Head of Preparatory School

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Calendar Updates

Weeks 3 and 4                                                                                                                                                                      28 October – Kindergarten Coast Excursion
29 October – Yr 2 Incursion
30 October – Staff Appreciation Day                                                                                                                                  3 November – Parent Webinar. See details below.                                                                                                        6 November – Move it Up Day (Yrs 1-6). More information to follow.

Curious Creatures, Wild Minds

Book Week origins come from The Children’s Book Council of Australia where for one focussed week, schools celebrate Australian literature and brings children and books together under a theme. The theme aims to inspire imagination and wonder. Click here for more information about the CBCA and the winning books from this year’s awards.

Visiting authors and readers, Library competitions, Book Parades and growing our love for literature was the focus of 2020 Book Week. A big thank you to Mrs Roberts who organised Kate and Jol Temple to come and talk to our students about what it is like to write a book and share their secrets to engage readers of all ages. They discussed the importance of illustrations and also of using types of font to hook a reader. We also were lucky to have David Campbell share his secrets of how to take an idea and run with it as he shared his new book Stupid Carrots with all of K-6 in a fun Zoom. Our TG class is also very excited as David will be visiting their room to read his book on Friday. Mr Webber, Ms McGarry and many other staff members read to our learners and shared their favourite stories. The Library was a buzz with excitement during the week as Mrs Roberts shared such an abundance of literature relating to the 2020 theme.

The Book Parade was a hit and we had everyone from mad scientists to ladybugs to Snugglepot and Cuddle Pie come to the parade! The characters were amazing, as was the creativity and enthusiasm for the Parade. Our hearts melted when our youngest students joined the Parade too from Redlands House. Fingers crossed we can share this event with parents next year but hopefully the photos give you a sense of the fun that was had by all. Book Parade in its simplicity is not just a fun dress up day for students but a learning tool for young learners. We have used this opportunity at Redlands to encourage the teaching of student voice. By encouraging the use of what they had at home in cupboards  and being creative in their thinking and choices (instead of just in an art and craft sense), we start to encourage this important life skill. Student voice empowers learners to make measured choices with confidence, learn how to reflect and evaluate and also how to start learning about their place in a changing world. The humble Book Parade is now a wonderful tool for us as Redlands to use to help teach and explore this essential life tool.

Thank you to all our families who got into the spirit of Book Week and supported our learners and staff. 

Redlands Parent Webinar

All parents are invited to a Zoom webinar on Tuesday 3 November, 7.00-8.00pm.

Principal Mr Stephen Webber will be presenting on feedback from the Strategic Plan survey and future direction and there will also be short presentations from all three Heads of Section. In addition, Mr Matthew Bentley, Head of Teaching and Learning will provide an update on the Redlands Learning Platform and the Student Voice survey.

Please reserve your virtual place by clicking here. The Zoom link will be sent prior to the event.

There will be an opportunity for speakers to answer your questions, so please forward any you may have by Thursday 29 October to events@redlands.nsw.edu.au. For families who are not able to attend, the event will be recorded and a link shared afterwards. 

Kindergarten / Transition Orientation

Our second Kindergarten Orientation morning was a huge success and it was lovely to see so many faces return to the Prep School with smiles and an enthusiasm for starting school that I wish we could bottle! We look forward to our 2021 Kindergarten Information Zoom session on Friday morning where our new parents will meet the School team looking after our 2021 cohort, and have their questions answered to ensure a smooth transition to Kindergarten.

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