Head of Secondary School

Illuminate Scholars Program

The Term 2 Illuminate Scholars Program will be open for bookings tomorrow. Students who need structured support with study and assessment preparation will really benefit from the personal attention and guidance from a range of Academic Coaches.

Step Beyond Awards

The Week 8 Step Beyond Award were given to Year 7 students Charlie Benfield and Mila Lipscomb – huge congratulations!

Moonbah Program

At the assembly this week, Year 7 and 8 heard from Mr Corcoran and me, as well as three Year 12 students who each spent a term at our High Country Campus at Winter School. Mr Corcoran talked about the WHY – why we so strongly believe in the Moonbah Program and the opportunities for growth this Year 9 program, set to launch in 2025, will bring.

Mr Corcoran talked about

The value of a holistic education
Having a go
The benefits of immersive learning in the modern world
Supporting Year 9 to be independent
Strategies to enable personal growth

Some typical and normal emotions were explored with Year 7 and 8. Feeling a range of mixed emotions such as excitement and nervousness is to be expected. Students will have a range of questions and the Year 12 students confirmed that they too had these questions and felt these emotions before they attended Winter School.

Antonia Morgan (Year 12) shared the following message with Year 7 and 8:

It’s okay to feel nervous about it. In Year 9 I remember feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension when I first arrived at Moonbah, unsure of what to expect, But all those nerves quickly disappeared once I settled into the rhythm of community living. Living in a boarding house isn’t just about having a place to sleep—it’s about finding a community to belong to. What I remember most about my experiences is not how many ski runs I got in one day, but the late-night chats with roommates, the shared meals in the dining hall, and every time I met a new person made a new memory and branched me out of my comfort zone. For me at least, I know that the friends I made at this program are ones I have kept close up to Year 12 and like they were when I was down there, they are still my support network.

There are challenges along the way – like learning to navigate communal spaces, balancing independence with responsibility and, for some, being away from home but those challenges are what makes the experience so rewarding. Spending a term in a boarding environment allows for a lot of self-growth whether you expect it or not and allows you to feel more confident in your own shoes. And for me at least, my worries about being away from home disappeared quite quickly when I realised I had basically signed up for a sleepover with an entire new family.

Whilst I recognise that it could be a nervous idea, my advice to you would be to embrace the adventure and have trust in the incredible community that awaits you. You’ll never regret doing it but you will if you don’t.

Upcoming Student Events

There are some exciting events emerging on the Secondary School Calendar this weekend and next week. I wish all of the students involved in the Musical Legally Blonde the absolute best for their shows, which commence this evening! Break a leg!

2024 Cross Country Carnival

Date: Thursday 28 March
Participation: All Year 7 and 8 students
Transportation: Top Cage Court @ 10.45am

Stage 4 students will be heading to the Macquarie University Sporting Fields for an epic day of racing and camaraderie. This Carnival isn’t just any ordinary event; it’s a celebration of House and School Spirit! Whether a seasoned athlete or simply eager to show support, this is an occasion students won’t want to miss. All Year 7 and 8 students will participate. It’s not just about the competition; it’s about coming together as a school community to cheer each other on and demonstrate our unity. It is also an important opportunity to earn House Points!

Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9811