Head of Secondary School
2023 Gala Arts
Gala Arts, held last Friday night, was a superb event showcasing student talent across the Secondary School. Our Yr 12 Arts and House Captains joyfully led us through an evening that provided great pleasure to all involved. This week in our first Student-Led Assembly for the term, our Student Leaders gave thanks to all involved, including the teachers and staff.
2023 Winners for Gala Arts
- Dance: Let Me Love You – Dante Minassian
- Theatre: The Play That Went Wrong – Angus Baker, Halcyon Hunt, Charlee Kwintner, Sholto Mirrlees-Black, Liam Petersen, Sebastian Tang
- Instrumental: Billie – Hadley Wintle
- Vocal: Still In Love With You – Scarlett Ilic
- VA Photography – 7-9: Bike – Scarlett Giddings
- VA Photography – 10-12: A Portrait of Two – Flynn Northam
- Overall Winner: Billie – Hadley Wintle
- Overall House Winner: Cowper
Last week Isaac Brooks and Imogen Howard competed at the NSW All Schools XC at the Sydney Motorsport Park. Isaac finished 11th in the 17 years boys (6km) and Imogen finished 14th in the 15 years girls (4km). These are strong results for Isaac and Imogen, as there were around 100 runners in each race.
Australasian Economics Competition
Yr 12 student Taylor Riddell has been announced as one of the five national winners in the Australian Economics Olympiad 2023. She was invited to participate in the Australasian Economics Competition (AAEO) and during the winter holidays, she competed with National Economics Olympiad winners from other countries, representing Australia with four other participants from across Australia. I am very pleased to share with you that the Australian team won the final round of the competition and was awarded the gold medal!
With other overseas and interstate participants, she participated in a range of different activities, including a visit to the NSW Treasury and the Reserve Bank of Australia. On the final day, she presented a case study about Australia’s childcare policies, in front of a panel of judges including the UNSW Economics Professor Gigi Foster, Ashley Brosnan of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Ian Dehlsen of the NSW Treasury.
This unique experience allowed Taylor to showcase her skills on an international stage while fostering cross-cultural exchange and collaboration.
Yr 12 Student Taylor Riddell
Mock Trial
Last night the Mock Trial Team competed against Marsden High in our first Knock-Out Round. Our witnesses Sophia Rolon and Annie Zhang gave credible evidence as a lawyer and Constable about a fight that occurred between two basketball players. Barrister 1 Josie Bannon made a strong opening argument about the difference between competitiveness versus assault in sports and Barrister 2 Marcus Cooper-Hor was able to unnerve the other team through his skilled cross examination of the Defence witnesses. Anneka Steele our Solicitor and Jack Keogh our Magistrates Clerk supported the team through weeks of research and preparation, leading to a well-deserved win and progression to the next round.
Anxiety and Depression in Teenagers – Weathering the Storm
This is our focus for the upcoming Parent Session to support Student Wellbeing on Tuesday 1 August from 5.30 – 7.00PM in the Learning Hub. Please RSVP your intention to attend.
Jeans for Genes Day
Week 3 Friday 4 August
This year’s Jeans for Genes Day will be taking place Week 3 Friday 4 August! This event is all about supporting medical research and raising funds for children and families living with genetic disorders.
Did you know 1 in 20 children faces a birth defect or genetic disease? That’s around 1 per class!
On Friday Week 3, students can come to school in their favourite pair of jeans or denim clothing, as well as the colour blue. For the privilege of dressing down, a gold coin donation will be collected during Tutor. Students may also wish to purchase a blue ribbon before school for $2, or buy a sausage sizzle and can of soft drink in the Liggins Quad at lunch.
We are also asking for nut-free baked goods donations that will be sold at the Junior School on the day. The treats can be dropped off in the Liggins Staffroom before school on the Friday. Please include a visible list of ingredients.
There is also a donations page where you can make a direct contribution to our fundraising efforts found at the link or QR Code below.
Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9811