What's been happening in our Faculties?

English Faculty – Term 3

It has been another busy and productive term in the English faculty, with students across Years 7–12 reading, writing, performing, analysing and, most importantly, developing their own voices as young writers and thinkers.

Our Year 7 students have spent the term exploring poetry and experimenting with language, imagery and poetic forms. After studying a range of poems, students put their learning into practice by composing their own original works. These poems are now being brought together into a published collection of Year 7 poetry, giving our youngest English students the opportunity to see themselves as published writers.

Year 8 has been exploring Aboriginal voices through Plays of Aboriginal People, including Deadly Eh? Students have considered how drama can communicate experiences, perspectives and identity before turning their attention to their own creative work. They have been developing and writing original monologues, applying their understanding of voice, character and dramatic conventions.

Poetry has also been a major focus for Year 9, although through the very different lens of war. Students have examined how poets represent the realities of conflict, including a close study of Wilfred Owen’s powerful Dulce et Decorum Est. Through poetry from different contexts and perspectives, students have considered the gap between romanticised ideas of warfare and the experiences of those who lived through it.

In Year 10, students have been studying S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders. The novel has provided opportunities to explore ideas surrounding belonging, identity, social division, loyalty and growing up. Students have been strengthening their analytical writing skills as they learn to move beyond identifying techniques towards explaining how authors construct meaning.

Across the faculty, we continue to look for ways to make the thinking behind analytical writing more visible to students. One strategy used this term has been hexagonal thinking, where students physically organise and connect key ideas, evidence and concepts before using those relationships to construct paragraphs and develop an essay argument. Activities such as these help students recognise that strong essays begin with making meaningful connections between ideas, rather than simply following a formula.

Our Year 11 students are now approaching the end of their Preliminary courses. English Standard students have been studying Steven Herrick’s verse novel The Simple Gift, exploring ideas of transition, belonging, dignity and human connection. English Advanced students have tackled Shakespeare’s King Lear, engaging with one of his most challenging tragedies and its enduring concerns with power, family, loyalty and human nature. English Studies students have explored Voices of Australia, considering the diverse experiences, perspectives and stories that contribute to Australian identity. We congratulate Year 11 on their work throughout the year as they prepare to make the transition into their HSC courses.

For Year 12, Term 3 represents the culmination of many years of English study. Following the Trial HSC examinations, students have been revising their prescribed texts, refining analytical and creative responses, practising examination techniques and consolidating the skills they will need for the HSC examinations. Their teachers have been working closely with them through feedback, targeted revision and practice responses as they prepare for their final examinations. We congratulate Year 12 on reaching the end of their schooling and wish every student the very best for the HSC and for whatever comes next.

The faculty also participated in our school’s NAIDOC celebrations, with students engaging in classroom activities examining this year’s NAIDOC artwork and considering the ideas, stories and meaning represented within it. These activities provided another opportunity to recognise the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, perspectives and storytelling within English.

A major highlight of the term was Book Week, and the English faculty extends a huge thank you and congratulations to Ms Sarah Cook for her work in organising this year’s celebrations. Book Week gave staff and students an opportunity to celebrate reading, storytelling and some much-loved characters — as well as providing the faculty with an excellent excuse to dress up!

We have also been very pleased to welcome Mr McNeil to the English faculty this term. Mr McNeil has quickly become part of the team, building positive relationships with students and staff and bringing enthusiasm and energy to his classes. We hope he has enjoyed his time with us as much as we have enjoyed having him in the faculty.

Finally, the English faculty would like to congratulate our Head Teacher English, Mr Humphry, who was named Teacher of the Year for the Campbelltown division of the Rotary Clubs of Macarthur this term. The award recognised his contribution to education and was presented at a ceremony attended by schools from across the region. We are incredibly proud to see the work undertaken within our faculty and school community recognised beyond the school gates.

As Term 3 draws to a close, we congratulate all of our students on their efforts and achievements throughout the term. Whether publishing their first poems in Year 7, performing through the voices of characters in Year 8, grappling with war poetry and Shakespeare, analysing novels, or preparing for the HSC, our students continue to demonstrate that English is ultimately about understanding ideas, experiences, perspectives and the power of language to communicate them.

Mr Mathew Humphry

Head Teacher English

Term 3 Newsletter - Maths Faculty

It has been a busy term for the Mathematics Faculty and our students.

