Head of Early Childhood
Celebrating Achievements
As we come to the close of Week 3, it is lovely to see the children beginning to settle into school routines after a long summer break. Together with their teacher, the classes have discussed important goals for themselves and collectively for the classroom, such as the positive behaviours required for learning. You may have seen these in classrooms, the Library or in the playground already. You will also notice the Let Your Light Shine board outside the office filled with colourful prompts for the students about playground conduct, with pictures to aid in understanding. I encourage all parents to discuss these with their children in an effort to emphasise the messages of positive classroom and playground behaviour.
As the youngest group at Redlands, the Early Childhood students have an extensive journey toward the conclusion of their school life. However, it is this journey that paves the way to the achievements that are so rewarding at the end of Yr 12. On Monday, I was privileged to attend the High Achievers Academic Assembly where the top 20 HSC and IB 2018 Alumni, received their commendation in front of staff, parents and the seniors of 2019. The student reflections highlighted the importance of balancing the rigours of academic studies with extracurricular activities. For many students, continuing with their dance, sport and drama activities assists with the pressures of the final year. This is a pertinent message for all as we begin school for the year; ensuring children have a balanced school life, filled with down time, extracurricular and academic learning.
Chinese New Year
Kindergarten celebrated Chinese New Year last Friday in their classes. Students were introduced to the reasons why Lunar New Year is important in the Chinese culture. As students entered classrooms they were greeted with festive music and were told the story of Nian, which describes the twelve animals on the zodiac and how they came to be. The students had the opportunity to work with each other as they rotated through art activities including cherry blossom printing, constructing Chinese lanterns, puppet dragons and fire crackers. It was lovely to watch friends helping each other and engage in conversations about their new-found knowledge of Chinese New Year. To conclude the day, students were all given a special red packet to wish them well for the year ahead.
Staff News
Last week, we welcomed our new eLearning Facilitator, Mrs Argiro Anagnostu, who joins Mrs Shireen Winrow in our ICT eLearning team on the Junior Campus. Argiro will be familiar to teachers and students as she has assisted with Prep’s STEM days last year (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). This year, her role will see her in all classes from Preschool through to Yr 2, facilitating ICT lessons alongside classroom teachers. I know that you will join me in welcoming Argiro to her new role at Redlands.
Contacting Redlands Preparatory Reception
To ensure we are able to respond to all emails in a timely manner, could I please remind all parents to send correspondence to earlychildhood@redlands.nsw.edu.au. Mrs Rosling and Mrs Hunt share the role at Prep Reception and therefore sending correspondence to either one of their addresses may result in an email being overlooked.
Animals on School Premises
The students love to share stories about their furry and feathered friends in Prep School. However, could I please ask families to refrain from bringing animals onto the School premises. This also includes leaving animals tied to the School gates. Some students are frightened or allergic to animals and it may cause undue stress. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Redlands Pulse (Parent Portal)
To access Kindergarten, Yr 1 and Yr 2 information distributed throughout the year, please familiarise yourself with the relevant year page on Redlands Pulse. To locate this page, once logged in, you need to click on the ‘Preparatory’ section within the ‘Area of School’. Once here, click on the year level page on the side bar. These pages have been updated with pertinent 2019 information, including the start of year letter, any excursion information letters and details of the Meet the Teacher evenings last week. You will also find a whole School Calendar, with all events on Redlands Pulse.
Sun Safety
For many years now, there has been a ‘No Hat No Play’ policy in the Prep School. Please make sure you provide a named, school hat each day for your child. Each classroom has sunscreen for students to apply before morning tea and lunch. As a matter of safety, if students do not have a hat, they will stay in the shaded areas at all times.
Learning and Technology Parent Session
I would like to invite all K-2 parents to learn more about how technology is being used in your child’s classes. Please come along to attend the Learning and Technology Parent Session in Lucy Hill Library on Wednesday 20 February at 8.30am.
The presentation will include information on:
* Curriculum and ICT
* Seesaw
* Educational Apps
* Technology and wellbeing
To help provide us with an indication on numbers, please RSVP for the event here.
Twilight in the Piazza
I look forward to seeing families at Twilight in the Piazza, our first parent event for the year on Friday 22 February. This is a lovely opportunity to meet new families to the School and acquaint yourself with the Executive and other members of the community.
Oval Refurbishment
The Junior Campus Oval refurbishment is well underway with an approximate completion date by mid-March, pending weather conditions. It has been exciting to see each layer of the process and just this week the green turf was placed in position. The students on Junior Campus have adapted very well to their Piazza, Redlands House courts and playground play areas, whilst waiting for this project to finish. Students have also been making the most of the hoops, balls, skipping ropes and loose parts play, to build interesting constructions around the Piazza.
Mrs Audrey Fellowes
Head of Early Childhood
afellowes@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848