Year 8
Week 4 – Exploding Watermelons!
Exploding watermelons – yes, you heard me right! At Redlands this week, there have been a profusion of exploding watermelons. Why? Well, of course, because it is National Science Week.
Did you know that a stretched rubber band strives to return to its unstretched state; so, when a series of rubber bands are stretched around a watermelon, each rubber band tries to squeeze the watermelon rind in an effort to return to its previous happy relaxation. With each new rubber band, the compressive force acting on the watermelon increases, leading to a gradual change in the shape of the watermelon. The watermelon rind resists deformation until, without warning, it cracks sharply, releasing the pulp, which flies in all different directions – making a huge explosion sound – and the rubber bands emerge victorious!
This week, the Science department have engaged students in a range of activities to draw out their passion for scientific exploration and endeavour – and to learn amazing facts like those above. While I was not able to witness all the events this week, I heard positive feedback from Tuesday morning’s Breakfast with a Scientist event, and both saw and heard some of Wednesday’s exploding watermelon experiments. Just see the photos below!
Many thanks to the Science department for bringing their enthusiasm and knowledge into making it a great week of events.
Leadership in Style – Stage 4 Assembly
Earlier this week, our School Leaders’ Stage 4 Assembly looked a little bit different. With Yr 12 on Trial Examinations and Yr 11 leaders not yet selected, it was down to our wonderful Yr 8 SRC leaders, Kate Rintoul and Lily Musgrave-Kresa to run the assembly, supported by some Yr 7 SRC representatives.
Kate and Lily showed supreme poise and confidence as they discussed the recent Jeans for Genes day, reviewed Gala Arts and issued new Step Beyond awards. Congratulations to Amelie Moya Jones who was nominated for a Step Beyond award due to her constant support and care for peers across the cohort, and Mathew Krapovnitskiy who also received a Step Beyond award for his enthusiastic involvement in extra-curricular activities, including his recent convincing comic performance of ‘Who’s on First?’ at Gala Arts.
Service at Taronga – Ivy Flatman
This term, our focus in Tutor is on Service. As part of this focus, I have invited students to discuss in our Year Assemblies Service projects that they have been a part of that are external to the School. On Monday, Ivy Flatman shared with us the details of her current involvement in YATZ, Taronga’s Youth at the Zoo program. YATZ gives teens the opportunity to learn more about how Zoos operate, develop skills for the future and spend time with like-minded people who share a passion for animals and conservation. Members have the opportunity to take part in a range of training programs, volunteer their time with the Guest Services team or at Special Events, take part in campaigns and interact with Zoo guests.
Ivy gave a clear overview to the cohort, taking time to explain a recent training event she had been part of where they were taught how to facilitate Zoo access for people with mobility or access issues. Ivy’s volunteer support in this space, particularly her future aspirations to help support younger children having access to the Zoo is wonderful to see.
Bringing the Drama to English – ‘The Scottish Play’
‘Is this a dagger which I see before me?’ Well, maybe not, but we might be imagining one soon, as Yr 8 commence their study of Macbeth (or ‘The Scottish Play’ for the superstitious amongst us) in their English lessons this term. On Tuesday and Wednesday, 8B began to stretch their dramatic performance muscles, composing scripts, rehearsing and then performing short vignettes that reflected key moments from the play. Their energy and enthusiasm was wonderful to see (even though some of the scenes involved betrayal, violence and intrigue!) and I look forward to seeing how they and the cohort embrace their first study of a Shakespearean tragedy in the Secondary School.
Tutor Time Bonding
It is certainly true that we cover some important, serious topics in Tutor Time. However, we also continue to embrace the wonderful tradition of Fun Friday, where Tutor groups have an opportunity to relax, build connections with each other and just have fun at the end of the school week. Well done to Cowper Yellow and Dumolo Blue who really appear to have nailed their Fun Friday approach, with Henry Campbell running a Mario Kart competition for CY last Friday, and Lachlan Carter coordinating a table tennis competition for DB. Students enjoyed the opportunity for friendly competition in a relaxed setting.
Future Think Career Clusters Challenge Day
Tomorrow, Yr 8 will engage in an informative and exciting day where they will get to experiment with solving real world challenges with the support of guest speakers who will also share their career journey and insights with students. Students have all been sent full details, including their relevant Career Cluster groups, through the iLearn Pastoral Page announcements; so, they should check there for further information.
It is sure to be an eye-opening day. Thank you to Ms Green and our Careers Officers for coordinating the experience.
Week 5 is Book Week!
During Week 5 this term, the Redlands Library team will be celebrating Australian School Library Day, a significant event across Australian schools. Conveniently, it is wedged within Book Week, which celebrates the love of reading. Therefore, the entire week will be all about promoting the incredible resources that school libraries like our offer, highlighting the importance of qualified library staff and the impact libraries have on the school community at large. All week, students can take part in the festivities and share in the joy of literature within Roseby Library as well as some of their timetabled classes.
Wellbeing Support Webinar for Secondary School Parents / Carers – Tuesday 20 August
Next Tuesday, our amazing counselling team will be running another of their informative webinars to help parents / carers in navigating how best to support their children. The webinar will explore how to foster resilience and self-confidence, and how to develop healthy relationships in adolescents.
View the tile below for full details. You can access the webinar through Zoom.
Term 3 Key Dates and Upcoming Events:
- Future Think: Career Cluster Day – Week 4: Friday 16 August
- SS Parent Wellbeing Session – Week 5: Tuesday 20 August
- Yr 8 Geography Excursion – Week 6: Friday 30 August
- Wear it Purple Day – Week 6: Friday 30 August
- R U OK? Day – Week 8: Thursday 12 September
- 2025 Student Leaders Announcement – Week 8: Friday 13 September
- End of Term 3 – Week 10: Thursday 26 September
Giving Day
Support the Expansion of High Country Campus on Wednesday 21 August!
https://www.charidy.com/redlands
We are excited to be holding our inaugural Giving Day on Wednesday 21 August to raise much-needed funds to expand our High Country Campus. We have 24 hours only to reach our goal of $400,000 on Giving Day!
On this day, every dollar you donate to the Redlands Foundation will be TRIPLED by generous supporters who have already pledged to match your contributions. So if you give $100, the School will receive $300. No matter the amount, your support on 21 August will help us bring transformative opportunities to life for every Redlands student.
Learn More here: https://www.charidy.com/redlands
Mr Jimmy Tod-Hill
Year 8 Advisor
jtodhill@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6462