Head of Secondary School
Last Friday night’s Gala Arts was a wonderful event showcasing an array of talent across the Secondary School. A huge congratulations to all students involved, those who performed and those who supported behind the scenes. Year 9 student Sahara Nicholas, who was the overall winner on the evening, deserves a special mention for her beautiful and skilful performance. I am sure all of the students were nervous and excited in equal measure, but you really could only see their passion, excitement and joy on the evening. It was wonderful to sit in the audience and experience this joy with and for them. Ms Katharine Boase, Subject Coordinator Dance and Year 12 AYA, led a team of Redlands staff, parents and students to bring the 2024 Gala Arts to life. We thank her for humble leadership of this stellar event.
On Monday evening this week, our Innovative Design Showcase took place and was a real success. The Innovative Design teachers were really pleased with the students’ efforts and the large number of community members who attended in support. The students received some valuable feedback and additional ideas to support their ongoing development, so it was a great confidence boost for our budding creatives.
I have noticed a few tired faces this week, from both staff and students, and imagine that many are staying up late, or rising early, to watch the Olympics. I have focused on keeping up with the highlights and have very much enjoyed seeing how the Aussies have experienced success, especially in the pool. I was also overjoyed to hear that our very own talented swimmers, Year 9 student Amelie Swann, has just returned from the School Nationals Swimming Championships held on the Gold Coast as part of the inaugural School Sport Games.
Amelie was part of NSW Schools team and competed in the 50m butterfly event and reached the final to come 7th nationally and record a Personal Best time. She was also part of two NSW relay teams for 6×50 handicap open relay and the 15-16 year girls 4x50m freestyle relay and recorded Personal Bests in both events and 4th in age relay. Amelie is now getting ready for NSW Senior State in August and Short Course Nationals in Adelaide in September.
Three students across different age groups have had their writing shortlisted in the Whitlam Institute’s What Matters? Writing Competition (2024). Pictured from left to right, Sienna Harriss (Year 10), Sophie Yu (Year 11) and Audrey Kwok (Year 8) were among 120 students to be selected from over 5000 entries across Australia. We congratulate them for voicing their perspectives in such insightful ways.
Fundraising for Jeans for Genes Day
Tomorrow, the Secondary School will take part in Jeans for Genes Day. As a school community, we have been supporting the Children’s Medical Research Institute for many years in the pursuit of helping children with genetic disorders and for the past two years, Redlands has proudly been the top donating school. We are encouraging students and families to be generous again this year, firstly by doing some baking tonight to donate to the bake sale (students should drop their donations to Liggins Staffroom before school – nut free with a clear list of ingredients listed for safety reasons). Then tomorrow, we can’t wait to see everyone wearing their denim, donating at least a gold coin, buying blue ribbons and selling out the bake sale. There is also the option to donate here.
Yr 12 Legacy Gift
Thank you for your continued support of the Year 12 Legacy Gift Team. We are all enjoying the flashy merch from this year’s Legacy Team which can be purchased here.
This year, funds raised will be contributed to the sixth Redlands Means Tested Scholarship named after Coralie Amos OAM Redlander Class of 1964. For all her efforts and commitment to Service, Coralie was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for Community Service in 2021.
Please join Year 12 in their efforts. They appreciate your support as they come to the end of their Redlands journey by purchasing one, or more, of our special commemorative 2024 drink bottles, Redlands Rhino key chains and greeting cards, or contribute directly to the Scholarship Fund.
If you make a purchase, products will be either delivered to your child’s class/tutor or by post for an extra charge.
Finally, I encourage students and parents/carers of year 7 to attend our Moonbah Program Information Evening, hosted by me and Mr Corcoran, in Redlands Hall from 6.00pm. We look forward to seeing you there.
There is so much going on at School over the next few weeks and I look forward to catching up with parents and friends at the Dance Showcase tonight and the School Play ‘Away’ next week. I do hope you managed to secure tickets!
Tickets Are Selling For Away!
Away by Michael Gow, will be performed by Redlands students and is set in 1960s Australia, following three families on holiday, each grappling with personal issues. Away transcends class distinctions and xenophobia, demonstrating how understanding and empathy can bring us together.
- When: Thursday 8 August 2024 – Saturday 10 August 2024
- Where: Zenith Theatre in Chatswood (corner Mcintosh St and Railway St)
Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9811