Year 8

Key Dates

Welcome Back, Year 8!

We hope all our students and families had a fantastic break and are feeling refreshed for the exciting year ahead. A special welcome to our new Year 8 families, we’re looking forward to a year filled with growth, challenges and new opportunities!

Last year, our cohort focused on settling into Secondary School. Now, in Yr 8, it’s time to take things to the next level, building independence, resilience and confidence in facing new challenges. One of the highlights of the year will be our Myall Lakes Camp in Week 8, where students will strengthen friendships, step outside their comfort zones and develop skills that will prepare them for the Year 9 Moonbah Program at High Country Campus.

To make the most of the year, we encourage every student to embrace new experiences, sign up for at least one cocurricular activity, challenge yourself and discover new passions. Whether it’s sport, music, drama, debating or service, getting involved will help you feel more connected to your peers and the School’s values.

At our Stage Assembly, Mr Corcoran highlighted the power of respect, reminding us that “the standard you walk by is the standard you accept.” A culture of respect helps create a positive and supportive learning environment where everyone feels valued and safe. Let’s make this a priority in everything we do this year.

Finally, we would like to extend a warm welcome to our new Year 8 students and their families: Imogen Bush, Tiffany Karlsson-Lacy, Harry Nally, Cara Ryan, Iverson Yeo and Jasmine Zhang. You are now part of a strong and supportive community, and we can’t wait to see the contributions you’ll make this year.

Here’s to a fantastic Year!

New Assistant Year Advisor and Tutors

I would like to welcome Jessie Stafford to the Year 8 Team as our Assistant Year Advisor. I am sure you will all get to know her throughout the year but here are some fun facts about Jessie.   

• Jessie rides a motorbike (sometimes to and from school if the weather permits). 

• Her favourite pastimes are surfing, board games and camping! 

• Jessie has represented Australia in Athletics (400m sprint). 

Welcome Jessie! We feel very lucky to have you on the team! 

We would also like to welcome Sarah Watts (8RR) and Brigida Nocera (8CB) to the Yr 8 Tutor Team. They bring extensive experience in student wellbeing, pastoral care and teaching. We are confident their expertise will strengthen our commitment to supporting students as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of their years ahead. It is great to have you both on board! 

Some key Reminders from the Head of Secondary School

Smart-Device Policy Reminder Year 7 – 11 

• Smart Device Policy: Carrying or using a smart device (e.g., smart phone, smart watch, Bluetooth headphones) during the school day (including sport or cocurricular activities) is not permitted and will be recognised as a Tier 1 Breach of the Student Code of Conduct. 

• Storage of Devices: Year 7 – 11 students must store their smart-devices in their school bag (inside their locker) once they arrive at School. 

• Contact During School Hours: As your child will not have their smart-phone on their person during the day while at School, please avoid making contact with them during the school day via text or phone call. If you need to get an urgent message to your child, then please contact me (awalker@redlands.nsw.edu.au) or Student Services Centre at 9908 6407, who can relay the message or connect you with them.

General Reminders about Communication in the Secondary School

Redlands values open and supportive communication between students, families and the School. Clear lines of communication are central to developing and sustaining these important partnerships. 

• Email Communication: Parents are encouraged to communicate any messages to teachers via email, as during the day, teachers are not able to engage in long phone calls. 

Reporting Absences and Lateness 

• Absence Notification: Please notify the School on the morning of your child’s absence by 9.30am and every morning they are absent, via the Redlands App on Pulse. 

• Medical Certificate: If a student is absent from school for three (3) days or more, a medical certificate from a General Practitioner is required. 

• Submission of Medical Certificate: To record your child’s attendance accurately, please forward the medical certificate to ssabsence@redlands.nsw.edu.au. 

Medical or Other Appointments During the School Day 

• Scheduling Appointments: Regular medical appointments should be scheduled outside of the school day. Thursday afternoon sport training should be avoided for medical appointments. 

• Recording Attendance: Students need to record their onsite and offsite presence through the Student Services Centre and provide evidence of their appointment. 

• Notification via Redlands App: Parents are required to send notification via the Redlands App before any student is granted authorised departure from the Senior Campus. 

If Your Child Forgets Their Lunch 

• Don’t Panic: Students who forget their lunch need only tell their Tutor or Year Advisor, and a suitable lunch will be provided for them from the Canteen. 

• No Outside Deliveries: Please refrain from coming to the School with your child’s lunch. Students in Year 7 to 11 are not permitted to leave the School to buy lunch. Food deliveries made via a food delivery app such as Uber Eats are not permitted for any student in the Secondary School.  

Ms Abby Walker
Yr 8 Advisor
9968 9818
awalker@redlands.nsw.edu.au