Head of Preparatory School

Head of Preparatory School

Just a Few More Sleeps!

The countdown is on for return to On-Campus Learning where we will once again hear laughter and chatter in our classrooms and playgrounds. Mrs Clinton and I spent time with our Redlands House students this week and we were able to participate in their morning ritual which is always a special event. This is how our Redlands House staff and children greet each other every day after they sing a lovely song together:

Here is the land 
Here is the sky 
Here are my friends 
and here am I
Warami  wellamabami
Welcome from wherever you come from.

I reflected on the importance that welcoming each other to the day means and how we need to ensure, as we return to On-Campus Learning, that we all take the time to stop, look each other in the eye and really listen when we ask ‘hi, how are you?’ to our friends. I know the students will be desperate to see friends and teachers, but we are also desperate to feel connected to each other again.

As we return, the students may be full of excitement, but some may also be feeling a little nervous or worried. Here are some little tips from our new Counsellor, Rachel Clark to think about and use at home over the next few days.

This week during Assembly and Circle Time we discussed what the return to On-Campus Learning will look like and the importance for looking out for one another. While there’s lots of excitement in the air, for some there may be some worries too. Here are 5 tips for preparing your child for Return to On-Campus Learning:

  1. Discuss things openly and regularly check in with your child about how they are feeling. For example “How do you feel about going back school? What can help make it easier for you? What makes you feel excited about going back? What worries you about going back? How can we work together to support you?”
  2. Redlands is here to help– remind them of the names of people who can support them at school so they are reminded who to turn to if things get tricky.
  3. Plan ahead. If there is something worrying them about going back to school, determine what could make it easier for them and put a plan in place. For example, if they are worried about drop offs, explain to them what this will look like for the time being, that school is a safe place, and perhaps plan so that a friend can meet them at the gate so they can go in together. 
  4. Remind them of their resilience. With all of the changes they have already conquered, remind them that they have already shown such great resilience and ability to adapt already, and that you are confident that they can do it again.
  5. As worry and anxiety can be contagious, try look after yourself so that you can provide a calm and reassuring base for your child.

Some Last Minute Details to Remember

I hope that you have read the back to school information that was sent to all Prep families on Wednesday afternoon. Please don’t hesitate to email me with any last minute queries around the Kindergarten and Year 1 return on Monday 18 October or for Year 2 on 25 October.

Please note that if you are picking your child up and walking home from school, please arrive during the allocated time for that particular year group and wait outside the Prep Reception door please.

Anyone who has chosen to remain with Remote Learning, please make sure you have notified your class teacher by the end of today.

Week 3 Request for Year 2 On-Campus Learning for Children of Essential Workers

Parents who are essential workers can lodge a request for on Year 2 on campus learning support for the week of 18 October – 22 October. Booking requests close again at 8pm on Friday 15 October at 8pm to allow sufficient time for staffing to be organised based on the numbers.

https://forms.gle/ELgHpw6oY7KauHHz6

Year 3 2022 Information Session

Year 2 families should have received an invitation to a Junior School Information Session next Thursday 21 October at 5pm. A reminder will be sent on the morning but please note the Zoom link and passcode below as well.

Zoom Link
Passcode: 130260

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