Head of Preparatory School

Please note that all Upcoming Events for Prep are now on their own Note Day article/page.

This Head of Preparatory School page will consist of general information from the Head of Preparatory School.

Welcome to 2020

It is with great enthusiasm that the staff and I welcome you back to school for 2020. Academic staff and prior to that, Facilities and Support staff, came back to school in early January and it really didn’t feel like “school” until the children and families returned this week. On Tuesday, we welcomed all new students and their parents where they had the opportunity to meet their Year Coordinators, class teachers and familiarise themselves with the school grounds before everyone returned on Wednesday. The following day, the Piazza was buzzing and it was clear to see and hear the excitement as students checked class lists to find their friends and teacher. It was lovely to see parents lingering a little while after students went into class as they reacquainted with friends. The students eagerly shared their holiday adventures and this year there were some heartening stories about fundraising efforts with cupcake and lemonade stalls. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome many new families to the Redlands community and trust that your association with the School will be a long and happy one.

Last week, prior to the students’ return to school, the staff had the opportunity to learn together and hear from some wonderful guest speakers. We had the pleasure of hearing from Adjunct Professor Erica McWilliam from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation. As an educator, professor and speaker, Erica’s focus is to engage with teachers who are interested in high-challenge learning for their students. She highlighted the importance of respectful relationships, class structure, challenge, collaboration, information and co-ownership. The Junior Campus staff came together to learn more about pedagogical practices in Spelling from AISNSW consultant, Jill Ryman. These presentations prompted some thought-provoking discussions as we continue to embrace and embed deep thinking and learning in our school.

With great anticipation, staff also warmly welcomed the School’s Principal, Mr Stephen Webber, who shared a little of his life history and background in teaching and learning. His kindness and sincerity were evident and there was overwhelmingly positive feedback from staff who particularly enjoyed listening to and learning about his knowledge and interest in Harvard’s Culture of Thinking and his deep respect for diversity, wellbeing and community. In already such a short time, there is a continued positivity and energy in the School as we commence the year.

The Prep School came together for their first assembly of the year today. We had the opportunity to meet and introduce all the staff and welcome the new students to the School. Next week, Mr Webber will join the Prep School for Assembly where I am sure he will share more of his life with our students. Important reminders about our school values, together with the Positive Behaviours for Learning (PB4L) framework will be discussed. During the first week of school, class teachers will unpack the PB4L pillars and collaboratively choose class agreements and behavioural expectations that will be the touchstone for students throughout the year.

Meet the Teacher Afternoons

Kindergarten – Monday 3 February at 5.00 – 6.00pm
Yr 1 – Wednesday 5 February at 5.00 – 6.00pm
Yr 2 – Thursday 6 February at 5.00 – 6.00pm

Staff will be holding Meet the Teacher evenings at the above days and times. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child’s class teacher. During the evening, information will be provided on the exciting program teachers have developed for 2020. In addition, timetables, expectations, curriculum matters and daily routines will be explained and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. You will leave with a good understanding of the learning your child will experience this year and I therefore encourage you to attend. The structure of the afternoon will see all classes in the year level, meet together for the first half in the Arnold Library in Junior School and then break off into classrooms for the remainder of the session. All information from the sessions will be placed on Redlands Pulse, if you are unable to attend. We kindly ask that students are not in attendance at this event.

New School Information System

Thank you to all parents for your support during the settling in period of the upgrade to our School Information System (SIS) from Edumate to Engage. The new SIS system has a clearer more friendly interface for students and parents and is more compatible with mobile phone web browsers. Our ICT Support team is on hand to address any queries you may have. Please contact pulse@redlands.nsw.edu.au.

Twilight in the Piazza

I look forward to seeing you at Twilight in the Piazza, our first parent event for the year on Friday 21 February. The Invitation can be found on the Upcoming Events page.

Car Line

Car Line begins next Monday 3 February. As a reminder, if you wish to use Car Line, please re-register and read the procedural requirements for 2020 via Redlands Pulse. You will find a Car Line registration form here. Preparatory School children can be collected from Car Line at the following times:

Kindergarten – 2.50 – 3.00pm
Yr 1, Yr 2 and siblings – 3.05 -3.15pm

Could you please adhere to these times and if you arrive before the allocated time, we respectfully ask that you refrain from parking on Allister Street, as this blocks the Car Line and reduces the effectiveness of this facility.

Beware…Parking Rangers

Please be aware of the Parking Regulations on Allister Street, directly outside the Preparatory entrance of the School.

Between 7.30-9.00am and 2.30-4.00pm there is no parking. If you are leaving your car to assist your child, you must be within 3 metres of your car. To avoid a fine, please do not park in this area.
The Parking Rangers patrol these areas vigilantly at school drop-off and pick-up times.

If you are parking your car in other designated areas, please be mindful of the neighbours in the surrounding streets. Driveways must remain unblocked, so they can access the road both morning and afternoon.

I would also like to draw your attention to the underground drop off area for the Prep School on Allister Street. This is available between 8.00am and 8.20am. Prefects and teachers are on duty to assist your child when leaving the car, without walking onto a busy street. I urge you to utilise this wonderful initiative. Thank you for your ongoing patience and assistance as we endeavour to keep our community safe.

Term 1 Departure Notice

This is a reminder to those families who are planning on leaving the School at the end of Term 1: If you have not already given notice to the Principal via an email to registrar@redlands.nsw.edu.au, could you please do so by next Monday 3 February, as fees in lieu will be payable for any notices of departure received after this date.

Mrs Audrey Fellowes
Head of Preparatory School
afellowes@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848