Year 9

Getting into our Flow and Fine-Tuning our Routines

We are now well into Term 1 and Yr 9 are getting into their work, study and cocurricular routines. We have been really impressed with how students have been engaging in their new subjects and new electives, and encourage them to focus on reaching out to their teachers this year and using their expertise, should they require support or guidance in the subject. Assessments are fast approaching, and students need to plan ahead.

A variety of subjects have assessment tasks occurring next week, including:

  • Mathematics
  • History
  • French
  • Latin
  • Chinese
  • Japanese
  • Spanish

I encourage parents and carers to speak to their children about their assessment schedules and to plan for success by using tools such as wall planners at home to stay on top of future tasks and commitments.

You can find all the key information on assessments this year in the assessment handbook and assessment calendar on the Yr 9 Pulse page.

Duke of Edinburgh Registration

The Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) program is a globally recognised youth development program that promotes resilience, leadership and community engagement. It is offered to all eligible students at Redlands across three levels – Bronze, Silverand Gold. Each level involves setting and achieving goals in physical activity, skill development, community service and an adventurous journey.

  • Program Overview: Each level has specific requirements that encourage students to step outside their comfort zones and develop important life skills. Information about each level can be accessed here.
  • Registration: If your child has not yet registered, they can do so with your support via the following link: Duke of Ed Registration.
  • Award Leaders: If your child has signed up but is waiting for an Award Leader to be assigned, please know that Mr Gray and I are working to allocate leaders as quickly as possible.
  • Student Support: Once Award Leaders are assigned, we encourage students to discuss their goals and activities with their Award Leader to ensure they are on track for their chosen award level.

If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to Mr Nick Walker at nwalker@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Serving your Peers and the School – the SRC

Have you ever wanted a fun way to get service experience, work on a motivated team and help others in the school? Well, then put your hand up and nominate yourself for the SRC!

If you are interested – please post an expression of interest.

This is your last chance to express your interest as entries will close at 8am tomorrow!

Digital Ambassadors for Redlands

The Digital Ambassadors Program is a new initiative for 2025, run by Ms Webster and Ms Duckworth. We are seeking 2-3 students from each of Yrs 7-11 to act as the voice and ears for their grade on a variety of issues, such as: media balance and wellbeing; digital footprints and identity; fake news and literacy; AI in education; academic integrity; and privacy and security.

As the Digital Ambassador for your grade, you will be tasked with identifying key issues that your peers are facing and presenting strategies and insights through assemblies or via Pulse. The Digital Ambassadors team will meet twice a term. Please submit your application by Friday 21 February.

Twilight in the Garden:

 Our Twilight in the Garden event is on tomorrow! It provides a wonderful opportunity for all families to connect with our school community on the Fahl Garden at our Senior Campus. We are expecting this to be a popular for parents and carers, so please purchase your tickets here.

International Women’s Day ‘March Forward’ Breakfast:

Redlands is pleased to announce the first event in our inaugural ‘Voice Notes: Illuminating Issues that Matter’ series. The series aims to spark conversation on issues impacting education and will span a range of topics across 2025.

We are starting the year by marking International Women’s Day with a breakfast event in conversation with Australia’s e Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant. The theme of International Women’s Day 2025 is ‘March Forward’, and Julie will be sharing her personal and professional journey advancing gender equity, empowerment and safety in an increasingly digital world.

This event be occurring on Monday 10 March, 7am-9am, in Redlands Hall. Proceeds from this event will be donated to Mary’s House Services providing essential accommodation for women and their children fleeing domestic and family violence or abuse. Please see below for further details. You can purchase your tickets here.

Get Ready to Sing – The Redlands Musical is Coming:

Always an event not to be missed, this year’s production of High School Musical: on Stage promises to be exciting, entertaining and in essence, excellent!

With students ranging from Yr 7-12 onstage, in production, orchestra, hair and make-up, this year’s Musical is a must-watch. The performances are held at The Concourse, Chatswood on Wednesday 5 March,  Thursday 6 March and Friday 7 March at 6:30pm. You can find out more information and book your tickets through Pulse.

School Portrait Photos

If you missed the student portrait photos or sibling photos last week, please make a note that the date for make-up photos has been shifted from Thursday 6 March to Friday 7 March. The photos will be held during Tutor period in a room in Level 2 of the Redlands Learning Hub.

Summer Sports photographs are also scheduled for that date, and will be occurring during recess and lunch.

Term 1 Key Dates and Upcoming Events

  • NAPLAN – Week 7: Wednesday 12 – Friday 14 March
  • Jazz in the Garden – Week 7: Friday 14 March
  • Year 9 Stay at School Information Evening – Week 9: Monday 24 March
  • Battle of the Bands – Week 11: Monday 7 April
  • Term 1 Ends – Week 11: Friday 11 April

Mr Jimmy Tod-Hill
Year 9 Advisor
jtodhill@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6462