Year 9
Interesting Article
As both a parent and teacher of teenage children, I often read interesting articles and thought I would begin sharing one each week in Note Day. I find these articles often informative, sometimes argumentative, and at times I may totally disagree with some of the comments. However, I hope you will enjoy reading them and perhaps taking away a few key points each week, as I often do. If nothing else, it may help stimulate our minds and invite discussions with our children.
This week’s article is about trying to reduce the risk of depression by eating more healthily, as research says that if you want to feel better, eat less junk food. I was very mindful of this when my 14 year old son asked me to stop at McDonalds on the way home from his Water Polo match on Saturday!
Pastoral Care and Social Awareness Program Update
Our Pastoral Care program has been divided into two different areas this year as I mentioned in my welcome letter to you at the start of the year. We have changed it slightly since then and it is now divided into a Pastoral Care program and a Social Awareness program. For further information, please log onto your child’s iLearn page and you can see what they cover on a weekly basis. However, I will give a brief overview in Note Day each week, as it may help stimulate conversations around the dinner table.
Pastoral Care Program
This week the students are looking closely at their digital reputation, learning the importance of being digitally responsible for their actions and how to treat others with an appropriate standard of behaviour. They have also been considering how much time they spend online, and this was further highlighted during the Whole School Assembly when the Prefects showed the video Look Up – here is the link if you are interested in watching it (please note: the one inappropriate word in the video was blanked out in Assembly).
Social Awareness Program
Currently students are exploring the overall issue of inequality in Australia, looking at the different ways that inequality exists and people it affects.
Assessment Handbook
The Assessment Handbook for the year is now available on Redlands Pulse and iLearn Pastoral page.
Swimming Carnival
The Secondary School Swimming Carnival will be held next Tuesday 19 February at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. This is a compulsory school event that contributes to House and School spirit. As this event is held off-site, it is a requirement that all parents and carers login to Redlands Pulse and grant online permission by Monday 18 February. If you are having difficulty accessing Redlands Pulse, please follow this link for further instructions and trouble shooting. A full Swimming Carnival Program including all transport, uniform, rules and event details is attached to the event in Redlands Pulse.
Twilight Drinks
Just to confirm that Friday 22 February is the Twilight Drinks evening on the Junior Campus, beginning at 6.00pm. This event is for parents of all Year Groups. Tony Dong and I will be there at the start so please come and say hello if you attend the event.
Yr 9 Parent Representatives
We are looking for volunteers to take on the role of Yr 9 Parent Reps for 2019. Ideally at least two people are needed, however the more the merrier.
The role entails organising:
- a coffee morning at the beginning of each term
- a Dad’s night out
- a Mum’s night out
- an end of year gathering
- welcoming new parents/students to the school
- being a conduit for information.
There are quarterly meetings held in school for all Year Parent Reps, which only one of the team need attend so that information can be passed on. It is a fun way to get to know more people and more about what is happening at the School. If you think this is for you – please contact Kylie Hunt on bk.hunt@me.com
Have a great week!
Ms Rebecca Mountain
Yr 9 Advisor
rmountain@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 6462