Head of Early Childhood

Parent Volunteer and Teacher Appreciation 2018

We have so much to be grateful for at Redlands including the many parent volunteers and staff whose generous and positive contributions make such a difference to our school community. The Redlands Parents and Friends Association, together with the large number of parents who volunteer throughout the school year, were thanked by staff and Board Directors on Thursday 18 October in the John Roberts Centre. This year in particular, the substantial effort of all involved in the Spring Fair by volunteering their time throughout the course of the event, was truly appreciated. The School couldn’t operate as successfully without the many families who happily contribute and support students during a variety of school activities. Last Friday was Teacher Appreciation Day and in yet another show of immense generosity, families filled the Preparatory offices with delicious treats for the staff to enjoy. From all the Early Childhood staff, I extend my sincere thanks to the many parents who baked, cooked and packaged such an abundance of food, giving the staff a feeling of appreciation that lasted throughout the day and into the evening, as they took home the leftover goodies. Equally beautiful, were the cards of gratitude made by the students expressing thanks to their teachers.

Kindergarten Information Session

We look forward to welcoming 2019 Kindergarten parents to our Information Session on Wednesday 7 November, beginning at 9.15am in the Junior School’s Arnold Library. Parents will be introduced to key members of staff who will help guide their children through the Kindergarten and Preparatory journey in the coming years.

Yr 3 2019 Parent Information Session

As previously advised, Mr Guha and several staff will be holding a Parent Information Session on Thursday 8 November from 5.30–7.00pm in the Junior School’s Arnold Library for all parents with children transitioning in 2019 from Yr 2 into Yr 3.

Student Placement 2019

I would like to take this opportunity to inform you of the thorough and careful process teachers engage in to place every child in a class that ensures academic success and a positive year ahead. Please be confident that class placements are made to ensure the best educational experience for every child in the Preparatory School.

Class placements are organised by all of the teaching staff who know the students best in the context of the classroom learning environment, taking particular account of the following factors:

Academic – Current and future teachers work closely to ensure children are placed in an environment where they will be given the best opportunity to reach their full potential and develop a love of learning. Between Redlands House and Prep there is close consultation amongst staff, and the orientation process further enables collective discussions.
Balance of learning styles and learning needs – To ensure all children can receive equal support and attention a balance of learning needs and learning styles is maintained in all classes.
Emotional – Each child’s emotional needs are considered when placing them in a class for the following year as this is recognised as impacting on day-to-day experiences, success and enjoyment of school.
Gender balance – Redlands endeavours to keep a gender balance in each class.
Social/Friendships – Teachers are aware of which students learn and play well together. At times, there can be a difference between the two in that children who play well together do not always learn the best together. This can influence a child’s class placement. Teachers are also mindful of which students need space from each other. With the reorganisation of classes each year, students have the opportunity to meet new friends and mix with other students.

Please also note that younger siblings will not necessarily be placed with the same class teacher as older siblings as invariably, siblings can be very different in both their learning preference and their personal traits. I know that you will also understand that it is not possible to request a particular teacher for your child as this would set a precedence that is simply not sustainable or equitable to all families.

Yr 2 Strings Concert

The Redlands Music Department would like to invite you to the Strings Concert to be held at 2.00pm on Monday 12 November in Dunnet Hall. This concert will showcase students in all the Redlands Strings programs across K-6, including performances by the Preparatory Strings Ensemble, Yr 2 Strings, Yr 3 Strings, Chamber Ensembles, the Junior Strings Ensemble and the Senior Strings Orchestra. In addition to giving all students the opportunity to perform for an appreciative audience, it is hoped that younger students will be inspired by performances from their peers and gain an understanding of the opportunities that Redlands offers for strings players in their future years of study. The Strings Concert will run for approximately 45 minutes. Once the concert has finished students will return to classes and be dismissed at the end of the school day. We look forward to welcoming you to this event.

Vacation Care

In preparation for your Summer holidays, we would like to take this opportunity to give you notice that Vacation Care will be operating from Thursday 6 December to Monday 17 December and Monday 7 January to Friday 25 January inclusive. The OOSH department will be closed for the Christmas holiday period from Tuesday 18 December to Sunday 6 January. If you are leaving Redlands at the end of the year, the last day of class attendance is Monday 3 December for all Prep school children and considered the end of your enrolment. Unfortunately, you are unable to access Vacation Care after your enrolment has ended. Further information about the exciting program and booking details for Vacation Care will be emailed to families in the coming weeks.

Consideration of our Neighbours

As the end of year draws near and there are numerous school events occurring, could I please ask for your consideration toward the school parking zones and our neighbours surrounding the School. Several neighbours have recently mentioned parents who are parking across their driveways and therefore are unable to leave or enter their homes. Redlands is situated in a densely populated area and this, coupled with a busy school drop off and pick up, can cause congestion. I therefore ask if you could park in the designated areas only on Allister Street, utilise the car line on offer or park in adjacent streets to the School. Thank you.

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