Head of Early Childhood
Vale Helen Carden
It is with sadness that I share with our community the passing of Helen Carden who served for 30 years as the Principal’s Executive Assistant. Helen began her tenure at Redlands in 1980, retiring in 2009 having assisted many staff, students and parents in her role. Helen’s daughter, Rachel Gordon, teaches Kindergarten Red and we send her and the family our most sincere condolences on the passing of her mother. Until recently due to declining health, Helen had continued to show great loyalty and enthusiasm to the School attending Foundation Day assemblies, Musicals and Gala Arts performances. I thank Junior Campus Chaplain, Ms Fiona McKenzie who has been supporting the family and will be leading the funeral this week.
International Day
Wednesday was a special day in our school calendar as we recognised and celebrated the rich diversity of cultures, backgrounds and nationalities that is the fabric of the Redlands community. This difference of culture provides a mixed experience, with varying worldviews that enrich each other and strengthen our community. In Assembly, we discussed this concept and I asked students to stand if they were either born in another country, could speak a language other than English or had a parent or grandparent who were born in another country. More than 90% of the Prep cohort were standing and I asked the students to make sure that they embrace the differences in each other, celebrating everybody’s uniqueness and to make a real effort to include their peers in all school endeavours. The students enjoyed their international dance incursion learning a variety of dances from different countries throughout the day.
Strings Performance
Monday afternoon provided a wonderful performance opportunity for the Yr 2 cohort as they played for their families and teachers. In only one term, it is remarkable to see the progress the students have made under the tutelage of the Music staff. I would like to thank the students for putting in so much effort, specialist Music tutors, class teachers and the parents for their support. A special mention must go out to the Advanced String Ensemble who led the finale and to Mrs Luck who so ably led the performance and the organisation of the afternoon.
Easter Parade and Walk Throughs
On Friday 12 April at 11.30am, Prep classrooms will be open for viewing for parents and caregivers to see some of the wonderful learning that has been taking place already this year. Your children can show you their journals, discuss the displays on classroom walls and guide you through the different learning spaces in the rooms. After this, at approximately 12.00pm, Prep will be holding their annual Easter Hat Parade and parents are very welcome to come and watch the classes. If you wish to participate, we ask that parents create Easter hats with their child at home, prior to this event. The hats can be brought to school on the day and stored in the classroom.
If parents wish to take their child home at the conclusion of the Parade, please inform your class teacher via the Student Planner or Prep Reception in writing. If you are leaving school after the Parade, please collect your child from their classroom and make sure you see the teacher first.
As a reminder to our community, although children giving each other chocolate eggs at school is a lovely idea, we ask that no chocolate eggs or sweets be brought to school. This is to ensure the health and safety of all our students and avoid the sadness associated with missing out or losing a gift. In lieu, hand-made cards would be welcomed.
Junior Campus Easter Service from the Junior Campus Chaplain
“We love because He first loved us” 1 John 4:19
Redlands will be holding the annual Junior Campus Easter Service on Friday 12 April. Parents and family are warmly invited to attend our K-6 Service, beginning at 9.45am. This is a special opportunity for us to come together as a community to give thanks for the term and to celebrate Easter. In the Service, we will reflect as a community on God’s great love for people. One way we can reflect on this love is to find ways within our day to day to share love with others. Thank you so much to those families who have donated eggs to share with people experiencing homelessness in Sydney this Easter. It is not too late to be involved if you wish with the last day for egg donations on Wednesday 10 April. On Easter Sunday, the children’s gift bags will be delivered to Edward Eager lodge a homeless hostel in the city. Our weekly Preparatory Assembly charity funds will go towards purchasing toiletries as a more practical gift for the men and women of the Lodge.
Staff News
It is with regret that I share with you news of Mr Michael Warby’s resignation from Redlands. Mr Warby has been an inspirational leader within the Music faculty, a wonderful Master in Charge of Strings and we wish him all the very best with his new endeavours. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael for the care he has provided to the students during his three years of dedicated service at Redlands. We are delighted to welcome Ms Danielle Vita to our Music department and look forward to her energy and passion for the subject which has seen her train and teach in New York before also teaching in Hong Kong and now Sydney.
Julia Booth will replace Sue Anderson who will be taking Long Service Leave next term. Julia is familiar to Redlands, having taught vocal and piano tuition in the Secondary School.
After many years of casual teaching for the Preparatory School, we farewell Marilyn Ramage from Redlands this term. Marilyn will be spending more time with her grandchildren and we wish her all the best in the coming years.
Winter Uniform
I would like to remind all Early Childhood families of the Winter uniform expectations for Term 2. This includes correct guidelines for hair and further information in regards to this is in the Student Planner and on Redlands Pulse. 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 8.00am-4.00pm, Thursday 8.00am-6.00pm, closed Tuesdays.
Appointments are essential during the holiday period and hours of operation are Monday 15, Friday 26 and Monday 29 April from 8.00am-4.00pm. Please make an online appointment by clicking here.
Mother’s Day Classic
Interested Redlands families are encouraged to register for the Redlands team on the Mother’s Day Classic website, to participate in the Mother’s Day Classic on Sunday 12 May. This is a wonderful family-oriented event with categories for serious runners through to fun runners of all ages. All proceeds from this event are donated to Breast Cancer Research.
Don’t forget to purchase your Redlands pink caps and a new pink Team Redlands t-shirt from the Uniform Shop, with all profits going to the Mother’s Day Classic charity.
To register your interest in joining the Redlands team, click here. Please note that you will need to complete the registration process, nearly all the way to the payment stage before you can select to join the Redlands team and the password is ‘Shine’.
Thank you to the Redlands Parents and Friends Association who will again have a tent at the event as a meeting point.
Are you Travelling in the Coming School Holidays?
During your travels, we would be grateful if you could collect hotel or airline toiletries as we will be having collection points in the Junior and Secondary School offices for donations in the first few weeks of Term 2. These items will be donated to Every Little Bit Helps who provide toiletries to men and womens’ shelters, people experiencing domestic violence as well as refugee centres.
Redlands Konica Minolta Art Prize Collection and Artist in Residence Program
The Redlands Konica Minolta Art Prize Collection will be on display at the School at a special event on Thursday 16 May.
Tickets available here. Drinks and canapés will be served during the evening. This is a parent only event.
Happy Holidays
It has been an industrious and happy first term for the students of Prep. It has been delightful to watch the deep learning and growth in abilities of the students in only 11 weeks of school. Kindergarten especially, have shown a mature and steady approach to their first term in a formal school setting. I have valued parent feedback and ongoing support, and further encourage you to continue the open communication between staff and school, as we work in partnership for the positive outcomes of the students. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a lovely break, take time for yourselves, rest and re-energise for another dynamic term. For those travelling abroad, take care and stay safe and I look forward to welcoming you back on Tuesday 30 April for Term 2.
Mrs Audrey Fellowes
Head of Early Childhood
afellowes@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848