Head of Junior School

JUNIOR SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS

National Reconciliation Week

In National Reconciliation Week 27 May – 3 June, we were pleased to welcome Senior Aboriginal Heritage Officer, Karen Smith, to our Junior School assembly where she eloquently talked to students and staff about the significance of this week and in particular, the connection to this year’s them, More than a Word. Karen shared how each of us could contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia with our actions and by raising awareness and building knowledge.

My thanks are extended to Yr 5 teacher, Ms Smith, for organising this special visit and building our connection with the Aboriginal Heritage Office.

Happy 137^th Birthday, Redlands!

The School has enjoyed acknowledging and celebrating its 137^th birthday this week and in assembly this week, we were delighted to welcome a number of Yr 8 students to share the journey of the Arts at Redlands since the School was founded. The Arts has been a particular focus this year and I know that most of Junior School students enjoy this creative aspect of our curricular and cocurricular opportunities.

International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) 2021

For over 30 yrs, International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS), have taken place in schools throughout Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, the Pacific region and South Africa. ICAS is an initiative of Educational Assessment Australia (EAA), a not for profit organisation owned by the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

At Redlands, it is optional for Junior School students to sit these tests in Term 3. Assessments occur during class time within a supervised area of the Junior School. No particular preparation is required and all students receive a certificate and an individual student report indicating which questions they answered correctly, their total score as well as their average compared with the rest of the students in the State.

A more detailed letter and registration details can be found here on Redlands Pulse and any questions should be directed to the Dean of Administration, Ms Atkins.

Semester 2 Junior School Debating

Debating is a cocurricular activity available to students in Yrs 4, 5 and 6. This year, we are opening up debating again to all students to join or continue with for Terms 3 and 4.

The Debating workshops are run by coaches from Masters Academy who have worked with Redlands for a number of years to facilitate debating from Yr 4 to Yr 12. Masters Academy has a network of over 70 trained coaches, including some of the best speakers in Australia and they specialise in building communication skills and confidence for students of all ages.

There are many benefits of debating, which translate into many aspects of students’ personal and academic life, including:

learning how to structure persuasive arguments with evidence
improved understanding of the world by developing general knowledge
speaking concisely with minimal preparation
developing critical thinking skills
improving verbal and written confidence

Program Details

When: Tuesday afternoons from 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Location: Junior School Classrooms
Cost: $22 per session, which will be billed in Term 4 Fee Statements
Groups: Each group will have between 14-18 students

Included in the Program

Trained and professional coaches – all coaches have Working with Children Checks and classroom experience
Structured lesson plans – a balance of practical and theory lessons
Regular opportunities for students to speak in front of their peers and coaches, so that they can receive feedback

If you would like to sign your child up for debating, please fill out this form and contact our Junior School Debating Coordinator, Mr Watkins, via email if you have any questions.

Redlands Cyber Safety Resources Hub

Thank you for the continued positive feedback on our recently-launched Cyber Safety Hub s for our community; a central point of the latest, research-based information and support in the area of technology for our families and staff.

From time to time, I will highlight a particular page or resource and this week share the hub’s advice to parents on gaming which includes looking at the risks, appropriate screen time, warning signs of excessive gaming and what parents might do to support your child in this space.

Harmony Day Poster Competition

Congratulations to Yr 5 student, Aimee Kang, who was awarded a Highly Commended Award at this year’s Harmony Day Poster Competition.

The competition received more than 5000 entries in the poster competition from 400 schools which makes this achievement even more noteworthy. Well done, Aimee.

Staffing News

We are delighted to share the news that Yr 3 teacher, Kate McAliece, gave birth last week to baby George Alfred Hollings, a second child for her and her husband, Tom. Kate and George are doing well and look forward to coming in for a visit next term.

Biggest Morning Tea – $3,118

Further to my mention last week, it was wonderful to share with the students our incredible final total of $3,118 which Yr 4 raised via a bake sale as part of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in support of the Cancer Council. Well done again to all of the students who took the lead in this community initiative.

Senior Music Festival

From me, one of the joys of being part of a P-12 school are the opportunities to enjoy activities across all stages of the School and last Friday, I joined many others in our community at this year’s Senior Music Festival, held at The Concourse in Chatswood.

Asides from the unadulterated joy of being at a large-scale live music event, it was inspiring to see so many former Junior School students performing including many Yr 7s who have transitioned this year and the quality and range of performances were exceptional.

Our annual Junior Music Festival was an event that I particularly missed last year as it is always one of my highlights in the School calendar. It is an event in which every Junior School student is involved in and provides our students with both the enriching opportunity and experience of performing on stage for family and friends.

At a time when international travel is but a dream, through the power of music, this year’s Junior Music Festival, Around the World in 80 Musical Minutes, will take us on a journey around the globe with items originating from many different countries. Watch out for details in due course!

Play Equipment Out of Bounds

Please be reminded that all campus play equipment is strictly out of bounds to students and younger siblings before and after school, including Saturdays when Sport and Dance takes place. This is even with parents nearby and there is clear signage to outline this. Despite this, we had an unfortunate injury this week after school when a student was using the climbing equipment unsupervised. The only time students can use this is with teacher supervision.

Lost Property

We have spoken to students this week about their responsibility to look after their own belongings here at school. Our current collection of lunch boxes, water bottles, fleeces, hats and sports jackets are at an unprecedented level and I would ask parents to support us as we help the students take the primary responsibility in managing their own belongings.

In addition, please can families take the time to ensure that belongings are all named which assists us being able to return items if lost. This is a task that I would recommend students take ownership of at home.

Term 3/4 Departure Notice

As we are approaching the mid-point of the year, this is a reminder that those families who are planning on leaving the School during or at the end of Terms 3 or 4 are required to give notice to the Principal via an email to registrar@redlands.nsw.edu.au by the following dates:

Term 3 Departure: Friday 18 June 2021
Term 4 Departure: Friday 16 July 2021

As per the 2021 Schedule of Fees emailed to all families in December last year, there will be fees in lieu payable for any notices of departure received after this date.

Redlands Arts Cards

Purchase your Redlands Creative Arts cards here

CHAPLAIN

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

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