From the Principal
Following on from recent communication regarding a review of our sex education programs, I attended a meeting of Independent School Heads through the AHISA network, during which all schools expressed a strong desire to collaborate together. It is clear that all schools are seeking research-based advice from educational experts in the area of sex education to inform the improvement and sequencing of such programs. A representative group of Independent School Principals has been invited to meet with the Australian Human Rights Commission to discuss this most important topic and I will be attending a webinar on Friday, organised by AISNSW, during which Detective Superintendent Stacey Maloney, the Commander of the NSW Police Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad, will present to Principals.
The School has also reached out to Dr Tessa Opie, from ‘In Your Skin: Relationships and Sexuality Education’, to provide expert advice and to develop the framework for a potential partnership, which will involve student, alumni and parent input into the review process. I have been most impressed to note that following my presentations to students on Monday last week, some groups of students have already had follow up conversations with staff expressing areas that they would like focused on in future sessions and programs.
There are a number of key presenters that the School engages as part of our Social and Emotional Wellbeing programs and one presenter that consistently receives glowing endorsement from the students is Glen Gerreyn, from the ‘Hopeful Institute’. Our Year 11 students attended his ‘Day of Hope’ presentation this week and I know that the students would have benefitted greatly from this experience. Glen is able to quickly build rapport with young people and inspires them to untap their true potential. More information on the workshop can be found here.
The School recently hosted a series of presentations for Year 7 2023 enrolments, which involved breaking into smaller groups as part of our COVID-safe plans. These sessions were held last Thursday evening and Sunday morning and I greatly appreciated the significant time given by many of our Year 12 leaders and Year 7 students, who were most impressive in the way that they interacted and spoke about the School. I always come away from these events energised by the students’ comments and genuine affection for their school.
Redlands App
Our Redlands App has been launched this week and is now available on the App Store (Apple) and Google Play (Android). A User Guide was emailed out to all parents on Monday, including details on how to access and use the app. There is also a copy of this on Redlands Pulse under the Useful Links button. We will be further enhancing the app as the year unfolds in response to parent feedback.
If parents require assistance in accessing your Redlands login details to access the app, please email pulse@redlands.nsw.edu.au.
If parents have difficulty in downloading/using the app, please email feedback@redlands.nsw.edu.au.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo caption: We are proud to present to you our 2021 Junior School Student Leaders.