Update from our Faculty

Welcome back to another exciting year of learning and growth at Thomas Reddall High School! The English Faculty is thrilled to kick off 2025 with a range of engaging and challenging projects for our students. Here's a glimpse into what’s been happening across the year groups:

Year 7: Settling in and Embracing Novel Study

Our new Year 7 students have settled into their first year of secondary school wonderfully. They’ve been diving into a novel study, exploring characters, themes, and the broader context of their texts. It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm with which they’ve embraced reading and discussing their novels, developing both their analytical and comprehension skills. We look forward to watching their confidence and abilities grow as they continue to develop their love for literature.

Year 8: Visual Literacy in Picture Books and Film

Year 8 students have been focusing on visual literacy, using picture books and film as key mediums to develop their understanding of how stories are told through images and language. By analysing both the art of storytelling in visual form and the techniques used in film and illustration, students have sharpened their skills in interpreting visual texts. It’s been exciting to see them engage with these materials, thinking critically about the different layers of meaning they convey beyond words alone.

Year 9 and 10: Creative Writing Exploration

Creative writing has been the focal point for our Year 9 and 10 students. These students have been unleashing their imaginations and honing their writing skills through a range of activities that encourage them to craft original stories. Year 9 have been looking at a variety of short stories and Year 10 have focused on the Gothic and Crime Fiction genres. It’s been wonderful to see their creativity shine, as they explore various genres and experiment with narrative techniques. We can’t wait to see where their storytelling journeys will take them in their final creative pieces at the end of the term, we look forward to reading them!

Year 11: A Strong Start to Senior Studies

Year 11 students have made a fantastic start to their senior studies. As they embark on their HSC journey, they are already showing strong commitment and a growing understanding of the complexity of their English courses. With a clear focus on refining their skills in both analytical and creative writing, these students are laying a solid foundation for their upcoming years of study. We are excited to see them develop into confident and capable senior students over the course of the year.

Year 12: Dedication to HSC Studies

Our Year 12 students have truly impressed us with their dedication and determination in the lead-up to the HSC. They are already fully immersed in their final year of studies, with a clear focus on mastering the skills and knowledge required for their exams. Their commitment to excellence in both their classwork and independent study is evident, and we are confident they will achieve great things in their final year. Their hard work and focus are truly inspiring!

It’s been a fantastic start to the year, and we are incredibly proud of all the students for their hard work and enthusiasm in their English studies. Here’s to a year full of growth, creativity, and success!

From the English Faculty at Thomas Reddall High School – Ms Cagulada, Mr Walker, Ms Meyer, and Ms Marzano – we wish everyone a wonderful 2025. Keep reading, writing, and thinking critically!

Mr Humphry

Head Teacher, English Faculty

Hello from the Maths faculty!

Math Club is every Thursday at Break 1 in A15. Students can ask for help with their class work or get extra support for their exams. Some students attend Math Club to complete their work in a quiet space. We have Chromebooks available if required.

The Maths Olympiad will start again for 2025. It is an inter-school competition to challenge and extend our Mathematicians in Years 7 and 8. Our first competition will be on 6 May 2025. If you would like to join, please see Mrs Kaur.

International Day of Mathematics or π (read as Pi) day was on 14 March 2025. We had several competitions including our annual π recital, circle scavenger hunt, colouring-in and hula hoop. We will share pics in the next edition of our newsletter. 

Ms Latu

Head Teacher, Maths Faculty

The HSIE faculty and students have had a busy start to 2025.

We were lucky to host our prospective 2027 students from Ambarvale and Thomas Acres Public Schools.

Students engaged in activities on the physical and built environment. They really enjoyed the final activity where they were asked to make an example from the physical or built environment using Plasticine. They came up with some very creative designs. It was great to see so many of our students acting as excellent leaders and role models on this day.

This semester Years 7 and 9 are studying Geography. Year 7 have been investigating Place and Livability, closely looking at what makes different locations in the world good to live in. Year 9 have been focusing on Sustainable Biomes and how humans interact with them.

Years 8 and 10 are participating in History in Semester 1. Year 8 have delved into the world of Medieval History. Knights, castles and weapons being the favourite areas. Year 10 are learning about Popular Culture in Australia since World War Two. For us adults who were around prior to Google, it's been very interesting to see student reactions to music, clothing, film and the way of life of us oldies!!!

In HSIE we are running four Stage 5 Electives this year.

Psychology has been learning how to run ethical experiments and students had a great time running their own about instant gratification. The marshmallows involved were definitely a big hit!

Commerce has focused on making good financial decisions and the basics of good business.

