Head of Junior School
Assembly Theme
In this week’s Junior Assembly, we reflected on how individual success is built on the foundation of teamwork. Using the very topical example of Olympic Gold Medal winner Simone Biles, who clearly possesses extraordinary talent and dedication, she frequently highlights the crucial support she gets from her coaches, teammates and family in achieving her goals. Her story underscores the importance of collaboration and mutual support, reminding us that behind every successful individual, there is a team of people who contribute to their success. I challenged each of our students to consider who is on their team, be they family, teachers, coaches, tutors or friends, and to be grateful for the invaluable role they play.
NAPLAN – The NAPLAN results are now available. We are pleased to share that Redlands’ scores are well above the national average in both literacy and numeracy. Especially impressive is the reading average for our Year 3 and Year 5 students, which is in the highest proficiency band. Parents will receive their child’s Individual Student Report (ISR) by post. If you have any questions regarding the results, please feel free to raise them directly with your child’s teacher.
Jeans for Genes Day
Friday 2 August
This year’s Jeans for Genes Day will be taking place tomorrow. This event is all about supporting medical research and raising funds for children and families living with genetic disorders.
Did you know 1 in 20 children faces a birth defect or genetic disease? That’s around 1 per class!
On Friday Week 2, students can come to school in their favourite pair of jeans or denim clothing, as well as the colour blue. For the privilege of dressing down, a gold coin donation will be collected at the start of the day.
There is also a donations page where you can make a direct contribution to our fundraising efforts found at the link or QR Code below.
Junior Music Festival: Postcards from Abroad
Last week a notice went out via Pulse with a letter containing all information with regards to the Junior Music Festival. The letter also contains a link for parents and carers to reserve tickets to the festival – tickets will be released from 7pm this evening. Please make note of these important details and we look forward to a wonderful concert on 8 August.
A message from our Dean of Students, Katie–Louise Clinton
On Tuesday 30th July our Year 6 Wellbeing leaders attended the IPSHA NSW Wellbeing Umbrella Group and were outstanding Redlands ambassadors! This was an engaging learning experience for our Redlands students to showcase our well-rounded approach to supporting student wellbeing and engagement. Some key highlights included:
- Interactive Exercises: Our wellbeing leaders facilitated a whole-room icebreaker and ran a mind and movement break. They also introduced the “5 Finger” breathing technique, emphasising the importance of recognising and managing emotions through a toolkit of mindful moments and mini breaks to create a calm environment, using the Zones of Regulation language.
- Buddy Programs: Initiatives such as lunchtime picnics, student-led clubs, and cross-grade connection time have been instrumental in building relationships and fostering a sense of community from P-6.
- Lunchtime Clubs: The Lunch Time Friendship Club, Prep Wellbeing Clubs, Chess, Construction, and Drawing Clubs are student led with teacher support. The clubs have grown in popularity and this has contributed to enhancing social skills and strengthening connections among students.
- Student Voice and Advocacy: Students actively participate in school events, lead parent tours, and present in assemblies, showcasing their advocacy and involvement across all corners of the school.
- Service and Fundraising: Students have played a significant role in fundraising efforts, where students contribute ideas and participate and support events to raise funds for Bear Cottage, Jeans for Genes Day, and Wayside Chapel.
A message from our Junior Campus Counsellor, Silvia Roberts
Parents Circles: Responsive Parenting and Raising Healthy Children
Being a responsive parent sounds simple enough, but living high-stress lives, often in isolation, lots of us know how nearly impossible it can be. Recognising that the essential condition for a healthy child’s development is the child’s relationship with nurturing adults, I invite you to join me for regular Parents’ Circles.
The Parents’ Circles will draw on specific topics and will be centred on providing a space for open discussions and questions.
The next Parents’ Circle will take place in Week 6 in the Prep Library, after school drop off. We welcome our prep and junior school parents to attend. Please feel free to bring your own coffee or tea. As this is a parenting circle of support, numbers are limited to 20 to keep it small enough for interactive discussion, so please book your space here LINK
In Week 6 (28/08/24), we will be exploring the topic of Defense Mechanisms
- Defence mechanisms in children are often adaptive strategies for coping with stress and managing emotions. Understanding these mechanisms can help parents provide appropriate support and guidance to help their children navigate challenges.
- Distinguishing between defence mechanisms and learning about the roles defence mechanisms play.
- What defence mechanism do I use as a parent and how does this impact my child?
Exploring healthy coping mechanisms that equip parents to navigate challenging situations more effectively and promote their children’s emotional well-being
I’ve invited you to fill in a form:
Parents Circles: Responsive Parenting and Raising Healthy Children
Topic: Codependence in Children – Causes, Characteristics and Prevention
Legacy Gift of Class of 2024
Mr Ian Holden
Head of Junior School
iholden@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022