From the Principal
It has been interesting to note the increased use of the term ‘Grit’ in educational literature in recent years, with educators recognising the significance of perseverance as a quality which has a significant impact on outcomes for students.
In her Building Character series of articles, Jenny Williams defines Grit as “a distinct combination of passion, resilience, determination, and focus that allows a person to maintain the discipline and optimism to persevere in their goals even in the face of discomfort, rejection, and a lack of visible progress for years, or even decades”.
Some students can fall into the trap of thinking that those amongst their peers who excel, only do so because they are naturally gifted. My experience over many years is to the contrary; it is the students who are prepared to delay self-gratification, who continue to persevere when they get knocked back who eventually excel.
One of the challenges in schools is to enlighten our students to the direct correlation between application and outcomes. The implementation of the Effort Awards in the Secondary School this year has enabled a further focus on the importance of strong approaches to learning.
Our Year 12 students have displayed plenty of Grit this year and it has been inspiring to see the way they have faced adversity, challenges and uncertainty. There has been a buzz around the Campus as we approach the end of term and their last days together attending school. I have greatly appreciated and admired their positive outlook and enjoyed seeing them have fun. Spirit Week has further illuminated the heart and soul of the School, which is most impressive and in good health.
Amongst the array of events this week, I have particularly enjoyed the exceptional quality of the Year 12 IB Art Exhibition, with the student work conveying depth of emotion, strength of personality and sharp commentary about the world we share.
Another highlight has been the STEAM days on the Junior Campus. Seeing the students (and staff) so engaged in complex problem solving activities, creative musical and artistic projects and sessions involving collaborative coding was wonderful to witness, and that was just the Year 1 groups! My thanks to all staff involved in making the week possible and for providing such rich learning tasks for our students.
This week we took the opportunity to thank all of the parents, alumni and other members of the Redlands community for their very generous support that made the New Learning Hub possible.
Please enjoy this virtual tour of the New Learning Hub so you can experience for yourself the positive impact this state-of-the-art facility is having on teaching and learning programs in English, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Innovative Design and Visual Arts.
An important feature of the New Learning Hub is the Donor Recognition Wall which is situated at the entrance to Level 2, adjoining Redlands Hall. An organic mosaic of 341 family plaques visually communicates a sense of rhythm and energy through the random placement of soft gold coloured plaques of three different sizes and hues made from Marblo, a translucent polymer marble material.
I look forward to being able to welcome all parents on campus for a physical tour of our wonderful new facilities in the future.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo caption: There were busy conversations during STEAM Week as Preparatory School students engaged in challenging activities which included coding, engineering skills, music creation and finding the treasure by coding BeeBots.