Head of Junior School

Spring into Positive Action

This week, it has been wonderful to feel the warmer temperatures as Spring sprang into action and whilst still only remotely, I have felt a positive shift again in energy levels from students and staff aligned with this change of season.

In my assembly this week, I highlighted and celebrated where I had been made aware of students making a difference to the lives of others in our school, within their family or in the wider community and presented all of the students with the challenge of making someone smile each day. Many shared how they might achieve this and we know from evidence that helping others can also benefit our own wellbeing through the physiological changes in the brain associated with happiness. Perhaps this might be something that you can consider as a family too?

Similarly with staff, each month I share the Action for Happiness’ monthly calendar packed with daily actions to promote a happier and more caring society. Self-care September’s focus on remembering to ‘fill our own cups’ is particularly timely and it was a good reminder for our staff. Again, I share this with our families in the hope that it might also strike a chord with you and previous monthly calendars can be found here if you are interested.

Student Leadership

On Wednesday, student agency was in action as some of our Yr 6 students ran sessions during the Prep School’s Wellness Wednesday. It was wonderful to hear from Mrs Breckenridge (Head of Prep School) and other staff about how engaging our Yr 6 students were as we continue to find new ways to utilise Zoom to build connections across the student community and inspire our younger learners.

Our School captains, Alex Heller and Caroline Brown, set the tone for a fun-filled day with an engaging and well-planned virtual Scavenger Hunt. Students scurried on and off screen to find items for categories such as “what makes you happy” and “show us your furry friend, real or not.”

Later in the day, three of our Technology Leaders: Chloe Howard, Jessica Jackson and Eva Simpson, ran a 30-minute ,“Design your own magnet session”. In this time, the girls ably and confidently led Yr 2 students in “demonstrate, make and chat” breakout rooms and the resulting magnet creations and student conversations brought much joy to all.

Borrowing Books from the Arnold Library

We have had a lovely steady stream of students borrowing books from the Arnold Library again under our COVID-safe protocols, which has brought joy to students and our library team has them have lovingly packaged up books. A reminder of the process is outlined below:

Parents should email the Junior School library directly here with book requests/genre.
Our part-time library staff will process requests and package books up to be collected from the table outside the Junior School reception building.
The library staff will confirm via return email the time and date only one parent/child should come to collect their named book package.
At collection, you must wear a mask and sanitise hands at the entry gate.
Returning books will be via the book return drop box only which will be outside the school (again, please wear a mask and sanitise your hands at the gate). Any students currently with library books that they wish to return can do so in this way.

Please note that all book collection times will be outside of arrival and departure times for students of essential workers.

Come Zoom Dine with Us

Monday 6 September, 6pm. Register here.

Redlands Head of Catering and Chef Joel Squire will demonstrate and guide us through a delicious and easy family friendly recipe of Baked White Chicken Enchiladas. Cook along with your family, and have fun plating up this meal while sharing your experience with other Redlands families, all under the watchful eye of Chef Joel. Recipe, ingredients and Zoom details will be emailed to registered families in advance of this highly anticipated enchilada masterclass. his will be a dining experience not to miss!

Week 9 Request for On-Campus Learning for Children of Essential Workers

Parents who are essential workers can lodge a request for on campus learning support for the week of 6 – 10 September. Booking requests close again at 8pm on Friday 3 September to allow sufficient time for staffing to be organised based on the numbers.

Please click for Week 9 request: Junior Campus booking

Please be reminded that any students’ attendance is dependent upon their health. Students must be kept at home if they show any signs of an elevated temperature or a cold. Any student who presents at school with even the mildest symptoms of COVID- 19 will be sent home and not permitted to return before a negative COVID-19 test result and are symptom free. Students must also not attend if they have been identified by NSW Health as either a casual or close contact of a confirmed case.

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