Head of Junior School
Inquisitive Minds Mathematics Incursion
Last Thursday and Friday saw us welcome back Inquisitive Minds to run mathematical workshops across the two days for all of Yrs 3-6 to both enjoy and be challenged by.
From the outset, the high levels of engagement, collaboration and risk taking in learning were plain to see, with students participating in problem-solving relays to tackle mathematical challenges, demonstrating grit and perseverance as well as shared thinking strategies.
Yrs 3 and 4 also enjoyed an afternoon session making towers, characters and cities with wooden planks. Leaning on both mathematical and engineering principles, there were a range of challenges that inspired and stretched the students in equal measure which was wonderful to see.
My thanks to our Maths specialist, Mrs Harding, for her coordination of this rich, hands-on learning experience for every student to employ mathematical thinking in different contexts. The days were a big hit and again seemed to ignite a passion for so many students.
Year 7, 2024 Advisors
I am delighted to share that Ms Abby Walker and Mr Nick Walker (no relation) have been appointed as Year 7 Advisor and Year 7 Assistant Advisor for 2024 to take care and guide our current Yr 6 cohort as they embark on and travel through their Secondary School journey. Both are experienced and respected pastoral leaders at Redlands, having held similar roles previously and knowing them both personally, Yr 6 will be blessed to have them as they start Yr 7. In the coming weeks, they will be an increasing presence in the transition for Yr 6 students moving across and of course will be instrumental in the students’ Orientation Day on Friday 10 November.
Ahead of this date, students will see them for our ‘Yr 6 Chat and Connect’ session on Tuesday 7 November which is a time designed to help alleviate any anxiety that students may be feeling about the move. Led by current Secondary School students, the time has always provided Yr 6 with both the opportunity to connect with older students and to ask specific questions. There will also be the chance to meet some of the key staff members from the Secondary School.
World Teacher’s Day – Friday 27 October
The very best teachers I have worked alongside never shine a light on their own achievements. It is never about them; it is always about enabling and supporting the students they teach and guide.
As teachers, we don’t seek the limelight for what we do; it is simply part of the profession we chose. However, I will take this opportunity to acknowledge the incredible Redlands staff team who continue to demonstrate great care, expertise, collegiality and passion for the work that they do. It remains humbling and inspiring to work alongside them each day in a profession that we know has such a profound impact on so many people for years to come and sometimes for a lifetime. Everyone remembers their favourite teachers from school and why.
Tomorrow is World Teachers’ Day and on behalf of the staff, I extend sincere appreciation to the Redlands Parents and Friends Association who provided a delicious range of pastries for morning tea for the Junior Campus staff to acknowledge this global date of recognition. The thoughtful gesture from our community means a lot to us so thank you.
Parent Appreciation – Thank you
Tonight, I am looking forward to joining staff and Board Directors at our annual School ‘thank you’ to our many parent volunteers, whose dedication and service to our community makes such a significant difference to Redlands.
The voluntary roles that so many of our parents play have a significant role in fostering and strengthening the palpable sense of school community that embodies Redlands and as I mentioned last week, volunteering also serves as a great example of an altruistic mentality to our children as well as others.
Term 4 Parent Topic Talk
Recharging in the School Holidays: Powering Up for the Year Ahead
Join our Junior Campus counsellor-led workshop, Recharging in the school holidays: Powering up for the year ahead, where we’ll discuss making the most of the holidays to prepare your child for the upcoming school year. We’ll explore a range of strategies you can put in place to support your child’s mental wellness during the holidays, such as keeping them engaged, setting realistic goals for sleep and physical activity, and managing technology use. We will also focus on the importance of fostering healthy relationships within your family as well as with your child’s peers throughout the holiday period. All the practical tools provided in this presentation can help your child feel more prepared and confident for the new school year.
Surf Education
This week, Junior School students enjoyed the opportunity to start their Surf Education sessions at Freshwater Beach. In the glorious sunshine, and as part of this annual program, the students are developing increased beach awareness and safety skills which we know will be invaluable ahead of the summer holiday period.
Thank you to Ms Robinson from the PDHPE team for coordinating the program again in tandem with Surf Life Saving School Australia and their qualified team of SLSSA instructors.
Message for OOSH Families
We are thrilled to announce some further exciting events and opportunities for students who attend OOSH.
Vacation Care Survey
We value your input and we want to make sure your children continue to have the best experience during our vacation care program in December and January. We have just opened a survey where you can indicate which activities you would like to book for your children. Your feedback will help us plan activities that your children will enjoy. Please take a moment to click on the link here and choose as many activities as you’d like to see in our program.
OOSH Football Match and BBQ
Get ready for a fun-filled evening of sports and delicious food! Our OOSH Football Match is scheduled for 4.30pm on Friday 17 November. Join us for an exciting game where parents, grandparents and friends will be able to play against our OOSH educators, including former Socceroo, Gerry Gomez! After the match, we’ll be hosting a BBQ, to finish the day in great style. This promises to be a fantastic opportunity for the children to see their families in action!
To participate, all you need to do is add your name to this Google form. We can’t wait to see you on the field, ready for some serious fun!
Thank you for being a part of our OOSH community. We look forward to your participation in these events!
MIP Parent Information Session: Year 4 2024
Yr 4 2024 (current Yr 3) parents and carers are warmly invited to an information session about the Music Instrumental Program (MIP). The MIP program is a curriculum instrumental learning experience for all Yrs 4 and 5 students, during which students learn an orchestral instrument with our team of specialist music tutors.
Parents and carers should have now received a letter outlining the specifics of the program, and we encourage you to attend this information session where there will opportunities to ask any questions you may have. The session will be held at 2.30pm next Wednesday 1 November in the Arnold Library and led by Ms Katherine Moses (Subject Coordinator of Junior Campus Music).
Parking Around the Campus
Please can I remind all parents to continue to be mindful of the rules of the road around our campus to ensure that every child’s safety is paramount, which I know you would want too. In particular, I ask families not to illegally double park near the pedestrian crossing, not to leave cars unattended in the moving car line and to respect our neighbours’ driveways when dropping off and picking up. Just yesterday, one parent car was parked sufficiently across a local resident’s driveway for them not to be able to leave their home, which is unacceptable. Thanks as always to the majority of our families who continue to do the right thing.
Mr Ari Guha
Head of Junior School
aguha@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022