Year 8

Mullets for Mental Health

Black Dog Institute’s Mullets for Mental Health has encouraged some of our Yr 8 students to shape and grow a mullet for the month of September to raise much-needed funds for mental health research. Fundraising for this wonderful cause allows better research into the early detection, prevention and treatment of common mental health disorders.

Year 8 have raised $3049 so far and have already their original target of $2000, however we would love to fundraise more.

If you would like to contribute to one of the students who has ‘styled-up’ a mullet, please access the team through: https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/redlandsyear8legends

One Foot Forward this October

October is Mental Health month, and we are encouraging students to join the Yr 8 Redlands team to walk as many kilometres as they can throughout the month to continue raising funds for mental health research and resources for the Black Dog Institute. Mental illness is very common. Most of us will know someone experiencing mental illness, or even experience it ourselves, at some point in our life.

Students have been emailed all details, and we encourage students to sign up prior to the holidays.

To register and join the REDLANDS YEAR 8 LEGENDS: https://www.onefootforward.org.au/join/REDLANDSYEAR8LEGENDS

R U OK Day?

Our Tutor groups raising awareness

Redlands Secondary School Wellbeing Day

The Redlands Wellbeing day was a wonderful opportunity to bring awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing for our Yr 8 students. Students worked in teams of their choosing to navigate a packed schedule involving a series of self-directed challenges and activities.

Student Reflections:

On Wednesday, September 8th, we got the opportunity to have a wellbeing day where we completed a handful of activities in groups to relax, connect and recharge. My most enjoyable activity was the scavenger hunt as it gave my friends and I the opportunity to move around both inside and outside the house and even get a little creative with some of the prompts. My funniest moment was our attempt at a “group hug” while in lockdown. With many failed attempts we came up with a creative tactic through Zoom. Having a well-being day today or any other day as a matter of fact is so important for me as lockdown has certainly been exhausting both mentally and physically and to take the time to just pause and relax makes it so much easier for myself. This day also gave me the opportunity to connect with some of my closest friends which is just as important because this interaction is clearly limited from lockdown making it so important to stay in touch and make sure everyone isn’t overwhelmed and is doing well during these difficult times.

Annabelle Hwang

The most enjoyable activity from Wednesday was the exercise task because it was good to get out to walk and call my friends. The funniest moment was the MasterChef activity because our group did it as a ‘contest’ and it was exciting to race each other to put our treats in the oven. I think it was important to have a wellbeing day because it was useful to disconnect from the screen and have some time to reflect on the term and school in lockdown. It was also nice not to have to do work and have a more relaxed structure to the day. It was important to connect with my friends so I can stay motivated to keep on doing the things I like and it helps with the worries of online school.

Remie Gibbs

Even if it’s not face-to-face, connecting with friends over Zoom or FaceTime has been a highlight and necessity for me during lockdown. Wellbeing day allowed me to connect with friends that are not in my class and I have not seen often during these, precisely, 74 days. We were able to share our thoughts, and talk about what we’ve been doing to keep busy, whilst still feeling a sense of connection and closeness. Wellbeing day was definitely a highlight as I made a meal with my group, watched a TV show and went for a long walk, all over a voice chat. It is important to stay connected to the people you are close to, especially during these tough times.

Krishna Gupta

Sport

Last week the Sports department launched the Summer Sports Season. Students who have signed up to representative sport over summer will now have access to sport specific training sessions via the Redlands Sport iLearn Page. All students (and parents) also have access to and are encouraged to log onto Redlands Secondary School Zoom Fitness where a range of fitness sessions are available throughout the week.

Friday Night Live

The Arts Captains are organising a “Friday Night Live”. This event was initially scheduled for Friday 10 September and has now been moved to next term, giving students more of an opportunity to prepare and record a performance and send it through over the holiday period. More on this exciting event, led by our Arts Captains Maddie and Felix, next term!

Students wishing to be involved should submit a video of their act to the Friday Night Live assignment page in the iLearn Student Leaders course. It can be Vocal, Theatre, Instrumental, Dance, Comedy, Rap, Poetry reading – anything to showcase your talent and creativity. Submissions will remain open over the holidays. 

Library Over the Holidays

The holidays are fast approaching and reading contributes greatly to your wellbeing. The Library is anxious to support students with their wide reading. Students can email to reserve print books and arrange to pick them up. They can also borrow via Sora (the Redlands online book collection). Students can download the SORA app – or use SORA in the web browser: https://soraapp.com/welcome

The Instructions are also on the News page of the Library catalogue.

Have a Wonderful Holiday Break

Yr 8 are encouraged to take the holidays to rest and renew, and step away from their laptops and screens. Tutor Time has focused on connection and wellbeing and we anticipate students will be able to apply strategies learned at school this term, during their holiday. We wish all students a happy holiday, and are appreciative of the challenges posed at this time.

Ms Lisa Vale
Yr 8 Advisor
9968 9837
lvale@redlands.nsw.edu.au