• Students from Years 7 to 10 completed a Portfolio for their Term 3 assessment task. They were assessed on their bookwork, reflection and in-class task. Students earned marks for their hard work and commitment in the classroom. 
• The Australian Mathematics Competition was held on Tuesday, 4 August 2026. Sixteen students participated in this year’s competition and the questions were quite challenging. Congratulations to all the students who gave it a go and thank you to Mr Raj for running this competition every year.

• Our Maths Olympiad team (Year 7 and 8 students) has completed the 2026 competition. 

   

Congratulations to the following students:

• Ciara Luhan
• Taonga Tepana
• Yusuf Ghulami
• Aydin Adams
• ‘Osaiasi Hu’akau
• Noah Gonzales
• Eyad Bader
• Mikayla Ford
• Alex Huynh
• Noah Martin
• Luhua Tan
• Kiana Nukunuku
• Mahi Pervez
• Lola Walker-Moschner

             These students will receive their certificates and reward in Term 4. Thank you    

             Mrs Kaur for working with these students.

Our Year 8 students have started working on The Maths Box fortnightly. They are working in groups focused on either Place Value, Fractions, Decimals and Percentages, or Algebra. They have also started using SmarterMaths Online, which has NAPLAN-style questions, and it calculates what band you are working at. Year 8 students can also work on this from home.

Year 11 students has finished their Preliminary Examinations. Students in Mathematics Standard class has received a letter where they can choose their course for Year 12, either Mathematics Standard 1 or Mathematics Standard 2. Remember that Mathematics Standard 1 is easier than Standard 2 and the HSC exam is optional. The survey needs to be completed by the end of Term 4 Week 3 as classes will commence in Week 5.

This is the last term with our current Year 12 students. We wish them all the best for their HSC exams and future endeavours. Ms Yaqub from the Maths Faculty will definitely miss you as Year Advisor. Thank you, Ms Yaqub, for your dedication and effort in supporting your year group. We appreciate you.

Quicksmart

The students in our Year 8 QuickSmart Numeracy Program have continued to thrive this term. Many of the students have achieved automaticity in addition, subtraction and multiplication and are now focusing on division. Special shout out to Lachlan P & Makenzie S who have also achieved automaticity in division. Students have been working on their problem-solving skills using the CUBES Strategy, which will continue to be the focus for Term 4.

Students were rewarded with a BBQ at the end of last term and an afternoon tea of Subway Cookies and flavoured milk in Week 8 this term, to celebrate their hard work & success. Keep up the excellent work!

Mrs Kim McCarthy

QuickSmart Coordinator

Our Year 7 German students have been busy developing their German vocabulary and confidence as they explore a range of fun and practical topics. 

Students have recently been learning die Körperteile (body parts), building their vocabulary by identifying parts of the body such as der Kopf (head), die Augen (eyes), die Nase (nose), der Mund (mouth), die Hände (hands) and die Füße (feet). To help bring their learning to life, students have been learning and singing the German version of “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”, giving them a fun way to practise both vocabulary and pronunciation. 

The class has also been exploring clothing and colours, learning how to describe what people are wearing using German vocabulary. Students have been practising words for items of clothing such as das T-Shirt, die Hose (pants) and die Schuhe (shoes), as well as colours including rot (red), blau (blue), grün (green) and gelb (yellow). 

As they continue to build their vocabulary, students are now beginning to explore the topic of transport (Verkehrsmittel). They are learning the names of different forms of transport and beginning to use simple German phrases to talk about how they travel. 

It has been fantastic to see our Year 7 students embracing German and developing their language skills through songs, games, speaking activities and practical vocabulary. We look forward to seeing where their German journey takes them next! 

Year 7 History students have made a fantastic start to their History journey this term! They began by developing essential historical skills, learning how to create and interpret timelines, understand centuries and use different categories of historical and archaeological sources to investigate the past. 

Students have now travelled back in time to explore the fascinating world of Ancient Egypt. They have been learning about important aspects of Egyptian society, including the significance of the Nile River, the social structure and hierarchy of Egyptian society, and fascinating religious rituals such as the Weighing of the Heart ceremony, which was believed to determine whether a person would enter the afterlife. 

To bring their learning to life, students have also had the opportunity to become ancient scribes! They have been learning about hieroglyphics and using Egyptian symbols to write their own names and messages to one another. It has been wonderful to see students engaging with the past in such a creative and hands-on way! 

