@Reddam
IN THIS ISSUE: Principal’s Letter Examinations & HSC
Reddam House High School Newsletter Volume 21 Issue 27 Friday 10th September 2021
Dear Parents and Caregivers, Year 11 and Year 12 students have completed their Final and Trial Examinations respectively. I congratulate all of these students for the manner in which they have approached these assessments. Online exams, being a different format, had the potential to derail students but I am pleased to report that their teachers are very pleased with the efforts of all of their students. Congratulations also to all of the teachers who have also
RUOK Day Careers News Plus much more...
This week included RUOK day on Thursday. Once again the Judiciary came to the fore encouraging students to check in with their friends and family by starting a conversation enquiring about their wellbeing. The teachers shared some strategies on how one could go about this during Lesson 3 on Thursday. This is such a worthwhile topic of conversation that I include the link to their website for parents to continue what has been started at school. HTTPS://WWW.RUOK.ORG.AU/EDUCATION
had to pivot to this new style of examining their students and ensuring the integrity of that assessment.
Students were reminded that if they were not OK, that
Their Year Coordinators and I met with both groups to-
reaching out to a friend, trusted adult, Glynda Blomson
day to discuss how their feedback would occur and the path ahead for the rest of the term. For the Year 11 students it is rather straightforward: once they have their feedback they start their HSC, as the Class of 2022. For the Year 12 students who have had their Final Examinations delayed by a month, it is a little more complicated. The strategy that we want them to employ includes enjoying a complete break from all study for the duration of the holiday period before reigniting their efforts following their Valedictory on 13th October. Yesterday’s news that the Year 12 Examinations will definitely go ahead ends a time of great uncertainty
and Jacinta Lynch (school psychologists) or a teacher with whom they are comfortable speaking too, was a sensible path forward. They were also reminded that should the conversation start, they should just listen and seek help from a trusted adult who can access help. Their job is to just be a friend. Yas London who has worked with our students for many years first as a Police Liaison Officer and more recently as the Director of ySafe, offering cyber safety training, has shared the following resource for parents and students around the rise in online predators during this lockdown period. Yas says:
for these students. The new exam timetable will be
“With young people spending more time online in the
made available to students by NESA today. Once
COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased risk of our
again, I can only compliment them on the manner with
young people encountering online predators.
which they have conducted themselves, with focus and determination during their assessment period. It would have been so easy to get demotivated amidst all the noise and hype in the media. I am so proud of each and every one of them.
What’s more, online predator activity appears to be on the rise. In March 2020, as Australia entered its first lockdown period, Australian Federal Police saw sites hosting online child sexual abuse material crashing due to the increased volume of traffic. At ySafe we teach students how to spot a predator online and what they can do to respond to situations where they are being targeted.” Share this video with your children to teach them protective behaviours and keep them safe online: COMMUNICATING AND CONNECTING SAFELY ONLINE
@REDDAM—The Reddam House High School Newsletter
Volume 21, Issue 27
Friday 10th September 2021
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This week the Music Department is sharing their recent Senior Choir and Year 7 Choir’s virtual performances. The students enjoyed the opportunity to do something a bit different, and exercise their musical muscles in lockdown. Students worked hard to learn their part during the lockdown and film these individually to a guide track. The audio and footage were then mixed together to create these virtual performances and the students are very happy to have the opportunity to still feel like they are making music together at this time. We look forward to sharing more virtual performances in the coming weeks. Senior Choir Performance Year 7 Virtual Choir Project
CAREERS NEWS ATTENTION YEAR 12: I am continuing to send you emails directly regarding necessary and informative details regarding application and the like. Please read these. YEAR 12: A reminder that all applications for EAS or anything else are due to me by 10 September 2021. ATTENTION YEAR 12 DOING THE LAT FOR UNSW LAW: I am proposing to have a practice session on Monday 27/9 at 10am via google meet. Please let me know ASAP if you wish to attend. Ms Jones YEAR 11 & 10: You have been sent forwarded emails from me regarding study and applications for the USA. If interested please take note of these and any webinars. ATTENTION YEAR 12: The Southern Cross STAR Early Offer program enables
An opportunity for our string players: Symphony for Life has an opportunity for string players of all ages and abilities to take part in a virtual online concert premiering an Australian composition. For details, please visit: SYMPHONY FOR LIFE Dion Ryan of Year 7 has created a fantastic song about Ancient Egypt for his History class. I share with you here: HISTORY SONG Mel Pelosi along with many of the teachers produced and filmed a Teacher Parody of online learning which was shared in assembly this week to much hilarity from both the students and teachers.
