Newsletter Week 5 Term 1 2018
Welcome back We have had a very smooth start to the year and new students and staff are settling in and
making a positive contribution to our school. We are extremely pleased with the completion of the front car park
and the landscaping and we look forward to the completion of the Western car park. The new estimated time of
completion is April.
Staffing update Three new permanent staff members have joined us in 2018: Daina Ciferson from Galston High
School in PD/H/PE, Gordon Kovacs from Merrylands High School (replacing Dr Sham Nair) in Science, and
Kelly May, from Killara High School in English. Additionally we have some new temporary staff: Kirsten Bailey, in
CAPA teaching Dance/Drama with Rebecca Constantin, Beth Sweeney, in PD/H/PE replacing Lee Chaloner,
Elizabeth Morris, in English replacing Natalie Yuen and Peter Moore in TAS. The vacant positions of Autism
Class Teacher and Learning and Support Teacher are currently being advertised and will be filled through merit
selection. I thank the parents who have agreed to be panel members for those positions.
Open Night The SRC has taken over organising Open Night this year. They will be coordinating visits to primary
schools, publicity materials and the organisation on the night. They are doing a great job under the leadership of
Miss Nicole Murray. Ferrovial York has agreed to provide a shuttle from the Aquatics Centre for Open Night,
which will run continuously from 5:30pm onwards. Representatives from Education and Ferrovial York will be on
site in the Library to answer questions.
Robotics Program Year 7 enthusiastically embraced robotics in the Enrichment Program in 2017, under the
guidance of Mr Santamaria, Dr Nair and Mr Golanoski. The project was supported by The Northern Beaches
Hospital who issued the design brief for the students to design a robotic hospital bed. Students learned to work
co-operatively, collaboratively and creatively in designing their robots as a result of this authentic tasks design
brief. The culmination of this project was a Robotics Challenge Competition in Term 3. We look forward to
finding out what new projects Year 7 will undertake in 2018.
Principal’s Report
Primary Transition Program In 2017 our Primary School Transition Program was enhanced. As well as our
traditional connections with our partner primary schools in areas of English, Mathematics, PE and Music
workshops, we introduced a Year 5 Gifted and Talented Program. Year 5 students from Allambie Heights PS,
Beacon Hill PS and Balgowlah North PS visited The Forest each Wednesday during Term 2 & Term 3 to spend
the day in ‘High School’. They participated in specialist classes taught by our dedicated staff under the
organisation and guidance of Mrs Karen Gourlay and Mr Peter Santamaria. At the end of each term, parents
and Principals of these schools were invited to a Show and Tell. This was another success to celebrate in our
school community. We look forward to the inclusion of Frenchs Forest Public School into the program in 2018.
Year 7 Parent Evening and Student Workshops – Relationships Australia We are continuing the programs
commenced in 2017 with Relationships Australia and we will be running the parent evening and the student
workshops again in 2018. Parents found the information very helpful in terms of communicating with their
teenage children and the student sessions allowed the students to talk with a professional presenter about the
range of issues they are facing.
Rosemary McDowall, Principal
I cannot believe how fast 2018 is going and we are already in Week 5. I have been interviewing Year 12
students about their HSC results and looking at how we can help them to improve their results for their
final three subjects. So many students received an 88 or 89 in their final mark and hopefully with a better
understanding of the importance of assessments in determining their rank, they will be able to achieve Band 6
this year.
The addition to the uniform of the black shorts has made a difference and it is great to see so many students
wearing full school uniform. The green woollen jumper has been discontinued as an item of sale at the uniform
shop since the black jackets came in. I have some of the jumpers in size 10, 12, 20 which are free if students
wish to wear them. They look smart and are still part of our uniform so if any student wishes to have one, please
come and see me. We also have a number of other second hand uniforms and these can be purchased for $5
per item. The proceeds of these sales go to a school nominated charity.
We welcome good quality second hand uniforms and are especially short of ties if anyone has one hanging
around at home.