Elective History has delved into the world of superstition and mystery and designing their own visual representations of the past.

The Stage 5 Aboriginal Studies class have been learning about Aboriginal Identity, roles within Aboriginal communities, the kinship system and the cultural beliefs and values of Aboriginal people. We've also looked at how perceptions and values can be different for different generations due to their personal experiences. Students have also been working toward the creation of their personal Acknowledgement of Country and introducing themselves to foster connections and relationships. 

We've also looked into traditional lifestyles, exploring the tools and weapons that would be used depending on the environment a tribe is located. In this way, students have explored the five key elements of place, customs, people, values and language which influence a person's sense of self and belonging.

The class is making great progress and we're proud of the work they are doing as our inaugural class for this subject at Thomas Reddall High School!

HSIE Stage 6 students are specialising in a variety of areas.

• The Business Studies students are well into their second HSC topic Operations, looking at what is needed to run their own business.
• Ancient History and studying Pompeii and Herculaneum and currently investigating aspects of society to present in their assessment task for the term.
• Modern History have been investigating the USA between World War One and World War Two.
• Legal Studies have been eagerly awaiting their topic this term, Crime. We were lucky enough to have a solicitor from Legal Aid visit the class recently and speak to the students about “Youth and the Law”. A very relevant topic for our students who were extremely engaged and demonstrated the TRED values Thrive and Represent during the presentation. Many students asked questions and the presentation provided them with knowledge and understanding of the law in relation to themselves.

Overall it has been a very busy term in HSIE and we are looking forward to the submission of student assessment tasks in the coming weeks

Ms Jones

Head Teacher, HSIE Faculty

Welcome to the New School Year in Science!

As the new school year begins, we’re excited to explore the world of science with you! Science isn’t just a subject—it’s a way of thinking. It helps us ask questions, solve problems, and understand the world. 

Meet our staff:

We have a dedicated and passionate team of educators in our Science faculty. Our staff include Mrs Alpana Kumar (Head Teacher Science), Ms Emily Osborne, Mr Yuvansh Pillay (Year 10 advisor), Mrs Amanda Skeggs (Head Teacher Secondary Studies). We would like to welcome Mrs Reshmi Lata and Mrs Aman Kaur to the Science team this year!

Year Level Highlights:

Year 7 has had a wonderful start to Science! They’ve been learning how to work safely in the lab and use scientific equipment. They’re also working toward obtaining their bunsen burner licenses. Well done to our budding scientists

Year 8 have been recapping their scientific skills from last year by planning and conducting experiments in the lab.

Year 9 have been exploring materials and identifying elements on the Periodic Table, with lots of chemistry flying around the lab!

Year 10 started the term with the Genetics topic, giving them a chance to explore what makes us unique individuals. There have been lots of opportunities for modeling, and students have also extracted DNA from strawberries and observed DNA under a microscope.

Keep your eyes peeled early in Term 2 as we will be hosting and recruiting for the Macarthur Regional Science and Engineering Challenge! 

Ms Kumar

Head Teacher, Science Faculty

This term in Year 7 students have been studying a unit on Bullying where they have been learning about the influences of power in relationships, different forms of abuse, risky situations and how to cope with them, different types of discrimination, strategies to avoid bullying, exploring values and beliefs towards discrimination and contextual factors that contribute to discrimination and bullying.

In practical lessons students have completed the unit Move with Skill which focused on developing fundamental movement skills through a range of different physical activities and games. They are now participating in an Athletics unit which aims to upskill students in athletic events in the hope this will encourage them to attend and participate in events at our upcoming carnival in Term 2.

Students in Year 8 this term have been studying the Transition and Change unit. Throughout this unit, students will examine the physical, emotional and social changes that occur during puberty and adolescence. Students will also explore and investigate the growing responsibilities that accompany this stage of life and develop strategies to navigate and manage their own personal transition into adolescence, enhancing personal strengths and promoting respectful relationships.

During the first five weeks in practical lessons students have been participating in the Moves Like Jagger dance unit and have just completed their group assessment task. These tasks involved students choosing and learning the steps of a “Just Dance” clip and then performing the dance. There were some outstanding dances, and the students should be proud of their efforts.

Year 9 this term have been studying the unit ‘Who Has the Power” where they have been looking into and learning about identifying who they are in relationships, developing an understanding of the difference between gender, sex, sexuality in relationships, understand the importance of making decisions in all relationships, the importance of having equal and respectful relationships with others, about the different types of power and how it can impact our relationships and learning about what consent looks and sounds like in relationships.

