From The Principal
Recent media articles regarding the use of electronic devices in schools, such as mobile phones and laptop computers, have created flow on discussion within school communities and thus I thought it would be useful to highlight our position at Redlands. The topic is certainly not a recent one in education; however, with the COVID pandemic having led to students spending more time on electronic devices at home, the concerns raised are enhanced and we are all rightly focused on the wellbeing of young people.
A number of years ago the School reviewed its procedures in terms of student use of mobile phones and moved to a position in which mobile phones were not to be used during the school day for all Junior Campus students and students in Years 7 to 10. Phones are to be kept in school lockers during the day and are confiscated if used without permission. At Redlands we aim to acknowledge and respect that as students mature, they can demonstrate increased responsibility and students in Years 11 and 12 are allowed to utilise their mobile phones during the School day. It is common that they utilise online calendars and other organisational tools throughout the day. We also enable our Yr 12 students to access the local community shops during lunchtime, which is a privilege that they greatly appreciate.
At the end of Yr 12 we survey our students to receive feedback regarding their experience at Redlands. One of the questions specifically asks whether they feel that they ‘have been able to make appropriate use of computers’ to assist in their learning. The response has been consistently high and in 2021 the result was a score of 9 on a 10-point agreement scale. Laptop computers and iPads provide an important educational tool and our staff work collaboratively and creatively with our exceptional e-Learning Coordinators on each campus to plan high quality educational units of work. It is also important that we are preparing our students for real life and supporting them to develop their computing skills.
The School has detailed ICT Use policies in place and staff are well aware of the importance of the balanced and appropriate use of technology in the classroom. It is important that we work with parents in educating students regarding issues relating to cyber safety and their wellbeing. The amount of time some young people are currently spending on electronic devices at home and socially is a cause for concern and we encourage parents to have open conversations regarding this with their children and with the School. Redlands has partnered with Cyber Safety Hub to provide current resources to support the community in this important area and I encourage you to visit the website: Learn More
Director of Music, Amy Richardson, confirmed this week that Redlands has made the Australian Music Examinations Board’s Top Ten list in the category of ‘Most Outstanding Accredited School’ for NSW. Sincere thanks go to the Music Administration team, our Specialist Music Tutors who provided Zoom lessons and piano accompaniment, and parents (acting as Camera crew) in a tremendous partnership – striving to position our students as they worked hard for these learning milestones during the remote learning context of 2021. Nearly 40 students achieved a result of ‘Distinction’ (or higher) and we are very proud of them.
Congratulations to Edward Atkins who has recently been appointed to the position as Head of Outdoor Education and Winter School, following David Gregory’s decision to resign from the role to pursue other interests (from mid-May). Mr Atkins is currently the Yr 8 Year Advisor and a PDHPE teacher in the Secondary School, who has significant pastoral leadership and outdoor education experience. He will lead our Outdoor Education program with passion and distinction, and we sincerely thank Mr Gregory for his valued contribution to Redlands and for enhancing the program over the last four years.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo Caption: a very well done to all Redlands sailors who competed at the Interschools Teams Racing NSW State Championships regatta at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron in Kirribilli over the weekend.