Head of Preparatory School
Snowsports State Interschool Championships
Last week, our Redlands House and Prep school students competed at the Interschool state championships held in Perisher Valley. What a big achievement for all these students to represent their school at this competitive level, we are all so proud of them!
Stand-out results from our Ski Cross Team; Jemima Joyce, Saskia Williams and Annabel Grinham qualifying for Nationals to be held next week in Perisher. Jemima placed in the top 20 and scored an individual invite to Nationals for this event also.
A big congratulations to our Alpine GS Team, with Jonathan Burton, Liam Huang, Max Von Konigsmark, and Lucas Lam placing 9th. Another great result from Jemima Joyce, Saskia Williams, Annabel Grinham, and Arwen Fildes, who narrowly missed out on Nationals by 0.92 of a second, placing 7th.
Staffing News
It is with sadness that we farewell our very much-loved PE/PD/H teacher Ms Faye Dongas next week. Throughout Faye’s time at Redlands, she has worked across many P-6 classes. Faye’s enthusiasm and dedication in teaching our younger students the foundational skills of physical education is so very appreciated as is her commitment to ensuring our younger learners are taught and guided through personal safety education. I know that you will join me in wishing Faye well on her next adventure.
It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Ms Georgina Knox on the announcement of her pregnancy. Ms Knox is feeling well and will be on class until the end of the year.
Wellbeing News
A Message from Mrs Clinton
This week in Prep we have been focusing on sharing ‘real life’ stories on how we can be persistent and confident at school and at home. We continue to recognise our emotions and talk about how we are feeling using the Zones of Regulation.
Kindergarten is sharing stories and learning new songs about how we can be like ‘Persistent Pete’.
Students identify three ways of thinking that can help them be persistent when they are faced with a difficult task or a problem. Our Kindy students are learning how to skip independently and are taking turns in being the leader and participating in team games. In class and on the playground, we are practising using our confident voices and saying:
“I can keep on trying when things get hard”
“I know if I try hard, I can do it”
“The more I try, the better I get”
Year 1 are learning to unpack how they are feeling and what to do when ‘bad stuff’ happens. The You Can Do It program also helps us understand how to handle a problem and deal with our emotions. Our Year 1 students came up with fresh and practical ideas for handling tricky times:
“When I feel angry, I can step away for a minute”
“I will face smile and hold it”
“When I feel sad, I go and find help from a friend”
“I take 5 deep breaths and I go and play outside”
Year 2 are learning to understand and manage their emotions through various strategies. We used the movie Inside Out as a tool to relate emotions to real-life experiences and are actively practicing self-regulation techniques using the Zones of Regulation language. This includes using five-finger breathing exercises and taking outdoor movement breaks to help manage and create a feeling of calm.
To reinforce these skills at home and support your child’s emotional development, here are some practical tips:
- Encourage Positive Self-Talk: Help your child practice confident self-talk when tackling tasks. This could be as simple as saying, “I can do this!” or “I’m getting better at this!” Positive self-talk can make challenging or mundane tasks feel more manageable and boost their persistence.
- Engage in Meaningful Chores: Involve your child in completing small, achievable tasks around the house, such as writing shopping lists, packing groceries, tidying their bedroom, cleaning the car, or helping with gardening. These activities provide opportunities for your child to apply persistence and self-regulation in real-world contexts.
- Discuss Emotions and Self-Regulation: After completing tasks, have a conversation with your child about their feelings. Ask them, “How are you feeling?” and encourage them to use the Zones of Regulation language they’ve learned at school. This practice will help reinforce their understanding of emotions and how to manage them effectively.
By integrating these practices into your daily routines, you’re helping your child build emotional intelligence and fostering a supportive environment for ongoing growth of their self-regulation skills and overall confidence.
Nurturing Positive Self-Esteem in Your Child
K-6 Parent Presentation
12 September 8.30am
As parents, you play a crucial role in shaping your children’s sense of self-worth and confidence. Join us for an insightful presentation on effective strategies to cultivate positive self-esteem in your children. In this session, we will explore:
- Understanding the importance of self-esteem in a child’s development
- Understanding body image issues and how to mitigate them
- Practical tips and everyday techniques to foster a healthy self-image in your child
- Effective communication and the art of being assertive, and the role it plays in your child’s positive sense of self
- How to manage digital challenges and limit the negative impact technology can have on your child’s self-esteem
Empower your child to thrive with a strong sense of self. Together, let’s build a foundation that prepares them for a lifetime of confidence and positive self-worth.
Week 9
Prep Camp Week!
Watch this space for more information coming next week outlining the details of our Prep Camp Week, Monday 16 – Friday 20 September. Throughout the week grades will be participating in different activities in and outside of school.
These ‘camp activities’ are during the day only, there is no sleeping over involved.
Father’s Day Breakfast
We are excited to invite you to join us in celebrating Father’s Day this Monday 2 September from 7.45 am at the Junior Campus Piazza. Please note that bookings will close on Wednesday 28 August, reservations are necessary for catering purposes.
In the event of rain, the celebration will continue as planned, with arrangements made to accommodate refreshments undercover.
Mrs Ainslie Breckenridge
Head of Preparatory School
abreckenridge@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848