From the Principal

A key strategic driver at Redlands is supporting and challenging students to achieve personal excellence, and over the first part of this term it has been wonderful to see the many different ways we support and challenge students to stretch themselves academically.

On way is through our “Day(s) of AI” programs which have run over the past few weeks for students in the Junior School and Year 7. Last Thursday on the Junior Campus, we hosted students from other primary schools for an interactive day of learning with collaborative and hands on activities which extended students to explore how to thrive in a technology driven world. Our Year 7 students were also involved in a separate two-day program developed in partnership with the Melbourne Institute of Technology, where they explored how to use AI to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. Guest speakers included Mark Hamill from Amazon, Natalie Kyriacou (OAM) from Green World and our very own Redlands Year 11 student, Liam Petersen.

On Tuesday 7 May, 35 Year 9 students had the opportunity to extend themselves by participating in “Climate Fresk” – an interactive and collaborative activity where students use their critical thinking and problem solving skills to delve into the science behind climate change.

Last Wednesday 15 May, select students from across Years 7-11 competed in the da Vinci Decathlon – an academic competition for schools across NSW where students compete in teams of eight, tackling challenging activities in disciplines such as Engineering, Mathematics, Art/Poetry, Science, Codebreaking and English. I am pleased to report that Redlands’ Year 11 team finished 3^rd overall (2^nd in Codebreaking, 2^nd in Ideation, 3^rd in Cartography) while our Year 9 team finished 3^rd in the Science category and our Year 8 team finished 2^nd in both the English and Art/Poetry categories.

At Redlands our high potential learning program is founded on high quality learning opportunities both within and beyond the classroom and utilises both an inclusive and targeted approach to stretch students’ learning. Our approach has been developed in consultation with academics from the University of New South Wales Gifted Education Research, Resource and Information Centre (GERRIC), ensuring we incorporate a best practice approach.

During the staff professional learning day at the beginning of this term, one of these professors from UNSW GERRIC, Dr Marie McGregor, delivered a keynote session to all Secondary School teachers on research-based strategies for differentiation in a mixed-ability classroom and provided staff with training in the foundational principles of inclusive differentiation to incorporate a ‘low floor and high ceiling’ approach.

These are just some of the ways that we are supporting and challenging our students to achieve personal excellence by extending them academically and I look forward to sharing more in the future.

Mr Sean Corcoran

Photo Caption: Our Days of AI saw both our Junior and Secondary Schools take part in interactive and innovative learning projects, focusing on Artificial Intelligence. 

Foundation

Tribute to all our Donors and Volunteers

Redlands has a long history of a community generously giving to the School in many different ways.

We value contributions made by all members of our vibrant community – current and past parents, and Alumni – contributing their time and serving in various groups.

Throughout our history, significant developments of our campuses have been undertaken so our children can enjoy studying in inspiring learning and teaching spaces, including some of the more recent developments:

• Acquisition, refurbishment and restructuring of the Junior Campus
• Development of the Science block on Senior Campus
• the Redlands Leaning Hub on the Senior Campus
• Acquisition of land by Parents & Friends Association to develop High Country Campus

We greatly appreciate everyone’s contribution, large or small and ongoing support of Redlands. Acknowledgment of all our donors in 2023 is included in this report.

View 2023 Annual Report

Redlands Learning Hub – Four Years since Opening

This week we are acknowledging four years since the Redlands Learning Hub was opened to our students who came back on campus after the first Covid lockdown in May 2020. School Captains at the time, James Reid and Isabel Simpson, welcomed students to these new, state-of-the-art learning and teaching spaces.

This five level building, a home to the core subjects of Visual Art, Innovative Design, English, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Visual Arts, Innovative Design, with a Sustainability Garden on the roof top, has transformed the learning and teaching on Senior Campus.

These large, open and flexible spaces have been very much appreciated by our students, staff and also guests who attend our various community events.

We are grateful for the support from our community for this development. Independent schools fund their developments from savings, loans and donations. If you wish to join us and contribute this year towards the High Country Campus Appeal or Scholarship Appeal, please contact me directly or visit our website HERE.

High Country Campus Tours

Please see invitation poster below at the end of this article.

Redlanders Volunteer at University and Careers Support Program

Our Year 11 & 12 students are fortunate to have the opportunity to opt in to hear from a number of Redlanders over the course of a year as part of a University and Careers support program.

Dr Shannon Hayne RL 2008

We were thrilled to hear from Dr Shannon Hayne, RL 2008, who recently reached out wanting to ‘give back’ to Redlands to support current students. During her time at Redlands, Shannon was Dux of IB (shared), a Prefect and received Full Colours for Water Polo and Concert Band.

Today, Shannon is an Emergency Medicine Registrar and serves as a member of the Care Flight team. She shared her incredible knowledge and relevant experience with our Year 11 and 12 Students who are interested in learning more about pathways into Medicine.

Shannon’s unique understanding of the variety of university and career entry (and exit) points was exhaustive and incredibly helpful, engaging students in a Q&A.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our amazing Redlander volunteers, including Industry Day business partners, guest judges and performers, to our dedicated Alumni Association Committee Members and so many more. Your commitment and passion make a world of difference to our Redlands Community.

Alumnae Parents reflect on their Volunteering at Redlands

We were privileged to reflect on our long history with our Platinum Luncheon guests. In this photo taken at last week, there is a group of past parents, including a former Head of the Mother’s Canteen, a former President of the Redlands Association (now Parents and Friends), and a Former President of the Redlanders Alumni Association and others who worked long hours to ensure successful Spring Fairs, Musicals and Plays, and a thriving school community.

Special acknowledgement to Marguerite Gillezeau Redlands Archivist for preparing a wonderful story about Service at Redlands

The Coeducational Era, 1978 to present

The School was incorporated as SCEGGS Redlands Ltd in 1976 (later SCECGS Redlands Ltd), with former parents John Lang, John Roberts and Bruce Adams acting as the first trustees and board members. The Board, staff, students and parents worked together to ensure the success of Redlands’ move to coeducation in 1978. By 1980, every Year Group in the Secondary School from Years 7 to 11 had a dedicated Charity for which they raised funds, including the Guide Dogs and Greenpeace, while Year 12 raised money for the school facilities. The Mothers’ Canteen ran the Spring Fair in 1980 and 1981, raising money for A/V equipment for the library and science equipment.

