From the Principal

Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends

As the term draws to a close teachers are burning the midnight oil, correcting assessments and producing comprehensive reports for students and parents.

I encourage students and parents to read reports together and plan for further improvement.  For some students this may mean attending homework club which is available three afternoons a week, or asking their teachers for additional help.  Some parents may wish to make contact with teachers to discuss the report if they feel this will be helpful.  Students who are excelling need to discuss with their parents whether they are being challenged.  Please email or talk with the teacher if you feel more challenging learning is required.

I remain in awe of our wonderful students who continue for the most part to make the very best of their learning opportunities at Frankston High School.  This newsletter edition is yet another celebration of their ongoing achievements.   

‘THE WEDDING SINGER’ A SENSATIONAL SHOWSTOPPING CELEBRATION OF TALENT

A definite highlight of this term has been the school production ‘The Wedding Singer’.  It was highly entertaining with a strong comedic element.  The level of student performance skills in singing, dancing and acting was certainly showcased by this event.  Also we must remember all those talented students and staff behind the scenes providing such professional musical support in the band.

Thanks also to the many students who worked back stage.  The amount of time provided by many staff after school, on weekends and during school holidays in developing the talents of our students is testimony to the dedication and expertise of our staff.  As one parent has said ‘They had such a wonderful and happy experience again this year.  The lessons they learn by doing something like production go above and beyond what can ever be taught in a classroom.  The friendships made and strengthened, the respect and rapport shared between the teachers and students, the wonderful memories, the dedication and commitment to not only rehearsing and performing, but keeping on top of school work is so valuable to them and is helping them to develop to become well rounded individuals we can all be immensely proud of.’ I couldn’t have said it better myself. 

Thanks also to the many parents, friends and students who attended this season of performances.  Your attendance inspired our students to believe they can achieve their dreams.

SENIOR CONCERT BAND THRILLS AUDIENCE AT CONCERT BANDS FESTIVAL

On Sunday 29 May I had the privilege of enjoying the wonderful talents of the Frankston High School Senior Concert Band under the direction of Mr Peter Sharp as they participated in the Cranbourne Lions 30th Birthday Concert Bands Festival.

The Assistant Musical Director of the Cranbourne Lions Band Ms Nat Pollard commented that we must be most proud of the conduct and talent of our young people.  We are of course very proud and indebted to our Director of Instrumental Music Mr Peter Sharp and his colleagues who were prepared to give up the day for their students including  Mr Leon de Bruin and Ms Caroline McAlister.  Just to remind ourselves how fortunate we are, Mr Sharp and his staff began their Sunday at 5.00am as they prepared to support our students in participating at this concert.

I hope many of our young people graduate and retain their passion for musical performance by performing in community concert bands in the future.

CLASS OF 2016 DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY IN THE WAKE OF THE GAT

Our Year 12 students certainly deserved a night of celebration at the Year 12 formal after participating in the very lengthy challenging GAT exam.  They showed how they could have a fun night with staff and friends as they partied the night away in a responsible manner.   Staff at the Mornington Racecourse commented on how lovely our students are and said they had been a pleasure to have at their establishment.  The high quality of the students we are so blessed to have at Frankston High School is a tribute to the caring parents and inspirational Frankston High School staff they have supporting them.  Special thanks to Ms Nicole Filippou for organizing this event and to Mr Simon Cameron who oversaw the smooth running of the GAT exams as Acting Senior Campus Principal. 

FORESTATION OF SLOPE NEXT TO OVAL CONTINUES AT WORKING BEE

Forestation of slope next to oval was done during the working bee.  Many thanks to parents and students who attended on such a cold winter’s day and also to Ms Lee Anne Smith for getting us all in order to achieve such a great improvement to our grounds.

I wish everyone a relaxing break over the holidays and some special time with family and friends.  Whilst Year 12 students need to continue studying it is essential that they take some time to relax and recharge their batteries in preparation for a most demanding second half of the year.  Stay warm everyone!

Mr John Albiston

Principal