Head of Secondary School
It’s been an extraordinary week!
The Secondary School students reverting to their typical Timetable was slightly overshadowed by the onslaught of rain, which they managed in their (slightly wet) stride. Thankfully, early on Monday morning, we were able to farewell Yr 7 on camp before the rain hit, and they boarded the buses in Redlands Lane and were off and away before the rest of the school community even arrived.
Monday afternoon saw the close of application deadline for students wishing to attend Winter School in 2022. I spent my afternoon listening to the rain fall, and engaging with the 113 applications submitted by students. It has been such a pleasure to hear, read, and watch interested students share their motivations and passions. With Mr Gray, our Dean of Activities, we have been able to get to know these students more closely and deeply appreciated the efforts they expended in composing their application – they were genuine, inventive and personal. Currently Mr Gray and I are reviewing applications and will provide an update about the application process in the coming week.
Tuesday saw the Secondary School celebrate International Women’s Day via a student-led Assembly.
Year 9 students, Jemima Hugman, Bettina Butcher, Georgina Williams and Lara Prineas collaborated with Year 12 School Captain Sophia Maxwell to produce a diverse and varied assembly for Secondary School students. As well as watching a video, an art installation, and hearing from our School Captains Sophia and Jack and our Dean of Students, Ms Jansons, and Principal, Mr Webber, we also had the privilege of hearing from our Guest Speaker Captain Casey Scully-O’Shea. Casey was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in 2020 for her outstanding achievement in the field of recruiting and in February 2022, she was appointed as Director of Navy Culture. Casey spoke engagingly to the students and her IWD messages were well received. Got a spare half an hour? Watch the student-led IWD Assembly here.
Captain Casey Scully-O’Shea CSC, RAN
Yr 7 Camp
Wednesday was a really fun day for me as I arrived at High Country Campus in Jindabyne to join Yr 7 on camp. Whilst they have endured a few wet days (but nothing too extraordinary) they were in great spirits and still full of energy, albeit slightly muddy and damp.
Yr 7 have been canoeing, walking, hiking up Mt Kosciusko and also engaging in some personal reflection or solo time. Interestingly, some found the ‘solo time’ to be the most challenging as they weren’t quite sure what to do with themselves for half an hour, on their own, without a device. Following this, they composed letters to their future selves, which we will give back to them when they depart in Year 12. Today, I am going up Kosci with six of the groups, and their teachers and OEG leaders. I am looking forward to spending some time with the students and also getting my steps in.
As well as activities, Yr 7 have been learning how to be part of a campsite community, as these photos attest. Last night they cooked an early dinner and tonight, the final night of camp, they gather for a barbeque. They depart early Friday morning, after bacon and eggs rolls for brekkie.
Burn Bright Workshop
Today we were excited that Year 8 could engage in a Burn Bright Workshop called It’s In our DNA. The program forms a sense of connectedness with peers and school community by exploring friendships and passions. By the end of the half day program, students are able to:
- Build and encourage connections and friendship within Year Groups, to feel a greater sense of belonging.
- Find purpose and identity in the things they enjoy doing or are passionate about.
- Appreciate their own strengths, appreciate diversity and celebrate difference.
- Identify and apply appropriate conflict resolution techniques.
Tomorrow night is the Yr 11 Harbour Cruise, an event postponed from 2021. Yr 11 will be treated to a three-course meal as they sail around Sydney Harbour. I am looking forward to attending this event with Yr 11 and having some downtime mid-Term 1. The Harbour Cruise will be an event which will celebrate Yr 11 embarking on their senior studies.
Shrek the Musical – Tickets on Sale Now
The Redlands Musical is one of the highlights in our Performing Arts calendar and tickets are on sale now for the 3 performances:
- Thursday 24 March, 6:30pm
- Friday 25 March, 6:30pm
- Saturday 26 March 2:00pm
Snowsports
Registrations are now open for the upcoming Snowsports season! We encourage you to view the 2022 Snowsports handbook on Redlands Pulse for further information.
MORE DETAILS
Uniform Shop
Appointments are now available for winter uniform fittings and can be made by clicking HERE
We recommend if your child needs to try on uniforms, you make an appointment to avoid having to wait in a queue.
If you simply need to go up a size and know what you need, you may also order online at www.flexischools.com.au or come to the shop and purchase these items.
We are happy to help you with any questions regarding winter uniform requirements or sizing, so please call us on 9968 9850 or email uniformorders@redlands.nsw.edu.au
Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9811