From the Principal

Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends

So much has happened since the last edition of the newsletter, engaging our students in an extraordinary range of learning activities.  I am indebted to our staff who not only provide challenging learning activities in the classroom but also are devoted to giving to our students beyond the classroom walls in order for them to thrive.        

FAME: A CELEBRATION OF THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF YOUTH

FAME is a story of young people discovering who they are, whilst overcoming challenges, giving their best always to develop their talents to an exceptional level.  This is what our actors, dancers, singers, backstage team, and student musicians did to an exceptional level and, as a result, they were living their dream through this amazing season of performances.  Such show- stopping performances are a tribute to our staff who have inspired our young people to be the best they can be.  We are indebted to our co-directors, Ms Brie Gibson and Ms Alarna Summers, our producer, Mr Travis De Valle, our extraordinary musical directors, Ms Sally Bredin and Ms Peta Laughlin, the talented choreographer Ms Taylor Burchett and our own great tapper, Ms Ebonie Burns.  Thanks also to the many other staff who played significant roles in this incredible production.  Parents, students, staff and friends in the audiences have inspired our students to believe in themselves; that they can overcome challenges and achieve great things in life.  In excess of 100 students were involved in FAME, reporting that they felt a part of one big happy family where they felt accepted for who they are.  Such an experience has helped engender a strong feeling of belonging to a school where our students feel safe and valued, thus providing the perfect environment in which to flourish.  

AEROBICS TEAMS BAG A SWAG OF MEDALS

Regular training of our Aerobics teams had them blitz the competition at a recent event in Langwarrin.  Five teams competed bringing home two gold medals, two silver medals and a bronze. 

A huge thank you to Ms Genevieve Donovan and Ms Jemma Pawley for spending countless hours coaching our Aerobics teams to such a high standard.  The girls are certainly learning about the rewards of working hard and cooperatively as a team; attributes that are essential for success throughout life.  We are all in awe of Ms Donovan’s dedication since she works at home to make the sensational costumes, whilst also having to look after a young daughter.  This is just one example of many that tells you that teaching is way more than just a 9 to 5 job.

STAGE BANDS THRILL AUDIENCE LOCALLY AND NATIONALLY

Our stage bands were a highlight of the Frankston Musical Festival recently.  These highly acclaimed bands had the audience singing their praises.  The following weekend they participated in the Mount Gambier Jazz Festival.  This is a national event with bands from all over Australia competing.  Our bands were placed fourth, and sixth in their divisions with a smaller ensemble achieving fourth place.  Such success tells us that our bands are up there with the best in Australia, with such success being a real tribute to our devoted and highly talented team of instrumental music teachers.  Furthermore, let us not forget that these teachers sacrificed two consecutive weekends away from family and friends to allow our students to have this special learning opportunity.    

HPV TEAMS DEFINITELY ARE THRILL SEEKERS WHO LOVE COMPETITION

Another group of teachers devoted the entire weekend to allow two teams to compete against teams from across Victoria in a recent Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) competition.  Thanks to Ms Libby Nicol,  Mr Mick Andrews and Mr Ross Towers who gave of their expertise and encouragement resulting in our teams being placed an incredible third and fifth after many hair- raising spills, with one boy being taken to hospital.  Now Lachlan Gourley (Year 9) is sporting a moon boot, but remains forever keen to recover and participate in this thrilling competition.  A huge shout out to eager parents who were enthusiastic time keepers and mechanics on the day. 

RECORD-BREAKING TOURS OF INTERESTED FAMILIES VISIT OUR SCHOOL

We had record numbers of prospective parents and students attend our tours over the last three weeks.  The feedback from parents was, as usual, overwhelmingly positive with a bombardment of questions about how can they get their children into Frankston High School. Many parents indicated that they have purchased in the zone deliberately to have their children attend our great school.  Also parents have reported that they are choosing Frankston High School over the private sector.  With waiting lists at every year level, I am sure we all feel grateful being part of such an exceptional school.  Our students express their gratitude by making the most of their time at Frankston High School, because they know this will allow them to become the best they can be.  

FRANKSTON JAPANESE FESTIVAL: A HUGE SUCCESS

On a recent weekend we had thousands of people attend the Japanese Festival held at our senior campus.  This was a fun day where locals were immersed in the Japanese culture as we celebrated the sister city relationship between Frankston and Susono.  From participating in a tea ceremony, to being blown away with the Japanese drumming, it was all happening.  Thanks to the many students, staff and parents who were active throughout the day to ensure everyone had a great time.  It was a great opportunity to showcase our magnificent school to thousands of visitors. 

OUR ATHLETES ARE UP THERE WITH THE BEST

On yet another Saturday our dedicated staff (Mrs Chloe Stevens, Mrs Carly Douglas, Mr Mal Burt and Mr Simon Ross) gave of their time and expertise to support our students to compete in the road relays at Albert Park.  To top this day off the unbelievable was achieved with our U16 boys becoming state champions, winning against elite private schools.

U14 girls came 5th with U18 girls placed 4th.  Furthermore, at the recent District Cross Country competition all teams won the District Cross Country last week with only one age level not represented.  We wish these teams the very best at Regional finals.

See, I wasn’t wrong when I told you so much has happened in the last few weeks.  If you have read my entire report you need to be congratulated.  I haven’t communicated everything, but I am sure you will read about our very well-presented Debutantes and their partners at the recent ball, and you will certainly read how proud we are of two graduate students who have been honoured with prestigious Premier’s awards.  Just quickly, thanks to our mums and grandmums for making our High Tea such a huge success, with over $6,000 being raised for Chaplaincy.

As winter is upon us, I hope everyone is keeping warm and active and enjoying life, as we are, at our ‘non stop get the most out of learning and life’ school.

Mr John Albiston

Principal