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.

Parent Volunteer Thanks

We have so much to be grateful for at Redlands including the many parent volunteers and staff whose generous and positive contributions make such a difference to our school community. The Redlands Parents and Friends Association, together with the large number of parents who volunteer throughout the school year, were thanked by Principal, Dr Lennox and Chair of the Board, Ms McLoughlin last Thursday evening in the John Roberts Centre. This year particularly, saw some tremendous efforts towards the Gala Ball, which was a huge success for the Principal’s Scholarship Fund. The School couldn’t operate as successfully without the many families who happily contribute and support students during a variety of school activities. This week saw the last of our Preparatory Parent Group Meetings and I would like to acknowledge and thank those parents who have been so involved in sharing information, collaborating with their classes and Year Groups, and welcoming the new families who joined our community this year. A special thank you to Bree Stevens and Christine Dagg who led this group so ably throughout the year.

Bush Dance

If you haven’t had a chance to buy a ticket for the upcoming Bush Dance, please follow this link. More details can be found in Upcoming Events.

Yr 12 Students – Cambodia Fundraiser

Next week, two Yr 12 students Josh Benneyworth and Sean Farrell, will be presenting at the Prep School Assembly. They will be sharing with the students a fundraising event that they will be holding in the Prep School next Wednesday 30 October, after Clubs between 4.00pm-4.30pm. More details can be found in Upcoming Events.

Yr 1 Camp Out

In a departure from previous years, due to the Junior Campus Oval refurbishment, Yr 1 Camp Out was held at the Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park at North Narrabeen last Friday and Saturday. A sincere thank you to Kim Flatman and Vanessa Finlayson who coordinated and organised the Camp Out, giving the students and parents such a positive and enjoyable first camping experience as a school community. I would also like to add my appreciation to Yr 1 teachers Miss Eggleton, Ms Angus and Mrs Chipper, for leading activities and their general care of the students, and the Yr 1 parents, particularly Mr Russo, Mr Barnes, Mr Pope, Mr Humphries, Mr Nassar and Mrs Grinham, who expertly managed the breakfast cooking and clean-up for all campers. So many highlights to remember, with my favourite being the sharing of cards between parent and child. This recount below from Audrey Gaudin in 1S will give you an insight into the adventures of Camp Out.

On Friday I went camping at Narrabeen Lakes Camping Ground. When I stepped out of the car I saw an extraordinary view of tents. We all sat down and listened to the teachers. The teachers told us to do our surprise for our parents. We all went into a big room to decorate our wonderful cards. On the front cover I drew my Dad and I standing in front of our tent. On the back cover I drew a heart. Under the heart I wrote I Love You. After my Dad read my card I read his. After dinner Mrs Fellowes read us a bedtime story. We all sang happy birthday to Sahana. Before dinner we watched Mr Bean. It was so so so so hilarious! In the morning I got up and went into Coco’s tent. After I got dressed I went outside and I played cat and mouse while my Dad cooked breakfast for me. After we all played a fun game of stuck in the mud we all sat down and listened to the teachers. We were going to do some yoga. How fun!

Student Placement 2020

I would like to take this opportunity to inform you of the thorough and careful process teachers engage in to place every child in a class that ensures academic success and a positive year ahead. Please be confident that class placements are made to ensure the best educational experience for every child in the Preparatory.

Class placements are organised by all of the teaching staff who know the students best in the context of the classroom learning environment, taking particular account of the following factors:

Academic – Current and future teachers work closely to ensure children are placed in an environment where they will be given the best opportunity to reach their full potential and develop a love of learning. Between Redlands House and Prep there is close consultation amongst staff, and the orientation process further enables collective discussions.
Balance of learning styles and learning needs – To ensure all children can receive equal support and attention, a balance of learning needs and learning styles is maintained in all classes.
Emotional – Each child’s emotional needs are considered when placing them in a class for the following year as this is recognised as impacting on day-to-day experiences, success and enjoyment of school.
Gender balance – Redlands endeavours to keep a gender balance in each class.
Social/Friendships – Teachers are aware of which students learn and play well together. At times, there can be a difference between the two in that children who play well together do not always learn the best together. This can influence a child’s class placement. Teachers are also mindful of which students need space from each other. With the reorganisation of classes each year, students have the opportunity to meet new friends and mix with other students.

Please also note that younger siblings will not necessarily be placed with the same class teacher as older siblings as, invariably, siblings can be very different in both their learning preference and their personal traits. I know that you will also understand that it is not possible to request a particular teacher for your child as this would set a precedence that is simply not sustainable or equitable to all families. All classes for 2020 will be shared on Redlands Pulse in the days prior to the beginning of school.

Warmer Weather

With the warmer weather approaching, could I please remind all parents to ensure their child/ren have a named hat and water bottle with them at school every day. The Prep School’s preference is the Redlands water bottle which can be purchased at the Uniform Shop. However, if you choose to use a metal drink bottle it must be placed inside the school bag, as the side pocket on the school bag does not safely support the weight of this type of drink bottle. In Term 4 and Term 1, the school blazer is optional for all students.

Mrs Audrey Fellowes
Head of Preparatory School
afellowes@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848