From the Principal
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr Seuss.
Book Week provides us with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and recognise the importance of reading and the joy that it brings. I was moved by my discussion this week with our Junior Campus Canteen Supervisor, Jacqueline Tyrrell, as she was very pleased to have been asked by Year 1 Red to read to them as part of Book Week. Jacqui was tossing up between two of her favourite childhood books. My vote was for Dr Suess’ Green Eggs and Ham and it struck me that Jacqui could easily recite the words, which also came flooding back to me.
I also enjoyed the opportunity to read to several Kindergarten and Year 1 classes this week. I selected from a sample of books chosen by our Preparatory School Librarian, Victoria Roberts, and then in a follow up discussion discovered that my wife, Lynn, has kept many of our children’s favourite books from when they were young. I will have to dig them out for a future reading visit.
I can relate to adolescent students who may be reluctant readers, as at a similar age I was consumed by my love for Basketball and reading certainly did not take priority. I owe a debt to my father, an educator as well, who suggested I start with some Frederick Forsyth short stories. I got hooked and whilst I spent a few years immersed in the spy and thriller genre, I am glad to say my interests have broadened significantly since.
So, as we celebrate Book Week with a wonderful variety of creative and colourful outfits worn by Junior Campus students today, along with the Preschool and Preparatory School parade, it is important that we stop to reflect on the value of books and reading in our lives. It is essential that we continue to ignite the fire of creativity and enthusiasm for story-telling that our young students naturally display and we encourage all of our students to read for pleasure, both now and into the future. Dr Seuss has the reasons well covered in his quote above!
Redlands Parent Webinar
All parents are invited to a Zoom webinar on Tuesday 3 November, 7.00-8.00pm.
I will be presenting on feedback from the Strategic Plan survey and future direction and there will also be short presentations from our three Heads of Section, Sean Corcoran, Ari Guha and Ainslie Breckenridge. In addition, Matthew Bentley, Head of Teaching and Learning will provide an update on the Redlands Learning Platform and the Student Voice survey.
Please reserve your virtual place by clicking here. The Zoom link will be sent prior to the event.
There will be an opportunity for speakers to answer your questions, so please forward any you may have by Thursday 29 October to events@redlands.nsw.edu.au. For families who are not able to attend, the event will be recorded and a link shared afterwards.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo caption: Many Curious Creatures and Wild Minds were observed on the Junior Campus oval during our Book Week parade today.