Denise Wright, Deputy Principal
Deputy Principal’s Report
5 March Year 7 Vaccinations
7 March Open Night 6.00pm
8 March School Photographs
9 March Zone Swimming Carnival
10 March GATS Testing 9.00am – 11.00am
12 March GATS Testing (Make-up) 4.00pm – 6.30pm
13-19 March Chiba Keiai Visit
15 March Year 7 Relationship Australia Workshop
21 March Harmony Day Celebrations School Council 6.00pm P&C Meeting 7.00pm
26 March Meet the Principal 9.00am
26-28 March Year 7 Camp Year 11 Camp
30 March Good Friday
2 April Easter Monday
3-6 April 3+3 Exams Year 12 Preliminary Exams
5 April Year 11 Parent Teacher Interviews 3.45pm – 7.30pm
10-12 April School Musical – “Into the Woods”
13 April Cross Country Last day of Term 1
30 April School Development Day – Staff Only
1 May First day of Term 2 – Staff Only Anzac Day Assembly
Term 1 2018 Events
TFHS Extras Do you know that there are so many clubs and activities on offer at The Forest High School?
VIsual Arts Club - Mondays 3-4 pm - meet in B3. Cost is $2 See you there for painting!
Chess Club - every Tuesday at lunchtime students can meet in E1004 (A13) to play chess or other board games. All welcome. Bring a friend.
Choir - this year choir will rehearse on Tuesdays at lunch in the music rooms above the school office in D Block. Our choir is open to everyone from all years so come along and have a sing with us!
Maths Helpdesk - Friday lunchtime in E1004 (A13) - free - all welcome
Full details of all school events are available on the school calendar on the school website www.theforest-h.schools.nsw.edu.au
First of all I would like to welcome all of our new Year 7 students and their families to The Forest High School
community. We have had a busy start to the term and students have settled in well to the new routines of high
school.
To introduce Year 7 to our Positive Behaviour for Learning framework the students participated in a fun morning
of PBL training. This involved students learning about our values of Respect, Responsibility and Personal Best in
particular exploring how they can show these values in the classroom and around school. To conclude the
students produced a PBL promise to show their personal commitment to the school values.
Year 7 Report
TFHS Extras Do you know that there are so many clubs and activities on offer at The Forest High School?
VIsual Arts Club - Mondays 3-4 pm - meet in B3. Cost is $2 See you there for painting!
Chess Club - every Tuesday at lunchtime students can meet in E1004 (A13) to play chess or other board games. All welcome. Bring a friend.
Choir - this year choir will rehearse on Tuesdays at lunch in the music rooms above the school office in D Block. Our choir is open to everyone from all years so come along and have a sing with us!
Maths Helpdesk - Friday lunchtime in E1004 (A13) - free - all welcome
Year 7 students participating in PBL training activities
Peer Support In addition to PBL training Year 7 students also participate in a Peer Support Program which is
led by trained Year 10 Peer Support Leaders. This program involves weekly sessions designed to help build
friendships and support students as they enter high school.
Swimming Carnival In Week 2 we also had the excitement of the school Swimming Carnival at Warringah
Aquatic Centre. Prior to this event all Year 7 students were allocated into one of the school's four houses which
are Zeus, Ares, Poseidon and Athena. It was great to see so many students participating in this event through
both competing in races and cheering on their peers.
Anti-Bullying Programs In Week 4 students also had the opportunity to participate in a program called Bully
Busters, which is designed to educate students about the issues surrounding bullying. To support this, in roll call
students are engaged in the Turn the Page Program. In this program students read a book together and spend
time discussing the topics raised throughout it. This term students are reading To This Day by Shane Koyczan,
an illustrated book featuring the work of thirty artists based on the powerful expression of the lasting effects of
bullying.
Year 7 Camp In Week 9 all Year 7 students will be heading away to The Great Aussie Bush Camp at
Kincumber for three fun-filled days of activities. The camp will run from Monday 26th to Wednesday 28
th March
2018 and is a great opportunity for students to build new friendships and challenge themselves. Students have
already been given their permission notes for this so I am excited to see these flying back to me. A kit list is
provided with the camp note to help you know exactly what to pack.
Year 7 Parent Evening As well as welcoming our new Year 7 students we would also like to welcome all our
new parents and carers to The Forest High School. On Thursday 1st March we are holding a Year 7 Parent
Evening. This event will consist of a meet and greet session with Year 7 teachers followed by a presentation of
key information for new Year 7 parents including a presentation from Relationships Australia. This event will be
held in the School Library from 6.30pm onwards.
