Year 11

Last week was a short, yet busy return to school, and as we progress through the first full school week of 2021, it is wonderful to see how motivated and enthusiastic the Yr 11 students are as they settle back into their school routine. Organisation is one of the main keys to success in Yrs 11and12, and students will be receiving a talk by Dr Prue Salter on Monday 8 February during Periods 5 and 6 as to how they can achieve their personal best. Many of you will be aware that Prue is an expert in the field of study skills and is a resource who Redlands uses across all Year Groups. Students and parents have access to her online resources through the Study Skills Handbook, by using the Username Redlands and Password 68results.

HSC and IB Information Evenings

A reminder that you will have received a letter from the school providing information about the Yr 11 HSC and IB Information Evenings, via Zoom. The purpose of these evenings is to present an overview of what to expect over the next two years, from a parental and student perspective, and give details of assessments, examination requirements and other important information. It is strongly recommended that all students and parents join their relevant session:

IB – Monday 8 February at 6.00pm.
HSC – Wednesday 10 February at 6.00pm.

If you have any questions regarding these two programs, please contact:

HSC – Mr David Randall
IB – Mr Darren Taylor

Careers Information

Many of you will have joined Ms Salier’s Zoom meeting on Monday where she discussed tertiary education and how she will be supporting Yr 11 students this year. This week half of the students were spoken to by Ms Salier about the wonderful opportunity provided to them by Redlands BridgeU, which is an online platform that allows students to manage their entire university and careers guidance program from one place, with everything they need to help develop skills for university applications and beyond. The other half of the cohort will have this talk from Ms Salier next week.

Academic Assessment Services

On 23 February, Yr 11 students will sit a half day of testing provided by Academic Assessment Services from 8.30am-12.00pm. As independent consultants, they specialise in the assessment and analysis of educational performance and progress. Their team of professionals include measurement and curriculum experts, education experts and teachers who will provide guidance in the development of strategic action plans for each student. Parents will also be posted a copy of the results. If your child misses the assessment, catch ups will be offered on 1 March at 8.30am.

PE Uniform

The Secondary School has reverted to regular use of the PE uniform. Students are able to wear their PE uniform on Thursday. During the remainder of the week, students will travel to and from school in their full school uniform. Students will use the student change rooms to get changed into their PE uniforms at the following times for practical lessons:

Flexischools

As mentioned last week, purchasing food from the Canteen is now via a pre-order system, Flexischools.  While some snacks will still be available for students to purchase in person, the majority of meals will need to be pre-ordered via Flexischools using the app or website, prior to 8.30am.

Pastoral Care Program 

This week students have begun determining who their support network is in the next two years at school and who they can turn to for help, encouragement, support, and personal growth. The aim is that these people are there to help them achieve their personal and academic goals, assisting them in maintaining their mental wellbeing. In addition, students have begun their journey of exploration and understanding of diversity, by watching and discussing a video called The Brown Eyed, Blue Eyed Experiment, which raises awareness surrounding diversity, particularly the issue of racism.

Ms Rebecca Mountain
Yr 11 Advisor
rmountain@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6462