

yman

Won

g, C

laud

ia N

guye

n,

Em

ily M

ai N

guye

n, K

atrin

a C

han,

Sam

anth

a H

wan

g, T

am V

uSe

cond

Row

: Jo

shua

Lam

, Dan

iel Z

hi G

uo, W

illia

m L

i, R

icha

rd Q

uach

, Mat

thew

Tie

u, S

kyle

r Zou

, Mar

tin D

eng,

Loc

hlan

Cho

w, N

atha

n C

ao, V

ince

nt L

in, S

cott

Lin,

Luc

ky Z

han,

Kev

in T

ran,

Bru

no W

u, G

ia L

uong

, Ric

hard

Tra

ng, J

ason

Dan

g, Jo

hnny

Qua

n, M

arcu

s Ly

, Ale

x G

uan

Thi

rd R

ow:

Aili

sh C

ampb

ell,

Em

ma

Doa

n, E

lif H

alic

i, E

ileen

Li,

Eric

ka K

oit,

Mar

ina

Li, I

mog

en M

aros

z, A

uror

a M

uir,

Ren

ee X

ie, R

ena

Den

g, C

laire

Fan

, Ann

e D

illon

, Tin

a C

hen,

Lau

ren

Ber

g, R

ebec

ca G

ismon

do, A

da Q

iu, V

anes

sa L

am, V

ivia

n Jin

, Sop

hia

Sun,

Ann

alie

se

McG

uirk

, Chr

ysta

l Lin

Four

th R

ow:

Ale

xand

er C

oom

bs, J

ustin

Ly,

Sai N

ehal

Nuk

ala,

Win

ston

Sun

, Ian

Die

p, M

ina

Brc

ic, F

arra

h Li

n, Y

u C

heng

Rac

hel Z

hang

, Ang

ela

Men

eguz

zo, S

hirle

y Z

hou,

Ang

ela

Fang

, Che

rry

Qiru

i Wan

g, G

race

Che

n, A

nna

Ston

e-St

acy,

Yasm

in K

irk, E

ric M

inh

Phan

, Dav

id T

ing,

K

elvi

n H

ua, A

ntho

ny N

guye

n, E

dwar

d Ya

ngF

ifth

Row

: G

ihan

Per

era,

Joha

n A

nnon

, Edm

und

Feng

, An

Le T

ran,

Ste

phen

Low

e, A

aron

Win

ata,

Bra

dley

Den

g, K

evin

Zhu

o, W

illia

m W

ang,

Ow

en T

ang,

Kev

in X

uan,

Chr

is C

heng

, Mic

hael

Che

n, O

scar

Mar

tin, J

ustin

Wen

g, R

apha

el M

uran

ty, R

icha

rd L

y, Si

mon

Tan

g, V

ince

nt

Che

nSi

xth

Row

: A

lan

Vie

n, D

amia

n Fe

ng, Z

acha

ry S

omy,

And

rew

Li,

Leon

ardo

Fan

, Dan

iel N

guye

n, L

iam

Vo,

Will

iam

Ma,

Sea

n Ya

o, M

orris

Chu

n K

i Che

ng, E

ric L

y, Ta

o Z

heng

, Abh

inan

dan

Kho

sla, F

rank

Su,

Dan

te A

rthu

r Bur

n, D

harm

esh

Des

ai, J

ames

Trip

ovic

h G

reen

, Erw

en

Zha

oSe

vent

h R

ow:

Tia

n Fe

ng, C

ole

John

son,

Elij

ah L

ee, M

atth

ew C

hen,

Mos

s T

heo

Bel

l Joh

nsto

n, Jo

rdan

She

n, M

ax X

ue, O

llie

Cha

ng, K

eJia

Li,

Phill

ip Ji

an, D

anie

l War

k, Jo

hn B

ivel

l, Ju

lian

Van

Ger

wen

, Jer

emy

Chh

or, J

oshu

a Jo

, Edw

in T

ang,

Lac

hlan

Pur

vis

Eig

hth

Row

: C

assiu

s H

opki

ns, A

dria

n M

ok, J

ason

Hua

ng, E

than

He,

Dom

inic

Sm

ith, J

amie

Che

ng, A

dam

Stu

art,

Har

ry B

rook

, Luk

e M

agee

, Rah

el S

ahni

, Ale

xand

er M

igda

lias,

Adr

ian

Cas

tillo

, Edw

ard

Kw

agA

bsen

t: E

than

Won

gYe

ar A

dvis

er:

