Year 10

Winter School Update

Reflection sent from Tom Dewar, Angus McInnes, Charlotte Humphreys, Jemima Hugman…

Recently some lucky students from Yr 10 have had the fantastic opportunity to stay at Jindabyne and take part in the Winter School program. Staying at the Redlands High Country Campus for 9 weeks, the students must balance skiing/snowboarding and schoolwork.  

Our weeks look a little different to our ‘usual’ Sydney week. Monday and Tuesday are the students’ “weekends,” meaning we get to ski/board for two full days. In the mornings we have lessons in small groups and free skiing, and then spend some free time in the Thredbo Village and Jindabyne. These days are always lots of fun and a great opportunity to not only improve your skills, but to make new friends. Wednesday to Friday include a mix of skiing/boarding in the morning and school in the afternoon, followed by a very exciting Saturday and Sunday which is a 9 – 5 school day.

The HCC (High Country Campus), where everyone (including teachers) stay, is a beautiful campus that includes stunning views and incredible wildlife such as kangaroos, echidnas, and wombats. Among the students, the Rec Room is a favoured choice to hang out during free time, with ping pong, air hockey and pool tables, as well as many couches for movie nights. It is a great place where students can relax and have fun with their friends.

A notable event of late was the karaoke evening that took place this previous Sunday. In our new tutor groups, we each choose a song and perform for everyone, with a panel of judges/teachers scoring. You haven’t lived until you’ve heard California Girls, Call Me Maybe, Party in the USA and Shut Up and Dance sung by the very talented Yr 10.

Some very lucky people have recently celebrated their ‘Sweet 16’ on campus. Being away from home can be very hard, but the whole year singing Happy Birthday and a huge cake at dinner makes for an unforgettable experience. 

The most challenging part of Winter School so far has been adjusting to this new busy (and quite tiring) schedule. 6:30am daily wake ups (luxurious 7:30am sleep ins on the weekend) and jam-packed days + late nights, have led to a few tired students; however, we are all learning a lesson in being patient with each other and navigating the ups and downs of living quite literally on top of each other.

Overall, there is not a single person who isn’t loving Winter School. We’ve already created numerous wonderful memories that will endure for a lifetime. We look forward to seeing our family, pets and cohort soon as we near the Exeat weekend.

Rough Edges

As part of our service focus this term, Yr 10 will be actively engaged in raising awareness and funds for homelessness. Our primary focus will be on supporting Rough Edges, a remarkable organisation located in Darlinghurst. At the heart of Rough Edges’ philosophy is the unwavering belief that every individual holds inherent value and deserves care and compassion, with the aim to help vulnerable and marginalised individuals, especially those facing homelessness, addiction, or mental health challenges.

Their core values are deeply ingrained in their mission:

• Personal Growth: Rough Edges firmly believes that individuals are the true experts of their own lives, capable of devising solutions to their challenges and fostering their personal growth.
• Connection: The organisation places immense importance on the healing power of belonging and inclusion. They prioritise creating a community at Rough Edges where every individual can find solace, healing and support.
• Safety: Central to Rough Edges’ ethos is the provision of a safe and welcoming environment. They are dedicated to ensuring that anyone who enters their doors feels secure, respected and embraced.
• Hospitality: Demonstrating their commitment to valuing and respecting every person, Rough Edges offers a high level of care to all. Their hospitality extends beyond mere service, fostering a sense of worth and dignity in those they serve.

In addition, throughout Tutor Time, students will explore the causes and consequences of homelessness, reflecting on the varied experiences of individuals affected by this social issue. One of these opportunities involves hosting a guest speaker, Paul Bramble from Rough Edges, to discuss events in his past and the ways in which he successfully transformed his life after experiencing homelessness.

Furthermore, there will be a full day excursion to the Cook4Good program in Paddington. During this activity, students will prepare nutritious meals for homeless people in the local community. Following this, students will take a learning walk through the city, reflecting on the diverse experiences of those dealing with homelessness and exploring different responses to this issue.

Hot chocolate Fundraiser by Yr 10 for Rough Edges

From Millie Winton and Imogen Jeffery-Bilich:
On Wednesday Yr 10 raised money for Rough Edges with a hot chocolate stall. It was so amazing seeing everyone come together to support such a wonderful cause. So many amazing Yr 10s volunteered their recess and before school time to help set up, sell, count money and perform for this event. Of course, this wouldn’t have been possible if not for the support from Ms Walker and Ms Vale, helping everyone make this initiative come to life…and of course the support of everyone’s cold morning hot chocolate needs. I can’t wait to be a part of more service initiatives to come with all the awesome people in my year!

The Key Dates for Service Project are as Follows

Science Week 2023

Coinciding with National Science Week 14^th – 18^th August (Week 5A) the Redlands Science team will be holding several special Science events.

Term 3 Key Dates

Please note some key dates for Term 3 below for your reference.

Ms Lisa Vale
Yr 10 Advisor
9968 9837
lvale@redlands.nsw.edu.au