Since the 1980s and the ‘modern’ era of Redlands, staff, parents and students have worked in service for the School, fundraising for charitable causes. Service is embedded in the School’s fabric and a glance at the annual prize list is a testimony to this, with prizes including the Wark Prize for Service, awarded to a student in every Year Group from Year 7 to 12 since 1983. The President’s Prize has been awarded to the ‘quiet’ achiever among the student body since 1987 and the Isobel A Humphery Prize for Leadership for the most outstanding Secondary School leader was first endowed in 1988 in honour of former Headmistress Mrs Humphery. She was awarded an OA for her work in service to war widows and dependents after she left Redlands, until her death in 1988. In the Junior School, there are citizenship prizes awarded in each Year Group. For many years there have been dedicated staff running the Service program, with Service Captains in the Secondary School and Environment Captains in both the Secondary and Junior Schools with many service programs and events. Every student has been expected to complete a certain number of hours of service that over the years have included Duke of Edinburgh Award, excursions to Cambodia and Arnhem Land among many other programs that change and evolve each year.

In the past three decades, fundraising, donations and volunteering has resulted in the gift of the land for High Country Campus by the RPFA in 1990, followed by the donation of buildings and working bees at High Country Campus to make it operational in time for its opening in 1996. Gifts continue to be given towards building works, school equipment and scholarships, fundraising through the Gala Ball, Melbourne Cup, Spring Fair, as well as the hours given by the volunteer parents who run the many Friends of Groups for every activity from Netball to Debating. The students too are encouraged to engage in social causes and lead meetings and assemblies, discussing opportunities to see Service as a vital part of school life.

High Country Campus Tours

Mrs Dana Casimaty
Director of Development
dcasimaty@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9858

Redlands Parents and Friends

Festival of Redlands – Shining a Light on 140 years – Saturday 19 October

Planning is well under way for this first-of-its-kind event for our community to celebrate 140 years of Redlands. Set in the grounds of the Junior School, this event will include games, sports, arts, drama, music, and refreshments and will also showcase our High Country Campus.

To bring this epic occasion to life, we are calling on as many in our school community as possible to volunteer. Contact us if you would like to find out more and the RPFA will be in touch soon!

Birthday Trivia: 1911: Miss GA (Amy) Roseby and her sisters buy the School, which is now named Redlands.

Shining a light On…Friends of Groups

Parents, friends, and the community play an important role at Redlands in enriching student experience.

Operating as sub-committees of the RPFA, Friends of Groups (FoG) support the educational, cultural and sporting activities undertaken across the school. While every FoG has slightly different priorities based on what is needed, their purpose is to build a strong and positive sense of school community within their activity, and support the School’s strategic goals. This generally includes:

1. Building a community around the activity through forming a supportive network that welcomes new members via activities such as:

• Welcome events – morning tea, sausage sizzle etc, especially for Year 7 and new students to the Activity.
• Information events – an initial meeting to discuss the activity or season.
• Walkthroughs of the facilities – such as the Rowing sheds, Macquarie Uni Canteen, Theatre or Auditorium.
• Encouraging people to actively contribute to the FoG Committee and activities

2. Supporting the Activity:

o Encouraging energetic and respectful support (of all participants) at events and matches. Supporting the School’s guidelines and rules in relation to attending, spectator location, social distancing etc.

• Organising after match functions, social activities and the Annual Celebration.
• Acting as a Team Coordinator to assist with logistics and co-ordination of the activity.
• Prepare Activity Handbook – in conjunction with School Administrator.
• Sign On sheet, Timekeeping or Scoring
• Assistant Refereeing or Marshalling
• Making uniforms, costumes, props or scenery

 Current FoGs include:

Stay tuned for next week’s interview with the incoming Head of FoGs, Monika Crennan, to find out more about the valuable role FoGs play!

Redlands Community Concert

It is again time for our popular Redlands students community concert! Calling young musicians from all Year Groups to join. In the past we performed dances, singing, piano and strings for the residents in local retirement villages, receiving heartfelt applauses and appreciations.

• Date: Sunday 16 June 2024 1:00-2:30pm
• Venue: Bupa Aged Care, 18-20 Bardwell Road, Mosman
• Contact: Bing Lin 0422 245 505

This venue has an organ (same keyboard as a piano) that pianists can play.

Expression of interest closes on 26 May. There has been lots of interest this time, consequently we might have to scale back on the number of performances depending on the total length of the program. For instrument players there is an expectation for certain level of competence.

If your children are interested in participating, please join the WhatsApp group.

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. We have planned all the walks for the term so mark your calendars:

• Wed 29 May: Watsons Bay to Dover Heights. Meet at the Watsons Bay Hotel. ????

Any questions, please contact Ann Marie on 0406 691 533.

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, including annual attendance at the Sydney Writer’s festival in May. If you would like to join Book Club, or simply want to know more, please contact Monica or Sabiha.

A number of Book Club members will be attending the Sydney Writers Festival this month. If anyone is interested in joining in, they can contact Monica or Sabiha (see details above) to find out more.

We are delighted to share the next four books and meeting date:

1. Hello Beautiful by Anna Napolitano – next meeting Thur 13th June at 7:00pm
2. The Women by Kristin Hannah
3. The Other Side of Beautiful by Kim Lock
4. Safe Haven by Shankari Chandran

Behind the Scenes with the RPFA: Meet your Class Parents

A wonderful group of volunteers, Class Parents are in place from Redlands House all the way up to Yr 12. Their efforts in welcoming new parents, organising teacher celebrations and facilitating class social events go a long way in maintaining the connected and engaged school community we enjoy here at Redlands.

Check back here each week to meet 2024 Class Parents and discover how you can get involved!