Mr J

ohn

de B

res


7776

Year

11

Seat

ed R

ow:

Ath

ena

Lee,

Van

essa

Xu,

A-J

in K

im, H

attie

Shu

Hua

, Kar

ina

Bui

, Hyo

Bin

An,

Um

a C

houd

hury

, Lea

nne

Tran

, Kyl

ie Z

hang

, Bon

nie

Pak

Ou,

Ang

ela

Zha

, Ste

phan

ie T

ran,

Reg

ina

Wan

g, H

illar

y Tr

an, M

onic

a Tr

an, V

anes

sa X

ia, A

nkita

Rao

, Mon

ica

Thu

Tra

n, L

ilian

Wan

g,

Shab

rina

Yus

ri, B

onita

Che

n, N

atal

ie Ji

ang,

Ang

ela

Zhe

ngSe

cond

Row

: D

awnl

icity

Cha

rls, D

oree

n Z

heng

, Rac

hel L

i, V

icto

ria Z

heng

, Jes

sica

Kim

, Oliv

ia L

e K

hac,

Isab

ella

Don

g, R

acha

el H

wan

g, Je

ssic

a B

oyle

y, E

mm

a Si

lwan

is, S

ylvi

a Li

, Min

nie

Kim

, Syl

via

Lim

, Bria

nna

Wils

on, Z

oe R

ober

tson

, Har

riet E

aste

rbro

ok, M

adel

eine

Huy

nh, L

ucill

ia

Lam

, Ana

stas

ia C

ao, M

abel

le D

uong

, Tiff

any

Ju, E

mily

Hen

ders

on, V

ivia

n Tr

uong

, Gra

cia

Clif

ford

Thi

rd R

ow:

Joy

LI, D

avid

Sul

isto,

Nic

hola

s N

guye

n, K

evin

Zhu

, Jus

tin W

ong,

Lin

coln

Hoa

ng-L

inh

Ngo

, Jus

tin C

heah

, Pat

rick

Ngu

yen,

Hyu

nbin

Kim

, Den

nis

Tha

nh D

o, H

aoha

n G

uo, H

ans

Cho

y, T

hien

-An

Pham

, Boy

uan

Lian

g, G

iaco

mo

Deg

otar

di, D

avid

Duc

Du,

Pat

rick

Lee,

A

ntho

ny K

wee

Kar

taw

arda

na, N

hat H

uy D

ang,

Ivan

Hei

Chu

, Bra

ndon

Won

g, S

imin

g H

an, S

elin

a Z

hang

Four

th R

ow:

Dan

ny Z

hao,

And

rew

He,

Sam

uel L

i, H

arve

y Li

ng, T

hom

as Jo

nes,

Hen

ry W

en, M

artin

Lia

ng, J

ames

Wig

gins

, Jas

on Iu

s, A

idan

Will

iam

s, A

lana

Toh

ko T

arra

nt, A

rielle

Atk

inB

olto

n, E

noch

Sim

, Jer

emy

Lim

, Mitc

hell

Cla

yton

, Jer

ry X

iong

, Jim

Lon

g N

g, D

avid

Pha

n Lu

ong,

O

tto K

hoo,

Ked

aran

San

thak

umar

, Zho

ng C

hen,

Ter

ry H

uynh

Fift

h R

ow:

