Another GREAT Week @ FHC Week 7 Term 4

Important Dates 2014

Leap Up to 2015 - Monday 17 November-Thursday 27 November
Year 7-9 Exam Period - Monday 24 November-Thursday 27 November
Year 10-12 Presentation Evening - Thursday 27 November
Second Hand Book & Uniform Drop Off - Friday 28 November
Last Day of Year 11 - Friday 28 November
Year 7 2015 Connections Night - Monday 1 December
Year 10 Work Experience - Monday 1 December-Friday 5 December
Second Hand Book and Uniform Sale - Wednesday 3 December
Late Start for Students - Wednesday 3 December
(11.45am for a 12.06pm start)
Last Day of Year 10 - Friday 5 December
Year 7 2015 Orientation Day - Tuesday 9 December
Pupil Free Day for all 2014 Students - Tuesday 9 December
College Assembly: Thursday 11 December
5 Session Day
Last Day Years 7-9 - Friday 12 December
Semester 2 Reports are Released - Friday 12 December
Year 7-9 Presentation Evening - Monday 15 December

Some useful links

FHC Website

Compass Parent Portal

FHC Moodle- Student Learning Portal

Remember you can use Compass to approve absences

Dear all, welcome to week 7 - Term 4

This week has seen the College enjoy some wonderful events that demonstrate the diversity of the College and the different types of achievements students can experience at a school with expectations that students involve themselves in the diverse opportunities it offers.

Second Hand Book & Uniform Sale Drop Off

Just a reminder that the drop off date for any items you wish to sell at the second hand book & uniform sale is Friday 28 November at 8.00am-9.00am & 3.30pm-7.00pm in B Block.

 

Green Team

On Thursday this week Jared led Emma, Braden, Daphne, Dylan and Aaron, all pictured, completing one of our courtyard gardens with a range of indigenous plants. This continues our practice of encouraging the students to develop their own garden spaces, in the belief that this develops all student’s pride in their school and it’s environment. These students also worked tirelessly earlier this semester to complete the planting along the driveway fence the Primary School constructed. The plants are growing and it won’t be long before we are enjoying a fantastic garden along that fence. Any parents who have walked through our internal courtyards would notice how effective it has been encouraging students participation in the planting. Last weekend, Foods teacher Jane Boras cleaned out a garden bed in the Northern Courtyard, in preparation for the development of a kitchen garden in 2015, to provide produce for her Foods classes.

 

Music Concert

On Tuesday night we were part of a large audience who all enjoyed the wonderful talents of our Music students. The quality of the performances was outstanding. Sasha and April’s singing, the Smiths versatility, JB’s skills and Johns beautiful saxophone were some of the standout performances. The supper afterwards was a lovely way to round out an evening that showcased the achievements of these excellent students.

 

 

World Challenge

Our intrepid travellers departed Nunawading Station on Monday evening around 7:30pm, nervous and excited. They arrived in Saigon on Wednesday safely and currently are preparing to trek around Cat Tien National Park for 5 days. As we gather more details from them when they are within wireless range we will keep everyone posted.

 

 

 

 

 

Forest Hill College-Kitchen/Produce Garden

The first steps have been taken for our new Kitchen Garden/ Produce Garden.

Last weekend with the help of Nick, Joe and my husband Damien, we made inroads to establish what will be a Kitchen Garden. Located outside A Block, we removed most of the shrubs and trees to start preparing the neglected soil for the planting of crops in early 2015. A big thankyou to Ashlea Gell who provided us with horse poo to improve its quality.

Russell Beveridge’s students will be working closely with Food Technology to design a sustainable, functional and aesthetically appealing area for all to enjoy. We are hoping to utilise this area as a learning tool for multiple year levels and along the way discover different techniques that can be employed to produce a range of delights called Foods from the Forest. Our very talented art students will be also involved in designing labels for our produce as well as a taste tempting brochure for our future catering ventures.

It’s an exciting time where we are working closely together across Domains to provide a wide selection of opportunities for our students in the New Year. We will keep you posted on our progress. Anyone interested in volunteering to help with gardening please contact the College. It would be much appreciated.

Jane Boras

Year 9 Art

On Tuesday a small group of Yr 9 Art students went on an excursion to Blackburn Lake Sanctuary accompanied by Mr. Innes and myself.

This was a particularly special opportunity as students got to work with a local artist Lucinda, to create mosaic ‘bubbles’ that will decorate the concrete wall at Blackburn Lake.

