Head of Preparatory School
Term 1 Wellbeing Clubs
Term 1 Wellbeing Lunchtime Clubs are up and running and Prep students are loving them. This term we have some old favourites that have returned as well as some exciting new ones, all run by our wonderful Prep staff.
These clubs have been specifically designed and planned for our learners to have some time away from the hustle and bustle of the playground and to spend some time just hanging out with friends. We will often find that by Week 4, the novelty of a new school or the return to school excitement starts to wear off and the term routine sets in, this is where providing some alternatives to the routine can rekindle excitement of the day.
Our daily Friendship Club is also a special place where some of our students who find friendships hard to navigate, can sit alongside our counsellors and staff and perhaps talk through ways to develop their friendship skills and networks.
As always in Prep, the voice of our students is important and they make the choice if they would like to head to any of these lunchtime activities. Please use the template below to talk to your child about which one they might like to pop in to and visit one day this term.
Allister Street Parking Update
The Allister Street drop off and pick up processes have been running smoothly, thank you for your ongoing commitment to the safety of the children and for respecting the NSW road rules. Junior Campus Senior and Middle leaders will continue to be visible on Allister Street. Again, we ask that drivers respond to our staff in a respectful manner if you are directed to move on or drive around the block and return in 5 minutes.
A gentle reminder that the 5-minute parking zone outside Redlands House must be strictly adhered to please as parking there for longer periods of time creates a second line of cars that in turn increases congestion and frustration for other drivers.
Please read below an updated parking information poster from North Sydney Council.
Possibility of a Sibling Carline
Community voice is important to us at Redlands so we would like to hear from Prep families who would consider using a K-6 Sibling Carline in the afternoons. Logistics and staffing will need to be organised but the general idea is for any Prep students accessing the sibling carline be collected and wait in Prep until 3.10pm where they will be walked up to the Junior School, meet their older sibling, and together use the Junior School carline.
To provide us with an idea of how many families would access a K-6 Sibling Carline, please fill in the form below. This will be open for a two-week period. The data will provide us with a direction as to whether we proceed with this arrangement for a Term 2 start.
Save the Dates
Kindergarten Parent Coffee Morning
Friday 1 March: 7.45-8.15am
Join the Kindergarten team for a Coffee Catch Up and kickstart your morning while connecting with our vibrant community. It’s an excellent opportunity to mingle with fellow families, engage with teachers and celebrate the first five weeks of Kindergarten. Make sure to join us on Friday 1 March, outside the Kindergarten classrooms from 7:45 to 8:15am for a warm and welcoming gathering!
Redlands Photo Days
Redlands school photo days are across the following dates:
- Prep School: Thursday 14 March
- Junior School: Friday 15 March
- Junior Campus Sibling Photos: Week 7, Friday 15 March, 7:00am – 7:45am – Dunnet Hall Foyer
For parents with children across both Senior and Junior/Prep School who would like sibling photos, we welcome you to attend the sibling photo day on Friday 15 March on the Junior Campus if you didn’t attend the sibling photo day on the Senior Campus last week.
As we are in a transition phase for the new school uniform, Prep students are to wear which ever option they come to school in on this day as well. There is no need to buy any additional pieces.
International Women’s Day Event
Monday 11 March from 7am
Redlands invites students, parents and carers to our inaugural Count Her In International Women’s Day Breakfast on Monday 11 March from 7-9am.
Hear from two incredible leaders and changemakers committed to the creation of opportunities for women to earn, learn and lead.
Guest Speakers:
The Hon. Bronnie Taylor – Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals, Member of the NSW Legislative Council
Vicki Condon AM – Founder, CEO, Executive Director of Raise Foundation.
Click the following link to book tickets.
Term 1 Parent Topic Talk
Equipping your Child to Navigate Anxiety and Distress
Tuesday 26 March, 8.30am
In recognising the vital role parents play in equipping their children with essential life skills to face challenging situations and emotions, we invite you to join us for a talk facilitated by the school counsellors. This session will focus on equipping your child to navigate challenges associated with anxiety and distress. Delve into the fundamentals of understanding distress and anxiety as we explore what these emotions might look like in your child. Discover the importance of building distress tolerance and learn to identify different manifestations of anxiety. We will provide valuable insights into practical strategies to help your child work through distressing situations. From distinguishing between hypo and hyper reactions to implementing effective coping mechanisms, you’ll gain actionable tools to support your child’s emotional well-being. Additionally, we’ll address separation anxiety and its impact across different age groups. Empower yourself with effective parenting concepts and practical tools to guide your child through challenging times.
For seating arrangements, please click the link to RSVP.
Grandparents Day
Tuesday 11 June
Please note that this year Grandparents Day will be held on Tuesday 11 June. This hopefully gives families ample time to book those flights and get spare rooms ready.
When your Child is Away from School or Late
As our students settle into school routines, we often find colds and tiredness also creep in! Over the last two weeks, we have noticed a large number of students staying home with unexplained absences and this can start to worry myself and the staff as to why.
As COVID isolation and the hypervigilance it created is now behind us, we can together now reassess whether it is completely necessary to be keeping your child at home if they are just tired or a little sniffly. We are certainly trying to encourage students to develop and regain their physical stamina after a few uncertain years. Our staff continue to teach and encourage a high standard of hygiene at school for students to learn in safe environments.
Of course if your child has a temperature or has an uncomfortable cold, please do keep them at home but we do ask that you explain the absence to the school so that this can be recorded in their file as an explained absence.
A reminder again please that if you arrive after 8.20am with your child to please alert Ms Pontes at Prep reception. She will then adjust the absentee list for the day. Ms Pontes or another staff member will take your child to their room as learning time has already begun.
Mrs Ainslie Breckenridge
Head of Preparatory School
abreckenridge@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848