Head of Junior School

Head of Junior School

Yr 5 Student Leadership

Last Friday, as part of the leadership development process, Yr 5 participated in another action-packed day with Cameron Brown from Explore, Discover Act. The students engaged in a range of activities that developed their teamwork skills and built on their understanding of effective leadership. They were challenged to work outside of their comfort zones and apply their creative and critical thinking skills to solve problems. The students explored the opportunities and challenges of leadership in their School and community and evaluated the attitudes and behaviours of quality leaders. The day provided a chance to connect with peers across the cohort and reflect on their values as individuals and prospective leaders.

The workshop was another important step in the Year Group’s journey towards their collective student leadership in 2024, which continued this Monday with the opportunity for Yr 5 to self-nominate for various positions for 2024, as outlined in a recent letter from Ms Osborn to Year 5 students and families.

As part of the process, students heard from some members of Yr 6 who shared their experiences this year and the Yr 5 teachers provided the students with more specific information about the requirements of each role and the School’s expectations of its leaders.

Knowing the Year Group well, I know that we will have no shortage of potential school leaders who I know would be very capable representatives of the student body in 2024.

Students, as well as teachers who know them, will have the opportunity to vote and then these Captains will be formally announced for the first time at Speech Day on the last day of this term by our Principal, Mr Corcoran, and me.

Junior School Wellbeing Day of Activities – Tuesday 7 November

Next Tuesday, our Junior School students will be enjoying a day of wellbeing activities and fundraising that focus on the wellbeing of our students, teachers and our wider community. We have planned a wide variety of engaging, hands-on activities for the students, which will be day of connection and collaboration as we celebrate music, movement, art, nature, dance, drama, team building and ‘giving back’ to Bear Cottage, a children’s hospital in Manly with whom Redlands has had a long connection with. Later this term, we hope to again welcome some of their team to our assembly.

The range of activities will include:

  • Health Hustle and Dance Performance led by our Year 11 students
  • Guest speakers from Year 12
  • Team building activities 
  • Dance workshops
  • Theatresports
  • Pantomime
  • Art in class
  • Campfire reading
  • Potting herbs in recyclable coffee cups
  • Card designs – personalised Christmas Cards to be delivered to local community aged care residents

Gold coin support is encouraged with lunchtime fundraising activities including:

  • Sausage sizzle $3
  • Ice cream cups $2
  • Bear Cottage merchandise $3- $5 (e.g., pens, bear ears)
  • Raffles
  • Chalk art
  • Photography competition
  • The Little Book Club shop 

On this day, all students should wear PE Uniform and bring gold coins. Years 3 & 4 are also asked to bring in a washed recycled coffee cup ready for a planting activity.

We look forward to a fun morning of activities together.

HSC and IB Senior Studies Information Evening (Redlands House to Yr 9)

I am often asked by Junior School families about our Senior Studies offering at Redlands where in the final years of schooling, Redlands offers students the choice of either the HSC or IB pathways for students. I am delighted to share information about an upcoming Parent Information Evening for families from Redlands House to Yr 9 and know that this will be insightful for many of you as you look ahead for your child. As a parent of children in Yrs 7 & 9, I am also looking forward to attending this session with my parent hat on and thank the Secondary School leadership team for extending this session to our Junior Campus families.


2024 Student Orientation – Friday 10 November

Next Friday, we will welcome over 50 new students who will join the Junior School in 2024 as part of their process of orientation into Redlands. I know that our current students will warmly welcome their soon-to-be peers and for part of the day, Yrs 2, 3, 4 and 5 also move up a year to the Year Groups that they will be in next year and enjoy activities with different teachers. This will allow them some time with possible new teachers, new students, and begin to get a feel of new learning spaces and expectations. The students will also rotate around each classroom doing a series of engaging activities.

Preparing Yr 6 for Secondary School

On the same date next Friday, our Yr 6 students will enjoy a full day in the Secondary School as part of their transition, which I know is an important day for them ahead of their move into Yr 7 in 2024. For any Yr 6 student not continuing at Redlands, a normal day of learning will take place on our Junior Campus.

We are also looking forward to welcoming a number of current Secondary School students to spend time with every Yr 6 class next Tuesday in Q&A style sessions where our Yr 6 students can (and they do!) ask them about anything they would like to know more about or are worried about in the transition. We have often seen the Yr 6 students more comfortable to raise questions with fellow Redlands students and I am grateful to some of our Secondary Staff who will also be present at these times on our campus, including the cohort’s Yr 7 Year Advisor and Assistant Year Advisor, Ms Walker and Mr Walker, as announced last week.

Term 4 Parent Topic Talk

Recharging in the School Holidays: Powering Up for the Year Ahead

Join our Junior Campus counsellor-led workshop, Recharging in the School Holidays: Powering up for the year ahead, where we’ll discuss making the most of the holidays to prepare your child for the upcoming school year. We’ll explore a range of strategies you can put in place to support your child’s mental wellness during the holidays, such as keeping them engaged, setting realistic goals for sleep and physical activity, and managing technology use. We will also focus on the importance of fostering healthy relationships within your family as well as with your child’s peers throughout the holiday period. All the practical tools provided in this presentation can help your child feel more prepared and confident for the new school year. 

School Chaplains Message

Click here for a message from the School Chaplains. 

AIS Perspectives Survey

A sincere thank you to those parents and carers who have provided their feedback via the AIS Perspectives Survey. We would still love feedback from those who haven’t had the opportunity to provide it to date. You can do this via the survey link in the email sent to parents/carers from Redlands evidence@aisnsw.edu.au. The survey will remain open until next Wednesday 8 November. 

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