Year 8 students have begun their Geography studies by exploring the importance of water in our world. Students have been investigating how water is used in our everyday lives and why access to safe and reliable water is essential for people, communities and the environment. 

Students have also been examining access to water in different countries, comparing how geographical location, resources and development can influence people's access to this vital resource. They have explored the concept of water scarcity, including its causes and impacts on communities, economies and the environment, before considering different ways water scarcity can be managed sustainably. 

As they have moved into the study of hydrological hazards, including floods, droughts, and more severe hazards such as Tsunamis, students have taken on the role of town planners. They have been challenged to consider how communities can prepare for, manage and overcome the impacts of these hazards when they occur. Through this hands-on activity, students are applying their geographical knowledge to develop practical solutions that can help make communities safer, more resilient and sustainable. 

It has been fantastic to see Year 8 developing their geographical thinking and considering how the decisions we make about water can have significant impacts on people and places. 

Year 9 students have been busy exploring the events and ideas that helped shape the modern world. They began by investigating the Making of the Modern World, including the Industrial Revolution and the significant changes it brought to societies around the world. Students explored why the Industrial Revolution encouraged people to migrate, as well as examining the American Revolution and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, considering the experiences and impacts of these major historical developments. 

Students then turned their attention to Making a Nation in Australia, developing their understanding of Australia's democratic system and how our government operates. They explored the events surrounding Federation, including why the Australian colonies chose to unite and the impacts this had on the newly formed nation. Students also examined the White Australia Policy, considering its significance and the experiences of different groups within Australian society. 

Year 9 have now moved into their study of World War I, investigating its major causes and Australia's involvement in the conflict. Students have been learning about the experiences of Australian soldiers, including the realities of battles and trench warfare, and developing an understanding of the significant impact the war had on Australia and its people. 

It has been wonderful to see Year 9 engaging with a broad range of historical perspectives and developing their ability to understand how significant events from the past have shaped the world and Australia we know today. 

Year 10 Geography students have been exploring the important topic of Environmental Change and Management, developing their understanding of the relationship between people and the environments in which we live. 

Students have been investigating the many ways that humans change the environment, including through urbanisation, agriculture, resource use, land clearing and other human activities. They have considered both the positive and negative impacts of these changes and explored the challenges involved in balancing human needs with environmental sustainability. 

A key focus of the topic has been climate change, with students examining its causes, impacts and the ways it is affecting environments and communities around the world. Students have considered a range of environmental, social and economic impacts and have explored how individuals, communities and governments can work together to manage climate change and reduce its effects. 

Through their learning, students are developing their ability to think critically about environmental issues and consider practical strategies for creating a more sustainable future. It has been fantastic to see students engage with these important contemporary issues and recognise the role that they can play in caring for and managing our environment. 

Psychology students have been exploring the fascinating and often thought-provoking concepts of normality and abnormality. Students have examined what it means for behaviour to be considered ‘normal’ and how these definitions can vary significantly across different cultures, societies and historical periods. 

Students have also investigated the range of factors that can influence human behaviour, considering how our environment, experiences and social expectations can shape the way people think and behave. Through discussion and examination of real-world examples, students have had the opportunity to challenge common stereotypes and assumptions surrounding abnormal behaviour. 

As part of their learning, students have explored how attitudes towards abnormality have changed and developed over time, providing insight into the ways psychological understandings are influenced by changing social values, knowledge and perspectives. 

It has been interesting to see students engaging thoughtfully with these complex ideas and developing their ability to question assumptions, consider different perspectives and apply psychological concepts to the world around them. 

Our Commerce students have been exploring the topic of Running a Business, developing their understanding of what is involved in establishing, managing and maintaining a successful business. Students have investigated the skills and qualities of successful entrepreneurs, considering how planning, decision-making, communication, organisation and financial management can contribute to business success.

Students have also explored the different options for starting a business, conducting research into the three key pathways available to entrepreneurs. They have examined the advantages and disadvantages of each option and considered the factors that can contribute to a business being successful or experiencing failure. Students have also developed their understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements that businesses need to consider when starting up and operating.

An important part of the topic has been developing students' financial literacy and money management skills. Students have learnt how to prepare, read and interpret important financial records, including income statements, cash flow statements and balance sheets. These skills have provided students with a practical understanding of how businesses monitor their financial position and make informed decisions.

