Weekly Wrap

Dear all,

 

Welcome to Week 9.

 

It has been a big week, with our reports going live yesterday. This is an important time for all our students to reflect on progress and effort. With Parent Teacher Student Interviews coming up next week, this is the perfect opportunity to dive more deeply into your child’s progress. The release of Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN data last week positioned Forest Hill College as one of the highest performing schools in the Eastern part of the State. Our students have made more progress, both out of the bottom 2 bands, and into the top 2 bands than all bar, we believe, four other schools in our Region. We are very confident as we walk around our classes that our students are working very hard, so this is not a surprise to us. Join us next week for Parent Teacher Student Interviews, and I look forward to catching up with you.

 

We held the GAT this week, for our Later Years students in VCAL and VCE subjects. This is always a big day, and this year it was made even bigger, with an extended time required to sit two tests. As you would expect, all our students were wonderful. They demonstrated commitment and focus to do the best they could on every question.

 

Yesterday was RUOK Day. This is our National Day of Action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling. We had a range of activities across the day, especially in Connect groups, and use it as a reminder to check in with those around us, show care and provide links to support for those experiencing challenges. 

 

Across the last couple of weeks, Charlie Brady represented Victoria in the Pizzey Cup. This is the National Under 18 Tennis Championships. Charlie was pitted against the top 10 players in the country in his age group, and by all accounts played superbly. Congratulations Charlie, we are very proud of you.

 

 

On Monday, several of our Basketball Academy students refereed the Whitehorse Primary Schools Basketball Carnival at “The Rings.” The feedback we received about their performance was as we expect, very positive. We thank them for their efforts.

 

Finally, can I remind all families that mobile phones are to remain in lockers from the start of the day to the end of the day. I am noticing a creep away from this habit and want to let you all know this is not just an FHC rule. The Victorian State Government mandates this. Whilst some students would like to use their phones to make purchases at the canteen, we are not in a position to allow this. We have no discretion here and I appeal to all families for their support in this regard. Let me assure you, the phones are a distraction, and I support the rule.

 

Have a great weekend

 

Regards

David Rogers

 

Volunteering

On the 1^st September the Yr 12 VCAL class visited Fare Share in Abbotsford to volunteer in their kitchen. Fare Share is an organisation who prepare food for people who don’t know where their next meal is coming from.

Our students made 1428 sausage rolls, then prepared 200 kg of minced beef and 20 kg of mushrooms ready for the cooking of the next meal. The students were such hard workers and demonstrated excellent teamwork and work ethic.  A number of the staff commented on the maturity of our students and how nice it was to work with them.  The students really appreciated being able to give back to the community.

Tribe Points Update

Last week the Tribe Leaders ran Mystery Week with a different clue to a mystery to decipher each day. All students who participated were able to add to their Tribe’s points with the added benefit of getting their ‘little grey cells’ working!

Congratulations to all students who participated! Special mention goes to these students, each of whom got the highest number of clues correct:

Chloe – Year 8 – who won first prize (Green)

Emi – Year 7 (Red)

Lhiana – Year 8 (Blue)

Josh – Year 8 (Green)

Ronnie – Year 7 (Red)

Georgie – Year 8 (Red)

Jennifer – Year 9 (Red)

Emma – Year 7 (Red)

Maddie – Year 9 (Green)

After adding Mystery Week points, along with Student Learning Outcome Awards, Positive Contributions and points for participation in the College community, Red has once again nudged past Blue to take the lead:

Red: 5075

Blue: 5063

Green: 4843

Yellow: 4617

There’s not much in it now as we head into Term 4… so keep getting involved!

Chris Grant

Interschool Year 8 Boys Basketball

On Friday 2nd September, the Year 8 Boys Basketball Team represented Forest Hill College at division level. The semi-final was a nail-bitter against Templestowe College, with a close 2-point victory taking the team into the grand final. The grand final was also extremely close against Heathmont, but the team pulled together and supported each other, after being behind at half time, and came out victorious. All team members demonstrated great spirit and sportsmanship towards all schools and referees. Thank you to the staff who supported the team on the day. Well done everyone and looking forward to the next round in October.