From the Principal
Last Friday our Deputy Principal, Sabine Partington, hosted other Deputy Principals from Independent Coeducational Schools from around NSW for a day of professional learning and networking.
As part of the day, I was asked to join a panel discussion with two other recently appointed Principals of Independent Coeducational Schools to share our reflections on our first two years in the role.
As part of the panel discussion, I was asked to share some advice to these Deputy Principals. My advice, and something I have tried to hold onto over the past two years, was pretty simple: don’t forget to remember the things that bring you joy in schools and to regularly seek them out and embrace them.
Sometimes in the busyness of schools, we as educators can forget to seek out and appreciate what brings us fulfillment and joy. For me, it is the connection with the students and seeing them grow, learn, thrive and flourish at Redlands. Pleasingly, I have been able to embrace some of these moments over the past week.
This summer sports season I have returned to coaching Basketball, and while my 17As Boys team had a disappointing result on the court on Saturday, coaching them, either in trainings or games, is truly fulfilling. I also enjoyed watching many of our other Basketball teams play at NBISC on Saturday and seeing their positive spirit on and off the court.
Later in the morning I travelled to our Boat Shed to attend the Rowing 2024-2025 Season launch. What I enjoyed most about the event was hearing our current Rowing Captains, Jemima and Angus, speak so warmly about our previous year’s Rowing Captains, Mikaela and Tom, as part of their boat naming ceremony. It was also wonderful to have the opportunity to catch up with so many of our alumni who are back coaching rowing.
On Tuesday I attended the Prep School assembly and loved hearing the Kindergarten students share their reflections on sustainability and seeing their catchy, rhyming slogans. I was also able to speak to some Year 2 students about their amazing cardboard creations as part of our Year 2 Interschool STEM Challenge that morning.
On Wednesday morning I attended the Secondary School Choir Rehearsal and was blown away by the talent of our singers. (I have a lot of practice to do before Speech Night to get close to their standard!)
And throughout the week, I have been hosting morning teas for Year 7 Tutor Groups to acknowledge their successes and achievements over their first year in the Secondary School, as well as receive feedback on their experiences this year through authentic student voice.
Seeing, hearing and sharing in the joy of our students continues to bring me joy and also feel a lot of pride in our School.
Mr Sean Corcoran
Photo caption: For Remembrance Day, Head of Secondary School Gemma Van de Peer and I rang the school bell as students gathered to observe a minute’s silence, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of those who served. There was also a service held on our Junior Campus, with both students and staff attending.