CP Five

Taking a breather this week. Calling for volunteers to share their story and help other parents get to know the beautiful volunteer faces they can turn to for help!

The Week in Pictures

???? Gold Star photo goes to the Yr 7 Mums who gathered for coffee at JP Forrest’s place last week. Who needs cafes when you have views like this?!

The Redlands Junior School Parents Tennis Day at the Neutral Bay Club. It was another glorious sunny day to be on the court and lots of fun with parents participating in a number of beginner and intermediate clinics and a Round Robin competition. Jenny Harris (Year 1 and Year 3) won the lucky door prize and received a Private Tennis Lesson, Andrew Weston (RHS) won the Round Robin competition taking home the trophy and a brand new Babolat Tennis racquet, Jen Cadman (RHS, Year 3 and Year 6) and Liberty McKinlay (Kindy and Year 4) were the runner ups and received a Private Tennis Lesson each and Jean Amos (Year 4) won the Coaches Choice award and received a tube of tennis balls.

We are looking forward to hosting the Senior School Parents Tennis Day on Wednesday May 29. See above for waitlist details.

Do you have pictures of parent / family get-togethers 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: Monika Crennan, Michelle McDonald, Lisa Middlebrook, Karen Nicholson, Emma Okhovat, Sophia Stewart-Kasimba 

Contact us!

Head of Secondary School

Learning and Community

We’re in a dedicated learning and community phase on the Senior Campus with lots of assessments, field trips, cohort and cocurricular events and fund-raising initiatives. Opportunities for our students to lean into self-management and organisational experiences which assessment blocks provide for them means they are seldom comfortable, often feeling stretched and needing to be resilient – this is where the learning (about self) happens. Students can access support for study via their Tutor, at the Roseby Library after school, and in their subject classes where teachers explicitly teach students how to prepare, prioritise and navigate competing demands. Our Year 10 students have managed their examination block maturely and with perspective – it’s been nice to see them step into a more senior space which they have occupied responsibly and diligently this week. Our Year 12s, who have successfully navigated another assessment block took some time out of their day today to celebrate with ice-cream, welcoming back the Geographers from their recent field trip, and readying themselves for a week of community building on the Senior Campus with Greenlands Week, Reconciliation Week and Festival on the Fahl.

Next week Year 9 engage in leadership development through our partner Burn Bright, Year 10 engage in Career Interviews, Year 7 & 8 have a Stage Assembly to celebrate Reconciliation Week, Year 11 & 12 engage in Healthy Relationships Workshops, Year 10 students and parents attend the Stage 6 Pathway Information Evening, the Festival on the Fahl takes place on Thursday afternoon and we welcome Year 6 parents to the Senior Campus for a transition information session. It’s all happening!

Shakespeare Carnival

Congratulations to the following students, Betti Butcher, Remie Gibbs, Millie Winton and Freya Kittle who won first place in the Physical Theatre Category at the Regional Finals of The Shakespeare Carnival on Tuesday 21 May.   Thank you to Mr Lincoln Gidney for his hard work preparing the students and for accompanying them on the night. They now have the opportunity to represent Redlands at the State Final held at the Seymour Centre on the 1^st and 2^nd of June.

World Bee Day

On Monday, Redlands celebrated World Bee Day by conducting our first honey harvest from our very own beehives. Students from the Junior and Senior Campus were in attendance to learn more about bees and their impact on the environment. The students actively participated in the harvest by assisted to scrape the beeswax off the honey frames and spinning the frames within the honey extractor. All students in attendance also had the opportunity to pour their very own jar of Redlands honey. 

Year 9 Moonbah Program

Our current Year 8 student and parents are invited to the Year 9 Moonbah Information Evening held in week 6 on Tuesday 4^th June.  A Moonbah Program Information Evening is also being held for Year 7 students and parents in Term 3. Year 7 parents are asked to save the date for Monday 5 August.

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

Year 12

Key Dates

• 29 May Student Presentation: Healthy Relationships & Sexuality Program
• 3 June SS Cocurricular Photos
• 3 June Student Presentation: Drugs and Alcohol Awareness
• 5 June Year Group Photos
• 20 & 21 June Senior Music Festival 
• 25 June SS Athletics Carnival
• 28 June Yr 12 Formal
• 28 June Last Day of Term 2
• 23 July First Day of Term 3
• 26 July Gala Arts
• 5-16 August YR 12 HSC & IB Trials
• 26-30 August Yr 12 Final Orals & Yr 3-12 HSC Visual Arts Exhibition
• 16-20 September IB Visual Arts Exhibition
• 25 September Valedictory
• 26 September Last Day of Term 3
• 14 October First Day of Term 4
• 16 October – 8 November Yr 12 HSC Exams
• 21 October – 11 November Yr 12 IB Exams 

Tomorrow Woman

This week, the Yr 12 cohort, identifying as she/her, participated in a two-hour workshop run by leaders from Tomorrow Woman, building on their first workshop with the program in the end of Yr 10.

On Tuesday, students started to explore Herstory by outlining the key events that have impacted women’s rights in the last century and recognising how far we still need to go as a society. Students identified current expectations on women, then reflected back on the timeline of a woman’s right to vote, access to contraception, right to education, choice in marriage, expectations of heterosexual marriages and holding a job while married and the right to drive. Students were then encouraged to create their own timeline with an emphasis on key moments and people who have impacted their life and helped shape who they have become today.

Guiding students to ask curiosity questions to engage one another in conversation instead of judgment is also a key value of Tomorrow Woman as they support young individuals to seek to understand others to build empathy, support and connection. Providing our students with opportunities to build this type of space is essential for our young adults to make a positive change for their future. As each student is the creator of their own space, they are in charge of how they make others feel and how they feel around others.

Our he/him cohort will have a chance to engage in a similar workshop later this year. 

Healthy Relationships and Sexuality Program

Next Wednesday, students will be participating in the Sexual Health, The Media & Consent workshop, hosted by In Your Skin and Dr. Tessa Opie, where a similar space of support and connection will be essential for the content discussed and presented. Please see some resources for parents to support continued conversation around the same topics at home.

