Head of Secondary School
So Much to Celebrate!
The term is ending but the energy is still high within the Redlands community. At the Athletics Carnival today, it was a little chilly in the shade, but the sun was shining and the students were busy competing in a variety of events. The teachers were generously supporting them and the announcing team, replete with students and staff, kept everyone buoyed with music playlists. The day started with Yr 12 student Emma Mahon breaking a 40-year record in the Senior Girls 1500 metres. Yr 7 student Amber Kusano then broke a 20-year record in the 12-14 yrs Girls 1500 metre race. Henry Charles, Audra Olson, Tom Reeves and Lauren Wong also broke Redlands records during the day in a range of various races! What a sensational set of athletes!
At home and away students are excelling in their chosen sports field. Yr 11 student, Ben Harrington, spent last weekend sailing in the East Coast Championships at Georges River Sailing Club, with a fleet of 25 boats from around NSW. Ben, and his skipper, had an exceptional 1st day, and then fairly consistent sailing for the next two days despite the wind strength dropping. After drops, they had all top 10 finishes, and their final place was 5th overall.
Alissandra Braden (Yr 9) competed at the same tournament, and after three days of competition, also placed 5th and was the 1st Female Skipper. Congratulations to Ben and Alissandra for their exceptional performances!
This week at our Wednesday Stand Up meeting we farewelled four members of the School staff. Whilst it occurred during a busy school day, at the end of a jam-packed term, taking the time to pause, reflect and give thanks for each other, was much needed. There were four wonderful speeches to celebrate the professional journeys of Luke Cantrill, Sharon Harrison, Nerida Patton and Simone Salier, and Chris Allen’s farewell of Luke Cantrill beautifully encapsulated our core purpose as educators. Chris’ eloquent and personal description of Luke’s capacity to build authentic relationships with students and to engender in them, a strong passion for the subject of History, through the building of deeply emotional connections, reminded a weary staff, why we do what we do. Not only was Chris’ speech a testament to Luke’s contributions, it was a celebration of effective teaching and the power of positive relationships, central to the mission of a Redlands education. What we heard was genuine respect, a deep knowledge of the strengths of a colleague and the capacity to articulate what defines an effective educator – relationship-building and the capacity to inspire learning. I would like to personally thank Luke, Simone, Nerida and Sharon for their commitment and service to the School and to the education of our students. Teaching is a heart and soul job, like so many others. It is always affirming however, to hear of the successes of others, as their success is also ours, and it inspires us to strive for excellence.
Tomorrow we say goodbye for the term in formal assemblies. First, we have the Yr 10-12 Assembly, followed in the afternoon by the Yr 7-9 Assembly. In both assemblies, students take the lead and showcase their presentation and performance skills. I am really looking forward to watching our Yr 11 IB Theatre students give us a taste of the performance which led them to winning the State Shakespeare Festival. We are also looking forward to hearing from Yr 11 students who will be stepping into the places of our Yr 12 leaders as they leave the day early, to prepare for their Formal, being held tomorrow night at the Shangri-La. This will be a fitting way to end the term for a group of students who have worked extremely hard this term, and deserve something special and fun.
I hope the next few weeks provides you and your family time to rest and rejuvenate. Best wishes for a safe and restful holiday period.
Save the Date
Community Day: Saturday 4 September
Please save Saturday 4 September in your family calendar for our Community Day. We will share further details of this whole of Redlands community event early next term.
Term 3/4 Departure Notice
As we are approaching the mid-point of the year, this is a reminder that those families who are planning on leaving the School during or at the end of Terms 3 or 4 are required to give notice to the Principal via an email to registrar@redlands.nsw.edu.au by the following dates:
Term 3 Departure: Friday 18 June 2021 (tomorrow)
Term 4 Departure: Friday 16 July 2021 (Term 3, Week 1)
As per the 2021 Schedule of Fees emailed to all families in December last year, there will be fees in lieu payable for any notices of departure received after this date.
Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9811