From The Principal
I enjoyed the opportunity to speak to the Secondary School Captains at a recent meeting on the Challenges of Leadership. When asked about leaders that have inspired them, the common theme was people who lead with purpose and demonstrate strong values through their actions. We discussed times during their lives that they felt they have grown and developed in character, which often directly related to times that they had felt the greatest challenge. In sharing some of my experiences, I encouraged the students to see these times of adversity as opportunities when they could step up and lead with conviction and moral courage. The maturity of their contribution to the discussion, along with their strong desire to have a positive impact, not only at Redlands but beyond the School gates, left a strong impression. These moments reinforce that the future is in good hands.
Over recent weeks there have been a number of information webinars held for parents and students and while we are looking forward to being able to hold sessions back on campus in due course, with the recent weather there was some advantage to the online format. Following the Year 11 and 12 information webinars, I reflected on the strong layers of support available to students and the number of staff working as a team to provide academic and pastoral care. The restructure of the Dean leadership roles in the Secondary School this year has involved the previous Dean of Studies position being expanded into the new positions of Dean of Studies (7-10) and Dean of HSC. It has been fantastic to have Lucy Benjamin join the staff as Dean of HSC and Anna Marie Rolon promoted into the Dean of Studies (7-10) position to provide focused attention to these important middle years of schooling.
While the weather has certainly impacted a number of summer sport fixtures it has been wonderful to see students enjoying their programs across the School. I look forward to attending the ACT Head of the Lake Rowing Regatta this weekend and a special mention to the 1st XI Soccer team who defeated Shore 3-2 in the CIS competition in a rain-soaked game this week. The photo of the team below after the game captured the moment.
Thank you to all members of the Redlands community for your support in implementing our updated COVID plan. I am please to report that over the past week there has continued to be a very low number of positive cases amongst students and that Secondary School students have been very pleased that mask wearing on campus is now optional. As per our updated COVID plan, mask wearing will become optional for Junior Campus teachers and Transition, Prep and Junior School students from this Monday 7 March.
Stephen Webber
Cover Photo Caption: Our Year 8 and Year 9 Rowing Crews won medals galore at the AAGPS All Schools and Kings/PLC Regattas last weekend.