From the Principal
Little actions can make a big difference.
This is a sentiment I have often shared with students throughout my educational career and which was brought home for our Yr 8 students and me at a special assembly on Tuesday where they heard from Gemma Sisia, Enock Emphriam and Maddie Kelly from the School of St Jude in Tanzania. The School of St Jude provides a free, high quality education to students who are living in poverty in Tanzania and has had a significant positive impact not just for the current students, but for their alumni and the wider community in Tanzania, as well. (You can read more about the School of St Jude here.)
The School of St Jude started just over twenty years ago because its founder, Gemma Sisia, had vision and a desire to fight poverty in Africa through education. She started by requesting donations from her local community in Australia and her first donation was $10. The school opened in 2002 with three students. Now it educates 1800 students each year. We’re proud that we have a long history in supporting Gemma’s work with the School of St Jude.
Little actions can make a big difference.
I am thrilled to see that before our Yr 12 students celebrate together at their formal tomorrow night, they will spend the morning partaking in a “Give Back Day” where they will participate in a range of service activities, giving back and giving thanks to the Redlands and local communities who have supported them over the last six years. Some of the activities they will be involved in are:
- Performing musical pieces for the residents of the Bougainvillea Retirement Village
- Teaching French language at the Neutral Bay Community Centre
- Assisting the Property Services and Maintenance team around the campus
- Connecting and engaging with Preparatory and Junior School students through activities on the Junior Campus
- Leading the Winter Woolies Appeal fundraising initiative.
It is a wonderful initiative by Yr 12 to finish the term and further embeds our values of Compassion, Respect and Responsibility.
Little actions can make a big difference.
Finally, tomorrow I will be speaking to Secondary School students in their end of term assemblies about the importance of gratitude and the power of a simple thank you.
In that spirit, I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to all members of the Redlands community who have supported me over these past six months and made my first semester as Principal so enjoyable, in particular, the Board for their guidance; the parents for their partnership; the staff for their commitment; and the students for bringing their joy to the campus each day. It truly is a privilege to lead this amazing School.
I hope you and your families are able to enjoy some quality time together over this break, and I look forward to seeing the students return to campus on Tuesday 18 July for the commencement of Term 3.
Mr Sean Corcoran
Photo Caption: A big congratulations to all involved in such a wonderful and successful Senior Music Festival, which took place last Friday at The Concourse in Chatswood.