• Communication & Relationships: Romance Relationships (Raising Children Network) 
• Sex, Consent & Teenagers (ReachOut Parents) 
• Special Report: A conversation on consent (Schools TV) 

HSC and IB Holiday Workshops

Please find attached the schedule for the Year 12 HSC and IB Holiday Workshops and links for registration.

In Week 1, workshops will be delivered by Redlands teachers and do not require registration. Some of the IB workshops delivered by the Oxford Study Courses group are full but you can contact them at osc@oxfordstudycourse.com to register your interest in a full course and have your name added to a wait list. If there is sufficient interest, another workshop may be opened.

Year 12 HSC and IB Holiday Workshops July 2024 

Yr 12 Formal

Please note, all students and parents received information last Friday regarding the Year 12 Formal. Please ensure the tickets are purchased and students register their attendance and table choice through the link provided in the letter. The letter can be found here on Pulse.

Sport Celebrations

Congratulations to the following students for their incredible determination in their Sport and being invited to compete in the fourth round of ISA this week.

• Jess Van Extel for CIS Open Hockey Championships
• Eva Osborn and Alex Tanner for CIS Girls Open, U16 Basketball Championships  
• Jasmine Black for ISA Girls Football Trials
• Liam McFarlane for ISA Boys Football Trials

Balmoral Burn Teams Relay Humpty Dumpty Fundraiser

On Sunday, Redlands has seven incredible teams competing in the Balmoral Burn Teams Relay, a thrilling race that challenges participants to run 420m up Awaba Street. This exciting event supports the Humpty Dumpty Foundation’s mission to provide essential medical equipment to children in need.

Our teams need the support of the Redlands community to make a real difference! Every dollar you donate goes directly to helping sick kids receive the care they deserve. Your generosity can have a profound impact on their lives.

Click the link below to make a donation and support the Redlands Balmoral Burn Teams Relay Fundraiser: Donate Here.

Also coming up tomorrow, is the Year 11 Balmoral Burn Bake Sale at lunchtime. Students are reminded to bring cash or card along, to buy baked goods with all proceeds going towards the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.

Together, we can climb any hill and overcome any obstacle.

Best of luck to Yr 12 runners Freddie Yates, Isaac Brooks, Hamish Campbell, Conor Petersen and Eva Osborn.

Ice Cream Social

Thank you to our incredible Spirit Committee and fantastic ice cream scooper volunteers, assisting in pulling together ways we can celebrate the hard work of the cohort and keep everyone motivated through the finish line!  

Spirit Committee: Summer-Eve Smyth, Isla Dawson-Damer, Indi Hindmarsh, Isla Wickham, Hannah Garde, Madeleine Lamport, Hannah Jones-Way, Sarah McLaren, Mikaela Hunter

Geography Excursion

This week, Yr 12 students participated in a Geography excursion to Port Stevens and the Hunter Valley as part of their senior studies. We explored the changing dynamics of Stockton Sand Dunes and how this is an ecosystem at risk. We then investigated the economic activity of Tamburlaine, an organic winery in Pokolbin. It was a fantastic excursion to experience our wider geographical area.

Secondary School Photo Dates

3 June

• Art, Dance, Music, Theatre Groups

• Portrait Photos (outstanding students)

5 June 

• Year Group
• Debating and Public Speaking Groups

12 June 

• Music Groups

Year Group Photo Schedule

Year 7 to 12 students will present to the Fahl Garden to have their Year Group photo taken as per the schedule below. In the event of wet weather, an alternate date of 18 June has been set.

• 8.20am: Year 7
• 9.15am: Year 9
• 10.10am: Year 12
• 11.05am: Year 11
• 12.00pm Year 8
• 1.35pm: Year 10

All students are required to be wearing their full school uniform, including blazers and ties for boys (ties optional for girls). Boys must be clean shaven with hair that has been cut so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Hair touching the collar is to be styled and tied-up neatly so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Hair is to be tied back with navy or hair-coloured accessories. No hair dye, mullet style haircuts, make-up or nail polish is permitted. No jewellery is to be worn other than one pair of plain gold or silver studs in ear lobes.

Ms Alissa Ynson
Yr 12 Advisor
aynson@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9865   

Year 11

Mock Trial

This Tuesday 21 May, the Redlands Mock Trial team competed against James Ruse Agricultural High School, as the Defence team in a criminal trial. 

This round, the team consisted of 1st Barrister Caitlin Mitchell, 2nd Barrister Hiro Phillips, Solicitor Eleanor Blankenstein, Court Officer Kosta Mangos, 1st Witness Andrew Macourt and 2nd Witness Emma Wong. We were also assisted by Ruby McDonald, Sophie Yu, Lauren Dower, and our coach Ms Zaferis.

During our training sessions, we worked collaboratively to form a consistent and logical argument to prove that our defendant, Andrew, should not be found guilty of assaulting someone in a McDonald’s drive-through. We mapped out the various possibilities that could have been brought up in the mock court today and prepared for court room procedures such as examination in chief, cross examination, and submitting opening and closing statements. We were able to secure a verdict of not guilty and keep Andrew out of jail, but unfortunately, we were just shy of winning the overall trial, with very high scores of 284-265 to James Ruse. Overall, both teams were commended for their efforts by the magistrate who stated it was one of the best mock trials he had witnessed in 10 years!

We will continue to improve on our mock trial skills based on the magistrate’s feedback, such as using the new legal vernacular we heard today and practising formal court etiquette to secure a win next time.

Emma Wong and Andrew Macourt.

Sport For Jove Interschools Shakespeare Carnival Regional Finals

On Tuesday night four Year 11 students – Bettina Butcher, Remie Gibbs, Freya Kittle and Millie Winton – journeyed to the Lindfield Learning Village to compete in the Sport For Jove Interschools Shakespeare Carnival Regional Finals. The team represented the school with great maturity and put on a fantastic performance for the crowd, consisting of diverse contingents from Abbotsleigh, St Vincent’s College, Trinity Grammar, Lindfield Learning Village and Pymble Ladies College.

