Head of Secondary School
As the final week of the 2022 school year fast approaches, it has been affirming to reflect on the many accomplishments and joys of this year. I know the students are engaged in reflection activities in their lessons and tutor time, as well as having conversations about their plans for the festive holiday season.
Currently our 1sts Basketball teams are playing in the National Competition on the Gold Coast. Both the girls’ and boys’ team have experienced some success and are having a wonderful time being away with their coaches and respective teams. Ms Cox, our Head of Sport, reports they have been exceptional ambassadors for the School, and a great support to each other.
Our rowers have also been keeping up their training ahead of the 2023 season and I was delighted to see their exceptional plank skills this week after time on the ergs. Their coach was tough on them and added 10 seconds every time someone dropped to the floor. There were groans and complaints as well as laughter and encouragement. Bring on rowing camp!
Yr 8 student Amber Kusano has seen great success in the Athletics NSW Competition. She has achieved personal bests for all races and last weekend she ran the 800m race and achieved another PB – 2:18.99. She qualified for the Under 16 Nationals! Well done Amber!
Science Symposium
The series of year group challenges concluded this week with the Yr 9 Science Symposium. Students had to design a new vision for High Country Campus with sustainability as the key priority. Yr 9 dreamt big and their ideas were stellar. I was blown away by their innovative designs, creative use of technology and strong presentation skills. Our CFO, Mr Brad Weatherstone, was on the judging panel and was equally impressed and inspired with the array of sustainable designs.
Carols on the Fahl Garden
This Friday afternoon sees the Secondary School gather as a community on the Fahl Garden prior to the final week before we depart for Christmas. The SRC representatives will be making students welcome, carols will be sung and Santa will make an appearance. The afternoon has been carefully planned by our Chaplain Ms Kirsten Phillips to bring the community together for a joyous and shared occasion. Students are strongly encouraged to wear a hat (it can be festive, but the aim is sun protection) and bring their drink bottle.
The Final Week of School for 2022
Students attend regular timetabled classes on Monday. On Tuesday students will attend some regular timetabled classes and also attend End of Term Assemblies. These will pose an opportunity to reflect on the term, celebrate each other’s gifts and talents and farewell Mr Webber. All students will be expected to completely clear their locker on Tuesday, so please expect a schoolbag that is heavier than usual when they return home on Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday is a pupil-free day as students are required to be at The Big Top at Luna Park for Speech Night at 4.00pm.
The Redlands 139th Secondary School Speech Night (Yrs 7-11)Wednesday 7 December |
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Time |
5:00pm – 7:00pm approx. |
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Venue |
The Big Top, Luna Park, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point |
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Transport |
Students to go directly to the venue (walk in under the Big Face and The Big Top is approx. 100m on the right). Food breaks are scheduled throughout the afternoon for students arriving early for rehearsals. They are welcome to bring their own afternoon tea or to purchase from the Luna Park food outlets. |
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Student Arrivals (students are NOT to arrive prior to their allocated time) |
1.10pm |
Ballet & Dance Speech Night performers arrive and report to Ms Boase in the Auditorium (Stage Right) |
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2.00pm |
Concert Bands, Choirs & String Ensembles arrive and report to Music Staff in the Auditorium |
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4.00pm
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Prize & Scholastic Button Recipients arrive and report to Ms Jones in the Auditorium (Stage Right) |
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4.15pm |
All remaining students arrive and go directly to the Auditorium to meet their Year Advisor |
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Doors open |
4.45pm |
For Parents and Guests
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Uniform for all students |
Full Summer School Uniform, including blazers, polished shoes, neat hair, badges, navy hair ties or ribbons (girls). Please ensure the uniform is in immaculate condition in accordance with the Student Planner. |
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Looking After Yourself in the Holidays
Our Redlands counsellors have created some helpful guides to support both parents and students in the holidays.
Merry Christmas
As this is the final Note Day for the year, I take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry and joyful Christmas and holiday break. It’s been an awesome year with many successes and memorable experiences. The students’ optimism and care for each other and their community is a special characteristic and what gives Redlands its distinctive flavour. Once again, I appreciate working with a talented and professional staff body and within a broader community who share a common purpose to provide exceptional and holistic learning opportunities for our amazing students. Happy holidays!
Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9811