Year 7
Toothpaste and Kindness in Chapel
Well, they say that brushing your teeth is like a dance party for your mouth – so, we know why toothpaste is important in the bathroom. But did you know that toothpaste can also be a great teacher of morals and values?
This week in our fortnightly Chapel service, the focus was on the power of our words and the impacts they can have on others. Our Chaplain, Ms Kirsten Philip and visiting guest speaker spoke about each of us possessing a sword in our mouths and a first aid kit. We each have a choice in which we use. We have the capacity to cause great pain when we say mean or unkind things to others, but we also possess the wonderful power to evoke care and joy through the thoughtful and kind things we might say to others.
So, why toothpaste?
Our guest speaker called up two Yr 7 students to the front of the chapel, Lily and Fergus, and challenged them both to be the fastest to squeeze all the toothpaste out of a full Colgate tube. Fergus managed it in 6 seconds, with Lily ever so slightly behind him. Easy enough. However, when Lily and Fergus were then challenged to get all the toothpaste back into the Colgate tubes, it was a bit of a different story. Fergus, wisely, did not even try, recognising that it was a Herculean trial that he could not surmount. Lily, challenging her inner Sisyphus, gave it a shot, but just ended up with her hands covered in toothpaste!
And the lesson? Once you have said something mean, cruel or thoughtless – and let it out into the world – it is impossible to put it back into your mouth. It is out. And out of your control. So, Yr 7 were encouraged to be careful and consider what they say. The message was to make sure their words are kind and uplifting (not down-putting!). Thank you, Lily and Fergus, for making the message so clear.
Yr 12 Buddies Visit Dumolo
On Friday of last week, we were again visited by our Yr 12 buddy team. This round, their time was spent with Dumolo. Our Yr 12 students engaged Dumolo in reflection on what it means to get involved in service initiatives and why offering service to others is valuable. They also shared stories about their own service involvement at Redlands to inspire Yr 7 to get involved where they can.
Having just progressed through their Trial Examinations, Yr 12 were also perfectly poised to explore assessment and examination feedback with Yr 7, sharing with them the importance of processing teacher feedback to allow for valuable growth in the future. An important point made by Yr 12 was that a mark does not define you. Rather, the ability to take on board feedback, process it and act on it for the future is character defining. Our Yr 12s shared their own recent Trial Examination feedback experiences and encouraged Yr 7 to share stories of how they have used feedback effectively this year. Encouraging students to express themselves and share their voice is a key part of our Yr 12 buddies’ approach, and it is pleasing to see Yr 7 engaging positively in this space.
The session also provided a timely reminder to Yr 7 that their end of year examinations are coming up in Week 3 of Term 4, and they need to start preparing for these.
Study Skills in Tutor Time
In light of examinations coming up for Yr 7 early next term (beginning in Week 3), our Tutor sessions have started focusing on developing specific study habits and skills. While Week 3 of Term 4 might seem like a lengthy time away, we know how quickly these examinations can sneak up on students, and so it is important that they are consolidating their notes and beginning the study process early, so they are best positioned for success.
This week we focused on clarifying some important frequently asked questions, whilst also discussing what elements are valuable in a study and home learning environment. Some of the questions and answers we explored were:
- Is it okay to eat while studying? Yes, as long as the snacks are healthy and within reach. We do not want students constantly leaving their work areas for snacks!
- Is it okay to listen to music while studying? Sometimes, but it needs to be the right music. Typically, classical music with a slower tempo is best. However, music can be a distraction too, so any tasks requiring deep thought and concentration are probably best to be done without it.
- Is it okay to study or complete home learning while watching television? No, it is a clear source of distraction and will make completing work much longer, while also making it harder to remember material. While simple work could be done in front of the TV, anything requiring concentration (which relates to most work) is best to be done without it.
- Is it okay to have social media open while working? No, no, no. This is a clear source of distraction and definitely a way to lose valuable study and home learning time, while also making it hard to retain any key information as the mind is too busy focused on the device!
- Is it okay to have my computer or laptop in my room? Yes, as long as you are disciplined in its use and can exert self-control. If you cannot resist playing games or accessing social media, then keep the device out of your room and somewhere public, where its use can be monitored.
We identified many elements that are important for creating a successful home learning and study environment, suggesting that the following are particularly important and that students should try to ensure their workspaces at home contain all these elements:
- Quiet and private space
- Distraction free
- Fresh air and ventilation
- Good lighting
- A supportive chair
- A clear workspace
As the term continues, we will explore specific study techniques and explore with students how to create and stick to a valuable study routine.
Exploring Ancient Artefacts and Cultures at Chau Chak Wing Museum:
This week, on Tuesday and Wednesday, Yr 7 explored the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney. They enjoyed the rare chance to handle ancient artefacts and acquire knowledge about ancient cultures and civilizations. Particularly, they dedicated time to the Mummy Room, where the coffins and mummies of four individuals from Egypt (dating between 1200 BC and 100 AD) – Meruah, Padiashaikhet, Horus, and Mer-Neith-it-es – are housed. By utilising CT technology, valuable insights into their day-to-day lives, encompassing aspects like nutrition and health, were uncovered. Additionally, the intricately designed LEGO model of Pompeii stood out as an attraction, offering a visual journey through three distinct periods: the city’s existence, the unfolding of archaeological discoveries, and its incorporation into pop culture. This immersive encounter brought them closer to the material remnants that aid in understanding civilizations of the past.
House Debating
Today Yr 7 commenced the House Debating competition with a tight battle of Dumolo versus Roseby. The topic was ‘That community service should be compulsory in schools.’ Roseby were the Affirmative while Dumolo were the Negative, and the debaters were all supported by their Tutor Group peers in the Edwards Auditorium, as they battled back and forth. The Affirmative offered powerful arguments as to the important social awareness and life-learning opportunities such compulsory service would raise, while the Negative countered with arguments as to the cynicism and disdain that might be produced if such service was made compulsory rather than kept voluntary.
It was a close debate, but our Yr 11 adjudicators ultimately decided in favour of the Affirmative! Well done team Roseby! And what a relief, given that Year 7 will soon start some compulsory service in the School, it is good to know that compulsory service is the right choice!
Year 12 Legacy Gift – Class of 2023 Sports Towels and Tote Bags are here!
Yr 12 are inviting the entire Redlands community to support their fundraising efforts and contribute to the means-tested Redlands Foundation Scholarship Fund, to honour Dr Sue Morey AM who graduated from Redlands in 1959 and dedicated over 50 years of service to public health in Australia and continue a legacy of previous cohorts.
“We appreciate your support in our final year, as we come to the end of our Redlands journey. If you wish to join us, please purchase sports towels and/or tote bags, or contribute directly to the Scholarship Fund.” Year 12 students
If you make a purchase, products will be either delivered to your child’s Tutor Group or by post. For any questions, please contact foundation@redlands.nsw.edu.au
Term 3 Key Dates and Upcoming Events
- Week 9: ISA Athletics Carnival
Mr Jimmy Tod-Hill
Year 7 Advisor
jtodhill@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6462