Head of Secondary School

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This week we have all been revelling in the talents of our Musical cast. The Addams Family was a truly remarkable performance and enjoyed by all. Sincere thanks go to all students, staff and parents who supported this wonderful event. I had a blast and so did all of those around me. It was a joy to sit next to Mr Guha at the matinee on Saturday afternoon and be enthralled throughout the show. There have been a few tired students at school this week! But we know their fatigue sits well with them as they express their pride in being part of such a successful community event.

As we approach the final week of this term, the students are resiliently navigating the various challenges which present themselves at this time. In our assembly this week, our younger students were reminded that basic standards will be expected right through until the final day of term. Respect and responsibility are essential to being part of a large community like ours at Redlands, and it has been gratifying to see the students step up, take care of themselves, each other and the School space. Yr 8 selflessly supported the tidy up of the undercroft this week, ensuring their shared space with Yr 7 was left in a respectful way. There are a lot of lunchboxes and drink bottles floating around the Senior Campus at the moment, and students have one week to collect them, before they are disposed of. Students were also reminded about how they should present and act when in school uniform. After the school day, students who are not remaining in the Learning Hub to study, should make their way directly home. Many are choosing to visit Woolworths or Chargrill Charlies to purchase a snack or early dinner, and then returning to school to eat and congregate with their friends for an hour or two. We encourage students to travel directly home after school so they can engage in home learning and revision. We appreciate your support in expecting students home at a reasonable hour on typical days as well as after Sport training.

This week our Yr 12 captains presented the Fall Forward Award to a Yr 8 student, Katie Budden. The student who received this award has stepped up in the Musical’s Production department. Despite having little experience with lighting, she challenged herself to be spotlight leader – something she wasn’t necessarily super comfortable with. In the end, however, she did a fantastic job, as everyone who went to the Musical would know, and is extremely well deserving of this award.

Mr Corcoran announced to Yr 7 this week the launch of an Experiential Learning Program which would see them spend a term at High Country Campus in 2025 when they are in Yr 9. We are very excited about this development and the opportunities and experiences Yr 7 will have when they commence Stage 5. You can hear Mr Corcoran’s announcement HERE.

Congratulations to Yr 11 student and sailor Alissandra Braden. Over the weekend Ali competed in the ILCA Metropolitan Championships in the Olympic class rig for the first time. She sailed really well and placed: 1st Girl under 17, 2nd U17 overall, 4th female and 7th overall. Quite a set of achievements!

Earlier this week the Redlands Career and University Advisors welcomed UAC to the School to present on admission to university. This presentation is available on Pulse here. Further information about entry to NSW and ACT universities for IB students, including subject equivalents and the conversion chart can also be found here.

Balmoral Swim Takes Place this Sunday

Redlands will be participating in the Balmoral Swim Schools Relay Challenge this Sunday. Our team of students will be taking on the open ocean relay, and we are asking for your help to raise funds in support of team Redlands and the Children’s Cancer Institute.

Every donation counts and will make a significant impact on the work that the Children’s Cancer Institute does. If you would like to support our team and make a donation, you can visit our fundraising page.

We appreciate your support and thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of children and families affected by cancer.

Battle of the Bands Takes Place next Monday

The annual Battle of the Bands competition takes place next Monday in the John Roberts Centre. All the very best to all the bands who are performing on the evening. For more details, please the Music section of Note Day.

International Day Takes Place next Tuesday

Next Tuesday 4 April is International Day on the Senior Campus, an event hosted by the Languages Faculty. We celebrate Redlands’ diverse international community and highlight the cultures of the Languages that we offer at Redlands.  At recess, there will be an opportunity to sample delicious international dishes from China, France, Japan and Spain provided by the Canteen. Students will be able to choose between spring rolls (China), pain au chocolat (France), miso soup (Japan) or churros (Spain). Students are able to place an order for these items through Flexischools. At lunchtime, there will be international-themed stalls in Liggins Quad. Students will be able to take part in activities, or to purchase sweet snacks from the stalls. Snacks will be priced at $2 or $3 and purchases can be made on the day by card or cash, with a preference for cash where possible. A sausage sizzle will also be taking place in Liggins Quad at lunchtime where students can purchase food and drink items.

Emergency Action Alliance

Proceeds from sales on the day will be donated to Emergency Action Alliance’s Turkey and Syria Earthquake Appeal. Emergency Action Alliance is a group of 15 leading aid organisations in Australia who use their reach and resources to save lives around the world. The funds raised will be used to aid those impacted by the recent earthquakes.

 
Last Day of Term is Fast Approaching: Parents, this is what you need to know!

The last day of Term 1 is next Thursday 6 April. School finishes at 3.20pm on this day (there is no Sport; all students across Yr 7 to 12 will remain for the full day). Here is what the day looks like for our young people:

Period 1 Class

Period 2 Yr 10-12 Assembly and Easter celebration

Period 3 Yr 7-9 Assembly and Easter celebration

Period 5 Class

Period 6 Locker cleanout and Tutor Group

Dismissal: 3.20PM

Teens, parties, gatherings and alcohol: What do parents need to know?

A Parent Presentation by Paul Dillon is being held on Wednesday, 10 May 2023 – 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm in Redlands Hall. We strongly encourage parents of students in Yr 9, 10 and 11 to attend this event. Please register your attendance via a RSVP using this LINK.

During adolescence, teens develop a biological need to be around friends and it is important to provide them with opportunities to socialise. Using the most current data, this presentation will examine the use of alcohol and other drugs by young people. Some simple strategies will be provided to help ensure teens are able to interact with friends on a Saturday night and, at the same time, reduce the risk of underage drinking and the potential dangers associated with such behaviour. The presentation aims to empower parents with a positive message and assist them in having open and honest family discussions in this complex area.

This session will be covering material aimed at parents and carers and it is not appropriate for students to attend. As Paul’s sessions are always highly relevant, informative and practically based, we encourage all parents to attend as we continue to work in partnership in developing our students’ wellbeing.

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