As students approach the end of the term, they are now preparing for their final Commerce examination in Week 10. They are revising key concepts, consolidating their understanding and practising applying their knowledge to different business situations.

It has been fantastic to see students develop their understanding of the practical skills and knowledge required to run a business and apply their learning to real-world commercial situations.

Year 11  

Modern History students have been immersing themselves in an in-depth study of World War I, exploring the major events, causes and experiences that shaped this significant period in modern history. Students have examined the conflict from a range of perspectives, developing their understanding of the experiences of soldiers and civilians and the broader political, social and economic impacts of the war. 

Alongside their historical studies, students have been working hard to prepare for and complete their Preliminary examinations. This has provided students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and historical skills under examination conditions, while developing their ability to analyse sources, construct well-supported historical arguments and respond effectively to a range of examination questions. 

It has been wonderful to see the dedication and growing confidence of our Modern History students as they continue to develop the skills and knowledge needed for success in their senior studies. 

Ancient History students have been exploring the fascinating features of ancient societies, developing their understanding of how people lived, worked and interacted in the ancient world. Students have investigated the role and experiences of women in Ancient Greece and Rome, considering the different expectations, opportunities and limitations placed upon women within these societies. 

Students have also explored death and funerary customs in Ancient Egypt, investigating Egyptian beliefs about death and the afterlife and the rituals and practices that were used to prepare individuals for their journey into the next life. Through examining ancient sources and evidence, students have developed their ability to understand how historians reconstruct and interpret the past. 

As part of their Preliminary examinations, students have been consolidating their learning and revisiting key historical concepts, content and sources from across the course. They have worked to strengthen their ability to recall important evidence, respond to historical questions and demonstrate their understanding of the ancient world. Completing their examinations has been an important milestone in their senior History studies and an opportunity to reflect on the progress they have made throughout the course.  

It has been wonderful to see our Ancient History students engaging with the complexities of the ancient world while continuing to build the knowledge, confidence and skills needed for success in their senior studies. 

Legal Studies students have been working hard as they continue to develop their understanding of the Australian legal system. Students have recently been finishing the Individual and the Law topic, consolidating their knowledge of legal rights, responsibilities and the ways in which the law impacts individuals and society. 

Students have now begun exploring Law in Practice, where they are moving beyond learning legal concepts and beginning to apply their knowledge to real-world legal issues and situations. This topic provides students with opportunities to examine how laws operate in practice and to consider the effectiveness of the legal system in responding to contemporary issues. 

As the Preliminary examinations approach, students are also focusing on exam preparation and revision. They are revisiting key concepts, practising responding to different question types and developing the skills needed to construct well-supported legal responses. Particular attention is being given to using relevant legal terminology, applying examples and evidence, and structuring responses effectively. 

It has been fantastic to see students developing greater confidence in analysing legal issues and applying their knowledge. Their continued effort and preparation will be an important foundation as they work towards successfully completing their Preliminary examinations and continuing their Legal Studies journey.

Our Business Studies students have been working through the Business Planning topic, developing their understanding of the processes and decisions involved in establishing and managing a successful business. Students began the topic by exploring Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Australia, considering their importance and the role they play within the Australian economy.

Students then examined the business planning process, focusing on four key areas of business operations: operations, marketing, finance and human resources. Through each of these areas, students developed an understanding of how different aspects of a business work together and how effective planning can contribute to business success.

A particular focus was placed on financial planning and management. Students explored important financial concepts including budgeting and forecasting, completed break-even analyses, and developed their ability to read and interpret a range of financial documents. These skills allowed students to consider how businesses can use financial information to make informed decisions and plan for the future.

The final component of the topic focused on critical issues in business success and failure. Students analysed a range of business case studies, examining the factors that contributed to the success or failure of different businesses. This provided students with opportunities to apply their knowledge, analyse real-world situations and consider the complex factors that influence business performance.

Students have recently completed their Final Preliminary Examination and will receive their results shortly. This examination provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and understanding they have developed throughout their Preliminary Business Studies course.

It has been fantastic to see students engage with the practical and analytical aspects of Business Studies and develop a deeper understanding of the decisions and challenges involved in running a successful business. 

HSC students 

To our Year 12 HSIE students, congratulations on reaching the end of your classes and thank you for choosing to study with us. We have loved being part of your journey and watching you grow throughout your senior years. As you head into your HSC exams, trust in the work you have done, believe in yourself and give it your best. 

