Head of Secondary School
What a Term!
Tuesday’s International Day was a School wide success and we were so lucky with the weather! The total amount raised from food stalls was $1639.40. Despite the busyness of the final week of term, it was great to be able to engage with International Day on the Senior Campus and contribute to the many activities taking place across the School.
Tuesday evening was the first round in the newly virtual Mock Trial Competition. Ms De Leo reports that despite some technical issues, the team was extremely resilient and professional… leading to our first win! We were up against Regents Park Christian School, prosecuting their defendant for obstructing a railway line with a tree in the name of climate activism. The magistrate was a Supreme Court Registrar who shared some very encouraging affirmative feedback to the team – he was especially impressed with our two Barristers’ first ever attempt at cross examination.
The team includes:
- Josie Bannon – Barrister 1
- Marcus Cooper-Hor – Barrister 2
- Pippi Skidmore – Solicitor
- Jack Keogh – Magistrates Clerk
- Sophia Rolon – Witness 1
- Annie Zhang – Witness 2
Thank you to all the students who participated in the Balmoral Swim Schools Relay Challenge on Sunday 2 April. Despite the less-than-ideal swimming conditions due to the rain, our junior, intermediate, and senior teams demonstrated incredible dedication by completing the ocean swim relay. The Schools Relay Challenge is a community-based initiative that aims to raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute, raise awareness of this important cause, and most importantly, have fun participating in an open water swim relay. A special shoutout to Ms Comino, who braved the rain and came down to support the swimmers from her Tutor group. Once again, congratulations to all our participants for their outstanding efforts and for embodying the Redlands spirit.
On Monday evening we were delighted with the talent and performative brilliance of students in Battle of the Bands. The overall winners were Year 12 students Elke Mueller and Jack Lazzarotto. Division One Band winners were Alex Bush, Lucas Law, Konrad Blankenstein, Isabella Solgaard and Lila Soste in their band called Rise of the Masses. Division One Unplugged winner was Grace Walker-Barker who performed an original song about climate change. Division Two winners were Aneke Golowenko, Emma Morris, Max Byron, Jasper Houchell, Daniel Koppers and Millie Winton in their band called Spirit of Conrad. The Division Two Unplugged winners were Oliver Cooke and Daniel Koppers. Division Three winners were William Andrew, Kabir Yohannan, Harry Fenton, Chris Szeto and Patrick Taylor in their band Ant Colony. Division Three Unplugged winners were Elke Mueller and Jack Lazzarotto. Elke performed an original song and Jack supported on keyboard. The students were once again well supported by our incredible Music Department and gained some useful and affirming feedback from the adjudicator.
The final day of Term 1 was a time of celebration, relief and reflection. It has been a long term and the students have demonstrated resilience and commitment in their studies, sporting pursuits and cocurricular activities. Highlights for me have been the thoughtful and mature insights offered by students from across all Year Groups, and their constant care and kindness for each other. The students attended the final Term Assembly today where we explored the value of Easter and the importance of kindness and humility, especially when faced with hostility or conflict. A range of students from across the School participated in the assemblies. They sang, prayed, reflected and offered thanks. They celebrated themselves and each other and should all be proud of their personal and academic growth this term.
Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9811