Head of Junior School
That was the Greatest Show!
We should strive to be better in all that we do each day, whether it’s in our work or who we are as people. We always hope this for our students and for those of us who experienced last Thursday’s Junior Music Festival: A Night with the Stars, this was a perfect example of lifting the bar to a level not seen before. I have now seen sixteen Junior Music Festivals in my years at Redlands and without doubt, this was the greatest show of all.
I was moved by the sheer quality and joy that radiated from the stage and as I said in my closing message, it was impossible not to feel the students’ sense of pride and enjoyment in being part of such a memorable performance and I loved that every single student is involved on stage in at least two musical items.
Both the Music department and I have received positive messages of gratitude from many families, for which we are grateful. These small tokens of appreciation mean a great deal and I know that the Music team have posted them up on the wall in their office.
We know that these types of events don’t just happen without an inordinate amount of hard work, planning and expert guidance and we are blessed to have an exceptional Music team, led most ably and humbly by Mrs Moses. Whilst I know that they don’t crave any aspect of the limelight, I am very deliberately shining the spotlight on them all and share my heartfelt appreciation. I also acknowledge the various roles that our whole staff of team play: Junior School teachers, support staff, facilities, AV and stage crews, all of which are crucial components in the overall success of the show.
We look forward to sharing the secure link to the professional recording with our families when it is available.
Jeans for Genes Day – $6,591 Raised!
As a School, supporting the Children’s Medical Research Institute’s major fundraising campaign, Jeans for Genes, has been important to us for many years.
As we reflected on the success of last Friday’s event, I was moved to receive an email from Dr Will Hughes from the Children’s Medical Research Institute, who also happens to be a Junior School parent. Dr Hughes shared that everything raised goes straight to CMRI and helps find cures for children’s genetic diseases and this year, we have seen this come to fruition for one of our own students.
I also shared Dr Hughes’ message in assembly this week that there are a number of outstanding research groups there doing world-leading research in kids’ cancers and developmental genetics and how the funds raised truly help fund experiments and purchase equipment. There is also this recognition of Redlands’ ongoing support as you walk in the main door of the Institute.
Thank you to our students, staff and parent community who assisted in many different ways to support this event and in particular to Class 4Y, Ms McKenzie, Ms Tobiansky and Ms Abe who drove our involvement. As a School to be able to contribute more than $6,000 is quite remarkable and we know that this will have an impact on the lives of others, the most important aspect of the day.
National Science Week 2023
We are looking forward to embracing the opportunity to shine the spotlight on Science next week in National Science Week. This year’s theme is Innovation: Powering Future Industries, and we have a range of exciting opportunities for our Junior School students to explore these topics of why Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths are important in our every day and future lives. Some of these will include:
- Dr Melanie Zeppel, a Redlander and also a current parent of the School, will share her passion for STEM and exploring how mechanical learning and AI supports Innovations in Agriculture with our Yr 6 students.
- Dr Laura Driessen will be sharing her passion for STEM and her focused work in astronomy and innovations in space with Yrs 3, 4 and 5.
- The Sydney Water Wonder of Waters Van will visit our campus and our Yr 3 students will be investigating ‘Innovations Around Us’ by understanding more about the management of water in Sydney and around the world.
- On Thursday and Friday during lunchtime, Yr 6 students will be running a variety of fun STEM-themed activities for students to take part in flexing their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths skills.
Art Exhibition Student Works
We are delighted to have digital works completed by a number of our Yr 3 students on display in this local exhibition next week. Congratulations to Charlie Hsu, Samir Jackson, James Liao, Hamish Quigley and Claudia Steele and there will also be ephemeral work that was completed by groups.
Book Week Dress Up Day: Tuesday 22 August
We are looking forward to also acknowledging Book Week 2023 with this year’s theme, Read, Grow and Inspire. As shared previously, we are thrilled to welcome acclaimed authors, Louise Clark and Reece Clark to read to and inspire our students.
This year’s opportunity for students (and staff) to dress up in costume related to a book character of choice or connected to this year’s theme takes place on Tuesday 22 August. Start thinking about those costumes and, as always, we look forward to seeing the campus embrace this creative event!
A Flight Plan to Resilience: Guiding Your Little Pilot through Turbulence in Life
Our termly parent session on Student Wellbeing will explore and focus on how to encourage the development of resilience in our children. Delivered again by our own expert team of Junior Campus School Counsellors, the session will explore the factors involved in how parents and carers can foster resilience, enhance independence, and allow controlled adversity for growth in children.
There will be some practical tips on how to equip children to handle setbacks, promote problem-solving, use assertive communication, and practise self-care. Our team will also cover skills on how to nurture emotional growth in children, sharing practical tools and strategies with you.
Shining Star Concert at Mosman Art Gallery
Last Sunday, over 20 Redlands students performed at the Shining Star Concert at Mosman Art Gallery. The concert is organised by community parents and attracts young musicians of various ages and skill levels from local schools. The event was a big success and I extend my thanks to our students for representing Redlands in this highly enjoyable afternoon and to our parents for supporting the event too.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
We are looking forward to welcoming grandparents and special friends to our school and please note the timings below for your information to pass on to visitors on this special day for our community.
Winter Wonderland Online Auction Will Close on Saturday 11pm!
Thank you all families and friends who already registered for our online auction and purchased tickets for the Bali raffle.
Winter Uniform Clearance – 30% Off Selected Items
As we will be introducing our new Redlands uniform in 2024, we are having a Winter Uniform clearance sale with 30% off the following range, whist stocks last:
- Blazers
- Knitted Jumpers
- Girls Skirts
- Girls Blouses
- Boys Long Sleeve Shirts
Uniform Shop Opening Hours
The Uniform Shop will be closing at 4pm on Thursdays until further notice.
Mr Ari Guha
Head of Junior School
aguha@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022