As Nelson Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” 

From all of us in HSIE, we wish you every success in your HSC exams and, more importantly, in whatever comes next. Be proud of how far you have come, and excited about where you want to go! 

Ms Rebekah Pearson

HSIE Teacher

Science Faculty Newsletter 

Biology Excursion

Year 11 Biology started Term 3 by attending the Biological Diversity Study Day at the Mount Annan Botanic Gardens. Student were able to apply their understanding of evolution in several field work scenarios, although the highlight was by far the visit of several furry and scaly friends from Taronga Zoo. 

National Science Week is a time to explore and celebrate the role that science plays in our lives. This year, the theme was Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All. Students in our Stage 4 and 5 classes explored what this them looked like by creating their own crystals, planting and growing their own plants and completing some alien themed forensic chemistry. We hope our students enjoyed these activities and that the seeds of curiosity will continue to grow in them as they progress through high school and into the world. 

Year 7 have been learning all about living things in their Cells and Classification topic. This culminated in the students researching an organism and turning their findings into a physical or digital picture book. We had some very creative and well-designed submissions!

Year 8 started the term by submitting their 3D cell models which showed off their skills in representing biological structures. They have then spent the rest of term learning all about mixtures and how to separate them. 

Year 9 are learning about materials which is a Chemistry topic. They completed their Depth Studies Task on the Extraction of Copper from its ore.

Year 10 have also been learning about Chemistry this term, focusing on the different types of chemical reactions. They have had many opportunities to practically apply their theoretical knowledge to see how different substances interact. 

All our students are encouraged to continue to work hard in class and at home to ensure that they are prepared for the upcoming Yearly Examinations in Term 4. 

Mrs Alpana Kumar

Head Teacher Science

It has been another busy term in the PDHPE faculty, with students diving straight back into learning and building the knowledge and practical skills to help them positively influence their own and others' safety, health and wellbeing. 

STAGE 4 

Year 7 PDHPE: Staying Safe 

This term in PDHPE, Year 7 students have been building essential life skills through a 'Staying Safe' unit, exploring first aid and developing the knowledge and practical skills needed to recognise risks, respond to emergencies and make safe decisions in everyday life. In their practical lessons, students have been developing their fundamental movement skills, object control and tactical team skills across a range of fast-paced sports including Oztag and netball as part of an Invasion Games unit. 

Year 8 PDHPE: Healthy Habits Here on Out! 

Year 8 students have spent their Term 3 PDHPE theory lessons learning about the interconnected dimensions and dynamic nature of health, the factors and barriers that can influence their participation in physical activity, and how engaging in regular physical activity can support their overall physical, social and mental wellbeing. This unit aimed to equip students with the knowledge and skills for establishing healthy habits now, and well into their futures. Students engaged in a hands-on fitness testing lesson assessing different health- and skill-related fitness components, as well as putting these into practice on the court in a 'Through the Net — Hoop Sports' practical unit. 

STAGE 5 

Year 9 PDHPE: Who Am I? 

A key focus for Year 9 students this term was investigating the factors that shape their identity and influence how they perceive themselves and others, with a critical examination of gender stereotypes and media representation. Through class discussions, individual reflection and collaborative activities, students strengthened their understanding of empathy, inclusion, resilience and respectful relationships, finishing the unit with a deeper appreciation for diversity, practical skills for building positive relationships, and their own reflections on the question, Who Am I? In the practical space, students developed core fielding skills and key tactical concepts across a variety of field games. 

Year 10 PDHPE: This Next Chapter 

Our Year 10 students explored the challenges and opportunities of adolescence and future life transitions in their 'This Next Chapter' unit. Lessons focused on equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate one of the many milestones of adolescence — getting their first part-time job — as they move from being dependent children to independent young adults, completing a 'Preparing for Employment' assessment task in which students prepared their own CVs/resumes. On the practical side, students thoroughly enjoyed taking to the court and shooting hoops in their 'Hoop Sports' practical unit. 

Stage 5 PASS Elective 

Students completing the Physical Activity and Sports Studies elective have delved deep into a Nutrition and Physical Activity unit, examining the importance of nutrition and the components of physical activity and their impact on performance. Students applied their knowledge practically throughout the term, engaging in a hands-on fitness testing session assessing different components of health- and skill-related fitness.

