From the Principal
There has been a positive feeling amongst the staff this week as we prepare to welcome back students to On-Campus Learning from the beginning of next week. I am so thankful for the dedication and leadership displayed by our staff as we have worked to ensure all aspects of the AHPPC advice to schools have been thoroughly addressed, through clear action planning and detailed risk assessment. A key focus has consistently been the safety and welfare of our school community during this challenging period.
By now you would have had an opportunity to work through the communicated plans regarding Weeks 3 and 4 and it was good to get an opportunity to talk to a range of parents through the recent Secondary School webinars. If you have any further feedback or points you would like clarified please do not hesitate to send these through feedback@redlands.nsw.edu.au.
One query that was raised was regarding the COVIDSafe app. The School’s position is that we will be strongly encouraging all students (with parental consent) and staff to download the app to assist in any potential contact tracing.
Whilst the current situation is very different than it was earlier in the year, in the unfortunate event of any confirmed case of COVID-19 for a member of the school community, we will liaise closely with and take the direct advice of NSW Health regarding communication and any actions taken. As has been our position, we will provide what information we can to assist the community and keep you informed, whilst meeting our privacy obligations.
Thank you to all parents and carers for your ongoing support and feedback throughout this period, and in particular I thank all members of the RPFA who have provided exceptional support to the community. I have greatly appreciated the leadership provided by RPFA President Michelle Tea, and the two-way flow of information and feedback that has been so beneficial.
It has been most rewarding to note several of our staff being asked to present on panels in a series of professional development webinars, provided by AIS NSW. Preparatory School teacher Vanessa Finlayson presented in a K-2 webinar that reviewed steps schools were taking to provide Remote Learning for younger students. Dean of Students (P-6) Samantha Kourakis and Deputy Principal Sarah McGarry were invited to be on a panel that discussed wellbeing strategies that schools were utilising during Remote Learning.
The virtual initiatives in education continue to occur and it is fantastic to see that we are celebrating National Careers Week, from 18-24 May. Events include presentations by Janine Garner, “It’s Who You Know: Why your network is key to your success and how to find the right people that will help YOU”, and Matt Church “Lead the future. How to thrive in the decade of disruption”, as well as a speed networking event that will enable students to connect with Redlands Alumni and a Great Debate. I thank our dedicated University and Careers Advisor Simone Salier and Alumni Manager Caroline Jane for making this possible.
On the Service Learning front, we are delighted that our community is supporting Taldumande Youth Services with a Secondary School Camp-In tomorrow night and breast cancer research with families right across the School participating in the Virtual Mother’s Day Classic this weekend.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo caption: We look forward to welcoming students back to On-Campus Learning next week.