Dan

ny F

eng,

Edw

in L

am, O

scar

Lua

n, A

thyb

an K

uman

an, A

ntho

ny T

ran,

Ow

en S

ilver

, Leo

n B

eare

, Jam

es M

oran

O'D

onne

ll, R

uari

Cam

pbel

l, A

rthu

r Zha

ng, B

ill L

am, J

orda

n W

oods

, Mar

cello

Nei

lson,

Edd

ison

Lian

g, A

ustin

Kim

, Jay

den

Vie

t Ngu

yen,

Will

iam

K

inm

ont,

Ada

m K

im, R

yan

Kim

, Jia

Xi L

u, R

icha

rd S

hiSi

xth

Row

: C

onor

O'N

eill,

Mar

cus

Cha

n, B

enja

min

Gra

ham

, Hen

ry L

ee, G

abrie

l Bes

wic

k, S

amue

l Mar

tin, E

ric D

ai, M

inh

Cam

, Jef

fers

on L

ee, G

ordo

n X

ie, J

im Ji

ng T

ang,

Will

iam

Cao

, Cha

rles

Boy

d, R

owan

Lem

bit,

Osc

ar C

owde

ry L

ack,

Sam

uel F

alzo

n, A

ndre

w S

teve

nson

, Cur

tis

God

frey

, Dan

iel Y

ang,

Jam

es L

uoSe

vent

h R

ow:

Beh

zad

Pier

zad,

Shi

chen

Mao

, Luk

e Si

mm

onds

, Jam

es H

ong,

Yeu

n (Ja

son)

Kim

, Cha

ng M

in H

er, J

in L

ee, X

inga

o Le

, Vic

tor T

sang

, Gor

don

Xu,

Han

s Su

n, Je

ffre

y Lu

, Viv

ek M

ishra

, Dar

run

Sure

shku

mar

, Ben

jam

in S

trom

Col

lins,

Geo

ffre

y N

i, Jia

rui L

u, Z

he M

ing

Wu

(Jam

es) W

u, S

amee

r Jas

sal

Eig

hth

Row

: D

iren

Goo

nase

kera

, Sam

uel A

lexa

nder

-Prid

eaux

, Lin

us U

rban

ik, J

ason

Lin

, Joh

n Li

u, S

eam

us K

irk, E

ason

Xia

, Ji W

oo Ju

ng, O

liver

Loc

ke, R

ex C

ollin

, Alv

in C

heng

, Jus

tin T

rinh,

Dyl

an W

illia

ms,

Igor

Dju

rdje

vic

Abs

ent:

Ror

y M

aley

, Ast

ha M

alik

, Jef

fers

on V

o, M

icha

el W

ang,

Wils

on Y

ang

Year

Adv

iser

s: M

s C

arol

yn M

attic

k, M

rs H

elen

Tho

mps

on


7776

Year

12

Seat

ed R

ow:

Hae

Ran

Jung

, Cat

herin

e Tr

an, L

ily W

ong

Gai

nts,

Den

ise C

han,

Cel

este

Ber

nard

Cha

ndle

r, Su

nny

Zha

n, C

laud

ia S

tone

-Sta

cy, E

rin L

ong,

Lill

ian

He,

Chr

istin

a N

guye

n, S

hann

on R

eyno

lds,

Popp

y D

uwen

beck

, Hag

ar G

al, W

inni

e Z

hang

, Ren

ee S

tain

er, J

essic

a C

hen,

Tra

n N

guye

n, C

athe

rine

An,

Haz

el C

hand

, Rac

hel M

a, Je

ssic

a N

guye

n, S

hara

nya

Nap

ier-

Ram

an, P

atric

ia C

hung

Seco

nd R

ow:

Sri P

rave

enku

mar

, Viv

ien

Le, E

ilish

Sal

mon

, Kio

na V

erra

ll, L

aure

n W

ang,

Ser

ena

Tain

g, E

lain

e M

ao, Y

ujin

Lee

, Jan

a C

hoi,

Jess

ica

Le, B

ettin

a Li

ang,

Jacq

uelin

e N

go, J

essic

a Ya

ng, W

inni

e Su

, Ele

anor

e G

oodw

in-W

ard,

Ava

McC

onne

ll, A

my

Long

, Kira

Hor

nem

an, K

ate

Cou

sins,

Nao

mi M

urn,

Yee

un C

ho, S

addh

a Fe

rnan

do, C

hrist

ine

Che

n, H

elen

a K

e, P

haed

ra C

arro

ll, N

adin

e T

hanh

Ngu

yen

Thi

rd R

ow:

