Head of Early Childhood

• Print

Social Connectedness

Social connectedness at school plays an integral part in establishing a stable foundation for students from which successful learning can occur. At Redlands, we believe that students who have positive relationships are much more likely to be highly engaged learners. We therefore embed the development of five key social and emotional competencies into our curriculum and teaching methods. The widely used Framework for Systemic Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) identifies five core competencies that educate hearts, inspire minds and help people navigate the world more effectively. It informs how students relate with each other at all levels of the system, creating a welcoming, participatory, and caring climate for learning. Three of the five competencies are associated with social skills, specifically Social Awareness, Relationship Skills and Responsible Decision Making. In the Prep School, Circle Time, Friendship Club and The Friendship Bench are practical applications of the social awareness and relationship skills we aim to build. Friendship Club runs three times per week during lunch time, providing a space for students who would like to build friendships and play in an environment that is supported by a teacher. This year, we are delighted to have several Yr 6 leaders, who have volunteered their time during lunch to assist the younger members of the School with their overall development of social skills. The Friendship Bench is a place where students can go to, if they are having trouble finding their friends in the playground or need someone to play with.

On Friday, I was privileged to be invited to talk to the Yr 3s as part of their unit of study on Changing Communities. All students were interested and engaged as they listened to the panel of speakers, Dr Lennox, Ms McGarry, Mr Guha, Yr 12 leaders and I, discussing the role we play within our school community, the responsibilities we share and the changes that have occurred over the time we have been at Redlands. It has only been a few weeks in the Junior School for these students, and they continue to show their perceptive and thoughtful questioning skills, together with their insightful ideas and considerations.

Technology, Learning and Wellbeing

It was wonderful to join Early Childhood families at this week’s eLearning Session focussing on the synchronicity of our Teaching and Learning philosophy and the integration of technology in our classrooms and curriculum. My thanks are extended to the School’s eLearning Coordinator, Mrs Winrow, Dean of Teaching and Learning, Mr Coutts and Mrs Sam Kourakis, Dean of Student Well Being, for their extensive preparation and presentation to parents, which can be accessed here and on Redlands Pulse.

A reminder of two upcoming parent seminars that were outlined in more detail in last week’s Note Day, which can be found here.

As mentioned in previous Note Day correspondence, Prep are using Seesaw, a digital platform for students to capture and reflect on their learning. Within the next few days, each student will come home with a letter in their Home Learning folder or Student Planner that outlines how to sign up and connect to your child’s learning journal. Each letter has a unique code which you will need to enable access so please look out for this, follow the instructions to join and enjoy the work samples your child shares with you. If you have any questions, please talk your child’s teacher.

The Big Dig Excursion

As part of their History study, last Friday, Yr 2 visited The Big Dig archaeological site in The Rocks. Students were led on a guided tour to learn about the history of the area and the families who lived there in the 1800s. They were able to draw comparisons between their lives and the families who lived in this area. Students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to excavate artefacts in the simulated archaeological dig and discuss how these artefacts help us learn about history.

Sibling Photo Information

This week, a reminder email was sent to families about the upcoming sibling photographs which will take place on Friday 22 February between 7.30 – 9.30am in Parkes Hall on the Junior Campus. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at the school. All parents will be responsible for taking their children to Parkes Hall for the photographs and returning them to their classrooms or relevant areas of the school upon completion of photos. There are no set times for sibling photos, they will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

Student Planner

Every student in the Preparatory School has been given a Student Planner. Please take some time to read through the front pages, where you will find pertinent information relating to Home Learning, the Wellbeing Program and some clear guidelines relating to important school policies. If you haven’t already done so, please complete Page 1 with your child’s details.

Twilight Drinks

We look forward to seeing you at the Twilight Drinks tomorrow night. Please note that in the event of inclement weather, the Drinks will be held in Dunnet Hall. Please be reminded that stilettos may not be worn due to damaging the playing surface in the Hall. 

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