Year 8

Return to On-Campus Learning – Monday 25 October

It was wonderful to have our Yr 8 students return to campus. The morning was spent valuing friendships, making connections and being back in the company of their peers.

Students undertook group-based activities with their Tutor which allowed them to:

  • create a positive group atmosphere
  • learn strategies to relax and into On-Campus Learning
  • break down social barriers
  • feel energised and motivated for the final weeks of term.
  • think outside the box
  • get to know one another and re-establish relationships.

Key messages passed onto students:

  • Be realistic and flexible. Talk with your teachers about your work, both the strengths and the challenges. Your teachers are there to help you.
  • Be kind to yourself. Give yourself the same advice that you’d give to a good friend.
  • Life has been quite different, so give yourself time to adjust back into routine.  Be realistic in your thinking about how long it might take.
  • Set alarms, multiple alarms if need be, to ensure they are up on time, particularly if they are catching public transport to school.
  • Check your timetable to know what lessons you’ll be having and prepare the equipment you might need. If you’re unsure ask your teacher or someone in your class.

SCHOOLS TV – SPECIAL REPORT: Managing Overwhelm

Willingly or not, we have all been exposed to a piece of bad news that has lingered in our thoughts for days afterwards. This seems to be more common in the current environment than ever before. Due to the pandemic, the world we now live in is a very different place, so it is easy to see why we might feel impacted. It can often seem like there are many stressful events occurring simultaneously, and the hyperconnected nature of our environment means we are constantly being reminded of the challenges we face via numerous media and social media channels. Our connectivity to the digital world exposes us to a barrage of messages that can often leave us feeling overwhelmed.

It is therefore important for children and parents alike, to consciously and intentionally learn good wellbeing strategies. Unfortunately, our brains have not evolved fast enough to adapt to the digital landscape we find ourselves in and this often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and can result in increased levels of stress and anxiety. If left untreated or unmanaged, constant stress and anxiety can lead to a number of behavioural issues or health consequences.

The blueprint for parenting, based on our own experiences, is no longer fit for purpose in raising kids as citizens of tomorrow. The combination of constant access to information and having little control over the situations presented, can be stressful and overwhelming. Although we can’t provide our kids with certainty, we can provide them with the skills and strategies to cope to enable them to flourish and thrive, socially, emotionally and academically. It may not necessarily be the information itself that is harmful, but more their inability to process and make sense of it.

https://redlands.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-managing-overwhelm

Reminder: Flexischools 

The canteen is open with staggered opening times for different cohorts to collect food and drink ordered via the online ordering system, Flexischools. Please ensure familiarity with this Online ordering via Flexischools system, so that if students wish to purchase from the canteen, they have appropriate access. Food will not be available to be bought over the counter.

Uniform and Hair

Students have the choice of wearing Sports uniform or their Summer School uniform for the remainder of the term. For haircuts, there is flexibility for students getting their haircut. Boys may wear their hair in a manbun as long as it is neat and tidy.

Term 4 Events

After the Assessment Block, the students will participate in a variety of curricular and cocurricular activities designed to engage and extend them in the closing weeks of the school year. Initially, they will receive feedback for their assessments, reflect on their achievements and disappointments and then set future goals. The goal setting will take place with their Tutor and be communicated to parents.

15 November – BURN BRIGHT – Inside Out Leadership: Leadership Starts from Within

Yr 8 will engage in a day-long program to support their self-development and personal leadership.  

Outcomes:

  • Understand they have influence and be challenged on how they are using that influence
  • Identify the qualities of a good leader and recognise their own strengths and the strengths of others
  • Improve their sense of self and enhance their self-confidence
  • Develop a capacity to overcome challenges and be resilient
  • Seek to foster positive friendships and look out for each other to enhance a greater sense of belonging
  • Understand the importance of service and start becoming a person who serves others
  • Appreciate diversity and celebrate differences

17-18 November – STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths)

In November Year 8 students will engage in a STEAM Day developed to engage and extend their skills and learner attributes.

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