Head of Junior School

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JUNIOR SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS

Mother’s Day Breakfast 

Unfortunately with new COVID-19 restrictions announced today by the Premier, related to recent positive cases in NSW, we have made the decision to cancel the Mother’s Day breakfast tomorrow morning.  

Year 7 2022 Transition Session

On Monday, our Yr 6 students and families enjoyed an important opportunity to spend time on the Senior Campus in the next step of preparation for them ahead of starting Secondary School next year.

After hearing from our Principal, Mr Webber, the session was led by our Head of Secondary School, Ms Gemma Van de Peer, and proved to be a perfect balance of both practical and Secondary School specific information. A student panel comprised from Yrs 7 and 11 was also a central part of the Transition Session and it was heart-warming to hear from former Junior School students, as well as another student who had commenced in Yr 7, as they expertly answered questions on aspects of both the transition process and life in the Secondary School.

Our Yr 6 families then enjoyed the opportunity to be part of student-led tours with Yr 11 students around the new Redlands Learning Hub and enjoyed a further opportunity to interact with school leaders.

Later this term, Yr 6 students will have their own tour and Secondary School experience which will give them even more insight into the campus as well as future events planned in Semester Two.

Following on from the session, Yr 6 parents may also be interested in looking at the Yr 7 page on Redlands Pulse, which some families have shared has helped them further in their understanding what might be different and what might be similar in this transition process.

Yr 6 families are encouraged to contact me if there is any additional information that we can provide for you or your child at this key transitionary time.

Year 4 Camp

Our Year 4 students are currently enjoying camp and it has been wonderful for me to spend important time with them today as they enjoy their outdoor educational experience. Having been spoilt with wonderful recent weather, the rain has added a slightly more authentic experience but certainly hasn’t dampened the energy or enthusiasm of the children as they have been taking part in a range of activities. The decision was made for the students to remain in cabins and not be camping out tonight, which some were disappointed about but most were relieved to hear! We have placed a few photos for parents to enjoy on the Yr 4 page of Redlands Pulse and we look forward to welcoming the trip back at around 3pm tomorrow to the Murdoch Street side of the campus.

ySafe Student Cyber Safety

On Monday, Junior School students participated in interactive workshops on the fundamental components of cyber safety run by ySafe. These sessions highlighted prominent cyber risks and digital platforms which students in Yrs 3-4 and Yrs 5-6 may encounter. They explored strategies for how students can protect their personal information, stay safe online, and what to do if they encounter or experience cyber bullying while playing games, engaging in chats or while in Apps. These workshops have already stimulated follow up discussions in class and teachers will follow up concepts and strategies introduced in the workshops during wellbeing lessons in class. 

Save the Date: Junior School Parent Cyber Safety Webinar

Tuesday 18 May
6.30 – 7.30pm 

Following on from the student session on Monday, Redlands has partnered with ySafe to host a parent webinar tailored for Junior School parents. The webinar will focus on challenges and opportunities in the digital environment students in Yrs 3-6 may encounter, what parents should know and how to support their children’s digital safety and wellbeing. This session will be led by Yasmin London from ySafe, who is part of a team of clinical psychologists, ex-police officers and educators who specialise in the field of cyber safety and social media.  

Booking information will be provided in next week’s Note Day.

Sydney Writers’ Festival

Last week, a merry little band of writers from the Junior School Writers’ Workshop club were delighted to be able to attend the Sydney Writers’ Festival at Town Hall.  Designed to inspire the next generation of readers and storytellers, the day included:

• an interactive and hilarious story-on-the-go from the creative duo behind the popular Real Pigeons series, Andrew McDonald and Ben Wood
• a talk packed with tips from the legendary Emily Rodda, author of over 100 books and five-time Children’s Book of Australia Book of the year Award winner
• a fascinating insight into the creative process of the charming Jessica Townsend, author of the record-breaking and New York Times bestselling Nevermoor series
• a thought-provoking, heart-expanding presentation from the current NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year and award-winning poet, author, artist, teacher and advocate Kirli Saunders

The students came away from the day enriched and inspired and ready to write their own truths and it was lovely for them to share their experience in our assembly this week.

Belinda Oxley Scholarship – Arts Cards

We are pleased to share the winners of the recent art competition as part of the Redlands Arts Cards fundraiser.

The selection panel received artworks from all age groups with an incredible range of diversity reflecting the creativity and talent we have at Redlands.

With so many wonderful submissions, the final judging was very, very difficult for the judging panel of Ms Breckenridge (Head of Preparatory School), Ms Reinhold (Junior School Visual Arts Teacher), Ms Finlayson (Kindy Teacher) Indiana Grace (Yr 12 Visual Arts Captain) and Ms Mackay (Redlands Events Manager).

Thank you everyone who participated in this initiative and congratulations to the winners who will be acknowledged with a gift of appreciation during our next assembly.

The Redlands Arts Cards will be available to pre-order from Thursday 13 May (in Note Day) with all proceeds going towards the Belinda Oxley Scholarship Appeal.

CHAPLAIN

This week’s article from our Chaplains Bronwyn Lihou and Fiona McKenzie can be accessed via the button above.

A reminder to mark in your diary on Thursday 13 May, 8.00-9.00pm, the Parent run prayer group, in the David Armstrong Room at St Peter’s Church (with parking located on Waters Rd). Please contact Sally Swan at swanlsally@gmail.com for further information.

Mr Ari Guha
Head of Junior School 
aguha@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022