As this was the first time many of the students had been involved in mosaic work, it was fantastic to see how quickly and smoothly they picked up the project.  Each student selected a local animal to the lake and did their best to match the colours of the tiles to the pictures around the room.

Not only did students learn how to produce extremely creative mosaic ‘bubbles’, but they also got a guided tour of the lake to see where their work will be placed permanently and the meaning behind the ‘bubbles’ as well a talk from an expert from Yarra Valley Water on the lakes aim to reduce waste and protect the local animals.

It was a very enjoyable and successful experience not only for the students but also for Mr. Innes and myself.

- Miss Smith






 

Australian Mathematics Competition

The school congratulates one of our brightest Year 12 students Hai Tao H on winning a Prudence Award in the 2014 Australian Mathematics Competition. The Prudence Award goes to students who answer the most number of consecutive questions correctly, and only 0.3% of students who sat the Exam receive an award. A fantastic effort Hai Tao well done!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another GREAT Week @ FHC Week 6 Term 4

Important Dates 2014

Leap Up to 2015 - Monday 17 November-Thursday 27 November
Year 7-9 Exam Period - Monday 24 November-Thursday 27 November
Year 10-12 Presentation Evening - Thursday 27 November
Last Day of Year 11 - Friday 28 November
Year 7 2015 Connections Night - Monday 1 December
Year 10 Work Experience - Monday 1 December-Friday 5 December
Second Hand Book and Uniform Sale - Wednesday 3 December
Late Start for Students - Wednesday 3 December
(11.45am for a 12.06pm start)
Last Day of Year 10 - Friday 5 December
Year 7 2015 Orientation Day - Tuesday 9 December
Pupil Free Day for all 2014 Students - Tuesday 9 December
College Assembly: Thursday 11 December
5 Session Day
Last Day Years 7-9 - Friday 12 December
Semester 2 Reports are Released - Friday 12 December
Year 7-9 Presentation Evening - Monday 15 December

Some useful links

FHC Website

Compass Parent Portal

FHC Moodle- Student Learning Portal

Remember you can use Compass to approve absences

Dear all, welcome to week 6 - Term 4

We are very proud to announce that our 2015 Year 11 student Jaime, who was a College Captain in Year 9, has been accepted into the Class of 2016 Kwong Lee Dow Scholarship Program at the University of Melbourne. We nominated Jaime earlier this year in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements. These have been recognised by the University of Melbourne, as she has been selected from a pool of 1900 applications from around the State and adjoining regions. Jaime was one of 5 students we nominated, due to the rich academic talent in our current Year 10 cohort.  Whilst the other 4 went very well through the process, it was Jaime they selected. The Kwong Lee Dow Scholarship Program will allow Jaime to mix with like-minded peers and future leaders. A tailored program of events and activities will support and enhance her secondary studies, inspire her career plans and provide opportunities to interact with the University of Melbourne community. Well dome Jaime.

On Friday this week our Football program conducted the second assessment day for our students who have been selected to participate next year. The session was well attended and the coaches have established high expectations of the student/ athletes’ performance. This was the first time some of the student/ athletes had met with all members of the coaching staff. Enrolments are continuing to be accepted into the program for 2015.

Exams have almost finished for our Year 10 and 11 students and Year 7-9 exam program commences on November 24. We are in the final stages of preparing now for the “Leap Up” event that all VCE students for 2015 will participate in. The program runs for 2 weeks and begins on November 17. This program aims to establish the expectations we have that all students strive for their personal best through VCE and supports the students with class material for 2 weeks prior to the start of the 2015 VCE. Our Year 10-12 students all move into their new Later Years Precinct for the start of 2015, and we believe this will provide much useful support to assist all students achieve their best.

Library News

The College Library has joined the 5000 Poppies Project

Forest Hill College community members are invited to be part of a community tribute of respect and remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives in World War I with the launch of the 5000 Poppies Project.

What is the 5000 POPPIES PROJECT?

Between 2014 and 2018 Australia will commemorate the Anzac Centenary, marking 100 years since Australia’s involvement in the First World War. And in 2015, there will be a large number of activities commemorating 100 years since the Anzac Gallipoli landing.

From its association with poppies flowering in the spring of 1915 on the battlefields of Belgium, France and Gallipoli, the poppy has become a symbol of both great loss in war and hope for those left behind

The 5000 Poppies project will be “planting” a field of over 100,000 poppies in Fed Square Melbourne as a stunning visual tribute to Australian servicemen and women for more than a century of service in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

(source: http://5000poppies.wordpress.com/)

We are hoping our college community will help us to reach our goal of 500 poppies. These poppies will then be delivered to the project co-ordinators on March 5^th 2015 with a dedication.

