Year 8

E-Safety Briefing

At our Year Meeting this week, Year 8 heard from our Dean of Students about the importance of online safety and navigating the digital world responsibly. We spoke about topics including the legal implications of sharing images online, respectful online behaviour, and the potential consequences of actions taken on social media.

A key message from the session was the importance of speaking up if something online does not feel right. Students were reminded that if they encounter concerns on social media, they should seek support from a trusted adult, regardless of whether they are using social media platforms underage. Our priority is always student wellbeing and safety. We want students to know that our role is to support them, help them navigate challenges, and work towards positive outcomes, rather than place blame or criticism.

Year Meeting Band Performance

It was wonderful to have one of our very talented Year 8 bands perform A Thousand Miles at this week’s Year Meeting. Performing in front of peers is a very brave thing to do and we pass one a big congratulations and thank you to Angela, Clara, Fleur, and Sophia.

This performance is part of a broader effort to increase student leadership and involvement in Year Meetings, an idea that has been championed by our Tutor Representative Council. We look forward to providing more opportunities for students to contribute to future Year Meetings for the remainder of the term.

Moonbah

Thank you for your continued support and flexibility as we work through the coordination of Moonbah term preferences. It has been lovely to see the excitement building amongst the students as plans continue to take shape.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Our Youth Mental Health First Aid program has continued this week, with students participating in the second of three sessions. This session focused on practical strategies for supporting peers who may be experiencing mental health challenges and helping students recognise when additional support may be needed.

Importantly, students were reminded that their role is not to act as a therapist or solve a friend’s problems. Instead, the program emphasises the value of being a supportive peer, listening without judgement, and encouraging friends to seek help from trusted adults and appropriate support services. These are valuable skills that help students care for one another while also maintaining healthy boundaries and looking after their own wellbeing.

Miss Meagan Barr
Year 8 Advisor
mbarr@redlands.nsw.edu.au