Cocurricular Clubs
Sophie Wong Shines at UN Youth Voice State Final
Last Friday at the prestigious NSW Parliament, Sophie Wong (Year 7) represented Redlands at the state final of the UN Youth Voice competition and received a Highly Commended award.
As one of the youngest competitors, Sophie displayed extraordinary courage and composure, stepping onto the stage as the first speaker of the event. Her prepared speech on improving large-scale industrial agricultural practices was both thoughtful and impactful. Sophie also rose to the challenge of delivering an impromptu speech on how trade agreements can incentivize sustainable agricultural practices worldwide, demonstrating exceptional quick thinking and eloquence under pressure.
Thank you to Sophie’s public speaking teachers for their expert guidance throughout her journey. Special thanks to our geography expert, Mr. Richard Millham, whose knowledge and mentorship were instrumental in Sophie’s preparation.
Congratulations, Sophie! Your achievement inspires us all, and we are incredibly proud of your efforts and accomplishments.
A Sweet End Of Year Celebration: Harvesting Honey with the Beekeeping Club
This week, the Beekeeping Club celebrated another exciting moment as students harvested honey from our hardworking bees. Under the expert guidance of Ms. Kimberlee Chipper and Rooftop Bees, students engaged in the fascinating process of honey extraction.
The activity began with students using uncapping tools to carefully remove the wax from honeycomb frames. Once prepared, the frames were placed in a honey extractor, and a few lucky volunteers had the opportunity to spin the extractor—a task requiring both coordination and enthusiasm. The extractor was tilted at a 45-degree angle to allow the honey to flow smoothly, mimicking the natural spinning motion bees use to release honey from their cells.
The highlight of the session was, undoubtedly, tasting the freshly harvested honey straight from the frame. The sweet, golden Redlands honey was a delightful reward for the students’ efforts and a reminder of the remarkable work our bees do each day.
A special thank you to Ms. Kimberlee Chipper and Rooftop Bees for their dedication and expertise, which have made Beekeeping Club such a vibrant and rewarding experience this year. Through their guidance, students have gained hands-on knowledge about sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the vital role bees play in our ecosystem.
Special acknowledgment goes to the following students for their outstanding contributions: Betti Butcher, Madison Noes, Edward Chang, Ashleigh Li, Lucile Thompson, Remie Gibbs, Sahara Nicholas, Ava Atkinson, Aiden Van Hulsen, Megan Kirkpatrick, Angus Baker, Freya Kittle, Millie Winton, Elenor Blankenstein, Remy Morris, and Ale Scali. Each performer brought their unique flair and enthusiasm, making the event a truly memorable experience.
Highlights of the concert included beautiful vocal solos, energetic dance routines, and inspiring instrumental performances that reflected the students’ dedication and creativity. The addition of stand-up comedy brought laughter and lightheartedness to the program, showcasing the diverse range of talents within our school community.
The Bougainvillea Christmas Concert not only celebrated the festive season but also highlighted the importance of community, collaboration, and creativity. It was a privilege to witness the joy and pride on stage, and we look forward to more inspiring performances in the future.
Thank you to the staff, Alissa Ynson, Kate Moore and Lisa Vale who supported the performers in their preparation and encouraged their artistic expression.
Roots and Wings: Exploring Growth Through Poetry
In the Poetry and Writing Club, students have been delving into themes of personal growth and self-discovery through creative expression. This week, the task was inspired by Miss Genevieve Comino’s prompt, Roots and Wings. Students were asked to write a poem about the journey of growing up, imagining themselves as a tree with roots representing their past and wings symbolizing their future.
The activity encouraged students to reflect on the people, places, and experiences that have shaped them while considering the dreams and aspirations guiding their paths forward. Through this exercise, they explored the interplay of stability and ambition—balancing the grounding comfort of their roots with the boundless possibility of their wings.
Reflecting on Roots
For many students, their roots symbolized family, traditions, friendships, or lessons from pivotal experiences. These roots provide a sense of belonging and identity, anchoring them in moments of uncertainty. Yet, as some students highlighted, roots can also be complex. Challenges in their past may sometimes feel like tangled roots, but they often carry the nutrients that foster resilience and personal growth.
Imagining Wings
The wings, in contrast, were described as symbols of hope, freedom, and potential. Students expressed their dreams in vivid imagery: soaring towards careers, creative endeavors, or the kind of person they hope to become. Some imagined their wings as strong and determined, others as tentative and fluttering, reflecting the mixture of excitement and apprehension that often accompanies stepping into the unknown.
A Creative Challenge
To deepen their engagement, students were encouraged to use at least one simile and one metaphor to bring their ideas to life. The results were moving and insightful.
One student, Ina, shared a powerful piece titled A Glass, Full?, which examines how negative emotions can stifle growth and break the balance between roots and wings. Another student, Lexie, contrasted “the things of the past” with “the trials still unseen,” capturing the tension between nostalgia and anticipation.
Encouraging Reflection at Home
This creative task provides an excellent opportunity for parents to discuss growth with their children. Ask your child about their roots—what keeps them grounded and where they draw strength. Then, explore their wings—what dreams they have and what fears or challenges might be holding them back.
These conversations can open the door to understanding how your child views themselves and their journey. Just as trees grow stronger with deep roots and wide-reaching branches, so do young people flourish when they feel supported in their foundation and free to dream of the future.
The Beauty of Growth
Roots and Wings reminds us that growth is not about leaving one behind for the other; it’s about finding balance. For students, this exercise was a chance to reflect on how their past and future are intertwined, and for parents, it’s a beautiful reminder of the role you play in nurturing both their roots and their wings.
Wishing everyone a joyful and restful Christmas break filled with cherished moments with family and friends. May the holiday season bring you happiness, relaxation, and the opportunity to recharge for the year ahead!
Nick Walker
Coordinator of Activities
nwalker@redlands.nsw.edu.au