What's been happening in our Faculties?
It has been a positive start to the year in the English faculty, and I would like to warmly welcome several new members of our team: Mrs Cunningham, Miss Rahardja, and our new Teacher Librarian, Ms Cook. They have already made a wonderful contribution to the learning environment of our students, and we are very pleased to have them as part of our school community and my faculty. Returning teacher Ms Meyer is also here working with our debating team after school on Mondays!
Students across all year groups have settled well into their studies and are engaging with a wide range of texts and learning experiences. Year 7 students have begun the year reading class novels, settling into reading and writing daily in class, building their confidence with sustained reading aloud and developing their comprehension and discussion skills.
In Year 8, students are exploring visual literacy, learning how images communicate meaning through elements such as colour, composition, symbolism, and perspective, looking at short films and picture books.
Year 9 students have been focusing on narrative writing and have produced some excellent short stories, demonstrating creativity, imagination, and a growing understanding of narrative techniques, their great ideas and unique insights also make marking and giving feedback a really entertaining process for the faculty!
Meanwhile, Year 10 students are studying Gothic fiction, analysing how writers create suspense, atmosphere, and tension through language and setting, and have been implanting such ideas into their own writings.
Our Year 11 students have made a strong transition into senior English study. They are approaching the greater independence and analytical thinking required in Stage 6 with maturity and enthusiasm.
In Year 12 English Studies, students are currently exploring the unit “We Are Australian,” examining a range of Australian texts from across different time periods. Through poetry, speeches, media, and other texts, students are developing a deeper understanding of Australia’s diverse voices, histories, and cultural identity.
I am very proud of the dedication and collaborative spirit within our English faculty here at Thomas Reddall. Together with our parents and carers we are constantly striving to see growth in our students’ abilities and celebrate that growth together. Looking forward to another great year!
Mr Matthew Humphry
Head Teacher English
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all our students and families to the Thomas Reddall High School community for 2026.
All students have settled into a routine with their classes. The Maths faculty has classroom entry and exit routines, which are as follows.
Years 8 to 12 have all completed their Term 1 assessment tasks. Year 7 will sit for their first assessment task in Mathematics next term.
Year 7 students are reminded to give their calculators to their Math teachers. Teachers will then label the calculators and students will use their own calculators in class. Other students are encouraged to buy their own calculators because the resources at school are limited.
The Maths faculty celebrated International Day of Mathematics and 𝜋 (pronounced “pi”) day on Friday 13th of March 2026. The theme for this year is “Mathematics and Hope”.
All the faculties of Thomas Reddall High School helped to celebrate this day by teaching a Do Now lesson on numeracy in period 1.
- Ms Meyer’s 8S English class had a Times Table competition, with Ms Meyer impressively beating her class by 30 seconds.
- Ms Osborne’s 7Y Science class explored measurement.
- Mrs Edwards and Ms Sakopo’s Stage 5 Food Technology applied CUBES to problem-solving strategies to recipes.
- Mrs McCarthy’s Year 9 and 10 PASS class worked on an activity about Numbers in the Human Body.
We held our annual 𝜋 recital, and the winner was Corbin Williams in Year 9. He broke his own record by reciting 314 digits of Pi. Note the number of digits that he recited (𝜋 = 3.14…).
Second place went to Vanessa Nadjovski in Year 12, who has entered this competition every year since Year 7.
During Break 2, we ran a Times Tables challenge for all year groups. Four teams entered, and the winner was Ms Meyer and her Year 7 English class. Ms Meyer is definitely the Times Tables champion at T-Red.
We also had a colouring-in competition, where the winners are as follows:
- First place - Seine Sakaio
- Second place - Christina Tumanuvao
- Third place - Jamie Sullivan
Thank you to all the faculties and students who participated in these activities #idm.
Reminder that Year 7 to 10 will have their Examination earlier in Term 2. Students are reminded to attend Math Club on Thursday at break 1 in A15 or Homework Centre on Wednesday afternoons with Ms Osborne to get help with their mathematics work.
