Year 8

The Smell of Blossoms on the Wind – is it Spring Already?

Blossoms on the wind
Trees and flowers awaken
Colours fill the air

Excursion to Manly Dam

Last Friday, Year 8 were treated to perfect weather as they headed out on their Geography excursion to visit Manly Dam. Not only did the excursion introduce many of them to a beautiful hidden gem of Sydney’s natural reserves but it also gave them the opportunity to put into practice some of the knowledge and skills they have been developing in their Water in the World topic. Students learned about the history and topography of the Manly Dam location and engaged in a range of practical experiments including developing water filters to try to produce clean water, measuring soil PH levels to determine soil health and sifting through water shallows to determine levels of biodiversity. On top of this, they had a wonderful opportunity to spend the day together with their peers in perfect weather outside of the four walls of their regular classrooms!

House Debating Round 2

This week we saw our final two Houses, Cowper and Dumolo, go head-to-head in House Debating, arguing passionately over the topic that in NSW the age of criminal liability should be raised from 10 to 16. Dumolo affirmed the topic and Cowper negated. It was a particularly intellectual and well-research debate with sophisticated legal jargon and telling facts about rates of youth imprisonment and influences on recidivism offered. The Cowper and Dumolo speakers were convincing and passionate, engaging in thoughtful argument over whether we can justly attribute responsibility to offenders younger than 16 given their incomplete cognitive development, whilst also exploring the impact of alternatives to imprisonment on the life outcomes of children. It was a closely fought affair but, in the end, Yr 12 adjudicator Jack Petering, awarded the debate to Dumolo. Congratulations to Lachlan Carter, Aaron Oh and Eddie Williams.

We look forward to seeing Dumolo and McDouall face off in the finals in Week 9 as they argue the topic that in NSW parents should not have the right to withdraw their children from school education on sexuality and respectful relationships.

Student Shout Outs

Well done to Michelle Byron who was recently awarded a Step Beyond award for the kindness and support she has shown to her peers in the year group. The nomination submitted for her was particularly lovely, demonstrating the powerful gratitude members of our cohort have expressed towards her.

My friends and I would like to nominate Michelle Byron for the Step Beyond Award. We believe she is always going out of her way to make other people happy. She brightens everyone’s day by being kind and compassionate. She tries really hard to make friends with everyone she meets.

Congratulations also to Audrey Kwok, Charlie Lee and Aimee Kang who were recognised in our Stage Assembly, respectively, as first place, runner up and highly commended in the Redlands Writing Competition this year. It is wonderful to see students composing pieces beyond their class work to develop their creative skills.

Subject Spotlight – Technology

Recently, we visited Yr 8 Technology and was fascinated to see their focus this term. Students are enjoying planning and designing C02 Dragsters, which they will eventually build and race! I look forward to seeing the products they will make!

Bougainvillea Talent Showcase

Our Bougainvillea Club are thrilled to announce the Bougainvillea Redlands Talent Showcase, a wonderful event that offers students a unique opportunity to share their talents and connect with the community! The showcase will be held at the Bougainvillea Residential Home next to the school grounds on 19 September 19 (Week 9) from 2:00pm – 3:30 pm. Not only is this a chance for your child to perform and brighten the day of some truly lovely people, but it also provides a meaningful way to engage in further service, as has been our focus this term. Students can perform anything they want, for any amount of time. Some performance ideas include dancing, singing, playing a music instrument, stand-up comedy, drama skit, juggling, magic, poetry recitation and more!

Whether your child prefers to perform solo or as part of a group, all types of acts are welcome! It is a fantastic way for students to develop their confidence, showcase their skills, and experience the joy of giving back. It will be a fun and rewarding afternoon.

Please encourage your child to take part in this heartwarming event. Entry submissions are due by 16 September at 3:30 pm. Students can sign up here.

Holiday Service Opportunity – Kids Giving Back:

In line with our current focus on service, our Acting Coordinator of Service Learning and Social Engagement, Ms Peterson, has identified a valuable service program that operates during the school holidays run by the organisation, Kids Giving Back. Kids Giving Back coordinate school holiday programs that help to introduce children to the world of volunteering and empower them to give back in an age-appropriate ways. Their Helping Hands for the Homeless gives children the chance to cook meals and assemble essential items for people experiencing homelessness and tough times. Children will learn about the causes and impacts of homelessness and how their community supports those most vulnerable. If this might be of interest to you, please visit Kids Giving Back for more information.

Moonbah – Gearing up for Growth:

On Monday 18 November from 6:00pm-8:00pm, an information evening will be held for parents and all students attending Moonbah. This will provide families with all the necessary information they require to be best prepared for our 2025 Moonbah program. Please see the graphic below for further details.

Term 3 Key Dates and Upcoming Events:

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

Mr Jimmy Tod-Hill
Year 8 Advisor
jtodhill@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6462