Head of Preparatory School
Thank You to Our PCG and Parent Volunteers
I would like to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to all the parent representatives who volunteered their time and energy to be part of our PCG group this year. Without the restrictions of COVID this year, we have been able to explore and expand our Prep and Redlands House community connections through the positive networks that the PCG established and nourished throughout the year. As Mr Corcoran said in our meeting this week, there are so many things that go on behind the scenes that people don’t know about and it takes a lot to organise groups of busy people to stop, come together and enjoy time to get to know each other. Thank you for being those people! Connectedness is such a vital part of a school community and I believe that our Prep world has that in spades thanks to you all.
On a personal note, I know that I speak for all our Prep and Redlands House families when I say a huge thank you to Ms Jen Mast who has led the Prep PCG over the last few years. Jen has led the group through the challenging COVID years when the community tried so many ways to connect and support each other online. We look forward to working with her again as she joins the RPFA as secretary. Jenny Krallis will continue to lead and coordinate the parent representatives into 2024. A big thanks to Jenny for all her hard work this year alongside Jen.
Volunteer Thank You
Next week I am looking forward to attending the thank you evening for our volunteers. On behalf of all the staff, thank you to everyone who has been able to come on campus and share precious time with our young learners. It can be a scary thing at first to do but the positive energy and connection that comes as a result is priceless. Thank you.
Preparatory School Maths Week
A Message from Ciara Harding, Junior Campus Numeracy Specialist
Wednesday 18 October marks the commencement of our Mats Weeks at Redlands. The primary objective of this year’s Maths Week is to celebrate all things maths and cultivate a genuine enthusiasm for learning mathematics.
This week, students will have many opportunities to explore a diverse array of puzzles and activities designed to enhance students’ comprehension and mastery of numerical concepts. Additionally, Redlands is privileged to host Inquisitive Minds a whole-school incursion focused on honing problem-solving skills, right here in Dunnet Hall. All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will participate in these sessions, affording them the opportunity to acquire a spectrum of problem-solving techniques and put them to the test.
With the commencement of Maths Week, I thought it would be a great opportunity spotlight two fundamental pillars of our mathematics pedagogy here at Redlands: fluency and reasoning. Over the past decade, both national and international research into mathematics education has underscored the pivotal roles that fluency and reasoning play in nurturing mathematical literacy in our contemporary world. In times gone by, mathematical competence was predominantly associated with the proficiency in executing basic arithmetic operations. However, with the digitisation of numerous facets of our lives, the omnipresence of data, and the emergence of substantial global challenges like pandemics, population surges, and climate shifts, the landscape of mathematical competence has undergone a paradigm shift.
As teachers, our mission is to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to engage as discerning, contemplative, and insightful mathematical citizens of the 21st century. It is imperative that students possess fluency across a spectrum of strategies, complemented by a comprehensive understanding of when and why to employ a particular approach. Furthermore, students must grasp how to engage in mathematical reasoning, enabling them to make judicious decisions rooted in numerical data, quantity assessments, and mathematical constructs.
Mathematical fluency refers to the ability to perform mathematical operations accurately, efficiently, and flexibly. It involves a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and the ability to apply them in various contexts. A mathematically fluent individual can readily compute, estimate, and reason about numbers and operations. Importantly, it is about developing a toolbox of strategies for approaching mathematical problems. This includes mental maths techniques, estimation methods and a flexible approach to calculation. Mathematical reasoning, as defined by the OECD, involves evaluating situations, selecting strategies, drawing logical conclusions, developing, and describing solutions and recognising how those solutions can be applied. It involves the ability to think critically, make connections and solve problems by applying mathematical principles.
We are so very excited to jump into Maths Week and to share the enjoyment with you.
Term 4 Clubs Are Up and Running
Chess Club – A Message from Madam Merlot
We’re excited to announce the launch of our Chess Club this term. The Chess Club provides an energizing environment where beginner players engage in exciting matches, embracing the spirit of healthy competition. Students actively participate in round robin rounds, challenging opponents of diverse skill levels, allowing them to sharpen their abilities and strategies.
Not only does the club encourage critical thinking, patience, and sportsmanship, it also serves as a platform for students to proudly showcase their chess skills. As the tournament concludes, the top performers are recognised for their exceptional efforts with the ultimate reward: a trophy!
Artsy Fartsy, Crafty Kids and Art Hub Clubs
A huge thank you to Ms Wale, Ms Mast and Ms Thomas who volunteer their time every week to come and run a Lunchtime Club. Students who attend these Clubs have such fun and always bring out the sweetest craft creations at the end of every session. These craft sessions provide precious time for learners to chat, have fun and build their confidence and resilience in a safe and nurturing environment.
Science Club
I enjoyed watching our first Science Club this week and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Our first session together looked at a cell and they even got to build one! I was so impressed with the engagement of every student who participated, and we look forward to more little scientists enjoying the experience.
Friendship and Library Clubs
Friendship and Library Clubs continue to provide a space for students to sit, chat, play and enjoy each other’s company while playing games, puzzles or colouring. Our counsellors are on hand to provide support and little friendship tips throughout the time while the library space is always a welcoming quiet and calm environment to read and play board games.
2024 Kindergarten Orientation
Day One
What a day was had in Kindergarten on Wednesday as we welcomed 74 students into the Kindy rooms to meet each other and start to familiarise themselves with what big school looks, sounds and smells like.
Overall, most of our new Prep friends approached the day with courage and a smile. We had a few wobbly moments of saying goodbye but once we met the Kindy teachers and started engaging in fun activities, it was joyful chatter all round.
As I drove home that afternoon, I reflected on the morning and was in awe of just how resilient and brave 4 year olds can be. I am excited to get to know our new Kindy friends and welcome them into our community.
Next week we welcome them back again as well as their parents for a meet and greet session in the Arnold Library.
Term 4 Parent Topic Talk
Recharging in the School Holidays: Powering Up for the Year Ahead
Join our Junior Campus counsellor-led workshop, Recharging in the school holidays: Powering up for the year ahead, where we’ll discuss making the most of the holidays to prepare your child for the upcoming school year. We’ll explore a range of strategies you can put in place to support your child’s mental wellness during the holidays, such as keeping them engaged, setting realistic goals for sleep and physical activity, and managing technology use. We will also focus on the importance of fostering healthy relationships within your family as well as with your child’s peers throughout the holiday period. All the practical tools provided in this presentation can help your child feel more prepared and confident for the new school year.
OOSH News
OOSH would like to welcome everyone back to the new term and share some exciting news with you.
Our delicious Afternoon Tea is now provided by Redlands Canteen, making it easier than ever to plan and enjoy nutritious meals for our children This wonderful addition to our OOSH program has already received a 100% satisfaction feedback from the students! You can find the monthly menu on HubHello.
Additionally, we have made a significant improvement to our Junior students’ experience by transitioning them to a dedicated space that is JUST FOR THEM! The Junior students who attend OOSH will now be gathered on level 2, just above the Junior School reception – past reception, going up the stairs. This strategic move allows us to offer a more tailored and enriching environment to our not-so-young-members. Each group now has a designated team of educators who will facilitate activities specifically planned to cater to their age and interests. This shift ensures that our students receive the individualised attention and care they deserve while having a blast in a safe and engaging environment.
Mrs Ainslie Breckenridge
Head of Preparatory School
abreckenridge@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848