Poppies can be crocheted, knitted, felted or sewn from any materials.  Any shade of red can be used and poppies should be no more than 15 cm in diameter. Patterns are available from the Library or can be downloaded from:

http://5000poppies.wordpress.com/ Or you can create your own. Completed poppies can be dropped off at the library.

Look out for our ‘Poppy Workshops” which will be held in the library over the coming weeks, and at the beginning of term 1.

Year 10 PE Activities

During term 3, our student in Year 10 Physical Education participated in a number of Community Physical Activity sessions. They had the opportunity to enlist for Ten Pin Bowling, Cross Fit Personal Training and Baila (South American Street Dancing). Fitness promotion company, Proactivity was accessed for some of these activities. The students enjoyed being introduced to community activities giving them awareness for their future health and fitness promotion. Rose Treloar - Health and Physical Education teacher.

Another GREAT Week @ FHC Week 5 Term 4

Important Dates 2014

Year 10 & 11 Exam Period - Monday 10 November-Friday 14 November
Leap Up to 2015 - Monday 17 November-Thursday 27 November
Year 7-9 Exam Period - Monday 24 November-Thursday 27 November
Year 10-12 Presentation Evening - Thursday 27 November
Last Day of Year 11 - Friday 28 November
Year 7 2015 Connections Night - Monday 1 December
Year 10 Work Experience - Monday 1 December-Friday 5 December 
Second Hand Book and Uniform Sale - Wednesday 3 December
Late Start for Students - Wednesday 3 December
(11.45am for a 12.06pm start) 
Last Day of Year 10 - Friday 5 December
Year 7 2015 Orientation Day - Tuesday 9 December
Pupil Free Day for all 2014 Students - Tuesday 9 December
College Assembly: Thursday 11 December
5 Session Day
Last Day Years 7-9 - Friday 12 December
Semester 2 Reports are Released - Friday 12 December
Year 7-9 Presentation Evening - Monday 15 December

Some useful links

FHC Website

Compass Parent Portal

FHC Moodle- Student Learning Portal

Remember you can use Compass to approve absences

Dear all, welcome to week 5 - Term 4

 This week on Monday the College Leadership Team worked with a consultant to begin the process of developing a vision statement that best captures our strategic intent for the future and to review the College values. Opportunities for parents and students to have an input will be coming across the next 10 school weeks, leading into the writing of our new Strategic Plan in term 2 2015.
Developing a clear and shared vision of the College is a very important step and we look forward to working with the College community to complete the task.
We also received confirmation that the Department approved our plans to refurbish the College with the 2.7 million dollars we received. This is very exciting. we can now commence costing thr projects and sending them to tender later this year.

Free autism workshop for Ringwood families

Like all school-age students, children with autism spectrum disorder benefit from strong, positive relationships between the home and school. Positive Partnerships uses evidence based materials and practical resources to help support these relationships by facilitating workshops for parents and carers in your local community.

Details for the upcoming 2 day workshop

Dates:   25^th &26^th October 2014

Venue:  Karralyka, Mines Road, Ringwood East VIC 3134

Cost:     Free - including resources, lunch, morning tea and refreshments

Full details and online registration at www.positivepartnerships.com.au

The workshop is funded as part of an Australian Government Department of Education initiative to support school-age children with ASD across Australia.

Drama News

Year 11 Theatre Studies

As part of their studies of Post-Modern Theatre the students from the Year 11 Theatre Studies class have been studying and staging a production of the contemporary play ‘A Dead Man’s Cellphone’. The play deals with the concept of identity and technology and how representations of self can be modified using technology. Using conventions of non-naturalism including a representative set and stage business in plain view, the production used alienation to ensure the audience adsorbed the powerful message.

Year 10 Drama

On Monday a group of students went to the Malthouse Theatre to perform their group-devised performance for the Suitcase Series. In the morning the students watched various student performances that were developed using the Malthouse script as stimulus. In the afternoon the students were treated to the professional actors interpretation of the script. Our students were commended on their comedic take on the serious issue of climate change, that allowed the audience to connect with the topic through humour.

Since last term a group of students from the Year 10 Drama class have been writing, directing and staging their own performance. Written for a younger audience the play tackles issues faced by teens particularly when adapting to a new school and finding your place. On Thursday this week the students performed to a Year 7 audience.

