Foundation

Farewell to Year 12 Students

This week our Year 12 students get together for their final assembly, which provides time to reflect on all the wonderful experiences and friendships made at Redlands. As a cohort these students also experienced the transformation of our Senior Campus. When they started their journey in the Secondary School in 2016, they would have had their core subjects taught in the Mowll building (M-block) which was a traditional style building from the 1960s, while their music lessons and visual arts classes would have been in the cottages.

During their time at Redlands the campus has transformed and a contemporary state-of-the-art building has been built. The Redlands Learning Hub is dedicated to core subjects, Mathematics, English, Social Sciences and also Visual Arts and Innovative Design, with adaptable learning spaces for class lessons, peer collaboration and individual study. There is also exhibition space to showcase creative works across Year Groups. The Fahl Garden, named after a Redlander family who contributed to previous developments on campus, is located in front of the Redlands Learning Hub, providing a wonderful outdoor space for students to connect. We are grateful to our community for the support which helped to make this development possible.

If you wish to watch the video of the Redlands Learning Hub, please visit HERE

Barbara Wellesley AM (nee Gotting) – Class 1955, Cowper and Basketball Captain

Barbara was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 2006 for service to the community, particularly Good Beginnings Australia, promoting childhood and family support services, and to a range of child health organizations. We are very proud to have Barbara as part of our Redlanders community and were delighted to learn about her journey after Redlands during our lockdown virtual catch up.

“When I was nine years old I decided I wanted to be a nurse and look after children. Growing up, our neighbours next door had a baby and I was allowed to look after this little boy, which gave me an interest in children.

Redlands was very caring and it was a very gentle school. Mrs Humphrey was a very gentle and warm Principal, and if you did get sent to her she would more than likely give you a lifesaver. I loved the School then and I still do now. I am still in touch with many of the lifelong friends I made, and last year when we all turned 80 we had a big party together.

After school, I did some nursing in England and when I returned I continued with extra training. I was lucky enough to work in Rural NSW and understand the issues that arise where there are not the services we have in the cities. Then I had the opportunity to start my own charity and I learnt a great deal from it.

I think every family is unique and how we respond to things is different. I learnt from a little boy who said ‘I know you are listening but I want you to hear me’. Other things that I have learnt include persistence – taking one step slowly at a time. Having a passion and letting the passion come through. Being able to tell a story and make a situation real, rather than using statistics is very powerful when influencing people such as policy makers. Honesty is really important and building and maintain relationships continues to be key focus – with staff or families or policy makers so you trust and understand each other.

I’m an ambassador for a few organisations. First Nations people are a big part of my focus now, they have an amazing culture and stories.”

Mrs Dana Casimaty
Director of Development
dcasimaty@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9858