From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends
As the school year draws to a close, students and teachers are still engaged in a range of demanding learning activities, within and beyond the classroom. This week all students participated in the Early Commencement Program, meeting their teachers for 2015 and discovering the challenges they will encounter in their next year level. Many students will have some homework for the holidays; it is essential students complete such work to ensure they have a great start to 2015.
Artfest: A Fantastic Celebration of Student and Teacher Talent!!
I am sure everyone who attended Artfest would agree that this exhibition was absolutely sensational. It was a tribute to our Visual Arts, and Design Technology teachers and their ability to nurture the talents of our students to such an exceptional level. I am in awe of the creative skills of our students and the incredible amount of learning that is involved in creating each piece of work. Certainly each exhibit was a labour of love, which makes us all very proud of our students’ dedication in the areas of the Arts and Technology.
Frankston High Bands and James Morrison Bring the House Down!
On Sunday, 16 November over 500 Frankstonites joined together to have a ‘Long Lazy Lunch’ to celebrate how proud we are of the great City of Frankston. This audience was literally blown away by world class jazz performances from our Senior Stage Band and also Frankston High School’s Alumni Show Band.
A highlight of this event was the special guest; Australia’s world renowned musician, James Morrison. James played the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and even keyboards throughout the afternoon with our bands. Our students, staff, and former students and staff, were thrilled to have the opportunity to perform with James Morrison. The solo performances of our students and also the beautiful singing voice of former student, Chelsea Molloy, were absolutely sublime. By the latter half of the afternoon the whole place was jumping as many audience members were jiving to some great jazz.
It was a wonderful afternoon and showcased the immensely talented staff and students we are so fortunate to have at Frankston High School. Thanks to Mr De Bruin for his outstanding leadership in enabling this event to be such a huge success.
Mia Rocco Becomes a Kwong Lee Dow Scholar; University of Melbourne
I am pleased to inform the school community that Year 10 student, Mia Rocco, has been selected by the University of Melbourne for the Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program. The University of Melbourne received thousands of applications to join this program. This is an extremely prestigious award and is given to a selected number of students who have demonstrated academic excellence. The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars will form an exciting community of scholars and future leaders who have the opportunity to access the university's library facilities and attend lectures whilst at secondary school.
Oscar Cooke- Abbot Wins Monash University Prize
Oscar Cooke-Abbot of Year 10 has been awarded the Monash University Prize as part of his involvement in the Monash University’s National Virtual School of Emerging Sciences (NVSES) courses. Oscar was selected with other top Year 10 Science students from Frankston High School and from across Australia to participate in NVSES. In Term 1, Oscar studied Quantum Physics and in Term 3 he studied Astrophysics. These courses were studied online with leading research scientists from Monash University. As part of these studies, Oscar created a video on the Doppler Effect. Oscar received an iPad Mini which he has generously given to his brother to use for his primary school studies. We are very proud of Oscar’s achievements in learning about all that is new and exciting in our emerging Sciences.
Lorne Surf Lifesaving Camp Returns as the Great Vic Bike Ride Departs!
Sixty exhausted students and staff returned from the Lorne Surf Lifesaving Camp last week. During this camp, students are constantly studying, training and being assessed to successfully complete their Surf Lifesaving Bronze. My daughter returned as did her peers, inspired to maintain their elevated levels of fitness by patrolling local beaches over the Christmas break. It pleases me to think that so many of our students are making such a productive contribution to the wider community. A huge thank you to Mr Cameron for allowing our students to have such an authentic learning opportunity. This coming weekend 40 students, parents and staff will be completing the Great Victorian Bike Ride. Teachers, along with parents, have given up their time to train these students over many months of weekend rides before the event. We are privileged to have such dedicated teachers who give of their own personal time to allow our students to have such special learning experiences. Many thanks to Mr Burt who leads this event with great enthusiasm and expertise.
Athletics Team are a Force to be Reckoned With!
Recently a team of elite Frankston High School athletes competed at the ‘All Victorian All School Championships’, which involved competition against the most prestigious private schools from across the state. Michael Cann, Lawson Power, Brad Butler and Jasmine Carroll all won Gold. Michael and Brad won Silver with Alona Broome and Daniel Vella achieving Bronze.
Today I took 15 Athletes to the airport so they can compete in the All Schools National Championships in Adelaide. We wish them all the best and again, such weekend events would not be happening if it was not for the commitment of Ms Edwards, Ms Cameron and Mr Burt. Coaches from across Australia are telling us we are a force to be reckoned with! GO FRANKSTON!!!
Year 12 Exams Draw to a Close!
Our students, families and I are indebted to our Year 12 teachers for their devotion to their students throughout the year and during the exam period, in supporting students to perform as well as possible during their exams. I continue to be in awe of the talent and tireless efforts of our Year 12 teachers.
Intermediate Boys Hockey Team: State Champions!
Recently our Intermediate Boys Hockey team faced up to a gruelling round of matches to become State Champions. This was a phenomenal effort and is due to the countess hours Mr Don and Ms Anderson have spent coaching our hockey teams and driving them to Monash University to train each week. We celebrated with a pizza lunch with these boys and I told them, what makes me extremely proud is that win or lose, our students always show great sportsmanship and are excellent ambassadors for our school.
Staff and Students Complete the Arthurs Seat Challenge
Congratulations to all staff and students who successfully completed the Arthurs Seat Challenge. Funds were raised to allow the essential ‘Fit to Drive’ program to continue in peninsula schools. I participated for the first time and can honestly say it is a heart stopping event. Next year I am carrying the school’s defibrillator on my back.
Movember: Many ‘Hirsute’ Characters Spotted Around the School!
Thanks to Mr James Sadler for inspiring staff to become involved in the worthy cause of Movember to help raise funds to support research into prostate cancer and mental health in men. A team of staff members appeared throughout November with interesting works of art complementing their facial features. We are very proud to say that Frankston High School raised in excess of $2,000.
Thank You and Best Wishes to All Community Members
As this is the final newsletter for the year, I would like to thank all community members for the ongoing support you have generously given to Frankston High School throughout 2014. Frankston High School continues to move from strength to strength allowing it to remain as a world leader in providing cutting edge, meaningful learning experiences for all students because of the support and contribution made by students, parents and staff. I wish everyone a safe, happy and relaxing Festive Season. I look forward to joining you for another challenging year of teaching and learning in 2015.
Mr John Albiston