Year 8

It has been a big few weeks for students in our Yr 8 cohort. Over the three weeks we have wrapped up the Summer Sport season, presented a School Musical and taken part in the challenges of the Cross Country Carnival. All this while also maintaining our focus on the daily job of learning and navigating the assessment period of the term – it’s exhausting, and I know many students are looking forward to a well-earned break!

Exchange Program

Four Yr 8 students have taken part in an exchange program with students from ​​Kristin School in New Zealand over the course of the term. These students are Chloe Petering, Ruby Gasmus, Kai Feldman and Sam Ashby. For all involved, this has been a wonderful and rewarding experience.

Here are how each of these students have reflected on this program:

“​​When the email entered my inbox all the way back in October 2022, I immediately knew that the New Zealand exchange was something I had to be a part of. I wanted to extend myself, try something new, and get out of my comfort zone. After the many nervous weeks leading up to the flight, I landed on the tarmac, with three other faces beaming at me. Between the first day of school, a visit to a theme park called Rainbows End, spending a weekend in Rotorua, and living through Cyclone Gabrielle, the overall experience was nothing short of brilliant. Getting to know seven amazing people was more rewarding than you could ever imagine. However, it was not short of challenges, such as overcoming homesickness and having to be highly independent. Yet, this just made the experience more memorable, as each of us learnt things about ourselves, and each other, that we did not know we could achieve. With the amazing support of each of the exchange students, I was able to overcome my homesickness, since we had created our own little family. I would strongly recommend this program to others, as it was incredible. Although it requires you to exit your comfort zone (and your home country) I think you find that it is so worth it.” 

Chloe Petering

“When I first saw the application for the New Zealand Exchange, I was immediately hooked. I was very interested in meeting new people and seeing new places and I wondered what would be different about Australia and New Zealand. I also thought that I might get very homesick and regret going in the first place. But I can assure you that I did not. The thing that comes to me the most when I think about going to New Zealand was going to Rainbow’s End, the Luna Park of Auckland. I remember this day the most for a lot of reasons. Firstly, most of the exchange students were there, meaning that it was so much fun hanging out with a large group of people. Secondly, I took so many risks, going on roller coasters I never would have and rides that scared me so much, but it all made the day much more satisfying. On the other hand, the biggest challenge I faced would have been Cyclone Gabrielle, a cyclone that stormed straight through Auckland. The School closed for two days so we had to go into online learning, bunker down the house, remove all objects from outside and stock up on supplies. It was scary but it made the trip extremely fun and unique. Overall, the exchange to New Zealand was incredible and unforgettable. I would highly recommend applying to this exchange or an exchange if you want a great adventure. I made so many new friends, met so many new people, undertake experiences I could not replicate and tried so many new things. I could not regret it any less.”

Sam Ashby

“I involved myself in the exchange because I wanted the opportunity not only to see other people’s lifestyles but specifically to see other countries’ day-to-day activities. I have always been interested in other people’s lives and how they use their advantages and overcome their struggles. I thought that going to school, going on camp, and being somewhere where my decisions don’t matter quite as much, but it was just spending time with such a great group. When I think of the exchange and the highlights, I think of  when we spent time together, even just playing tennis in the yard. Some challenges I found was spending so much time with our partners. I have siblings, so I have had lots of practice with living with other people, but some people don’t get that opportunity. Zoë my exchange partner doesn’t have any siblings. This meant that communication and expectations were harder because I expected it to be like having a sibling, with things not always being perfect the entire time. Zoë on the other hand expected more of a living with-a-friend type lifestyle. This did create some arguments, but we communicated how we both needed space and still had partially separate lives. This solved our problem, and after a week we were in swing and used to living with each other, so things got easier. I would definitely recommend this towards the next year eights, and all other Year 8s in the future because of the mere experiences this gives you. The feeling of not worrying about your life at home was the most surreal feeling ever. I believe the Schools organised this exchange perfectly because we all had three people whom we could connect to from home, one person whom we lived with and could talk to anything about, and an overall group of eight who always match your energy. The group was just so in sync that when we said goodbye, everyone was crying for hours, knowing we walked away from the airport with four new friends who were like siblings to us, whom we knew we would see again.”

