From the Principal
I trust that you and your family enjoyed some time together during Easter and the holiday break. As usual, our Facilities team were hard at work on several projects around the School. Grounds improvements were made on both the Junior and Senior Campuses, which have softened these areas and two additional changerooms have been refurbished on the Senior Campus, which will soon be utilised by the students.
The staff started the term with a highly engaging and interactive professional development session on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), which was led by our Deans of Students, Katie-Louise Clinton (P-6) and Marita Jansons (7-12). As part of our strategic focus on SEL from P-12, staff enjoyed presentations from CASEL Senior Staff Advisor, Dr Pamela Randall-Garner, via Zoom from the USA, along with past School Captain, Billy Gleeson, and video interviews with current students regarding what teachers do that makes a difference to their wellbeing, connection and sense of belonging. Subject Coordinator of Dance, Katharine Boase, somehow managed to convince the entire Academic staff to do a joint dance routine, which was an experience I will long remember. New talent was certainly discovered!
Secondary School students started the term with a very moving ANZAC Day assembly, with special guests, The Rev Tim St Quintin (Board Director and Rector of St Peter’s Anglican Church), Major Hayley Hummerston (past Redlands parent) and Major Jean-Marc Grant (2002 School Captain and past Redlanders President) each providing students with insight and context as to the significance of ANZAC Day. It was wonderful to have so many students involved and speeches by Jamison Houchell and Lucy Horton articulated how young people can meaningfully connect with the ANZAC story. I was most impressed by the conduct of our students and their respect and engagement with this important assembly.
A reminder that Dr Tessa Opie will soon be visiting the School to support us in the review and development of our Sex Education programs. As outlined in my previous letter, Dr Opie will present a parent workshop on Monday 10 May, from 7.00 to 8.30pm, which will be held in Redlands Hall. This presentation will mainly be aimed at parents of students in Years 6-12; however, all parents are welcome to attend. A future workshop will focus on parents of younger children. A letter with further details, including a link to a very short survey, will soon be sent to all parents. We are very much looking forward to working in partnership with Dr Opie.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo Caption: Secondary School students started the term with a very moving ANZAC Day assembly.