Mat

thew

Cho

o, B

rend

on L

y, R

icha

rd C

hen,

Jitia

n C

hen,

An

Li D

uke

Fong

Hee

, Vin

cent

Din

, Jam

es K

uang

, Yas

h K

asbe

kar,

Kev

in W

ong,

Ben

jam

in L

am, W

illis

LauK

wok

, Mat

thew

Xu,

Zhi

Cha

o Li

, Der

ek S

un, A

radh

ya B

hatta

rai,

Eld

on F

an, W

illia

m Y

ang,

Ric

hard

Ph

am, J

ames

Vu,

Mic

hael

Sun

g, M

ahm

udul

Isla

m, W

eizh

i Zho

ng, M

icha

el S

enth

ilnat

han,

Ala

n Ph

anFo

urth

Row

: D

enni

s C

heun

g, K

aren

Wan

g, L

uxi L

in, A

nna

Zol

otar

eva,

Sar

ah D

esne

y, R

ebec

ca D

uong

, Yin

g Q

in Z

hou,

Ros

emar

y M

ylre

a, F

ranc

is M

aryc

hurc

h, R

oy Z

hang

, Seb

astia

n V

an G

erw

en, T

hom

as E

ccle

s, A

idan

Kem

p, P

raga

sh H

aran

, Ada

m Z

agar

ella

, Ang

elo

Mor

ton,

La

uren

Ash

ley,

Ang

ele

Yan,

Viv

ien

Vy

Le, R

ebec

ca K

ang,

Lau

ra Y

un Z

i Che

n, R

uth

Lin,

Ang

ela

Biv

ell,

Win

son

Che

nF

ifth

Row

: Sa

brin

a Z

eng,

Jasp

er C

hen,

Lin

dsay

Sm

all,

Lynd

on W

ale,

Jam

es H

o Le

e, R

ohit

Nai

r, St

even

Den

g, D

enni

s R

usal

i, D

ean

Hou

, Kai

zhao

Lia

ng, M

aksim

Sto

jkov

ic, C

harlt

on C

hen,

Con

g T

hanh

Lai

, Reu

ben

Jare

d M

on, J

ason

Pan

g, Ja

mes

Vie

t Ngu

yen,

Adr

ian

Guo

, Ste

ve S

un,

Dan

iel P

ark,

Jun

Hyu

n O

h, T

ahm

id C

how

dhur

y, H

uw M

orga

n, M

ilo W

atki

nson

, Elle

n W

arin

gSi

xth

Row

: E

fim F

eyge

lson,

Ant

hony

Le,

Kar

thik

Vet

cha,

Li X

u, E

dwar

d Fu

, Ben

Zhi

Wan

g, P

raise

Aku

ete,

Edm

und

Yu,

Art

hur S

ze, M

atth

ew T

revi

tt, W

illia

m A

ntho

ny, D

omin

ic D

wye

r, A

ndre

w L

ee, R

icha

rd W

ang,

Mic

hael

Tan

, Will

iam

Tha

ckw

ay, J

oshu

a C

ho, C

arlo

Pan

e, Ja

mes

H

ua, H

ari R

ao, K

evin

To,

Jaso

n N

guye

n, T

ony

Che

nSe

vent

h R

ow:

Step

an B

ashk

irov,

Ike

Schw

artz

, Kev

in W

ang,

Dom

inic

Bic

ego,

Sam

uel H

ai, H

uilu

n Sh

u, Io

sefa

Lag

a'aia

, And

rei C

rkve

ncic

, Jon

atha

n C

ai, M

in H

ee K

eane

, Aid

en C

hak

Kei

Che

ung,

Shi

ntar

o M

esse

r, W

esle

y La

i, A

lexa

nder

Wrig

ht, R

ishi G

olem

biew

ski

Eig

hth

Row

: Z

acha

ry E

dwar

ds, P

atric

k G

alag

her,

Aili

n C

onno

r Gist

, Jam

es Ia

nitto

, Am

ir H

aram

basic

, Jos

hua

Lin,

Mat

thew

Lih

ou, W

illem

Pro

os, A

ntho

ny L

in, H

arri

Jani

, Lia

m D

odd,

Fra

ncis

Dw

yer

Abs

ent:

Dam

ian

Ber

beru

, Mic

hael

Jarv

is, V

icto

r Kuo

, Zoe

Tay

lor,

Dan

iel T

hiel

eYe

ar A

dvis

ers:

Mr N

oah

Mel

ser,

Mr P

eter

Scu

dds

(Ass

istan

t) (A

bsen

t)


7978

Fortians, Parents, Staff, This morning it was my pleasure to speak at the assembly on behalf of the staff and tonight I present this speech on behalf of Ms Moxham.

