Year 8

Week 1 – Here we go Again!

Welcome back to Term 2 at Redlands! I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable break and are ready to tackle the quick paced (9-week) term ahead of us.

Yr 8 were in good spirits and excited to be back this week, albeit a little sleepy around the edges. It is important that students get back into their school routines and study habits quickly this term, as they are being greeted by a Mathematics assessment in Week 2 and then an English assessment in Week 4, in addition to Visual Art assessments occurring in both these weeks too.

Remember that we are now in our winter terms, meaning that students should be wearing the winter uniform neatly and correctly. This includes wearing blazers to and from school. The uniform is an important indicator of our commitment to Redlands and to our learning, so this term we have a strong focus on making sure the uniform is being worn correctly. Some important requirements to remember are that hair is to be styled, and tied up neatly, so that it is away from eyes, ears, and collar; longer hair is to be tied back with navy and hair-coloured accessories; and mullet hairstyles are not permitted. No jewellery is allowed, other than a single or one pair of plain gold or silver studs in earlobes; no nail polish is allowed other than clear; and no make-up is permitted. Shirts should be tucked in when wearing long pants and school skirts must be long enough so that the hem falls to the top of the knees. Full uniform requirements can be located on Pulse.


Anzac Day Ceremony

On Tuesday, we held our special annual Anzac Day remembrance assembly. This is an important moment in the school calendar, where we gather as a school to remember the service and sacrifices of all those who have been part of the armed services for Australia since WWI. It is a time to reflect on the nature of serving others and to consider how we might embody service and gratitude in our daily interactions.

This year, two Yr 10 students, Yasmin Allan and Heidi Charles confidently acted as keynote speakers, sharing the stories of two servicemen in the Australian Military, Mr Lachlan Bradley one of our support staff and Mr Tony Charles, Heidi’s father. They offered moving accounts of the challenges these men faced during their time in the military but also the camaraderie and connection that such an experience offered them. Mr Corcoran and Ms Van de Peer also offered some powerful messages on the nature and importance of service and the significance of the sacrifices others have made to support our Australian way of life.

Well done too to our Yr 8 students, Sam Dixon and Vivienne Matthews, who, respectively, read a prayer to the assembled school and recited the Ode of Remembrance during the service.

Relationships Day

Today, Yr 8 had an informative and eye-opening series of talks and workshops based around fostering safe and respectful relationships. Led by Tessa Opie, founder of In Your Skin, and facilitated by our excellent Tutors and PDHPE teachers, our relationships day is all about empowering students with knowledge so they appreciate their rights and responsibilities, and know how to stay safe in relationships and where to go should they require support. It was really pleasing to see students engage in meaningful conversations around topics like the difference between flirting and sexual harassment, and in discussing the legal ramifications of sexting or image-based abuse. While some of these topics can be confronting, it is important to for students to be informed here so they understand how to help themselves or friends, should they ever face challenging situations in a relationship.

Thank you to all our facilitators today who were able to help create safe and supportive spaces for our students, so they could engage with maturity and respect in discussing such topics.

If you wish to learn more about such material, particularly for talking to your child, some excellent further information resources on relationships are available through the Raising Children Network and Reach Out Parents.

Student Achievement – Liv Law

Congratulations to Liv Law who, over the recent holiday break, competed at the Chemist Warehouse Australian Junior Athletics Championships. At the National level, there is a huge amount of fierce competition, so Liv did amazingly well not only to get to the Championships but also to make it to the finals in two events.

Liv placed 7th in the 1500m final, achieving a time of 4:42.44. She also placed 6th in the 3000m final, achieving a time of 10:18.56. If you do the maths, these are extremely fast times, so well done to Liv!

Balmoral Burn – Rise to the Challenge and Join the 2024 Balmoral Burn Schools Relay

Get ready to unleash your potential and join the 2024 Balmoral Burn Schools Relay. Students from Yrs 7-12 have the chance to conquer Sydney’s steepest streets in Mosman for a noble cause. Join Redlands for the Humpy Dumpty Balmoral Burn Schools Relay on May 26th, 7:30 to 9:30am. This event isn’t just about the challenge; it supports sick children nationwide. Founded by Phil Kearns AM to thank the Royal North Shore Hospital, the Balmoral Burn aids hospitals through the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. Students can form teams of four, aiming to raise $250 per team for the cause. Separate races will be held for boys and girls. Email Mr. Walker your team by Wednesday next week, to participate. Let’s unite as a Redlands community and make a difference.

 

Secondary School Counselling Parent Webinar: Tuesday 7 May – 6.00pm-7.00pm

Our Student Services Counselling team will be hosting their second parent workshop this term. Titled ‘Managing your Teen’s Stress, Anxiety and Other Big Emotions’. The parent session will cover:

  • What to expect and developing your understanding of the normal course of adolescent emotional development
  • Managing emotions by helping your teen express their emotions and helping them regain emotional control
  • Recognising unhealthy emotional expression and responding appropriately

The webinar link can be found via Pulse. The workshop runs from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.


Term 2 Key Dates and Upcoming Events

  • Festival in the Fahl – Week 5: Thursday 30 May
  • Redlands Heritage Week – Week 6: Monday 3 June
  • Year 8 Moonbah Parent & Student Information session – Week 6: Tuesday 4 June
  • Year Group Photos – Week 6: Wednesday 5 June
  • SS Athletics Carnival – Week 9: Tuesday 25 June
  • Police Liaison Officer task (cyber safety and social media) – Week 9: Thursday 27 June
  • End of Term 2 – Week 9: Friday 28 June

Mr Jimmy Tod-Hill
Year 8 Advisor
jtodhill@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6462