From the Principal
In recent weeks I imagine many of you have seen and heard much of the debate and discussion in the media about single sex education and coeducation. At Redlands we have been a proudly coeducational school for the past 46 years – so coeducation is just another part of our DNA. We are also a “truly” coeducational school with a 50/50 split of boys and girls across our over 1800 students from P-12. (At last count we had 3 more boys than girls enrolled at the School.)
Personally, I am supportive of a wide range of schooling options so that families can find the “best fit” school for their children, whether that be single sex or coeducational; independent or government; denominational or non-denominational; small or large; urban or rural. The most important thing is that families are able to find a school that aligns with their values and the values of their children, and that provides an opportunity for their child to discover their passions and be able to flourish.
Growing up in the United States, coeducation was the norm and I attended a coeducational school myself, so I experienced firsthand the academic, pastoral and social benefits of all genders learning, playing, socialising, leading and growing up together.
Pleasingly, I see these same benefits in our coeducational environment at Redlands.
Diversity and inclusivity are two key tenets of our Mission and a coeducational learning environment allows students to be exposed to a much wider range of viewpoints, insights and perspectives from which they can learn and grow.
In my first year as Head of Secondary School in 2017, one of our female Year 12 student leaders, Charlie Rogers, was speaking to incoming Year 7 students and their families about the transition into Secondary School. When one of the parents asked this student about the benefits of coeducation, she replied, “The last time I looked the world was coed. And if school is supposed to best prepare you for the world ahead, then won’t you be best prepared for the future, learning in a coed school?”
Charlie’s words still resonate with me as I believe our coeducational environment allows Redlands to achieve our Vision – for boys and girls to achieve life readiness – by being educated in an environment that will best reflect the world they will live in.
Last year we informed our community about a truly unique opportunity for parents, carers and alumni to visit Arnhem Land for a Redlands cultural immersion experience with the Yolŋu community from Sunday 26 – Thursday 30 May 2024. We have been developing our relationship with the Yolŋu community for the past 6 years with service learning trips and the Year 9 Midawarr program. We see this as a further opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the Yolŋu community, and I am pleased to be able to join parents and alumni on this trip and share this experience with them. There are still places available which can be booked by following the below link:
I look forward to seeing many parents and carers at our Twilight welcome event tomorrow evening. It is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together in celebration at the beginning of the year for our 140th anniversary as a school. Due to the inclement weather, this event has now been moved to Dunnet Hall on the Junior Campus, Allister St entrance. Please note that stilettos are not to be worn in Dunnet Hall.
Redlands Child Safeguarding Policy
We are pleased to share our new Redlands Child Safeguarding Policy, which replaces our previous Child Protection Policy.
The development of this policy follows the release of the new Redlands Statement of Commitment to Child Safeguarding last year, that highlighted our commitment to act in the best interests of students and promote their wellbeing and to provide safe and inclusive environments where our students feel they belong, are supported and can thrive.
You can view our new Child Safeguarding Policy here.
Mr Sean Corcoran
Photo Caption: Our 2024 school leaders joined with other student leaders at the annual Archbishop’s Annual Commissioning Service for student leaders in Anglican Schools held at St Andrews Cathedral.