From the Principal
It was a pleasure to host another Junior Campus Open Morning this week and to have the opportunity to share what is special about Redlands. It was also wonderful to note how proud our Yr 2 and 6 tour guides were to show people around the School. Current Yr 11 students Jack Lazzarotto and Samantha Hely shared reflections of their time at the School since preschool and the myriad of activities they have enjoyed. One of Jack’s comments that struck me was his articulation of the benefit of learning and growing with different genders. It is always powerful to hear students and alumni articulate their views from a personal perspective and illuminating to note the links to educational research.
I have previously communicated my frustration with people and organisations selecting individual pieces of educational research to reinforce mythical statements in support of their position regarding coeducation and single-sex education. In this vein, I felt that you may be interested in a more balanced article recently written by Professor Garry Falloon, from the Macquarie University School of Education, which references significant meta-analysis of studies across 21 countries involving 1.6 million students . A quote from the paper, that aligns with Jack’s comment in his address was “the study also reported that mixing genders tends to demystify and normalise relationships between the sexes.”
It was inspiring to join over 100 students and numerous staff last Friday for the presentation by Professor Geraint F Lewis, from the University of Sydney, on cosmology, black holes, gravitational lensing and galactic cannibalism. The thought-provoking questions and engagement from the audience reflected the intriguing concepts presented and the mysteries still being explored. It was an honour to have someone of Professor Lewis’ standing and reputation attend Redlands to speak to the students.
The Science and STEAM Week celebrations across the whole school have enabled students to experience a wide range of interesting activities and to hear from a range of guest speakers including Dr Noushin Nasiri, Head of NanoTech Laboratory at Macquarie University School and wildlife scientist Dr Vanessa Piotta, who is presenting to Preparatory School students and parents tomorrow morning. I thank all staff involved for their dedication in providing such a rich array of learning opportunities and for promoting the importance of Science and STEAM.
Redlands Spring Fair
There are now only 16 days to go until the Redlands Spring Fair on Saturday 3 September, 9am-3pm, on the Senior Campus. This much-loved Redlands community celebration will be a wonderful day of fun, food and entertainment.
All Day Rides Wristbands and Coupon Bundles are now available HERE (NSW Parent Vouchers can be used in their purchase.)
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo Caption: Liggins Quad was a Science wonderland yesterday lunchtime as Year 11IB students demonstrated their Science research projects to the Secondary School students and staff.