It is with some sadness that I prepare this speech while in Hong Kong (at the beginning of a long planned overseas trip which encompasses the Trans -Mongolian and Trans- Siberian train trip from Beijing to St Petersburg) and won’t be able to deliver it in person. Ms DiStefano, Year 12 Deputy Principal and Co-Principal has kindly agreed to present it on my behalf.

My sincere apologies for not being with you on this most significant of evenings. I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet each and every day and pay my respects to Aboriginal peoples, past and present and to those Aboriginal people amongst the audience this evening.

This evening is the culmination of our celebrations of and for Year 12, 2016

Over the past few weeks we have seen football matches, “Chooseday”, ‘Water Wednesday”, class parties, and today, we have enjoyed exciting and emotional activities that started with:• the staff farewell breakfast, organised and prepared for Year 12 by their teachers with the help of Year 11; • the assembly which provided the whole school the opportunity to say adieu and which included some fabulous issues focused, humorous and sentimental videos prepared by Year 12;• Year 12 drama and music performances and speeches, and culminating this evening with this formal graduation ceremony.

I am sure that the breakfast atmosphere reflected the genuine respect and affection that is shared between you and your teachers. We remember you Year 12 2016 for your diversity, an eclectic mix from feisty and outspoken -to quiet, humble and reserved. Your thespian skills, creativity and capacity to negotiate are things that I will fondly remember together with your humanity, care for each other, initiative and individuality, and loyalty to each other and the school. You have been a delight to be with over the past six years and I know you will continue to bring joy into the lives of those closest to you in the years to come.

Tonight we commemorate a real milestone, the end of 13 years of schooling for you Year 12, and parents, the transition of your children into adulthood and you standing back and allowing them as young adults to take responsibility for their actions. It is the lot of a parent to unstintingly provide love, food, guidance, food, unwavering support, clothes, and to be both a good listener and often the punching bag for irate teenagers. Speaking as a parent I can say that parents are both misunderstood and are your rock. Year 12 join me in expressing your appreciation for the ongoing support of you by your parents. (Get them to applaud their parents)

YEAR 12 GRADUATIONROSLYNNE MOXHAM & KAREN DI STEPHANO

The other group of adults for whom you owe unstinting gratitude and appreciation are your teachers. Each and everyone of them has given 200% plus in order to provide you with the best possible opportunities both in and out of the classroom. I know of the sleepless nights when things have gone wrong and how they have wrestled with how to assist you to fix the problem or at times disaster. (Get them to applaud the staff)

Year 12, The weeks to come will be full of study, study and more study- and then will come the beginning of a wonderful set of opportunities full of expanding horizons and relationships as young adults as you learn further in a tertiary environment or the workforce or travel overseas.

Fortians, The passion you have shown for causes within the school I hope you will take into the broader community and make a real difference. Your ability to influence others will be important and I expect that each and every one of you no matter what your ATAR will defend the human rights of others less fortunate than yourselves and contest with passion and intelligence to protect the rights of others.

As a group and as individuals you have achieved much which reflects the characteristics of our exit profile -it is humbling for staff and I am sure your parents alike.

I will only provide a snapshot into the extent of your talents, skills and commitment to school and school life and mention just some of the people who demonstrate our Fort St mantra tenets to be active participants and to make a difference.

You have taken the opportunities afforded to you to develop individual gifts and talents across range of areas, develop empathy for other and support those less fortunate than yourselves- you have developed as resilient and confident young Australians.

A name which is consistently written with regard to achievement is Eilish Salmon, record upon record for swimming at school, northern suburbs, state and national levels and representing Australia at the Pan Pacific Games. An early 2015 Mercurius described her as setting new records at the school swimming carnival in 17 Girls 50m Freestyle, 50m Backstroke, 50m Breaststroke, Open Girls 50m Butterfly, and 17 Girls 100m Freestyle, obliterating records that had stood since the early 1990s.

