Another GREAT Week-4

Calendar dates

Term 1, 2014

Year 11 and 12 Sport Round Robin Monday 24 February and Friday 28 February
Year 7 Camp - Wednesday 26 February - Friday 28 February
College Swimming Carnival Monday 3 March
College Assembly Friday 21 March

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 1.

This week we had a range of interesting events at the College. I was particularly interested in our musical instrument demonstration day. With the advent of our new rehearsal space and the recording studio being constructed, there is a growing vibe around music that is continually happening. I hope that many students elect to take an instrument up and learn it as research indicates that there is a correlation between the learning of a musical instrument and success academically. At Forest Hill College we are always on the lookout for ways to improve students’ academic outcomes. This is certainly one I would encourage parents to guide their children towards.

This week we were also involved in the development of new marketing material. This always sharpens my focus around what the College is known for and what it aspires to be. The quality of the learning environment is continually improving at the College. The way our students wear their uniforms and the quality of the learning spaces and surrounds are key features of our school. The broader range of opportunities within and outside of the classroom are things we are rightly proud of. Our Deaf Facility, International Student Program, Debating, Homework Club, Production, Tribes, Maths Club, Impact, Developing Sports Leaders etc. and the list goes on. Forest Hill College is a great place to be involved in at the moment. The growth of the College and the programs within it lead to exciting times ahead.
 

I am currently writing our Annual Implementation Plan. This document will be presented to the College Council next week in draft format and finalised with the Leadership Team over coming weeks.

The DEECD released documentation this week designed at ensuring we have a safe and respectful relationship between homes and schools. We all know that a safe, supportive and inclusive school environment is essential for providing quality learning opportunities for all students. Meaningful and active engagement within and between families is invaluable in boosting a child’s learning and wellbeing. At Forest Hill College we are very proud of the relationships we have with all our families. There are a number of ways you as a parent can foster positive relationships with the College. Participation in your child’s education is critical. Be aware of the homework they have, attend sporting and musical  performances they are involved in, attend our College Assemblies and join me for morning tea after them in the Staff Lounge and  attend Parent Teacher Student Interviews each time they are conducted. Our first round for this year are on Tuesday April 1. Log on to Compass and Moodle and stay actively in tune with the work your children are doing in class. Join College Council or Parents Association and take the opportunities offered to attend College events such as the performing Arts Carnival and the College Production. Our first major College event is the Swimming Carnival at Nunawading Pool on Monday 3 March. We welcome your attendance.

 This week the DEECD asked all principals to make their communities aware that the Department does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students. Parents and guardians of students, who do not have student accident insurance/ambulance cover, are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including the cost of ambulance attendance/transport and any other transport costs. Private property brought to school by students, staff or visitors is not insured and the Department does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage.

 

Peer Support

 

On Wednesday, the Year 7s had their second session with their Year 10 Peer Support Leaders in the gym. Last week, they got to know their leaders so this week it was time to play. The Year 10s organised a number of games for their groups and rotated through dodgeball, bowling, knockout and other team building exercises. The highlight, of course, was the mummy wrap where the groups selected a student to “mummify” by wrapping them in toilet paper. The Year 7s are excited to continue working with their mentors throughout term 1, continuing their transition into secondary school life and having fun.

Intermediate Cricket

On Monday this week Mr Cutler took out the intermediate cricket team for interschool sport. It was a warm and sunny day and perfect conditions for playing cricket. Our captain Josh lost the toss in the first game against Box Hill High and were told to have a bowl. With innings only being 45mins in length, it was important that early wickets were taken. Unfortunately, this was not the case and the Box Hill boys hit us to all parts of the park, finishing on 6/117 off their overs. Our best bowler was Jackson who took three wickets. We then hit the crease and tried to hunt down the total. Not only were Box Hill’s batters good, but their bowlers were pretty handy too. After our allotted overs, we finished on 9/49. A disappointing result, but we still had one game to go.

 

Our second game was against Koonung (who are always hard to beat). This time we won the toss and elected to bat first. Our opening pair of Jake and Jackson got us off to a flying start, with Jackson ending up retiring on 32. A number of other batters chipped in for some runs too which saw our score at the end of the overs to be 85. We then went into the field, and what a bowling display it was. Jake was the pick of the bowlers bowling 3 overs and taking an incredible 5/6. Amazing figures for any bowler, but this was extra special, as in that 5 wickets was also a hat-trick!!! Well done Jake. We ran out eventual winners in this game by 30 runs.

 

Overall a great team effort for the day coming home with a win and a bit of sunburn. I look forward to next year’s cricket bringing home the cup.

Mr Cutler

Strength Program

Each term our Chaplain - Ben Stephenson – has taken ten year 7/8 boys through the Strength program. The group meet for one period each week over 8 weeks of a term for group discussion, activities, illustrations and self-reflection material.

The program covers the 3 foundational concepts of Significance, Resilience and Courage.

Each week a new area of life is discussed pertaining to one of these 3 concepts. Including: Friendship, Anger, Respect, Healthy Relationships, Risk-taking and Goal-setting.

Strength aims for each student to walk away with:

- Developed holistic personal and problem-solving skills.

- Improved confidence and understanding of intrinsic value.

- Enhanced social support networks.

- Increased self-awareness.

We’d love for as many of our students to go through this program as possible – or it’s female equivalent run by our adolescent health nurse – as we have seen its value in their development.