Head of Junior School

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please note that all Upcoming Events for the Junior School are now on their own Note Day article/page.

This Head of Junior School page will consist of general information from the Head of Junior School.

Car Line Reminder

Please can I remind Junior School parents who use the car line to arrive as close to 3.20pm as possible and no earlier than 3.15pm. Prior to this time, we have Prep Car Line in operation, the flow of which is being impeded by Junior School parents arriving early, some from 2.45pm. With students not out of class until 3.20pm, coming slightly later is also often more efficient.

Making Responsible Digital Choices

Following on from my message to all of the students in our first assembly of the term about their responsibility in making good choices, both at school and outside of our walls, this week we welcomed back Brett Lee from Internet Safe Education in Queensland to speak to Yrs 5 and 6 about making clever responsible choices.

With 22 years’ experience in the Australian Police, sixteen of those as a detective, Brett’s real-life experience in this field as well as time he spent in the US working with the FBI on aspects of internet security, safety and crime, gives him great credence to talk on this important topic and it was affirming to hear him reiterate much of what is contained in our own School ICT Responsible User Guidelines.

Below are some of Brett’s key takeaway points below for your reference as well and I would encourage parents of Yrs 5 and 6 to have a conversation with your child to gauge the messages that they took away from the session.

The Internet is public and permanent; once you post something, you cannot take it back.
Think before you post. If someone can see what you post, they can also share it with others.
Protect your personal information and make sure you use privacy settings correctly. Get into the habit of setting up your privacy settings as this protects your identity and helps you take control of your personal information.
People you meet on the internet are strangers. The decisions we make in the real world apply online, eg. would you give your address to a stranger if they walked up to you on the street?
If we feel upset online, get off the Internet and tell a trusted adult about it.
Rules and responsibilities online are real and we have federal cyber bullying laws.
Treat people with respect, both face-to-face and online. Make mature choices to not get involved in bullying, menacing or harassment online, just as we do in the real world.
Be a true reflection of yourself online. Just because we are on the Internet does not mean that we can change our values, beliefs and behaviours.

Of related interest, the latest research from the eSafety Commissioner focuses on parents’ experiences raising children in an online world. It provides insight into how parents assess and react to their children’s experiences and the information they find most useful in guiding children through their experiences online. Data in this report is drawn from a random sample of 3,520 parents in Australia of children aged 2–17 and its key findings were:

That both parents’ concerns about their child being online and their additional information requirements revolve around the need to maintain privacy — as well as the need to protect them from unwanted approaches from strangers.
Parenting approaches and attitudes vary, based on the age of the child in their care. Parents with an older child are more likely to favour a more open parenting style while parents with a younger child are more restrictive.
Parents display a general lack of confidence about having to deal with their child’s negative online experiences.
Despite its perceived importance, parents are not proactive when it comes to seeking and receiving online safety information.

We will continue to educate, remind and reinforce these messages here at school and also continue our random checks of student iPads as per clause 2.1 of the ICT Student Responsible Use Guidelines.

The Arnold Library has purchased five copies of Mr Lee’s parent reference book, Screen Resolution, should parents wish to borrow a copy from our parent reference section.

Yr 3 Gallery Walk

It was lovely to join Yr 3 families in spending time in the classrooms this week as part of a learning celebration. Students were able to share some of the many aspects of learning they have enjoyed this year whilst also teaching parents and involving them in hands-on educational experiences too. My thanks are extended to the Yr 3 teachers and students for a wonderful experience.

New Dumolo House Captain

We were delighted to congratulate Charlotte Horton as our new Junior School Dumolo House Captain. With the previous incumbent, Chloe Bailey, moving overseas at the end of last term, we were able to announce Charlotte’s appointment based on the original voting from last year. Congratulations, Charlotte.

Gala Ball

With just over three weeks until the biennial Redlands Gala Ball, there are only a few tickets remaining and the excitement among our community is building up. My wife and I are looking forward to being part of this event again and joining colleagues and families for the evening.

As ever, we are grateful for the generosity of our School community and Event partners who have donated very generous items and experiences to assist in raising funds towards the means-tested Redlands Scholarship Fund. Everyone can support this worthwhile cause in different ways even if you are not able to join us on the night of the Gala Ball as outlined below.

Online Silent Auction
Incredible prizes are available to bid on in our online auction valued at over $50,000. Register now and log into our dedicated 32auction platform to bid on incredible prizes and experiences!

If you place an online bid by Tuesday 6 August, you are eligible to participate in the Lucky Draw to win one of two Osana Family Health Care Annual Memberships. The winners will be announced in Note Day on 8 August. The auction will close on Saturday 17 August at 10.30pm.

Premium Raffle
Don’t miss your chance to win one of five amazing raffle packs! The total value of the prizes is over $10,000 and includes a custom designed gold bracelet valued at over $6,500. A full prize list is attached. Raffle tickets are also available in the Uniform Shop and Foundation Office on the Senior Campus, foundation@redlands.nsw.edu.au or 9908 6484. In the Junior and Preparatory Schools, the raffle books were sent home via the eldest child per family.

Live Auction on the Night
There are fantastic items to be auctioned on the night. Please contact us if you wish to bid and cannot attend the Ball.

Commission Free Property Sale, for registration contact Jon Snead The Agency on 0408 160 527
Ski Japan family holidays package for 7 nights
A Surreal Jewellery Sapphire and White Gold Ring
A Weekend Retreat for 12 people at Foxton Park Estate
Waterfront Lunch at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron with George Gregan
Fine Dining Dinner Party for 10 guests by renowned chef
Join the cast of an upcoming television show

Tax Deductible Donation
Your generosity will have a lasting difference on the life of a deserving student. Every donation matters, no matter how small or large. For tax deductible gifts, please visit Donate Now

Mr Ari Guha
Head of Junior School
aguha@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022