Head of Preparatory School
Please note that all Upcoming Events for Prep are now on their own Note Day article/page.
This Head of Preparatory School page will consist of general information from the Head of Preparatory School.
Sleep Seminar
Last week, we were pleased to welcome Lisa Maltman, the Director of The Sleep Connection, to present her research and expertise on the topic, Sleep for Better Health, Academic Performance and Resilience. Our Dean of Students, Mrs Kourakis, has generously summarised her personal notes from the seminar which have now been placed on Redlands Pulse for all Redlands families, which I hope will be of benefit to parents who were unable to attend.
Prep Games Day
We invite all families to join us for the annual Preparatory Games Day being held tomorrow, Friday 27 September at 8.45am. More details can be found on the Upcoming Events page of Note Day.
Uniform Shop
In the school holidays, the Uniform Shop will be open on Monday 30 September, Thursday 10 and Friday 11 October between 9.00am – 3.00pm. If you wish to make an appointment, please click here.
Yr 2 Camp
Learning is partly a matter of skills, but it is also about dispositions, resilience, risk taking, self-belief, resourcefulness and the ability to reflect and plan a way forward. Expanding a student’s capacity to learn so that they can thrive in the world beyond the classroom walls is a significant part of the Outdoor Curriculum Programs offered at Redlands. These experiences within the natural and social surroundings provide varying contexts in which positive connections are made – with self, others and the environment. As their first experience on school camp and for some, the first time away from parents, all students (and parents) are to be congratulated for their courage and positive outlook as they undertook Yr 2 Camp. It was a privillege to spend the two days with the students and teachers in the beautiful surroundings of the Royal National Park, as they discovered new-found abilities such as bush art, rafting and damper making. Collaboration and teamwork were essential for students to reach their end goal and it was heartwarming to see particular students take on leadership roles and others who showed courage and compassion assisting their peers. Through written prose, students in Yr 2 have shared significant reflections about their time at camp, taking great pride in their accomplishments. These will be displayed on the Let your Light Shine board next term. A sincere thank you to Mrs Sharp for the many hours of organisation before and during camp, to Mrs Sims for caring for the students who required medication or first aid, and to Mrs Goold, Mrs Rugg, Mr Hemopo, Mr Coutts, Ms Cooper, Mrs Hepers and Ms Bladen who vigilantly watched over the students day and night, whilst they were away from home and on their first school camp.
Yr 12 Legacy
In what was their last week of school, Yr 12 students had the opportunity to spend a few hours in the Kindy classes reminiscing about their time in the Prep School many years ago. The Kindy students were very excited to share their learning with the Yr 12s, and staff who were familiar with them were equally delighted to welcome them back to Prep School. On Wednesday, the entire Junior Campus, Preschool through to Yr 6, said a heartfelt goodbye to the Seniors of 2019 in a Guard of Honour that began outside Dunnet Hall and stretched across the Campus. The staff and students stood together and cheered as the Yr 12s walked through the man-made tunnel of students, some crying, some laughing but most with enormous smiles on their faces. I had the privilege of attending the final Yr 12 Assembly prior to this, where the various Captains of the School so eloquently celebrated and reflected on their time at Redlands. The reoccurring theme from the students who said their final goodbyes was the strong and positive influence of their teachers and peers throughout their time at Redlands. They reiterated that when they may have made mistakes, failed from time to time and didn’t win on the sports field, it was in these failures where they were taught the greatest lessons in life – to persevere, stay true to themselves and continue to strive for their goals. I was particularly heartened by Asha Boswarva’s comments, one of the two Arts Captains this year who began at Redlands House when she was three years of age. She wisely shared that it wasn’t important to be the best at everything you do, but rather, to try your best at whatever comes your way.
Staff News
Congratulations to Vanessa Finlayson and her husband Mark who were married on the weekend. Together, with family and close friends, they enjoyed a very special day and the School wishes them a lifetime of happiness.
Sylvia Merlot will be taking extended Maternity Leave for the remainder of this year and Term 1 2020, and we thank Ms Eggenschwiller who will continue on as French teacher in the Preparatory School.
Festival of Mosman 2019
Mosman will host the biennial Festival of Mosman from Friday 18 October to Sunday 27 October.
This year the Festival promises to be bigger than ever, with a busy 10-day program of over 60 events including old favourites and exciting new additions. Highlights include a Traditional Sunset Ceremony on Balmoral Beach, an Italian feast on the Village Green, the OctoberFeast night market and an outdoor cinema movie marathon. Popular favourites include outdoor concerts at Balmoral, Children’s Fair and Pet’s Day Out. The Festival showcases the best of Mosman, its stunning beaches and natural environment, harbourside living, music, fine dining, and unique performance and art experiences. The Full Festival program is available at festivalofmosman.net.
Charity News
Congratulations to Amelie (2P) and Ryan Doherty (JS) who held a charity stall at their home on the weekend to help raise funds for their personal charities: Save the Rhino and Snow Leopard SOS. It was World Rhino Day on 22 September, which was a fitting day to hold their stall. The Save the Rhino Foundation raises funds to support rangers to have the training and resources they need to stay safe and help protect the wildlife. They also maintain community-led conservation, so that people living near rhinos are inspired to protect their wildlife. Similarly, snow leopards are disappearing and there are fewer than 4,000 left in the wild. The SOS project supports scientific studies and sustainable community development projects. An incredible $450 was raised and Amelie and Ryan were so pleased to welcome their school friends who helped support their cause.
End of Term
After a busy Term 3, I extend my sincere thanks to all in our community who have contributed to the growth and development of the Preparatory School. We have so many experiences to reflect on from this term and students have shown great perseverance and diligence across a diverse range of areas in their learning. In my experience, Term 3 is one that potentially can serve as the biggest growth period for students and therefore may be demanding and tiring for some. Please take time to rest and rejuvenate these holidays before the whirlwind of Term 4 is upon us. The two week break also allows families time to take stock of all school items. These include making sure your child has all the uniform requirements and that they are clearly named, uniforms are the correct length and hair is cut and styled as per the School guidelines. For those travelling over the school holiday break, I wish you safe travels and we look forward to welcoming all students back to school on Monday 14 October in their summer uniform.
Mrs Audrey Fellowes
Head of Preparatory School
afellowes@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848