Year 11

As we enter the final three weeks of Term 2, Yr 11 have been learning about social media and technology addiction and debating whether or not they think there is an issue in society. They have also begun developing their understanding and practising their use of gender inclusive language, why it is important and how we can ensure we use this type of language in our daily lives. This week has been a busy week in particular for the HSC students, with a number of assessments adding to the stress of their busy lives. Extra-curricular activities that have taken place over the past week have included the ISA Cross Country and the Redlands Senior Music Festival: two students have written reports below about these amazing events.

Ethics Olympiad

On Saturday our Yr 11 students won the Senior Division of the Ethics Olympiad, which is a fantastic achievement! The team will now progress through to the international final in June. The team consists of the following students: Amelie Heard, Jack Murray, Callum Wardman-Browne, Sophia Maxwell, Katina Casimaty, Omar Rihani and Josie Robertson. Participating in this competition helps students develop creative communication skills, critical thinking and respectful discourse, while dealing with important ethical issues, such as dating after prison, defending the police, creative freedom and stereotyping. 

 

ISA Cross Country Student Achievements

Congratulations to the following students for their participation in the ISA Cross Country Carnival: Max Rawlinson, Oscar Theisen, Charles Blake, Ben Adamson, Ashani Gupta, Audra Olson and Amelie Heard. A special mention goes to Olivia Vigneault who finished in 1st place in the 17 years girls 4km race (see her report below). Overall, our boys came 2nd out of 16 schools and our girls came 3rd out of 11 schools.

 

 

Secondary School Photos 

All students are required to be well-presented in full school uniform, including blazers. Students to bring their student ID cards to each photo for efficient scanning and identification.

Monday 7 June

Music, Drama, Ballet/Dance Cocurricular photos.
Location: Fahl Garden. Performing Arts to advise schedule details.

Catch-up portraits 10.30-11.15am for students who missed a portrait photo during a previous photo day. Location: Redlands Learning Hub, Level 2 presentation space.

Wednesday 16 June

Year Group Photos Yrs 7-12

Debating, Music Cocurricular Photos
Location: Fahl Garden. Debating/Music to advise schedule details.

Student Reports

Cross Country Report, by Olivia Vigneault

Last Wednesday, a number of Redlands’ students proved their resilience by competing in the 2021 ISA Cross Country Carnival. In the lead up to this event, we attended trainings every Friday afternoon at Primrose Park to develop our endurance. The trainings were demanding, yet we supported each other through them. What I found most uplifting about this year’s carnival is Redlands’ sense of comradery and team encouragement. Upon Mr Walker’s advice, every student had strong finishes and often managed to beat other competitors at the last second. This could not have been done without all the Redlands students cheering them on and showing their support as they sprint to the finish. It was great to see a typically individual sport become more of a team effort. Especially during 6am Friday morning trainings, when at least you know you’re not in it alone. It was inspiring to see in particular all the Yr 7 and 8 students willing to venture outside their comfort zones and try something new. Personally, running has always been a huge aspect of my life and a great stress reliever, as well as allowing me to meet new people. I am excited for the future of Redlands’ runners. 

Senior Music Festival Report, by Omar Rihani

Last Friday, I participated in my first ever Redlands Senior Music Festival, and I must say it was an experience unlike any other I’ve had before. There was just something so invigorating about the atmosphere which I haven’t come across before anywhere else: the energy in every room you entered was contagious. It was really fun to be able to watch everyone’s performances. We have some incredible musicians here at Redlands. Seeing my close friends performing their solos is always a treat, and watching amazing musicians perform is a great inventive to improve. The ensembles were amazing as well: their cleanliness is testament to how diligent and committed everyone is to give their best performance. A personal highlight of mine was the Concert Band’s Back to the Future piece which was superbly arranged and tightly performed. On Friday I was able to perform as a backing vocalist for the Yr 12 ABBA medley performance, along with Callum Wardman-Browne, Sophia Maxwell, Eden Borrie, and Mia Kloiser-Jones from Yr 11. It was fun to make up a bit of backing vocal choreography and just enjoy being on stage, singing behind such competent Yr 12 soloists. As the night drew to a close, the energy turned to a melancholier vibe as it dawned on everyone Mr Kuilenberg was on his final voyage as the Head of Music at Redlands. I haven’t known him for very long, but Mr Kuilenberg always had my and the department’s best interests in the forefront of every endeavour. On behalf of everyone at Redlands, I would like to wish him the best in whatever the future holds.

Table Tennis and Squash Sports Report, by Jacob Gold

Throughout the 6 weeks since it started, the Table Tennis and Squash season has been really enjoyable and extremely positive. Throughout the week, there is a real sense of community with the students involved as we participate in some friendly rivalry as we pass each other in the hallways and banter in class in the lead-up to each Thursday training. I have really enjoyed our weekly tournaments where all the students involved get a chance to play with people they usually wouldn’t, really strengthening the bond found in our community and allowing for some intense rallies and heated moments. Although we do not have the chance to represent Redlands and play other schools, this type of environment allows us to have more fun playing the two sports whilst still remaining reasonably competitive with each other and encouraging a healthy and balanced aura. Playing Table Tennis and Squash has allowed for me and others to take a proper break from studying and really immerse ourselves into a competitive, but low stakes, sport in which we can all have fun. Overall, the season so far has been really enjoyable and I can’t wait to see how our community and we as players continue to grow over the next term.

I hope you all have a lovely week.

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