The team begun this process mid-way through Term 1, generously volunteering to be a part of the new Performing Arts Club. After looking at the requirements and categories for the competition, they took up the challenge and elected to create a work for the Physical Theatre category. This is one of the most difficult categories for submission (among others such as duologue, ensemble scene etc.) as instead of just learning and delivering a pre-written scene, the team had to synthesise their understanding of a Shakespearean text into a completely original, group devised physical theatre work. Doubling down on the challenge, they decided early on that they’d rather grapple with a text that was not taught in the curriculum, and hence narrowed their focus onto Julius Caesar as their source of inspiration.

Despite the immense challenges laid before them, the group worked diligently with the support of Mr Gidney in lunchtimes and after school (and even coming in for a workshop in the holidays) to devise their piece. The process started in abstraction, allowing ideas and moments to flow free-form without prejudice or criticality, before quickly refining this wide repertoire of content into a cogent piece in a matter of a few short weeks. This organic devising methodology was new and intriguing to all the students and will pay significant dividends when they approach their Group Performances in HSC Drama and IB Theatre next year.

On the night, the team were ‘first cabs off the rank’ so to speak, and delivered their performance with poise and commitment, despite the nerves that come along with setting the standard for a performance competition. They blew the crowd away, with the judges and host describing the performance as “delicate” and “incredibly sophisticated”. Despite some tough opposition in the category from a numerous and energetic group from St Vincent’s College, Redlands emerged victorious – being selected to perform in the State Finals at the Seymour Centre on 2 June.

This is an incredible feat by the team, and they are excited to represent Redlands in this fierce competition against a wide range of schools that have progressed from several Regional Finals from across the state. We extend a huge congratulations to the team for their efforts and deserved success thus far, and wish them all the best for the finals. Tickets are available via the Seymour Centre website if you would like to come and support the team in the final.

Lincoln Gidney (Drama and Theatre Teacher)

Balmoral Burn Teams Relay Humpty Dumpty Fundraiser

On Sunday, Redlands has seven incredible teams competing in the Balmoral Burn Teams Relay, a thrilling race that challenges participants to run 420m up Awaba Street. This exciting event supports the Humpty Dumpty Foundation’s mission to provide essential medical equipment to children in need.

Our teams need the support of the Redlands community to make a real difference! Every dollar you donate goes directly to helping sick kids receive the care they deserve. Your generosity can have a profound impact on their lives.

Click the link below to make a donation and support the Redlands Balmoral Burn Teams Relay Fundraiser: Donate Here.

Also coming up tomorrow, is the Year 11 Balmoral Burn Bake Sale at lunchtime. Students are reminded to bring cash or card along, to buy baked goods with all proceeds going towards the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.

Together, we can climb any hill and overcome any obstacle.

Secondary School Photo Dates

3 June

• Art, Dance, Music, Theatre Groups

• Portrait Photos (outstanding students)

5 June 

• Year Group
• Debating and Public Speaking Groups

12 June 

• Music Groups

Year Group Photo Schedule

Year 7 to 12 students will present to the Fahl Garden to have their Year Group photo taken as per the schedule below. In the event of wet weather, an alternate date of 18 June has been set.

• 8.20am: Year 7
• 9.15am: Year 9
• 10.10am: Year 12
• 11.05am: Year 11
• 12.00pm Year 8
• 1.35pm: Year 10

All students are required to be wearing their full school uniform, including blazers and ties for boys (ties optional for girls). Boys must be clean shaven with hair that has been cut so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Hair touching the collar is to be styled and tied-up neatly so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Hair is to be tied back with navy or hair-coloured accessories. No hair dye, mullet style haircuts, make-up or nail polish is permitted. No jewellery is to be worn other than one pair of plain gold or silver studs in ear lobes.

Ms Lisa Vale
Yr 11 Advisor
9968 9837
lvale@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Year 10

Year 10 Half-Yearly Examinations

Yr 10 have approached their Half-Yearly Examination block with maturity and confidence. They have studied hard, attended exams with a positive mindset, and stepped into this developing senior space with courage and responsibility. As we head into the end of this period, students are reminded to engage in self-care this weekend – take a walk with family, get outside and catch up on sleep!

Balmoral Burn Teams Relay Humpty Dumpty Fundraiser 

On Sunday, Redlands has 7 incredible teams competing in the Balmoral Burn Teams Relay, a thrilling race that challenges participants to run 420m up Awaba Street. This exciting event supports the Humpty Dumpty Foundation’s mission to provide essential medical equipment to children in need.

Our teams need the support of the Redlands community to make a real difference! Every dollar you donate goes directly to helping sick kids receive the care they deserve. Your generosity can have a profound impact on their lives.

Click the link below to make a donation and support the Redlands Balmoral Burn Teams Relay Fundraiser: Donate Here. 

  Also coming up tomorrow, is the Year 11 Balmoral Burn Bakesale at lunch time. Students are reminded to bring cash or card along, to buy baked goods with all proceeds going towards the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. 

Together, we can climb any hill and overcome any obstacle. 

Secondary School Photo Dates

3 June

• Art, Dance, Music, Theatre Groups

• Portrait Photos (outstanding students)

5 June 

• Year Group
• Debating and Public Speaking Groups

12 June 

• Music Groups

Year Group Photo Schedule

Year 7 to 12 students will present to the Fahl Garden to have their Year Group photo taken as per the schedule below. In the event of wet weather, an alternate date of 18 June has been set.

• 8.20am: Year 7
• 9.15am: Year 9
• 10.10am: Year 12
• 11.05am: Year 11
• 12.00pm Year 8
• 1.35pm: Year 10

All students are required to be wearing their full school uniform, including blazers and ties for boys (ties optional for girls). Boys must be clean shaven with hair that has been cut so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Hair touching the collar is to be styled and tied-up neatly so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Hair is to be tied back with navy or hair-coloured accessories. No hair dye, mullet style haircuts, make-up or nail polish is permitted. No jewellery is to be worn other than one pair of plain gold or silver studs in ear lobes.

