Head of Junior School
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please note that all Upcoming Events for the Junior School are now on their own Note Day article/page.
This Head of Junior School page will consist of general information from the Head of Junior School.
Debating Grand Finals
Last Friday evening, our Yr 5 and Yr 6 Debating teams competed in this year’s Sydney Debating Network Grand Finals against Monte and Riverview respectively. With four teams in the Grand Finals, including our Yr 7 and Senior teams, Redlands hosted the evening in our new John Roberts Centre on the Senior Campus. Having had the honour of meeting John Roberts on a number of occasions, John, who passed away recently approaching his 101st birthday, would have been delighted to hear the academic discourse in the classrooms for this event and to see the Centre brimming with students and visitors from Redlands and many other schools.
Both of our Junior School teams were given the affirmative position to debate on the topic that Australia should become a vegan nation, and both teams skilfully and convincingly argued their position to become 2019 winners, a remarkable achievement for the students. Their delight was infectious and I congratulate them for their commitment to this Extra Curricular opportunity over the year, which has yielded significant growth.
I also thank and acknowledge the guidance and support the students have received from their Debating coaches alongside our Redlands teachers, Mrs Sharp and Ms Wynn. Their joy too at seeing the students conclude their Debating season on such a high note was also very special.
Farewell Yr 12
This week saw our Yr 12 students enjoy, celebrate, reminisce and reflect on their individual and collective journeys at Redlands, as they concluded their time at Redlands, bar their final examinations.
On Monday, we welcomed a large contingent of former Prep and Junior School students to our Campus and both they and our current students enjoyed this special time together. Many took the time to seek out former teachers and say thank you and it was also lovely to see the group spend added time connecting with our Yr 6 cohort and answering questions and wonderings that our Yr 6 students have about Secondary School.
Then on Wednesday, I was proud to attend the Yr 12 Final Assembly. Like for a number of other Junior School teachers, it is a very special privilege to see former pupils in our care now leave the Secondary School as fine young women and men and the assembly was both moving and inspiring in equal measures. It was particularly poignant to hear both Mr Corcoran, Head of Secondary School, and Yr 12 student leaders acknowledge teachers and peers who have helped shape their respective journey and the now customary Guard of Honour for our departing Yr 12 students by the Prep and Junior School students and teachers was hugely emotional for all.
Now in my fourteenth year at Redlands, I have seen hundreds of students come through our Junior School and then graduate in Yr 12 and without exception, every year truly stirs my emotions and provides a sense of enormous pride in our School and the people who make it what it is. I wish the Yr 12 students all the very best in their final examinations and wish them all the best in their journeys beyond the school gates. I have no doubt that like others before them, and those that will follow, they will make a difference in the world.
Parent Seminar
Last week, we were pleased to welcome Lisa Maltman, the Director of The Sleep Connection, to present her research and expertise on the topic, Sleep for Better Health, Academic Performance and Resilience. Our Dean of Students, Mrs Kourakis, has generously summarised her personal notes from the seminar which have now been placed on Redlands Pulse for all Redlands families, which I hope will be of benefit to parents who were unable to attend.
Term 4 Information
Please note that students are expected to be in full Summer Uniform from Term 4 as per the guidelines on page 16 of the Student Planner. Blazers are optional in Terms 1 and 4 during the warmer months but will be required for formal occasions such as our end of term Junior School Speech Day.
Please do take a moment over the break to review the Semester 2 Calendar on Redlands Pulse and I wish all of our students, staff and families a rejuvenating and happy break and we look forward to welcoming students back for the start of Term 4 on Monday 14 October.
Students Making a Difference
I was inspired from speaking with Yr 4 students, Ryan Connell and Daniel Bond, who along with Ryan’s sister, Amelie, set up a charity stall last weekend at the front of their house to raise money for conservation charities helping to save rhinoceroses and snow leopards. The event was a big success, raising a staggering $450.50 and I know the children felt very supported by both their families and many other Redlands families who dropped by to support this important cause. Thank you for your compassion and actions.
Festival of Mosman 2019
Mosman Council have sent through information for us to share about their upcoming biennial Festival of Mosman from Friday 18 – Sunday 27 October.
This year, the Festival promises to be bigger than ever, with a busy ten day program of over 60 events including old favourites and exciting new additions. Highlights include a Traditional Sunset Ceremony on Balmoral Beach, an Italian feast on the Village Green, the October Feast night market and an outdoor cinema movie marathon. Popular favourites include outdoor concerts at Balmoral, the Children’s Fair and a Pet’s Day Out. The Festival showcases the best of Mosman, its stunning beaches and natural environment, harbourside living, music, fine dining, and unique performance and art experiences. For additional details, please visit the Festival program.
Mr Ari Guha
Head of Junior School
aguha@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022