Head of Junior School

What We See and What We Don’t See

In our assembly this week, I shared these two images with the students and asked them to think about and consider what their common message was. The students were able to reflect on their own journeys to achieving a goal, in whatever its form, and we had a great discussion highlighting the significance of the values and dispositions such as persistence, dedication and effort in the ‘what we don’t see’ sections of the images that underpin and enable us to achieve success, whatever that may look like.

Since our assembly, I have enjoyed a couple of conversations with students who have shared how this plays out for their own personal growth and encourage parents to have similar conversations with your children if you see an opportunity to reinforce this message too.

Remembering Murray

Tuesday saw the poignant two year anniversary of the passing of much-loved Redlands Kindergarten student, Murray Cunningham. The date will always bring an important time of contemplation for many of us in the Redlands community and serve as an opportunity for us to remember and celebrate his life.

For me, the beautiful elephant sculpture in the Prep playground that was dedicated to Murray, a strong supporter for the protection of elephants, and the plaque in Murray’s name in our Memorial Garden, hold strong and dear connections in remembering his legacy here at Redlands. For those who know them, I know that you will join me in keeping the Cunningham family in your thoughts this week, in particular.

Junior Piano Competition

It was an absolute joy to attend Monday afternoon’s Junior Piano Competition, held in the stunning venue of the Music Recital Hall, part of the School’s new Music Centre on our Senior Campus. This was the first concert held in this new auditorium and both students and parents enjoyed the professional, yet intimate, setting.

Congratulations are extended to all of the students involved which showcased another marvellous exhibition of pianists from Yrs 3-6. With acclaimed pianist and musician, Tonya Lemoh, as the adjudicator, the students performed with great composure and confidence and all of them should be proud of their performances, as Ms Lemoh commented on in her summary.

Well done to all of the students involved and in particular, to the overall competition winner, Zetong Shen (Yr 3).

Happy 134^th Birthday, Redlands!

This week is Heritage Week at Redlands, where we have been celebrating the history and foundations of the School, culminating in Foundation Day tomorrow.

Redlands is celebrating 134 years of excellence in education and if you are new to the school and/or aren’t aware of our interesting history, do visit the History page on our website. In particular, this year we are celebrating 40 years of being a coeducational School, 30 years of offering the International Baccalaureate and 125 years of outdoor education.

We were delighted to welcome the School archivist, Ms Gillezeau, to our assembly this week and she shared some wonderful photos and images of the Junior School through the School’s history which captivated the students’ attention.

You Can Sit with Me Buddy Lunch

Last Friday, the Junior Campus added a touch of yellow as part of the You Can Sit with Me inclusivity and kindness campaign, which our students were given more information about in our assembly. Connected to this, our Junior Campus buddies from Kindergarten to Yr 6 enjoyed lunch together, despite the rain guiding this to be an indoor affair.  

Gala Arts Spectacular

Last Friday, my daughter and I joined many other Junior School families at the Secondary School’s annual Performing Arts extravaganza, Gala Arts. Year on year, I never cease to be amazed at the array of talent on stage through musical, dance or dramatical performance from the students in Yrs 7 to 12. This event has also enabled me to see the wonderful progress in the Arts from Junior to Secondary School and I particularly enjoyed seeing  the performances of many students whom I have seen pass through the Junior School in years gone by.

Students’ Behaviour on Public Transport

From time to time, we receive positive emails from members of the public who observe our students as they travel to and from School on buses and train. It is always encouraging to have these expectations affirmed and I share these with students too. However, there are times when this needs to be a reminder and I was disappointed to hear from a member of the public about two boys of Junior School age, who did not give up their seat on a very crowded morning bus to School, one of the expectations of the NSW Transport’s Code of Conduct for students. The boys in question were also playing a video game with their phones, which again, we strongly discourage. If your son or daughter does use public transport, do take a moment to share this reminder as I will also do at our next assembly.

Term 3/Term 4 Notice of Departure 

As we are approaching the mid-point of the year, this is a reminder that those families who are planning on leaving the School during or at the end of Term 3 or Term 4 are required to give notice to the Principal via an email to registrar@redlands.nsw.edu.au by the following dates:

• Term 3 Departures: Friday 22 June
• Term 4 Departures: Friday 27 July

As per our Conditions of Enrolment emailed to all families in December last year with the 2018 Schedule of Fees, there will be fees in lieu payable for any notices of departure received after the relevant date. 

Long Weekend

As we approach the long weekend, I hope the additional day of rest allows families to recharge ahead of the final three weeks of this Semester and we look forward to seeing the students back next Tuesday 12 June.

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