Head of Junior School

I am delighted with the very positive start our Junior School students have made to Term 4. Yesterday in Assembly we spoke about the remainder of the academic year and used the metaphor of a downhill ski slope – as one moves down the course, momentum increases and maintaining focus becomes essential. Just as a skier makes thoughtful adjustments to navigate the run successfully, our students are encouraged to make positive choices over coming weeks. These decisions not only shape their own experience and reputation but also have an impact on those around them. By acting with care, responsibility and consideration, students can ensure a strong finish to the year.

The recent Festival of Redlands was a wonderful highlight of the year, bringing our school community together for a day filled with excitement and fun activities. It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves and building connections across the school (P-12). A special thank you goes out to the RPFA organising committee and volunteers (both parents and students), whose hard work and dedication made this event such a success. We are truly grateful for their efforts in fostering the sense of togetherness that makes Redlands so special.

The Kindness Project – From our Dean of Students, Katie–Louise Clinton

In Term 4 our Year 6 Wellbeing leaders have launched the Kindness Project.

The Kindness Project Is all about highlighting students who have shown kindness to one another, when no one is watching. The Wellbeing leaders have collaborated to make a special ‘post’ box. Next to the box will be cards that have a space where you can write about a time someone has been kind and what was the action shown?

The Kindness Project box is in the Prep and Junior School Reception area and is open for anyone to use including our teachers, please share your ideas and spread the magic and we hope to feel the transformative power of kindness. Please encourage your child to talk about people at school who have demonstrated kindness, ask them if they see someone helping another student make sure to put a note in the kindness box! We will be making announcements in Assembly as we spotlight the way we show kindness to each other at Redlands.

Viva Mexico – from our Language Teacher, Joanna Colagiuri

Viva Mexico will be visiting the Junior School to perform for Redlands students as part of the Spanish program on Thursday 31 October.

Viva Mexico is a musical and cultural journey led by Victor Valdés, who performs with instruments including the Mexican harp, Mexican and Spanish guitars, violin and trumpet. Students will learn folk dances and the meaning of Spanish lyrics in some popular songs. Victor will also explain the cultural history of the instruments and the Charro suit worn by the Mariachis.

Parents have been invoiced for the cost of the incursion with Term 4 fees.

The performances will take place at the following times on Thursday 31 October:

8:30 – 9:20am: Year 3
9:30-10:20am: Year 4
11:00-11:50am: Year 5
12:00-12.50pm: Year 6

Term 4 Parent Information Session

Defiance and Connections: Managing Defiant Behaviour While Building Stronger Bonds

Our school counsellors will delve into how attachment and emotional connections influence defiance in primary school-aged children. We’ll define defiance, explore why it happens, and provide practical strategies to manage it, all designed to reduce defiant behaviour while strengthening parent-child bonds. Learn how to balance secure attachment with giving your child space to adapt and grow, building their distress tolerance and resilience to life’s challenges.

Save the date in your diary – Thursday 14 November, 8.30am. Registration link will be provided next week.

Parents Circles: Responsive Parenting and Raising Healthy Children – From our School Counsellor, Silvia Roberts

Being a responsive parent sounds simple enough, but living high-stress lives, often in isolation, lots of us know how difficult it can be. Recognising that the essential condition for a healthy child’s development is the child’s relationship with nurturing adults, I invite you to join me for regular Parents Circles.

The last Parents Circle in 2024 will take place in Week 4 in the Prep Library after school drop off. We welcome our prep and junior school parents to attend. Please feel free to bring your own coffee or tea. As this is a parenting circle of support, numbers are limited to 20 to keep it small enough for interactive discussion, please register your interest here.

The topic for Week 4 (Wednesday, 06/11/2024 8.30 am – 9.30 am in Lucy Hill Library) is:

Positive Functional Development: Model of Developmental Immaturity

Focusing on understanding and exploring how early experiences in the family shape children’s emotional responses, decision making and the relationships they develop later in life.
Learn to recognise patterns of “immaturity” in yourself and your children.
How do my own childhood experiences influence my parenting style?

Are you feeling trapped in a parenting pattern that might not serve your child, yourself, or your family? Connect and ask questions to empower yourself with tools and insights.

Term 4 Wellbeing Webinar

Junior School parents and carers may also be interested in the following Secondary School Wellbeing Webinar next Tuesday 29 October, 6.00-7.00pm.

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.

Mr Ian Holden
Head of Junior School
iholden@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022