Head of Junior School

Head of Junior School

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

We were very pleased to welcome grandparents and special friends to our campus this week. Our students, along with their grandparents and friends enjoyed an exciting morning and it was wonderful to see intergenerational connections and special relationships on display. This important annual event showcases the invaluable role grandparents play in our school community and we extend our gratitude to all who attended.

Parent Teacher Interviews – Term 3

Some early notice that there will be an opportunity for you to meet with your child’s class teacher in the second week of Term 3.  The focus of the meetings will be to discuss student progress, as set out in Semester 1 reports, and to revisit learning goals for the second half of the year. The meetings will take place across the whole of that week and as such please note that the Tuesday school-based clubs will start in Week 3 of Term 3.  A booking schedule will be sent out in the last week of this term. To assist co-ordination and logistics for many of our families with children in the Prep school we have scheduled the meetings for the same week as that section of the school.

13 June Junior School Semester 1 Report Information Webinar

Bookings are still open for the webinar this evening.  Join us as we share with parents the small but important changes to our student reports in line with the new curriculum. This webinar will provide an overview of the updated reporting format, explain how to interpret the updated achievement section, and answer any questions you may have. We believe this session will ensure that all parents are well-informed about the report format updates.

Booking link here.

  • Date: Thursday 13 June
  • Time:  6pm
  • Format: Webinar

A message from our Junior Campus Chaplain, Ms McKenzie

Wayside Chapel Update

12 boxes of toiletries were delivered to Wayside Chapel this past week following our beginning of term collection.

Pre K and Prep decorated the boxes, Year 5 wrote Welcome to Wayside cards and finally the SRC (Years 3 – 6), supported by Ms Moore, organised the donations.

The items that Redlands donated were sorted by the SRC into different categories to be sent to Wayside Chapel. Together, the SRC leaders worked together over lunchtimes, and sorted every single item that was donated, into their respective categories, no item was left behind. It was very generous of Redlands to donate all this, we thank you so much for everything that was given, and it will be much appreciated by Wayside Chapel!  Lulu Gayner

A few weeks ago, SRC helped Ms McKenzie pack and organise student donations for Wayside Chapel. We all had fun knowing it would help someone in need and that it may turn their life around. Layla Ikram

The Wayside visitors who assisted in unloaded the donations were amazed by the quantity and touched by the beautifully decorated boxes. One gentlemen spoke about how Wayside had helped him finally find a place to call home after decades of searching and thanked the school for their part in his journey.

These donations were in addition to the earlier corporate donations sorted by lunchtime volunteers that Pax Staley-Lobo delivered to Wayside with the assistance of his father. Pax, Amelie Cadman and the Year 6 Leaders continue to lead us in this opportunity to give. There will be more opportunities to give as the year progresses.

Chapel Update

Faith at Redlands has provided an essential pillar for our foundation and as we continue to educate and nurture outstanding individuals who ‘shine out’ our key values such as compassion, responsibility and moral courage in our students. This faith foundation not only supports academic excellence but also fosters a sense of community and purpose. Through faith, our students learn to navigate life’s challenges with grace and empathy, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to the world.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” — Matthew 7:24

In Chapels across the school this term we have explored the theme of ‘Faith’ and created many opportunities for students to learn about the significance of Jesus Christ as the heart of faith and service. Our students participate and experience a wide range of activities in Chapel from art projects, leading chapel as a class, singing, discussions to prayerful contemplation.

Year 9 students were immersed in Judaism on their recent excursion to the Jewish Museum and Great Synagogue and extended their appreciation of faith expression.

Prep parents are invited to Chapel this coming week to join us and see what Chapel is like for our young learners.

Another important dimension of our community expression of faith is our termly Parent Prayer Meetings. We extend a warm invitation to all to join together with the Principal, Chaplains and other parents and carers on Tuesday 18 June from 5.30-6.30pm in the Junior School Arnold Library for a brief time of thanksgiving and prayer for our school.

Junior Music Festival: Postcards from Abroad

Each year, our annual Junior Music Festival is a highlight in the Junior School calendar; an event in which every Junior School student will enjoy the opportunity and experience of performing on stage at least twice. Music is an area in which all Redlands students have a variety of opportunities to be involved in, both within our curriculum and cocurricular offerings, as will be showcased at this event.

Connected to this, please note some key information below to assist your planning for this event.

  • Attendance: ALL Junior School students are involved and are expected to attend
  • Date: Thursday 8 August
  • Time: 4.30pm – 6pm
  • Venue: Robert Dunnet Hall, Junior Campus
  • Bookings: Ticketing information will be released at the very start of Term 3
  • Uniform: Full Winter school uniform including blazers
  • Afternoon Tea: On the day, all students will stay at school between the end of the day and the start of the show so should bring a small afternoon snack.
  • Collection: At the end of the show, students should be collected from classrooms

I have no doubt that the 2024 Junior Music Festival, Postcards from Abroad, will be another wonderful evening.

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