STAGE 6 

Community and Family Studies (CAFS) 

Year 11 Community and Family Studies students completed their final core module, Individuals and Groups, exploring how and why people gather in communities, the dynamics within these groups, and how leadership and conflict are managed. Students continued to refine their writing skills as they prepared to finish the preliminary course strong, demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of the content in their Week 9 Preliminary Exam. 

Human Movement Sciences (HMS) 

Our Year 11 Human Movement Science students completed their depth studies, a collaborative investigation into their second Focus Area: Body and Mind in Motion. This focus area gave students the opportunity to investigate how body systems influence and respond to movement, understand the interrelationships between these systems for efficient movement, and develop an understanding of the role energy systems and training methods play in how the body physiologically adapts to training. 

Sports Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) 

Within Sports Lifestyle and Recreation Studies, Year 11 students engaged in a theoretical unit on Outdoor Recreation and participated in a variety of Aussie sports in the practical space. Our Year 12 SLR students finished the course strong, immersed in a coaching unit, demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of coaching principles by completing an assessment task that required them to design and deliver their own coaching session. We wish our Year 12 SLR students all the very best in their future endeavours! 

Year 11 Life Ready: bstreetsmart — Big Lessons Beyond the Classroom 

In Week 4, students from the Year 11 cohort had the privilege of attending bstreetsmart — Australia's leading youth road safety event, designed to educate and empower young drivers to make safer choices on the road. Through live crash re-enactments, powerful real-life stories from crash survivors and first responders, and interactive exhibits, bstreetsmart gave our students a raw and engaging look at the consequences of risky driving behaviours. A big thank you to Kylie Adamson, who organises this experience for our Year 11 students each year as part of their Stage 6 Life Ready course. Experiences like these play a vital role in preparing our senior students for independent adult life as they step into the world beyond school, delivering real-world learning around personal health, safety, wellbeing, and decision-making in a way no textbook can replicate. 

As always, stay safe, happy, healthy and active! 

TAS/MUSIC Faculty Newsletter Term 3 2026 

It has been an incredibly busy, productive and exciting term in the TAS and Music Faculty, with students and staff embracing a wide range of learning experiences, practical challenges and exciting opportunities. From catering for special events and completing major projects, to work placements, performances and creative classroom activities, our students have continued to demonstrate commitment, creativity and a willingness to learn.

A significant milestone was reached this term as our Year 12 Industrial Technology and Music students submitted their major works and completed their final performances and assessments. These projects represent many months of planning, designing, creating, rehearsing and refining, and are a wonderful reflection of the dedication and perseverance of our senior students.

Our classrooms will certainly be a little quieter without our Year 12 students, and we are incredibly proud of what they have achieved. We wish them every success as they prepare for their upcoming HSC examinations and take the next exciting steps in their journeys beyond school.

Our Year 9 and 10 Child Studies students have been putting their knowledge and practical skills into action through their Allergy-Friendly Birthday Party assessment task.

Students were challenged to plan and create a fun, inclusive birthday celebration that was safe for children living with food allergies. They researched appropriate food choices and considered important aspects of food safety, hygiene and cross-contamination before preparing a range of allergy-friendly party foods.

It was fantastic to see students working collaboratively, getting hands-on and thinking creatively to design a celebration where everyone could join in and feel included. The activity provided a wonderful opportunity for students to apply their classroom learning to a realistic and meaningful situation.

Our Hospitality and Food Technology students recently showcased their skills at the Taste of Christmas Catering Event, where they catered for an impressive 200 guests. Stage 5 Food Technology and Year 11 Hospitality students began with a full day of preparation, creating desserts and preparing vegetables for the evening event. Their hard work continued throughout the evening as they assisted with final food preparation and service.

Throughout the event, students demonstrated excellent teamwork, organisation, communication and professionalism. They approached every task with a positive attitude and worked together to ensure the evening was a success.

We are incredibly proud of every student involved. They represented themselves, their school and the TAS Faculty beautifully and should be congratulated on their outstanding effort and dedication.

Our Year 11 Hospitality 2 students have recently taken their classroom learning into the real world, completing their 35 hour Preliminary Work Placement across a range of hospitality venues throughout the Macarthur region.

Work placement provides students with a valuable opportunity to gain authentic, hands-on experience within the hospitality industry. Students have developed their skills and confidence while experiencing the many different aspects of working in a professional hospitality environment.

