Head of Early Childhood

Carnival Fun

The conditions were perfect for the much-anticipated Redlands Spring Fair last Saturday, seeing several thousand people through our gates. The day itself will always hold a special place in my heart because if was exactly two years ago on Spring Fair day, that I commenced at Redlands. This time around was a whole different experience having had a small window into the enormous organisational efforts of the Spring Fair Committee and of course knowing the School community so much more. The rides, toy stalls, crazy hair and farm animals were highlights for the Prep students, whilst the talented student performances on the stage, the Redlands Bazaar and delicious treats in the Alumni tent were favourites for the parents. Regardless of your favourite part, the event, held biannually, is really about celebrating the School community with its rich history and cultural diversity. A most heartfelt thank you to Jean Martin and Trudy Waterfield, who seamlessly coordinated the event with assistance from Felicity Gates, Maria Kinsela, Kristina Green, Laura Briggs and Fiona Mears, as well as all the parents who assisted with organising various aspects of the Fair. In addition to the multitude of parent helpers, the School’s Facilities team, Marketing, Alumni and Foundation, Archives, AV, Canteen, Finance and Junior Campus Administration worked with enthusiasm and energy alongside the Spring Fair Committee. Finally, a thank you to all the families who bought raffle tickets, wristbands for the rides, plants, coupons, cakes, toys and food on the day. Your generosity is appreciated and funds raised will go toward outdoor facilities on both the Junior and Senior Campuses.

Jump Rope for Heart

Thank you to the Redlands community who have helped to raise funds for Jump Rope for Heart. We have already raised $40,000, which is a significant sum and an amount we should be very proud of. The goal for this project was two-fold; to reach $70,000 in donations and to raise student awareness about the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle. The students were delighted to see their teachers jump rope on Monday in Prep Assembly as they reached their goal of $40,000. It was certainly a lot of fun and very rewarding for the students who have diligently worked to fundraise. The next target is $50,000 where teachers and students can wear crazy hats to school!

Raising awareness for the Heart Foundation is an important initiative, reminding students to take note of the message to stay active, eat well and maintain a healthy lifestyle through into adulthood. Many students from the Preparatory School have taken this message on board and throughout the term have been participating in a timed, one minute skip off. Congratulations to the top four skippers Joshua Svensson (164), James Emmett (164), Hugo Steadman (159) and Ethan Condous (152). It has been wonderful to see the parents of Redlands getting involved in the One Minute Skipping Challenge with parents turning up to school in trainers to participate.

Next Wednesday is our ‘Jump Off Day’ where all students will be participating in various skipping rotations to celebrate the new skills they have gained throughout the term.  Please sign up at this Jump Rope for Heart link.

Make A Difference Day – 25 September

In Chapel and Christian Studies this coming week, students will be looking at the difference that Jesus made to others and unpack the compassionate way he lived his life. Consideration will be given to the difference his death and resurrection has made and the offer of friendship and peace with God. In response to this message, the Preparatory School will be given an opportunity to consider how they might make a difference. Make a Difference Day usually raises funds and awareness for issues impacting children overseas. This year we will be having a change of focus, making a difference by participating in activities that are not driven by cost but are often considered priceless by the recipient and giver alike. Students, staff and families will be encouraged to use next Tuesday 25 September as a time to use their creativity, thoughtfulness, energy and kindness to make a difference in the lives of others. A particular focus of next Tuesday will be a note writing station in the playground where children, parents, staff, carers can write a card, create a picture or make a paper gift for someone. The note writing stall will be available before school, recess, lunch and after school so please encourage your children to take part. We will be encouraging students this year to write uplifting notes to older people who are in nursing homes and rarely receive visitors or mail. We are teaming up with pastoral care personnel at nursing homes, who will deliver our notes of well wishes and care. Notes of encouragement and positivity to peers and family members, as well as considering the little things – the smile, the welcome, the kindness, the gift of our talents, will also be a focus. Thank you to the Junior Campus Chaplain, Ms McKenzie, for organising this initiative and sharing this important message, highlighting the values of our school in the process.

Vacation Care

The OOSH Department, led by Ms Lytham, have some wonderful activities in the upcoming school holidays for students in Kindergarten to Yr 6.  If you would like your child to attend the October Vacation Care period please visit the Care Bookings website and enter the booking code which is WF9JG.

Yr 2 – Celebrating Greek Mythology

As communicated in the Term 3 letter, this exciting event will take place on Thursday in Week 10. Please refer to the Parent Information letter on Redlands Pulse for further details.

Please note that all of the children will be changing from their costumes before morning tea and they will wear their PE uniform for the remainder of the day.

• Date: Thursday 27 September (Week 10) from 8.30-10.30am
• Dress: Greek God or Goddess costumes over their PE uniform OR they are to bring their PE uniform in a separate bag. Please note that students are not allowed to wear thongs with their costume but sandals are permitted.

The Kids Cancer Project

It was wonderful to see students wearing ‘a touch of gold’ on the Junior Campus last week. Students donated gold coins to wear mufti for the day, to support the research work of The Kids’ Cancer Project. Thank you to Junior School students who brought the idea to Mr Guha and to the Redlands community for helping to raise $1951.00 on the Junior Campus.

Prep Games Day

We invite all families to join us for the annual Preparatory Games Day being held on Friday 28 September. All students from Kindergarten to Yr 2 will be involved in running and field events on the Junior Campus oval. Students are all expected to wear their Sports uniform; sunscreen and a hat are essential as we are expecting warm weather. Parents may take their child home at the end of the Games Day. We do ask however, that you sign your child out at Prep Reception before leaving the School. Staff will be supervising any students remaining after Prep Games Day until the end of the day. After School Care will be operating as normal. 

RPFA AGM and Thank You to Volunteers

Thursday 18 October, John Roberts Centre

Volunteering at Redlands is greatly appreciated and it is a vital component of the Culture of Giving at Redlands. We believe that every member of our community can contribute to the School, its development and growth by volunteering their time, supporting us through their gifts or making a financial donation. Please see the RPFA page in this Note Day for further details.

Mrs Audrey Fellowes
Head of Early Childhood
afellowes@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848