Key dates for the diary:
1st March - Year 7 Parent Evening, School Library at 6.30pm
5th March - Year 7 Vaccinations
8th March - School Photographs
26th-28th March - Year 7 Camp
13th April - Cross Country Carnival
Lucy Sturley, Year 7 Adviser
Hospital Partnership Supporting Student Learning Year 7 students at The Forest High School undertake an
innovative Robotics Program as part of their Enrichment class. This program focuses on both the technical
design and coding skills, as well as collaboration, communication and problem solving to create a real world
product. In 2017 the theme of the program was medicine and students designed, built and coded a model self-
driving hospital bed using Lego robotics. The final products were presented to engineers from the Northern
Beaches Hospital who supported the program by acting as judges and providing the prize for the winning team -
tickets to the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.
Congratulations to Halle S., Rohan L. and Austin C., who won The Forest High School Year 7 Robotics
Competition of Semester 2 in 2017. Their design, teamwork and coding were outstanding, producing an
advanced and effective product.
The involvement of the Northern Beaches Hospital gave all the students involved a greater authenticity to their
learning and helped engage them with the technological and collaboration skills required for the future. The
project managers from the Northern Beaches Hospital working with the students were also great role models for
the students and helped them see where futures in engineering could take them. On behalf of the students and
the school, thank you to Colliers and The Northern Beaches Hospital for giving up their time to be involved.
Peter Santamaria, Head Teacher Teaching and Learning
Welcome back Year 8! I am pleased to report that overall we have had a very positive start to the year with
focus and concentration in lessons and full involvement in activities. I am proud that all students demonstrated
resilience during the first week or two of term when there were some last minute timetable changes and some
uncertainty in terms of sport selections. Now that everyone has a complete timetable with great activities to
participate in during Wednesday afternoon sport sessions we have fallen back into a routine where everyone
knows where they should be and when.
Bully Busters Last Friday all Year 7 and 8 students watched an engaging and entertaining play called Bully
Busters. The performance addressed and explored all facets of bullying including sexual harassment, peer
pressure, rumours, racism, judging others, tolerance, family problems, resilience and electronic forms of bullying.
I hope that after seeing this all of our students will not participate in bullying behaviour and are able to identify
when bullying occurs as well as have resilience and strategies for dealing with unwanted interactions with
others.
Green Slips There have been an impressive number of green slip merit awards earned already this term.
Students earn green slips from teachers by displaying the school values of Respect, Responsibility and
Year 8 Report
Personal Best. Many students are on their way to receiving a Forest Silver Award, which is earned with the
receipt of five Certificates of Achievement, each of which in turn is gained from collecting ten green slips. In the
years to come students should strive to achieve the Forest Gold Award, which is attained after five Forest Silver
awards have been gained. Congratulations to the few students in Year 8 who have already achieved their first
Forest Silver. Keep collecting green slip merit awards to continue progressing towards the Forest Gold
Georgia Yam, Year 8 Adviser
Welcome back! Year 9 have had an exciting start to the year with the beginning of their studies in their elective
courses. In chatting to some of the students around the school in these first few weeks, I have seen the
enthusiasm they have had for beginning these new courses. It has been very encouraging to see.
New students We have several new students in Year 9 and we welcome them and their families to the school. I
hope your child is settling in well and encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Year 9 Camp Information has been sent home recently regarding the Year 9 Camp in June. If it has not made
its way home, please ask your child to collect the information from either the front office or the
noticeboard outside the TAS staffroom. We are looking forward to heading off to Morisset in Term 2 and will be
sending on further details as we get closer to the time. In the meantime I have asked that students complete a
survey to let me know their preferred camp activities. If you child has not done this already, could you please
remind them to do so. The link is here.
School Uniform With the weather starting to become a little cooler we are beginning to see variations in the
school uniform. We understand that sometimes cooler weather takes us by surprise, but could I please ask that
all families are familiar with the school's uniform policy, and that they try to assist their child in coming to school
in the correct uniform. Thank you.
Amanda Walsh, Year 9 Adviser
What a start of the year we have had! Busy with new timetables Year 10 have settled in and already noticed a
shift to becoming senior students. There have been numerous offers for students to get involved in. I encourage
them all to try and maximise their schooling experience including TAFE, Exchange and a variety of student
groups. I am sure there will be more opportunities for our year group to show their skills.
Peer Support Last year all of the year underwent Peer Support Training and from that students applied to be
leaders. The best were chosen and have been supporting Year 7 in their transition to high school. Year 10
turned up on Day 1 to help Year 7 in the morning and have been running weekly sessions with their groups.