Math Olympiad for Years 7 and 8 students will start in Term 2. Competition one will be on Wednesday 6th of May 2026. If your child is a high-achieving student in Mathematics and they want to join, please see Mrs Kaur from the Maths faculty.
Year 7 have had a great start to their high school HSIE studies and they have been busy learning about Landscapes and Landforms in term one. This has been the start of a new program with lots of new and exciting ways to learn. Students have been looking at the different geomorphic processes that help to form and shape our landscapes and create landforms. Year 7 have been able to see these processes of weathering, erosion and deposition firsthand with some different experiments to help deepen their understanding. The classes had a great time and really demonstrated their knowledge when recording the data from experiments and discussing results.
Along with new ways to learn, we have also been trying out some fun new ways to assess student learning this term. Students have gone back to hands on learning and been using playdoh in class to demonstrate their knowledge of different landforms. Year 7 thoroughly enjoyed going back to hands on learning and everyone had lots of fun completing this lesson.
This term for History, year 8 has been studying Medieval Europe. They have shown a great understanding of the Feudal System and social structure of the time, along with a big interest in the punishments people faced for their crimes. 8K created their own version of snakes and ladders using crimes and punishments as snakes, and rewards such as land offerings for their ladders. They had a great time creating these games and were able to demonstrate a deep knowledge of this topic.
8S displayed excellent creativity and knowledge of the feudal system in the creation of posters to demonstrate the social hierarchy in Medieval Europe. Great work year 8!
Year 9 are also doing geography this term and have been learning about the different biomes of the world and how humans interact with and change these biomes through their different activities. Students have been shocked by the impacts they have found humans have on our natural world, and the drastic consequences these can have for our future. In contrast to this, they have been learning about the different ways in which we are able to help maintain sustainability in our earth’s biomes, and how the improvements and consistent developments in technology are playing vital roles in maintaining resource production.
9A formed planning committees to decide which aspect of biomes is the most important to prioritise when it comes to protecting biomes. Across all teams they decided the most important values to prioritise were food production, clean air and natural disaster protection – all excellent ideas that give us faith our future is in good hands!
Year 12 Ancient History have also been able to get into the fun of hands on learning and new ways of assessing learning. They are studying the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum which were destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79AD. This term, Ms Walsh's Ancient History class took a leap back in time to see what life was like in the forum of Pompeii prior to the eruption. Their tour guide the Priestess Eumachia (Ms Walsh) led them through a series of challenges including creating offerings to the gods, translating Latin grocery prices and transcribing graffiti.
In another lesson, students completed a research task on housing and had an opportunity to recreate a Roman house. They demonstrated their excellent historical and architectural skills when building with Lego to create some fabulous houses. In between the building, year 12 took a break to sample some delicious figs which were a favourite food among the Ancient Romans. The students all thoroughly enjoyed this task and taking a break from the heavy theory components of Ancient History. Well done year 12, maybe we’ll be coming to you to build some houses in the future.
Year 11 Biology have started exploring cellular structures and processes through their work on Module 1: Cells as the Basis of Life. They have used the microscope, planned and conducted experiments relating to surface area, diffusion & osmosis and enzymes. They also let their creativity flow by constructing models of the cell membrane which you can see below. A reminder that the first assessment task is due April 29th Term 2, Week 2.
Year 7 & 9 have started with the new syllabus this year. Year 7 have been learning the process of Science in their Observing the Universe topic, whilst Year 9 have been exploring efficiency and electricity in the Energy topic. Both groups completed their first assessment task towards the end of Term 1 and we are proud of the efforts they have put in.
Year 8 has also been building their skills in planning and conducting first-hand investigations, as well as learning about the different forms of energy. Some students have explored electrical energy by building their own operational circuit. Their first assessment task early next term will require them to apply these skills.
Year 10 have just completed the Genetics topic, where they have explored DNA structure and patterns of inheritance. We have had some excellent discussions regarding the ethical use of biotechnologies and are looking forward to seeing their DNA models and research for their first assessment task on April 30th (Week 2, Term 2).
