My first 2 weeks at reddam-- Task 1 Jared Silbermann

High School at Reddam all started on orientation day. Orientation day was great. We met the new teachers, students and explored the new building. We really got a feel of high school, but it was nothing compared to the actual thing.

On the first day of school, after a long holiday, we were in high school. It was great starting at 9 am and being in new surroundings. But there is always something bad about the first day back, tests. We had 2 tests to stream us, which was not much fun. After though it was fine. We also got to know the new kids better and that was great. We had an exciting week ahead and I couldn’t wait for it.

The second day back was awesome. We came in our house colours because it was swimming carnival. I was so excited. I’m in Bennelong, the house that mostly loses. But this year we are going to turn it around. When we got to the pool years 7 to 9 piled into the stands, adrenaline rushing and excitement raging. It was so hot so I couldn’t wait to get into the pool. Adding to the vibe of our buzzing houses was a DJ which was one of the kids from Reddam. It was awesome to have a DJ playing music there. I participated in Freestyle, Backstroke, relay and Butterfly. It was a lot of fun. After a while we all started to realise that Bennelong was on top and in the end we won which was amazing because Bennelong hadn’t won a carnival for ages. I was so happy. It was like Bennelong were redeeming themselves. Before I knew it the carnival was over and we headed back to school. It was an exciting day with great music and tiring, but fun swimming. I am looking forward to the next carnival in great anticipation.

The next day years 7 to 9 came in mufti because we were all going to camp. I was so excited and happy and I couldn’t wait to get there. Year 7 went to Cataract Scout Park. Once we arrived there after the long drive we all put our bags down and went to the dining room. In there the instructors from the Scout Park told us what was going to happen over the next few days and also were we had to go. After that we organised our rooms. I ended up being in a great room with Don, Jett, Harry, Dylan and Dario. I really enjoyed having these people in my room. Then it was time for our first activity. Throughout the camp we got to participate in cool activities that were really fun and entertaining. First up I had rock climbing it was hard but tons of fun. A few people including me scaled the hardest wall which was an amazing challenge. After we had pioneering and then it was dinner. The food at camp wasn’t great but I still ate it at the risk of going hungry. The last activity before bed that day was the waterslide. We were all looking forward to this because it was extremely hot. It was a cool waterslide considering the place we were in. I had loads of fun there but eventually we had to go and sleep.

The rest of camp was awesome. The activities were very fun, the people were cool, but the food was putrid. On the 3^rd day after lunch we came back to Sydney to meet our awaiting parents who had been missing us. I was very happy to see my family again.

The first day back from camp was an information overload. We had lots to take in. We got timetables and a lot of information about or classes and requirements. Although there was a lot to take in it was fun to finally be back at school and working properly and getting into our school routine. The first weeks were great but I had to work and focus and so did the rest of us.

Over the next week I have gotten used to my routine. I also got a locker so I don’t have to lug my heavy bag around. We also got our instruments sorted. High school so far has been a blast. The first weeks were fun and a bit hard because of the new stuff and because of the change. I have loved it though and can’t wait for the rest of high school and this year.