Year 12 students to gain an early offer on the basis of your recommendation. The aim is to match individual students to a particular course based on their demonstrated level of academic achievement and their likelihood of success in their chosen discipline. Previous timeframes for student applications to the STAR program have been extended to accommodate the changed circumstances. Specifically: Applications will now stay open until 30 September 2021 Recommendations by Principals will now close on 13 October 2021 STAR offers will then commence from 9 November 2021
Should you also want to enjoy this look at online learning the link to this week’s Middle School assembly is: WEEK 8 ASSEMBLY Have a wonderful weekend and week ahead. Dave Pitcairn
@REDDAM—The Reddam House High School Newsletter
Volume 21, Issue 27
Friday 10th September 2021
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PSYCHOLOGY CORNER
@REDDAM—The Reddam House High School Newsletter
Volume 21, Issue 27
Friday 10th September 2021
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Brought to you by glynda.blomson@reddamhouse.com.au & jacinta.lynch@reddamhouse.com.au @REDDAM—The Reddam House High School Newsletter
Volume 21, Issue 27
Friday 10th September 2021
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MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH RU OK? DAY In response to RU OK? Day on 9th September, where the students were encouraged to address the issue of communicating how they were feeling and asking the same of others, Year 7 worked on anonymous letters to share within their Year Group. Here are a few of their thoughtful and uplifting responses: Hi, So, how are you going? I know this is a really tough time and that you can feel a little trapped but we are going to get out of this. To be honest, I am feeling trapped and boxed in and I'm sure that you are too but there is a bright side. I came across a good piece of advice that said make every day a little less ordinary. Sure this is a very simple piece of advice but it has a lot of meaning especially at this time. This could literally mean going outside and doing something or seeing a friend for a walk or even baking something. I hope this message finds you well and helps you see the bright side of lockdown and maybe even seeing the glass half full not half empty.
Hi I'm feeling pretty fine in lockdown right now. Being trapped inside for most of the day and not moving can be pretty overwhelming but I’m pushing through. My advice to make it through lockdown is to try new things or get better at something that you like to do and go outside and just feel the breeze or the warmth of the sun. It is confirmed that we will be going back to school so if you don't like lockdown then this will give you the last push to hold on.
@REDDAM—The Reddam House High School Newsletter
Volume 21, Issue 27
Friday 10th September 2021
Page 5
@REDDAM—The Reddam House High School Newsletter
Volume 21, Issue 27
Friday 10th September 2021
Page 6
@REDDAM—The Reddam House High School Newsletter
Volume 21, Issue 27
Friday 10th September 2021
Page 7
Middle School English A Medieval Banquet TO IMMERSE THEMSELVES FULLY IN THE CONTEXT OF CHAUCER’S ‘CANTERBURY TALES’ STUDENTS IN YEAR 9 RESEARCHED, MODIFIED AND PREPARED A MEDIEVAL DISH TO SHARE VIRTUALLY IN AN ONLINE BANQUET. THEY HAVE PRODUCED A COOKBOOK OF THEIR RECIPES FOR YOU TO TRY! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TUNQqf1KGDFQFeYlqJQWvL-aHLXGDhNwbcDjaL0HHH0/edit
@REDDAM—The Reddam House High School Newsletter
Volume 21, Issue 27
Friday 10th September 2021
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Running 1-31 August, Red Room Poetry will be releasing a new daily writing prompt created by one of our 30in30 commissioned artists. To view the daily prompt, follow us on Twitter or Facebook or keep an eye on the 30in30 webpage: https://redroompoetry.org/projects/poetrymonth/30in30/?fbclid=IwAR2lvRYR3-niVBalDUI7K-XNNrpzulVPV3Ojqm8RcJ-Z8lcCk1N041nhv2c You’ll have 24 hours to compose a poetic response comprising of no more than three lines (this can be an excerpt from a longer poem). One winner will be selected and contacted each day. One weekly poem will also be selected to feature in our newsletter. Create a Tweet or drop a comment on our daily Facebook post using the #30in30 hashtag before 3 pm AEST the next day (Remember: the clock starts ticking again on the new day's prompt at 3 pm AEST each day, so make sure you get in within 24 hours).
A daily winner will be selected by Red Room Poetry staff, who will get in touch with you via Twitter or Facebook to arrange postage (only within Australia)
Each writer can submit once per day across the month. You're welcome to enter the competition on as many days as you like for the chance to win a book of contemporary poetry daily.
You must have a postage address within Australia to enter, as unfortunately, Red Room cannot post overseas.
Please note that that submissions will not be accepted via email or on social media platforms other than Facebook and Twitter. To use either you must be 13+ years old.
@REDDAM—The Reddam House High School Newsletter
Volume 21, Issue 27
Friday 10th September 2021
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@REDDAM—The Reddam House High School Newsletter
Volume 21, Issue 27
Friday 10th September 2021
Page 10
Art in Paradise 2022! Hamilton Island Art Retreat 8th April – 12th April 2022 Limited Places Available
Hamilton Island Art Retreat is an exclusive Art Retreat which is open to Elective Art students or students who are passionate about art who may not currently study art as an elective subject. Hamilton Island is one of the most magnificent destinations in Australia and Reddam House students are fortunate to be able to have the opportunity to work with the artist in residence and attend a private art lesson in the studio space on the island. The students will be involved in a range of workshops daily at different vantage points around the island such as drawing, watercolour, environmental sculptural and photography. This is an unparalleled experience to be able to create artworks in such a tropical and lush environment. Students will receive their own extensive art kit, full of materials for the trip. Students will stay in beautiful accommodation with full access to the beach and water sports. This is a must do experience for all artists!
For more information, Itinerary and to Sign-up for an experience of a lifetime. contact: laurellen.symonds@reddamhouse.com.au
@REDDAM—The Reddam House High School Newsletter
Volume 21, Issue 27
Friday 10th September 2021
Page 11
@REDDAM—The Reddam House High School Newsletter
Volume 21, Issue 27
Friday 10th September 2021
Page 12