Head of Early Childhood
Bush School
The weather was perfect for the start of the Term 2 Kindergarten Bush School program which commenced this week. This hands-on, experiential learning program based on regular visits to Manly Dam over the course of the term, gives students a chance to connect their studies of the Australian bush in Inquiry Units to the natural setting. Bush School further provides an environment for children to explore their potential and enables them to connect to nature, use cooperative thinking skills, problem-solve, take calculated risks and build motor skills.
It is exciting to observe the learning and thinking dispositions, developed by the children in Bush School, translate into the classroom resulting in greater gains in key learning areas and Units of Inquiry. Given this is the School’s seventh year of Bush School, we are noticing that these gains are maintained and are continued by the children in Yrs 1 and 2, especially as they begin their first Outdoor Education Programs later in the year. Throughout the term, several staff from the Senior Leadership Team will be joining the Kindergarten classes to explore and learn alongside the students. Thank you to those parents who will also be joining the classes each week, your assistance is important and appreciated for the continuance of the Bush School program.
Staff News
Congratulations to Jacqui Longworth and her husband, Ben, on the safe arrival of baby Charlie this week. Both are doing very well and we look forward to a visit in the future.
Who Do I Contact?
As we begin a new term, this is a timely reminder to contact the following school personnel should you require information. The Early Childhood section of the School can refer you to these departments, but cannot answer specific questions pertaining to these activities.
Sports Department (Soccer, Gymnastics)
Adrian Carter – Junior Campus Sports Master
Gemma Michael – Sports Administration
Email: juniorsport@redlands.nsw.edu.au
Tel: 9908 6454
Music Department
Jacqueline McGlade – Music Administration
Email: juniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au
Tel: 9908 6495
Drama Department
Lauren O’Neill – Drama Administration
Email: drama@redlands.nsw.edu.au
Tel: 9968 9860
Ballet Department
Eva Bishop – Ballet Administration
Email- dance@redlands.nsw.edu.au
Tel: 9908 6461
Trading Cards
In past years, students have been given the responsibility of bringing in trading cards to enjoy with their friends during Recess and Lunch. To allow students to play, develop friendships and settle into their new classes before they begin negotiating skills with trading cards, it was decided that this activity would begin in Semester 2. This term, I have had requests from some students who are keen to begin this process earlier in the year. By way of compromise, I would like to allow the students to bring in their trading cards on Fridays only, where they will play and be supervised within the Friendship Club area. The staff would like to support the children in developing their skills of cooperation, turn taking, negotiating and discussion that can be promoted through trading card games. If you would like your child to participate in this activity, please complete and carefully read the conditions associated with trading cards play on this letter and return to the Prep Reception or your class teacher.
Illness
The cooler days are certainly upon us and to this end, I would like to remind you of the part you play in keeping our community healthy and well. Most coughs and colds are caused by germs called viruses and they are passed on by coughing and sneezing the virus into the air. If your child is unwell with a fever, runny nose and cough please keep them at home to reduce the chance of spreading their infection to others. Some useful information pertaining to this can be found here. Thank you for your close attention to this matter.
Mother’s Day Breakfast
The Junior Campus will be holding a Mother’s Day Celebration tomorrow, Friday 10 May, beginning at 7.45am. This year our mothers will be spoiled with breakfast treats followed by an exciting morning of activities in the Kindergarten, Yr 1 and 2 classrooms. We look forward to sharing this special morning with you. Please be aware, the morning drop-off and parking is very busy on this day and your attention to correct parking procedures is appreciated.
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 this 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 tshirt from the Uniform Shop, with all profits going to the Mother’s Day Classic charity.
To register for 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.
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.
Coming Together for Worship
Redlands is a school in the Anglican tradition and as such we have a weekly Chapel service for all students. The Chapel services are designed to be age and stage appropriate for all students. Last year in the Prep School each class led Chapel for their peers. They chose the songs, retold stories in a variety of ways and shared prayers. Students used a variety of Creative Arts and Technology to support their learning and experience in Chapel. It was lovely to hear when reviewing Chapel with the students, that their favourite Chapel was the service they led. Several parents also showed interest and asked to attend. Currently, parents who wish join us for worship are invited for Easter and Christmas services. We would like to warmly extend this invitation to attend when your child’s class is leading. Chapel times are 9.30am for Kindergarten and 10.00am for Yrs 1 and 2 and all Chapel services are conducted in Parkes Hall. If you are able and would like to attend, please enter through the Preparatory Reception area where you will be asked to sign in and out. Yr 2 will lead this term and Kindergarten and Yr 1 will have an opportunity to lead in Term 3. Please see roster below:
Yr 2 – Stories Jesus told
Wk 4 – 2E
Wk 5 – 2A
Wk 6 – 2P
Wk 8 – 2C
Term 3
Yr 1 – Big Bible Stories
WK 3 – 1S
Wk 4 – 1O
Wk 5 – 1W
Wk 6 – 1G
Kindergarten – Amazing Jesus Miracles
Wk 4 – KY
Wk 5 – KB
Wk 6 – KO
Wk 7 – KR
Mrs Audrey Fellowes
Head of Early Childhood
afellowes@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848