Year 10

Welcome Back

I am delighted to welcome everyone back for the start of Term 4! It’s wonderful to hear that students enjoyed a well-deserved break, whether they spent time with family and friends locally or travelled further afield. For those who stayed in Sydney, it was a great opportunity to make the most of the lovely weather.

I would also like to take this opportunity to formally re-introduce myself. Originally from Scotland, I spent seven years in Hong Kong before moving to Australia, where I’ve lived for the past nine years, settling in Sydney after time in Melbourne and Darwin. I have been the Assistant Year Advisor to the cohort since the beginning of Year 9, and in my five-plus years at Redlands, I’ve taught Geography, Theory of Knowledge, and Legal Studies at various points as well as being a Tutor and the Assistant Year Advisor for the Class of 2022. My partner and I recently welcomed the birth of our first child, Jade to our family. Our cat Nugget is not yet as delighted as we are, but seems to be the only other member of the household to be obtaining the desired amount of sleep!

Term 4 Key Events

As we enter the final weeks of the school year, things are already off to a busy start. The term began with the Burn Bright program on Tuesday, where students explored how to tackle the challenges ahead and how they can support one another as they embark on their HSC and IB studies.

Next Tuesday (Week B), we will hold a whole-school assembly to introduce the new student leadership team. It’s exciting to think that our current Year 10 students will be stepping into these roles next year! They are encouraged to seize the leadership opportunities available and bring forward ideas on how to shape the school environment and culture they want to be part of.

In Week 3(A), students will have a session with the Careers team, offering valuable guidance and information as they think about their futures. Meanwhile, it’s time to start preparing for the Year 10 Camp at Myall Lakes in Week – a highlight that many students are looking forward to but one that is not without its challenges. Often the most valuable experiences are those which do not come easy. To make the most of this, the students will be supported on camp by their tutors and Redlands staff led with assistance from the experienced OEG guides.

Another important date to mark on the calendar is Week 7(A), when the Australian Business Week takes place. This week will be followed by the much-anticipated Harbour Cruise on the 28th of November – a well-deserved treat for all the hard work this term.

Finally, the school year will wrap up with festive Christmas celebrations in Week 8, culminating in Speech Night on Wednesday, the 4th of December.

Smart Devices

As mentioned by Ms Van de Peer, this term there will be an intentional focus on ensuring a smart-device free environment in the Secondary School to enhance students’ social, wellbeing and academic performance by minimising distractions to promote a more focused learning environment.

Smartphones are not permitted in any setting while students are at school or engaged in school related activities during Term 4.
Smartphones are to remain in student lockers and students will not be permitted to have their smartphone on their person at any time during the school day. This includes lessons, tutor, recess, lunch, sport training, sport games, the Dance Academy, school-associated travel and all cocurricular activities, including those occurring after school.
There will be no exceptions or exemptions (excluding those students who need to log medical details on a smartphone).
Parents who need to urgently contact their child during the school day should phone the Secondary School Office on 02 9908 6407 and refrain from texting, calling or emailing their child while they are at school.

Upcoming Service Opportunities

Mary’s House Walk

Mary’s House Services was founded in 2015-16 by a dedicated group of residents from Sydney’s northern suburbs. The Mary’s House refuge was established to address the significant gap in government funded services and to save lives in the region by providing support for women and children to feel safe, hopeful, and empowered to begin rebuilding their lives.

The Walk

It’s free for students: register and come along to walk for awareness.
Do that little bit extra and raise some money for Mary’s House/ask people to sponsor you to walk.
Get your family/other adults to come along: $85 registration

I hope the student are excited for all that Term 4 has in store, there is something for everyone to be a part of. It will be great seeing the students thrive as they embrace the many opportunities ahead!

Mr Richard Millham
Acting Yr 10 Advisor
rmillham@redlands.nsw.edu.au