Head of Early Childhood

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Welcome to 2019

It is with great enthusiasm that the staff and I welcome you back to school for 2019. As academic staff and prior to that, facilities and support staff, came back to school in early January, it really didn’t feel like “school” until the children and families returned this week. On Tuesday, we welcomed all new students and their parents where they had the opportunity to meet their Year Coordinators, class teachers and familiarise themselves with the school grounds before everyone returned on Wednesday. The following day, the Piazza was buzzing and it was clear to see and hear the excitement as students checked class lists to find their friends and teacher. It was lovely to see parents lingering a little while after students went into class as they reacquainted with friends. The students eagerly shared their holiday adventures and this year it was so refreshing to hear some students tell me about the gifts they gave to their siblings and parents this Christmas. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome many new families to the Redlands community and trust that your association with the School will be a long and happy one.

Last week, prior to the students’ return to school, the staff had the opportunity to learn together and hear from some wonderful guest speakers. We had the pleasure of listening to a group of Redlands staff, who accompanied around 50 Yr 11 students on a Service trip to Cambodia over the holidays. These students spent their holiday time giving back to others as they helped build greatly needed facilities. The sweltering conditions and simple accommodation meant some students were out of their comfort zone working eight hours a day; nevertheless, they gave one hundred percent. Our Prep students are many years away from an experience such as this; however, I look forward to sharing moments from this trip with them in hopes that they continue to think about the world around them. Whilst there were many highlights from this wonderful week of learning for staff, including Amanda Gore, who reminded us about the power of joy, the most inspiring words and wisdom came from the expertise of the Redlands staff. Several staff from different sections of the School presented a variety of topics under the umbrella of a Culture of Thinking. These presentations prompted some thought-provoking discussions as we continue to embrace and embed deep thinking and learning in our school.

Dr Lennox also shared with the community the exceptional results achieved by the Class of 2018 in the Higher School Certificate and International Baccalaureate examinations, with 56% of the Year Group achieving an ATAR of 90 or more. Having had two children finish Yr 12, I understand the enormous pressure they feel, their relief and happiness when they finish and then the realisation of a bigger world out there. This is an extraordinary result for those students and I sincerely congratulate them for their determination, focus and resolve, and their teachers who ably assisted them during their Redlands educational journey.

The Prep School came together for their first assembly of the year on Wednesday. The new students were warmly welcomed into the School and all staff were introduced. We had the opportunity at this time to discuss the importance of our School Values and highlighted: compassion, fairness, honesty and respect. Together with those values, we considered our Positive Behaviours for Learning (PB4L) beneath the pillars of ‘Learning’, ‘Respectful Relationships’ and ‘Safety and Organisation’. During the first week of school, class teachers will unpack these pillars and collaboratively choose class agreements and behavioural expectations that will be the touchstone for students throughout the year.

Meet the Teacher Afternoons

Kindergarten            Monday 4 February; 5.00 – 6.00pm
Yr 1                               Wednesday 6 February; 5.00 – 6.00pm
Yr 2                              Thursday 7 February; 5.00 – 6.00pm 

Staff will be holding Meet the Teacher afternoons at the above days and times. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child’s class teacher. During the afternoon, information will be provided on the exciting program teachers have developed for 2019. In addition, timetables, expectations, curriculum matters and daily routines will be explained and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. You will leave with a good understanding of the learning your child will experience this year and I therefore encourage you to attend. The structure of the afternoon will see all classes in the year level meet together for the first half in the Arnold Library in Junior School and then break off into classrooms for the remainder of the session. All information from the sessions will be placed on Redlands Pulse if you are unable to attend.

Twilight in the Piazza

I look forward to seeing you at Twilight in the Piazza, our first parent event for the year on Friday 22 February. Please see the invitation at the bottom of this article.

Learning and Technology Parent Session

We would like to invite all K-2 parents to learn more about the way in which technology is being used in the classrooms. The presentation will include information on:

• Curriculum and ICT
• Seesaw
• Educational Apps
• Technology and Wellbeing

The session will be held in the Lucy Hill Library on Wednesday 20 February at 8.30am. To help provide us with an indication on numbers, please RSVP for the event here.  

Car Line

As a reminder, if you wish to use Car Line, please re-register and read the procedural requirements for 2019 via Redlands Pulse. Preparatory School children can be collected from car line at the following times:
Kindergarten – 2.50pm
Yr 1 and Yr 2 – 3.05pm
Siblings (K, 1 and 2) – 3.05pm

Could you please adhere to these times and if you arrive before the allocated time, we respectfully ask that you refrain from parking on Allister Street, as this blocks the car line and reduces the effectiveness of this facility. Thank you.

BEWARE…Parking Rangers

Please be aware of the Parking Regulations on Allister Street, directly outside the Preparatory entrance of the School.

• Between 7.30-9.00am and 2.30-4.00pm there is no parking If you are leaving your car to assist your child, you must be within 3 metres of your car. To avoid a fine, please do not park in this area.
• The Parking Rangers patrol these areas vigilantly at school drop-off and pick-up times.

If you are parking your car in other designated areas, please be mindful of the neighbours in the surrounding streets. Driveways must remain unblocked, so they can access the road both morning and afternoon.

I would also like to draw your attention to the underground drop off area for the Prep School on Allister Street. This is available between 8.00am and 8.20am. Prefects and teachers are on duty to assist your child to get out of the car and walk into school safely, without walking onto a busy street. I urge you to utilise this wonderful initiative. Thank you for your ongoing patience and assistance as we endeavour to keep our community safe.

Notice of Departure end Term 1

Required by Friday 8 February 

This is a reminder to any families who are planning to leave the School at the end of Term 1 and have not yet given notice. Please email registrar@redlands.nsw.edu.au before Friday 8 February, in order to avoid fees in lieu.

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