Year 8

Final Examination Prep

In the final week before their Yearly Examinations, Yr 8 have been working diligently to get the most out of their lessons and to ensure they can fit in study time outside of school hours. Many students have been making good use of the library’s quiet and collaborative study spaces, while others have been accessing the academic mentor support offered by Illuminate. There has been a good energy on the campus as students have put in those last efforts to practise their skills and consolidate their knowledge, so they can bring their best efforts next week.

A quick reminder to check the Examination Block letter from Dean of Studies (7-10), Ms Rolon, so that you are aware of what students should bring to each examination and the process involved should a student face any illness / misadventure during the examination period. You can find this information on Pulse.

I wish everyone the best of luck with their examinations next week!

New Student Leader Assembly and the Indigenous Literacy Fund

On Tuesday, our new student leaders led their first Student-Led Assembly, addressing the School with confidence and enthusiasm. They were keen to introduce the year’s new motto – ‘with heart’ – explaining its importance in capturing the Redlands attitude of putting your best effort into everything, while also reflecting the compassion and support we share for one another in our community.

Fittingly, much of the assembly was then taken up with a focus on the upcoming book swap for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) with an ILF member explaining the nature of the organisation to students and the impactful work it undertakes, working with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to deliver culturally appropriate books, meet their literacy needs (particularly of infants) and enable the production of books written by adults and children in the Communities, often in First Languages.

Tomorrow, at lunchtime, Redlands is hosting the Great Book Swap for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. We encourage students to continue to bring in books to swap, along with a gold coin donation, so they can take part in this charitable action.

Subject Spotlight: Technology Race Cars

Have you ever wanted to build your own race car? Well, it seems that Yr 8 Technology are currently living that dream, designing and then building their own Formula 1 style race cars in their Technology lessons. While it is still early days in the creation process, students are deeply engaged in their work and excited to eventually race off one another towards the end of term. I look forward to seeing whose design is the fastest!

As Promised – Drama Performance Photos

Last week, our Yr 8 Drama cohort put on a wonderful evening of entertaining, serious and thoughtful pieces to conclude their first year of Drama study at Redlands. It was a wonderful showcase of their talent and passion, as evident in these photos taken by Mr Gidney.

Thank you to all the Drama staff for their support of students and their efforts in coordinating this showcase event.

Spotlight on Clubs: The Irregular

Happy Halloween from the Irregular! Are you looking for some last minute costume advice or not sure where to head this evening for trick or treating? If this is you, then be sure to jump onto the Redlands Irregular Pulse page to read the best advice for costumes and locations in their October Halloween edition.

If you want to contribute to the Irregular for future editions (including their upcoming Christmas edition), you can join in at LH 2.6 during lunchtimes.

Moonbah Evening: Gearing up for Growth – Monday 18 November

A reminder that our Moonbah Gearing for Growth evening is fast coming up on Monday 18 November. This event is designed to offer students and parents clear answers to any last questions they have about the Moonbah program for 2025. See below for further details.

Round Square Conference at Oxford University:

The School is excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for our students to attend the Round Square Conference in Oxford in the UK, from 12-17 April 2025. This inspiring event will bring students from around the globe to the prestigious Oxford University, where they will engage in thought-provoking discussions, refine oratory skills and experience unforgettable moments. Participation in this event offers students a chance to take on roles such as Discussion Facilitator, Debate Champion or even participate in a film production project with an international crew. It is a rare, non-competitive platform for young leaders to share their perspectives on global issues, develop leadership skills and be part of an incredible international dialogue.

Please review the attached poster to discover more about the trip. To express interest, students should email their Expression of Interest (EOI) to Ms Renard on arenard@redlands.nsw.edu.au by 23 November. Full details of what is need in the EOI can be found below. Selection will occur during the week of 25 November, with confirmations sent out before the term ends. We encourage all eligible students to apply promptly and seize this chance to represent Redlands on a global stage.

What do you need to include in your Expression of Interest?

  1. Why are you interested in attending the Round Square Conference in Oxford?
  • Describe what excites you about this event and how it aligns with your personal interests or goals.
  1. What role(s) would you like to take on during the event (e.g., Debate Champion, Discussion Facilitator, film crew member), and why?
  • Explain how this role fits with your skills or what you hope to gain from this experience.
  1. What experience do you have with public speaking, group discussions or leadership activities?
  • Share examples from school, community or personal activities that demonstrate your relevant skills or experiences.
  1. How do you see yourself contributing to discussions on global issues with peers from different cultures?
  • Describe any perspectives, skills, or qualities you bring that would enrich group discussions.
  1. What do you hope to learn or accomplish from attending this conference?
  • Outline specific skills, insights or personal growth you are aiming for by participating.
  1. How would you share what you learn from the Conference with our school community upon your return?
  • Suggest ideas of how you would bring back and share your experience to benefit fellow students and staff.

Term 4 Key Dates and Upcoming Events:

  • Indigenous Literacy Book Swap Event – Week 3: Friday 1 November
  • Year 8 Examinations – Week 4: Monday 4 November – Wednesday 6 November
  • Moonbah: Gearing for Growth evening – Week 6: Monday 18 November
  • Speech Night (and Term End) – Week 8: Wednesday 4 December

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