Head of Secondary School
It’s been a wonderful start to Term 4 even though we have missed Year 11, who are on Camp, and Year 12, who have either commenced their final examinations or are studying and commence them next week.
Our 2024 HSC cohort responded well to the English Examinations that took place this week. As one of their English teachers I was very keen to hear their perspectives and experiences. Paper 1 was fair and students responded positively. The Advanced Paper 2 offered an interesting question for Module C, requiring students to write about the benefits to leading a life less convenient in a discursive medium. For most students this was a little unsettling as they were not required to write a reflection which has been the norm for many years. It meant that students had to shift and adapt – and while they may have felt this was challenging (undoubtedly, it would have been), the staff are confident that they would have tackled this question thoughtfully and articulately. It was lovely to hear their, yelps, groans, mini-screams and incessant chatter after the English papers. Lots of teachers came out to chat and to be honest, it was hard to move them on. A fun picture of ‘the boys’ post-exam for your enjoyment.
Next Tuesday we formally induct our 2025 Year 12 Student Leaders. We are very much looking forward to this event as it enables the whole Secondary School community to bear witness to their transition to the final year of school and their enhanced role as the student leaders. Year 11 have shared a variety of experiences on camp this week and ready to step up in the coming weeks and months.
This week we met with Stage 4 and 5 students in separate assemblies. Dean of Students (Acting) Ms Matthews spoke to students about being their best selves, through intentional anchoring to the School Values, especially when utilising digital devices.
I then spoke to students about the School’s intentional focus on ensuring a smartphone free environment to enhance social, wellbeing and academic performance. We know that in 2023 the NSW Government consulted with students, parents and teachers and determined that school students should not have smartphone devices at school. Although this has been the our School’s expectation for some time, many students still carry their smartphone. This term, staff will actively enforce this directive for all students from Year 7 to 12.
Given that teens are on screens around 16 hours per day (112 hours per week), we are mindful of our obligation to support them to be more fully present in what is going on around them.
While at school, or engaged in school-related activities, we want to support students to improve their real life connections with each other, to take risks by having to speak to and approach one another, which can be a bit uncomfortable at times, and to enhance their use of language. Given that language is the way we make meaning, build connection, heal, learn and develop our self-awareness, we embrace all opportunities for students to develop their competencies in this non-digital space.
Whilst a few students have had their phones confiscated and found themselves in a detention this week, we believe in our young people’s capacity to engage, embrace and trust in the School’s supportive mechanisms. Assistant Dean of Students (Acting) Ms Lucienne Willis ran the lunchtime smart-device infringement detention with a focus on reflection. She was so proud and impressed with the thoughtful and articulate responses she received from our students.
“I think the time I spend on my phone does negatively impact my wellbeing. Comparison culture is inevitable and seeing posts from others only makes me more self-conscious.”
“I think Snapchat as a whole deteriorates relationships as there is a major lack of genuine connection. Instead, we send photos of our bedroom walls, the sky or anything else that avoids connection.”
“There are times, for example standing at the bus stop, on public transport or in social circles where everyone is looking at their phone and I do feel pressure to even pretend to use mine as it’s seen as cool and normal.”
“I, like many young people my age, commonly feel quite stressed or anxious due to ideologies and stereotypes portrayed on social media.”
“One time I started to see gym related content on Instagram portrayed by huge muscular men who I now realise are drugged and the extreme, but after seeing this content I felt really anxious about how I don’t look like them and doubted my body image.”
“Social media intensifies feelings of FOMO as it’s constantly available for you to know where and what your friends are doing.”
“Your phone makes you dependent and to rely on it since your phone often seems like it can offer instant gratification or solutions.”
Term 4 Wellbeing Webinar
Parents are warmly invited to attend our Term 4 Wellbeing Webinar
Tuesday 29 October 6.00pm-7.00pm
Navigating the Social Media Landscape: New Laws, Online Communication, and Digital Literacy
As discussions around social media restrictions and bans gain momentum, it’s essential for parents to stay informed about the possible changes and their impact on teens. This presentation will explore the current legislative landscape, share key research findings, and help parents prepare for potential backlash from teenagers related to new social media regulations. We will also discuss how messaging and texting platforms are central to teens’ social interactions, highlighting both risks and benefits, and provide practical strategies for fostering social media literacy and critical thinking. By teaching teenagers to critically assess information, make safe online choices, and engage responsibly, families will be empowered to navigate the digital world with greater confidence.
All parents are encouraged to attend our School counsellor-led webinar which can be accessed here, in the comfort of your own home.
Invitation to Mary’s House Walk for all Students and Parents
Redlands has recently started supporting Mary’s House, a local and completely community-funded organisation who provide immediate critical care, safety and shelter, and then access to legal and financial services, to women and families impacted by domestic violence.
On Sunday 27 October, Mary’s House are holding a walk to raise awareness and funds. The 10km walk starts at St Leonard’s Park, heads towards Balls Head Reserve, Waverton and returns via McMahons Point to finish back at the park. We are inviting students and their families to sign up to join the Redlands Team. Registration costs $85/adult and is free for those under 18. To sign up or donate to support the Redlands Team and Mary’s House, please follow this link.
We look forward to having a strong Redlands presence at the walk and really encourage you to join us for this initiative, led by Redland Service Coordinator Ms Rosie Peterson.
Festival of Redlands
Please join us for the Festival of Redlands, an unforgettable 140th Birthday Celebration, shining a light on 140 years of exceptional Redlands education, to explore the past, present and future of our amazing School.
When: This Saturday 19 October! 1pm-5pm
Where: Redlands Junior Campus, 2 Allister St, Cremorne
Complimentary Tickets Available Here
Bring your Redlands spirit to life by participating in the school-wide ultimate House Challenge, culminating in the awarding of the Festival of Redlands Trophy.
Enjoy the showcase of our extraordinary Performing Arts, Sports, Academics, Visual Arts, Innovative Design and Outdoor Education programs, as well as the history and heritage of Redlands.
Entry is free and you can also purchase a selection of ticketed activities while registering.
I hope to see you all there!
Learning Plus Volunteers
Learning Plus (support) are looking for volunteers with weekday availability and a desire to contribute regularly to the Redlands student community working with Yrs 7-12.
We need calm and confident community members who understand confidentiality. We need writers (scribes) and readers. You need to have legible handwriting and the ability to communicate in English.
Our volunteers find this a rewarding activity and a fantastic way to support students at Redlands.
We need volunteers to start training now!
Contact sprovisions@redlands.nsw.edu.au to express your interest or request more information.
Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9811