Year 8

Respectful Language

This week in Yr 8, we have been considering the power of language and its affect on our peers. In today’s world, it is becoming apparent that many young people are being influenced by the language around them. It is common for them to hear derogatory terms or offensive language on the streets, on social media channels, streaming services and in some forms of modern music. Proliferating the use of such language can sometimes normalise, glamorise and sanitise their impact, taking their meaning out of context. Words can be misconstrued to be hurtful, racist, homophobic, mysogynistic or even discriminatory, and the casual explanation ‘it’s just a joke’ the all too frequent excuse. Using disrespectful language is considered socially unacceptable, and if not addressed early, can become a serious problem.

The use of derogatory language or the act of swearing at someone, or about someone, is actually a form of verbal violence. It transgresses the usual rules of social interaction by impinging on an individual’s self-image and sense of dignity. Therefore, Redland’s enforces a zero tolerance policy when it comes to such language. Parents and carers also need to play an important role in enforcing this approach by proactively monitoring what their children are viewing or being exposed to and discussing the use of words or their origin. This can help prevent inappropriate or disrespectful language being used in the classroom, school yard or other situations.

 

Whilst some students may use swearing or derogatory terms for attention seeking purposes, others may use it simply because they are still learning how to moderate their language. As young people develop their language skills, it is important for them to have a clear understanding of the impact of their choice of words on others and how their words can impact other people’s perspective of them – an important and essential skill to learn as they progress in their personal and professional development.

Redlands Concussion Management 

With Winter Sport in full swing there have been some instances where students have received head knocks. On these occasions it is very important that students and families comply with the Redlands Concussion Management Policy. A student with symptoms after a head knock should receive medical advice. Symptoms  can be subtle or not immediately recognisable and can be as small as a headache.

The current principles of concussion management involve rest during the acute period post injury (48hrs for adolescents), followed by a gradual increase in cognitive activity then a graduated return to physical activity. Redlands utilises the standard Return to Play strategies found in the ISA Concussion Protocol, Rugby Union Australia Concussion Procedure and the Australian Government’s Concussion in Sport Australia Position Statement.

The graduated return to all school activities takes a minimum of 19 days after all symptoms and signs have disappeared. Progression is dependent on remaining symptom-free throughout. If symptoms reoccur at any stage, the student drops back to the previous stage for a period of 24 hours and must be symptom-free at that stage prior to attempting the next stage again. If symptoms are persistent at any stage medical review is essential.

It is important that students follow the Redlands Concussion Management Policy to allow them to have a reduced cognitive load and therefore prevent further injury to the brain. Please notify me by email if your child sustains a head knock or is diagnosed with a concussion (whether this be at school sport or during another  activity outside of school). Should you wish to familiarise yourself with the policy it is available on Pulse, under Key Information and School Polices. 

Public Speaking – Starting in Week 7, Term 3!

Public Speaking is a new cococurricular activity that is available to students in Yrs 7, 8, 9 and 10 starting in Week 7, Term 3.

The weekly Public Speaking workshops are run by experienced coaches, providing exciting learning experiences which will help students to build confidence, persuasive speaking skills and raise awareness of global issues.

For more detailed information, please follow this link to the sign-up form.

If you have any questions regarding the program, please get in contact with our Public Speaking Coordinator, Ms Kang.

Science Club- CSI Forensics Investigation

This week has been Redlands Science Week in the Senior School and students have had the opportunity to participate in various initiatives. A number of our Yr 7 students are members of the Science Club and this week they engaged in CSI Forensics Investigations during Tuesday lunchtime.

  • Students tested their own fingerprints then lifted fingerprints from a mug.
  • They created ‘blood’ plaster patterns from various heights and analysed these.
  • They used Luminol to identify blood left at a faux crime scene.

2022 ICAS Science Competition

The 2022 ICAS Science competition will take place on Tuesday 23 August in school. Entry for students in Yrs 7-10 is voluntary. This year parents will sign up and pay for students directly in the ICAS shop. This needs to be completed before Monday 1 August. The cost of the test is $19.25. Please see the access details below.

Access details for parents

Your school access code is:

NLC166

Your parent page link is:

https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps

Key Dates

Week 5 – Science Week

Week 6 – Greenlands Week

Week 7 – Wednesday 31 August, Yr 8 Respectful Relationships Workshop (P1-P3, Redlands Hall) 

Week 9 – Thursday 15 September, House Spirit Fair

Week 10 – Thursday 22 September – Last day Term 3

Mrs Lucienne Willis
Yr 8 Advisor
lwillis@redlands.nsw.edu.au