Head of Secondary School
We have almost reached the end of another term. This week I spoke at our Term 1 Final Assembly about how well the community has navigated the vicissitudes of life and learning this term. There have certainly been some ups and some downs, some moments for great celebration and some moments where we might have experienced that deep intake of breath about the future.
On our doorstep, we’ve had flooding, and this has impacted some of us quite significantly – both students and their families and teachers. Even though for some people who have been living in drought, the rain is a good thing, for others it is extremely damaging, in an immediate sense in terms of homes and lives at risk, but also concerning because it reflects how climate change and global warming are no longer a potential threat and something which might occur in the future. But the impacts are being experienced now. I spoke at the assembly about my respect for students, such as Yr 11 student and climate activist and volunteer, Sophia Lark, who have been working with other interested young people to demonstrate directly to our elected leaders their deep concern about the ongoing lack of political action on climate change. Students like Sophia and many others, meet regularly to discuss related issues in the Environment Club.
Not far from Sydney, we have also been shocked by what has taken place in Lismore. Much of this town has washed away, people have lost their homes, their livelihoods and their sense of security. Service Captains Alex Gibbs and Charlotte Harman have reached out to the Principal of a local school in Lismore, called Trinity Catholic College and are launching a short collection drive and fundraiser to help the school in Lismore that has been severely impacted by the recent flooding. Recently, while reading the news, Alex came across images of Trinity Catholic College, and the devastation experienced at their campus and across the wider community. As their school campus is located beside the Wilson River, they experienced the brunt of the flooding, with all of their buildings being damaged. After connecting with their principal, who suggested that collecting/fundraising for basic school stationery supplies would be of most benefit, the Redlands student community has pulled together to gather the basic necessities. As the Lismore and Ballina main streets have been affected by flooding, and such supplies are hard to obtain, our students have once again responded generously by bringing in school supplies such as pens, pencils, pencil cases, exercise books, highlighters and sticky notes. Basically, anything that supports learning will support the learning of the students at Trinity Catholic College in Lismore. Thank you to the parents who have helped students locate spare stationery supplies at home. The students are asked to provide what they can to their Tutor, or directly to Ms Riley in the History and HSIE staffroom on Level 4 of the Learning Hub, before close of school on Friday.
In the Assembly on Tuesday, I personally thanked the students for their care and concern for others. The fundraising that took place for Gotcha4Life, a mental fitness charity and also the fundraising for the children impacted in Ukraine, has been generous and significant. Yr 9 student Alex Smith evoked the Redlands power of community in his assembly speech and in his collaboration with senior students to raise awareness. Our goal to raise $20,000 has almost been reached, and I want to thank parents for your support.
Camp Life
Despite the ongoing complexities posed by living in the current world, we are very lucky here at Redlands to be so supported and so privileged. As you know it was out intention, despite the pandemic, to offer opportunities this term as close to normal and typical as possible. Yr 7 camp, whilst wet, was enjoyed by Yr 7, who bravely navigated the cold, wet weather to ascend Mt Kosciusko. It was exciting too, to take Yr 8 on Camp to Yarrahapinni, but unfortunately the flooding soon impacted the camp site and they had to return to Sydney. And this morning, Yr 12 returned from their twice postponed camp, 24 hours early. The tragic incident which occurred in the Blue Mountains on Monday and the forecasted heavy rain meant that National Park was closed, thereby necessitating cancellation of the final day of activities, and so the decision was made to return them to Sydney for independent learning time and their Final Camp Dinner. Whilst away the students were involved in a number of outdoor activities, did some study and engaged in a reflection activity. They read letters from their parents (there were some tears) and were able to share their feelings and experiences at this crucial time in their development as young adults.
Tonight, in Redlands Hall, we will hold their final Camp Dinner, which is a fancy-dress themed event. Redlands staff and Yr 12 parents have collaborated to ensure that Yr 12 can enjoy this final evening of Camp, despite being in a somewhat familiar location. We are rolling out the red carpet, serving a range of delicious food and dessert, and looking forward to a night of over-the-top fashion, music and celebration. Yr 12 parents, we will send photos tomorrow!
Yr 12 Students Gold Duke of Edinburgh Hike
Taking advantage of a break in the weather, six Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award candidates embarked on an adventurous journey this week, before travelling to Katoomba for the final 24 hours of Camp. Starting from Patonga on the Hawkesbury River, the team followed the Great North Walk via Mt Wondabyne to Girrakool, exploring the area around Mooney Mooney Creek. In addition to hiking, route planning and catering, the team also improved their bushcraft skills and cleaned up the campsite by the Phil Houghton Bridge, including a rebuild of the firepit. The students accompanied by Dean of Activities, Mr Jonathan Gray, are Iris Buisman, Sienna Blake, Jemma Davies, Alexander Gibbs, Evie Farrell and Isabella Kendrigan.
Battle of the Bands
There has been a lot more to celebrate this term. Jazz in Garden, Shrek the Musical and on Monday night this week, the Music Department held the annual Battle of Bands. What an evening! Such talent and energy was on display in the Secondary School. I particularly enjoyed the Yr 7 performances. The Boss Ladies performance of Wonderwall performed by Isabella, India, Emma, Mia, Ava and Zoe was tremendous. Also, still reverberating for me was the performance of Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit by Send It, comprised of Charlie, Fred, James, Sahara and Lukas.
In Yr 9 the Rock Goats were intense with their rendition of Green Day’s When I Come Around and Cameron Simpson’s mullet wig took me straight back to the ‘90s. There were so many strong performances and all students were brave and intensely impressive. Particularly enjoyable were the unplugged performances of Hallie Hunt, Lara Wilson, Olivia Everingham, Phoebe Barnett, Sabrina Blasco and Maya Little – all delivered up truly divine performances. Our Yr 12 students were also tremendous and delivered powerful performances. A huge congratulations to all involved.
2022 Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) Competition
Redlands is excited to offer Yr 7-12 students the opportunity to participate in the 2022 Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) competition. This will be held on Friday 6 May at Redlands.
The CAT competition is a one-hour problem solving competition designed to encourage student curiosity and promote multiple modes of thinking, as well as solving real-world problems. Interested students are welcome to enter this competition and previous computer programming experience is not needed.
The competition will help to identify students’ computer programming potential and is suitable for students who are interested in coding, robotics, digital creation or design and may be used as preparation for robotics competitions. Students who perform strongly in the CAT will have the further option to participate in the Oxford University Computing Challenge held later this year.
The cost of the competition is $7.50. This cost will be added to your subsequent Term Fee Statement. For more information and register your child, please click this link. Please forward any questions to wduckworth@redlands.nsw.edu.au
Happy Easter
These holidays I am looking forward to seeing Yr 12 at school for the Study Workshops and mentoring some of them in the second week on their HSC Module A essay preparation. I wish all students, parents and carers of the Secondary School community a restful and reflective Easter. Personally, I am looking forward to a long weekend away in the Blue Mountains, some good quality chocolate and catching up with family and friends. Best wishes.
Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9811