From assisting with food preparation and customer service to observing the day-to-day operations of hospitality businesses, students have gained valuable insight into the industry and the expectations of the workplace.

Work placement is an important and mandatory component of the Hospitality course. It allows students to apply their classroom knowledge while developing essential employability skills including communication, teamwork, time management, responsibility and workplace safety.

A huge thank you to the many hospitality businesses across the Macarthur region who welcomed our students and supported their learning and development. Your contribution provides our students with experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

Hills Music students have been getting creative with an exciting class composition project using MuseScore and a collection of dice to randomise different elements of their music. Students have allowed the roll of the dice to determine everything from the number of sections and bars in their composition to the time and key signatures, tempo, number and type of instruments, notes and note lengths.

The activity has been met with great enthusiasm, with students eagerly waiting for their turn to roll the ten-sided, eight-sided and six-sided dice. The random element has encouraged students to experiment with composition structures and combinations of instrumentation that they may not normally choose.

The resulting combinations have certainly been creative – including instruments such as piccolo flute, tambourine, timpani, alto saxophone, harpsichord and double bass!

It has been fantastic to see students embracing the unpredictability of the activity, experimenting with new musical ideas and discovering that sometimes the most interesting compositions can come from the most unexpected combinations.

Select Music students had the exciting opportunity to attend The Push Music Careers Expo at the Oxford Art Factory at the end of last term, where they explored potential pathways into the music industry and heard directly from industry professionals. Experiences such as these provide students with valuable insights into the many career opportunities available within the creative industries.

Meanwhile, our Year 8 Music students have been developing their ukulele skills and showcased their learning through a performance at the Semester 1 Formal Assembly. It was fantastic to see them share their hard work and musical talents with the school community.

As Term 3 comes to a close, we would like to congratulate all of our students on their achievements and thank them for the enthusiasm, creativity and commitment they have demonstrated throughout the term.

From the workshop to the kitchen, from the classroom to the workplace, and from the rehearsal room to the stage, our students have continued to learn by doing, challenge themselves and develop skills for the future.

I would also like to thank our dedicated TAS and Music staff for the time, energy and passion they invest in creating meaningful learning experiences for our students.

What a term it has been! We look forward to another exciting term of learning, creating, performing and achieving together.

Mrs Cherie Edwards

Head Teacher TAS and Music

Wellbeing and Learning Support Faculty  

T-RED Day – Celebrating Our School Community! 

We are incredibly excited for T-RED Day on Thursday of Week 10! This is one of the highlights of our school calendar and a fantastic opportunity for students to come together, celebrate our diverse school community and finish the term on a high. 

Students will enjoy a day packed with workshops, an assembly and our much-anticipated festival. The festival will feature food, cultural activities, stalls and entertainment, giving students the chance to share in the many cultures, talents and experiences that make Thomas Reddall such a special school. 

We look forward to seeing our students embrace the day, celebrate one another and make T-RED Day 2026 a memorable experience for our entire school community! 

It is a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate the many cultures and talents in our school while demonstrating our T-RED values: Thrive, Represent, Excel and Deliver. 

Supporting Student Wellbeing 

The Hub remains open during breaks for students to connect, play board games, use a Chromebook or access support. Breakfast Club continues to be available to all students, with toasties also available during breaks. 

Students can complete a self-referral form in The Hub to access support from our Wellbeing Staff, Student Support Officer, Learning and Support Teachers or Mission Australia. 

Term 3 Programs  

• Year 7: Bullying awareness and a Legal Aid visit focused on safe choices online and in the community. 
• Year 8: Learning about vaping, healthy choices and staying safe online and in the community. 
• Year 9: Completion of the DAIR Program with Youth Solutions, exploring drugs, alcohol, resilience and positive choices. 
• Year 10: Legal Aid work readiness sessions and study skills. 
• Mission Australia and Street Uni: Continued individual and small-group support for students. 
• RIOT lessons: Whole-school learning focused on resilience, wellbeing, emotions and positive choices. 
• MacqLit: Selected Year 7 students have continued building their reading skills and confidence through targeted literacy support. 

Celebrating Our School Community 

This term, students have participated in Bullying No Way Week, our Colour Run and Principal Sliming, Wear It Purple Day and R U OK? Day. These events have provided opportunities to promote positive mental health, inclusion and connection. 

Mrs Rachael Hutchinson

Head Teacher Wellbeing/Learning Support