Year 9 Report
Year 10 Report
Peer Tutor Miss Page asked for Year 10 volunteers to help support Year 7 students with their reading during
Roll Call. Once again students applied and the most appropriate leaders were chosen. Every morning these
Year 10 students go to the library and help their buddies with their reading as well as extra support for transition.
Barista Training The Forest High School is kindly supported by Vittoria Coffee through providing a training
program for ten Year 10 students to attain a bronze barista qualification. These students then support the school
throughout the whole year providing coffee, especially for the staff on a Wednesday morning.
Julian Floriano, Year 10 Adviser
Congratulations to the Year 11 students who have returned to school ready for learning. It is pleasing to see the
majority of students wearing the senior uniform with pride. Extended hours timetable commitments, TAFE
courses, band practice, musical rehearsals and sporting representation allow students to participate in school life
extensively, often before or after normal school hours.
Senior Privileges Our Year 11 students have received a Senior Privileges note to allow them to sign in late if
they do not have a scheduled class first period or they can sign out early if they do not have a scheduled class in
the afternoon. Parents have been asked to agree to this arrangement and return the note with their signature. A
few students have not returned parental permission and therefore should not be late or leave early. Year 11
students who have study lessons in the middle of the day are expected to use their time wisely in the library or
speaking to teachers to clarify understanding of work.
Elevate Program On Monday 19th February the students enjoyed their first meeting with the team from
Elevate, a private company staffed by university aged presenters who assist students to organise a realistic
study timetable and discuss time management strategies to cope with the stressors related to Stage 6
learning. Students enjoyed the opportunity and are looking forward to the second session next term.
Year 11 Camp The Year 11 Camp will be in Week 9, 26th-28th March 2018. Thank you to everyone who has
finalised the details sent home last year and earlier this year. We will be covering the Crossroads personal
development course, a compulsory unit of work in the PDHPE syllabus. Crossroads is designed to help senior
students address issues of health, safety and wellbeing at a time when they face significant changes and
challenges in their lives. Crossroads aims to prepare and support students as they encounter situations related
to identity, independence and their changing responsibilities. Students who cannot attend the camp are required
to attend school for those three days and will complete the modules in a supervised study arrangement. Places
at the camp are still available. Please speak to Mrs Diggins to finalise arrangements - when the buses are full
there will be no more bookings taken.
Clare Diggins, Year 11 Adviser
It was wonderful to see so many Year 12 parents at the recent Year 12 Parent Teacher night. If you were unable
to make it and have any concerns please email me at [email protected] and I can help with
providing feedback from teachers. A reminder to Year 12 to collect an envelope and pay for your Year 12
photos, as it would be lovely for all of Year 12 to get a school photo in your final year of school.
A gentle reminder for all Year 12 students who are driving to and from school to be extra careful, as we want
everyone to arrive at their destination safely. Lastly, thank you to the Year 12 students who have volunteered to
help at the school Open Night on Wednesday 7th March, as the BBQ will be one of our largest fundraising
opportunities.
Now would be a good opportunity to connect with your mentors who can help you with study plans and
motivation. Keep working hard Year 12!
Helen Emery, Year 12 Adviser
Year 11 Report
Year 12 Report
Into The Woods Update
The start of Term 1 began early for the dedicated cast members of our 2018 musical Into The Woods with a
holiday rehearsal on the 24th January. Since then, rehearsals have continued twice a week until 5:30pm and
some lunchtimes and the cast and production crew have made incredible process in working to put together this
complex show. Currently we are learning songs and blocking and rehearsing Act 2, as well as revising Act 1.
Our supporting staff from across the school and parents have been gathering supplies for set construction and
design, costume ideas, sourcing of props, the creation of publicity documents, cast and crew shirt organisation
and organising the amazing band which will accompany our fabulous performance. As we continue our journey
through this term, the hall will be transformed into magical woods, where many strange and interesting events
and relationships unfold. As you can see, there are many, many aspects that go into putting on a school musical
and we still have 6 weeks to go! We look forward to the journey into the woods and seeing our fabulous students
perform in this amazing musical.
Rebecca Constantin, CAPA Teacher
My experiences so far in this musical have been amazing. I have been welcomed by the rest of the cast and
have been given the opportunity to give my character a little bit of ‘me’. My character has seen other characters
in the woods and is, most of the time, taken for granted. This musical has been a great experience and I am very
grateful that I have been given this opportunity. Written by Jono.D, playing the character Jack.
