Head of Secondary School
The Secondary School Moves Through the Term With Heart
This term has been eventful so far, and our students have embraced a range of challenges admirably!
The entire school gathered on Tuesday in Lang Gym for our first Student-Led Assembly. Our Year 12 Captains announced their motto With Heart which was wonderfully received by students and staff. Mr Corcoran has expanded on this in his Note Day article this week – we’re both very excited about where Year 12 and the entire Secondary School community will take this motto over the next 12 months.
“With Heart comprises of three key pillars: empathy, commitment and authenticity. We believe that empathy should be an important focus for the community, where we create a positive and supportive culture at school through listening and showing compassion. Additionally, demonstrating commitment and passion is critical in growing school spirit and showing up for others. And the third pillar, authenticity, is to forge a space where the community is comfortable being vulnerable and being themselves, and willing to celebrate that in each other. One of the things the team really likes about With Heart is the ability to put any verb in front of it, which will allow each portfolio to have really clear and tailored goals to truly enhance their aspect of the community. For example, Play with Heart or Serve with Heart.”
Aneke Golowenko & Liam Petersen – School Captains
Yesterday, School Captains Aneke and Liam chaired their first ever Student Leaders meeting. They began by working with the team on culture setting and moved to discussing the best meeting format approaches. It was heartening to hear them agree with Thomas Dewar’s suggestion that ‘no comments would be viewed as silly’, embracing an inclusive approach to listening, sharing and collaborating with each other over the coming year. The Student Leadership Team then discussed the focus of their upcoming assemblies, the brilliant work of the House Captains and supporting the School community to become familiar with the Captains of Activities.
Our Year 9 and Year 7 students showed impressive dedication and maturity throughout their recent examinations. For Year 7, this was their first time sitting formal exams in Maths, English and Science, and they managed the experience exceptionally well. Year 7 students are now enjoying their STEAM days under the theme “Bee-yond The Hive,” engaging in creative, hands-on projects across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths.
Meanwhile, Year 9 completed their first-ever full examination block outside of their usual timetable. They were rewarded with a well-deserved “Chick’n’Chill” lunch, where they relaxed in the sun in the Top Terraces and enjoyed some leisure time together. We wish Year 9 all the best as they head off to Myall Lakes for their camp next week!
Our Year 10 students are embracing a unique transition term to help them prepare for the rigours of Senior School. They are currently trialling Year 11 Maths and English classes, developing essential skills and ensuring their HSC and IB courses for English and Maths align with their future goals. In their other subjects, Year 10 is honing transferrable skills like independent learning, research and time management, which will be invaluable for Years 11 and 12. Regular home learning is expected over the coming weeks, and parents are encouraged to reach out to teachers if they have concerns.
On Monday 18 November, Year 10 will participate in an “All My Own Work” workshop to understand the importance of academic honesty and integrity as they progress into Stage 6. They also have Business Week at Macquarie University to look forward to in Week 7, following their camp in Week 5.
Finally, we wish Year 8 all the best as they prepare for their examinations next week!
Year 8 Students and Parents are Reminded to Attend the Week 6 Moonbah Program Event
NSW School Vaccination Program 2024
Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program.
The following vaccines are offered free to Year 7 students at school on:
- Thursday 7 November – Year 7 – diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa)
- Thursday 28 November – Year 7 – human papillomavirus (HPV)
Students who miss the first clinic date will be offered a catch up opportunity on Thursday 28 November.
Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received. To provide consent for vaccination online go here, you will need:
- your ServiceNSW log-in details, or to create an account with ServiceNSW if you don’t already have one
- Medicare details for parents/carers and your child
Please note parents/carers will need to provide separate consent for each of the two different vaccinations.
Benefits of online consent for parents/carers:
- SMS notifications when vaccinations are given
- easy updating of your child’s details online
- faster upload of your child’s vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper-based consent form directly from the Year Advisor.
To help answer questions you may have regarding providing vaccination and online consent, please visit the NSW Health website.
Online Spring Auction and Premium Degustation Raffle
Our Redlands Spring Online Auction and Premium Degustation Raffle will be closing next week! Proceeds raised will support the means-tested Coralie Amos OAM Scholarship that will be awarded to a deserving student commencing in Year 7 2026 for the duration of their Secondary School education.
Premium Degustation Raffle
Exclusive degustation dining for 8 guests by Big Sam Young at home or in private dining room of S’More at Castlecrag. 250 tickets @ $50, tickets are selling fast, purchase now to avoid a disappointment!
Online Auction
This wonderful auction presents an array of wonderful prizes donated by our wider community to bid upon: holiday accommodation, restaurant and wellbeing vouchers, jewellery and experiences all of which could provide a nice Christmas gift.
4 people, 3 nights at Shoalhaven Heads
Set amongst the pristine backdrop of coastal national park and Shoalhaven Heads golf course, stay at Bangalay Resort in architecturally designed elegance just two hours south of Sydney. Sample native inspired dishes and succumb to the relaxed South Coast way of life.
Design Experience and Gold Living Ring, UbyKate
Re-use sentimental gems from loved ones or gems hiding in your jewellery box in this special experience with designer Kate Sutton. Together you will create a timeless ring and reimagine your heirlooms for the next generation.
Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9811