Head of Junior School
ANZAC Service
On Tuesday, I attended the Dawn Service at George’s Heights Parade Ground, a local service that I have attended for many years. As is always the case, I enjoyed seeing many of our school community there too where Redlands laid a wreath of remembrance.
Today, the Junior School recognised and honoured ANZAC Day, a significant day in the history of Australia and New Zealand. For the students, the assembly also provided an opportunity to learn about our history and to gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who fought for our country. It provides an opportunity for students to reflect on the significance of the day, to understand the impact that war has had on society, and to appreciate the importance of peace.
My thanks to Ms Wilson, Ms Roberts and Ms Moses for organising and coordinating this poignant remembrance service for the Junior School today.
Comfortable being Uncomfortable
Growing up in England, I loved school all that it had to offer. Generally, learning came pretty easy to me through my primary years but it took me a while to adjust to my time in secondary school where, in many ways, I was being challenged in my learning for the first time. Having not been familiar with finding things harder to understand, I took fewer risks in my learning than others, preferring to stay in my comfort zone. That was until my Yr 8 Maths teacher took some time to give me the confidence to take risks and even make mistakes in my learning. I have not needed reminding of this significance in my learning since.
I often talk to the students (and my own children) about the growth that takes place when we challenge ourselves in a place beyond our comfort zone. Being ‘comfortable being uncomfortable’ is an expression I often use with staff as well as students, acknowledging that learning should be fun and engaging but it should also not be easy. Part of our roles as educators is to challenge the students to a point where thinking is a key part of the process of learning. As uncomfortable as it might make us feel, whether it is trying to understand the complexities of algebra, trying a new sport or learning to ride a bike, making mistakes but learning from them, can be when our most powerful learning takes place.
The Sketchnote below, drawn by Sylvia Duckworth, visually summarises an article by Oscar Nowik on this topic which I will share with the students in our next assembly but I also wanted to share with parents.
Perhaps, if you are in a situation where this language can support your child, do consider using it as it will support the growth mindset language we are using with the students at school which, in many ways will be a more significant life skill than the content of the curriculum alone. We look forward to supporting each student take these steps forward this term.
Yr 6 Camp (1-5 May)
We are looking forward to our Yr 6 cohort enjoying their annual camp next week in Canberra, which balances some wonderful outdoor educational experiences with civics education aligned with the year group’s current studies on democracy and government.
Yr 6 families should have received a detailed second letter on Monday from Mrs Robinson outlining and reminding of logistics and I look forward to joining the group for two days during their time away, when I will also report back.
Student Medications on Yr 6 and Yr 4 Camp
If your child/ren requires medication (Prescribed or OTC) on camp, you will need to complete a Medical Authority Form located on Pulse HERE.
This form will need to be returned to Mr Atkins ASAP. Students should not be arriving to camp without a completed MAF if they require medication.
Please contact our Head of Outdoor Education, Mr Atkins, for any other questions via email.
Yrs 5 and 6 Oxford University Computational Challenge Opportunity
Redlands is excited to again offer the opportunity for Yrs 5 and 6 students who are experienced with Blockly coding, computational thinking and problem-solving, to enter Round One of the global Oxford University Computational Challenge (OUCC), which will be held on Thursday 25 May here at Redlands.
For interested students, further information on the competition and how to enter, please click here.
Mr Ari Guha
Head of Junior School
aguha@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022