Mrs Lucienne Willis
Yr 10 Advisor
lwillis@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Year 9

Model United Nations Evatt Competition

Over the last four months a team of Year 9, 10 and 11 students have been learning how to take part in Model United Nations (MUN) competitions. This competition engages high school students across Australia in world affairs and issues through debating mock Security Council resolutions from the position of an assigned country. These are a highly regarded set of domestic and international competitions. 

On Saturday, these teams took part in preliminary round of The Evatt Competition, run by UN Youth Australia.  

Year 9 students Andy Guan and Daniel Bond went to UTS to argue as representatives of Switzerland on the question of Martine Asylum Seekers in the United Kingdom.  

Well done to both students and we are looking forward to seeing the results at the end of the preliminary round. 

Student Entrepreneur

Congratulations to Year 9 student Josh Dubowsky who recently entered and won the Sprig Tank competition hosted by money app business, Spriggy. Josh presented his idea on a day-trading platform for youths which impressed the judges who are also providing assistance to help him get his idea off the ground. 

Balmoral Burn Teams Relay Humpty Dumpty Fundraiser 

On Sunday, Redlands has 7 incredible teams competing in the Balmoral Burn Teams Relay, a thrilling race that challenges participants to run 420m up Awaba Street. This exciting event supports the Humpty Dumpty Foundation’s mission to provide essential medical equipment to children in need.

Our teams need the support of the Redlands community to make a real difference! Every dollar you donate goes directly to helping sick kids receive the care they deserve. Your generosity can have a profound impact on their lives.

Click the link below to make a donation and support the Redlands Balmoral Burn Teams Relay Fundraiser: Donate Here. 

  Also coming up tomorrow, is the Year 11 Balmoral Burn Bakesale at lunch time. Students are reminded to bring cash or card along, to buy baked goods with all proceeds going towards the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. 

Together, we can climb any hill and overcome any obstacle. 

Burn Bright

Next Monday (27/5) the team from Burn Bright will be working with our Year 9 students on their ‘Ignite’ and ‘Spark’ leadership and wellbeing programs. A brief outline of the programs are available here if you are interested. 

Secondary School Photo Dates

3 June

• Art, Dance, Music, Theatre Groups

• Portrait Photos (outstanding students)

5 June 

• Year Group
• Debating and Public Speaking Groups

12 June 

• Music Groups

Year Group Photo Schedule

Year 7 to 12 students will present to the Fahl Garden to have their Year Group photo taken as per the schedule below. In the event of wet weather, an alternate date of 18 June has been set.

• 8.20am: Year 7
• 9.15am: Year 9
• 10.10am: Year 12
• 11.05am: Year 11
• 12.00pm Year 8
• 1.35pm: Year 10

All students are required to be wearing their full school uniform, including blazers and ties for boys (ties optional for girls). Boys must be clean shaven with hair that has been cut so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Hair touching the collar is to be styled and tied-up neatly so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Hair is to be tied back with navy or hair-coloured accessories. No hair dye, mullet style haircuts, make-up or nail polish is permitted. No jewellery is to be worn other than one pair of plain gold or silver studs in ear lobes.

Mr Tobias Horan
Yr 9 Advisor
9968 9872
thoran@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Year 8

Week 4 – Business as Usual

It has been a quiet week for Year 8 with a focus on assessments (Art and English), sport training and strong efforts to stay warm on some frosty mornings!

Meanwhile, 471km away at our Moonbah pilot program on the High Country Campus, students have been enjoying the beautiful outdoors, engaging in mindfulness, learning how to knit and partaking in an array of fun, active based learning scenarios. They have had to deal with some truly frosty mornings, but this has not dampened their spirits, and all reports point to an amazing week being had by all. We look forward to hearing reports from the students in our Year Assembly next Monday.

Moonbah Parent Information Evening:

On Tuesday 4 June, parents will have the opportunity to discover more of the Moonbah program for 2025. The event will be held in Redlands Hall from 6:00pm-7:00pm.

Full information is available on Pulse.

Balmoral Burn Teams Relay Humpty Dumpty Fundraiser:

On Sunday, Redlands has seven incredible teams competing in the Balmoral Burn Teams Relay, a thrilling race that challenges participants to run 420m up Awaba Street. This exciting event supports the Humpty Dumpty Foundation’s mission to provide essential medical equipment to children in need. Our teams need the support of the Redlands community to make a real difference! Every dollar you donate goes directly to helping sick kids receive the care they deserve. Your generosity can have a profound impact on their lives.

Please click the link below if you are interesting in making a donation to support the Redlands Balmoral Burn Teams Relay Fundraiser: Donate Here.

Also coming up tomorrow, is the Year 11 Balmoral Burn Bakesale at lunch time. Students are reminded to bring cash or card along, to buy baked goods with all proceeds going towards the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. Together, we can climb any hill and overcome any obstacle.

Secondary School Photo Dates

3 June

• Art, Dance, Music, Theatre Groups

• Portrait Photos (outstanding students)

5 June 

• Year Group
• Debating and Public Speaking Groups

12 June 

• Music Groups

Year Group Photo Schedule

Year 7 to 12 students will present to the Fahl Garden to have their Year Group photo taken as per the schedule below. In the event of wet weather, an alternate date of 18 June has been set.

• 8.20am: Year 7
• 9.15am: Year 9
• 10.10am: Year 12
• 11.05am: Year 11
• 12.00pm Year 8
• 1.35pm: Year 10

All students are required to be wearing their full school uniform, including blazers and ties for boys (ties optional for girls). Boys must be clean shaven with hair that has been cut so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Hair touching the collar is to be styled and tied-up neatly so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Hair is to be tied back with navy or hair-coloured accessories. No hair dye, mullet style haircuts, make-up or nail polish is permitted. No jewellery is to be worn other than one pair of plain gold or silver studs in ear lobes.

