Head of Preparatory School
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
What a wonderful morning we had on Tuesday celebrating Grandparents Day. As our school doors swung open on Tuesday, they not only welcomed grandparents and special friends but also welcomed and created an environment for shared experiences. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked scones mingled with the laughter of eager learners, setting the stage for a morning brimming with connection and joy.
Witnessing our students engage with their grandparents and special friends was nothing short of heart-warming. From the bustling playground to the piazza, every corner of the Junior Campus buzzed with the energy of intergenerational bonding. Our grandparents and students played games, drew chalk portraits, wheelbarrow raced, chatted and enjoyed morning tea together.
In honouring grandparents within the school community, we not only pay tribute to their contributions but also sow the seeds of gratitude and love in the hearts of our children. Through these celebrations, we cultivate a culture of appreciation that transcends generations, fostering a legacy of warmth and togetherness that will endure for years to come.
I would like to thank all our grandparents for opening their hearts to include students who may not have had a grandparent present on Tuesday. A wonderful act of kindness!
Parent Teacher Interviews – Term 3
Some early notice that there will be an opportunity for you to meet with your child’s class teacher in the second week of Term 3. The focus of the meetings will be to discuss student progress, as set out in Semester 1 reports, and to revisit learning goals for the second half of the year. The meetings will take place across the whole of that week and as such please note that those who coordinate after school activities will communicate any room changes. A booking schedule will be sent out in the last week of this term. To assist coordination and logistics for many of our families with children in the Junior School, we have scheduled the meetings for the same week as that section of the school.
A message from Ms McKenzie, Junior Campus Chaplain
Wayside Chapel Update
This past week, we were thrilled to deliver 12 boxes filled with essential toiletries to Wayside Chapel, all thanks to the generous contributions from our Redlands community. Pre K and Prep students poured their creativity into decorating these boxes, while Year 5 students penned heartfelt welcome cards for Wayside visitors. Spearheaded by the dedicated members of our Student Representative Council (SRC) and supported by Ms Moore, the entire donation process was meticulously organised.
Under the leadership of our SRC who worked alongside Ms Moore, every donated item was carefully sorted into distinct categories during lunchtime sessions. Not a single item was overlooked, showcasing the tremendous dedication and generosity of our community. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed; your kindness will undoubtedly make a meaningful impact at Wayside Chapel.
Just a few weeks prior, our SRC, alongside Ms McKenzie, assisted in preparing and organising student donations for Wayside Chapel. It was a fulfilling experience for all involved, knowing that our efforts could potentially transform someone’s life for the better.
Upon receiving the donations, the visitors at Wayside Chapel were not only impressed by the quantity but also deeply touched by the thoughtfully decorated boxes. One gentleman shared his heartfelt gratitude, expressing how Wayside had provided him with a sense of belonging after years of searching. His words reaffirmed the importance of our ongoing commitment to giving back.
These contributions complement the earlier corporate donations, sorted by our lunchtime volunteers and delivered to Wayside by Pax Staley-Lobo and his father. Pax, along with Amelie Cadman and our Year 6 Leaders, continue to inspire us all with their dedication to serving others. As we move forward, we eagerly anticipate more opportunities to extend our support and generosity throughout the year.
Come and Visit our Prep Chapel
Faith at Redlands has provided an essential pillar for our foundation and as we continue to educate and nurture outstanding individuals who ‘shine out’ our key values such as compassion, responsibility and moral courage in our students. This faith foundation not only supports academic excellence but also fosters a sense of community and purpose. Through faith, our students learn to navigate life’s challenges with grace and empathy, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to the world.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” — Matthew 7:24
In Chapels across the school this term we have explored the theme of ‘Faith’ and created many opportunities for students to learn about the significance of Jesus Christ as the heart of faith and service. Our students participate and experience a wide range of activities in Chapel from art projects, leading chapel as a class, singing, discussions to prayerful contemplation.
Year 9 students were immersed in Judaism on their recent excursion to the Jewish Museum and Great Synagogue and extended their appreciation of faith expression.
Prep parents are invited to Chapel this coming week to join us and see what Chapel is like for our young learners.
Another important dimension of our community expression of faith is our termly Parent Prayer Meetings. We extend a warm invitation to all to join together with the Principal, Chaplains and other parents and carers on Tuesday June 18th from 5.30-6.30pm in the Junior School Arnold Library for a brief time of thanksgiving and prayer for our school.
Mrs Ainslie Breckenridge
Head of Preparatory School
abreckenridge@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848