Year 7: Bullying Awareness & Athletics
Year 7 students have recently completed an insightful assessment creating online bullying awareness pamphlets. This task helped them understand the impact of bullying and promote respectful relationships. In practical lessons, they have been developing movement skills through our Athletics unit, preparing for the upcoming Carnival next term.
Year 8: Navigating Change & Aussie Sports
This term, Year 8 have explored “Changing Seasons,” focusing on managing transitions and adapting to change, a vital life skill. Their practical sessions have featured a “Moves Like Jagger” dance assessment and participation in Aussie Sports, promoting teamwork and physical fitness.
Year 9: Healthy Living & Invasion Games
Year 9 students are studying “A Healthy Life,” which emphasises lifestyle choices for wellbeing. They are also engaged in Invasion Games practicals and have been tasked with designing their own invasion game, fostering creativity alongside strategic thinking. Additionally, some Year 9 students took up the opportunity to participate in a Surf Awareness Course at Sandon Point. This experience equipped them with essential skills and knowledge for staying safe at the beach while encouraging active participation in aquatic environments. It was a fantastic way to combine health education with outdoor learning.
Year 10: Road Safety & Striking Games
Road safety has been a key focus for Year 10, with students preparing for the Practice L’s exam, a critical step in developing safe driving habits. Practically, they have been honing skills in bat and ball games, particularly hitting techniques, combining physical coordination with safety awareness.
PASS Elective: Body Systems & World Games
Our PASS students have delved into “Body Systems & Energy for Physical Activity,” completing a comprehensive Body Systems exam. Practical sessions have included World Games, offering diverse physical challenges that enhance their understanding of fitness and teamwork.
Year 11: SLR First Aid & Sports Injuries and Court Games
Year 11’s focus on First Aid and Sports Injuries has involved research tasks paired with practical court games, preparing students to respond effectively to common sports-related incidents.
Year 11: Health and Movement Science
Health and Movement Science students have commenced their first unit, “Health for Individuals & Communities,” beginning their first depth study with great enthusiasm. They are also the first cohort at TRHS to undertake this new subject, marking an exciting milestone for the faculty.
Year 11: Community & Family Studies
Community & Family Studies students have been focusing on Core 1: Resource Management, undertaking an assessment using scenario analysis to explore practical ways of managing resources. As part of their study of resource management, students have been exploring the difference between needs and wants through a hands-on activity in which they created visual collages representing what they believe they need, using magazine images to spark discussion. This led to thoughtful class conversations about the distinction between needs and wants, and whether society’s perceptions of these concepts have changed over time.
Year 12: SLR Healthy Lifestyle & Target Games
Senior PDHPE students are working through the “Healthy Lifestyle” component of their SLR (Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation) course. Practical lessons have involved Target and Strike Games, helping them refine precision and strategic play.
We are proud of the dedication our students have shown across all year groups this term. PDHPE continues to play a vital role in developing physical skills, health knowledge, and positive attitudes towards wellbeing.
Stay active and stay healthy!
What an amazing start to 2026 it has been in TAS and Music!
This term, Year 7 & 8 students have been immersing themselves in all components of Technology Mandatory. Some Yr 7 classes have been busy completing their Food and Agricultural Practices unit of work whilst others have been developing their skills in the wood workshop. Students have engaged in a combination of both theory and practical learning activities across all their modules.
Year 11 Hospitality students have been building their confidence in the commercial kitchen this term. Our current focus area has been health, safety and sandwich preparation, where students are developing essential food handling skills while learning the importance of safe and hygienic work practices. They also recently participated in an engaging and informative presentation delivered by our work place providers MWLP, designed to prepare them for their upcoming work placement experiences. The session provided valuable insights into what students can expect in a real workplace environment, including industry standards, daily responsibilities, and the importance of professionalism.
Students learned about employer expectations, such as punctuality, appropriate presentation, effective communication, and a positive attitude. The presentation also emphasised the importance of taking initiative, following workplace policies, and demonstrating respect for colleagues and customers. This opportunity has helped students build confidence and better understand the responsibilities associated with work placement.
