Deputy Principal Reports
Celebrating Success: Reward Excursions Across the School
It’s hard to believe, but our Year 7 students are now halfway through their first year of high school—and what a journey it has been so far! Over the past two terms, we have seen remarkable growth in both their confidence and engagement with high school life.
Transitioning from primary school to high school can be challenging, but our Year 7s have embraced the change with enthusiasm and resilience. From navigating new routines and classrooms to building friendships and tackling more independent learning, they have approached each challenge with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
As we move into Term 3, Year 11 students are about to embark on the final stage of their Preliminary course. This important term will include final assessments and Yearly Exams before they begin their HSC courses in Term 4. It is essential that all Year 11 students stay up to date with their classwork, complete assessments on time, and maintain excellent attendance. Establishing strong study habits now will set them up for success as they transition into their final year of schooling.
This term, selected Year 7 students who have consistently demonstrated outstanding behaviour, effort, and attitude were rewarded with a fun-filled excursion to Kingpin Bowling. The day was a great opportunity for students to relax, bond, and celebrate their positive contributions to the school community.
They weren’t the only ones enjoying a special day out—reward excursions also took place for other year groups. Year 9 students enjoyed a trip to Event Cinemas, where they were treated to a movie experience in recognition of their hard work and positive behaviour. Meanwhile, our Year 11 students headed to Fastlane Karting for a high-speed celebration of their effort and commitment this term.
A huge congratulations to all students who participated in the reward excursions—you’ve earned it! We look forward to seeing continued effort, growth, and success across all year groups as we move into the second half of the school year.
As Term 3 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an incredibly busy, productive, and memorable term at our school.
One of the standout moments this term was our combined NAIDOC Week celebrations with Thomas Acres Public School and Ambarvale Public School. This powerful collaboration saw over 65 of our students perform and represent our school across all three campuses. Their performances were exceptional, showcasing immense talent, pride, and cultural understanding. This event was a major achievement for our school community, and we are so proud of the students, staff, and families who made it possible.
Academically, we've continued to see growth across all year levels, with particular improvements in literacy and numeracy data. Attendance has also improved this term, a positive trend that reflects stronger engagement and a greater sense of belonging among our students.
Year 8 and Year 10 have both had strong terms, with students demonstrating positive behaviours, academic focus, and greater participation in school life. It's been fantastic to see so many of our students stepping up and contributing to the school culture in meaningful ways.
This term also marks a significant milestone as we prepare to farewell our Year 12 students. Over the past six years, they have made a lasting impact on our school community. We thank them for their leadership, resilience, and spirit. In particular, we want to acknowledge our Senior Leadership Team and our School Captains, Hayley and Manni, for their incredible service. They have led with maturity, passion, and kindness, and have been outstanding ambassadors for our school.
We wish all of our Year 12 students the very best for their HSC and beyond. You will always be part of our school family.
Wishing everyone a safe and restful break.
Term 3 is well underway and has been filled with a variety of exciting programs and events aimed at supporting our students’ academic journey, personal development, and overall wellbeing. Here's a snapshot of what’s been happening and what’s to come.
Our Subject Selection Evening was a valuable opportunity for families and students to explore the wide range of subjects available for next year. It provided students with the chance to speak directly with teachers, ask questions, and begin shaping their academic pathway. Thank you to all the families who attended and supported this important step in the journey. In the lead-up to the evening, Year 10 students participated in one-on-one interviews with staff to help develop personalised profiles, designed to guide them in selecting subjects that align with their strengths, interests, and future goals. Additionally, students took part in Engagement Hub sessions with key staff members, gaining deeper insights into subject options and pathways as they prepare to enter their senior years.
As part of the Educational Pathways Program (EPP), Year 10 students participated in an Explore Day where they engaged in open conversations around various industries and career paths. This experience helped broaden their understanding of future opportunities in vocational education and training. Students have been encouraged to continue to have conversations with our Secondary Studies team back onsite. Students recently have also had the opportunity to engage in Try a Trade Day and pre-apprenticeship training programs. Students have been encouraged to explore these opportunities when they arise.
