Head of Junior School

Father’s Day Breakfast  

It was a joy to welcome so many Junior School dads to our breakfast last Friday and I hope that the event was the start of a memorable weekend for Redlands dads. My appreciation is extended to our catering team who helped us to look after our guests.

Morris Gleitzman Author Visit

Last Friday, the Junior School had the pleasure of hearing from the Australian Children’s Laureate, Morris Gleitzman. Morris spoke to Yr 3 and Yr 4 about the writing process where he focused on story openings. He then talked about how he structures his work day, researching for books and taking risks in writing stories. The students loved hearing him read from a number of his books, including his latest book, Help Around the House.

After lunch it was the Yr 5 and Yr 6 students’ turn to enjoy hearing Morris speak and he focused on his Once series. He spoke of his family’s connection to the Holocaust and why these stories were personally important to him. Our students asked a number of insightful questions including how he was able to use humour with such a serious topic; he explained at length how he believed that humour can be uplifting and unifying.

We were thrilled that Morris stayed in the Library over lunch and answered the many questions our students posed, commenting on the high level and depth of questioning skills our students demonstrated, before he ended the day signing more books and chatting to the students in the Library.

These rich experiences add immense value to students’ appreciation of literature and I thank Mrs Wiebe for organising this special visit for students and staff.

Netball Finals

Last Friday, four of our Junior School Netball teams competed in the Northern Suburbs Netball Association Semi Finals. All of our teams have competed with great enjoyment and improvement over the season and I was thrilled to see two of our teams (one from Yr 4 and one from Yr 5) progress to this Friday’s Grand Finals. The Yr 4 team showed great spirit, resilience and heart in coming through extra time and a sudden death knockout situation to win 12-11 and their unbridled excitement was a joy to behold. Following this our Yr 5 team battled through a final quarter in torrential rain to overcome their opposition and I look forward to cheering both teams on again this Friday. We acknowledged the girls’ achievement in assembly and I know they would appreciate any support from friends too. The Yr 4 Final is at 5pm and the Yr 5 Final is at 6pm; both games at Willoughby Leisure Centre.

Students Travelling on School Buses

In our assembly this week, I reminded students who use public transport of some of the important expectations that Redlands but also Transport NSW have for all students, in particular, reminding them to give up their seat to elders. Students in NSW are very fortunate to have free school travel and part of Transport NSW’s expectations are that they abide by these guidelines. Please take a moment to also talk through them with your child if they use buses. 

Behaviour on Buses

  • Use appropriate language
  • Offer seats to adults including people with a disability, elderly or expectant mothers
  • Do not play music at such volume that it may distract the bus driver or other passengers.

Safety on and near buses

  • Keep bags and other items clear of the aisle
  • Wait for the bus in a quiet and orderly manner – including at bus interchanges
  • Stand away from the roadside until the bus comes to a complete stop
  • Allow other passengers to leave the bus before stepping onto the bus in a single line
  • Cross the road where and when it’s safe to do so, use crossings/traffic lights where available. 
The Kids Cancer Project

Next Friday 14 September, our Junior Campus students are encouraged donate a minimum gold coin donation to wear mufti clothes with ‘a touch of gold’ as we again support the research work of The Kids’ Cancer Project, a charity that holds particular significance for our Redlands community. We will again hope to have some merchandise for sale too as well as a raffle for one of the organisation teddy bears.

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