From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff, Students And Friends
As you know our last group of students (Years 8, 9 and 10) recently returned to on site learning much to the joy and relief of everyone. I am so proud of all our young people who need to be congratulated for their efforts in ensuring we remain a COVID-19 safe community since returning to on site learning. They have upheld our school value of responsibility by looking after the health and safety of themselves and others by willingly wearing masks. They are really persevering with wearing masks even though they can be annoying.
Also, our students together with all of us have become even more aware of the fragility of our mental health as we have all struggled with this mammoth challenge of being locked down for so long. They have remained optimistic and returned to school, happy to be with friends but ever mindful of the importance of being kind to others and supporting their peers at times when they have been feeling down. I must also take this opportunity to thank our parents who have instilled in their children the importance of being responsible and caring for others during this challenging time, but also at all times.
SCHOOL CAPTAINS FOR 2021
It is my great pleasure to announce the Year 12 2021 students who were nominated and elected successfully to become Frankston High School Captains for 2021.
The School Captains are; Noah Oliver and Tess Rogers and the Deputy Captains are Alex Hayes and Bella Bailey. All nominees gave inspiring speeches with common themes being a commitment to support the important issues of sustainability and mental health. All contenders for these prestigious positions would have made excellent captains and I encourage those who weren’t successful, to keep on doing your best as I know you will, because other doors will open for each of you.
'CHILL OUT AND LOOKABOUT' VIDEO SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL AWARD
As most of you already know our fantastic video ‘Chill out and Lookabout’ has been shortlisted for the High Resolves National Videos for Change award. Only a handful of schools from across Australia had their videos shortlisted. This is a great tribute to the LEAD class as we continue to honour Dylan Briggs who we tragically lost earlier this year. I hope you voted for the People’s Choice award. Let’s keep our fingers crossed but regardless of the outcome we know our students have actually saved lives across the world with their powerful message about road safety.
OSCAR AND RYAN PEDDLE SAVE LIVES THANKS TO FRANKSTON HIGH SCHOOL LIFESAVING PROGRAM
Our lifesaving program that was founded by Mr Rowan Cameron and now continues under the expert leadership of his son Mr James Cameron produces highly qualified students who patrol our beaches with the skills and knowledge to save lives. This is a recent example of the positive impact this program has across and beyond our community.
In September 2020, Oscar Peddle (Year 12) and Ryan Peddle (former Frankston High School student) and both graduates of the Frankston High School Lifesaving program found themselves trapped in Melbourne’s Covid-19 lockdown which limited them to go surfing to catching a ‘bay wave’ at Canadian Bay, Mount Eliza. On this particular day, the bay was treacherous with huge waves awaiting the two brothers. Three young girls arrived at the beach to have a swim at the boat ramp and were quickly swept off the ramp by a massively fierce rip. Ryan and another surfer reached the girls first and supported all three on their surf boards until help arrived from Oscar. After a fierce struggle Ryan and Oscar were able to return these girls safe and sound to their frantic parents.
We are so proud of these boys and the program that has provided such authentic learning experiences that can then be transferred to directly saving lives.
A special thank you to Mr James Cameron for ensuring the lifesaving program has continued throughout the year during remote and on site learning.
ZOE SEMETAS AND ZARA BLACK STATE WINNERS IN DEVELOPING THEIR OWN BUSINESSES
Ms Sally Sanderson has inspired her students to enter the Plan A Business Enterprise Competition. Zoe Semetas and Zara Black (Year 10) were state finalists with Zara Black becoming state champion and Zoe Semetas being placed third. Zara proceeds to the National Championships. Becoming first and third in the state was a magnificent achievement given many government and private schools were participants in this competition.
MONASH SCHOLARS CLASS OF 2020-2022
We're very pleased to advise you that the following students from Frankston High School have been offered a place in the Monash Scholars Class of 2020-2022.
Congratulations to the following students:
- James Wylie
- Lis Maria Jobi
- Luisa Harrasser
WILLIAM REAR AND ZOEFORMOSA GRADUATE FROM MONASH UNIVERSITY MENTORING PROGRAM
William Rear (Year 11) and Zoe Formosa (Year 11) are to be congratulated for their great persistence in continuing with the Monash University Mentoring Program during this challenging year where it has been necessary to communicate with mentors from Monash University online. The mentors who are current University students provided our students with an understanding of University life further inspiring them to study hard to follow in their footsteps. It is unfortunate that an awards dinner will not be held this year, but a special morning tea was organised to celebrate the achievements of these students.
LIAM HUGHES (YEAR 12) ELECTED AS A FRANKSTON CITY COUNCILLOR
No doubt you have seen numerous billboards around the city of Frankston encouraging south ward residents to vote for the Hughes brothers in the recent Frankston City Council elections. All votes have been counted and we are thrilled to announce that Liam is now officially a Frankston City Councillor. As Liam’s identical twin brother Jerome was second on their campaign ticket he will naturally be Liam's personal advisor. Both boys have been outstanding students at our school and excellent citizens of our great city. I am sure Liam will do his very best to ensure our city becomes an even better place for us all to enjoy.
STRENGTHENING ENGAGEMENT AND ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE PROGRAM 2020
Liam and Jerome Hughes (Year 12) continue to be in the limelight and very deservedly. They recently completed the strengthening engagement and achievement in Mathematics and Science with Monash University. They undertook a major part of this rigorous study program during their holidays. Liam and Jerome are assured of success in the future and even more importantly they will use their success to make a positive difference to the lives of many.
YEAR 12 LAST DAY: A GREAT CELEBRATION WITH A VERY SPECIAL GROUP
Recently our Year 12 students celebrated their last day at school after a year which will be etched in their memory as very challenging yet very special. The Class of 2020 is a wonderful cohort and have missed special opportunities such as the Year 12 Formal and Valedictory dinner but they have persisted with their studies without complaint and have demonstrated the importance of kindness and remaining optimistic together with doing your best always, especially during times of great struggle. These students had fun on their last day in a responsible safe manner. We wish them every success as they prepare for their exams and know they will leave and lead wonderful lives. Many have been attending school to receive feedback on their practice exams which shows their determination to be the best they can be. Well done Class of 2020!
As restrictions are reduced we all share the joy of returning to a much more free and easy lifestyle. It was great to see hundreds of young people up at school playing basketball on the weekend smiling and enjoying this recently returned freedom. It is great to be alive and enjoying the sun whilst we continue to keep everyone around us safe and well.
Mr John Albiston
Principal