Year 8
School Camp
With Yr 8 Camp only a few weeks away we are beginning to make our final preparations for the trip. Over the next week both staff and student briefings will occur and information such as programs, packing and group lists will be distributed. Please keep an eye out for this information and updates over the coming weeks.
Please ensure that you have completed the Operoo profile for your child/ren. If you haven’t received an email, please visit Operoo.com to sign up and create a medical profile for your child/ren.
If you need some support with the medical form process, you can contact medicals@oeg.edu.au and/or Mr Atkins eatkins@redlands.nsw.edu.au
If your child/ren require medications on camp, you will need to complete and return to Mr Atkins a Medical Authority Form located on Pulse HERE. This form will need to be completed prior to departure.
Please contact Mr Atkins for any other questions about camp.
Upcoming Events
We have a number of significant events in the first part of the term which include:
- Week 3 – Thursday 16 February – ySafe Online Safety Session
- Week 4 – Monday – Friday – Coaching Conversations
- Week 6 – Monday – Friday – Yr 8 Camp
- Week 8 – Thursday – Saturday – School Musical
Further information about some of these events is below.
Parent Online Safety Presentation
The Online Safety Parent Information session on Monday evening was a great success with over 130 parents/carers joining via Zoom to learn more about the complexities and tips for parenting in the digital age.
Please use the link below to access a recording of the presentation. The recording will be available for 2 weeks.
On Thursday and Friday, Year 7-12 students will be engaging in Online Safety workshops with ySafe. The topics covered are:
Year 7 and 8:
- Cyberbullying and online conflict
- Sexting and the law
- Online wellbeing
Year 9 and 10:
- Online conflict and wellbeing
- Respectful relationships
- Digital footprint
Year 11 and 12:
- Digital footprint and employability
- Respectful relationships and connecting safely
- Online wellbeing and self-regulation
Parents/Caregivers have access to the Redlands Cyber Safety Hub where you can get advice on the latest apps and games, learn more about online safety topics, get help with social media incidents and more.
Access the hub here.
Parent Resources
“The wellbeing of today’s youth has never been more challenging.”
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
School TV – Parenting Series
Despite the best efforts of parents around the world, the reality is, there is no such thing as the ‘perfect parent’. However, arming yourself with the right information is a good start!
Research shows, that one of the most important protective factors in the lives of young people, is a close relationship with a supportive adult. With the mental health of today’s young people being at an all-time low, it is simply not enough to parent effectively. Parents need to familiarise themselves with practical skills, knowledge and strategies when it comes to raising children.
SchoolTV – RAISING GIRLS
Raising girls in today’s modern world can be a difficult path for parents and carers to navigate. These days, girls are transitioning to puberty a lot earlier than they used to and the physical, psychological and emotional changes they experience are challenging. As a result, by mid-adolescence, girls are twice as likely to develop mood disorders more so than boys.
Some parents and carers may feel uncertain about how best to support their daughter through the ups and downs of adolescence and how to keep the lines of communication open. With the rise of social media and technology, mental health difficulties in girls are increasing as often they are faced with online images that make it difficult to see themselves as acceptable. Ensuring a daughter’s opinions are heard and her views listened to, will go a long way towards making her feel loved and supported as she tries to establish her own identity.
In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers will attain a clearer picture of what girls are wanting from their adult carers and how best to support them through adolescence.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Raising Girls edition of SchoolTV
SchoolTV – RAISING BOYS
Many parents will attest to the fact that most boys are active, loud, rambunctious and prone to rough play, but this should not affect how a parent acts towards their son. Be careful not to pigeon-hole your son into sex-specific behaviours or gender roles. The male brain is distinctly different in its development. A boy’s physical maturity is often at odds with his mental and brain development.
Societal beliefs about how to raise boys can sometimes influence their adult carers. Although we are not determined by our biology, it is a factor. It is important to support boys in their natural tendencies and nurture their strengths and abilities. Teach them the skills they need for their future and to develop a healthy identity. It is important for boys to have a role model they can connect with and acknowledge who they are. One of the most important determinants for a boy’s development is how secure they feel growing up.
In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers will gain a better understanding into some of the more complex issues relating to raising boys.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Raising Boys edition of SchoolTV
Mr Tobias Horan
Yr 8 Advisor
9968 9872
thoran@redlands.nsw.edu.au