Year 9 Drama

The students from Year 9 Drama are currently working on two productions to be performed in December. More to come…

Year 8 Drama

Both Year 8 Drama classes have been studying the topic of Spies. Investigating different types of archetypal spy characters and workshopping various spy techniques has culminated in students writing and performing their own spy plays. These plays, an assessment task, were performed in class late this week.

Year 11 Theatre Studies- ‘A Dead Man’s Cellphone’

Another GREAT Week @ FHC Week 4 Term 4

Important Dates 2014

 

Year 10-12 Presentation Evening - Thursday 27 November
Last Day of Year 11 - Friday 28 November
Second Hand Book Sale - Wednesday 3 December
Last Day of Year 10 - Friday 5 December
Year 7 2015 Orientation Day - Tuesday 9 December
College Assembly: Thursday 11 December
5 Session Day
Year 7-9 Presentation Evening - Monday 15 December
Last Day Years 7-9 - Tuesday 16 December

Some useful links

FHC Website

Compass Parent Portal

FHC Moodle- Student Learning Portal

Remember you can use Compass to approve absences

Dear all, welcome to week 4 Term 4

We began the week with Andrew Fuller, world renowned psychologist, delivering a presentation on unlocking adolescents potential, to our parents. We also opened our Art Gallery and recognised the students who have art work displayed in it as well as celebrating our successful musicians from the Royal South Street competitions.

Our Duke of Ed participants went to Wilsons Prom for a hike, departing in the torrential rain, and ending the week in brilliant sunshine. From all accounts the students had a fantastic hike and the weather was kind to them for most of the time.

This week we also saw our Year 12 students start their VCAA exams. We began with English and a cohort of nervous and immaculately presented Year 12 students entered our exam centre knowing there was no more they could do in preparation. We believe that our staff have laid the foundations and developed them as best we can. We have established our expectations and now it is up to the students to achieve their best possible result. VCAA actually conducted an audit of our exam centre practices and left us with a glowing report on the structures, routines and processes we have in place and the quality of our students throughout the exam.

On Friday this week, our Year 7 to 10 students were fortunate enough to experience a presentation by Cultural Infusion on the story of our Anzacs. It was a riveting play that brought home the history of the Anzac spirit and the horrors of war. Local Member of Parliament Neil Angus also came to the show and he along with all of our students thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

As always the week was filled with great opportunities for students. The week rounded out with a free dress day around the theme of Halloween. Students and staff dressed up in a wonderful array of costumes. It was a terrific way to end another great week at the College.

Year 10 Living Science

Students in Year 10 Living Science wrapped up their unit on the structure and function of the Brain by creating plasticine models of the brain.

Some amazing models were created, super impressive given their one period deadline.

The models are on display in S-Block for the next few weeks.

Scrimmage Report







 

Last Saturday Dane, Lucas, Homme and Liam represented Forest Hill College in our first Robot Scrimmage held at Emmaus College. The boys faced some challenging opponents from other schools all of whom were senior students and had much more sophisticated machines, this did not discourage our junior students who were able to demonstrate high level skills and ability to overcome the limitations of their underdeveloped robot putting on a show that eclipsed the battle of David and Goliath. The students involved said they had an awesome time at the scrimmage and they learnt a lot about the competition that will prepare them for the VEX Robotics Nationals in November.

Year 8 & 9 AcE Maths Excursion

On Friday 17 October 2014 the students from Year 8 and Year 9 ACE Maths classes went into the City to discover the mathematical wonders in and around Swanston Street. From the geometrical shapes of Federation square, to the tessellations at RMIT to the massive cone in the Melbourne Central shot tower, students learnt about the maths that is all around them. A great time was had by all!

Ms Tsigas and Mr Heaton




MCG and National Sports Museum Excursion

On Monday 20 October 2014 the Year 7, 8 and 9 Developing Sports Leaders went to the City and got a tour of the MCG, followed by a visit to the National Sports Museum. Students enjoyed the “Game On” exhibit where they played with cricket, football and netball interactives. It was a great day for all students and teachers too!

Mr Blowers, Ms Romanis, Mr Heaton






Year 10 Crime & Punishment

On Monday 20 October 2014 the Year 10 Crime and Punishment class visited the Melbourne Magistrates Court and the Old Melbourne Magistrates Court. Students were able to observe actual cases and see first hand the operation of the Magistrates Court. Cases observed included traffic offences, assault, theft and drug offences. In the afternoon students visited the Old Melbourne Magistrates Court and participated in a mock trial dramatisation on culpable driving. Students were allocated roles and able to stand in the dock, sit in the Judge’s chair or join in the crowd in the public gallery. Students felt the tension and drama that was played out during thousands of hearings in this iconic court.