Students have also had the opportunity to sign up for Start your Future NSW TAFE courses which has allowed students to explore pathways such as nursing and community services, carpentry, hair and makeup, hospitality, barbering and real estate. Students have been encouraged to continue to liaise with the Secondary Studies team to assist in supporting their post school transition pathway. For any students who are looking to undertake Work Experience moving into term 4, please liaise with the Secondary Studies team.
Some students have furthermore had the opportunity to connect with our Support Teacher Transition (STT) and Careers Adviser, whereby they have received tailored support as they explore and refine their transition pathways. This support will further support students in making well-informed decisions about their future.
Through the Support unit the Abilities Unleashed Program was run, which celebrated the unique strengths and talents of our students. Through inclusive and empowering activities, students were encouraged to build confidence, develop new skills in game situations with other school from across the region, it was wonderful to see students engage in this program.
Recently some students also had the opportunity to take part in a Ten Pin Bowling Competition. Students on the day challenged themselves against other schools in the area, coming together for some healthy competition, great teamwork, and lots of laughs. It was a fantastic way to connect outside the classroom and celebrate school spirit.
In the realm of Wellbeing, Learning Support the Student Representative Council (SRC) recently attended a Networking Day at Ingleburn High School. This opportunity allowed student leaders to connect with their peers from other schools, share ideas, and develop leadership skills through a series of workshops and collaborative activities. The team have also just completed the formalised process of nominating students for the Senior Leadership Team. All students conducted themselves with maturity, confidence, and a strong sense of school spirit throughout the process. Whether through speeches, interviews, or peer collaboration, each candidate demonstrated a genuine commitment to representing their peers and contributing positively to the school community. We commend all nominees for their efforts and look forward to announcing the successful candidates who will lead and inspire in their final year.
The Wellbeing team recently marked Bullying No Way Week with a range of classroom activities and school-wide activities. Students were encouraged to reflect on the importance of kindness, inclusion, and standing up for others. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
We also acknowledged Wear It Purple Day, where we showed support for LGBTQIA+ youth and promote inclusion across our school community. The day aimed to reinforce the message that everyone has the right to be proud of who they are. Students were delighted with the disco event that took place in Performance Space and it was wonderful to see students and staff engage in tailored learning activities on this day.
R U OK? Day was also run and provided the opportunity to check in with one another and have meaningful conversations about mental health. Students took part in awareness activities that empowered them to look out for their peers and seek help when needed.
Through the Wellbeing team, Straight Sight Vision has worked closely with our school to provide vision testing for all students. This initiative has been pivotal in supporting both student wellbeing and learning, ensuring that any vision-related barriers to education are identified and addressed early.
Year 10 and Year 11 students recently had the opportunity to be involved in Consent Labs and Health Relationships. These sessions aimed to educate and empower students with the knowledge and skills to build respectful, safe, and informed relationships.
Through our Wellbeing Officer, we have been running the The Real Talk Project. This initiative aims to support students in making positive decisions, building healthy relationships, and developing a stronger sense of self-awareness and resilience. By creating a safe space for open conversations, the project encourages young people to reflect on their values, choices, and the impact they have on themselves and others.
At the end of the term our Wellbeing, Learning Support and Support faculty teams are undertaking review meetings with parents, carers and key stakeholders, these reviews are pivotal to support students with their wellbeing and learning moving forward. We encourage parents and carers to reach out at anytime though if you have questions.
Our school continues to prioritise supporting student attendance. We recognise that consistent attendance is a critical factor in student success, and we’ve been working closely with our Home School Liaison Officer (HSLO) and Aboriginal Attendance Officer (AAO) to promote positive attendance habits. Together, we are developing strategies to encourage all students to attend school regularly, engage in their learning, and take full advantage of the opportunities available to them. Our goal is to ensure that every student is supported on their learning journey and has the resources they need to thrive.
Finally, we wish year 12 all the very best as they move into their transition pathways and examinations next term. From all of us at Thomas Reddall High School, congratulations on reaching this milestone. We know it takes a village to get to this point and we want to thank parents and carers, staff and the wider community for the role they have played in helping shape this wonderful cohort of students.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for all students. We’re proud of everything our students are achieving and look forward to moving into term 4.