From the Principal

Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends

At the end of last year we were celebrating our excellent VCE results whilst also welcoming back over 100 students who had been trekking overseas on the World Challenge Expedition, gaining their Surf Bronze qualification on the Surf Lifesaving Camp or completing the Great Victorian Bike Ride. This provides just a brief snapshot of some of the challenging learning experiences our young people are able to participate in throughout the school year. I encourage students to get the most out of school life by becoming involved beyond the four walls of the classroom. I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday time with family and friends and look forward to supporting everyone to make the best of their learning time throughout 2014.

Outstanding VCE Results

We need to all be very proud of our Class of 2013 who achieved outstanding VCE results. As you can see from the front page of our newsletter we are thrilled with the results achieved by this cohort. Consequently, we can continue to be justifiably proud of Frankston High School’s outstanding reputation as a high performing academic school of excellence.

Highlights other than those featured on our front page include:

Frankston High School continuing to be the leading government school on the Peninsula and in fact obtaining results ahead of most private schools on the Peninsula.
10% of subject scores over 40 places Frankston High School well within the top 10 of metropolitan government co-educational and non-select entry schools.
A median subject score of 31 indicates that a typical Year 12 student at our school achieves above average study scores compared to students in private and government schools across the state.
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.

These results reaffirm Frankston High School as one of the leading schools in the state.

University Placements

It is a great pleasure to report that following the first round university offers, 96% 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.

This is an outstanding result. We were thrilled that most students received their first or second choice. This is another great example of how our students achieve their dreams by striving to do their best always.

Fond Memories of Jayden Davies

During the holidays we received very sad news that former student Jayden Davies passed away after his battle with cancer. Jayden is fondly remembered by many students, staff and parents. When we have been sharing stories about Jayden we remember him as a very friendly young man who always stopped to chat with others using his cheerful nature to brighten everyone’s day. We remember Jayden as a keen sportsman who loved his cricket and football. Jayden’s funeral last week at the Frankston Arts Centre was attended by a huge number of people which is testimony to how well loved he was. The way Jayden led his life should be an inspiration to us all. He was always thinking of others and making us smile. We send our condolences to Jayden’s family and friends.

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 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 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 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 a Student Wellbeing team, Mrs Kirsten Bakker, Mrs Michelle Beirouti, and two Chaplains, Ms Linda Hughes and Mr Jonathan Dawson (JD), who are available to help students and their families with welfare related concerns We also have 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.

Family Welcome Evenings

I welcomed our parents of new students in Years 8 to 12 at an evening get togetherlast Wednesday, 5 February. We also have our Wine and Cheese Evening for parents of Year 7 students on Wednesday, 5 March at 7pm.

I can recommend these nights to new parents, as an informal, social get together 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 and provide wonderful lifelong memories of well spent years at Frankston High School.

John Albiston, Principal