Head of Secondary School
Secondary School Achievements
So many exciting events have taken place in the past week, involving students across the Secondary School. Individual and collective achievements abound, and in today’s Note Day, I wanted to feature a few of these with you.
Yr 12 Geography Trip
On Tuesday Yr 12 HSC students departed for their two-day Geography fieldwork as part of their studies of Ecosystems at Risk, and Economic Activity. The first stop was Port Stephens where they took a quad bike tour of the Worimi Conservation Lands/Stockton Sand Dunes. Students then visited the indigenous culture centre to learn about indigenous management of the ecosystem. On the Wednesday students visited two wineries in the Hunter Valley to learn about organic viticulture practices as part of their of economic activity.
Yr 11 Students Shine at Junior Campus Open Morning
Samantha Hely and Lachlan Binnekamp delivered impressive speeches at the Junior Campus Open Morning to engaged parents. The students’ thoughts and insights about Redlands were very well received. Lachlan generously shared one of his fondest memories of being in the Junior School:
I still remember my first school camp back in Yr 2 where we went to Camp Rathane in the Royal National Park. This was for sure one of the highlights for me in Prep School and I loved all the fun activities we got to do even if it was a bit daunting having to spend two nights away from my parents at first, I ended up loving it. I remember on the first night my friend and I were struggling to fall asleep on the camp beds and when my teacher came around to do the routine nightly check-up, she noticed we were still awake. My teacher took us to the kitchen hall, sat us both down and went and made us a hot chocolate. She was incredibly kind, and she helped both of us relax so when we went back to our cabin, we both fell straight asleep. I thought there must have been some secret sleep potion in the hot chocolate. It is this sort of care from the teachers that I have experienced throughout my Redlands life that has kept me loving this school and I find it amazing just how much the teachers at Redlands genuinely care about their students. It has been a great transition from Prep School all the way to Secondary School and I have been able to become familiar with the school system and have felt comfortable at Redlands.
A huge congratulations to Samantha and Lachlan for stepping up to this leadership opportunity.
Yr 7 Gymnastics Success
Charli Am competed in the Nationals on the Gold Coast last week and placed 8th overall in the competition. Charli achieved some of her best scores and performed well against very tough competition. A huge congratulations to Charli, who is the outstanding gymnast balancing at the top in this image!
UAC Students and Parents Presentation for Yr 12 Parents and Students
On Wednesday 25 May, from 5-6pm in Redlands Hall, the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will offer a presentation on applying for tertiary study. The presentation will outline:
- the ATAR
- adjustment factors
- selection processes
There will also be an opportunity for questions. The event will not be recorded.
Kids Giving Back
Our Principal, Mr Webber, and I were proud to receive an email from Gabrielle Morrisey Hansen, CEO of the organisation Kids Giving Back, sharing how a number of our Secondary School students and their families spent time volunteering in Term 4, 2021 and over the last school holidays to help others through this organisation.
Kids Giving Back is a charity whose mission is to create the next generation of generosity through meaningful, hands-on experiences for young people to give back to others. Through charity partners, they arrange opportunities for children aged 6-18 years old and their families to provide assistance and support for people experiencing food scarcity or hardship.
The contribution of our students resulted in over 5000 meals, care packs and new backpacks of school supplies for those in need being prepared and distributed. 11 charities were assisted as a result of their work which supports the homeless and vulnerable in the community.
Thank you to the following Yr 7 students who participated in one or more of the programs during the school holidays: Alexander (Xan) Kraszewski-Francia, Daniel Benoliel, Jeffrey Benoliel, Sebastian Okhovat.
To hear of our Redlands students embracing the concept of contributing back into the community is heart-warming and a wonderful example of our students living our School Values whilst making a difference to the lives of others.
Dr Tessa Opie Presentation
Respectful Relationships: Dr Tessa Opie
Monday 23 May, 7.00-8.30pm
Redlands Hall
All parents and carers are invited to this presentation on Respectful Relationships Education: At School and in the Home. Last year Dr Opie’s workshop was well received by Redlands parents and carers, and we envision this year’s information evening will be just as informative and valuable. As seating numbers are limited, booking is essential so please ensure that you book via this link by Friday 20 May to avoid disappointment. This presentation will target parents and carers of students in Yrs 6 through 12; however, all Redlands parents and carers are welcome.
Flu Season
We have seen a significant decrease in the number of student COVID-19 positive cases over the first four weeks of this term. However, as many of you are aware, there are a number of other “bugs” spreading throughout the wider community which are also affecting our students and staff. The NSW Health Department has expressed their concerns about this flu season and you can find a link to their influenza fact sheet here. Whether it is COVID-19 or other illnesses, our general advice is the same: students who are unwell or are displaying flu-like or COVID-19 symptoms should stay at home, get tested and not return to school until they are symptom free.
Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9811