Head of Preparatory School

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An Update

I have been so proud of our students this week as they walk in every day understanding and demonstrating the protocols for in-school hygienic practices. Our little ones hop out of their cars (in most cases unassisted), pop their blazers on, bag on their backs and say goodbye to mum or dad with a smile and walk in to school. All students are still using the provided hand sanitisers at entrances to the building as well as getting their temperatures checked as they start their day. Throughout the day our students are reminded and encouraged to wash their hands often and to be mindful of social distancing when they can. I am super impressed at how clear they are at articulating what and why they have to follow these protocols. Their resilience is growing as they come to terms with their normal routines and activities being slightly changed for the time being.

At Redlands we are continuing to follow advice and guidance from governing bodies as well as maintaining our own level of vigilance for our staff and students to keep all safe and healthy. Please be aware of the following guidelines if your child is demonstrating symptoms and also what to do if siblings are at the school.

• A student who presents at school with temperature or symptoms is to be checked by the School Nurse then sent home immediately (if parent present) or isolated until parent/carer can collect. 
• Parent/carers to seek medical advice (encourage COVID testing). 
• Parents/carers asked to advise the School if a student is being tested and as results are received. 
• The student is not to attend school while awaiting test results – siblings are asked not to attend school until a clear test has been received.
• The student will be required to give evidence of medical clearance prior to returning to school. 

These guidelines will remain in place until the end of the term. The School Executive will meet and review procedures as we move into Term 3 and any changes to Redlands procedures will be addressed by a communication from the Principal, Mr Stephen Webber at the commencement of the term.

Car Safety

I encourage all families to read the information sent out today from Sam Kourakis, Dean of Students regarding car safety and the information around the displaying of the car safety sticker. You never know, a few House points might be given to those cars who use the sticker!

You may have seen a Traffic Controller at car line this past week. We have been very appreciative of their presence as they watch and observe the traffic flow and provide the school with some suggestions in moving forward. They are also observing and enforcing the left hand turn only on exiting the car park. Turning right is an illegal turn as is performing a U-turn over double lines to park on the other side of the street. Please adhere to these rules as our children’s safety is more important than convenience.

Staff Information

It is with sadness we will say goodbye to our beloved Miss Sim in Term 3, Week 2. Stellina has accepted a role as Head of Teaching and Learning at Waverley College, Melbourne. We will miss her terribly but all staff and students are very excited for her. Luckily we will have some time next term to celebrate her time at Redlands and farewell her.

Curriculum Matters

This week I have asked Two Blue to write a focus piece on their learning this week. Each time I have walked into their room they have been investigating, exploring and demonstrating some challenging thinking. Here is what they wanted to say:

‘As part of their Unit of Inquiry, Year Two are developing their abilities to think like scientists. Currently, learners are investigating patterns in the position of the sun across the day, changes in the shape of the moon and seasonal patterns. Learners are observing, posing questions, collecting data and describing their findings. With a partner, Two Blue are using an app called Explain Everything to document learning processes and outcomes. This app enables learners to access a variety of tools for annotation, animation, narration and sharing purposes. As a collaborative tool, Explain Everything is also used in other key learning areas such as Mathematics. Learners in Two Blue enjoy instructing and modelling their calculation strategies using the app’s recording tool, text, arrow and pen features. As mathematicians, Yr 2 students are provided with opportunities to represent their thinking in multiple ways showing conceptual understanding and visible thinking. Providing opportunities for students to document, revise, communicate and reflect on learning processes deepens their understanding, promotes risk-taking and enriches their capacities as life-long learners.’

Term 3/4 Departure Notice

As we are approaching the mid-point of the year, this is a reminder that those families who are planning on leaving the School at the end of Terms 3 or 4 are required to give notice to the Principal via an email to registrar@redlands.nsw.edu.au by the following dates:

End Term 3 Departure:  Friday 26 June 2020
End Term 4 Departure:  Sunday 26 July 2020

As per our Conditions of Enrolment emailed to all families in December last year with the 2020 Schedule of Fees, there will be fees in lieu payable for any notices of departure received after this date.

If your family is experiencing current financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19, please contact our Chief Financial Officer at bweatherstone@redlands.nsw.edu.au to see how the School may support your child’s continued enrolment at Redlands.

Mrs Ainslie Breckenridge
Head of Preparatory School
abreckenridge@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848