Year 8
Examinations!
The word on everyone’s lips this week has been ‘exams’! Heads have been down and hands have been busy moving back and forth across papers, penning as much knowledge as possible within time constraints. The cohort has approached their examination period with great focus and effort, and I have been extremely impressed with their diligent approach in the Hall.
These examinations are all about developing student capacity and skills in timed conditions, and while a mark might be an important indicator of achievement to some, we are really encouraging our students to focus on the feedback these examinations will engender for them. We will take time in Tutor to consider how to use such feedback to plan ahead, make adjustments and develop better habits to be their best selves in their studies in Yr 9.
Beyond their individual efforts in the examinations, it has been great to see students supporting each other across the examination period, either through group study sessions, positive thinking and practising mindfulness techniques together or even braiding each other’s hair!
While the formal examinations have been completed for most, there are still some students requiring catch-up examinations, and they are encouraged to check their emails for details on where and when these catch-up papers will be sat. Individual Languages and Visual Arts are still being assessed in class groups, so I encourage students to keep up their efforts this week, just like the students studying for Chinese below!
Redlands Supports the Indigenous Literacy Foundation: Book Swap and Bake Sale
On Friday the School embraced its Service ethos, recognising the importance of supporting indigenous literacy. A tasty bake sale complemented the indigenous literacy book swap, with all the proceeds going towards funding the ILF’s efforts working with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to deliver culturally appropriate books, meet their literacy needs (particularly of infants) and enable the production of books written by adults and children in the Communities, often in First Languages.
Moonbah and the Information Evening – Gearing up for Growth
Monday 18 November
On Wednesday, students attending Moonbah in Term 1 were gathered together to begin coordinating group divisions for Moonbah. While we cannot guarantee particular groupings, students were given the opportunity to nominate a couple of peers they would like to spend time with in learning activities and dorm living at Moonbah. There was a buzz of excitement as students contemplated their term away – which is now not too far away!
A reminder too that our Moonbah Gearing for Growth evening is fast coming up on Monday 18 November. This event is designed to offer students and parents clear answers to any last questions they have about the Moonbah program for 2025. See below for further details.
Speech Night
The Redlands 141st Secondary School Speech Night is fast approaching on Wednesday 4 December. The evening is a wonderful celebration of all our students’ achievements this year. Please make sure you view Pulse for all the relevant details.
Term 4 Key Dates and Upcoming Events
- Moonbah: Gearing for Growth evening – Week 6: Monday 18 November
- Speech Night (and Term End) – Week 8: Wednesday 4 December
Mr Jimmy Tod-Hill
Year 8 Advisor
jtodhill@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6462