Calendar dates
Term 4
Year 7 Camp 4-6 December
Presentation Night Years 7-9 16 December
Some useful links
Dear all
welcome to Week 8 of Another GREAT Week
Congratulations Jenny Cook
This week Jenny Cook announced her retirement as Principal of the College. Jenny has been Principal since 2008.
Jenny created
a team and empowered them to lead whole school, big picture projects. Jenny genuinely distributed leadership to others. She developed a
team with role clarity and left of centre thinking leadership. She developed school
council leaders, and built a highly effective college council.
In her time as Principal we have seen the development of learning spaces-
Science H Block and B6. The implementation of multiple interactive whiteboards to enhance learning and the installation of sound field systems in most classrooms to enhance audio quality. The Soccer field
and tennis courts were also developed in her time.
The College has a new roof, network and wireless system, and we introduced the following curriculum initiatives:
STEM, Developing Sports Leaders and a 1 to 1 laptop program
A documented learning culture that now includes a staff
handbook, performance and development processes in line with DEECD standards, a
documented learning walk process, progress towards a guaranteed and documented curriculum,
college wide unit planner and documented processes for developing effective
learning behaviours in class are other significant developments under Jenny's leadership that enable staff to deliver quality teaching and learning.
Jenny has left us now to focus on
what underpins any good school environment. Quality teacher practice and
capacity building.
David Rogers will be continuing in his role as Principal.
Presentation Night
On Thursday this week we held our Presentation Night for Year 10-12 students. It was a stunning success. We would like to thank all parents and families for attending. We would also like to thank Mr Neil Angus, State Member for Forest Hill for his attendance and participation on the night.
The quality of the evening was very high. The Brass Ensemble provided some wonderful entertainment through the evening and the student leaders spoke eloquently as our hosts.
The manner in which all students wore their uniform and the pride they showed as they accepted their awards was wonderful to experience.
The winners of some of our more prestigious awards were
School Endeavour Award
This
is awarded to a year 12 student who has made an outstanding contribution to the
school community. The awardee is a
student who has made the most of his abilities during the year and made a
difference for the school community.
Jeffrey H
General Academic Excellence Awards
Presented to students who have demonstrated academic excellence across a
variety of learning areas .
Year 10
Varnika A, Scott F, Annie V, Ben S
Year 11
Sam W, Justinna M, Trong Khoa H, Jack H
Year 12
Bridget A, Glenn H, Lauren M
Senior Debating Award
The debating award is awarded to a student who
has demonstrated an outstanding achievement in debating.
Paul K
Athletes of The Year
The athlete of the year awards are awarded to a male
and female student who has demonstrated an outstanding achievement in sport.
Maddy T, Mitch M
Instrumental Music Awards
The instrumental music awards are for students’
outstanding achievement on their chosen instrument or instruments, and for
demonstrating excellence in a variety of performances throughout the year. They also recognise outstanding dedication to
both musical practice and to wider participation in the music program at the
College.
Charlie C, Ed S
Australian Defence Force Awards
The Australian Defence Force
Awards are presented to one year 10 and one year 12 student who demonstrate the
values that are upheld by the Australian Defence Force – the values are
Leadership, Teamwork, Values, Problem Solving, Resourcefulness, Communication,
Cooperation and Community Involvement.
James K, April R
Impact Award
The IMPACT Award to a
student who has gone above the call of duty and demonstrated exceptional
commitment, organisation, focus and diligence towards the Forest Hill College
Leadership program.
Nat P
Caltex All Rounder
The Caltex All-rounder award is presented to a
Year 11 or 12 student in recognition of excellence in academic, leadership,
sporting and community service.
Sam W
Bob Adams Award
This
award is presented to a student who has demonstrated significant improvement throughout the
year.
Max E, Lachlan J
Dan Ebdon Award
Awarded to a student who has shown great commitment to teamwork at the College
Amalina A
High Achievers Award
These students have been recognised for their outstanding
efforts and contribution to the College and involvement in a range of
extra-curricular activities. These students have been instrumental to the
organisation and running of key College activities. Such events include:
College Leadership, Tribe events, debating, the performing arts carnival and
the Leadership program.