CAPA Report
I haven’t been in a musical before, but putting this one together has been a whole lot of fun so far. Playing two
obnoxious and selfish characters is quite entertaining for myself and everyone else (hopefully), and really gives
me an opportunity to express myself in a variety of ways. I’m looking forward to seeing how the whole show
turns out at the end of this term!. Written by Nic. R, playing the characters of the Wolf and Cinderella’s Father.
The Forest High School Choir
A huge welcome back to all of our wonderful Forest High Choir members! Rehearsals have started with great
enthusiasm and we are very excited to welcome several new faces from Year 7 and from other years. This year
Ms Angeleah Heap has joined the choir team providing expert vocal coaching. She has already introduced
wonderful harmonies to the piece we are preparing for Open Night. Choir is open to all students and we would
love for you to come and sing with us. See you Tuesday lunch in DR1010 (B10).
Melissa Yea and Angeleah Heap, CAPA Faculty
Congratulations to Thomas C. and Will R. from Year 12 2017 whose work looked fantastic at the Express
Yourself Exhibition at Manly Regional Gallery. Thomas won the Manly Art Gallery & Museum YOUTH ART
AWARD of $1000 prize for his photographic artwork titled 'I Am Here'. This and a Band 6 for Jessica J. include
some of the outstanding achievements for our Visual Arts class of 2017!
Welcome back to 2018. Term 1 has seen classes settle back into routine. All students should now have a
calculator, work book and a text book on loan for the year. We have encouraged students to use the online
version of the textbook at home and leave the textbooks in class. Students in Years 7 to 10 have been issued
passwords for Mathletics and Mathsonline and we encourage them to use these programs on a regular basis.
The mathematics teachers are recording homework using Sentral. Parents and students may check this in the
Parent/Student Portal. The Mathematics staff run a Help Desk every Friday at lunchtime in E1007 (A12) for any
students requiring some extra assistance with classwork or their assignments.
Mathematics Olympiad Students in 7W, and our top two Year 8 classes 8A and 8B will soon be given a note
about the Mathematics Olympiad. This is a five week competition run through Terms 2 and 3 testing students’
problem-solving skills. Students are asked to return the note and $6.50 to the Mathematics staffroom by the end
of the term. Any Year 7 students not in 7W but who would like to join the Olympiad team need to come to the
Mathematics Staffroom to collect a note.
Mathematics Competition Notes are also available for the Mathematics Competition. This will be held in Term
3, however, notes and a $6.50 entry fee need to be returned to the mathematics staffroom by the end of the
Maths Report
term. There are three competitions - Junior (Years 7 and 8), Intermediate (Years 9 and 10) and Senior (Years 11
and 12). Students who enjoy problem-solving and wish to challenge their mathematical ability should ask their
mathematics teacher for a note.
NAPLAN The NAPLAN tests for Year 7 and 9 will still be pen and paper this year and will run from the 15th to
the 17th of May in Term 2. The students will undergo regular revision in their mathematics class to assist in their
preparation for these tests. We will also do a more formal practise test with year 7 and 9 as the test gets closer.
If any parents would also like to assist with preparation there are revision books available at most newsagents or
I would recommend utilising Mathletics and Mathsonline for revision.
Please note: the NAPLAN test in Year 9 is no longer an early way for students to demonstrate the minimum
standard of literacy and numeracy.
Assessments Term 1
Year 7 Assessment Test 1 – Week 7
Assignment 1 – Number Systems
Year 8 Assessment Test 1 – Week 8
Year 9 Assessment Test 1 – Week 8
Year 10 Assessment Test 1 – Week 8
Assignment 1 - Spreadsheets
Senior Students Assessment exams in Weeks 6 and 10
We ask all parents to assist by ensuring students have the equipment required each lesson. Students often need
a few reminders. Please look through their workbooks on a weekly basis. Ask questions about the work being
done and praise neat and completed work. It is important all students have a solid grasp of their times tables and
basic number facts and use mathematics on a daily basis, not only at school. Discuss the use of mathematics in
your job and in daily life. Please contact your student's class teacher if you have any concerns during the year.
