From The Principal
It has been a memorable start to the term, with the announcement on Monday that Sean Corcoran has been appointed as Principal of Redlands from January 2023. Chair of the Board, Glenda McLoughlin informed the staff in person and the volume and length of the applause said it all. I have the utmost respect for Sean as an educator and person of deep integrity, humility, drive and strategic vision. He has a detailed knowledge and understanding of the Redlands community and has played an integral role in the development of the Strategic Plan. I congratulate him wholeheartedly on his appointment and look forward to supporting him in the transition into the role and beyond.
On Monday we held our Cultures of Collaboration Staff Professional Learning Day, during which a large number of staff presented a range of workshops for their colleagues, along with academic staff from UTS. One of the greatest assets of Redlands is the professional culture of staff, who regularly collaborate on pedagogical practice and undertake research together to inform new initiatives and program development. The Deans of Students (P-6) and (7-12), Katie-Louise Clinton and Marita Jansons, enthusiastically presented to staff on their recent Innovative Teacher Fellowship experience in the US. They attended a prominent Social and Emotional Learning conference in Columbus Ohio and visited a number of schools and universities to build connections and learn about their programs in this most important area.
My thanks to staff and all parents involved in Friends of Snowsports for their support in the running of the Redlands Cup during the break. It was wonderful to once again be able to host the event for around 400 students from different schools and to note the fine performances by Redlands students.
We continue to closely monitor the situation with COVID and as always will adapt our protocols based on the latest advice and what we are observing within our school community. The number of student cases reported early this week was actually smaller than we had expected; however, we acknowledge that this may change over time and we will inform parents whenever we see a spike in a particular group. Currently, mask wearing in the Secondary School is only mandated when large gatherings are held such as assemblies; however, students and staff are supported to wear masks at other times. The significant investment that the School made in infrastructure to improve air quality across all campuses has certainly proven to be a long-term investment in the health and wellbeing of the community. If you have any queries or feedback please continue to send this through to feedback@redlands.nsw.edu.au.
Gala Arts
I am very much looking forward to attending my first Gala Arts production this Friday evening, having heard so many positive comments about the event from students, staff and parents. The last time it was held was in 2019 and I know that the students are excited about performing and being back onstage at The Concourse in Chatswood.
Gala Arts has long been recognised as one of the premier events in our Performing and Creative Arts calendar, with students competing in the categories of Dance, Instrumental, Theatre, Vocal and Visual Arts. This short video gives a taste of the event. There are still tickets available and these can be purchased HERE.
Master Plan Survey
Thank you to all those parents and carers who have currently provided their input to our Master Plan Survey that was sent out on Monday. The survey is open until 11.59pm tonight, Thursday 21 July for parents and carers and can be accessed HERE.
Pink Sock Charity Round
This Saturday 23 July, it will be a sea of pink on our Sports fields with Secondary School students wearing pink socks in support of the Breast Cancer Network Australia. Students can purchase pink socks from the Uniform Shop or via Flexischools in support of this charity and all parents and coaches are also encouraged to wear a pink item on the day.
Redlands Spring Fair
Please save the date of Saturday 3 September, 9am-3pm, in your calendars for our Redlands Spring Fair. This will be an exciting day of carnival fun for the whole family, with rides and games for the children, international food stalls and live entertainment. The RPFA will be providing more details about the Spring Fair during the coming weeks.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo Caption: It was a day of engaging, thought-provoking and stimulating workshops in our Cultures of Collaboration Conference. A big thank you to all staff who participated and contributed to this event.