Eilish has been a model quiet achiever, humble in her swimming achievements while quietly working towards securing her academic future. She is a recipient of the 2017 Tuckwell scholarship at ANU ( $22,00 per year) Our thespians again created a wonderful student led play The Crucible in 2015 with Angele Yan so capably leading


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the group as the director. Milo Watkinson, Angelo Morton, Sefa L’aigai and Will Thackway were the founders of Theatre Sports. They with many others have gone on to the State Final in 2015 and the semi final of the Australian Improvisation Competition.

Musicians abound in this year group. The highlight of the IMP surely has to be the European tour of 2015.For me it was singing in St Mark’s Venice and St Peters Basilica in Rome, for others it will have been performing in the jazz club in Rome, and others it will have been the whole tour. A highlight that cannot be missed was Sefa conducting us all singing Bruckner’s Locus Iste under the dome in the Pantheon.The extraordinary talents of our musicians: Ren Ashley, Dominic Bicego, Denise Chan, Kate Cousins, Sarah Desney, Liam Dodd, Poppy Duwenbeck, Francis Dwyer, Thomas Eccles, Saddha Fernando, Ailin Gist, Kira Horneman, Aidan Kemp, Sefa Laga'aia, Matthew Lihou, Rachel Ma, Naomi Murn, Rosie Mylrea, Sharanya Napier-Raman, Jason Pang, Lindsay Small, Claudia Stone-Stacy, Zoe Taylor, William Thackway, Daniel Thiele, Sebastian Van Gerwen, Kiona Verrall and Milo Watkinson are seen at each and every performance and are surely epitomised in the work of our stupendous chamber choir which you are fortunate to hear sing again tonight. Awards each year for the concert, and stage bands, jazz, string and symphonic wind ensembles and orchestra and extraordinary performances at the school spectacular including our own Sefa as soloist. The futsal (indoor soccer) team including Shintaro Messer, Dominic Bicego, Milo Watkinson and Will Thackway qualified for the finals of the Football NSW Futsal School Championships after going through the regional tournament undefeated. The team went onto make the quarter-final at the finals of the Championship.

Jessica Yang and Jia Min Guo gold awards in the Language Perfect World Championships. Our 9 Hospitality students mastered a Coffee Barista Course at Canterbury RSL. Two of our Titration teams reached the National finals. The team of Lindsay Small Aidan Kemp, Silver and Matthew Lihou, achieved great success with one gold and two silver awards.

At the RoboCup Junior Australian 2016 Open Championships, the following Year 12 students competed: Aiden Kemp - Light Weight SoccerLindsay Small - Open Soccer Custom buildBrenon Ly - Open Soccer Custom buildVictor Kuo - Open Soccer Custom build (2nd in National Comp)

Students – Steven Huang, Darren Nguyen, Chris Choy and Yiwei Mao were Robotics mentors which has seen this group grow to be the second largest co-curricular activity after the IMP.

Edward Fu was awarded a Silver Medal and a High Distinction in the examination placing him in the top 6% of

candidates in Australia in the Australian Science Olympiad examination.

Rosie Mylrea was awarded the Inner City Teachers Association Social Justice and Environment Award for 2016.

Sunny Zhan and Angele Yan were nominated for the NSW Order of Australia Committee John Lincoln Award for Service to the Community. They were highly commended.

Ike Schwartz, fine cross country runner, student representative and member of the school council was awarded and received the Wests Ashfield community service award.

Angele Yan and William Thackway were nominated for a Minister of Education Award.

Wear It Purple Day was initiated by Alex Leal Smith and Grace Berg in 2013 and continues to be a most successful activity led by the students of the diversity group. This year powerful speeches were made at the Wear it Purple assembly including that made by Liam Dodd. The manner in which such activities are able to be led and celebrated are a real testament to the values of our school community.

Year 12 initiated and organised the 2016 World’s Greatest Shave and in Year 9 2013 raised $22 130-00 for Legacy in Year 9 2013.