 

Maths Talent Quest Ceremony at La Trobe University

On Thursday Sascha and Braeden from Year 7 and their mums met Ms Tsigas and Ansul from Year 9 at La Trobe University to receive their Distinction awards for their entries into the 2014 Maths Talent Quest.

In the Year 7 statewide individual category Sascha and Braeden were the two out of the four students to be awarded a Distinction.

In the Year 9 statewide individual category Ansul and another three students from other schools were awarded a Distinction.

Our students also received a gift voucher of $25 to spend at the MAV bookshop and walked away with some really cool Maths puzzles and games.

Well done to all three of our top achievers in this year’s Maths Talent Quest.

 

 

 

 Get A Head Start To VCE

 

 

 

 

 Forest Hill College Art Gallery Opening

The FHC Art Gallery was officially opened by Mr Rogers on Monday night. Budding artists, proud teachers and parents gathered to admire the artwork that now adorns the walls of the foyer. Cocktail style refreshments were served and created an air of sophistication. Enormous and sincere thanks go to our brilliant Food tech teacher, Ms Jane Boras, who capably planned, managed and supervised the year 11s in the production of the platters of tantalising food. The night was a great opportunity to showcase the talent of our students across the areas of art, hospitality and music. The music ensemble capably provided entertainment for the evening and both artists and musicians were awarded with certificates for contributions.

 

 Two of our talented artists in front of their displayed artworks (Cameron and Rebecca)

Presentation By Andrew Fuller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Fuller’s presentation followed the gallery opening. Andrew is a renowned clinical psychologist, and sought after public speaker, who is considered an expert with adolescent issues.  The following is a summary of his presentation.

 

1.     It’s okay to love yourself! We need to encourage positive self talk and model this eg; ‘You really are a great friend by looking out for xxx”.

2.     Next time your teen is furrowing their brow and staring off into space, ask them if they're thinking dolphin or shark thoughts. Dolphin thinking can help you out and shark thinking can eat you up. Are they looking at the glass half full or half empty. Help them find the positive in the situation and to be optimistic. Eg; ‘You may not have achieved an A this time, but the hard work you put in has certainly helped you build really strong study skills. Well done!’

3.     Passion beats brains. Support your teen to avoid comparing themselves to others  and to aim to fulfil their potential. Praise effort more than ability. Tell your teens that they are geniuses but they don’t know it yet! It’s good for them to know that their parents think they are wonderful. Then focus most comments on effort. Eg; “You really worked hard at that well done!” “I noticed you really tried your best at that, I’m impressed” or “Wow, your practice seems to be really paying off”.

4.     Think about the process, not the outcome. When your teen receives a good grade or accomplishes a goal, by all means celebrate with them and praise their success, but then be sure to ask them, ‘How did you do that? What did you do to get that result?’ This will make the connection for your teen between the process they underwent and their successful outcome.

5.     Video games suck dopamine which is the chemical released in the body contributing to motivation levels, cognition and reward. Encourage your teens to do rhythmic tasks before computer games at night

6.     Incompetency extrapolation. ‘Because I’m bad at numbers I’m dumb.’ Supportive challenge your teens not to make absolute statements or to catastrophize. ‘I can’t do anything’.

7.     Share your Role Models. Tell your teens who you admire, or character traits in others that you admire and aspire to develop. Help your teens to see that they can partially shape their lives on the examples of others.

8.     It takes 6 weeks to form a habit, 2 minutes to change a mood.

       9.       Have a policy of “we fall down 7 times but we get up 8”. We all have set backs. There are     times when we all have to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and start again. Most of us are experts in this even if we’ve forgotten it because this is the way we learned to walk. Sucking at something the first few times you do it is the first step to getting good at it.

 

 

Gateway Build A Bike Program

A number of our year nine and ten students have had the marvelous opportunity over the last three weeks to construct bikes from parts donated by the Whitehorse Council. Under the professional guidance of Bob from the Gatewayllen organization, each student has used their skills to create their own bike. Having finished their dream project, these students are moving on to building more bikes to raise money for charitable organisations. As a final treat the students will be visiting Box Hill TAFE to explore possibilities for further training in their chosen areas of interest.

 

Paella a Winner

This week several of our culinary chefs excelled in preparing dinner for school council. Natalia B, Tayla I,Talia S and Zena Z  prepared a Jamie Oliver favourite. Chicken, Chorizo and Prawn Paella featured on the menu, accompanied by a Cherry and Hazelnut Friands with King Island double cream. Compliments flowed from the guests that night. Well done girls.