Head of Preparatory School
The Joy of Giving at Christmas
It began to feel like Christmas this week as we were treated to a wonderful Carol Service for the whole Junior Campus organised by Ms McKenzie and the incredible Music team, led by Ms Moses, Mrs Roberts, Miss McInnes and Mrs Anderson. Christmas mufti, carol singing and the very cute Kindergarten nativity characters all created a sense of excitement for the season, and most importantly for the true message of Christmas to be shared and celebrated.
As we all start to spend weekends buying presents and preparing feasts for our families and friends, I do hope that we can all stop and reflect on the most precious gift of all, the birth of Jesus. The nativity is such a beautiful story to tell and share and I encourage you to help your child grasp the idea that Christmas is a day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus and to celebrate his life and to be grateful for it through the joy of giving to others.
The annual Toys’n’Tucker drive has again been a huge success with so many donations in our Prep Reception. Thank you to all our families who have been so generous in helping others experience the joy of receiving this Christmas. Anglicare will be collecting all donations tomorrow so it’s not too late if you would like to add anything.
The joy of giving was also shared by a group of Redlands students who visited the Mackillop Grange Retirement Village on Monday afternoon. Over 35 students from Redlands House to Year 6 performed a small concert for the residents that included dance, violin and Christmas carols. The residents were so thrilled and moved by our students’ talents and enthusiasm, that they requested we come back next year! At the end, 85 beautiful Christmas cards handmade by the Year 2 cohort were handed out to the residents.
One of the residents Wilma Costello gave a moving thank you when she said “It gives us great hope, because in this gloomy world of war, hate and greed, you have shown us by giving us your time and your talent, your generous spirit of caring and sharing. You are tomorrow’s world, and our hopes for the future.” As Head of the Prep School, I could not be prouder of these students and in their humble approach to giving to others. Wilma ‘s words ring true. Our children are the future and their innocence, care and compassion that they show to others needs to bottle and kept for generations that follow. Thank you so very much Rebeccah Rothwell and Bing Lin for organising this event.
Prep Presentation Day
Tuesday 5 December 10am
We are very excited to welcome our families and carers next Tuesday to our Presentation Day event. Students are to be dropped off at normal time in summer uniform (NO BLAZERS REQUIRED). Your child does not need to bring anything to school as all books and other items will be sent home on Monday 4 December. For parents’ quick reference:
What time does my child get dropped off in the morning?
Between 8am -8.20am
What do they wear?
Summer uniform without blazers. Please ensure that the ties are correctly sitting under collars and shirts are to be tucked in. Black school shoes to be worn and polished please as children will be on stage.
When can they go home?
After the event you will meet your child in their classroom and then leave straight away.
Is there OOSH?
Not for K-2 students
Is Science Club on?
Yes. Please email us if your child is staying for this. They will be picked up at 2pm from Junior School Reception.
Lunchtime Science Club
Tuesday 5 December
If your child is enrolled in The Brainy Bunch Science Club on Tuesday lunchtimes, please be aware that they will be running the last session for the term next Tuesday. If you would like your child to attend the lunchtime session, a staff member will look after your child at the conclusion of the Prep School Presentation Day and take them to the club. Can I please ask that you email Karin at Reception to let her know if your child will be attending the last session.
Please note that your child must then be picked up at 2pm after the session from the Junior School Reception.
We love the Lucy Hill Library
A Message from Mrs Roberts
Thank you to all the families who have enjoyed the facilities, books and events associated with the Lucy Hill Library this year. Whether you came with a list or just browsed the staff’s suggestions there was always something new to read as the book stock is exemplary.
Eighty students completed the Premiers Reading Challenge and received their certificates. These children who have demonstrated their love of reading for pleasure should be proud of their achievement and motivated to keep going next year. Redlands had many students who earned a Gold or Platinum Certificate this year.
More than eighteen thousand books were loaned to students, parents and teachers this year, which means that this wonderful resource is being well used. If you didn’t join the library this year, please come and borrow next year. Parents may have ten books at a time to supplement their child’s reading choices.
The holiday period provides a wonderful opportunity to explore your local library. The Stanton Library in North Sydney, Lane Cove Library, the Mosman Library, Manly Library and Warringah Mall Library all have good children’s sections. Some of the local libraries also run a Children’s Holiday Reading Program that you can sign up for.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
As this is my last Note Day for 2023, on behalf of myself and the academic and support staff, I would like to wish all families and friends a very Merry Christmas and a restful break over the holiday period. Thank you for an incredible 2023 that has been filled with fun, laughter and an enormous amount of self-growth and development for our youngest of learners.
I am so ever grateful to all the Class Parent representatives this year who have helped spread communication wide and have been a positive connection point for our new families. I encourage anyone who would like to step into the Class Parent representative role to have a chat with Jenny Harris or Jenny Krallis.
I look forward to seeing you all in the new year and welcoming new families into our community.
OOSH Christmas Vacation Care Program
Mrs Ainslie Breckenridge
Head of Preparatory School
abreckenridge@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848