Head of Secondary School
This week started early with a farewell to our Yr 7 students who left for Camp. We look forward to sharing in their adventures when they return, in much the same way we have been hearing about some of the escapades of our Yr 12 cohort as they canoed, hiked, rafted and rode their way through a week together. Although some of them may have been reluctant to attend, owing to their committed work ethic, the time away together to rest, reflect and focus on things other than HSC/IB was ultimately welcomed. I hope Yr 12 can hold onto the important moments from camp throughout the term, and return to them when they need an outlet or release. It was, however, great to see Yr 12 back on campus this week, and I have very much enjoyed being able to spend time each evening this week with Yr 12 and Yr 11 students and parents in our HSC and IB Information Evenings. My co-presenters Mr David Randall and Mr Darren Taylor explored the finer details of each course and how best to approach study in the senior years. We also explored how to maintain pace and balance through participation in Sport and Cocurricular activities, and the importance of forging strong relationships with adults (including parents!) who can support us along the way, such as teachers, Tutors, Year Advisors, Sports coaches and Counsellors.
We have had a better week in terms of our students complying with the Public Health Order to wear masks on public transport and Redlands buses, although we are having to hand out a high number of masks to students boarding public transport as they are not actively carrying a mask. Yesterday some restrictions were eased by the State Government, but the Order to wear masks on public transport and Redlands buses was sustained and in order to keep the community safe, we will continue to uphold this regulation. If your child catches public transport or a Redlands bus to school, can you please ensure they have a mask on their person and they know it is their responsibility to wear this mask when travelling on public transport and Redlands buses.
Uniform
Many students attended school this week looking sharp in their Redlands uniform. Some cooler mornings saw jumpers and blazers adorned, and worn with pride. I understand that for some students and families, wearing a jumper instead of a fleece may be a change to how you’ve done things previously. Please take the time to visit the Uniform Shop this term so that the required parts of the uniform are able to be purchased ahead of the colder season approaching.
One aspect of uniform I do want to address is earrings. My Note Day entry last week cited small gold or silver studs and sleepers as being permissible. The Student Planner, however, limits earrings to studs only. To clarify, gold or silver sleepers are permitted, but these must be small and plain and not diamond encrusted or ‘hoops’.
When meeting with the School Captains this week, I confirmed my intention to initiate a student focus group to explore the uniform requirements, thereby enabling student voice and consultation. It was insightful to be able to hear the student perspective and to have an opportunity to underscore the importance of respect, for oneself and others, which is borne out through our appearance and adherence with the expectations set out in the Student Planner. Upholding uniform standards might seem petty to some, but ultimately how we present ourselves, how we signal respect for our School and the community, and the relationship between self-respect and academic success is strong.
Over the coming term, we will work towards some short-term, mid-term and long-term goals with regards to the uniform and look forward to engaging in a consultative and constructive dialogue with students.
Study Centre: Redlands Learning Hub Study Spaces
Yr 11 and 12 students are strongly encouraged to attend the Study Centre, which offers Study Sessions provided by Secondary School teachers. Study Centre sessions take place in the breakout spaces in the Redlands Learning Hub from Monday–Wednesday before and after school. As part of their personal study program, Yr 11 and 12 students should be accessing support in this way, at least once every couple of weeks. The Study Centre is a rich resource for those starting out on their senior study journey as well as for those consolidating their understanding in their final year of school. Further details are available on Redlands Pulse.
Swimming Carnival
Next Tuesday 16 February is the Redlands Swimming Carnival to be held at Sydney Olympic Park (SOPAC). Parents are welcome to attend but due to limited numbers must pre-register attendance via this link.
Students need to arrive to school very early – by 7.15am. They leave from the Junior Campus and must wear a mask on the bus. Students will not be permitted to travel unless they wear a mask. Please ensure your child packs a mask for this day. If a student misses the bus, due to lateness or the absence of a mask, it is the responsibility of the parent to drive them to Sydney Olympic Park.
Students should wear the correct dress, swimmers and enclosed shoes. Students are also strongly encouraged to bring their own food and drink on the day. There are minimal canteen facilities due to COVID-19 restrictions at SOPAC. The School Nurse and Counsellors will be in attendance on the day, but if you have any concerns leading up to the event, please contact the School prior to the event.
Further details regarding the Swimming Carnival can be found on Redlands Pulse.
Fahl Garden
Our students are very much enjoying the use of the Fahl Garden at recess and lunch. Some classes are also accessing the Garden as a break-out space during lesson times. Currently, apart from the purpose-built seats, the Fahl Garden is unfurnished. Tomorrow I will put a call out to Yr 9 and 10 students to lead a design project for furnishing the Garden and other outdoor spaces of the School. If your son or daughter is a keen designer, or interested in how best to use their relaxation time, please encourage them to participate. We’d like any decisions about outdoor furniture for the School to be student-led.
Second Hand Uniform Sale Donations
Further to the success of last year’s online sale, the RPFA is planning another second hand uniform sale in early March – stay tuned for more details. As always, funds raised are contributed towards the means-tested Redlands Foundation Scholarship Fund.
We need your help by donating clean, current uniforms in excellent condition, especially winter items. Please deliver items to the Uniform Shop on individual coat hangers from now until Friday 26 February. Please note, no polo shirts will be accepted due to the introduction of the new PE uniform.
Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9869