Head of Early Childhood

Yr 2 Camp

Learning is partly a matter of skills, but it is also about disposition, resilience, risk taking, self-belief, resourcefulness and the ability to reflect upon your own learning and plan a way forward. Expanding a student’s capacity to learn so that they can thrive in the world beyond the classroom walls is a significant part of the Outdoor Curriculum programs offered at Redlands. These experiences within the natural and social surroundings provide varying contexts in which positive connections are made – with self, others and the environment. As their first experience on School Camp and for some, the first time away from parents, all students (and parents) are to be congratulated for their courage and positive outlook as they undertook this experience. It was a privilege to spend the two days with the students and teachers in the beautiful surroundings of the National Park, as they discovered new-found abilities such as building shelters, rafting and damper making. Collaboration and teamwork were essential for students to reach their end goal. It was lovely to welcome Mr Latimer, Yr 3 Coordinator, to Camp, taking this opportunity to familiarise himself with the cohort as part of the transition program in preparation for next year. Through written prose, students in Yr 2 have shared significant reflections about their time at Camp, taking great pride in their accomplishments. A sincere thank you to Mrs Sharp for the many hours of organisation before and during Camp, to Mrs Simes for looking after the students who required medication or first aid with such care, and to the dedicated Preparatory staff who supervised the students whilst away from home.

Make a Difference Day

On Tuesday, students, staff and families were encouraged to use their creativity, thoughtfulness, energy and kindness to make a difference to the lives of others by writing a note, creating a picture or making a paper gift for someone.  Thanks to Junior Campus Chaplain, Ms McKenzie, these acts of kindness made their way to Pastoral Care personnel at local nursing homes for residents who rarely receive visitors or mail.

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 and 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. 

The Yr 12 Legacy

On Wednesday, the entire Junior Campus, Preschool through to Yr 6, said a heartfelt goodbye to the Seniors of 2018 in a Guard of Honour that began outside Dunnet Hall and stretched across the Campus. Together, the staff and students stood together and cheered as the Yr 12s walked through the man-made tunnel of students, some crying, some laughing but most with enormous smiles on their faces. I had the privilege of attending the final Yr 12 Assembly prior to this, where the various Captains of the School so eloquently celebrated and reflected on their time at Redlands. The reoccurring theme from the students who said their final good-byes was the “never give up” approach to learning and life. They reiterated that they may have made mistakes, failed from time to time and didn’t win on the sports field, but it was in these failures where they were taught the greatest lessons in life – to persevere, stay true to themselves and continue to strive for their goals. They all agreed that the multitude of opportunities offered at Redlands and the connections they made with teachers and friends, are the memories that they will take with them through life.

Jump Off Day

On Wednesday, we held our Jump Off day for Jump Rope for Heart. The students participated in a variety of skipping and jumping activities, including long ropes, double dutch, skipping tricks, a skipping relay and hula hoop jumping. A very big thank you to all of those who have helped to fundraise. Redlands have currently raised $45,045 for this very worthy cause and are now the highest fundraising school nationwide. As a reward for all their efforts, Cycling gold medallist Chloe Hosking will be visiting the School next term. Fundraising will still be active during the holiday period if you wish to donate. The students are hoping to achieve their fundraising goal of $70,000 in order to have a disco during lunch time with a DJ. 

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.

Staffing

Mrs Jo Wise will be leaving Redlands at the end of this term after two years of dedicated service as the Early Childhood School Counsellor. We wish her well and continued happiness as she looks forward to spending more time with her young family. The Junior Campus Counselling team of Mrs Sam Kourakis and Mrs Shelly Acland will be overseeing the student counselling needs in Term 4. Mrs Victoria Roberts, Prep Teacher/Librarian, will be taking a well-deserved, long service leave break next term and we are delighted to welcome Mrs Penny Guha to work alongside Mrs Bertinshaw in the Lucy Hill Library.

End of Term

After a busy Term 3, I extend my sincere thanks to all in our community who have contributed to the growth and development of the Preparatory School. In my experience, Term 3 is one that potentially can serve as the biggest growth period for students and therefore may be demanding and tiring for some. Please take time to rest and rejuvenate these holidays before the whirlwind of Term 4 is upon us. For those travelling over the school holiday break, I wish you safe travels and we look forward to welcoming all students back to school on Monday 15 October in their summer uniform.

RPFA AGM and Thank You to Volunteers

Community Announcement

St Clement’s Church, Mosman, is partnering with the Gidget Foundation to host a community information event about Perinatal Depression and Anxiety on Wednesday 24 October. For further information about the presenters and content, please see the information below.

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