Head of Secondary School
Year 10 Step Up for Future Success
Today the Secondary School Leadership Team spoke with Year 10 students during Tutor Time. As educators, we know how significant Year 10 is to the formation of senior student identity – as people and as learners. By Year 10 some students are incredibly diligent while others are still learning how to self-manage or know their purpose at school. We know they need positive encouragement to take on a challenge and guidance to be resilient and assertive. We know that some students overestimate the difficulty of a task and then go onto underestimate their ability to deal with it, whilst others underestimate the difficulty of a task and then overestimate their ability to deal with it. It is a time of great learning about self. It is where the foundations for success in Stage 6 are consolidated. You can find more about what was discussed with Year 10 here.
We explored with our Year 10 cohort some of the qualities and dispositions of a successful senior student – such as embracing effort, knowing one’s purpose at school and seeing disappointment or failure as an opportunity to grow. Successful students are organised, purposeful and demonstrate grit and perseverance when faced with disappointment – they are not overwhelmed by the myth of talent. They understand that their effort and attitude will determine their capacity to achieve, and their subsequent actions reflect this. In five short weeks, the process for Stage 6 Pathway Selection will commence for Year 10. As well as some testing and evaluating, students will engage in exploration of what a myriad of data says about them as learners with a member of the Secondary School Leadership Team before making a decision about their Pathway (HSC or IB) and the Subjects for study. To be in the right place to engage in this process Year 10 should already be focused, forward-looking and purposeful Stage 5 students.
What’s been happening in the past week? SO MUCH!
Clean up Australia Day
Our Environment Captains Conor Petersen and Tara Gold attended the Clean Up Australia Day at North Sydney on Sunday, along with Junior School Environment Captain Grace Flynn and her mother Annie Flynn (Taylor – RL 1990). We appreciate the students who commit to this event every year, demonstrating commitment to the School and the broader community. A really worthwhile cause!
Record Numbers of Students attend Study Centre
Our Study Centre (7-11) situated in Roseby Library is continuing to thrive with a higher number of students attending each week.
This week in Year 11 Assembly, we congratulated them on a really successful start to the year. From the data we receive from Roseby Library, Year 11 are continuing to increase their attendance, making use of Dr Alice and the teaching staff who provide support.
Want to Know More About What’s on Offer for Year 11 and Year 7 to 10 Students?
The Roseby Library offers all Redlands students the opportunity for further study in groups or in quiet zones during our extended after-school opening hours. This study time is primarily self-directed, with the support and supervision of Dr Alice, a member of our dedicated library team, and Redlands staff such as Mathematics and English teachers.
Opening Hours:
3:20pm until 7:00pm, Monday to Thursday (Term time only)
Library Services:
Our library team is in the process of adapting and transforming the Roseby Library to align with the changing needs of our students – and the evolved Study Centre.
Student Responsibilities:
Extended access to the library is offered to students who are engaged in group and quiet study activities. Study Centre is an opportunity for students to:
- Engage in home learning activities set by the subject teacher
- Revise prior learning
- Prepare for examinations or assessments
- Explore new ideas and avenues for subject related learning
- Enjoy the dedicated spaces for group and quiet study
It is also important to respect the learning of other students and maintain the Study Centre for all. The Student Code of Conduct applies during this time – including the limited use of personal technology for socialising or recreation.
Get to know Dr. Alice:
Dr. Alice has attained a Masters of Research and PhD in English Literature, specialising in Modernist fiction and Ecocriticism. She is an experienced HSC English and Society & Culture teacher, with certification in Librarianship. As a passionate educator and researcher, Dr Alice is well positioned to support students extending their study in the Roseby Library after school.
Illuminate Scholars Program:
Students who would benefit from attending a more structured and support after school study centre, should enrol in the Illuminate Scholars Program – where they have access to Academic Coaches (tutors) on Level 3 of the Learning Hub. Have you visited the Pulse page yet to check this out? For more information, please email illuminate@redlands.nsw.edu.au.
Jazz in the Garden
Despite the unexpected rain, Jazz in the Garden persevered, relocating to the warm and intimate setting of Redlands Hall. The cosy ambiance and charming decorations created the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable musical experience. Rain clouds couldn’t dampen the spirits of our talented students, who showcased their incredible jazz ensembles from both senior and junior campuses. A heartfelt thank you to the Friends of Music for their delicious BBQ offerings and the impeccable organisation of the bake sale, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to this memorable event. A sincere appreciation also goes out to the parents and wider Redlands community members whose continued support contributed to the success of this event. Thank you for being an integral part of this wonderful musical celebration, underscoring the vibrant community spirit that makes events like these truly special. Consider our 2024 program officially launched!
Parent Support Session for Adolescent Wellbeing
Our Secondary School counsellors presented a support and information session on Your Relationship With Your Teen and Understanding Their Development to Year 7 parents and carers on Monday night. The presentation can be found on the Secondary School Student Wellbeing Page in Pulse for those who are interested but were not able to attend on the evening. The presentation covered adolescent developmental changes, how to respond to conflict and emotions, how to strengthen your bond with your child and offered a spotlight on Screens and Digital Media.
Year 11 and Year 12 Step Beyond!
On Tuesday our Year 12 Captains once more recognised members of the community who have Stepped Beyond! Year 12 student Amelia Barter recently took the initiative to lead the 7-10 Poetry Club. She created engaging and thought-provoking activities, which aimed to encourage reflection and creativity and to teach others. Also Year 11 student Sofia Vincent participated in not one but two Yr 12 IB Dance compositions, taking time out of her busy schedule before and after school to help the Year 12s. Both Amelia and Sofia were awarded Step Beyond badges for their efforts and bravery in taking on personal commitments that stretch and challenge them – and others! Our Sport Captains Ava and Alfie celebrated the end of another amazing Summer season with a quick round up video and our Arts Captains entertained and delighted us with their dramatic antics.
Wellbeing Captains Anneka and Anderson shared their top tips and tricks for generating wellbeing as an energy. They advised students to spend their free time in ways that were re-energising. They focused on balance, fun and school spirit. They encouraged students to continue showing up for each other and having each other’s back.
Year 8 Camp
Our Year 8 students have been enjoying the glorious weather of Yarrahapinni. Groups have rotated through a range of activities including wilderness hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and, the camp favourite, surf lessons. In the afternoons, at the main base, groups have been reunited with friends and some creative games of cricket with a spade, cards and general camaraderie have ensued.
International Women’s Day Breakfast
You are warmly invited to attend our inaugural International Women’s Day Breakfast on 11 March at 7.00am. Please purchase a ticket for yourself and your children, come along and enjoy hearing from two inspiring female leaders. All students across the Secondary School have been readying for this day via Student-led assemblies across the past three weeks. Groups of panels, made up of staff and students have explored what IWD means to them and shared powerful stories of women in their lives. INVEST IN WOMEN by joining us on this day!
Uniform Recycling takes place in Week 7
Textile Recyclers Australia (TRA) has been selected as our uniform recycling partner following a comprehensive review of available options in 2023. TRA will commence the collection of unwanted Redlands uniforms in Week 7 of Term 1, with each Year Group having a specific day to bring in their unwanted Redlands uniforms, listed on the poster above. Bin collections will be monitored, so please ensure only the requested Redlands items in the poster above are brought it, or they will be sent back home. Any non-Redlands branded uniforms can be taken to your local charity bin for reuse, or to H&M and Zara (who offer used clothing recycling).
Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9811