Students are particularly excited to be catering for the Eid Celebration Dinner on the 26th of March, where they will have the opportunity to prepare and serve food and drinks in a real event setting. This will be a fantastic experience for students to apply the skills they have been developing in class.
Year 11 Food Technology students have demonstrated a positive start to their learning this term. Students have been learning about the cultures and factors that affect our food selection habits and have completed their first assessment task applying their knowledge of this to their own circumstances.
The TAS faculty was successful in securing a laser engraver which has now been delivered to our school. This should be set up and ready to operate over the upcoming school holidays in our newly designated technology hub area. This area will also have 3D printers within it. We look forward to seeing the wonderful creations that will be able to be developed using these technologies across our TAS subjects.
Looking ahead to next term, students in yr 11 Hospitality and Food Technology will be attending the Sydney Tower Excursion on the 4th of May. Permission notes have been sent home via School Bytes. This excursion will give students valuable insight into the hospitality industry in a professional setting.
Music at Thomas Reddall High School has also had an exciting and creative start to the term, with students enthusiastically exploring new instruments and broadening their musical skills. Across multiple classes, students have been stepping outside their comfort zones to try different instruments, building confidence and versatility in their performances. In addition, the introduction of new iPads has brought a fresh dimension to lessons, with students using GarageBand to compose and arrange their own pieces. This technology has allowed for greater creativity, giving students the opportunity to experiment with sound, layering, and digital production techniques in engaging and innovative ways.
We are also pleased to continue our weekly Music Club, held after school every Wednesday, where students can collaborate, rehearse, and further develop their passion for music in a relaxed and supportive environment. Interested students should see Mr Norman for a permission note.
Stage 6 Music students have been making steady and focused progress as they work towards the HSC. They continue to refine their performance and composition skills, demonstrating commitment and maturity in their studies. Through regular practice, feedback, and collaborative learning, students are developing a deeper understanding of musical concepts and exam requirements. It has been pleasing to see their dedication and growth, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue their journey towards achieving their best results in the HSC.
We are proud to share the successful launch of the Resilience in Our Teens (RIOT) program at our school this term. This whole-school initiative is designed to support students in building resilience, managing anxiety and developing the skills needed to navigate everyday challenges with confidence.
To introduce the program, we held a dedicated RIOT Launch Day on Wednesday 4th March, where all students from Years 7–12 participated in a range of engaging and purposeful activities. The day began with a whole-school assembly, where students were introduced to the RIOT program, its purpose, and the important role it will play in supporting their wellbeing.
Throughout the day, students rotated through a variety of activities designed to build resilience in different ways. These included:
- Minute to Win It – a fast-paced team challenge that encourages perseverance, teamwork and positive coping when things don’t go to plan.
- Motiv8sports – physical, team-based activities focused on cooperation and bouncing back from setbacks.
- Self-Regulation Art Sessions – creative workshops where students explored emotions and created personal resilience messages.
- Stepping into the Spotlight – a music and rhythm-based session building confidence, teamwork and positive self-talk.
RIOT Modules – structured lessons introducing students to the core concepts of the program, including managing thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
Our senior students in Years 11 and 12 began working through multiple RIOT modules across the day, allowing them to engage more deeply with the program while minimising disruption to their studies.
The day concluded with a whole-school wrap-up, celebrating student involvement and providing all students with a drink bottle reinforcing the key message: strong minds, build strong futures.
The RIOT program will now continue to be embedded into our wellbeing and learning structures throughout the year. Students will participate in ongoing lessons that focus on understanding anxiety, reducing avoidance behaviours and developing practical coping strategies. A key focus of the program is encouraging students to gradually face challenges, rather than avoid them, helping to build long-term confidence and independence.
We know that supporting young people works best when schools and families work together. We encourage parents and carers to talk with their children about what they are learning through RIOT and to support them in applying these strategies at home.
We are excited about the positive impact this program will have on our students and look forward to seeing their resilience and confidence continue to grow.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to contact the school.