From the Principal

Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends

As I am writing my report I am sure you will join with me in thinking of our fellow Australians in the Northern States who are continuing to face the ongoing challenges of the drought whilst fighting life threatening bush fires.  It is at this time we are reminded of the generosity and kindness of humanity as Australians reach out to others by coming to the aid of those who are facing adversity.  Whilst we cannot be there to offer a helping hand we can make a donation.  Here are some links to reputable charities: Australian Red CrossRural Aid/Buy a BaleDrought AngelsAussie HelpersLions Need for FeedFoundation for Rural and Regional RenewalSalvation Army.  Meanwhile at Frankston High School our students are celebrating great achievements whilst they are doing their best to prepare for final exams and assessment tasks.

Frankston High School: STATE ATHLETIC CHAMPIONS!

"Dream lofty dreams and as you dream, so you shall become" John Ruskin

On Friday 18 October, against all odds, Frankston High School won the State Athletics Championship.  For a number of years, we have been runners up because the government gave Maribyrnong Secondary College millions of dollars to become a specialist sporting school.  This school has state of the art sporting facilities with former Olympians as coaches and elite athletes enrol from across the state.  For Frankston High School to win against such a school is a dream come true thanks to the dedication of our coaching staff who have always remained focussed on their dream.  Thanks to Chloe Stevens, Mal Burt, Steven Bonfadini, Carly MacDonald, Luke Rowe, Kylie Grech and all those who have supported our athletics team.

Lions Youth of the Year 2019

Congratulations to the four Year 11 students who were nominated to enter the Lions Club Youth of the Year Award for 2019.  They were: Kynen Cogan, Elly Howell, Joanna Angeletos, Mia Davis and Maksim Kuyzminykh.  They made us proud with the delivery of inspirational and entertaining impromptu and prepared speeches.  I was in awe of these students especially when in front of an audience they were faced with challenge of delivering a speech when given the topic seconds beforehand.  One of the topics was ‘If I was a fly on the wall what wall would I like to be a fly on’.  A few students chose to identify with a fly choosing stables where they feast on horse manure; very amusing!  Congratulations to Joanna Angeletos, who was presented with the award of Lions Youth of the Year 2019.  Joanna will now progress to compete in Regional Finals.  Mia Davis is also to be congratulated because she won the Public Speaking Award.

The Frankston Football Club Was Rocking And Rolling With The Year 10 Students Knowing How To Party!

We were concerned about the foundations of the Frankston Football Club on Friday 8 November as our Year 10 cohort were all up dancing with great vigour and electric dance moves throughout their formal.  As usual the behaviour of our students was impeccable, and I was particularly impressed because as they left they thanked our staff for organising this event.  As educators and parents our hearts should be swelling with pride as we take time to reflect on the wonderful young people we have raised.  They demonstrated how you can have fun, celebrate the  diversity of our wonderful community without needing to be fueled by alcohol or drugs.   Well done Year 10 students!!!  

Download Photos Here https://tinyurl.com/fhs10formal19

Designworks: A Celebration Of Viscom And Media

It was great to see magnificent Viscom and Media products and folios on display at Designworks recently. Visitors were able to achieve an understanding of the depth and sophistication of learning that occurs in producing such impressive end products.  We are indebted to Ms April Hinton for organising this event and also to the Media and Viscom teachers for their ability to nurture the talents and skills of their students to such an exceptional level.

End Of Year Concert: A Celebration Of All That Is Great About Our Year Of Music

Congratulations and thanks to our dedicated Instrumental Music teachers and Music teachers for providing an absolutely sensational End of Year Concert.  The performances represented a culmination of their efforts in developing our students’ music performance talents to an exceptional level.  It was a fantastic night for showcasing award winning performances from throughout the year.  A highlight was the exceptional Year 12 performances that gave us a sneak preview of how they would have impressed the examiners during their solo performance exams.  

Training Band Has Their First Time Experience At Melbourne Bands Festival

Last week I went along to support our Training Band who faced the nerve racking experience of their very first performance at the Melbourne Bands Festival.  We need to remember that these students have just begun learning a musical instrument for the first time at the beginning of the year.  They acquitted themselves perfectly.  The music vocabulary articulated by the judge was beyond me but our students understood and were able to follow her directions to improve upon their sound.  The judge’s written comments said it all: ‘Congratulations on a well prepared and presented performance.  Your ensemble sound is beautiful and your change in style between the three pieces was excellent.  Mr Peter Sharp: Fab!!!!’

Last Working Bee For The Year Has Us All Exercising Whilst Working As A Team

A huge thank you to the many parents, students, friends and staff who attended our last working bee for the year.  We worked industriously as a team to clear and mulch in the dense bushland on our Senior Campus.  This will allow for the future planting of indigenous grasses underneath the tea tree canopy.  We need to thank all such volunteers who give of their time so generously to allow us to maintain such beautiful grounds for us all to enjoy.

Valedictory Dinner - Saying Farewell to the Class Of 2019

On Wednesday 23 October we wished the students of the Class of 2019 every success and happiness for the future as we farewelled them at our Valedictory Dinner.  This has been a very impressive cohort as they demonstrated a willingness and enthusiasm to work as a team with their teachers and to support each other in overcoming the learning challenges of such a demanding year.  They have done this with a great spirit of goodwill and this certainly puts them in good stead for future success.

Class of 2019
Class of 2019

As you receive this newsletter, the Year 12 exams will be finishing.  I wish all our graduates a well deserved holiday break as they wait for their results.  Remember the ATAR does not define you.  Each of you is capable of living your dream.  Do your best and be kind to others and your dream will find you.

Sponsor A Seat: Performing Arts Theatre

As a fundraising initiative, families are able to sponsor seats and have their family name inscribed on the back of a seat.  Get in early because some families are competing for their favourite seat number and/or position.  Contact Stav Smaragdiou if you are interested or book via Trybooking  https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=533255&

In the coming weeks, our Early Commencement Program commences with students beginning their next year level in preparation for the 2020 school year.  This is an opportunity for all students to demonstrate to their teachers how prepared they are to do their best always.  It is a flying head start into 2020, and if students give of their best then this time can be significant in setting themselves up for a great year of learning in 2020.  At the same time, we will be soon be farewelling 52 students and six staff members on the trip of a lifetime: World Challenge Expedition to India.  I am excited to hear of their stories of adventure upon their return.  Stay safe and well everyone as the Christmas season fast approaches.

 

Mr John Albiston

Principal