Head of Secondary School
International Women’s Day
Last Friday we celebrated International Women’s Day at Redlands to both acknowledge the achievements of women and reflect on some of the gender inequalities and injustices still present in Australia and around the world. Throughout the week, various reflections and activities took place in Tutor Group and Year Group meetings and Prefects sold purple ribbons to raise money for UN Women – a United Nations entity responsible for promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality worldwide. We also were very fortunate for some of our Yr 12 students to have the opportunity to listen to the first female Governor of NSW, the Honourable Marie Bashir, speak at the Mosman Council’s International Women’s Day Breakfast on Friday.
At our International Women’s Day Assembly, Deputy Principal Sarah McGarry spoke to the students about some of her experiences supporting women’s empowerment programs in her work with overseas communities and some of the challenging realities that are still facing girls and young women worldwide. We also welcomed Jodi Mullin from Room to Read, a non-profit organisation focused on improving literacy and gender equality through education in countries across the developing world. She spoke to the students about the work her organisation is doing and how our students might get involved moving forward.
I also shared some of my reflections to the student body about the importance of International Women’s Day today which I have shared below.
“In recent years, I and others have sometimes overheard people ask why do we need to continue to have an International Women’s Day. Well, I hope after hearing from Jodi Mullin today, on one hand you can see the need for a continued commitment towards righting the wrongs of gender inequalities and injustices worldwide.
However, unfortunately, this need also exists in Australia. We still need a day to pause and reflect on gender inequalities and injustices in our country when women receive on average 85% of the salary of men, we still need a day when women are far less likely to be a Chief Executive or Board Director of leading companies; and we still need a day when currently one woman a week dies – one woman a week dies – at the hands of a current or former spouse or partner. And earlier this week, we have heard of another one of these tragic deaths here in Sydney.
So, I hope that soon, we will not need International Women’s Day anymore because for 365 days of the year, we will live in a country and in a world where women are celebrated for their achievements and these gender inequalities and injustices no longer exist.”
Jazz in the Garden
It was great to see so many Secondary School musicians performing at our Jazz in the Garden on Saturday evening. Due to the wet weather, we had to move the performances to the Undercroft area; however, as I remarked to Mr Kuilenberg, I was impressed how our Facilities team, Music staff and Friends of Music parent helpers transformed this space into a funky New York Jazz club! We were treated to an original single from Redlander Greta Argyropoulos (Class of 2017), Holding on to What You Say, which is the title track on the first Redlands EP which we are excited to release. Congratulations to all performers for a wonderful evening of music.
Winter School
We are still accepting applications for 2019 Winter School for students in Yrs 7-10. This is a unique opportunity which Redlands offers, enabling students to gain independence in a supportive residential environment at our High Country Campus in Jindabyne. The program is not just about improving skiing or snowboarding skills; students maintain academic rigour while living in a small community and growing through the challenges and opportunities this presents. Information on Winter School can be found on Redlands Pulse and applications close at 5.00pm on Friday 15 March. Winter School is a great opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zones and challenge themselves in a wonderful residential community. Limited places are available so if you are interested, please go to the Winter School page on Redlands Pulse to find out further information and submit an application.
Sports Update
Last week, we completed our summer Basketball season with 11 teams competing in the finals out at Penrith and four teams (the Girls Junior A, Girls Junior B, Girls Open B, Boys 17B and Boys 14D) winning their finals and being crowned ISA Champions in their respective divisions. It was great to see the Junior A and Open B Girls fight back in their matches for exciting victories. Overall, our Junior Girls won the Junior Championship Shield and our Girls Basketball program finished second overall across the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Divisions – two wonderful results. Congratulations to all players for their efforts this season.
Yesterday, Redlands hosted the ISA Swimming Championships out at Homebush. Not only did we have some excellent results in the pool (these will be included in next week’s Sports section of Note Day), but we also had a number of Yr 10 students volunteering on the pool deck throughout the day to ensure the smooth running of the event which was great to see.
As most students are transitioning to their Winter Sports this week, we wish our girl and boy rowers all the best at their respective Heads of the River out at Penrith this Saturday and Sunday as their season comes to a conclusion.
Sports Luncheon
We are very excited to be holding our inaugural Redlands Sports Luncheon, celebrating 120 years of Redlands Sport, on Friday 5 April 2019 from 12.00 – 4.00pm at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Kirribilli.
This Luncheon is open to all Redlands parents and alumni and provides a great opportunity to celebrate the integral value of sport to the Redlands community and its students of the past, present and future.
We are delighted to announce our guest speakers, past Redlands students, who will share their very inspiring journey during this luncheon, Karyn Gojnich (Davis), Class of 1978 (Olympic Sailor, Redlander and former Redlands parent), Janusz Hooker, Class of 1987 (Olympic Rower), Lachlan Mackay, Class of 2000 (Rugby: Wallaby) and Holly Crawford, Class of 2001 (Olympic Snowboarder).
Tickets are $130 per person and includes a gourmet two course meal and beverages.
Limited spaces are available so please book here so you do not miss out on a place.
Easter Working Bee
Mr Sean Corcoran
Head of Secondary School
scorcoran@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9870