From the Principal

Last Friday night we were delighted to welcome Redlanders from the Classes of 1978-1998, current and former staff, Board Directors, Trustees Mr John Lang OAM and Mr John Roberts and RPFA members to celebrate 40 years of coeducation at a function in Redlands Hall. Redlander David Kirsh (Class of 1983) shared his memories of what it was like to be one of the first boys commencing at the School in 1978 and Redlander Kate Dingle (Class of 1988) spoke passionately on how she benefitted from coeducation, both at school and in her tertiary studies. Trustee Mr John Lang OAM spoke about the decision to introduce boys in the late 1970s after the School became an independent company, to be owned and managed by the parents into the centuries ahead. John also reflected on how happy he was to see the School flourishing in its 134^th year of service, 42 years after its acquisition by parents and 40 years after the introduction of coeducation.

It was a wonderful occasion to reflect on the past 40 years of coeducation at our School. As a former Principal of a boys’ school, I have become a firm advocate of the benefits of coeducation in the time I have been at Redlands. I see our girls and boys working respectfully together, learning with and from each other. They have the opportunity to debate diverse viewpoints and to develop wider perspectives and they also gain the experience of leading both girls and boys. Most importantly, they are equipped with the experience and skills to make a natural transition to their tertiary studies and to be life-ready for the workforce.

Thank you to Alumni Manager, Caroline Jane and the rest of the Foundation team for their efforts in organising this memorable event, which brought many sections of our Redlands community back to school to celebrate this significant milestone in our School’s history.    

Dr Peter Lennox

Photo caption: Celebrating 40 Years of Coeducation with the Classes of 1978-1998