Head of Preparatory School

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As first term draws to a close, it’s a time for reflection on the journey we’ve undertaken together as a school community. We’ve witnessed growth and transformation in our students, both academically and personally. From the eager anticipation of the first day to the quiet confidence of today, we’ve seen resilience in the face of challenges and determination to succeed. As we pause for a while, I hope you find some precious time to reflect with your child about their favourite moments this term, times when they felt they learnt something new as well as perhaps times when things didn’t go to plan, and they had to face a challenge.

I have really enjoyed this term with your children. Each day they bring the staff and I such joy with their smiles, stories, their fearless play and with the kindness they show in developing friendships. They are such unique little people with hearts of gold. I wish you all a lovely two-week break and look forward to opening that door up again on Day 1 of Term 2 on Tuesday 30 April.

Week 1, Term 2 Note Day will contain specific term events but please refer to the calendar found on Pulse for any specific dates.

Celebrating our Diversity

International Day

Prep School was buzzing with excitement on Tuesday as we celebrated Redlands International Day.

I must admit this is one of my favourite days on our school calendar. It brings joy to our community and there is nothing better than observing the rainbow of colours, national costumes and ways that our students choose to represent a country they identify with. With over 50 nationalities on campus, it was a day filled with pride and with lots of sharing opportunities. We had so much fun guessing which countries were represented as students walked in the reception! Prep students were very lucky as there were many visiting parents and friends who shared traditions, stories, pictures, music, dance and so much more. Thank you to you all.

A big thank you to the incredible generosity of many of our families who made and shared delicious treats at lunchtime with the children, such a special way to learn about and taste new and exciting things.

To have such diversity in a school and to be able to share the message of everyone belongs is a gift that we all should never take for granted. The benefits of diversity in early years at school is such an important part of a young child’s life as the exposure to diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives fosters empathy and understanding, nurturing a sense of inclusivity and respect for others. This rich tapestry of experiences enriches our Redlands classroom discussions, offering a breadth of viewpoints that stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Again, a big thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate International Day.

Junior Campus Supporting Wayside Chapel

A Message from the Junior School Captains

This year as School Captains and a Year 6 cohort, we want to help Wayside Chapel. Wayside needs donations of money and goods. As well as money, Wayside needs donations of single use toiletries which are provided for people who come in to have showers, brush their teeth and get changed into some clean clothes. We would like to gather single-use toiletries for Wayside Chapel. Given the school holidays are approaching, we thought this would be a perfect time to ask students and their families to collect these items from hotels and aeroplanes, if they are going away during the school holidays; please keep an eye out for these items on the list on the below flyer.  When you come back to school, there will be a large bucket that you can place the toiletries in so that we can pass this on to Wayside Chapel.

A reminder all Junior Campus students will be having a Mufti Day the first Friday back at school on May 3. Donations are to be handed in to class teachers. To help Wayside make a positive difference in the lives of people who are experiencing homelessness in Sydney, we aim to raise the most funds that any school has ever raised for Wayside Chapel in a year.

Thank you for your support.

Amelie and Pax.

Mother’s Day Celebration

Uniform Shop
End of Term 1 – Holiday Opening Hours

The Uniform Shop will close at 4pm on Friday 12 April and reopen on Monday 29 April at 8am.  The shop will also open on the first day of Term 2, Tuesday 30 April.  Students wishing to purchase the new uniform may come to the shop anytime during our opening hours for a fitting. No appointment is necessary.

We are currently working towards having the new uniform available to purchase online through Flexischools by mid Term 2.  In the meantime if you wish to purchase any additional items ready for the cooler weather, please email uniformorders@redlands.nsw.edu or call us on 9968 9850 and we can take your order.  

Students who are continuing to wear the old uniform will be required to wear their old winter uniform from the start of Term 2. The Uniform Shop continues to stock the old uniform for purchase at reduced prices and can be ordered online  through Flexischools. All Sports uniforms, including fleeces and tracksuits, are also available to purchase online.

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8am–4pm and Thursdays 8am-6pm

P: 9968 9850

Mrs Ainslie Breckenridge
Head of Preparatory School
abreckenridge@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848

From the Chaplains

Gratitude Gallery

At the close of term one it is always good to pause and reflect before we head our separate ways for a well earned rest and recharge.

We have attached a few photos highlighting some of our journey this term. We have been grateful for our inaugural Community Prayer Service and Easter Service. We are also grateful for staff reflection times and  opportunities like Pancake Day, Valentines Day, Harmony Day and Lent to celebrate and reflect as a community.

Our P -12 Chapels have focussed on the theme of Love. We considered what Love is and how we can build loving communities and relationships. The theme connected easily with our Easter Services as we celebrated God’s gift of love and hope. Student involvement has been key this term with many student led chapels. We are grateful for everyone and their willingness to share in Chapel.

Many opportunities to share and learn together.

Thoughts and prayers for a fabulous holiday.
Kind regards

Fiona Mckenzie 
Junior Campus Chaplain
fmckenzie@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Kirsten Philips
Senior Campus Chaplain
kphilips@redlands.nsw.edu.au