Term 2 Key Dates and Upcoming Events:

• Festival in the Fahl – Week 5: Thursday 30 May
• Redlands Heritage Week – Week 6: Monday 3 June
• Year 8 Moonbah Parent & Student Information session – Week 6: Tuesday 4 June
• Year Group Photos – Week 6: Wednesday 5 June
• SS Athletics Carnival – Week 9: Tuesday 25 June
• Police Liaison Officer task (cyber safety and social media) – Week 9: Thursday 27 June
• End of Term 2 – Week 9: Friday 28 June

Mr Jimmy Tod-Hill
Year 8 Advisor
jtodhill@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6462

Year 7

In our assembly this week, we praised our students for their continued positive work ethic and engagement in lessons. We have had some fantastic comments from teachers about how Yr 7 students are stepping up within the Secondary School and demonstrating maturity towards their learning.

Assessment Feedback

Over the next few weeks, students will start to receive feedback on their assessment tasks. In assembly we went through some advice about how to take on board teacher feedback in a constructive and positive way.

• Remember, You Are More Than Just a Number: Your grade does not define you. It doesn’t measure your kindness, your love for singing, your incredible teamwork skills, your confidence in taking on new tasks, your participation, or your thoughtfulness.
• Grades Reflect a Moment, Not Your Entire Ability: The result you received tells you how you did on that particular day. It is not a complete measure of your overall academic ability or potential.
• Education Is a Journey: Learning is a continuous process. No one will consistently achieve full marks, and that’s okay. Striving for perfection can actually hinder growth and learning.
• Read and Reflect on Feedback: Feedback is meant to be constructive. Carefully read through the comments and advice from your teachers. This will help you understand your strengths and areas for improvement.
• Respect Your Teachers’ Expertise: Sometimes you might not agree with the feedback. Remember, your teachers are highly educated and know their subject well. They are happy to discuss the mark, but they will not change marks just because you ask for it. This approach won’t benefit anyone.
• Communicate Directly with Teachers: If you need more feedback or have questions about your results, this is your chance to politely ask your teacher yourself. This shows maturity and helps build your own communication skills.
• Celebrate Your Efforts and Achievements: Recognise the hard work you put into your studies, regardless of the grade. Celebrate your efforts and the progress you are making. Every step forward is a step towards your goals.
• Run Your Own Race: Focus on your own progress and development rather than comparing yourself to others. Everyone learns at their own pace, and it’s important to concentrate on your personal journey and goals.

Heritage Week

We have been having lots of fun preparing for our upcoming Heritage Week Assembly to celebrate our 140th year as Redlands School. We have spent this week recreating photos from our history, here are some that we have taken so far…

This photograph was taken outside the original Redlands House, which was built in 1883. 

This is the earliest photo of the entire school group, consisting of ninety students, that exists in the Redlands Archives. This photograph was taken to commemorate the School’s 20th anniversary. The School moved to Redlands, Military Road in 1899. Classrooms, library and ballroom for recitals were downstairs in Redlands House, whilst boarders were housed upstairs.

The Year 7 cohort far outnumbers the entire student body in 1904.

This photograph was taken outside of the Liggins Building. There are 154 Yr 7 students enrolled at Redlands, significantly more than 1904.

Peter Lennox with Students in the Liggins Quad Nigel Lough Photography 2008.​​

This photograph shows Year 12 students with Principal Peter Lennox standing in the Liggins Quad in 2008, showcasing the newly refurbished science block. The year before this photograph was taken, the Roseby was completely refurbished, and a glass atrium was added to the Science block to provide further overhead cover for students in the Liggins Quad​. 

Yr 7 Students with Principal Sean Corcoran

Girls on court in front of Liggins, 1920s​

The photo on the screen shows girls participating in a tennis lesson on school grounds. Back then the school had tennis courts. You may see the Liggins Building in the background of the photo. That’s because the Tennis courts were in front of the Liggins Building. Also, In 1923 the girls started using the Liggins Building as a boarding house opening on the 9th of May 1923. 

Yr 7 students, 2024 on the Basketball Courts.

If you are interested in knowing more about our School’s heritage, the historic timeline and archives pulse page can give you further insights.

We will share more of our photographs over the next few weeks.

Shout Outs

A huge thank you to Ivy Abineno, Elysia Angus, Annalise Beatty, Alexander Christian-Hare, Jenna Forrest, Ashton Hsiau, Antony Vass, Aryana Mishra Mall, Aimee van der Burg, Mila Lipscomb, Lily Maxwell, Joao Correia Cardoso de Melo Segorbe, Alexander Read, Charlie Benfield, Samuel Parsons, Alexia Tsacalos, Elias Buggy Axton and Arthur Scown who are all assisting with the Heritage Week Assembly preparation.

This week we would also like to shout out the following students for displaying a positive attitude and kindness towards others. We will award these students with a Redlands Rhino award at our next assembly. Azina Garrido Bulnes, Lucinda Henderson, Samantha Halliday, Sam Parsons, Asher Stante and Benjamin Whitney.

Running Club

For any students wanting to improve fitness or join a group join Mr Walker Ms Carroll on Wednesday morning 6.30am in the undercroft. The run involved running to North Sydney Oval then returning back to school at 7.30am giving them plenty of time to get changed. Starting in week 8, Monday Morning athletics will begin at Balmoral Oval. More information about this will be shared soon. This is a great opportunity to burn off any extra energy and meet some like-minded students.

Study Centre

The Roseby Library offers all Redlands Students the opportunity for further study in groups or in quiet zones during our extended after-school opening hours. This study time is primarily self-directed, with the support and supervision of Dr. Alice, a member of our dedicated library team. 

Opening Hours:
3:20pm until 7:00pm, Monday to Thursday (Term time only)

Library Services:
Our library team is in the process of adapting and transforming the Roseby Library to align with the changing needs of our students – and the new Study Centre. 

Currently students will have access to:

• Borrowing and returning
• Local and digital library collections
• Research and referencing support with Dr. Alice
• Occasional support from members of Redlands teaching staff
• Seminar rooms may be pre-allocated for Year 10/11 and for specialized study

Student Responsibilities
Extended access to the library is offered to students who are engaged in group and quiet study activities. 

