From the Principal
NSW is celebrating World Teachers’ Day on Friday 30 October. The challenges of 2020 have certainly illuminated the importance of teaching as a vocation and the skill, dedication and professionalism of teachers.
Whenever students have asked me about teaching as a potential career choice, I strongly encourage them to explore it further, and am quick to refer to how rewarding it is to work in education and help support young people as they grow and flourish.
I recall some years ago gathering with a range of professionals after a basketball game, when one of the group was sharing how he was struggling for motivation and purpose in his choice of career. He posed an open question to the group, “how many of you love what you do?”. I was shocked as I looked around the group of highly qualified ex-university friends, to see no hands go up, except my own. As you can imagine an interesting conversation followed, which included one person seriously considering a career change into education.
I have been inspired by the way that our staff have responded to the significant challenges that they have faced this year. It has required a total team effort and as I have mentioned many times, all our dedicated team of teaching, support and operational staff have made this possible.
I am most grateful to the RPFA for their wonderful and most generous gesture of providing Redlands branded quality biscuits to every staff member at the School this week to celebrate World Teachers’ Day and acknowledge the fantastic team effort. Gestures like this really matter and are greatly appreciated by staff. One of the key strengths of the School that many staff have shared with me is the support and positive partnership we share with parents and carers, who value their connection and contribution to the School.
My thanks once again to all members of the RPFA for their dedication and support this year and for always looking for creative ways to stay connected and contribute. I am looking forward to the RPFA AGM this evening, as we thank and acknowledge the service of this year’s committee and together look ahead positively towards 2021.
Redlands Parent Webinar
I am looking forward to speaking with parents at our Zoom webinar next 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.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo caption: Exciting handball action during recess this week!