Redlands Parents and Friends

• Print

Thank you all for joining us at our Annual General Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation drinks last week. It was wonderful to welcome back so many familiar faces to the committee, and a few new ones as well. Your commitment to RPFA underscores the importance of our diverse community and the collective effort we put into making the Redlands community thrive.

At the meeting we reflected on the past year (still a bit blurry-eyed from the Festival the week prior), celebrated our achievements, and discussed some of the challenges we’ve faced. We also looked ahead to our goals for the upcoming year.

The meeting was followed by Volunteer Appreciation drinks hosted by the School and Board. We would again like to recognise our dedicated team and volunteers whose hard work has made admired and greatly appreciated contributions to our success. Your commitment is invaluable.

Some highlights from the President’s report:

???? At the beginning of the year, Twilight Drinks brought together over 400 attendees.

???? The Festival of Redlands was the highlight of the year, attracting more than 2,000 participants, with over 100 parent, student and alumni volunteers coming together to celebrate Redlands’ 140th birthday. The School Art Auction at the Festival raised over $6,500 for the High Country Campus Appeal.

???? An impressive 160+ parent and community-led gatherings were held this year!

???? The RPFA successfully updated the financial reporting system, transitioning all records to Xero.

???? RPFA contributed to enhancing the Pulse calendar by adding large-scale RPFA events for 2025.

???? Over $20,000 in donations were made by RPFA to the school and nominated charities.

Redlands Melbourne Cup Luncheon 2024

This year the tradition continues as we host the event that stops the nation at Sergeants’ Mess in Chowder Bay overlooking stunning Sydney Harbour. We look forward to joining our Redlands community in an unforgettable afternoon with French Champagne on arrival, a gourmet three course meal with fine wines, raffles and sweeps, entertainment and fashions on the field.

Upcoming Parent / Family Get-togethers 

Contact us to list your event.

Walks on Tracks

Weekly guided walks around the northern Sydney area are organised by Ann Marie, a wonderful RPFA volunteer. This is a great way to meet other Redlands parents and get in shape, plus a wonderful way to spend a morning discovering the many paths of the Sydney area.

The invitation for walks is open, so if you have friends or family who you think would like to come along, please feel free to bring them. Dogs are also welcome on most walks, look for the ???? below .

Walks start at 8.40am and are roughly 1 1/2- 2 hours. For those with the time, we love to stop for a coffee afterwards. In case you’re running late, just text Ann Marie so they can wait for you. Walks for the remainder of the year:

Any questions, please contact Ann Marie on 0406 691 533. See you walking!

Book Club

The Redlands Book Club is a group of Redlands parents – past and present – who share a love of reading. New members are always welcome! The Book Club meets twice each school term to discuss a book, rotating among members’ homes. Occasionally, outings are also organised to events, movies or shows that are tied in with books. If you would like to join Book Club, and learn where we are meeting this month or simply want to know more, please contact Monica or Sabiha.

Important Update

There’s been a change from last week’s Note Day….

The next book club meeting will be next Thursday 7 November at 7pm. We will be discussing Safe Haven by Shankari Chandran.

The last meeting of the year will be Monday 2 December at 11am as a Christmas lunch. We will be discussing Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. 

For some summer holiday reading inspo and the planners, the books planned for Terms 1 and 2 of 2025 are:
 
·         Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
·         Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum,
·         The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
·         At the Foot of the Cherry Tree by Alli Parker

Unplugged AI

This term, two of our wonderful Class Parents, Daniella Aburto and Anita Fonseca will be facilitating an “Unplugged AI” Lunch Club for Prep School kids! Over six fun-filled sessions, students from K-2 will explore the basics of Artificial Intelligence through engaging games and hands-on activities—no devices needed! They’ll develop key skills like critical thinking while having fun with friends. They’d love for your kids to join them on Fridays at lunchtime as they dive into AI in a playful, screen-free way!

Supporter Gear 

Summer sports and cocurricular comp season has started! For the first time we can represent our students in supporter gear!! Order your cap and polo here. Can’t wait to see all the supporters carrying the blue and gold. Go Redlands!!

The Week in Pictures

The RPFA Annual General Meeting was held last week summarising all the great work done this year and swearing in the new committee, many of whom have continued on from last year.

Last Prep PCG meeting for the year where we farewelled Ainslie and Jenny Krallis!

Do you have event pics you want to share? Please send them to RPFA Note Day.

RPFA Committee

President: Brittne Whitelaw
Vice President: Carrie Taylor
Secretary: Jennifer Mast
Treasurer: Joe Russo
Committee: Daniella Aburto, Tara Boris, Michelle McDonald, Emma Okhovat, Kathryn Parsons, Sophia Stewart-Kasimba