From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff, Students & Friends
This term continues to be action packed with many challenging and varied learning activities on offer for our students. This edition of the newsletter highlights some of the incredible experiences our students are having at Frankston High School.
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PERFORMANCE REVIEW PROCESS CELEBRATING GREAT PERFORMANCE OF OUR STAFF
Throughout the last two terms I have been conducting reviews of the performance of all staff at Frankston High School. This is a very rigorous process where teachers are observed teaching as well as being required to provide evidence that they are following our whole school approach to teaching and learning. This process has been incredibly rewarding because I continue to be in awe of the incredibly dedicated, highly talented staff we are so fortunate to have at our school.
Staff are demonstrating how they are continually reflecting on their practice as well as being determined to forever improve their understanding and innovation of curriculum design and associated best practice. Teachers are certainly focused on developing curriculum which is requiring students to use high level critical and creative thinking skills to solve real world problems as outlined in the Frankston High School Mission statement. The development of these skills will be essential for our young people to prosper in the 21st century. Well done to staff and students for rising to the challenge of being actively involved in the world of contemporary teaching and learning.
INTERMEDIATE CONCERT BAND WINS GOLD
Congratulations to our Intermediate Concert Band in their amazing achievement of winning gold at the Victorian Schools Music Festival. This was a great accomplishment against private schools and a real tribute to Mr Peter Sharp and his terrific team of Instrumental Music teachers. Just as importantly, much positive feedback was provided regarding the excellent behaviour of our students. Such a triumph reminds us that our school bands are up there with the best in Australia.
INDEBTED TO TEACHERS GIVING OF THEIR TIME TO COACH SPORTING TEAMS
Huge accolades to the many staff who give so generously of their own time to coach sporting teams. A special mention to the many teams that have become Regional Champions and qualified for State Finals. Some of these teams include: Junior Girls Volleyball, Intermediate Boys Badminton, Year 7 Boys Soccer, Senior Girls Soccer, Senior Boys and Girls Hockey and the list goes on.
GREEN ASSEMBLIES RAISE AWARENESS
Many thanks to Mr Brendan McKinnon who organised the student led Environmental Committee to run very informative assemblies about how we can all change our behaviours to help preserve our environment. Students realised that by changing behaviours slightly at home and school can really have a positive impact in preserving our magnificent environment. Hopefully this assembly has generated some discussions at home about what can be done to be even more eco-friendly.
COUNSELLING PROCESS MOST SUCCESSFUL
Many thanks to all parents who have supported their children by attending course counselling. Parent support has enabled families to actively participate in helping students from Year 8 onwards to choose their learning pathways as they proceed up to the next year level. Parent attendance indicates the extent to which our parents take an active interest in their children’s’ education and when this happens young people achieve much higher, more successful learning outcomes compared to those parents who remain disconnected from their school community. Congratulations to our parent community!
VTAC INFORMATION NIGHT SUPPORTS FAMILIES OF YEAR 12 STUDENTS
Our annual VTAC information night was held last Thursday, to inform parents and Year 12 students of the most useful strategies and processes for applying for tertiary courses. This event was very well attended, providing an indication of how much our parents appreciate the opportunity to learn how to best support their children in navigating through this milestone in life. Thanks to Ms Carolyn Walsh and Mr Simon Cameron for offering such an informative evening.
PERFECT WEATHER FOR SCHOOL HOUSE ATHLETICS
Accolades to Ms Chloe Edwards, Ms Carly Douglas & Ms Savannah Brennan for leading the organisation and implementation of a wonderful house athletics day carnival. It was a great day of fun, celebrating the values of teamwork, good sportsmanship and the joy of leading a fit and healthy lifestyle. Students made the most of the day demonstrating exceptional cooperative behaviour throughout the event.
FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE OF OUTDOOR EDUCATION
As many would know I participated on the Year 12 Outdoor Education Snow Camp a few weeks ago. Ms Georgia Tierney is to be congratulated for providing a learning experience that is extremely physically and mentally challenging; building resilience in our young people and old people alike. Also it was a great opportunity for the students to undertake a comparative analysis of Mt Buller and Mt Stirling, developing their critical thinking and enabling them to learn to appreciate the pristine environment of Mt Stirling. Mr Rowan Cameron, Mr Jimmy Cameron and Ms Sarah Wallace were incredible in the way they challenged us whilst also entertaining us with their antics! These days away reminded me how brilliant our students are. Each time anyone fell over, students were by your side to offer a helping hand and never a word of frustration was spoken, under at times, extremely trying conditions. I am still nursing some bruises but I am proud to say that I survived such a challenging experience and even prouder of the exceptional young people we are developing.
VARIETY NIGHT
Thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of Ms Alarna Summers we are all looking forward to Variety Night on 26 August. Tickets are only $10. I look forward to catching up with many students and parents at this event where we can join together and be entertained by our extraordinarily talented students.
Mr John Albiston
Principal