Redlands House/Transition Gold

Redlands House/Transition Gold

An Appreciation of Art

Developing a sense of belonging plays an integral part of developing a child’s sense of security when they transition into a Preschool program. Children belong first to a family, a cultural group and a community. Belonging acknowledges a child’s interdependence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities. For this reason, our first few weeks of Term 1 are often focused on learning who we are and how we fit into this new environment. Orange Class Juniors have been exploring aspects of their own identity and discovering new things about their friends. Picture books have allowed them to identify similarities and differences between students, and portrait painting has encouraged close examination of facial features, whilst exploring a range of media and techniques. Using graphs, they have explored who has the biggest family, whose name has the most letters and who are the tallest and shortest in the class.

Orange Class Seniors have developed a keen interest in the arts this term. Artistic creations are born through the solving of problems. Without even realising it, children who participate in the arts are consistently being challenged to solve problems. Children who paint learn to think with an open mind, to look at situations creatively. They learn to express themselves more deeply through their art and their words. The Seniors have been experimenting with a variety of art techniques and have recently investigated some famous artists. They chose a selection of books on famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh to use as inspiration at the painting table. Orange Class Seniors have produced some unique artworks which are now displayed in the classroom.

Orange Class have also been exploring the school garden. Children learn best when engaging all their senses. When gardening, children can touch and feel the dirt, seeds and flowers, see the vibrant colours and varied sizes of the plants. They can eat the vegetables straight from the garden and smell the scents of the flowers. Allowing all the senses to be involved helps children understand and grasp the concept of gardening along with the mathematical and scientific concepts that go along with it. Orange Class began their enquiry by brainstorming what they already knew, before the School’s Horticulturist Michael, came to speak to the class. Last week the children were very excited when given the opportunity to do some planting. They planted Dwarf Beans and over the coming weeks they will document their growth in a journal.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Redlands will again be supporting the Children’s Hospital at Westmead through their Bandaged Bear Appeal. On Friday 22 March, Redlands House will hold a Teddy Bears’ Picnic with their 6B buddy class enjoying lunch together as part of the day’s events and they are encouraged to make a gold coin donation. Students are asked to bring in a teddy, while the older Junior School students will have the opportunity to purchase merchandise. This is a particularly special fundraiser for many in our community and I know that our collective donation will have a significant impact on the lives of many families.

International Day Celebrations

On Wednesday 10 April, Redlands will be celebrating International Day. Students may wear any costume or clothing of their choice that reflect another country or culture. A reminder that closed-in shoes and sun-safe clothes are required.

Easter Hat Parade

Orange Class Seniors and Transition Gold will be participating in the annual Easter Hat Parade. Yellow Class Juniors and Blue Class Juniors will watch the event and cheer on their friends. Parents are very welcome to come and watch the classes. The Parade will be held on Friday 12 April at approximately 12.00pm on the Preparatory School oval. To align with Prep School, we ask that parents create Easter hats with their child for the Parade at home prior to this event. We will collect the hats on the morning of the Parade at drop off time. It should be an entertaining morning for all involved and a lovely connection for the Preschool and Prep School. If parents wish to take their child home at the conclusion of the Parade, please inform your class teacher and collect your child from their classroom.

As a reminder to our community, although children giving each other chocolate eggs at school is a lovely idea, we ask that no chocolate eggs or sweets be brought to school. This is to ensure the health and safety of all our students and avoid the sadness associated with missing out or losing a gift. In lieu, hand-made cards would be welcomed.

School Musical

Our annual School Musical is a highlight in our Performing Arts calendar and next week around 120 students from Yrs 7-12 will bring Baz Luhrmann’s beloved and award-winning film, Strictly Ballroom, to the stage. Strictly Ballroom – The Musical will run from Thursday 28–Saturday 30 March at The Concourse, Chatswood. Tickets are still available for Thursday and Friday nights from the box office.

Mother’s Day Classic

Interested Redlands families are encouraged to register for the Redlands team on the Mother’s Day Classic website. There are 52 days to go until the big day on Sunday 12 May. This is a wonderful family-oriented event with categories for serious runners through to fun runners of all ages. All proceeds from this event are donated to Breast Cancer Research.

Don’t forget to purchase your Redlands pink caps and a new pink Team Redlands tshirt from the Uniform Shop, with all profits going to the Mother’s Day Classic charity. 

To register your interest in joining the Redlands team, please click here. Please note that you will need to complete the registration process, nearly all the way to the payment stage before you can select to join the Redlands team and the password is ‘Shine’.

Thank you to the Redlands Parents and Friends Association who will again have a tent at the event as a meeting point.

Uniform Shop

Redlands Uniform Shop are pleased to announce the launch of online ordering through Flexischools. We understand some of our busy parents often struggle to get to the shop during opening hours and we hope this service will make it easier for you to order and pay online.

We will offer three delivery options:

  • Pick up from the Uniform Shop
  • Delivery to your child’s classroom in Preschool, Prep and Junior School
  • Delivery to your home address (additional costs and conditions apply)

Those of you who have used the School’s Canteen and Vacation Care online ordering will know how easy it is. If you have an existing Canteen account with FlexiSchools, you will have immediate access to commence ordering uniforms.

If not, you will need to register. Simply go to www.flexischools.com.au and follow the prompts. Or download the Flexischools app and register. You will be asked to enter your children’s names and classes – it only takes a few minutes. No need to top up your FlexiSchools account as payment can be made for the order by credit card at checkout. If you have any problems, please give us a call on 9968 9850.

Vacation Care

If you would like your child to attend the April Vacation Care, please visit the Flexischools website www.flexischools.com.au and make a booking using the Prep and Junior Vacation Care icon. All calendars, information pertaining to activities and requirements can be found on the FlexiSchools website. Please contact Brooke Lytham, OOSH Coordinator, with any Vacation Care or After School Care concerns.  

Redlands Inaugural Sports Luncheon

The Redlands Inaugural Sports Luncheon, celebrating 120 years of Redlands Sport, will be held towards the end of this term on Friday 5 April between 12.00 – 4.00pm at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Kirribilli.

This Luncheon is open to all Redlands parents and alumni and provides a great opportunity to celebrate the integral value of sport to the Redlands community and its students of the past, present and future. We are delighted to announce our guest speakers, all past Redlands students, who will share their very inspiring journey during this luncheon:

  • Karyn Gojnich (née Davis), Class of 1978 (Olympic Sailor, Redlander and former Redlands parent)
  • Janusz Hooker, Class of 1987 (Olympic Rower)
  • Lachlan Mackay, Class of 2000 (Rugby: Australian Wallaby)
  • Holly Crawford, Class of 2001 (Olympic Snowboarder)

Tickets are $130 per person and include a gourmet two course meal and beverages. Limited spaces are available and bookings can be made here. I hope to see many of you there as we recognise this milestone in the history of Redlands Sport.

Mrs Audrey Fellowes
Head of Early Childhood
afellowes@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848