Head of Junior School
As the students start to settle into the rhythms and routines of the new school year, making and consolidating friendships is an essential, core ingredient in how they feel about school. Establishing strong connections early helps children feel a sense of belonging, build confidence and develop key social skills. Research indicates that friendships evolve as children grow, helping them build communication skills, empathy and resilience. Understanding the typical behaviours at different ages can help parents and educators support children in navigating these important relationships.
For children aged 5-7, friendships are often based on shared activities and immediate enjoyment. Young children may shift friends frequently and may struggle with concepts like sharing and taking turns. Minor disagreements are common, and adult guidance is crucial in helping them develop the emotional vocabulary needed to express their feelings and understand the feelings of others.
Between ages 8-10, friendships deepen, with children beginning to value trust, fairness and loyalty. They start to identify with a particular group of friends and may become more sensitive to social dynamics. This is also the age when conflicts can arise due to misunderstandings or changing group dynamics. Parents can help by encouraging open conversations about feelings and guiding their children through resolving disagreements respectfully.
From 11-12, friendships become even more significant, with peer approval playing a greater role. Children at this stage develop stronger emotional bonds and rely on their friends for support. However, they may also experience exclusion, shifting alliances, or peer pressure. It is important for parents maintain open lines of communication by listening without judgement, offering reassurance and encouraging children to build multiple friendships to broaden their social network.
There are several key behaviours that help children build and maintain friendships, including kindness, active listening, sharing and showing empathy. Encouraging children to take turns, include others in play and resolve conflicts with words rather than frustration can strengthen their social bonds. Parents can support their children by modelling these behaviours at home, role-playing social situations and reinforcing the importance of being a good friend. Reminding children that friendships take effort and that small acts of kindness can make a big difference will help them develop positive, lasting relationships.
Friendships naturally go through ups and downs. Falling out and making up is a normal part of learning social skills. Parents can help by teaching children that friendships can be repaired and that differences do not mean the end of a relationship. Modelling healthy friendships and demonstrating kindness, compromise and forgiveness can be powerful tools in helping children navigate challenges.
If parents are concerned that their child is friends with someone they do not consider a good influence, it is important to approach the situation with care. Instead of forbidding the friendship, which may push children towards secrecy or rebellion, parents can guide their child in recognising healthy and unhealthy friendship traits. Asking open-ended questions about how the friend makes them feel, encouraging a diverse range of friendships, and discussing values like respect and kindness can help children make their own informed decisions. Parents should also model positive relationships and gently steer their child towards friendships that encourage growth and wellbeing.
Encouraging children to talk about their friendships, reassuring them during difficult moments, and teaching them to empathise with others can help them build strong, lasting relationships. If at any point in time you are concerned about your child’s friendships and are unsure how to proceed, please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher. Together in partnership, parents and the school can provide a supportive and united network to help guide every child to let their light shine.
Congratulations
We are thrilled to share some wonderful news – our talented and dedicated Coordinator of Junior Music, Katherine Moses, is expecting a baby! This is such an exciting time for her, and we couldn’t be happier for her as she prepares to welcome this new addition to her family.
We are in the process of finding a cover whilst Katherine takes maternity leave. We will share more information in the coming weeks and months.
Please join me in congratulating Katherine and wishing her all the best for the months ahead. We look forward to meeting baby soon and celebrating this special moment with her!
Twilight in the Garden
Our Twilight in the Garden event this Friday evening provides a wonderful opportunity for all families to connect with our school community on the Fahl Garden on our Senior Campus. We are expecting this to be another sold out event for parents and carers, so please purchase your tickets here.
International Women’s Day – March Forward Breakfast
Monday 10 March, 7am-9am
Redlands is pleased to announce the first event in our inaugural ‘Voice Notes: Illuminating Issues that Matter’ series. The series aims to spark conversation on issues impacting education and will span a range of topics across 2025.
We are starting the year by marking International Women’s Day with a breakfast event in conversation with Australia’s e Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant. An event not to be missed.
This event is open to all parents and carers, students and staff.
Please also save the date for future Voice Notes events throughout the year:
Term 2: Gen AI: Who’s Really in Control?
Thursday 8 May – evening event
Term 3: The Future of School: Seeing Around Corners
Thursday 7 August – breakfast event
Term 4: Navigating a Changing World
Thursday 30 Oct – evening event
Musical Tickets
Michael Quach
Head of Junior School
mquach@redlands.nsw.edu.au
Deputy Head of Junior School: Learning and Teaching (P-6)
Parent Information Session: Adaptive Grouping in Literacy and Numeracy
We invite parents to join an upcoming webinar on Adaptive Grouping in literacy and numeracy, to find out more about how it will work and meet students at their point of need.
If you have questions you would like us to address in the webinar, please submit them via this form by Friday 21 February at 2pm.
Ms Argiro Anagnostu
Deputy Head of Junior School: Learning and Teaching (P-6)
aanagnostu@redlands.nsw.edu.au
Deputy Head of Junior School: Operations (P-6)
K-6 Morning Drop-Off – Allister St (8.00-8.20 am)
Staff will be stationed on Allister St to greet families and ensure safe student arrival. Please remain within 3 metres of your vehicle; leaving your car unattended may result in a fine.
Years 3-6 Afternoon Car Line – Allister St
Thank you for your cooperation as we trial the new Yr 3-6 car line. Please note:
- Remain in your car and move forward as directed to pick up your child.
- Students must enter from the curb side only.
- Boots will not be opened for safety reasons – students must take their bags with them.
- Enter the queue at the bottom of Allister St. Cars skipping ahead will be asked to go around the block and to rejoin at the end of the line.
- Please allow staff to call your child via the microphone instead of texting them directly.
K-2 Afternoon Car Line – Allister St
Families may use the car line or playground pick-up. Car line opening times:
- Kindergarten 2:45pm
- Year 1: 3:00pm
- Year 2: 3:10pm
To maintain traffic flow, please arrive only at your designated time. If you arrive early, you may be asked to drive around the block.
For playground pick-up, please park in surrounding streets – parking on Allister St is not permitted.
Pre-K and Kindergarten Pick-Up
- Pre-K (2.30pm): Collect from K-2 Reception; staff will have students ready.
- Kindergarten Playground Pick-Up (2.45pm): K-2 Reception doors open at 2.45pm. Please exit promptly to ensure campus safety for after-school activities.
Sibling Car Line: Families with children in K-2 and 3-6 can use the Sibling Car Line for a single pick-up.
OOSH Program: A reduced rate is available for students in extracurricular activities—see the OOSH page under “Fees” for details.
Murdoch St Pick-Up and Buses
Murdoch St is reserved for bus riders and parent walk-up collection. Do not stop in the bus zone for pick-ups. If using the car line, join the queue on Allister St and ensure your child proceeds to the 3-6 gate for collection at 3.20pm.
Early Morning Supervision – Arnold Library (7.30-8.00am)
Students arriving early (eg., for music lessons or bus drop-offs) must go to the Arnold Library with their bags. They will be dismissed to the playground at 8.00am.
Thank you for your support in ensuring a smooth and safe process for all.
Amber Wilson
Deputy Head of Junior School: Operations (P-6)
awilson@redlands.nsw.edu.au