Karen Gourlay, Head Teacher Mathematics
It was an outstanding day at the pool on Monday 5th February which saw many records broken at our annual
school Swimming Carnival as well as it being a fun and enjoyable day for all those who attended and
participated. Even some of the staff got in for a swim! We particularly congratulate the students below on
their record-breaking performances:
Jackson B. (Year 8) - Boys 12-14 years 200m Individual Medley
Kimberley D. (Year 8) - Girls 12-14 years 400m Freestyle, Girls 14 years 100m Freestyle, Girls 14 years 200m
Freestyle and Girls 14 years 50m Butterfly
Riley S. (Year 10) - Boys 16 years 100m Butterfly, Boys 16 years 100m Breaststroke and Boys 16 years 50m
Butterfly
Faith T. (Year 7) - Girls 12 years 50m Butterfly
Sapphire P. (Year 10) - Girls 15 years 50m Butterfly
Carly A. (Year 10) - Girls 16 years 50m Butterfly
The Zone Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 9th March.
PDHPE Report
Staffing News We would like to congratulate Dr Sham Nair for his secondment to state office as a Curriculum
Adviser. This is obviously great news for him but left a big hole for the faculty. However were very lucky to have
Mr Gordon Kovacs join us from Merrylands High School at the start of week 3 and warmly welcome him to the
team.
VALID The Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development (VALID) are state-wide tests in
Science. All Year 8 students in government schools sit them in November and schools have the option for their
Year 10 students to take them in September. We have chosen to do this at The Forest High School. We are
extremely pleased with our 2017 results for both last years’ Year 8 and 10 students:
In Year 8 we had 30 students achieve the top two bands which is above state average
In Year 10 there was an overall growth of 6.4 as opposed to state wide growth of 2.7 and 69 students
achieved the top 2 bands, again, well above the state average
Congratulations to all students for their effort and demonstration of personal best.
For current Year 8 and 10 students we will give you more information in Terms 3 and 4. In the meantime more
information can be found at:
https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/student-assessment/assessment-and-reporting/assessment/valid
Term 1 Study Programs
At the Forest High School we loosely base our topics on Science by Doing which is an amazing resource written
by the Australian Academy of Science. More information can be found at: https://www.sciencebydoing.edu.au/
The topics we are covering this term are:
Science Report
Year Group Subject Topic Main Ideas
7 Chemistry Water fit for drinking The water cycle Separation techniques
8 Chemistry Rock, Paper Scissors Structure and properties of matter Chemical and physical changes
9 Biology Ecosystems and change
Body systems that control Disease Ecosystems
10 Chemistry Chemical Patterns The Periodic Table Different types of chemical reactions
Stile Lessons Stile is the online learning platform we have been using for three years at The Forest High
School. It has a range of interactive materials that allow students to develop a deeper knowledge of the
concepts being learnt in laboratory based lessons, relate content to real life applications and demonstrate their
understanding of the information. All students in Year 7-10 have one lesson a fortnight in a computer room
where specific tasks on Stile are set for the class. All students are expected to complete any unfinished work for
homework. One of the key advantages of using this platform is the opportunity for feedback and students are
encouraged to use all comments to improve their achievements.
Each year we reflect on our teaching and adapt our practice to improve student outcomes. Therefore this
academic year we have introduced an assessment schedule that is consistent across all classes. In addition to
the normal class specific work there are a two to three tasks a term that every student in the year must complete
and will contribute to overall assessment grades. These tasks will be marked across the cohort. These are part
of an ongoing assessment and students will be encouraged to use feedback and redo the tasks to improve their
marks. Stile does challenge students as it provides opportunity for the development of critical thinking and
analytical skills that can be transferred into other subject areas. The Science team have high expectations of
the amount and level of work to be completed by each individual and we encourage everyone to meet that
challenge and achieve their personal best.
Please have a look at what your young person is doing in class and at home and share the feedback they are
receiving from their teacher. If you have any questions please contact us and we will be happy to discuss
anything further with you.
Hannah Wiltshire, Head Teacher Science
The Forest High School Interact Club has begun to meet for 2018 and has some great projects on the table for
this year. Our Club President Amelia B. (Year 9) and Ms Walsh were recently invited to visit Bear Cottage
in Manly to present, along with the Belrose Rotary Club, the money raised at the Borgnis Street Christmas lights
collection. Our members played a very active role in assisting in this collection and we were very pleased to be
able to be a part of raising money for such a worthwhile cause. The collection raised over $34,000, and will go
towards providing care and respite for families with ill children.
All students who are interested in assisting in our Community Service Projects are welcome to join us at our
fortnightly meetings. Watch for notices regarding these meetings on the Sentral noticeboard.
