Another GREAT Week-2

Welcome to week 2.......

Some key dates for all parents to be aware of for next week

Last Day Year 12 classes Wednesday 24 October

Final Year 12 Assembly ( Whole College) Thursday 25 October

Year 12 Formal Thursday 25 October

We began the week with chess champions.

The Victorian Chess State Finals took place at Brighton Grammar School on Monday 15^th of October.

One of our Year 12 students, Jackson, and our Year 10 student, Ming, had successfully won their way to the State Chess Championship for 2012. They were to go head-to-head with other government schools, independent schools and private schools. The competition was to go for 7 rounds. For each game, each competitor was given 15.03 min/sec on the clock. It was a tough and elite standard of play with each student’s personal and school reputation on the line. Jackson’s first game was a win, Ming’s was a loss. Next round, they both won. They were both praised for their shrewd skills and strategic insight. As the competition continued, the pressure increased. The next 5 rounds were a mixture of wins, losses and even a draw. Their concentration and determination to remain competitive was evident and admirable. They did FHC proud: We were competitive with the best in the State. Well done boys!


This week we received a letter of commendation for our Maths staff and students. The letter recognized the excellent work of our Maths Domain Leader Kui Ping Hee for her "professionalism, efficiency and dedication."
It also acknowledged that 52 of our students entered the competition and 42 of them received certificates of achievement for the high standard of their results.

Eastern Region Athletics

A strong team of 16 students arrived at a warm Knox Athletics Track on October 15^th. We were really excited about the chances of getting a few students through to the state athletics finals. The day began with Matt competed hard in the long jump, winning a silver medal. It was a great performance by Matt who came up against some very good competition. Our next competitor was Sam in the shot put (an event that she went to state athletics for the year before). She tried hard in her first couple of throws but came up a little short, but after her third throw she hit the front nervously waiting to see how it would end. Unfortunately for Sam, her competitions third throw landed one centre meter further than Sam’s throw to see her finish second and claim the silver medal, still a fantastic result. Jake fought hard in his 400m race also finishing with a silver medal. Bridget (an under 16) competed in the under 17 age group and battled hard to claim a silver medal in the long jump. But the day belonged to Sam and the U/17 girl relay team who won gold. Sam, in her 100m sprint streaked away from the field to win gold. She then backed it up later in the day combining with Bridget, Tess and Danielle to win the gold in the 4X100m relay team but about 20m. We wish them all the best in the state athletics competition and hope they can win another gold medal. Good luck girls!!!

On Monday we also had the author Tony Porter present to our Year 9 students. His focus was on how the media skew the way they select the stories we see on the news to create a desired effect from their audience. Our Year 9 students left this rich experience with an enhanced understanding of the need to cast a critical eye over the way we have our news presented to us. Hopefully they are now far more savvy about forming views and leaping to conclusions based on news and current affairs programs.

On Wednesday some of our Year 9 Growth class went to the city to continue their work on their "World" project. Many of the students made excellent progress on defining their focus for the forthcoming city excursions they will be participating in.

Also on Wednesday 18 year 8 and 10 boys successfully completed the 8 week Martial Arts course on Wednesday. The boys celebrated with a pizza lunch prior to the session and then challenged themselves to breaking varying strength boards with their hands. Appreciation goes to the City of Whitehorse who contributed to funding the course this year. 

The FHC Year 7 debating team had a busy night on Wednesday watching a most entertaining exhibition debate between their debate tutors and then participating in their first inter-school debate. In a tight competition, our team of James, Genevieve and Jared had a one-point loss arguing 'that the Olympics are not worth the trouble.' More debates to come next week!

Year10 student Paul, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Nunawading was a competitor in the semi-final of Rotary's Public Speaking competition. Although not progressing to the Grand Final, the judges praised the maturity and originality of Paul's speech which was entitled, 'Try Thinking'. Bravo, Paul. 

On Thursday our prospective College Captains presented their speeches to the College staff and students. This is the 3rd step in the process of electing our College Captains. To be shortlisted to deliver a speech, students must first have written an application to a certain standard, then have been shortlisted for interview. Following an interview with a panel comprising Ms Carson, a nominated staff representative, a Principal and a current student leader. This was done in the Theatre and is a very formal tradition at FHC. The speeches were of a particularly high standard and we now await the decision. The announcement of the successful candidates will take place at our College Assembly next Thursday.

At lunch on the band Maskeeta Fall performed on our new deck that the VCAL class constructed.Approximately 100 students enjoyed their performance in our Southern Courtyard.

Following lunch, our Year 12 students enjoyed an afternoon of pizza and fun. They have worked very hard to complete their practice exams and classes, and are now preparing to sit their VCAA exams. The pizzas were a way of lightening the mood from the serious stuff and take some pressure off them. A lot of fun was had by the students as they mingled and reflected on their time at FHC with Ms Kats.

Whilst the speeches were being delivered, our current Year 12 cohort and Ms Kats enjoyed a break from the demands of VCE with a pizza lunch. These students have just completed a demanding series of practice exams and we were keenly aware of the stress they have been and are under. The pizza lunch was a reminder to the students that they need to have a balanced lifestyle as they enter the VCAA exam period. Whilst they certainly need to be working hard, they also need to treat themselves every now and then to balance out the stress they will be and are, experiencing.

Some key dates for all parents to be aware of for Term 4

VCAA Exams Commence Thursday 1 November
Year 10 and 11 Exams 12-16 November
Presentation Night Years 10-12 Thursday 29 November
Yr 7 2013 Connections Night Monday 3 December
College Assembly Friday 7 December
Yr 7 2013 Orientation Day  Tuesday 11 December
Presentation Night Years 7-9 Tuesday 11 December