Head of Early Childhood

Mother’s Day Morning

The warmth of our community was once again experienced last Friday, when the Junior Campus students showed their appreciation for their mothers by coming together for breakfast in the Piazza followed by classroom activities. This year, as a special addition to the morning, we were serenaded by Secondary School student, Saxon Smith, on his guitar. After breakfast mothers were invited into the classrooms to complete activities with their children. They happily drew self-portraits, painted abstract art work, constructed origami flowers and shared comparative studies of one another. The pampering station was again the highlight of the activities, where mothers were treated to hand and shoulder massages. Thank you for joining us on this special day and I hope you were able to take away some lovely memories. Additional thanks must go to the Junior Canteen staff for the delicious homemade treats, the Facilities team for their assistance with the organisation of this event and gratitude to Saxon for adding an exceptional element to our morning.

Save the Date – Yr 1 Camp Out

Sydney NRMA Lakeside Holiday Park, Narrabeen Lake on Friday 18 October 4.00pm to Saturday 19 October 10.00am.

More information about this exciting location and associated activities will be distributed soon.

Brainstorm Productions

On Tuesday, Preparatory School students participated in a performance presented by Brainstorm Productions, an award winning in-school theatre company. The show, The Protectors, focused on providing students with anti-bullying strategies, strengthening self-esteem and reinforcing the importance of treating each other with kindness and respect. This performance supplements our student wellbeing curriculum in which we support our students’ social and emotional competencies. If you would like to know more about Brainstorm Productions, visit their website at www.brainstormproductions.edu.au.

From the Chaplain

Thank you to Redlands families for donating their mini travel toiletries to Every Little Bit Counts. The organisation which aims to support people in Sydney currently experiencing homelessness and need. The little red bins will be available at Prep and Junior School receptions to drop off any last-minute toiletries until Wednesday 22 May. The bins will be placed at the beginning of each term for three weeks so that we can make it a regular opportunity to link our values, including being mindful about sustainability, plus demonstrating kindness. A huge thank you to Ms Mara Bond, mother of Daniel in Yr 4, who has facilitated this giving opportunity for the school. If you have any questions please free to contact Ms McKenzie.

Coming Together for Worship

Redlands is a school in the Anglican tradition and as such we have a weekly Chapel service for all students. The Chapel services are designed to be age and stage appropriate for all students. Last year in the Prep School each class led Chapel for their peers. They chose the songs, retold stories in a variety of ways and shared prayers. Students used a variety of Creative Arts and Technology to support their learning and experience in Chapel. It was lovely to hear when reviewing Chapel with the students, that their favourite Chapel was the service they led. Several parents also showed interest and asked to attend. Currently, parents who wish join us for worship are invited for Easter and Christmas services. We would like to warmly extend this invitation to attend when your child’s class is leading. Chapel times are 9.30am for Kindergarten and 10.00am for Yrs 1 and 2 and all Chapel services are conducted in Parkes Hall. If you are able and would like to attend, please enter through the Preparatory Reception area where you will be asked to sign in and out. Yr 2 will lead this term and Kindergarten and Yr 1 will have an opportunity to lead in Term 3. Please see roster below:

Yr 2 – Stories Jesus told

Wk 4 – 2E
Wk 5 – 2A
Wk 6 – 2P
Wk 8 – 2C

Term 3

Yr 1 – Big Bible Stories
WK 3 – 1S
Wk 4 – 1O
Wk 5 – 1W
Wk 6 – 1G

Kindergarten – Amazing Jesus Miracles

Wk 4 – KY
Wk 5 – KB
Wk 6 – KO
Wk 7 – KR

Illness

The cooler days are certainly upon us and I would like to remind you of the part you play in keeping our community healthy and well. Most coughs and colds are caused by germs called viruses and they are passed on by coughing and sneezing the virus into the air. If your child is unwell with a fever or runny nose and cough, please keep them at home to reduce the chance of spreading their infection to others. Some useful information pertaining to this can be found here. Thank you for your close attention to this matter.

Trading Cards

In past years, students have been given the responsibility of bringing in trading cards to enjoy with their friends during Recess and Lunch. To allow students to play, develop friendships and settle into their new classes before they begin negotiating skills with trading cards, it was decided that this activity would begin in Semester 2. This term, I have had requests from some students who are keen to begin this process earlier in the year. By way of compromise, I would like to allow the students to bring in their trading cards on Fridays only, where they will play and be supervised within the Friendship Club area. The staff would like to support the children in developing their skills of cooperation, turn taking, negotiating and discussion that can be promoted through trading card games. If you would like your child to participate in this activity, please complete and carefully read the conditions associated with trading cards play on this letter and return to the Prep Reception or your class teacher.

OOSH

Information pertaining to the upcoming July Vacation Care program for Prep and Junior School students can be found on Redlands Pulse/OOSH for families to view. Booking details will be via the Flexischools website as per normal practice in the coming weeks. As a reminder, the OOSH at Redlands is open from 11.00am to 6.00pm daily. If you would like to make a general enquiry, booking or alter a permanent booking please email OOSHbookings@redlands.nsw.edu.au. If you need to contact the OOSH team to relay a message affecting the day your child is in attendance, please call this number: 0413 764 443 between 2.30-6.00pm only. Email messages are unable to be read between the hours of 2.30pm-6.00pm because staff are looking after the children in their care.

Mother’s Day Classic

Congratulations to the many people who ran as part of our Redlands team for last Sunday’s Mother’s Day Classic fun run in The Domain. This has always been a wonderful family-oriented event with categories for serious runners through to fun runners of all ages and Redlands was delighted to be placed 3^rd in the largest School group category. Thank you again to the Redlands Parents and Friends Association who had a tent at the event as a meeting point for our families, staff and alumni.

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