Christina Nguyen was invited by the NSW State Library to be part of the Sydney Writers’ Festival in a celebration of William Shakespeare. She was part of a very prestigious four person panel which was recorded for Michael Cathcart’s ABC radio’s Book and Arts program. Christina not only held her own, but was held in awe for her erudition by Cathcart, Kate Mulvaney, actor, Dr Liam Semler, Professor of Early Modern Literature at the University of Sydney and James Evans, Associate Director of Bell Shakespeare. Christina was able to use her material for her English Extension 2 project to wow the panel and audience.

Year 12 threw themselves with gusto into the Shakespeare Day, helping to really create a vibrant atmosphere. There were some outstanding performances of Renaissance dancing, and scenes from Shakespeare’s plays: Paddy’s Macbeth was astonishing and entertaining. There were brilliant costumes representing an eclectic mix of characters, particularly noteable being Roy’s ‘exit, pursued by a bear’.

Maximising academic potential- and I stress highlights only

Year 7 Ren Ashley - Dux Sabrina Zeng 2nd Dominic Bicego 3rd

Year 8 Christina Nguyen - Dux , William Thackway 2nd Tran Nguyen 3rd

Year 9 Christina Nguyen, Tran Nguyen2nd, James Vu 3rd


Year 10 Christina NGUYEN Dux Maksim STOJKOVIC (2nd); Kira HORNEMAN 3rd in Year 10; Angele YAN The University of Sydney Year 10 Academic Excellence Award;

Year 11 Christina NGUYEN Dux Dominic DWYER 2nd Willem PROOS 3rd Angele YAN University of Western Sydney Scholarship Most Outstanding Year 11 Student; Year 11 Leadership Award

In 2016 Fortians, you have been working towards your HSC.Our top 20 students in alphabetical order based on Trial HSC results deserve to be acknowledged tonight, Please stand as I call your name and please hold your applause till the end:

Kate Cousins, Dominic Dwyer, Hagar Gal, Kira Horneman, Rebecca Kang, Vivien Le, Rosemary Mylrea, Sharanya Napier-Raman, Christina Nguyen, Nadine Nguyen, Tran Nguyen, Alan Phan, Willem Proos, Ike Schwartz, Maksim Stojkovic, William Thackway, Kevin To, James Vu, Angele Yan and William Yang

Congratulations and please applaud the top twenty:

Year 12, you have been encouraged to grow into articulate, thinking young adults who possess a commitment to succeeding in every endeavour and to giving back to society in a positive and constructive manner. No matter how high you climb never forget your debt to your teachers, to this school and to public education. Remember that with your advantages comes a lifelong obligation to serve others who are less fortunate. I know that Fortians 2016, you have been, and will continue in the spirit of our school motto to be the makers of your own destiny.

I know that along the way you have: o developed learning strategies to be independent self motivated life long learnerso developed emotional resilience, self reliance and leadership potential

I thank your year advisers Mr Melser and assistant year adviser, Mr Scudds, Mr Gaal, Ms Kidd and Ms Shino our counsellors and DPs Ms Kemp, Ms Manson and Ms DiStefano, for their extraordinary efforts in support of you at school and at home. In addition I thank Ms Mattick, Ms Thompson, Mr Leondios and the Year 11 team for the organisation of the breakfast and their support for graduation this evening.

Ashye Sahinovic of the class of 2014 is one of the faces of the University of Sydney students 2017 promotion her advice is:

Just go for it. Do what you enjoy at the time and uni will open you up to so many different things. As long as you’re doing what you enjoy, things will turn out for you.

I have had the privilege to see through many groups of Fortians. Each group has been unique and special and yet some are more special than others and Year 12 you are one of those extra special groups of Fortians. WB Yeats said that education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire. I hope we have done that and much more for you Year 12 2016 and finally as Elizabeth 1 said on Shakespeare day … To be a King and wear a crown is a thing more pleasant to them that see it, than it is pleasant to them that bear it.You may have many a wiser prince sitting in this seat, but you never have had, or shall have, any who loves you better.

Best wishes Fortians, I look forward to seeing you to celebrate your successes on December 16.

Thank you.


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