Head of Early Childhood

Magic Sight Words Program

Sight word recognition fosters self-confidence and fluency in reading. This confidence will help your child to persevere through the challenges of reading, as well as fuel their desire to continue reading. This year, Prep students have commenced the Magic Sight Words Program as part of their Home Learning. Information about the program was sent home with students at the beginning of the year and can be found in the front pages of their Sight Word book.  Magic Words are the 300 most common words in English and are the most important words when learning to read. The primary focus of the Magic Sight Word Program is to support recognition and practice of high frequency words in a variety of contexts. It is a differentiated program, catering to individual needs and one where students progress at their own pace. It is possible for many children in one class to be on several, different levels. Additionally, sight words are explicitly taught as part of literacy and once a week, each student will read list words with their teacher. When the teacher is comfortable with their proficiency, students will be given the next list of words to acquire. There is no rush for your child to complete the Magic Sight Word Program.  Proceeding from one list to another is not a competition, nor is it expected to be a demanding experience. All students will progress from one list to another at different rates and it is important to recognise this. In fact, it is more beneficial to take the time to review words, not only reading, but also writing and playing games with them too. More of these activities can be found in the children’s Sight Word books. The goal is for recognition of sight words in different contexts, such as in home-reading books, in environmental print or in library books. It has been delightful to see the children embrace this Program as they enthusiastically read their new-found knowledge of words with their teacher. Staff have been overjoyed with the children’s eagerness to read their lists and some even asking their teacher daily if they can practice together!  As parents, your participation in the Program is significant and I would like to thank you for helping to make this an enjoyable and collaborative learning journey for the children.

Easter Service and Hat Parade

It was a beautiful, sunny day last Thursday when the Preschool and Prep enjoyed their Easter Hat Parade which followed the Junior Campus Easter Service. At our Service this year we focused on the one word that encapsulates the Easter message – #love. As a community we contemplated the love that God demonstrates for all people and the celebration of all that Jesus did for humanity when the first Easter was considered. We were led through music and readings and encouraged to bring actions of love and gratitude into our own thinking.

The Prep students and families led the way with demonstrating the Easter message of love by their generous support of Wesley Missions Edward Eagar Lodge, a Crisis Accommodation service for people experiencing homelessness. Ms McKenzie delivered the gifts on Easter Sunday and reported that all of the people who received the gifts were touched and humbled by the sweetness and kindness of the gifts, and most especially the thoughtful cards. A special thank you to Ms McKenzie, the students, families and staff who helped us to remember this important time for our school community. We hope the message of love will continue to encourage us as the year progresses.

International Day

On Wednesday 11 April, Prep will be celebrating International Day. Students may wear any costume or clothing of their choice that reflect another country or culture. A reminder that closed-in shoes and sun-safe clothes are required. The Prep School and Transition Gold will be participating in a presentation from the Indigenous Storyteller, Matthew Doyle. Matthew’s wealth of performance experience will see him share his expert didgeridoo composing and playing skills together with Indigenous dance.

Strings in the Piazza

We are delighted to invite parents of Yr 2 students to the Piazza on Monday 9 April for Strings in the Piazza. This concert will provide an opportunity for the students to showcase their learning this term. The performance will commence at 2.25pm and will run for approximately 15 minutes. All parents of Yr 2 students are invited to celebrate in their child’s achievement of Strings thus far.

Clubs

Please note, all Wednesday clubs finish this week for Term 1. There are no clubs on the last week of the term. Clubs will resume in the second week of Term 2.

Winter Uniform

As we come towards the end of this term I would like to remind all Early Childhood families of the Winter Uniform expectations for Term 2. This is further outlined in the Student Planner. I encourage all families who have yet to purchase the Winter Uniform, to please do so at your earliest convenience. The Uniform Shop is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8am-4pm, Thursday 8am – 6pm, closed Tuesdays.

Holiday opening hours at the end of Term 1 are 9am – 3pm on Monday 16 April, Thursday 26 April, Friday 27 April and Monday 30 April. If you wish to come to the Uniform Shop during the holidays, please make an online appointment by clicking here.

Parent Volunteers Needed

We need new members to add to our friendly team of volunteers who assist Redlands students in Yrs 7-12 with exams and assessments throughout the year. We welcome Prep, Junior and Secondary School parents, grandparents, friends and Redlanders. Our volunteers respect confidentiality, are reliable and punctual, patient and relaxed. Legible handwriting is a bonus. If this describes you too, come and join our team! You can choose the exams and assessments for the subjects and years in which you are interested to suit your schedule. No subject specific knowledge is required, you are simply there to read and/or write what the student dictates, and to regulate the time. Bad spelling? No problem – spelling is ignored when there’s a writer. Illegible handwriting? You could be a reader (no writing required) or supervise time for a student or a small group. With your help a student can achieve his or her potential, you will see the kind of exams set across a range of subjects at the various stages of Secondary School, and you will gain another perspective of Redlands. Our students are very appreciative of the support they are given. Our next information session will be held on Monday 9 April. If you would be interested in finding out more about helping with exams, please contact Saralie Pincini or on 9968 9854.

Thinking Skills for Life

The Principal, Dr Peter Lennox, invites you to a Redlands community event –
The Inaugural Redlands Life-Ready Symposium with Mark Church of Harvard University, Graduate School of Education. 

When: Tuesday 1 May
Time: 6.00-7.30pm
Where: Redlands Hall, Senior Campus

Please join us as Mark Church (Harvard University) shares a short presentation on the thinking skills your children will need to be successful in their future lives. This will be followed by a panel discussion facilitated by Head of Teaching and Learning, Dr Emma Burgess with Mark Church, and Deputy Principal, Ms Sarah McGarry, Head of Secondary School, Mr Sean Corcoran, Head of Junior School, Mr Ari Guha and Head of Early Childhood, Mrs Audrey Fellowes.

Light refreshments from 5.45pm. Book here. Any enquiries, please call 9968 9844 or reception@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Audrey Fellowes
Head of Early Childhood
afellowes@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848