Year 9

Midawarr Program

Yr 9 have had the privilege and opportunity this week to immerse themselves in the much anticipated Year 9 Midawarr Program. On the first day of the camp, Yr 9 were treated to a moving, spiritual Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country. Smoking ceremonies are an ancient custom among Indigenous Australians in which native plants are burnt to produce smoke and acknowledge the ancestors and pay respect to the land, waters and sea of the country. The smoke is believed to have healing and cleansing properties. It was Redlands first-ever Smoking Ceremony so it was a privilege for our Year 9 students to be part of such a significant cultural event that connected the Indigenous community with our Redlands community.  

So far this week, students have connected and had meaningful conversations with Yolngu people in north-eastern Arnhem Land via zoom to discuss the laws and customs of Indigenous people. Students have also had practical opportunities over the last two days, participating in Gawura activities which involved Dance, Ochre painting and hunting tools, along with Yolngu Matha – Communication and Sign Language and Djalkirri Rom – learning about Yolngu lore and customs. Students also had the opportunity to complete artworks with Kate Constantine, a proud Gadigal artist who was born and bred on own Country in Sydney who shared her story of culture and identity. 
 
On the first day of the Program, Yr 9 had to write their own Acknowledgment of Country.’ 
This gave Year 9 an opportunity to show respect for Traditional Owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.  
 
Below are some fine examples of Acknowledgement to Country by our Yr 9 students. 

Abhi Singh Acknowledgement to Country 

I acknowledge that we are living on the land which is/was inhabited by the Commeraygal people of the Eora Nation. I respect that we have a relationship in which we see each other as equals, hence why I’m grateful to learn at a school with so many external connections. It is a great (but sometimes overwhelming) opportunity when we get to learn and see their culture up close. 

Antonia Morgan, Winter Penney and Miss St Clair Acknowledgement to Country

Paying our respects to land and embrace and protect and care and nourish the surrounding land and nature. Thank you country for providing us with life-changing knowledge and experience, we embrace these privileges and acknowledge that mother nature is powerful and loving. We respect and acknowledge the land in which we learn. We are grateful for the vast benefits our country provides.  

 

End of Year Project-Based Learning Presentation for Y9 Japanese classes 

Students have been individually working on a project where they considered their own interests associated with Japanese culture. Students were able to present their projects to other Year 9 Japanese classes. Students demonstrated creativity and talent through the creation of a Japanese cookbook, Japanese Language Board Games, Japan Travel brochure, Cartoon drawing, Origami Art, Analysis of techniques used by Japanese gymnasts and rock climbers. 

 

 Toys’ n’ Tucker  

This year, the first service initiative led by the 2022 Service Captains, Alexander Gibbs and Charlie Harman 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! 

Thank you for your support on behalf of Alexanders Gibbs and Charlie Harman 

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.

Secondary School Speech Day

The Secondary School Speech Day will take place on 1 December at 2.00pm at Dunnet Hall, Redlands Junior Campus. Due to the current venue capacity restrictions, only those Secondary School students receiving a Prize or Scholastic Button, as well as some student musicians and speakers, will be in attendance in Dunnet Hall. All other students are expected to attend School and engage with the live-streamed event in their Tutor classroom. We anticipate the event to run for approximately 1.5 hours.

 With the scheduled changes to restrictions governing schools from 1 December, we are pleased to be able to welcome one (fully-vaccinated) parent or carer of each student receiving a prize or scholastic button to these events. For all other parents and carers, the live-stream links will be communicated shortly.

Ms Alyssha Clarke
Yr 9 Assistant Advisor
aclarke@redlands.nsw.edu.au