Year 8

Yr 8 has had a positive start to Term 2. Our students have returned from the break settled, well presented and ready to work.

Assessment in Term 2

Formal assessment tasks tend to approach very quickly in Term 2, which we are currently trying to encourage students to build into their planning during their weekly Home Learning.

As the Winter Sport season kicks into gear it is also worth noting that changes of routine such as additional training sessions or changed schedules may have on Home Learning habits and to help students plan accordingly.

Included below is the weekly schedule so that you are also able to support your student/s.

In Your Skin

Over the next two weeks Yr 8 students will be taking part in the In Your Skin program created by Dr Tessa Opie. This program is designed to promote positive language and culture around sexuality and encourage positive, healthy relationships. 

The website for the external provider is available here if you are interested – https://www.inyourskin.co/.  

During Tutor Time there will be a number of lead-in sessions which challenge students’ perceptions of the language they use to describe sexuality and relationships. There will then be a half-day workshop on Thursday 11th May led by In Your Skin.

Both Martia Jansens (Dean of Students) and our Yr 8 Tutors have discussed with students the need to approach these sessions with an open mind and an open heart. We have also reinforced that it is okay for students to feel uncomfortable with some of the content presented and that there is support available if needed. 

The focus of our Yr 8 program lead in sessions is to break down stereotypes as they relate to relationship expectations, gender and sexuality with a specific focus on language and terminology.

Our three lead-in activities (as described by In Your Skin) are:

• Spot the difference – The aim of this activity is encourage students to realise the negative impact of rigid gender stereotypes and their assumed corresponding behaviours.
• Words – The purpose of this activity is to help students to describe how self esteem, intimate relationships and social safety and equality are affected by gender stereotypes. We are specifically concerned with the effect of derogatory names because of presumed sexual activity or inactivity.
• Names – Students will explore ethical concepts of discrimination based on sexuality and discuss the meanings of homophobia and transphobia. This activity will also be an opportunity to consider possible differences of opinion about sexuality and respecting difference and diversity in individuals and communities. 

You are highly encouraged to ask your student/s about these sessions and what they are taking away from them.

Upcoming Events

We have a a number of significant events during the term which include:

• Week 3 – Thursday 11 May – In Your Skin
• Week 4 – 5 – Coaching Conversations
• Week 7 – Thursday 8 June – Athletics Carnival

Forbes Fundraiser

A Message from Yr 11 – As some of you may know, Forbes is a small town in NSW, neighbouring Lismore, which went through dire levels of flooding last year. They have slowly been recovering from flood levels reaching a 70 year record!! The environment is devastated and the community is still in desperate need of some assistance from those who can help. 

This drive started in the end of Term 1 and is continuing through the beginning of Term 2. Please bring in anything you can manage and it will go a long way!!

Items to include could be:

seedlings 
canned goods 
Non-perishable foods
notebooks and school supplies
cutlery, utensils, frypans, cutting boards, bowls
financial aid
first aid kits
clothing
sewing items
tools (old hammers)

We will have boxes set up every morning at the front and back gates starting Wk 2 or in the Student Services Centre throughout the day.

Thank you everyone in advance for the consideration and donations! 

Mr Tobias Horan
Yr 8 Advisor
9968 9872
thoran@redlands.nsw.edu.au