An update from our Year Advisers

From Day One to Term Done: Year 7's First Chapter 

What a term it has been for our Year 7 cohort as they embarked on their high school journey at Thomas Reddall High School! 

Students hit the ground running during Orientation Week, diving into a packed program designed to help them find their feet in their new environment. Using their Orientation Booklet, they explored the school, decoded their timetables, met key staff, and reflected on their goals for the year ahead. They also undertook a research project about their class namesakes, discovering four remarkable individuals: Turia Pitt, Malala Yousafzai, Grace Tame, and Oodgeroo Noonuccal. 

Orientation Week concluded on a truly special note with an Aboriginal Cultural Studies Immersion Day organised by Mrs Jennifer Bullock. Students spent a memorable day at Kentlyn Park exploring significant Dharawal sites, including a visit to the Bull Caves and its rock paintings, and engaging in cultural practices such as weaving, jewellery making, boomerang throwing, and Traditional Indigenous Games. 

We also loved welcoming families to our Meet the Teacher BBQ, where they connected with teachers in a relaxed setting and received updates on how their children are settling into the TRED community. 

Throughout the term, students have strengthened their connections through Peer Support with our wonderful Year 10 leaders, cheered each other on at their first TRED Swimming Carnival, and begun their journey with the RIOT! (Resilience in Our Teens) program, building the skills to navigate new routines, friendships, and the inevitable ups and downs of high school life. 

Looking ahead, Term 2 promises even more exciting opportunities, including more whole school sporting carnivals, offsite Tuesday sport kicking off and other school representative sporting opportunities, as well as our 3-day, 2-night camp at The Great Aussie Bush Camp in Kincumber, where students will take part in a range of structured outdoor education activities centred on teamwork, resilience, and building positive peer connections, continuing to support their transition into high school in the very best way. 

We are so proud of everything our Year 7 cohort has achieved and cannot wait to watch them continue to Thrive, Represent, Excel and Deliver. 

Year 8 students at Thomas Reddall High School have demonstrated a positive and consistent commitment to their studies this term. As they continue to settle into the expectations of high school, many students have embraced the opportunity to explore a range of new subjects, showing curiosity and a willingness to engage in different areas of learning. It has been encouraging to see students applying themselves in class, building their organisational skills, and taking increasing responsibility for their learning. Overall, Year 8 has approached their studies with a growing sense of maturity and purpose.

Students have also been working diligently to complete assessment tasks, with many demonstrating improved time management and effort in meeting deadlines. In addition to their academic progress, it has been fantastic to see strong involvement in our new RIOT (Resilience in Our Teens) program. Through this initiative, students are developing important skills in resilience, wellbeing, and positive relationships. Their participation reflects a genuine commitment not only to their academic success but also to their personal growth, and we look forward to seeing this continue throughout the year.

Year 9 – Term 1 Highlights 

Term 1 has been a fantastic start to the year for our Year 9 students, with a range of activities that have brought energy, teamwork and new experiences to the cohort. 

In Week 3, Year 9 students showed great enthusiasm and house spirit at our Swimming Carnival. It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout, with students cheering on their peers and participating across a variety of events. The day was filled with friendly competition, encouragement and plenty of memorable moments in the pool. 

During Week 6, students took part in Surf Awareness Day, an important and engaging experience that focused on water safety and understanding surf environments. Students had the opportunity to learn valuable skills and knowledge that are essential for staying safe around the water, while also enjoying time outdoors with their peers. 

Additionally, in Week 6, Year 9 students participated in the RIOT Launch Day, which marked the exciting beginning of this year’s RIOT program. The launch day introduced students to the goals of the program and encouraged them to think about building resilience and growth throughout the year. 

Overall, Term 1 has been a positive and active start for Year 9. We are proud of the way students have participated in these events and look forward to the many opportunities and achievements that the rest of the year will bring. 

Year 10 students have made a great start to the year, demonstrating leadership, responsibility and a strong commitment to our school community. 

A highlight of the term has been their involvement in the Peer Support program. Selected Year 10 students have taken on the important role of mentoring Year 7, helping them transition from primary school to high school life. They have shown maturity, empathy and initiative in supporting younger students during this significant change. 

Many of our students also represented the year group with pride during the Year 6 Taster Day. Students from Ambarvale Public School and Thomas Acres Public School visited Thomas Reddall High School, and our Year 10 volunteers did an outstanding job guiding them around the school and assisting teachers in delivering engaging lessons. Their efforts helped create a welcoming and positive first impression of high school. 

It was wonderful to see strong participation and house spirit at the annual Swimming Carnival, with many students getting involved, whether competing or supporting their peers. Just a reminder that we have the Cross-Country carnival Week 1 next term, as well as the Athletics Carnival in Week 8 next term. I look forward to seeing all of Year 10 represent both their house and their grade. 

This term, Year 10 also participated in the Meningococcal vaccination program. Any students who were absent on 13 March will have the opportunity to receive their catch-up vaccination when NSW Health returns in August. 

We are also looking forward to celebrating student success with our upcoming Rewards Excursion to Mega Mini Golf. This excursion recognises students who have demonstrated consistent effort and positive engagement, including achieving over 85% attendance, earning at least 10 positive Sentral entries for Term 1, and maintaining more positive than negative entries. 

I would like to congratulate Year 10 on a successful and productive start to the year. Keep it up. 

On Leave

Year 12 students have had a busy and engaging start to the term, participating in a variety of academic and extracurricular activities.

The term kicked off with the Swimming Carnival, where students showed great enthusiasm and school spirit, both in and out of the pool. It was fantastic to see such strong participation and support for one another.

Students also demonstrated leadership through their involvement in fundraising initiatives, including the successful Valentine’s Day fundraiser. Their teamwork and organisation were commendable and contributed positively to the school community.

As part of their future planning, Year 12 attended university excursions to explore potential pathways and gain insight into life after school. These experiences provided valuable opportunities for students to reflect on their goals and aspirations.

In addition, students participated in the RIOT program, focusing on building resilience, confidence, and teamwork skills as they prepare for the challenges of their final year.

Overall, it has been a productive term, and we are proud of the commitment and involvement shown by our Year 12 cohort. We look forward to supporting them throughout the rest of the year.