Head of Secondary School
Speech NightÂ
STEAM Week Presentations
On Thursday and Friday last week, Yr 8 and Yr 9 students gave their final presentations for their respective STEAM projects. On Thursday, Yr 9 students presented business proposals to staff and student leaders on how Redlands could become more sustainable and reduce its electricity consumption and costs. Some of the proposals consisted of installing solar panels; using sensors in classrooms to monitor lighting, heating and cooling; and installing window tinting. On Friday, Yr 8 students presented to Yr 7 students, students leaders and various staff members where they shared their solutions on ways to help protect the Great Barrier Reef. These solutions ranged from sustainable fishing practices and giant kelp farms, to filtration systems and measures to combat invasive species. I was fortunate enough to attend both presentations and was impressed with the creativity, thoughtfulness and problem solving skills on display. A big thank you to all the teachers who have worked for months to arrange these exciting learning opportunities last week.
Yr 10 Camp
Unfortunately, due to weather conditions and bushfire warnings last week, we had to alter the scheduled Yr 10 Camp. However, we were still able to run an alternative activities program for Yr 10 students on Thursday and Friday. This program took place off site at Balmoral and the Sydney CBD on Thursday and was facilitated by Redlands and staff from our camp provider, Outdoor Education Group. Students participated in an urban challenge, as well as leadership, initiative and team building activities, on these days. While it was disappointing we were not able to run our usual camp program, we believe these alternative arrangements still allowed Yr 10 students to develop some of the areas of focus from their original Yr 10 Camp program.
Bushfire Appeal
Last Friday there were a number of fundraising efforts at the Secondary School to raise money for the Red Cross Bushfire Relief and Recovery Appeal. We thank everyone for their generosity as we raised over $2,500 to assist the many individuals and communities affected by the devastating bushfires which have ravaged the state.
Yr 7 2020 Orientation Day
On Tuesday we welcomed the incoming Yr 7 2020 students for their Orientation Day. It was a wonderful opportunity for these students to learn more about the Secondary School, meet their Year Group and partake in a number of activities to give them a taste of next year. Much of the day was facilitated by our current Yr 10 students who will be Yr 11 Peer Support leaders next year and it was great to see their leadership throughout the day.
Redlands Sailing Cup
Last Saturday I had the opportunity to watch our sailors compete in the inaugural Redlands Sailing Cup against Cranbrook. The Redlands Sailing Cup provided an opportunity for our Sailing team to put their skills to the test in a competition against another school. The day was a huge success and I would like to thank the Redlands Sports Department and Sailing coaches, as well as the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, for providing our Sailing team with this wonderful opportunity. Overall, we have had a very successful start to our summer sports season this term and I wish our teams all the best in these final few weeks of the year.
Staff Appreciation Morning Tea
On behalf of the Secondary School teachers and staff, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many parents and students who assisted in organising the Appreciation Morning Tea on Monday. Your gestures of gratitude meant so much to so many people who work in the Secondary School and was just a further illustration of the wonderful sense of community and partnership that we have here at Redlands.
Science Symposiums
Today, students in Yrs 8 and 10 presented their final projects as part of their Science Symposiums. Over the past few weeks they have been researching scientific areas of their choosing and today was a culmination of their efforts. It was great to see their creative and critical thinking skills on display and I would like to thank the Science Department and, in particular, Ms Christine Shorter for their efforts in organising these symposiums.
Mr Sean Corcoran
Head of Secondary School
scorcoran@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9870