Hi everyone!
Believe it or not the new year is here, and we can't wait to help every individual discover their passion on their pathway of learning at Ferny Grove State High School in 2023.
We'd like to start by saying a huge WELCOME to our new Year 7's! It's no secret that high school can be daunting, with new friends, new subjects and a lot of new responsibilities, but rest assured there's so much to look forward to in the upcoming years.
To help break the ice and ensure Year 7's have the best start to high school as possible we will be aiming to run a series of minigames over the first few weeks of Term 1. Not only will this build new friendships and allow students to familiarise themselves with the school, but it will also help them know that we are a friendly face they can turn to.
As the Captains of 2023, our main focus will be on mental health awareness, aiming to break the stigmas that leave people suffering in silence. We want all students to understand that no matter how big or small their stresses are there is always someone they can talk to at Ferny. Whilst our school already has many support networks such as our amazing Chaplains, we will also be promoting specific mental health days and hope to have guest speakers who will raise awareness for mental health issues and inform students on how they can seek help. If you ever feel overwhelmed by life, please don't be afraid to reach out to a teacher, friend, year coordinator, deputy, guidance officer, chaplain, or one of our wonderful leaders. We will be asking for everyone's support to see that these programs benefit current and future students alike.
We are also focusing on increasing student involvement and building school community spirit across all year levels. As captains we will work tirelessly with staff and other student leaders to promote events and opportunities, ensuring that everyone can expand their skills and pursue their true passions. It is through this process that we will be able to create an inclusive and respectful environment that fosters resilient, knowledgeable and globally connected individuals.
From respect and learning in our classrooms to our creativity and community spirit, Ferny is a school like no other. We have an exceptional range of extra-curricular activities, clubs, and community organisations perfect for every student. These include the school debating team for all year levels, the instrumental and choral music program, IT crew, 'INTERACT' - a charity group funded by Samford Rotary designed for Year 11s - and German Immersion. For students who accelerate with their schoolwork, the LEAF Program is available and for exceptional sporting students, the FAST Program is also on offer. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what you can do at our school; the list of opportunities is never-ending. Partaking in or volunteering for such programs is extremely rewarding and will help you make the most of your secondary schooling experience. Hard work and academic achievements are praised and often recognised at award ceremonies at the end of the year. These achievements are also beneficial when running for a junior or senior leadership position.
Through our time at high school, we have learnt that the world is unpredictable, and a million things can change in a matter of moments, but this year we can guarantee that one thing will stay the same. We are your 2023 captains, and we are going to do everything we can to be there for each and every one of you, no matter what. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please know you are always welcome to ask and share them with us. We are always going to be more than happy to listen and help you in any way we can. We look forward to seeing you around, 2023 is going to be legendary!
Your 2023 School Captains,
Harrison, Natalie, Blake, and Amber