Head of Junior School

We’re Back!

And just like that, our campus was filled with the joyous sounds of children laughing, learning and playing!

It has been uplifting to have returned back on campus this week and I thank our teaching and support staff for their preparation in ensuring these first few days have been a safe and happy place for the students to return to. As I shared in our first assembly (still on Zoom!), I felt quite emotional seeing the stream of students arriving on Monday and then watching the reconnection of students with one another, teachers with one another and of course students with staff.

We have made slight modifications to aspects of our processes as we have lived through some of the measures but above all, the students are enjoying being back learning and socialising together.

I want to thank our parents for their support in both our drop-off and pick-up procedures which have run very smoothly and safely, despite the final stages of North Sydney Council’s untimely roadworks on Allister St. Thank you for always choosing safety over convenience.

Looking ahead, we will keep our community updated on the status of events through these final weeks and with the government announcement this week that School Sport activities are allowed to proceed from 1 November for the rest of Term 4, we are looking at ways in which we can get Year Groups out together off site for active sports sessions, which will be communicated separately.

Tips for Supporting Your Children after Lockdown

Our counselling team have provided these additional tips for supporting your children that you might find helpful after lockdown:

Take off the pressure: The transition back into school is likely to take some time. Lots of children will experience ups and downs. Try your best to support, reassure and comfort them, without putting pressure on yourself to make sure they settle into a new routine straightaway.
Renegotiate routine: During Remote Learning, it is completely understandable that your family’s routine may have changed. Your child may have also grown accustomed to spending more time in front of the screen than usual. Try to renegotiate these routines with your child in such a way that involves them in the process.
Think ahead: It’s critical to help children create optimism and excitement for the future, in addition to reflecting on what’s transpired in recent weeks. It’s difficult to stay positive during a moment like this, but pinpointing the things they can look forward to will help them realise that the present circumstances won’t last forever.
Focus on their strengths: Children possess a high level of resilience and are capable of learning from hardship. They can also learn about their own skills and abilities, as well as how to deal with stressful situations. Inquire about the abilities they learned during lockdown and how they might apply them in On-Campus Learning, such as organisation, self-control and creativity.
Keep the connection alive: Lockdown proved to be a terrific time for families to connect and try your best to not let this slip away. We understand that children will want to spend more time with friends, which is extremely important; however, try to spend time together as a family as well, such as boardgames, outdoor activities, cooking and home crafts.
Validate their feelings and reach out if needed: It is normal for your child to be concerned about returning to school. Listen to them and reassure them that their feelings are normal and that we’re all adjusting. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you believe your child’s concern requires more attention.

School Uniform: Monday 1 November

Next Monday 1 November, we are filming all Junior School students performing the AUSLAN for I Still Call Australia Home as we piece together a musical item for our end of term Speech Day. Connected to this, we ask that all Junior School students wear their summer uniform without blazers for this recording.

In line with current restrictions and guidelines, filming will occur outdoors and will be by class group. Teachers will also remind students on Friday afternoon about wearing uniform this Monday.

Debating Team Reach Quarter-Finals of National Competition

Congratulations to our Junior School debating team who successfully moved into the quarter-finals of the National Independent Schools Virtual Debating competition! With previous debates against schools from different States, last Friday’s round of 16 debate was against St Luke’s Anglican School in Queensland and the students excelled again in collaboratively developing their arguments.

I look forward to sharing news of their quarter-final debate vs Macarthur Anglican School from NSW.

Team: Chloe Petering, Alex Heller, Caroline Brown, Kai Feldman

Reserves: Rafael Rolon, Sam Ashby, George McIntosh

Call to Earth Day

On Wednesday 10 November, Redlands is celebrating Call to Earth Day. One way we are celebrating is through encouraging a ‘Waste Free Wednesday’ for all students. If possible, it would be a valuable learning experience for all students to pack their own lunch on the day. This would allow each student to consider what foods do not have any packaging and allow them to experiment with new ways of packing lunches (for example, through using containers and not plastic wraps). Students will be provided more information closer to the time.

NAPLAN – School Readiness Test

Yr 3 and Yr 5 students will participate in the NAPLAN School Readiness Test on Wednesday 17 November. The 20 minute online practice test is a requirement for all schools to undertake as part of their transition to NAPLAN online next year. Individual student results are not recorded. In preparation, Yr 5 students will require their fully charged iPad and Yr 3 will use school ones. Both Yr 3 and Yr 5 students will require a set of compatible earphones. Class teachers will oversee this short session.

Safety Around Schools

With the return of schools and the significant increase in traffic, particularly around schools, please note the information below from North Sydney Council to help you keep our children safe around our campuses.

Thank you RPFA

This morning, our Junior Campus staff were both immensely grateful to receive some delicious morning tea treats as a token of appreciation from the Redlands Parents and Friends Association. On behalf of the staff, I send our heartfelt thanks for this kind gesture.

Notice of Roadworks – Allister St

We have been advised by North Sydney Council that they will be commencing works now on the opposite side of Allister St to our Junior Campus from next week. Please note that parking will be heavily restricted and at times, not available for parents to park on this side of the road. The usual kerbside school parking restrictions apply on our side of Allister St and should be adhered to ensure a smooth pick up process for our moving carlines. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Term 4 Second Hand Uniform Sale

As we are now midway through Term 4, the RPFA are having a quick sale of second hand summer uniform, commencing at 6pm, this Monday 1 November. Quality donations will be accepted 15-19 November. For more details please see the RPFA page.

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