From The Principal
It is wonderful to have the energy of the students back on campus, with the anticipation of all that lies ahead for us in 2022. The campus is not the same during the holiday break and while the time is valuable in terms of preparation and professional development, the real heartbeat of the School has returned this week.
A most sincere and warm welcome to all new members of our Redlands community. While we are still waiting to be able to hold events on campus, I do trust that you will still feel a sense of connection and belonging at this important time of transition. Always know that there is support available and that your questions will be addressed.
I appreciated the opportunity to speak at our Junior School and Secondary School assemblies earlier this week and to highlight our focus on the statement ‘no one on the outer’. I know from student and parent feedback that we are good at welcoming new members of our community; however, we must never be complacent. I encouraged all of the new students to be themselves, to value their unique personalities, gifts and talents and to resist any feeling that they need to change to fit a social media stereotype.
Thank you for your support in the implementation of our COVID safe protocols and in processing a large amount of information to start the term. Even with all of the strategies we have in place, we were aware that there would be circumstances in which students and or staff may unknowingly be on campus when they may have been COVID positive. When a COVID positive case is identified we will send a letter to parents and carers whose children may have been in contact with the confirmed case, so that you may monitor for potential symptoms, in alignment with the NSW Health requirements. As you are aware, the focus of our COVID safe plans has always been on minimising the risk of further transmission in this situation.
Having served the School with distinction for 19 years, Joy Daley recently decided to retire from her position as Head of Drama and Theatre. Joy commenced her career at Redlands in 2003 and has seen the Drama and Theatre program grow in strength and numbers. Her significant contributions to the School Musicals and to the Gala Arts Festivals has resulted in highly-acclaimed and professional productions providing many students the opportunity to showcase their exceptional talents. I know that you would all join me in thanking Joy for her passion in supporting so many students to thrive in the Performing Arts.
It was wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate with the Year 12 Class of 2021 and their parents at our rescheduled Valedictory celebration on Tuesday evening. A common thread to the various speeches and presentations highlighted how resilient, determined and united the cohort had been throughout their time at the School and especially over the last two tumultuous years. It is in times of adversity and challenge that we often find our true strength and we are proud of the way the whole group responded and led the School. To achieve a record set of academic results in the circumstances, with 41% of students achieving an ATAR of over 95 and 54% of students achieving an ATAR over 90, is truly remarkable. The success of the group is so much more than this and it was fantastic to celebrate their broad range of achievements and legacy.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo caption: Class of 2021 School Captain, Piper Allen, addressing the audience at the Valedictory celebration on Tuesday evening. Well done to all of the students recognised on the night.