Year 12
Pride Week Reflection – Dan Close
“Today is the sixth of June – which means Pride month is in full swing. So, a huge happy Pride to those who celebrate. Now, you may be wondering, and rightfully so, why we walk about gay stuff all the time – what with IDAHOBIT, Wear It Purple and now Pride – clearly we spend a lot of time as a school celebrating and supporting the queer community. Well, I think it’s due to a few things. If I said that this country had zero problems with discrimination against queer people I would be lying to you. And as a school community, as a Redlands community, we are also not perfect – as no school community is.
But what does Pride even mean? I think it’s about not feeling guilt or shame about your identity and being able to be comfortable with who you are given your environment. Unfortunately, it’s often the environment where Pride can be stifled.
So, as a student body, we can encourage and celebrate Pride by standing up against and not participating in casual discrimination like slurs and offensive language. Call out bad behaviour when you see it.
Thankfully we live in a world where queer people are visible and, in Australia, they are able to be Prideful without fear of political or legal repercussions. But we still have a long way to go for true Pride to be universally achieved. This Pride month, let’s make a meaningful change in the school community. Let’s consider how our behaviour impacts our queer friends. And let’s celebrate each other because all of us deserve to be celebrated.”
Student Achievement
Congratulations to the Yr 12 dancers who participated at the Sydney Dance Eisteddfod, at The Concourse Chatswood, over the weekend.
Special mention to Avalon Thomas and Marli Prado, who were part of the Contemporary Dance Group who won their section out of 23 entrants. Well done also to Marli, Avalon and Alyssa Tinnetti who were part of the Jazz Group who came 3rd out of 23 entrants. A fantastic achievement!
Congratulations to Hugo McKay who was selected to be a part of the CIS Football Team. His team will be playing at the NSW Football Championships coming up on 20th – 21st June.
Winter Woolies Appeal
Please raid your closets and share the warmth! Gather gently used or new coats, sweaters, scarves, gloves, and hats that you no longer need. Every piece of Winter Clothing donated will help someone stay snug during the cold months ahead. Yr 12 are asked to bring all Winter items down to the Student Services Centre foyer and place in the yellow bin, before the end of Week 9.
‘Push for Better’ Push Up Challenge
The ‘Push for Better’ Push-Up Challenge is in full swing! We currently have 73 people involved and as a Redlands Community we have completed 33,495 push-ups and raised $4,710. This is fabulous progress with all funds being donated to Lifeline to support those struggling with mental health. We are so thankful for all of your donations and you are still able to sign up and join the challenge. To join or donate:
We would love to see everyone involved through participating, supporting or donating! Many thanks for the ongoing support!
Mr Nicholas Walker
Yr 12 Year Advisor
nwalker@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9909 3133