When I write my newsletter article at the end of each school year, I usually make a comment about how the year has flown by so quickly. 2020 has been quite different. At some times, the year seemed to fly by; whilst on others it seemed to progress at a snail’s pace. Either way, I think it is valuable to reflect on many aspects of the year.
I know that many families experienced a great deal of hardship as a result of COVID-19; and some continue to do so. My heart goes out to those families and I sincerely hope that the break ahead provides you with some peace and rest.
For students, I think a great deal was experienced and learned. Most students learned that “working from home” was nowhere near as much fun as they thought it would be (although some wish they could have stayed home for longer); many of our older students lost income when part-time jobs ceased; most students worried about the health of family members; some worried about their personal health. From a staff perspective, all staff worried about the wellbeing of all students; with many also being concerned about their personal health or that of their families.
This list of experiences suggests that COVID-19 was only the bearer of bad experiences… but what about the positives?
Across the world, pollution decreased significantly. Native animals reclaimed our parklands. Dog adoptions increased (and the vast majority are still with their new families). At home, our connections with family members improved. Our sense of community has strengthened. Parents and carers know more about their children’s learning journeys than ever before. All of us learned new skills – cooking, renovating, using technology… even finding new shows on Netflix!
For all of us, we have a new perspective on everything we have previously taken for granted – our freedoms, leisure, connections, work, family and friends.
For all students, you have shown incredible resilience throughout the year. No-one gave up. Everyone adapted to the changed world and simply got on with the job of learning. I commend each and every one of you for your perseverance and endeavour.
This is my fifth year as Principal of John Forrest Secondary College. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to lead such a talented group of over 120 professionals that make up the College staff. I thank each and every one of them for their commitment and dedication throughout the year. Your unrelenting focus on ensuring high levels of achievement for all students is sincerely appreciated.
To students, thank you for your commitment to learning and to being the best that you can be throughout this year.
To parents and carers, thank you for the dedication, care and support you provide your child.
I look forward to continuing your learning journey in 2021 and wish you a safe and peaceful break in the weeks ahead.
Melissa Gillett
Principal
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Year 12 Presentation Evening 2020
A stunning backdrop set the scene for a beautiful evening on Friday 27 November held at Whitfeld Court, UWA. Congratulations to all award recipients and to the entire Class of 2020 for completing your school life in a year like no other! We wish you the very best for your future endeavours. To view the award winners and photos of the eveing click here.
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Remembrance Day 2020
At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month Australia comes together as a community to pay their respects to the service men and women who served in Australian armed forces from World War One to the present day. The John Forrest Secondary College community remembered these service men and women last Wednesday. At 11am a minute's silence was observed by the whole College as prefects laid a wreath at the College's flagpole.
Lest we forget.
View Gallery.
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NAIDOC Week
On Thursday we celebrated NAIDOC week with a two-hour incursion for our Indigenous students to workshop with special guest facilitators. We were extremely lucky to have Uncle Len Yarran and Anton Garlett from the Wadjuk Northside Centre, Ms Penny Pickett from Balga SHS Girls Academy and Runner up Miss NAIDOC 2020 Tamika Ponton. Read more and view gallery.
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Year 7 Orientation Day
On Monday 30 November we welcomed our future Year 7 students and their parents to our College. Students were given the opportunity to experience what their high school day will be like in 2021. A special thank you to our staff and Year 10 helpers for making this such an enjoyable day! View Gallery...
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Art Club Inspiration
Capably led by Year 7 Masterclass students Mollie Pearce and Ava Luckraft and supported by Scholar-in-Residence Miss Kayla Jenkin, Art Club students have created a wonderful array of floral art inspired by the work of American artist Georgia O'Keeffe. Read more and view gallery.
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Junior Music Concert
On Thursday 19 November we held our Junior Music Concert. For many students this was the first concert of the year, and for the Year 7s, the first performance of their John Forrest experience. It was wonderful to see such a crowd of parents, grandparents and friends gathered to watch. Read more and view gallery.
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Year 10 Future ThinkersTitle
On Wednesday of Week 4, a group of Year 10s students headed out to the City of Perth Library for the ABCN Future Thinkers program with employees of American Express. The ABCN Future Thinkers program aims to develop creative problem-solving skills and leadership through the process of design thinking. Read more and view gallery.
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HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
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Year 11 Sport and Rec clases explore different areas of the industry.
JFSC Year 11 Sport and Recreation classes have spent the last 5 weeks experiencing some different areas of the Sport and Recreation industry including Yoga at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre, rock climbing at The Hangout Bayswater, croquet at Bayswater Croquet Club and an induction at Jetts Fitness, Morley. As students near the end of their qualification, they are learning how and where this qualification can be used in the community. View Gallery.
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Year 9 Cricket Camp
The Year 9 Cricket class travelled to Rockingham in week 4 of term 4 for their Cricket camp. They played games against Belridge Secondary College, Kent Street Senior High School, Dalyellup College and Butler College. With strong batting and bowling performances throughout the week, we were able to win all but one game. Well done team. View gallery.
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Environment Expo
On Monday 7 December a group of our Year 11 students held the Environment Expo. The goal of the Environment Expo is to recognise the significance of the natural world, biodiversity and sustainability. Read more and view gallery...
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Year 8 Enrichment Visit WA Reptile Park
On 21 September 2020 the Year 8 Enrichment class went on an excursion to the Western Australian Reptile Park and Yagan Memorial in the Swan Valley. We learnt about different types of reptile/animals and how to safely handle them if we encountered them in the wild. We also learnt first aid and what to do if we got bitten by snake. Read more and view gallery.
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$20 Boss Winners
What young people can do with $20. The answer will surpise you!
College students participated in the $20 Boss program again this year. At the recent National Award Ceremony our students received a Highly Commended for Plant-ation and Deadly Culture was announced the Winner. Congratulations to the studnets involved. Read more...
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Year 10 Presents High Tea
There's no better way to unwind than with a cup of tea and a sweet treat. And thanks to a little help from the the royal family back in the 19th century, this humble afternoon tradition turned into a more extravagant occurrence — otherwise known as high tea. Read more and view gallery.
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Event
College Front Office opens
Students Commence
Year 7 Induction week
Year 7 Photo Day
Year 7 Parent Information Evening
Year 8 - 12 Photo Day
P&C Meeting
OLNA Testing
Year 7 Immunisations
College Ball
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Date
25 January 2021
1 February 2021
1 - 5 February 2021
8 February 2021
9 February 2021
22 February 2021
2 March 2021
2 - 8 March 2021
8 March 2021
12 March 2021
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Start Connecting with John Forrest Secondary College
Follow the John Forrest Secondary College to keep up to date with the latest College achievements, news, events and much more. Discover the special spirit and friendly community that makes John Forrest so unique. Join our College community today via https://www.facebook.com/johnforrestsc/ or https://www.instagram.com/johnforrestsc/
For the latest College Cricket, Netball, Tennis and other sporting results please visit our News & Events website.
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A range of Community Notices can be found on the College website. Please note that our College does not endorse nor recommend any particular product or service that appears in the Community Notices. This is a service provided for our local community.
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