Year 9

Swimming Carnival

This week the Secondary Swimming Carnival was held at Homebush, which saw Yr 9 students participating in the races. There were some fantastic efforts and it was great to see students swim to gain points for their Houses. I hope that the participation rate will increase for next year. 

Congratulations go to the following students:

  • Boys aged 16 yrs winner (competing against many Yr 10 boys) – Kirill Shatilov
  • Girls aged 15 yrs winner – Elizabeth Holtheuer
  • Boys aged 15 yrs and Intermediate winner – Sam Virtue
  • Girls aged 15 yrs runner up – Sienna Blake
  • Boys age 15 yrs runner up – Erik Scott

Both Kirill and Sam broke previous school records in some races.

Interesting Article of the Week

Please Read

I found this article very interesting this week, particularly as I had not heard of the term ‘lawnmowing’ before! If you do decide to read it, I urge to read to the end, as the last half helps to explain why we are like we are as parents. Being a former police officer, I particular found meaning in the comment, ‘Every police member I have asked “has having seen what you have in the job made you a more cautious parent” has answered “definitely, yes”’. My daughter has regularly told me over the years that I panic too much and always think the worst is going to happen to her and her brothers. While we all make mistakes as parents, I loved one of the final comments in the article which sums it up – ‘our parenting instincts are driven by exactly the same motivation as all the rest; love.’

Pastoral Care Program

This week students spent the Tutor group session being shown by their Tutors the location of the Yr 9 Assessment Booklet on the Pastoral Care iLearn page and some of the important aspects of the booklet. They were also given time to download the booklet to their desktop and to look at the link on iLearn to the Study Skills resources. The Study Centre timetable for after school support is also on the iLearn page.

Social Awareness Program

This week students have begun to look at the Term 1 topic of Gender Inequality. They have brainstormed the ways that women are treated unequally and have begun choosing their particular topic to research more fully as the term progresses.

Twilight Drinks

A reminder that Twilight Drinks are to be held this Friday 22 February on the Junior Campus beginning at 6.00pm. Tony Dong and I will be there at the beginning of the evening, so please come and say hello to us. The event will be in Dunnet Hall if it is raining.

Yr 9 Parent Representatives

A reminder that 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.

Student Wellbeing Information Evening – Judith Locke

On Monday 25 February, at 6.00pm in Redlands Hall, we are very pleased to be hosting clinical psychologist and author of The Bonsai Child, Dr Judith Locke. This is part of our ongoing focus on wellbeing, as well as providing another of the many parent education and engagement opportunities here at Redlands.

In an ever-changing world, parents are constantly wondering how they can best support their child. As part of our on-going efforts to support parents we are excited to announce that Clinical Psychologist and author Dr Judith Locke will be coming to Redlands to present two workshops for parents around how to support their child to become confident and capable. These workshops are designed to provide specific strategies to assist the young people we care for to achieve their personal best, both within the classrooms as well as in other areas of life. Judith will provide advice as to how to support your child in a friendly and relatable way as well as providing specific strategies around how to help your child become independent and make the most of their opportunities whilst at school.

Dr Judith Locke is a registered clinical psychologist, and former teacher and workplace trainer. She is now Director of the training company, Confident and Capable, which delivers psychological solutions for parents, students and organizations. Judith works with families and individuals in her private practice in Toowong, Qld. She also undertakes research at QUT, investigating modern parenting, student and parent wellbeing, and their interaction with the academic environment. Judith is a Member of The Australian Psychological Society (APS) and a Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. She is the author of the popular parenting book The Bonsai Child: Why modern parenting limits children’s potential and practical strategies to turn it around.

Sibling and Cocurricular Photographs

Sibling photos will be held on the Senior Campus on 13 March 7.30 – 8.30am in Redlands Hall, and on the Junior Campus on 22 February, 7.30 – 9.30am in Parkes Hall. Sibling photographs must be ordered online prior to the day of photography by visiting www.advancedlife.com.au and using the online order code: NWL 4NR ETY. Cocurricular photos for Music, Dance, Drama and Theatre and Debating will be held on 13 and 20 March. Please check with the Cocurricular Activity Coordinator for the photography schedule.

Have a great week!

Ms Rebecca Mountain
Yr 9 Advisor
rmountain@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 6462