Year 9
Welcome back to Term 4! I hope you all had a restful school holidays and enjoyed spending time with your children. It is particularly nice to welcome back the large number of students who spent Term 3 at Winter School and we are hoping for a smooth transition back into the normality of Redlands.
Term 4 is a busy one, with students being involved in a number of things, including their Yearly Examinations in Week 4, Surf Education in Week 5, and STEAM initiatives also in Week 5, amongst a number of other exciting and interesting activities. This term is also quite short, finishing with Speech Night on Wednesday 4 December. More detailed information on everything will be given closer to the time.
Most students are looking smart, and Tony and I thank you for your support in ensuring this has happened for the start of the term. Some boys have been spoken to regarding their hair and the need for it to be shorter, according to the school regulations that can be seen on page 19 of the 2019 Student Planner. In particular, some boys are preferring the longer style on top, but this means that during the school day their hair becomes very messy and in their eyes. These boys have been asked to get a haircut this weekend, and we appreciate your support in this matter.
Yearly Examinations
Notifications and study guides for the upcoming examinations in Week 4 are available for all students on the relevant subject iLearn page. The timetable has not yet been released to students but will be shortly. Tutors will ensure every student has a copy of this timetable and is aware of the date and time of each examination and the processes involved. If your child has any questions, please would you encourage them to speak to either their Tutor or Tony or me. As they are coming to the end of Yr 9, we are aiming to help them become more responsible for their schooling and take the pressure away from parents needing to be so involved, with the ultimate goal of achieving life-readiness for each student.
Interesting Article of the Week
As students begin to prepare for the Yearly Examinations in Week 4, they are often told by people to ‘go study’, yet have very little idea as to what ‘study’ actually means. This week, Yr 12 students across NSW, of which one is my oldest son, begin their HSC Examinations, where it is hoped by now that they have understood what the concept of ‘studying’ actually means. While it is not expected for Yr 9 students to be at the same level of understanding, we are trying to help them put into place processes now that will help them in years to come and for their final HSC or IB Examinations in three years’ time. This week I have attached a short clip that we will be showing to the Year Group next week providing some tips on how to study.
Pastoral Care Program
For the first three weeks of this term students are given the resources and time to prepare for their upcoming Yearly Examinations through the use of weekly study planners and mindfulness activities.
Social Awareness Program
This term students will be working towards a fundraising event in Week 6 to support the organisation Room to Read, who focus on reducing inequality of girls’ education in developing nations around the world. Students will be raising awareness about the organisation with other Year Groups in the school, as well as helping with the planning and running of the event in Week 6.
Fiji Trip
A number of students were fortunate to attend an overseas trip to Fiji over the school holidays. They began the time along the coast line, learning the importance of marine conservation and the impact of humans on the environment. They were involved in the removal of deadly starfish which have been killing the coral throughout Fiji. In the second half of the trip they moved to the highlands where they lived with a local community, being embraced by the families in the village. While staying there, they learnt about the culture as well as helping to extend the village’s community hall to make it large enough for their needs. This trip was a rewarding and challenging experience for the students, who left with a greater appreciation for humanity.
I hope you have a great week!
Ms Rebecca Mountain
Yr 9 Advisor
rmountain@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6462