Head of Junior School
As we approach the final weeks of the school year, the flurry of activities and events brings both excitement and additional demands on our time. During this busy period, it is especially important to maintain focus on our School’s core values of moral courage, responsibility, compassion, fairness, honesty and respect. Our aim is to support each student to finish the school year successfully by encouraging them to embrace these core values in their everyday interactions and decision making.
Congratulations to our PDHPE teacher Mr Andre De Villiers who received a World Teachers Recognition award from the NSW Teacher’s Guild last Friday evening for outstanding contributions to his profession. This is a very prestigious award; we are very proud of Andre and pleased he is part of the Redlands teaching staff.
We have received some exciting news about two of our Year 6 students, Leo Carroll and Heloise Field, who have been competing at the IDO World Tap Dance Championships in Prague. Heloise competed in the Children’s Solos Female section and made it through to the semifinals and placed 16th. Leo competed in the Children’s Solos Male section and had an outstanding result. He placed 2nd with a podium finish. Together they competed in the Children’s Duos section and finished 6th overall. These are outstanding results, especially considering they were competing against dancers from five different continents. Well done to Leo and Heloise.
Spanish Incursion
Students in Years 3-6 enjoyed the Spanish Incursion, Viva Mexico today.
Students were treated to a truly beautiful concert and cultural journey through Mexico with Victor Valdés, playing his Mexican harp and guitar.
The Kindness Project
From our Dean of Students, Katie–Louise Clinton
In Term 4 our Year 6 Wellbeing Leaders have launched the Kindness Project.
The Kindness Project Is all about highlighting students who have shown kindness to one another, when no one is watching. The Wellbeing Leaders have collaborated to make a special ‘post’ box. Next to the box will be cards that have a space where you can write about a time someone has been kind and what was the action shown?
The Kindness Project box is in the Prep and Junior School Reception area and is open for anyone to use including our teachers, please share your ideas and spread the magic and we hope to feel the transformative power of kindness. Please encourage your child to talk about people at school who have demonstrated kindness, ask them if they see someone helping another student make sure to put a note in the kindness box! We will be making announcements in Assembly as we spotlight the way we show kindness to each other at Redlands.
Parents Circles: Responsive Parenting and Raising Healthy Children
From our school counsellor, Silvia Roberts
Being a responsive parent sounds simple enough, but living high-stress lives, often in isolation, lots of us know how difficult 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 last Parents Circle in 2024 will take place in Week 4 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.
The topic for Week 4 (Wednesday 6 November, 8.30–9.30am in the Lucy Hill Library) is:
Positive Functional Development: Model of Developmental Immaturity
- Focusing on understanding and exploring how early experiences in the family shape children’s emotional responses, decision making and the relationships they develop later in life.
- Learn to recognise patterns of “immaturity” in yourself and your children.
- How do my own childhood experiences influence my parenting style?
Are you feeling trapped in a parenting pattern that might not serve your child, yourself, or your family? Connect and ask questions to empower yourself with tools and insights.
Term 4 Parent Presentation: Defiance and Connections
Online Spring Auction and Premium Degustation Raffle
Our Redlands Spring Online Auction and Premium Degustation Raffle will be closing next week! Proceeds raised will support the means-tested Coralie Amos OAM Scholarship that will be awarded to a deserving student commencing in Year 7 2026 for the duration of their Secondary School education.
Premium Degustation Raffle
Exclusive degustation dining for 8 guests by Big Sam Young at home or in private dining room of S’More at Castlecrag. 250 tickets @ $50, tickets are selling fast, purchase now to avoid a disappointment!
Online Auction
This wonderful auction presents an array of wonderful prizes donated by our wider community to bid upon: holiday accommodation, restaurant and wellbeing vouchers, jewellery and experiences all of which could provide a nice Christmas gift.
4 people, 3 nights at Shoalhaven Heads
Set amongst the pristine backdrop of coastal national park and Shoalhaven Heads golf course, stay at Bangalay Resort in architecturally designed elegance just two hours south of Sydney. Sample native inspired dishes and succumb to the relaxed South Coast way of life.
Design Experience and Gold Living Ring, UbyKate
Re-use sentimental gems from loved ones or gems hiding in your jewellery box in this special experience with designer Kate Sutton. Together you will create a timeless ring and reimagine your heirlooms for the next generation.
Mr Ian Holden
Head of Junior School
iholden@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022