From the Principal

Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends

As Term 3 draws to a close, students are still enthusiastically participating in a range of exciting learning activities; from challenges in the classroom to overseas trips, to periods of intense studying in preparation for the fast approaching Year 12 exams.  As we know, learning is a lifetime experience which never stops and allows our lives to be constantly enriched. 

Parent Teacher Student Interviews:  Valuable for All

Thanks to the extraordinary number of parents and students who attended our recent Parent Teacher Student interviews.  I am sure you found such shared discussions invaluable in gaining feedback about what the next steps are for students to continue to make the best of their learning.  Everyone agreed that the more generous 10 minute interview times allowed for greater depth of discussion, with the need to rush between interviews being less of a problem.   Thanks to the many parents who took the time to talk with me, sharing how impressed they are with the quality of education on offer at our wonderful school. Of course it is a combination of the outstanding teachers we have and the delightful, courteous students we are privileged to work with, that makes our school such a special place to be. 

Gala Night:  A Professional Showcasing of Frankston High School Talent

Frankston High School could have charged 10 times as much, given the quality of entertainment provided at Gala Night last week.  The audience was awe struck with the beautiful voices, breathtaking dancing, incredible instrumental performances with most entertaining circus and comedic acts to boot. The celebration of the artworks of our highly accomplished media students was yet another highlight of the evening.  Congratulations to all those students involved who were willing to share their love of performance with us all.  You made great memories for us all to cherish. Thanks especially to the Gala Night teaching team who generously gave of their time and expertise to ensure the evening was a huge success. 

Judges at Melbourne Bands Festival Captivated by our Senior Concert Band!!

Congratulations to the Senior Concert Band for achieving a Platinum Award on Friday, 15 August: the highest possible accolade at the Melbourne Bands Festival.  The judges were in awe of the amazing talented students our Instrumental Music teachers are developing.  Many thanks to our inspirational Instrumental Music teachers for the incredible talent they are nurturing in all students of music. As this newsletter is published, I will be attending our Cabaret Night, which will have a great line up of bands, soloists, small groups, vocalists and guest artists.  Another opportunity for families and members of our wider community to celebrate the magic that is produced when our teachers and students perform. 

Australian Maths Competition Results are Mindblowing!

We have recently received the Australian Maths Competition results which confirm the teaching of numeracy is going ahead in leaps and bounds at our great school.  Students who achieved up there in the top across Australia with a high distinction were: Amelie Schumann of Year 7, Anastasia Butreva of Year 8, Denzel Wilksch of Year 9 and Georgia Smollen of Year 11.   We had an incredible 34 students achieve a Distinction and an amazing 177 students achieve a Credit Award.  Latest research findings are indicating that student achievement in Mathematics is one of the most reliable predictors of likely success at university.  Thanks to our Maths faculty, the future for our young people is looking very bright. 

Student Leaders Selected to Represent the State 

No wonder our school has an award winning student leadership program with yet again, two student leaders being successfully selected with top student leaders from across the state, onto the VicSRC.  The VicSRC is a student leadership council that represents all students in private and government schools from across the state.  Congratulations to Sam Ilobuchi of Year 8 and Danai Harawa of Year 9, who will regularly meet with politicians, particularly the Minister of Education, to discuss changes that need to be made to improve education for all young people. This would not have happened if it wasn’t for the dedication and inspiration provided by our Director of Student Leadership, Ms Toovey.  

Overseas & National Trips Provide Great Opportunities for Many Students

Over the next few weeks we will have nearly 200 students enjoying very exciting trips, both nationally and internationally. I am boarding a plane with 25 students and two fellow colleagues to tour Japan and also stay at our sister school: Kawaguchi Kita High School.  It is a night flight; what’s the bet I won’t get much sleep surrounded by energised, chatty teenagers?  

Meanwhile another group of 27 students are winging their way over to Europe to enjoy the sights of France and the hospitality of our sister school: Jean Zay Lycee.  We have 130 students and 11 staff having a great adventure as they tour through the middle of Australia, culminating in the fun of the Mindil Market in Darwin.  I am sure everyone will arrive back home with many tales to tell of these once in a lifetime school events.

Announcements about Additional Prestigious Overseas Trips

Alpine Students off to China

It is with great pride that I announce that our Year 9 student leaders, who have been selected as up there with the best of Victorian student leaders, will accompany top student leaders from across Victoria on a trip to China as part of their Alpine School experience.  This trip will be underway during Term 4.  Congratulations to these magnificent Year 9 students: Charlotte Bowman, Lizette Gerryts, Danai Harawa, Theodore (Theo) Beeby, Jack Green and Nathan Keon.

Clarinet Ensemble Representing City of Frankston in Japan

Frankston High School has again been recognised as having excellent students with the selection of our Clarinet Ensemble to accompany a delegation from the Frankston Susono Friendship Association to represent the City of Frankston and Australia throughout a tour of performances in Japan and particularly at our sister city, Susono.  This trip will occur in November.

I know you will join with me in agreeing that our young people will be excellent ambassadors for our school, the City of Frankston and Australia on these overseas trips.  

In Conclusion

As I have been writing about the events of the last few weeks I can’t help but marvel about the amazing school we are all very fortunate to be a part of.  I wish everyone a very happy, relaxing holiday break, apart from our Year 12 students who I know will be studying relentlessly for their exams.  All the very best to our Year 12 students; do as many practice exams as possible and continue to seek feedback from your teachers.  Looking forward to a great a Term 4 with everyone!

John Albiston, Principal