From the Principal
Dear Parents, Students, Teachers and Friends
I can’t believe how quickly the year is drawing to a close. Over the last few weeks we have had a number of special events that have allowed our community to join together to celebrate some of the brilliant teaching and learning experiences that have been provided by our great school, in 2015.
Runners Up In State Athletics: An Amazing Achievement!
As I cheered for our elite athletes at the State Athletics, my heart filled with pride as I thought of the many students who have participated in the athletics program throughout the year and who have benefited from learning about the values of good sportsmanship and have become committed to leading a healthy lifestyle. It is the incredibly high level of participation in sport that supports our school in providing Semper Squad training programs, resulting in students who do their best always with a significant number competing at State and National levels. Frankston High School were runners up in the state which is an absolutely magnificent achievement. First place went to the select entry sports school Maribynong which has received millions of dollars from Department of Education and Training (DET) by having elite athletes from across the state at their school. This sensational achievement is beyond our wildest dreams. Following this event, we had a number of our talented athletes compete in the Victorian All Schools Track and Field Championships. Frankston High School gained a total of 19 medals which is a fantastic result. We also had many students achieve personal best performances and qualify for the Australian Championships. We couldn’t ask for better, thanks to the dedication of our athletic coaches Ms Edwards, Mr Burt, Mr Bonfadini & Ms Douglas.
Valedictory Dinner – Saying Farewell to the Class of 2015
On Wednesday 21 October we wished the students of the Class of 2015 every success and happiness for the future as we farewelled them at our Valedictory Dinner.
This has been a very impressive cohort because 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.
This evening was full of nostalgia and sadness as we farewelled the class of 2015, but I am sure our students leave with wonderful life long memories of their time at Frankston High School. As you receive this newsletter, the Year 12 exams will have finished. 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.
Lions Youth of the Year Award – Students Demonstrate Exemplary Leadership Skills
Congratulations to the four Year 11 students who were nominated to enter the Lions Club Youth of the Year Award for 2015. They are Tia Cant Gibson, Madison Child, Nicholas Timms and Jack Rabbidge.
Unfortunately I could not attend because this event was on the same night as Valedictory. However, I was reliably informed that they all acquitted themselves very well in this most challenging public speaking and general knowledge competition, being well supported by a group of encouraging parents. Students were interviewed and required to give impromptu and prepared speeches. Just imagine the challenge and difficulty of delivering an ab lib speech when given the topic seconds beforehand, in front of an audience. For someone who gives speeches regularly, I would dread this request. Congratulations to Tia Cant Gibson, who was presented with the award of Lions Youth of the Year 2015. This is an outstanding achievement enabling Tia to progress to the next level of this competition.
End of Year Concert: Brilliant!
Congratulations and thanks to our dedicated Instrumental Music teachers, Music teachers and incredibly talented students for providing an absolutely sensational End of Year Concert. The performances represented a culmination of the teachers’ and students’ efforts throughout 2015 in honing their talents to an exceptional level. We now have the biggest instrumental music program ever in the history of our great school with phenomenal class sizes in VCE. Such an incredible achievement is all due to our fantastic Director of Instrumental Music Mr Peter Sharp, and his great team - Mr De Bruin, Ms Bredin, Ms Laughlin, Ms McAlister, Mr Duniam, Mr Addisson, Ms Starr & Mr Wijnschank.
Frankston High School Invited to Become a Microsoft Showcase School
As most people would be aware Frankston High School is regarded as a world leader in the use of tablet technology. We have delegations from all over the world and throughout Australia visit our school to learn the most innovative ways of using tablet technology to enhance teaching and learning. Microsoft has recently invited only 10 schools from across Australia to become showcase schools. This great honour will involve our school in learning from other showcase schools whilst also mentoring schools across Australia and throughout the world in how to get the best use from tablet technology. A special thank you to Mr Heale for his ongoing outstanding leadership in e-Learning which continues to place Frankston High School up there with the best in the world.
$20 Boss Program Wins Most Enterprising School Award
We continue to be leading the way in developing cutting edge teaching and learning practices which will enable our students to be high end, very successful 21st century learners upon graduation. This is no more evident than in our contemporary Learning Hub which is based on modern corporate design and encourages students and teachers to explore ground breaking modes of teaching and learning. The $20 Boss Program has been in operation in the Learning Hub, whereupon Years 9 and 10 students have worked with Mr Hunt in becoming entrepreneurs by establishing their own businesses. As a result of their creative endeavours this group has been awarded the NAB Most Enterprising School award receiving prize money of $3000. The ventures the students developed ticked all the boxes, according to the judges. They said our program sparked creativity, showed innovative thinking and entrepreneurship. All attributes we are trying to develop as outlined in our Mission Statement.
ArtFest: A Spectacular Celebration of Students’ Artistic Achievements!
Last week it was a pleasure to attend the opening of our annual ArtFest. The ArtFest was spectacular, showcasing incredible student works from Visual Arts, and Design Technology. This event provided a magnificent opportunity for students, parents, teachers and friends to celebrate the achievements of our very talented students. I was most impressed with the discussions I had with many of our student artists as they explained the depth of learning they had experienced in developing their folios and visual diaries leading up to the creation of their final pieces of work. Such a developmental journey requires our students to develop high level critical and creative thinking skills which will be absolutely essential for success in the 21st century. The quality of this exhibition was a tribute to all our talented Visual Art, and Design Technology teachers who have tirelessly supported our students to develop their creative abilities to such a high standard. Nicolette Phillipson of Year 12 received the Acquisitive award whereupon the school has purchased her artwork to display in our gallery. Nicolette’s work has also been shortlisted for the prestigious Top Arts exhibition which is a brilliant achievement. It is an extraordinary piece being made of human hair. India Coghlan of Year 12 provided a truly passionate speech at the opening, sharing her love of Art and how it has enriched her life.
World Challenge Expedition to India
As this newsletter is published we have three teams of Year 10 and 11 students and six staff flying to India to begin a wonderful month of adventure as they begin their World Challenge Expedition. They will return just before Christmas as different people having had the trip of a lifetime.
Mr John Albiston
Principal