From the Principal
As we head to the conclusion of the 2023 academic year, I wanted to give updates on some of the key strategic initiatives we have been focusing on this year.
Master Plan
Over the past two years, the School has been working through the different stages of the development of a new Master Plan across all three campuses: Senior Campus, Junior Campus and High Country Campus. Last year staff, students, Board Directors and parents provided input for the creation of a Master Plan brief which detailed the priorities across all three campuses. Earlier this year, this brief was used as a framework and guide for a Master Plan design competition where the School assessed entries from numerous architects before selecting Architectus as the winning architect to deliver the Master Plan.
Over the course of this year, a Master Plan steering committee comprised of key staff, Board Directors and external consultants has been working with Architectus on the development of the Master Plan. We envision that the Master Plan will be completed early next year, and we will be able to share it more widely with our community in Term 2 2024. We look forward to the completion and communication of the Master Plan, as it will provide the School with long term direction on the facility development necessary to deliver on our strategic priorities and fulfill our Redlands Vision and Mission.
Year 9 Experiential Learning Program 2025
Earlier this year, the School announced our new residential Experiential Learning Program for future Year 9 students, commencing in 2025. Redlands has had a long history of experiential learning, with our comprehensive Outdoor Education program running for over 40 years and our current Winter School residential program running for 28 years. Now, aligning with our Strategic Driver of supporting and challenging students to achieve personal excellence through programs and pathways, we are developing a new, expanded Experiential Learning Program for future Year 9 students at our High Country Campus outside of Jindabyne in either Terms 1 or 2.
We truly believe that this residential Experiential Learning Program will have a transformative impact on our students and enhance our Vision of inspiring them to achieve life-readiness and to become well-rounded, confident, resilient and compassionate young adults who are well prepared for their senior years at Redlands and life beyond the school gates.
Over the course of this year, much work has been going on behind the scenes towards the development of this program. Specifically, plans are in place to upgrade the facilities at High Country Campus next year to properly accommodate the Experiential Learning Program; key staff have been visiting and assessing other schools’ residential experiential learning programs that are already in operation in NSW, Victoria and South Australia to learn from them; a staff group has formed this year who are developing the specific aspects of the program; and next week a survey will be going out to current Year 7 students and parents to elicit feedback and questions to help further inform our planning.
We are keen to hear from all parents and carers to get both your feedback on this program, as well as any questions you might have, as these will help us with our communications. You can find more information on the program, as well as the introductory video, here and please contact feedback@redlands.nsw.edu.au if you have any feedback or questions at this time.
Uniform
Last term we were delighted to share our new uniform with our Redlands community via this video and e-brochure and look forward to its introduction from January 2024. As advised, there will be a two year transition period where current students may choose to wear either their existing uniform or the new uniform.
Over the past month, many families have booked in their fittings for the new uniform and the feedback to date has been overwhelmingly positive. There are still some timeslots available for fittings in the Uniform Shop between now and the beginning of next year and you can make a booking here.
Mr Sean Corcoran
Photo Caption: Our Redlands Dance Academy dancers showcased some very mesmerising and captivating performances at their End of Year Performances last week. Congratulations to all the students who performed and to the Redlands Dance Academy for organising such remarkable events.