From the Principal
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But it is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” J.R.R. Tolkein, The Fellowship of the Ring
This quote was recently shared with me and it resonated in terms of our current focus as a school community as well as the inherent hope it inspires.
Our staff have responded admirably to the challenge of quickly setting up remote learning programs and collaborating creatively to explore new ways of connecting and supporting our students and families.
I have enjoyed being involved in a range of settings; from observing Year 11 Design Technology students presenting their futuristic home designs set in 2070, to Tutor group discussions, meeting online with the Prefect body, to being invited to see the work of our Preschool students through Storypark. I have been impressed by the way that the students have made the most of the opportunities to continue their learning and engage with the curriculum through alternative methods.
I am also looking forward to next Wednesday’s virtual Easter Hat Parade in the Prep School and Redlands House, especially as the students are being encouraged to reuse and recycle items in their home in the creation of their hats. It will no doubt be a creative and colourful last day of term.
I appreciated the opportunity to join a number of the Secondary School parent Zoom sessions and look forward to the Junior Campus sessions planned for next week. Throughout the School we have been exploring ways to connect and it has been wonderful to see a wide range of cocurricular activities moving into the online space to enable students to continue with their programs.
I reiterate my thanks to all parents and carers for your ongoing support and understanding and for your most useful feedback, that has enabled us to continually strive to improve our programs in a time that has required us to be more adaptable and agile.
The most impressive aspect for me has been the constant care and concern expressed by our staff for the students. It is certainly not the same without the daily personal connection and the sounds of joy and laughter on the campuses; however, we have aimed to make it as positive a learning experience as possible.
It has been wonderful to witness the real sense of partnership in our community at this time. I especially thank the RPFA members and Parent Year Group Coordinators for continuing to build connections and foster relationships in our community, and for providing support to individual families.
I encourage all families to continue to provide your feedback in the short survey that will be sent to you tomorrow. This includes a question about any additional support you would like from either the School or the broader Redlands community.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo caption: Remote learning in full swing with virtual creative collaboration and connection.