In practical lessons Year 9 have also been learning and practicing their athletic skill across a range of events such as javelin, discus, shot put.

Year 10 this term has been studying the unit “Road Safety”. This is an important topic for most Year 10 students as they look to start the process of getting their driver’s license. In the unit we cover important information about road use of all users and the rights and responsibilities for each user. Students get the opportunity as part of their upcoming assessment task to take the DKT (Driver Knowledge Test).

In practical lessons students have been engaged in a range of different sports including softball/tee-ball and cricket while completing the “Bats and Balls” unit.

Mr Lugg

Head Teacher, PDHPE Faculty

What an exciting start to the school year we have had in TAS and Music!

Year 7 students have made an enthusiastic start in their Technology Mandatory courses. Students will rotate through a variety of focus areas throughout the year in this subject, including Paddock to Plate, Dragsters, Operation Agent X and Code Avengers.

Our Stage 5 and Year 11 Hospitality classes are off to a great start this term, focusing on kitchen safety and hygiene while developing their basic cooking skills. These foundational skills are essential as they begin their hands-on learning in the kitchen.

A reminder that students must have their chef blacks (black polo, black chef hat, black apron) for Stage 5 and their complete chef uniform for Year 11 and 12 Hospitality classes. Having the correct uniform is essential for participation in practical lessons.

Our Year 12 Hospitality students ran T-RED Café in Week 9 showcasing their culinary skills in a real-world setting.

Year 11 Industrial Technology students have been developing their knowledge and skills in using a variety of tools and equipment in the wood workshop. We can’t wait to see all their timber projects as their course progresses. The photos show some students working on the wood lathe to make a handle for their toolbox.

Year 12 Industrial Technology students are continuing to work on their major projects.

Year 11 Music students are immersing themselves in the rich traditions of jazz and blues, honing their instrumental skills while collaborating on group assessment tasks. Recently, a select group of students attended the Conscious NXT music industry taster course at Campbelltown Arts Centre. 

We are proud to announce that three students from the cohort were chosen for an exclusive ten-week program, offering them hands-on experience in music creation, production, and performance. This invaluable opportunity allows them to collaborate with industry professionals and gain insight into the music business.

Don’t forget Music club is on Wednesday afternoons. Please see Mr Norman for more information regarding this.

We’re excited for a busy and rewarding term ahead! We look forward to seeing all of our students’ skills continue to grow throughout the year.

Ms Edwards,

Head Teacher, TAS/MUSIC faculty

Wellbeing and Learning Support Faculty

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Student Wellbeing and Learning Support Hub, a dedicated space designed to support the academic, emotional, and personal growth of our students. At the heart of this initiative is our commitment to providing a holistic approach to student success, helping students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

About ‘The Hub’

We know that the path to academic success isn’t always linear. Challenges can arise—whether it's understanding complex course material, managing stress, or navigating personal challenges. That's why The Hub was created to offer tailored support for each student and their wellbeing needs. 

The Wellbeing and Learning and Support faculties will also be launching scheduled activities and some additional clubs/programs/activities throughout the year with the assistance of our wonderful SRC, so listen out in daily notices. This will provide students with opportunities for engagement, socialising, mindfulness and fun.   

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club has also moved into ‘The Hub’ with a beautiful café style space where students can enjoy a FREE breakfast every day. We know it can be a challenge to get our young people to eat breakfast before they rush off to school.

With help from Foodbank, we are able to provide our students with a nutritious meal to help them feel good, focus and concentrate in class.

Please feel free to encourage your child to come and check out our Breakfast Club each morning. 

Attendance

Education for your child is important and regular attendance at school is essential for your child to achieve their educational best and increase their career and life options. 

During Week 5 the school was involved in an attendance initiative known as the Non-Attendance Interview Program in Schools. The program is run by a team including the Home School Liaison Officer, Aboriginal School Liaison Officer, Head Teacher Wellbeing and Deputy Principal Inclusion and Support. 

The objective is to reduce the number of students who have unexplained absences and seek out how the school can support each student to improve attendance. The team spoke to students whose attendance is of concern. The team intends to raise awareness in the school and home environments of the importance of regular attendance. 

Students with attendance issues will be individually interviewed to discuss any barriers to regular attendance. It will provide the opportunity for students to highlight any problems with their attendance and an opportunity for the school to address any issues.  

If you are having trouble getting your child to school every day or on time, please talk to our Year Advisers so we can work together, because every day counts.  

Please contact the school if you require any additional Wellbeing/Learning and Support assistance. 

Ms Hutchinson

Head Teacher, Wellbeing and Learning Support