From The Principal
Over the weekend I was fortunate enough to attend the NSW Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia conference where we heard from Ben Roche, the Vice President of Engagement at Southern Cross University in Lismore, who shared how the University responded to the Norther River Floods last year and how they have continued to be a vital contributor to that region’s ongoing recovery.
At the core of this moving and inspirational reflection was the notion that institutions such as universities and schools should always lead with values and that character and community should be at the heart of what we do. I am sure many parents would not be surprised from my communications this year, that these messages resonated strongly with me and align with much of my focus for Redlands this year.
Pleasingly, upon my return to school this week, I have witnessed our focus on values, character and community shining brightly at the School. At Tuesday’s Secondary School assembly, we heard from Year 10 and 11 students who recently returned from their homeland cultural immersion experience on Yolngu country in Northeast Arnhem Land as they shared their reflections and learnings to help frame Reconciliation Week next week. We also heard Year 10 student Jesse Forrest encourage the students in attendance to sign up for the ‘Push for Better’ Push-Up Challenge over the month of June to raise money and awareness for mental health.
On Friday at lunchtime on the Junior Campus, our older Junior School students will be joining with our younger Junior School and Prep School students for our Buddy Picnic where students from different Year Groups will be able to connect, reflect and share together. On the Senior Campus at lunchtime, our student leaders will be hosting the ‘Festival in the Fahl’, with food, music and games to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research.
Then on Friday night and Saturday, the Secondary School will be hosting the Redlands Charity ‘Pink Sock’ Round of fixtures, with all proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Network of Australia.
It is heart-warming to know that this focus on values, character and community is already an entrenched and living part of our culture here at Redlands and continues to grow and flourish through these and many other activities and events.
Mr Sean Corcoran
Photo Caption: Our recent Day of AI, a day of highly interactive learning designed to spark curiosity and ignite our future leaders and innovators in the AI space, was enjoyed by Redlands Year 5 and 6 students and students from five other school, ably supported by our Year 11 students.