Another Great Week - 7, Term 2

Important Dates 2014

 Queen's Birthday (Public Holiday) - Monday 9 June
Late start for students at 11.20am - Tuesday 10 June GAT - Wednesday 11 June
Year 10-12 Exams - Thursday 12 June~Thursday 19 June
Year 8 & 9 Exams - Friday 13 June (period 1) & Tuesday 17 June (period 1)
Report Writing Day - Friday 20 June
College Assembly: 5 Session Day - Monday 23 June
Late start for students at 11.45 - Wednesday 25 June
Last Day of Term 2 (2.30pm Dismissal) - Friday 27 June

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 2.

This week has been another fabulous week. We have had our four Year 9 College Captains, Amelie, Kate, Dom and Jack participate in a Youth Forum with other College Captains from neighboring schools (largely Year 12 students,) and the Local Member of Parliament Neil Angus and the Minister for Youth Affairs and Environment and Climate Change. From all reports, as you would expect, our students stood out as they debated and put forward ideas relevant to them at the forum. We are very proud of the achievements our school leadership program makes within our community and we congratulate these students on living up to our high expectations of them.

This week we met with the Global Chinese Tennis Association. We have been planning with them now for some time about joining our Elite Sports Program for 2015. It appears very likely the College will be introducing a pathway for tennis and soccer players to train at an elite level and participate in a robust academic program at Forest Hill College from 2015. The soccer program is well advanced in planning and we are conducting some clinics and promotion sessions at the school in the coming months.

To assist our Year 12 students achieve their own personal best they have been working with a group called Elevate. This work began at the Study Camp at the start of the year and on Wednesday they participated in a study session with Elevate, aimed at enhancing the students’ skills to prepare for exams. At Forest Hill College all VCE students participate in practice exams at the middle of the year and for Year 12 students, during the Term 3 vacation.

On Tuesday of next week our staff will all be participating in the evaluation of the school performance data we have collected over the last 4 years. Students will not start school that day until 11:20. This year we are writing a new Strategic Plan and this evaluation allows us to have a clear understanding of what has contributed to our achievements in the last 4 years. It will assist us plan for the future directions at the College to ensure even greater achievement occurs for all students at the College across the 4 year life of the new Strategic Plan.

Whilst the analysis of data can be a dour experience, it is a critical element of driving achievement and understanding your own context. We will be providing parents with an opportunity to participate in this process at some dates to be confirmed, during Term 3.

PESA

On Wednesday, Paul K competed in the regional finals of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority Plain English Speaking Awards public speaking competition at Aquinas College in Ringwood.  Paul competed against seven other speakers from other schools.  All speakers had to present a six minute prepared speech on a topic of their choice and a two to three minute impromptu speech on a topic they were given four minutes before being required to speak.  Paul’s prepared speech was a fascinating and impressively well informed discussion about the damage corporate corruption wreaks on our global community.   His impromptu speech on the topic of “Hitting the bull’s eye” centred on the state budget. Paul stated, "I really enjoyed the Plain English Speaking Awards. The diverse opinions and speaking styles added to my knowledge of public speaking. Although I didn't go to the state finals, it was really worthwhile seeing and learning from other competitors and adjudicators.”

Bad Reputation

This week our College Production was a huge success. On Wednesday this week we presented the world premiere of “Bad Reputation”. This piece of work began 12 months ago, when Nat and Jason, two 2014 Year 11 students, decided they would write a play. They have cast it, directed it and performed in it. Schy Peterson, our Learning Culture Leading Teacher has overseen the process and guided and mentored them through it. She has provided outstanding support to Jason and Nat.

On Thursday night we held our VIP night, attended by Local Member of Parliament Neil Angus, his wife Andrea, our Leadership Team, the College Council and Jason and Nat’s parents. We are immensely proud of Jason and Nat. Their achievements are outstanding.

 




Billy Goat Back From The Dead

After a colossal bearing failure in its engine the school leaf sweeper known as the Billygoat looked destined for the dump, until a determined group of Y10 boys: Anesu, Dean, Dylan, Matt and Dave spent their lunch time stripping the machine down cleaning, rebuilding and eliminating bugs. The machine is now back in service and Joe the gardener is pleased to be able to hang up the broom and let the goat loose in the school grounds.

Homework Club

Come to Homework Club – its free and its fun!

WHEN: Every Thursday afternoon in the Library

WHY : College Staff and Monash Uni Tutors are available to help students complete homework and support learning      expectations.

BONUS : Library resources are available and light snacks provided!

Forest Hill College Reading Challenge

The College Library Reading Challenge is here!

Pick up a Registration Form and start reading your way around the College Library!
Open to all Yr 7 – 10 students.
Opens Tuesday 10 June  and Closes Tuesday 14 October 2014.