Year 9

Arnhem Land Pre-Learning Sessions

In Week 9 and 10, Yr 9 students engaged in two Arnhem Land Pre-Learning sessions. The first was a student led forum – students from Yr 10 who journeyed to Arnhem Land in October 2022 shared the powerful impact this camp had on them as individuals. They answered questions about the nature of the camp; the activities, approaching cultural sensitivities and connecting with the land.

On Wednesday of Week 10, Yr 9 students had their first Arnhem Land Pre-Learning sessions led by Troy, the Operations Manager of Culture College. These sessions were a more formal conversation about the purpose of ‘Acknowledging Country’, the structure of the activities in Arnhem Land and how to approach the sensitivities of an Indigenous cultural immersion.

The feedback from Yr 9 has been wonderful – they are clearly ready to experiences the challenges of this powerful and immersive trip to Arnhem Land in May.

Medical Form and Medications Year 9 Arnhem Land  

 If you have not done so already, please complete the Health and Wellbeing Form in preparation for Arnhem Land – click HERE

If your child/ren requires medication (Prescribed or OTC) on camp, you will need to complete and return to Mr Atkins, a Medical Authority Form located on Pulse HERE.

This form will need to be returned to Mr Atkins by Friday 19 May. Students should not be arriving to camp without a completed MAF if they require medication. 

Outstanding Student Achievement

This week, Yr 9 student Dante Minassian is representing Redlands and Australia at the Youth American Grand Prix finals! YAGP is the biggest international ballet competition, and Dante is one of 53 boys in the junior male category. Dante is an exceptional dancer – to compete at the YAGP is an amazing opportunity and so well deserved. For the competition, Dante performed a contemporary piece and classical solo. His classical solo is James’ variation from La Sylphide.

Dante has also been awarded the Redlands Ballet and Dance Academy ‘Student of the Month’ award for April in the Year 9-10 category. Well done Dante on these phenomenal achievements!

End of Term Thoughts 

As we approach the Easter break, we encourage you to take the time to rest, relax, and enjoy quality time with your loved ones. Whether it’s a family vacation or a quiet staycation, I hope this Easter break brings you the opportunity to recharge your batteries and come back refreshed and ready for the rest of the school year.

As the term draws to an end, I would like to share some thoughts on preparing for the new term ahead. Please use the Easter holiday break as a time to disconnect from technology as a family, and to reconnect with friends and family face-to-face. 

Here are a few tips that might help:

  • Review progress: Take some time to review your child’s academic progress from the past term. Celebrate their achievements and identify areas that need improvement. Work with your child to come up with strategies for addressing any challenges they might face. Ask them what they are finding challenging, and what is exciting them about the term ahead. 
  • Set goals: Sit down with your child and discuss their academic and social goals for the next term. Encourage them to set specific and realistic targets and help them come up with a plan to achieve them.
  • Plan for extracurricular activities: Discuss with your child any extracurricular activities they might want to pursue in the next term. Plan ahead and make arrangements for any necessary equipment or transportation. Consider why it is important for them to take part in a new co-curricular activity, and what this might offer them as a well-rounded young person.
  • Set a schedule: In the second half of the break, encourage your child to start waking up and going to bed at regular times to help them readjust to school routines.

As a Year 9 team, Mr Millham and I want to ensure that your child starts the new term with positivity and excitement. There is so much to look forward to in the term ahead. As always, we are committed to providing the best possible learning experience for your child. We look forward to working in tandem with parents and guardians to make Term 2 a success.

Mrs Lucienne Willis
Yr 9 Advisor
lwillis@redlands.nsw.edu.au