Year 8

BURN BRIGHT – Inside Out Leadership: Leadership Starts from Within

This week Yr 8 engaged in a leadership program designed specifically to assist them in acknowledging that before we lead, we must first start to look within. It is the exploration of leadership from an early age that builds and develops strong, resilient and empathetic leaders who are willing to serve and put others first. Whilst Yr 8 may not have a badge or hold a particular leadership position, an introduction to key leadership concepts and an understanding of how to lead one’s self is vital for future development. Throughout the day, students explored the power of our influence, servant leadership, resilience, the importance of healthy relationships and fostering an understanding that we are always leading in some capacity. Students were challenged to recognise how they can become effective leaders and use their influence from a young age.

The key outcomes from the day:

  • Understand they have influence and be challenged on how they are using that influence.
  • Identify the qualities of a good leader and recognise their own strengths and the strengths of others.
  • Improve their sense of self and enhance their self-confidence.
  • Develop a capacity to overcome challenges and be resilient.
  • Seek to foster positive friendships and look out for each other to enhance a greater sense of belonging.
  • Understand the importance of service and start becoming a person who serves others.
  • Appreciate diversity and celebrate differences.

Burn Bright – Parent Resources

https://burnbright.org.au/parent-resources/

 

Yr 12 Service Announcement

This year, our first service initiative is the Anglicare Christmas Appeal. Toys’ n’ Tucker is an initiative of Anglicare Sydney which tries to share the joy of Christmas by providing food and gifts for those who might otherwise go without. This past year has been more challenging than ever before, especially for the most disadvantaged in society. Unfortunately, due to COVID, we’re unable to run the Toys’ n’ Tucker drive as usual, with every family bringing donations to be packed by Anglicare into hampers for families in need. Instead, this year, Anglicare is encouraging all of us to donate, and they will be able to organise the hampers.

So, how will it work?

  1. You can donate money through the link provided below (This method helps us keep tally of Redlands contribution and will be paid direct to Anglicare in one amount).
    https://gofund.me/2e6d8ee4
  2. Anglicare will use the donated funds to buy hamper items at wholesale prices
  3. Hampers will be packed at their Villawood Warehouse
  4. They will deliver hampers straight to peoples’ doors, bringing the joy of Christmas with them.

We aim to raise $5,000, and once we have reached that, we will host a Christmas-themed mufti day! We hope that every family will be able to donate at least $10. Let’s dig deep to share a little joy this Christmas!

Expectations 

As the holidays approach, it becomes harder to focus in school. With this in mind, it is important for students to stay focused during these last few weeks as their lives tend to become busier with the end of year celebrations and events. It is crucial for students to continue to review materials for classes to prepare for the demands of Yr 9. We want to make sure students finish the school year as strong as they can and these few steps below can help them stay focused till the end of the year.  

Prioritise Sleep  

It’s tempting for students to go to sleep later as the days get longer. However, missing sleep is a major cause of behaviour and attention problems in students. A well-rested child can focus, learn and thrive as they finish out the school year.  

Have a Routine  

With all the extra events, deadlines for school and cocurriculars occurring and lives slowly going back to normality it can be hard to stick to a routine. These small changes can lead to tuning out and acts of defiance. Dependable routines allow students to know what to expect and allow them to focus when it’s time to change activities  

Return to Sport  

Return to Sport has been a great success in the Secondary School. Students have been excited to participate in face-to-face Sport. A reminder of the key guidelines for the program is below.  

Mask-wearing 

Mask-wearing is required when traveling between sports venues and on school grounds (this includes students walking or traveling by bus to or from school)

Secondary School students must wear masks in indoor sports venues at all times when not exercising, including in change room and bathroom facilities

Change Rooms and Uniform 

School change room access will be limited and students are encouraged to wear their PE uniform to school on days they have Sport training.

Student Attendance 

Just a reminder that if a student is absent from school an explanation must be provided by a parent/carer to ssabsence@redlands.nsw.edu.au. If your child is absent due to illness, we thank you for providing details of your child’s symptoms. Any student absent with COVID-19 related symptoms must complete a PCR COVID-19 test and evidence of a negative test result must be provided to the School prior to the student returning to campus. 

IMPORTANT DATES

17 & 18 November – STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths)
In November Yr 8 students will engage in a STEAM Day developed to engage and extend their skills and learner attributes.

1 December End of Yr 8 Term 4

31 January Start of Yr 9 Term 1, 2022

Ms Lisa Vale
Yr 8 Advisor
9968 9837
lvale@redlands.nsw.edu.au