Service and Social Engagement

Mother’s Day Classic

Well done to all those who competed in the Mother’s Day Classic. We had a commendable 120 entrants and came 3rd in the Schools category. Special note was made of our long history of family participation in this great day out. Thank you to toe RPFA for managing the logistics of the Redlands meeting point and bag drop.

Red Shield Appeal

The Salvation Army Red Shield appeal is coming up in a few weeks so be prepared for door knockers collecting funds for the very valuable work undertaken by the Salvation Army to support and provide hope for members of the community who are struggling. If you live close to school you may be door knocked by a team of our Yr 11 volunteers on Sunday 26 May. Our students will be meeting at school at 8.30am for a briefing before heading out to our local streets. When they return to school they will be rewarded by a Sausage Sizzle BBQ.

Redlands School Sleepout

Planning is also well underway for the Yr 10 Redlands School Sleepout which takes place in the last week of this term. In Yr 10 we have been examining homelessness, reflecting on the causes and consequences, as well as the myths and realities. Redlands already have a longstanding relationship with St Vincent de Paul through the Matthew Talbot Men’s Hostel where Yr 11 students and staff serve breakfast on a weekly basis throughout the year.

The Vinnies School Sleepout is an opportunity for our Yr 10 students to better understand the realities of homelessness by experiencing it, if only overnight. We will be sleeping under the Gym and having a modest soup kitchen dinner. We have arranged a number of guest speakers for the evening who can offer valuable insights into homelessness and specifically some of the challenges associated with youth homelessness. The following morning students will be actively participating in a range of practical activities. The empathy students can gain from the Sleepout experience will hopefully be matched by their engagement in a series of action and reflection sessions at School during the morning after the Sleepout.

Socks, Undies and Toiletries Drive for Matthew Talbot

At this time of the year we are also seeking donations for the Matthew Talbot Hostel in Woolloomooloo. The Hostel provides accommodation and support services to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. These services can include nutritional meals, clothing, showers and basic medical assistance. Redlands teachers and students from Yr 11 attend the Hostel every Monday morning to assist with breakfast service.

We are looking for new items of underwear such as socks, underpants and thermals along with toiletries like shampoo, hand sanitiser, deodorant and moisturiser. Each Tutor Group has been issued with a collections box and challenged to fill it to the brim. Students can bring donations to the Secondary School Office any time before the holidays.

Ms Kria Coleman
Service Coordinator
kcoleman@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9892