Year 10 Ben S
Year 11 Helen Z
Year 12 Brienna BY
Dux
Year 10 Varnika A
Year 11 Sam W
Principals Award
The
Principal’s Award is presented to a Year 12 student who demonstrates the
College values and strives for excellence in everything they do.
Bridget A
World Challenge Trip to Borneo
Report From Mr Webb
Well it's been five days since we left home and the
common quote at the end of every day has been "that was the best day
ever." We leave the 'cat' city of Kuching tomorrow and head to the city of
Sibu via boat and the South China Sea, then by bus to the coastal city of
Bintulu. The next day will be another bus to the city of Miri which is right
next to the tiny country of Brunei. In Miri we will prepare for our two weeks
in the Kelabit Highlands near the Indonesian border.
Our last few days have been both exhausting, humid and amazing. After leaving Melbourne and flying via Kuala Lumpur, we arrived in Kuching 14 hours later. It was hot, wet and relaxed. Taxis got us to our hostel and after a midnight meal, we crashed "literally" to sleep (ask the students when they get home). Next day was spent looking around town, grocery shopping for the next 4 days, exchanging money and trying out the local delicacies. Students did their part in keeping the local bottled water industry alive as we all tried to acclimatise to the humidity. Day finished with meals of local Laksa and Me Goreng.
Day 3 saw the team catch a local bus with full packs out to Kubah National Park. After settling into our 'Chalets' we took a jungle walk out to a beautiful waterfall. 2 plus hours of steep uphill followed by a slippery trail of tree roots, spiders and boardwalk that looked liked it was made during the wars, we arrived at the falls. The heats and pain was soon forgotten as we soaked ourselves in pools and falling water, deep in the middle of the Borneo jungle. Leaving was hard, but made interesting by the downpour of an afternoon storm that was so heavy, the girls made good use of it by shampooing and conditioning their hair in it. The teams first attempt at cooking was almost good with stir fry veggies and noodles going down well.
Day 4 included a 3 1/2 hour walk to the summit of the highest peak in the park. Once again the complaints, the whinges and the pain was soon forgotten when the views were beheld. One side was Indonesia the other side was the South China Sea, with Islands, rivers and mountains all within the same view. After lunch we hiked back down, but to the disbelief of some we took a two hour detour to another look out, before arriving back at our accommodation just as it was getting dark. Dinner was fried rice and was quite edible especially with lots of chilli and soy sauce. The 15 left over cups of rice that was cooked was a 'slight' over kill, but lesson learnt.
Day 5 we caught a bus to the other side of the park, to the Matang Wildlife Centre. Here we got to see the 'Wild Man of Borneo' for the first time. These Orangutans have been rescued from various places and nursed backed to health and slow integrated where possible, into the wild. It's all volunteer work, including several Aussies. It was an amazing sight to see these creatures as well as crazy bird, monkeys and crocodiles. We had lunch here then trekked through the jungle back to our 'chalets'. This was our teams first really big challenge. Heat, humidity, steep uphill, leeches, and little water made the going tough. Luckily we found a stream half way and were able to fill our bottles up. This gave everyone new strength and we arrived, once again back just before dark. Dinner was 'interesting' and we spent the evening cleaning and packing and playing mafia.
Day 6 was a lesson about buses in Borneo. Travel tip 1 in Borneo, get to bus stop 30-40 minutes earlier than scheduled. We missed our bus back to Kuching this morning, it had left 40 minutes before it was suppose to arrive. So we had to hire mini vans. Back in Kuching after dropping off our bags at the hostel, we went to the the bus stop to go visit the the Semmengoh wildlife park and see wild Orangutans. However, once again it had left early. A sea of disappointed youth must of inspired a worker and he convinced another bus driver to make a detour and drop us off. So in the pouring rain we made our way and watched these incredible creatures swing and play and feed in the wild (well semi wild). After 1000's of photos we walked back to the bus stop (50 minutes early) and five minutes later we were on our way back to Kuching. Dinner was in a open air restaurant by the river and the evening was spent shopping at the market stalls that lined the river.
