Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends

Welcome to the 2015 school year. An extra special welcome to our Year 7 students and families and new students and their families from Years 8-12. Congratulations to all new students on securing a place at Frankston High School. As you know we only enrol students who are prepared to do their ‘Best Always’ (Optima Semper). We know our students’ contribution to our school allows us to maintain our learning culture of excellence, which we all benefit from. We have had a brilliant start to the school year. Students are looking neat, tidy and healthy, wearing full school uniform and actively participating in classes with their world class teachers. These teachers are providing them with a diverse range of learning challenges.

Frankston Families: A Great Investment Living in Frankston High School Zone

On 30 January 2015, the Herald Sun published an article to reveal that the Frankston High School zone is leading all zoned schools across the state, in terms of house purchasers paying a 16.9 per cent premium compared to Balwyn High, which comes second, where there is a four per cent premium. Congratulations to all our families who have purchased in the zone. Your children, together with our great teachers, make our school exceptional and, as a result, you have made a wise investment which is paying far greater dividends compared to investing hundreds of thousands in a private school education. We have a learning culture money can’t buy, not even in the most expensive of private schools. You either have it or you don’t and it is our students, staff and parents that enable us to have such a priceless learning community. Follow this link to read the article: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/families-paying-premium-to-live-in-frankston-high-school-zone/story-fni0fit3-1227202788169

Class of 2014 Confirm Frankston High Schools Reputation = High Performing School Of Academic Excellence

We can continue to be justifiably proud of our outstanding reputation as a high performing school of academic excellence. Our 2014 Year 12 cohort have not let us down with results which continue to place Frankston High School as one of the top schools in the state.

Highlights included

115 students received an A+ grade in their assessments.
An incredible three ATARs over 98
Four perfect study scores in English, Business Management, Outdoor Education and Russian
9% of students achieved study scores over 40, which places Frankston High School as the leading government school on the peninsula, ahead of most private schools.
The many students who were able to reach their full potential as a result of their commitment to their studies and the outstanding teaching at Frankston High School
The dedication of our outstanding teachers who generously supported our students to achieve such excellent results.

University Placements

It is a great pleasure to report that following the first round university offers, 92% of our Year 12 students who applied for tertiary study have received an offer. We anticipate that after second round offers and mid-year offers, 100% of these students will be proceeding with tertiary courses. Congratulations to all students in the Year 12 class of 2014. We wish you every success for the future.

Welcome To New Students, Parents and Friends

Welcome to all new students and their families. You are joining a wonderful school with exceptional teachers who will support you to achieve your best. Frankston High School provides a learning community where we all respect and care for each other, always working cooperatively as a team. In addition, our school provides you with magnificent facilities and resources which are yours to use. You are among friends who care and support each other. Please don’t be afraid to ask questions and students and staff alike will enthusiastically respond to ensure you feel welcome. Staff, students and parents are eager to help you make a successful transition into our school.

A Multi Campus School

Frankston High School is a multi-campus school. We have two Campus Principals who have responsibility for making decisions regarding the students on their campus. The Principal of the Senior School (VCE Campus) is Ms Helen Wilson and the Principal of the Junior School (Year 7-10 Campus) is Ms Cathy Hogg.

Help Always Available

Frankston High School has a commitment to providing all the care and support necessary for each student to do their best and achieve the highest possible learning outcomes. It is important when parents have concerns about their children they contact the relevant staff members immediately to ensure a quick supportive response.

The most appropriate staff members to talk with when you have specific concerns are the classroom teachers, then Assistant/Year Level Coordinators, then Sub-School Coordinators. These are the staff members who have a thorough understanding of the needs of the students in their care. Decisions regarding students are made in partnership with parents and students with careful consideration of what is in the best interests of the students.

In addition, we are fortunate to have Student Wellbeing Coordinators (Ms Kirsten Bakker, and Ms Michelle Beirouti) and a Chaplain (Ms Linda Hughes) who are available to help students and their families with welfare related concerns, and also a Careers Counsellor (Mrs Carolyn Walsh), who is available to counsel students and families in relation to exploring career options.

Ritchies

I encourage all parents to patronise Ritchies Supermarkets and access a Community Benefits Card, nominating Frankston High School as your preferred beneficiary. Each time you shop at Ritchies you will be actively contributing to your child’s education by helping us continue to provide high quality resources throughout the school.

Swimming Sports and Year 7 Camps Herald a Great Start to the Year

This week we had a magnificent summer day to enjoy our swimming carnival. Whilst our elite swimmers astounded us all by breaking records, the rest of us competed having fun to earn points for our houses. I was relieved to finish my race without having to call for the defibrillator! Congratulations to Murray House: our 2015 Champions. Many thanks to Ms Edwards and Ms Tierney who have worked tirelessly to ensure we all had a wonderful day. As well as the swimming carnival, two Year 7 camps occurred this week. These camps provide a great opportunity for students to form new friendships and get to know their teachers. I enjoyed visiting to see many smiles on young and not so young faces as everyone enjoyed participating in the many adventure team building activities. A huge thank you to Ms Williams who has spent many hours organizing these camps for all to enjoy.

Wine and Cheese Evening

I look forward to meeting our Year 7 Parents at the Wine and Cheese Evening to be held in the hall on Tuesday, 24 February at 7pm. I can recommend these nights to new parents as an informal, social get together with other parents in a friendly, supportive atmosphere.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, I extend my best wishes to everyone as we embark on another challenging, stimulating year of teaching and learning where I am sure we will be regularly celebrating the many achievements of our extraordinary students. I encourage all students to become involved in many different aspects of school life, which will enhance their learning experiences and provide wonderful lifelong memories of well spent years at our wonderful school.

John Albiston

Exchange