Amanda Walsh, TAS Teacher
Interact Club Report
Valentine's Day Love was in the air, in the cupcakes, in the roses, in the song dedications and in the photo
Valentine’s Day Love was in the air, in the cupcakes, in the roses, in the song dedications and in the photo
booth on Valentine's Day at The Forest High School. Music played throughout the playground - with students
dancing and singing along. SRC members volunteered their Tuesday afternoon to wrap the roses at Ivy&Rose
Florist and we thank them for their continued support of our day.
SRC
Open Night SRC Members are currently planning visits to our local primary schools to talk about the upcoming
Open Night - which they are organising with teaching staff. They will start these visits at Allambie Public School
on Friday 2nd March to talk about high school life. Many meetings have been held to revamp the evening and
we look forward to meeting potential new students to our community.
NAPLAN paper tests: 15th - 17th May 2018
(Friday 18th May – a ‘catch-up’ day is scheduled for students who missed a test or were absent on a test day.)
Students may be considered for exemption from the tests if they are newly arrived in Australia (less than one
year before the test) and with a language background other than English, or have significant intellectual disability
and/or significant co-existing conditions which severely limit their capacity to participate in the tests.
All other students are expected to participate in the tests. Disability adjustments which reflect the student’s
normal level of support in the classroom may be provided. Large print, braille, coloured paper versions and
electronic tests are available to meet the needs of individual students.
Exemption and Disability Adjustment information can be obtained from Ms Blae Levy in English. For logistical
information about the day please contact Mrs Karen Gourlay in Maths. Mr Iain Sills will manage
all Learning Support Unit enquiries.
Students may be withdrawn from NAPLAN by their parent or carer. This is a matter for consideration by parents
in consultation with the School Principal or Ms Blae Levy. If you wish to withdraw your child from the tests, a
parent or carer consent form must be signed.
Additional information about NAPLAN can be found at http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support
Year 11 interviews will be on the 5th
April. Bookings open at 9am on 22nd March
Year 7 and Year 10 interviews will be on the 10th
May. Bookings open at 9am on 30th April
Year 8 and Year 9 interviews will be on 22nd
May. Bookings open at 9am on 8th May
Year 12 HSC interviews will be on the 26th
June. Bookings open at 9am on 12th June
Bookings are made on the Parent Portal of SENTRAL. Check and re-establish your link to the school’s portal on
http://web1.theforest-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/portal/login. The username is your email address. The password was
created by you. If you have forgotten your password, follow the prompts to create a new one.
New parents should have received a unique “Access Key” to access the School Portal and create their own
password. If you have any queries about the Parent Portal of Sentral, please email Mr Davies on
Ed Louey, Head Teacher Administration
NAPLAN
Parent & Teacher Interviews
Regular attendance at school is proven to maximise a student’s academic potential and increase their career
and life options. Attendance is recorded each day. As a parent or caregiver you are responsible for ensuring
your child attends school every day, including sport days.
If you are having difficulty getting your child to attend school regularly, you might like to talk to our School
Principal, Ms McDowall or our School Counsellor. Senior students must attend classes regularly to fulfil the
course requirements to be awarded the Higher School Certificate.
If your child has to be absent from school for any reason, including arriving late or leaving early, please inform
the School Office by phone, email or a written note as soon as possible. Please do not report absences via the
Portal.
Our school day commences at 8.35am each morning. Note that arriving late to school due to sleeping in or
catching late buses are unjustified absences.
Ed Louey, Head Teacher Administration
Unfortunately cyber bullying is on the increase in today’s society and many of these online incidents actually
happen outside of school hours.
In response to this the government has created a website for reporting incidents of any cyber bullying. The link
is: https://www.esafety.gov.au/
The police have advised schools to encourage parents and young people to report anything via this link
and they will investigate the incident as per the usual procedures.
Obviously any incidents that may occur in school or are school related will still be investigated by the school.
Uniform Shop
Uniform Shop - new opening hours
Monday - 8.00am to 9.30am
Wednesday - 8.00am to 10.00am
Thursday - 2.00pm to 3.30pm
Are you on Facebook and would you like to stay up to date with the latest Forest High P&C news and
updates? Please visit our P&C Facebook book page by cutting and pasting the following URL in your
browser: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1894258124123121/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
The P&C Committee updates this page as an informative and useful destination for all parents of The Forest
High School community. If you would like specific information to be added to this Facebook page, please
contact either Myrna Van Pelt or Clodia Heffernan via the P&C Committee.
