Year 9

Performing for our Peers

Last week, we had a special treat in our Year Assembly with talented musicians Ina Guan, Mackenzie Willis and Grace Walker-Barker performing for the cohort to liven up our Friday!

Ina opened the assembly, expertly playing Sails by Claude Debussy. Students loved the change of a musical interlude to accompany their entrance to assembly. After a few announcements, Mackenzie then wowed the group with his great range, singing an Italian operatic piece by Alessandro Scarlatti, Toglietemi La Vita Ancor. Despite his requests that anyone who knew the words was welcome to sing along with him, unfortunately there were no takers! And to close off our assembly, virtuoso Grace continued the Debussy theme, offering a beautiful rendition of Prelude from Suite Bergamasque.

It was wonderful that these three students were happy to share their passions with the cohort and demonstrate their brilliant skills in these pursuits. Next term, I look forward to showcasing more musical, dramatic and other artistic passions from our cohort, so we can learn a bit more about each other and celebrate each other’s successes. Please encourage your children to reach out to me if they would like to perform in one of our Year Assemblies.

Teen Mental Health First Aid

On Wednesday, Yr 9 continued with their progression through the Teen Mental Health First Aid course. After one more session next week, students will be certified Teen Mental Health First Aiders – which is quite an achievement!

This week, students covered some important and confronting topics regarding how to help a friend who is in a situation of crisis. Students were taught the following key steps – they should:

  • LOOK for warning signs
  • ASK how they are
  • LISTEN up
  • HELP them connect with an adult
  • YOUR FRIENDship is important

Thank you again to our counsellor Alessandro, who is taking the entire cohort through this important process of learning.

Apps to Maintain Student Wellbeing

As we come closer to the end of a busy term – one loaded with increasingly challenging assessments – it is important for students to reflect on their progress and consider how they were able to manage pressure and stress during peak work times. While online apps, particularly when accessed by phones, can be a polarising space, there are some really valuable resources for helping our students support their mental health and wellbeing. If you are interested in finding out more, please visit studyworkgrow for information on seven valuable mental wellbeing apps.

Reminder – the Balmoral Swim is this Weekend!

Enjoy swimming? Looking for a way to engage in some meaningful service in support of a good cause, raising funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute? Then consider joining team Redlands for the Balmoral swim on Sunday 6 April. See the graphic below for further details and email Ms Riley if you have further questions.

Term 1 Key Dates and Upcoming Events:

  • Battle of the Bands – Week 11: Monday 7 April
  • Year 9 Mental Health First Aid Session 3 – Week 11: Tuesday 8 April
  • Term 1 Ends – Week 11: Friday 11 April

Mr Jimmy Tod-Hill
Year 9 Advisor
jtodhill@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6462