Year 11

It is hard to believe that we have come to the end of Term 4 and such a unique year. I want to thank our Yr 11 Pastoral Team, both current and those who have left us this year. Our Tutors – Luca Signorelli, Lissette Laurel, Ruth Apple, Karin Sandyford, Melissa Melrose, Michael Warrell, Mathew Owen, Grant Wrighter – as well as our new Assistant Year Advisor, Richard Millham, have all gone above and beyond this year with the support they have given to each student, in particular during times of Remote Learning. We are sadly farewelling Luca at the end of this term as he returns to the UK to live – he will be missed by Cowper Blue. I also want to thank parents for their continued support of me in the Year Advisor role for this wonderful group of young adults. I am very much looking forward to being involved in their final year – the Class of 2022!

Yr 12 Camp

As you will be aware, we are excited to be going on Yr 12 Camp (postponed from Yr 11) in the second week of Term 1 (7-11 February). This camp is a wonderful experience for the year group to kick-start their final year of school and to return to campus in Week 3, invigorated and inspired. This week I released the camp groups to the students to enable them to know what plans they may need to make over the holidays (such as horse-riding or mountain biking practice!).

We have tried to accommodate everyone’s choices as much as possible, but some may not have been given their first choice due to either limitations in numbers and/or not correctly submitting their form. I have asked students to speak to me directly should they have any concerns, as they are in Yr 12 and should be taking responsibility for themselves.

This camp, as are all Redlands camps, is compulsory and we ask that you actively encourage your children to attend in Week 2, as otherwise they will miss a memorable experience that ends with a wonderful formal dinner on the last night at the High Country Campus.

M’Lop Tapang Fundraising Event

Yr 12s 2022 are fundraising for M’Lop Tapang, a Cambodian non-profit organisation that provides aid to Cambodian families in the form of education, food-provision and financial support. We have a GoFundMe where everybody can vote for whether Mr Millham, Assistant Year Advisor, shaves his beard or not! If the fund-raising goal is met, Mr Millham will be shaved at school this Friday.

Redlands has had a strong connection with M’Lop Tapang over the years, and all of the money raised will hopefully help Cambodian students, families, businesses and communities. Make sure to get involved to make an impact in the lives of these people! https://gofund.me/38fbed12

Anglicare Christmas Appeal

So far over $4500 of the $5000 goal has been raised by Redlands in the Anglicare Christmas Appeal! This is an amazing achievement and it is hoped that we meet the goal in the next few days. Please donate here: https://gofund.me/2e6d8ee4

Toys’ n’ Tucker is an initiative of Anglicare Sydney which tries to share the joy of Christmas by providing food and gifts for those who might otherwise go without. This past year has been more challenging than ever before, especially for the most disadvantaged in society. Unfortunately, due to COVID, we’re unable to run the Toys’ n’ Tucker drive as usual, with every family bringing donations to be packed by Anglicare into hampers for families in need. Instead, this year, Anglicare is encouraging all of us to donate, and they will be able to organise the hampers.

Holiday Tips for Parents – from our School Counsellors

Boosting your child’s mental health

Exercise regularly
Eat healthily
Keep healthy sleep patterns
Relaxation and breathing techniques
Keep connected with friends and loved ones
Make time for the things you enjoy
Routine
Encourage play
Stay involved (clubs, decisions at home, volunteer work, etc.)

Secondary School Speech Day

The Secondary School Speech Day will take place on 1 December at 2.00pm at Dunnet Hall, Redlands Junior Campus. Due to the current venue capacity restrictions, only those Secondary School students receiving a Prize or Scholastic Button, as well as some student musicians and speakers, will be in attendance in Dunnet Hall. All other students are expected to attend School and engage with the live-streamed event in their Tutor classroom. We anticipate the event to run for approximately 1.5 hours.

With the scheduled changes to restrictions governing schools from 1 December, we are pleased to be able to welcome one (fully-vaccinated) parent or carer of each student receiving a prize or scholastic button to these events. For all other parents and carers, the live-stream links will be communicated shortly.

Lastly, I wish you a wonderful Christmas holidays, full of joy, laughter, peace and happiness. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2022 for the final stage of the school journey.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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