Attendance
Parental Support: Cyber Bullying
Extra-Curricular
Space Camp – Free Information Night
On Monday 5th March we will be holding a free information night for anyone interested in going to Space Camp
next year from 6.30pm – 7.30pm in the School Library
Parents and students are welcome to come along and find all the information you need to know for this once in
a lifetime trip
The new School Canteen menu is available on the school website
TFHS Canteen Menu
NSW SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM
Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National
Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program. In
2018 the following vaccines will be offered:
YEARS VACCINE NUMBER OF DOSES
Year 7
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
2-doses at least
6 months apart
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
(whooping cough) vaccine Single dose
Years 10-11 Meningococcal ACWY vaccine Single dose
Parent Information Kits that include an information sheet, consent form and privacy statement will be sent home
to parents/guardians. To consent to the vaccination of their child, parents/guardians are advised to:
read all the information provided
complete the consent form, including signing their name next to the vaccine/s they would like their
child to receive
return the completed consent form to their child’s school
ensure that their child eats breakfast on the day of the school vaccination clinic.
Please note that students who commence HPV vaccination in school clinics in Year 7 but do not complete the
course during the school year may be offered catch-up doses at school in Year 8. Students who have any HPV
doses at their GP will be advised to complete the course with their GP.
Parents/guardians who wish to withdraw their consent for any reason may do so by writing to the school
Principal or phoning the school. The Procedure for Withdrawal of Consent is available on the NSW Health
website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation
To improve vaccination completion, students will be opportunistically offered any missed doses throughout the
year where possible.
A Record of Vaccination will be provided to each student vaccinated at each clinic either as a physical
card or a text message sent to the mobile number recorded on the consent form (within 1 business day).
Parents/guardians should ensure that this record is kept for future reference and should not assume
that their child has been vaccinated if they do not receive this Record of Vaccination.
Second Hand Uniforms required!
Do you have old school uniforms clogging cupboards at home? Bring them in to school where
they can be put to good use. They are available to buy at greatly reduced rates and proceeds
go to a worthy charity. School ties are in short supply so are very welcome for the clothing
pool. Parents wishing to access the clothing pool can contact Mrs Wright.
Hilmer Street overnight closure on Saturday 3rd March
The NSW Government is upgrading roads around the new Northern Beaches Hospital to increase capacity on
the road network and improve access through the area. Hilmer Street overnight closure on Saturday 3rd March
Roads and Maritime Services is upgrading the intersection of Hilmer Street and Warringah Road as part of the
Northern Beaches Hospital road upgrade project. To upgrade the intersection, access in and out of Hilmer Street
will be temporarily closed from 8pm on Saturday 3rd March to 5am on Sunday 4th March. This overnight closure
will allow for traffic to move to the other side of Hilmer Street. Motorists will be detoured via Fitzpatrick Avenue
East during the closure. When the work is complete, all turning movements will be reinstated allowing full access
to and from Hilmer Street from Warringah Road.
Fitzpatrick Avenue East closed from Monday 5th March
Roads and Maritime will upgrade the intersection of Fitzpatrick Avenue East and Warringah Road as part of the
Northern Beaches Hospital road upgrade project.
To upgrade the intersection, access in and out of Fitzpatrick Avenue East will be temporarily closed for up to
eight weeks from Monday 5th March.
Some of this work will be carried out during standard construction hours between 7am and 6pm from Monday to
Friday and between 8am and 1pm on Saturday, weather permitting. Due to local traffic and pedestrians in the
area, and to limit delays on the road network, some work will be carried out on selected nights between 8pm and
5am from Monday to Friday. We will let you know once these nights are scheduled.
The work will involve:
removing the existing concrete kerb, gutters and footpaths
installing stormwater drainage lines
installing new kerbs, gutters and footpaths
resurfacing the road
Hospital & Roads Update
When the work is complete, all turning movements will be reinstated allowing full access to and from Fitzpatrick
Avenue East, from Warringah Road.
Community Notices
Copyright © 2017 The Forest High School All rights reserved
You are receiving this email because you are a part of The Forest High School Community
135 Frenchs Forest Road
Frenchs Forest NSW 2086
T: 02 9451 5111
F: 02 9975 3293
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