Day 7 we are now just about to leave on a boat to Sibu then onto Bintalu where we will stay the night.
Hope everyone is well back home and not missing us too much! Unfortunately no homesickness here yet, too busy and having too good a time.
Multicultural Soccer Festival
On Thursday 20 November 2013 we held a soccer event to highlight the multicultural nature of our College community. Supporting our celebration of diversity were the Melbourne Heart National League Soccer Club, Relationships Australia and the Louise Multicultural Centre. A team of students from our Developing Sports Leaders Program (James T, Alec T, Marty N and Henny N) organised a very successful showcase of soccer skill and our cultural heritage. Overall, twenty different countries were represented. At the end of the exhibition tournament our guest coach Mark from the Melbourne Heart awarded the most valuable player award to James. All the sponsors were so impressed by the event that they are hoping to use it as a model for future endeavours of this kind.
End of Year Music Concert
On the
evening of Monday 25 November Instrumental Music students presented a wonderful
evening of entertainment for family, friends and the wider college community at
our end of year concert. Large Ensemble performances included the Concert Band,
Stage Band and Junior Band performing musical styles ranging from Classical to
Musical Theatre, Jazz and Popular. Also featured on the night were soloists,
duets and the percussion and brass ensembles. Congratulations to all students
and staff involved. It was a great night!
Leadership Conference
On Monday the
25th of November selected students attended Halogen's Young Leadership Day at
the Melbourne Convention Centre. Students were chosen because of their
leadership potential, the contribution they are already making to the College
through IMPACT or the future leadership roles they are taking on. The young
leadership day presented 6 people to speak to us about leadership. These
speakers included Tim Costello from World Vision Australia and Dan Jackson from
Richmond FC. At the end of the day Halogen presented a panel of 3 people who we
were able to question about leadership. In all it was a great day and everyone
learnt something new about leadership.
Green Team
The Green Team is a group of students who have volunteered to assist with maintaining the gardens within our court yards.
During Terms 3 & 4 The Green Team have been working alongside Mr Rogers, Joe our Gardener & Nicky our Facilities Manager, planting & mulching the Southern and Central courtyards. Joe has also done a wonderful job rejuvenating the lawn in the central courtyard. The gardens are looking great and flourishing with the rain.
Forest Hill College Congratulates Successful Premiers' Reading Challengers
Forest Hill College celebrated their
participation in the 2013 PRC and congratulated successful challengers with a
morning tea in the Library on Wednesday of this week.
Students from years 7, 8, 9 and 10
signed up for the challenge and collectively read and recorded close to 700
books over the six months of the challenge!
It was an amazing effort with some
students working hard to ensure that they not only challenged themselves to
read 15 books but also to read a variety of genres, authors and formats. Series
books such as Harry Potter and The Hunger Games were very popular, as was The
Hobbit, sparked by the movie release.
Students are encouraged to continue
reading over the holidays and use those books to kick start their participation
in the 2014 challenge.
Our year 10 PRC challengers this
year are encouraged to look out for the announcement of the 2014 FHC Principals
Reading Challenge (our very own extension of the PRC) early next year.
Maths Is Fun!!!
Year
7 students have been having fun consolidating their learning of 3D shapes and
tessellations by building colourful lamps in class.The lamps represent some very clever mathematical equations and are being kept at the College to form a display, such is their quality.
Illustrator Visits Forest Hill College
Forest Hill College has been approached to illustrate a
childrens' book. As part of this process, illustrator Jackie Moss came and
spoke with some year 7 art classes. The students learnt about the process required to undertake the
task and the considerations that need to be made to enable the illustrations to
be ready for publishing. All students at the College are being challenged to
submit entries. The winning entries will form the illustrations for the book
'Larry: The Lorrikeet' . The publication of the book is a project in
collaboration with Forest Hill Rotary and Whitehorse Council. 
No comments:
Post a Comment