Year 9
BioTech Futures Challenge
On Monday, students in Years 9 and 10 heard from Jesse Forrest about his involvement in the BioTech Futures Competition in 2023. Jesse and his team pitched B.I.O.G.E.M, bio-degradable implants for limb reconstruction in McLaurin Hall at the University of Sydney last year and were highly commended for their efforts.
BioTech Futures is a leading initiative for mentorship, innovation and scientific inspired solutions. The BioTech Future Challenge is a unique opportunity for high school students to be paired with mentors that are leading voices in their fields of biotechnology across the world. Students work in small teams with their peers. They may form a group of their own volition or we will place individuals in teams.
Please talk to your children about whether this unique opportunity is something that they are interested in. An online form has been distributed via the pastoral page for students to signal their interest.
For more information, students can reach out to Ms Green at egreen@redlands.nsw.edu.au
Subject Focus – Commerce
Year 9 Commerce students deepened their understanding of the role of the Government Sector in the economy through a visit from Federal MP for North Sydney, Ms Kylea Tink.
Ms Tink shared her own journey to politics and what motivated her to step up in 2020 when she made a significant career change. Through an environmental case study, she explored the impact that government policy can have on the direction of our economy, as a means of signalling to Australian industry and overseas investors our ambitions as a nation and establishing favourable environments for green technologies. Students were invited to consider the Federal Government as the largest Australian business, a 500-billion-dollar business that we are all shareholders in. Through the lens of shareholders, students explored decision making and the long and short term impacts of those decisions.
Individual Shout-outs
- CIS Cross Country – last Thursday, 24 students represented Redlands/ISA at the CIS Cross Country Championships held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. Well done to Finn Gurney (55th in 14 Boys 4km) and Tom Brown (18th in 14 Boys 4km) for the commitment put in to get to this level of competition and their efforts on the day in challenging conditions.
- Step Beyond Awards – Congratulations to Josh Dubowsky who received a Step Beyond award at assembly this week for winning the Sprig Tank competition.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
A number of our Pastoral Care and Administrative staff have now participated in a two-day Mental Health First Aid course, facilitated by our incredibly knowledgeable School Counsellors, Will Chen and Alessandro Digiacomo.
Mental Health First Aid is crucial for students in school as it provides early intervention and support for mental health challenges, fostering a safer and more supportive learning environment. Students often face many stressors, including academic pressure, social dynamics and personal issues, which can impact their mental wellbeing. Mental Health First Aid equips teachers, staff and peers with the skills to recognise signs of mental distress and provide initial support, guiding students to appropriate professional help when necessary. This proactive approach can prevent the escalation of mental health issues, reduce stigma and promote a culture of empathy and understanding. By addressing mental health needs early and effectively, schools can enhance students’ overall well-being, academic performance, and personal development, ensuring they are better prepared for future challenges.
If you are seeking further information to support your child, the following websites have some excellent resources:
Athletics Training
In Week 8, there is an opportunity for all students in Years 7-12 to practice their event/events for the SS Athletics Carnival which is coming up in Week 9. If you are interested, please complete the form HERE. Training will resume in Week 2, Term 3, every Monday morning from 6:30 – 7:30am at Balmoral Oval.
First Training Session Details
- Date: Week 8, Monday morning
- Time: 6:30-7:30am
- Location: Balmoral Oval
Key Information
- Transportation: Students must make their own way to Balmoral Oval to arrive by 6:30am. A bus will transport students back to the Secondary School at 7:30am, giving them time to change before Period 1.
- Training Focus: Events available at the training session include sprints, middle distance, throws and long jump. High jump training will begin in Term 3 on Friday mornings in the gym from 7:00-7:45am.
- Schedule: Training will commence in Week 8. There will be no training in Week 9, but it will resume every Monday throughout Term 3.
All students are welcome, including those who wish to use athletics training as fitness for other sports.
We look forward to seeing you all at the first session!
Mr Tobias Horan
Yr 9 Advisor
9968 9872
thoran@redlands.nsw.edu.au