Foundation

Twilight in the Garden

It was wonderful to see so many or our parents and staff come together and enjoy a warm evening in the Fahl Garden, an open outdoor area in front of the Redlands Learning Hub, named after Redlander Lynette Fahl who sadly passed away in 1963. Her father, Mr Richard Frederick Fahl, bequeathed his estate to Redlands to create the Anne Lynette Fahl Memorial Bursary in memory of his daughter.

Thank you to our performers – Ashton, Tamis and Zac, Redlanders 2022, who played beautifully throughout the evening. This trio who started to play while at Redlands, have been accepted to the Sydney Conservatorium. Congratulations and best of luck in your next chapter!

Thank you to the RPFA Committee and volunteers for organising this very popular event.

Autumn (Spring) Fair – a Long Tradition and Impact for the School

This highly anticipated wider community event with a long history is just around the corner.

For history lovers there are some highlights from our Archives:

The history of the ‘Autumn’ Spring Fair goes all the way back to 1893 when it was referred to as ‘The School Bazaar’. This inaugural event raised funds for the yet to be built North Shore Hospital and 50 pounds was raised, equivalent to $9000 at the time, when the number of students was no more than 50.

In the early 1900s the re-named ‘Garden Fete’ raised money for hospitals, including the newly open Royal North Shore Hospital. In 1915 it was the ‘Australia Day Fete’, and in 1919 ‘The Old Girl’s Fete’ raised money for the Children’s Hospital.

By 1932 the Fete was supporting the Old Girls’ Union Bursary Fund, and in 1934 the Old Girls gifted a domestic Science Room in Liggins Building plus another bursary.

In 1942, it was Wartime. The “American Tea’ raised fund for Red Cross and was opened by Mrs HV Evatt (Redlander Alice Sheffer), the wife of the Attorney General and later Minister for Education.

In 1945 the Old Girls Union founded the Roseby Library, and by 1957 the funds were equipping a Science laboratory. This is the first time that parents are mentioned in being involved with the Fair and its fundraising objectives.

In 1958 a Parent run fete raised 950 pounds for the School Development Fund (worth about $30,000 in today’s currency) and by 1961 the first fete run by the Parents Association took place.

From 1981 the event has been known as the Spring Fair and has supported the purchase of school buses, the purchase of High Country Campus, a Fitness Centre, a Senior Arts Precinct and the Redlands Learning Hub.

The Redlander Alumni Café is an integral part of the fair and is run by the Redlander Alumni Association. This is a wonderful opportunity to come and learn about the School’s rich history since it was founded in 1884 or simply come and enjoy a cup of coffee.

If you are a Redlander parent, please visit the Café at 1.30pm for a special gathering of alumni who have children currently attending Redlands. Natalie Davis, RL 1987, the current President of the Redlanders Alumni Association has been coordinating these efforts.

For any further details regarding the Autumn Fair, please visit the RPFA section.

Mrs Dana Casimaty
Director of Development
dcasimaty@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9858