From The Principal
Last Friday I was honoured and privileged to be officially commissioned as Redlands’ twelfth principal in our illustrious 139 year history. It was a special and moving ceremony that truly brought, not just the Redlands community, but also the wider community together. In attendance was the Archbishop of Sydney and Bishop of North Sydney; federal, state and local representatives; principals from numerous independent schools across Sydney; current and past Board members; alumni representatives; parent representatives; staff; and students. What I was most proud of on the day was that many of the dignitaries and guests in attendance made a point of mentioning to me how impressed they were by our school and particularly our students. Of course, I was not surprised by this at all.
Chair of the Board, Ms Glenda McLoughlin, and I both reflected on the rich history of Redlands which has shaped our current culture. As I stated in my speech, “All of us at Redlands today are enjoying the fruits from the trees that were planted by others years before us. My aim, as principal, will be to continue to work with our community to plant those seeds so that you, the current students of Redlands, and those students who attend Redlands long after we have left, can continue to enjoy the fruits that are harvested from the seeds we have planted here long into the future.” A full transcript of the speech can be found here.
After the Commissioning Ceremony, I was able to spend lunchtime on the Junior Campus. I sat on the friendship bench and numerous students across K-6 came over to me to chat and tell me some of their Redlands stories. It was wonderful to see so many of our Prep and Junior School students connecting with our new students to make them feel welcome – including me.
On Tuesday the Secondary School enjoyed their Swimming Carnival at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. It was very successful day with great House spirit and numerous Redlands records broken. A highlight was the Staff v Year 12 Student relay where swimming captain, Loch Wilding, swam the final leg to lead the students to a well earned victory over the staff team. Congratulations to McDouall House for winning the House Swimming Shield for the first time since 2015.
Yesterday we welcomed back some students from the Class of 2022 and their parents for the Academic Achievement and Growth Assembly where we recognised and celebrated the academic successes from last year’s HSC and IB students. There was certainly much to celebrate, and the reflections from recent graduates, Cameron Beck and Isabella Kendrigan, were inspirational. Two themes that emerged throughout the speeches were the importance of setting high expectations and the value of focusing on achieving your own personal bests. I am confident the current Year 11 and Year 12 students in attendance would have taken these messages to heart.
Mr Sean Corcoran
Photo Caption: The Principal’s Commissioning Ceremony was a special and moving ceremony that truly brought, not just the Redlands community, but also the wider community together.