Head of Junior School
National Snowsports Success
Last week, we were extremely proud to have 12 Junior School skiers compete at the 2018 Interschools National Championships in Perisher, which in itself is a remarkable achievement for them. We extend hearty congratulations to all of them and were ecstatic to hear of the following podium finishes and remarkable national recognition for the following students:
Gold Medals
Daisy Thomas – Individual Australian Champion, Division 4, Girls Moguls
Division 4 Girls Moguls – Daisy Thomas, Felicity Schlederer and Mia McFarlane
Silver Medals
Julius Keller – Individual Silver Medallist, Division 4 Boys Moguls
Bronze Medals
Division 4 Boys Moguls – Julius Keller, Sebastian Speziali and Liam McFarlane
Junior School Nationals Competitors
Isabelle Bannon, Josie Bannon, Julianna Harrington, Ava Keller, Julius Keller, Liam McFarlane, Mia McFarlane, Gianmarco Pradel, Felicity Schlederer, Sebastian Speziali, Daisy Thomas, and Penny Vincent-McGovern
To compete at this level requires a significant amount of dedication and practice and I also thank their parents for their support of both time and undertaking varying roles to support the team down at the snow over the season.
Leaving a Legacy
On Monday, along with our Junior School Captains, Celine Moore-Patel and Conor Petersen, I was privileged to attend a morning tea celebrating the 100th birthday of Mr John Roberts, a former parent and Redlands Board Director, Secretary and Treasurer from 1976 to 1997, after whom our new Senior Campus Music Centre has recently been named as well. Over morning tea, Mr Roberts talked about his connection with Redlands over a remarkable 60 years, during which time he has contributed so much to Redlands.
During his time on the Board, Mr Roberts was part of a group of people who introduced numerous innovations as part of their legacy for others to have benefited from since, including the introduction of co-education, the opening of the Margaret Roberts Preparatory School (named after John’s late wife), the introduction of the International Baccalaureate and the purchase of the former Cremorne Girls’ High School site which is now our wonderful Junior Campus. It is safe to say that Mr Roberts’ legacy at Redlands will continue to impact the lives of thousands of students in the future, just as it already has done in the past although he also spoke proudly of a record that may never be broken, that of attending an astonishing 50 consecutive Speech Days! Many happy returns and thank you, Mr Roberts.
Debating
A number of our students have represented Redlands on Fridays this term in the Schools Debating Network Competition and I thank and congratulate them, along with Mrs Sharp and their coaches.
All of the students have made positive contributions and our Primary A team, which is made up of Yr 6 students, have made it through to the Semi Finals this Friday, where they will debate against St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School. We wish them all the best and congratulate all of the students involved this term:
Primary A (Yr 6): Arya Gapaillard, Ahnu Guan, Alfie Leach, Jack Petering, Sophia Rolon, Madison Stanley, Anneka Steele and Charli Waterland
Primary B (Yr 5): Bettina Butcher, Oliver Cooke, Kiana Gapaillard, James Gray, Ruby Holgate and Carolina Pedro-Inacio
Netball Finals
Last Friday, two of our Junior School Netball teams competed in the Northern Suburbs Netball Association Grand Finals. Sadly, the storm that shook Sydney also impacted these finals and our Yr 4 team’s final was postponed at half time due to the immediate threat of lightning and this half time result stood as the overall result, which meant the girls finished as runners-up. Our Yr 5 team, who were due to play the game after, did not even get on the court and by the process of their league positions, were awarded as Runners Up against their opposition who had finished higher. Congratulations to all of the girls involved and to the many students and teachers who braved the weather and traffic to get there to support the teams.
The Kids Cancer Project
Tomorrow sees our Junior Campus fundraiser to support The Kids Cancer Project and students are asked to donate at least a gold coin to wear mufti clothes with ‘a touch of gold’ as we again support the research work of this charity which holds particular significance for our Redlands community.
We will have the following merchandise for sale for Junior School students who have also been advised, should they wish to purchase anything additional items to support this fundraiser.
Bouncy balls $2
Badge $1
Wristband 50c
Raffle ticket for bear prize: 50c
Living our School Values
I regularly speak to our students about the significance of living our School Values, particularly when no one is watching. Our School Values of Compassion, Fairness, Honesty, Moral Courage, Respect and Responsibility underpin so much of what we do and are values which we hope become part of who our students are. As teachers, we often look for intrinsic examples of these values in our students and I was delighted to hear from a teacher who had observed Yr 6 student, Charli Waterland, demonstrating respect and responsibility earlier this week.
Charli was waiting for her mother in the park area near the school and was observed picking up bits of litter that were on the ground and placing them in the bin. In approaching her to commend her, the teacher found out that this is something that Charli regularly does while she waits to be collected, simply because it is ‘the right thing to do’. Thank you for being such a positive role model to others and a wonderful representative of the School.
Redlands Spring Fair
The time has come! The sun is predicted to shine! I am looking forward to joining many, many others in our school and local community this week at our biennial Spring Fair. There has been a bubbling level of excitement and anticipation amongst the students. I also acknowledge the significant contributions of so many of our parents and staff in the months of voluntary planning and preparation time which will ensure Saturday will be an event to remember. Sorry, no dogs are permitted at the Spring Fair.
Important Student Health and Safety Notice: Spring Fair
Parents are advised that there will be First Aid provided at the Spring Fair this coming Saturday, but our First Aid provider will not have access to medication or medical equipment held by the School for student use.
Therefore, it is essential that any student who requires an Epipen or any other medication brings this with them on the day.
Mr Ari Guha
Head of Junior School
aguha@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022