Ruby Gasmus

“I chose to do this exchange because I enjoy trying everything at least once, one of my motto’s is “Don’t knock till ya try it!” Which is something I try to follow and show in my actions. Another reason I chose to do this exchange was, at the time we had a Kiwi staying at our home, she would regale us with stories of the majestical land of New Zealand, and that really tipped me over the edge for the decision. Some of the things I enjoyed the most were exploring the School over there but also just going around New Zealand. We travelled to many places on the weekend including Rotorua which would probably have to be my favourite experience on the exchange. Generally, I believed that the entire exchange went relatively smoothly in my opinion with me having little troubles. The only things that did stick out to me was how different living there was, trying to get use to their home routine did take a bit of adapting, but they were very helpful and kind. Finally, I would GREATLY recommend this exchange, and exchanges in general, to students at Redlands. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience that allows you to see someone else’s life as well as increase your scope on the world; allowing you to better understand others from different countries.”

Kai Feldman

Cross Country Results

On Monday a number of brave Yr 8 students faced the rain and wet conditions of the Macquarie University oval and fields to participate in the annual Cross Country Carnival. It was incredibly pleasing to see around 40 students in Yr 8 register and run in the event – an outstanding participation rate and for some students very much in-keeping with the theme of the year which is to experiment with different school opportunities.

A summary of the top three in each age category is highlighted below:

With the overall house results as:

1. Dumolo – 388 points
2. Roseby – 354 points
3. McDouall – 328 points
4. Cowper – 230 points

Congratulations DUMOLO!

Forbes Fundraiser

A Message from Yr 11 – As some of you may know Forbes is a small town in NSW, neighbouring Lismore, which went through dire levels of flooding last year. They have slowly been recovering from flood levels reaching a 70-year record!! The environment is devastated and the community is still in desperate need of some assistance from those who can help. 

We are setting up a drive for the last week of school and continuing into next term, so please bring in anything you can manage and it will go a long way!! 

Items to include could be:

• seedlings 
• canned goods 
• non-perishable foods
• notebooks and school supplies
• cutlery, utensils, frypans, cutting boards, bowls
• financial aid
• first aid kits
• clothing
• sewing items
• tools (old hammers)

We will have boxes set up every morning at the front and back gates in Wk 10 or under the gym throughout the day.

Thank you everyone in advance for the consideration and donations! 

Epilepsy Awareness and Fundraiser at Battle of the Bands Monday Night!

Last Sunday, 26 March, was Epilepsy Awareness Day. The day was created to increase the public’s understanding of what happens in the brain for someone with Epilepsy and to eliminate the fear and stigma surrounding it. As we have several students at Redlands with Epilepsy, Yr 11 will be hosting a Bake Sale on Monday evening during Battle of the Bands to shine a light on the bravery and resilience of people with Epilepsy as it can be quite scary living with the fear and anxiety around epileptic seizures. All proceeds will be donated to Epilepsy Australia. The aim of this initiative is to reduce the stigma surrounding Epilepsy and to educate people on how they can help someone having a seizure and maybe save someone’s life. 

On Monday afternoon from 5pm to 6pm, there will be a Bake Sale in the John Roberts Foyer before the Battle of the Bands. Money from this Bake Sale will go towards Epilepsy Australia. Please come by Monday evening to purchase a baked item and to support students at Battle of the Bands! Alongside the Bake Sale, Yr 11 students Halcyon Hunt, Lara Wilson and Winter Penney will also be giving out free temporary tattoos, magnets, and more!

To either donate or further explore the cause, please visit here.

Mr Tobias Horan
Yr 8 Advisor
9968 9872
thoran@redlands.nsw.edu.au