Head of Junior School

Head of Junior School

We are now into the rhythm of the term and despite the inclement weather this week, I have been pleased to see our students remaining focussed and engaged in their lessons. In this week’s assembly, the key theme was how our words have the power to impact others both positively and negatively. Using a somewhat messy demonstration of squeezing the contents a tube of toothpaste out and trying to put the toothpaste back in, I shared the message of how once our words are out, we cannot take them back and hence how we choose to use words is so important. At Redlands we seek to use words to encourage, support and inspire rather than words that undermine, demoralise and cause damage. Our students’ world is more complex than ever. They can, unwittingly, be exposed to language that we as parents would not want them to use at home or at school from a variety of sources, e.g. social media, film, TV, song lyrics, etc. Helping your children to navigate this and to make positive choices when using their words is a responsibility we take very seriously, and we appreciate your partnership and support in this regard.

Debating

A big well done to our Yr 5 and Yr 6 Debating teams who both started their season extremely well by winning their respective debates against Loreto. The teams are Primary A: Isha Gupta, Bertram Haines, Sasha Grant, Lillian Abbey, Pax Staley-Lobo, Archer Healy-Smith and Primary B: Audrey Reynolds, Asha Singh, Isla Wong, Georgia Darragh, Emmeline Gallego, Brian Ho.

Junior School New Curriculum Parent Information Seminar

Thank you for your interest in the upcoming Information Session on 27 February which has reached maximum capacity and as such bookings for this session are now closed.  However, due to the overwhelming response, we are excited to announce an additional parent information session. This will be a repeat session to familiarise parents with the content changes and instructional approaches adopted in the revised NSW English and Maths curriculum.

Places are limited and interested parents can reserve a space via the booking link below.

  • Date:  Tuesday 5 March
  • Venue:  Arnold Library (Junior School)
  • Time:  8:30-9:30am
  • Book Here  


Upcoming Communication

Parent Teacher Conferences

In Week 7 there will be an opportunity for parents and carers to meet with their children’s class teacher to discuss progress so far in the early part of the term and to establish some learning priorities for the year ahead. A letter outlining the process for booking a time with class teachers will be sent out via Pulse tomorrow at 4:00pm

NAPLAN

Year 3 and Year 5 parents and carers will receive information tomorrow at 4:00pm via pulse about NAPLAN tests that will be taking place in the testing window of 13  to 25 March

Save the Dates

Redlands Photo Days

Redlands school photo days are across the following dates:

  • Prep School: Thursday 14 March
  • Junior School: Friday 15 March
  • Junior Campus Sibling Photos: Week 7, Friday 15 March, 7:00am-7:45am – Dunnet Hall Foyer

For parents with children across both Secondary and Junior/Prep School who would like sibling photos, we welcome you to attend Sibling Photo Day on Friday 15 March on Junior Campus if you didn’t attend the sibling photo session last week.

As we are in a transition phase for the new school uniform, Prep students are to wear whichever option they come to school in on this day as well. There is no need to buy any additional pieces.

International Women’s Day Event

Monday 11 March from 7am

Redlands invites Students, Parents and Carers to our inaugural Count Her In International Women’s Day Breakfast on Monday 11 March from 7-9am.

Hear from two incredible leaders and changemakers committed to the creation of opportunities for women to earn, learn and lead.

Guest Speakers: 

The Hon. Bronnie Taylor – Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals, Member of the NSW Legislative Council 

Vicki Condon AM – Founder, CEO, Executive Director of Raise Foundation.

Click the following link to book tickets.

Term 1 Parent Topic Talk

Equipping your Child to Navigate Anxiety and Distress

Tuesday 26 March, 8.30m

In recognising the vital role parents play in equipping their children with essential life skills to face challenging situations and emotions, we invite you to join us for a talk facilitated by the school counsellors. This session will focus on equipping your child to navigate challenges associated with anxiety and distress. Delve into the fundamentals of understanding distress and anxiety as we explore what these emotions might look like in your child. Discover the importance of building distress tolerance and learn to identify different manifestations of anxiety. We will provide valuable insights into practical strategies to help your child work through distressing situations. From distinguishing between hypo and hyper reactions to implementing effective coping mechanisms, you’ll gain actionable tools to support your child’s emotional wellbeing. Additionally, we’ll address separation anxiety and its impact across different age groups. Empower yourself with effective parenting concepts and practical tools to guide your child through challenging times.

For seating arrangements, please click the link to RSVP.


Grandparents Day

Tuesday 11 June 

Please note that this year Grandparents Day will be held on Tuesday 11 June. This hopefully gives families ample time to book those flights and get spare rooms ready.

Mr Ian Holden
Head of Junior School
iholden@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022