Head of Secondary School

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Looking Forward and Looking Back

As we approach the middle point of the term we are simultaneously looking forward and looking back. Most students have completed their exams and are working through feedback with their teachers. Reflection is a powerful part of learning and perhaps the most useful aspect of exam-taking occurs after the process, when students and teachers consider the effectiveness of teaching and learning by deep diving into concepts or skills that have been deeply embedded and those which have not. In my conversations with students, most appear fairly content with how they managed the exam block – ‘some were good and others were a bit harder’ and ‘I felt a bit stressed on the first day, but I am okay now’ were fairly typical responses. It’s probably the more senior students, those in Yr 10 and Yr 12, who are busy reflecting whilst also looking forward to the end of the term, and to next year. I met briefly with Yr 10 this week for their second Senior School Orientation session and reminded them to use the exam process to confirm priorities for 2023. Our Yr 10 students have chosen their pathway (HSC or IB) and the subjects of study within this pathway. Now is the time to consider any possible changes and to seek out relevant staff members for support, if need be. Yr 12 have also been reminded to look forward to assessments and back on revision. This is the Dean of HSC, Ms Lucy Benjamin’s mantra to the HSC students when they visit her for their data-story conversations. 

Mentoring Opportunities

Our Yr 12 students have been invited to apply for a mentor to support their HSC or IB journey. They were asked to choose between an alumni mentor, or a staff member. 41 students across both pathways have signed up for the program, and our Deans of HSC and IB are now working with our alumni team and staff to allocate the students to the most suitable person who can support them in the coming months. The Mentoring Program will begin later this term.

Appreciation and Support

Last week we took time to acknowledge and value our wellbeing, inspired by October’s Mental Health Month. Our fantastic and supportive HR Team provided delicious cupcakes and a wellness journal for all staff members, early on in the week.

Then later in the week, on Friday, the RPFA’s World Teacher Day morning tea was another opportunity for staff to gather and be acknowledged for their many contributions. It was certainly a week of sweet treats for the Secondary School staff, and we sincerely thank ll members of the RPFA who supported this event, and have shown their ongoing support this year. Recently, we held our final Secondary School Parent Contact Group (SSPCG) meeting for 2022, ably chaired by Ms Kate Kesby, mum to Annabel and Oliver. Kate has been a great support to me over the past two years, in her role as SSPCG chair. Her genuine support for the School and desire to offer transparency and clarity for parents has been greatly welcomed.

Yr 9 Camp to Arnhem Land

Finally, Eddy Atkins, Head of Outdoor Education and Winter School, was overjoyed this week to report back that the Yr 9 Cultural Immersion in East Arnhem Land was something special. A brief report from Mr Atkins:

“It is hard to imagine what it’s going to be like until you step foot off that plane at Gove Airport. Making your way from the airport to the Gulkula Site, you are surrounded by red earth and thick bushland. Dirt roads and road trains let you know that you have entered a unique place that not many people get to experience. On arrival we were given a very special and meaningful ‘Welcome to Country’. This memorable ceremony really set-up the rest of the week which was filled with so many wonderful activities that helped to bring together our two different cultures and beliefs. The openness and kind heartedness shown to us by the Yolngu people was truly amazing and allowed all of us to become part of their family for the week. The experience will be one that I hold onto for the rest of my life. I am so very grateful for the opportunity given to me to be part of such a special program.”

Lismore Christmas Appeal

For most in our community, Christmas is a time for joy and celebration. But for many in Lismore, who lost homes and businesses in the recent flooding and are in the early stages of a costly disaster recovery, this holiday season will be one of hardship. 

This term, we are calling on the generosity of our Redlands community to support the residents of Lismore.

To support this cause, please bring a new children’s gift to your Tutor class in Weeks 5 and 6. 

Redlands App – Updated Version Now Available

We’re excited to announce that the next-generation version of the Redlands App is now available to download. We’ve redesigned the App from the ground up for parents, students, and staff to keep the Redlands community updated with key information that is relevant to your child/ren. 

Key features of the Redlands App include:

• News and Notices: Receive Pulse Updates straight to the App. 
• Calendar: Provides key dates relevant to your child/ren
• Absentees: Parents can submit prefilled absentee forms directly to the School
• Activities: View Sport and other Cocurricular schedules, team lists and change or cancellation alerts
• My Groups: Access and join Pulse groups within the App relevant to your child/ren
• Other Features: Access Key Links, Term Dates, Note Day and more. 

You can download the Redlands App from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store by searching Redlands. If you already have the current app, you’ll need the latest app update released today. 

For more information, visit our Redlands App Information section on Pulse here. 

As with Pulse, we’re committed to developing the app further and have additional improvements in the pipeline to provide a better user experience across all our digital platforms. If you have any feedback, please contact pulse@redlands.nsw.edu.au.

Pulse Password Update

Following parent feedback, we have simplified the Pulse password protocol. Parents who wish to change their password to a simpler version can do so via Pulse in the ICT and Help sections. For further assistance please contact isupport@redlands.nsw.edu.au. 

We are asking each student to donate a small Christmas gift to the Northern Rivers Children’s Services. We hope these donated gifts will bring joy to a number of families this Christmas season. 

To support this cause, please bring a new children’s gift to your Tutor class in Weeks 5 and 6. 

Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9811