Head of Secondary School

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Choice, Voice and Agency

As I write this Note Day article, it’s Wednesday evening and I am standing in my office and ten of the Yr 12 School Leaders are next door in the Meeting Room practising their presentations for the Redlands Board, who they are scheduled to meet in 15 minutes. They are loud. And enthusiastic. They are tired, but excited. I can hear ‘environment’ and ‘the arts’ and ‘press play’ on regular repeat. They are using mindmaps, writing on the whiteboard, making notes on their phone and asking for last minute printing of their ideas. Some are drinking cups of tea, kindly made by Ms Jansons, and despite the long school day, they are brimming with energy and agency. Over the past week, this group have reflected on their mission as the 2021 core leaders. They’ve considered their own personal leadership styles and the ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’ of their vision to support every Redlands student to ‘press play’ in 2021.

It’s been a privilege to see them work together. Piper and Theo are gentle leaders. Both can articulately convey their ideas and bring the group along with them. They expertly set the scene and then take a back seat, observing, listening and sensing their way forward with the group, offering clarification and encouragement when needed. In confirmation of an idea or suggestion, they look at each regularly and it’s easy to see they are a united force, who intuit the needs of the group. Olivia and Dillon, our Sports Captains, are also a cohesive pair. They laugh a lot and relish being organised. Dillon’s mindmap, laying out their leadership plans, is a testament to this. Keen to distribute their leadership, and work closely with the individual Sports Leaders, their authenticity and energy is infectious, as they relate well to others. Maddison and Felix are a formidable team! Trust me when I say you want these two on your side. Passion, joy and vitality are the hallmarks of their leadership practice. They optimistically embrace all things Arts at Redlands and fearlessly embrace the breadth and depth of their creative portfolio. Both Laura and Harry, our Service Captains, are compassionate, strong and well-spoken young people. They inspire selflessness and show how service is intrinsic to the character of Redlands. Keen to avoid tokenistic approaches to service, they aim to lead by example and connect service to all aspects of a Redlands education. As Captains for the Environment, Julia and Max’s intention to be communicative leaders, is already reflected in their dual strength as powerful speakers. Max’s intelligent humour and Julia’s erudite articulation of the complex issues facing the environment and humanity is an enabling feature of their leadership style. When they say they are going to save the globe, you believe them.

What I see in these leaders is confidence and self-belief. They believe they can be active agents of influence. And they will be. Given the world right now, and especially our place in it, here in Sydney, active agents of influence are what we need. To speak up, to advocate on behalf of others, to navigate the flux and flow, and to effect positive change.

Student-Led Assemblies

Our Student-Led Assembly this week provided some key messages and quite a few laughs. It was wonderful to see James Barrelle and Noe Labouze reinvent Tips from the Tippiest of Tops and the Stubbiest of Stubs. For new students who don’t quite understand this Assembly feature, I suggest seeking the answers from Yr 12 who fondly recall this Assembly element from years past. Olivia Donoghue, Lauren Wong and Gabrielle Drage showed real skill in being able to pull the various elements of the Assembly together in a very short space of time, to enable the composition of an engaging short film for Redlands students. Excellent work all round!

In the coming week, we have more Yr 12 Leaders and Prefects stepping up to take carriage of assemblies. Currently, the students are deep in preparation for a wonderful International Women’s Day assembly which involves our Secondary School community, with a focus on experience and voice. Anna-Luisa Feller and Julia Parker have taken the lead on this, and have a strong team of supporters. Stay tuned!

Careers Interviews

Yr 10 students and their parents have been actively engaged in Career interviews this week, as part of the Redlands program to support early and meaningful conversations around future decision making in relation to careers and post-school pathways. Considering early on one’s subject interests, inclination towards specialist or generalist credentials, as reflected in HSC and IB courses, and possible university pathways, supports a student’s capacity to reflect on their strengths and make discerning choices. Thank you Ms Simone Salier for facilitating this process for our Yr 10 students.

This Weekend

There is so much going on this weekend – and much of it is in Canberra. We wish the rowers speed on the water in the Head of the Lake and the sailors wind in their Racing Championships – not sure how these two combinations work together, but fingers crossed both sports groups excel in their respective fields.

The Arts

There has been a lot of rehearsing and recording behind the scenes in preparation for the filming of the school Musical, Grease. After the switch to an online format, it’s been wonderful to see students in the studio recording vocals to be added to the band’s tracks. The first filming date is fast approaching!

We’re also delighted that we are able to have a live audience to see students perform at the upcoming Jazz night. Further details will be communicated by the Music Department. Next week also sees Battle of the Bands auditions, so it’s a very busy time for the Arts!  We are fortunate to have Maddison and Felix leading these endeavours.

Second Hand Uniform Sale

The second hand uniform sale will take place next week. Please visit the RPFA article for more details. 

Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9870