From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends
Hopefully you are all keeping warm with the onslaught of colder, windy weather. At Frankston High School, students and teachers are full of energy as they become involved in many wonderful learning activities. Upon receiving this newsletter our Musical Production: ‘The Wedding Singer’ will have just had their opening night. I hope to see many of you in the audience, enjoying this wonderful production whilst supporting our very talented students and staff.
ANZAC DAY ASSEMBLIES BRILLIANT WHILST STUDENTS MAKE US PROUD AT DAWN SERVICE!!
I was most impressed with our students as they participated with great respect in our ANZAC Day assemblies and dawn service. Many of our students provided moving presentations and performances at both events. They have learnt that this day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day on which we remember all Australians who served and died in war and on operational service. The spirit of ANZAC, with its qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity. Our students realise they can honour the ANZAC legend by showing these qualities each and every day of their lives. Whilst the assemblies and service engaged our students in a reflection on life and what matters most it was also a celebration of the wonderful students and staff we are so fortunate to have at our school. Currently we are constructing a special memorial garden as a tribute to the ANZACs.
MT GAMBIER JAZZ FESTIVAL STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IMPRESS AUSTRALIA
Thanks to Mr Sharp, Mr de Bruin and Ms Bredin for accompanying and supporting a number of stage bands as they performed. They were performing in the largest tent ever to be erected in Australia, receiving feedback and awards informing them that they are up there with the best school bands in Australia. This is a real accolade to the dedication and talents of our Music teachers. My advice is to never miss an opportunity to see our bands perform. They are extraordinary and will provide you with quality entertainment that is comparable to the best on offer anywhere in our country.
AEROBICS TEAM DAZZLE IN COMPETITION!
A huge thank you to Ms Adriaans and Ms Ashton who have devoted countless hours in supporting our three Aerobics teams to prepare for competition.
On 1 May all three teams (pictured above) provided show stopping performances which reflected their dedication to training. Teams have qualified for state finals and I look forward to cheering them on as they compete in Geelong in June. Thanks particularly to the patient parents who attend these competitions and who are constantly fixing hair and costumes to result in such flawless performances.
ROAD RELAYS HAVE OUR STUDENTS COMPETING WITH BEST IN THE STATE
Last Saturday our dedicated staff (Ms Edwards, Ms Douglas & Mr Burt) gave of their time and expertise to support our students to compete in the road relays at Albert Park. Elite athletes from the most expensive private schools competed and I am most proud to report that our students held their own, recording some great personal best performances. To top this day off the unbelievable was achieved with our Year 7 boys team (U/14's) claiming a silver medal beating the likes of St Kevin's, Melbourne Grammar, Caulfield Grammar; the list goes on. The team included Monte Charters, Jye Dignan, Sean Van Wijk and Ayden Dignan. I will have to invite them to a morning tea to celebrate, but please be reassured I will monitor their diet to ensure they are in tip top condition for future athletic events.
DEBUTANTE BALL 2016 A GREAT SUCCESS!
Last Friday our Year 11 students were resplendent in their formal attire, and created great memories with their families as they danced the night away at the 2016 Debutante Ball. The students’ plans for the future were shared with all in attendance being inspiring and uplifting and at times humorous, indicating that the future of our world is in good hands.
I must say endless opportunities abound at Frankston High School for all to excel and feel a special connection to our great school. Our students don’t watch life pass them by, spending all their time watching the lives of others on Facebook or TV, but get involved in a host of activities to make their lives rich with experience and to make themselves better people. Such engagement in our school community is what creates that special sense of belonging but also allows us to remain as a high performing school of academic excellence.
RECORD BREAKING TOURS OF INTERESTED FAMILIES VISIT OUR SCHOOL
We had record numbers of prospective families attend our tours over the last three weeks. The feedback from parents, was as usual, overwhelmingly positive. 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, because they know the quality of education provided by our school enables students to achieve learning outcomes which are just as great as those achieved in the best of government and private schools from across the state.
HPV TEAMS DO US PROUD!
Many thanks to Mr Ridoutt and Mr Rowe for generously giving of their long weekend in March to allow our students to compete at the Knox Grand Prix HPV event. We had two vehicles in the event with boys and girls from Years 7-12. It was a great opportunity for parent involvement. A great day was had by all with both teams placing in the top 10 in their division in this statewide event. Our next event is the gruelling overnight RACV competition in Maryborough. Just as well we have students who are committed to remaining fit and healthy which will allow us to be well and truly prepared for this challenge.
Mr John Albiston
Principal