Study Centre is an opportunity for students to:

• Engage in home-learning activities set by the subject teacher
• Revise prior learning
• Prepare for examinations or assessments
• Explore new ideas and avenues for subject related learning
• Enjoy the dedicated spaces for group and quiet study

It is a condition of entry that students sign in and out of the Study Centre. 

It is also important to respect the learning of other students and maintain the Study Centre for all. The Student Code of Conduct applies during this time – including the limited use of personal technology for socialising or recreation.

Get to know Dr. Alice:
Dr. Alice has attained a Masters of Research and PhD in English Literature, specialising in Modernist fiction and Ecocriticism. She is an experienced HSC English and Society & Culture teacher, with certification in Librarianship. As a passionate educator and researcher, Dr. Alice is well positioned to support students extending their study in the Roseby Library after school. 

Illuminate Program:
Students who would like further engagement with the Illuminate Scholars in the Learning Hub should visit the Illuminate information page for further information, or email illuminate@redlands.com.au with any queries.

Secondary School Photo Dates

3 June

• Art, Dance, Music, Theatre Groups

• Portrait Photos (outstanding students)

5 June 

• Year Group
• Debating and Public Speaking Groups

12 June 

• Music Groups

Year Group Photo Schedule

Year 7 to 12 students will present to the Fahl Garden to have their Year Group photo taken as per the schedule below. In the event of wet weather, an alternate date of 18 June has been set.

• 8.20am: Year 7
• 9.15am: Year 9
• 10.10am: Year 12
• 11.05am: Year 11
• 12.00pm Year 8
• 1.35pm: Year 10

All students are required to be wearing their full school uniform, including blazers and ties for boys (ties optional for girls). Boys must be clean shaven with hair that has been cut so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Hair touching the collar is to be styled and tied-up neatly so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Hair is to be tied back with navy or hair-coloured accessories. No hair dye, mullet style haircuts, make-up or nail polish is permitted. No jewellery is to be worn other than one pair of plain gold or silver studs in ear lobes.

Wellbeing Seminar 

For anyone who missed the ‘Managing your Teen’s stress, anxiety and other big emotions’ seminar…

This seminar covered:

• What to expect and developing your understanding of the normal course of adolescent emotional development  
• Managing emotions by helping your teen express their emotions and helping them regain emotional control 
• Recognising unhealthy emotional expression and responding appropriately  

If you would like access to the resources from this session, please use the  ‘Secondary School Student Wellbeing’ page on Pulse.  

The link to the page is here

Balmoral Burn Teams Relay Humpty Dumpty Fundraiser

On Sunday, Redlands has 7 incredible teams competing in the Balmoral Burn Teams Relay, a thrilling race that challenges participants to run 420m up Awaba Street. This exciting event supports the Humpty Dumpty Foundation’s mission to provide essential medical equipment to children in need.

Our teams need the support of the Redlands community to make a real difference! Every dollar you donate goes directly to helping sick kids receive the care they deserve. Your generosity can have a profound impact on their lives.

Click the link below to make a donation and support the Redlands Balmoral Burn Teams Relay Fundraiser: Donate Here.

Also coming up tomorrow, is the Year 11 Balmoral Burn Bakesale at lunch time. Students are reminded to bring cash or card along, to buy baked goods with all proceeds going towards the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.

Together, we can climb any hill and overcome any obstacle.

Ms Abby Walker
Yr 7 Advisor
9968 9818
awalker@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Head of Junior School

It is good to report a settled week with our students engaged in high quality teaching and learning after the busy first few weeks of term where several exciting activities have already taken place. These include Year 6 and Year 4 Outdoor Education Camps, our Junior Cross Country Carnival (and subsequent HICIS Representative Carnival in Bathurst) and the Junior School hosting a STEM Day with an AI focus for local schools. These activities present excellent opportunities for personal growth and all-round development of our students.

Day of AI Interschool Challenge Event

Last week, Redlands hosted an Interschool Day of AI challenge, a vibrant community learning event that brought together teams of Year 5 and 6 students from Redlands, Neutral Bay Primary, Sacred Heart Mosman, Loreto Kirribili and St Aloysius. Working in mixed teams, the students engaged in hands-on and creative activities to understand how artificial intelligence works and its potential impact on our lives. This event is part of the global Day of AI education movement, designed by MIT and conducted in Australia in cooperation with UNSW, to help children better understand AI’s role in their lives and futures. The challenge focused on using AI to address sustainability and climate change, with students designing AI-powered solutions and creating pitches with both physical and virtual models of their innovative ideas. We are excited to announce that in our upcoming Semester 2 programs, all of our Year 5 and Year 6 students will have an opportunity to engage in learning about what AI is, how it works and the role it plays both now and in the future.

Save the Date Semester 1 Report Information Webinar

We will be holding a webinar on Thursday 13 June to share with parents the small but important changes to our student reports in line with the new curriculum.  This webinar will provide an overview of the updated reporting format, explain how to interpret the updated achievement section, and answer any questions you may have. We believe this session will ensure that all parents are well-informed about the report format updates. Please save the date for this informative event.  Bookings will open Thursday 30 May via a link in Note Day.

• Date: Thursday 13 June
• Time:  6pm
• Format: Webinar

Greenlands Week

During Week 6, Redlands will be celebrating Greenlands Week, a week dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Throughout the week, classes will be part of a ‘Greenest Classroom Challenge’, students will make environmental pledges, alongside a range of events to take place at lunch time, including a waste audit, a swap shop (books/board games only), and a sow and grow.

As part of the Banish recycling program, Redlands will also be taking collections of the following hard-to-recycle items in Week 6:
– Old phones
– Plastic bottle top lids
– Writing utensils (pens/textas/markers)
– Toothpaste tubes/toothbrushes
– Empty makeup containers/tubes
These items can be dropped into the containers at Prep/Junior Receptions in Week 6.

We will also be having a ‘touch of green’ day on Tuesday 4 June, where students can add a small touch of green to their school uniform (eg. green socks, green hair ties/ribbons).

World Bee Day

On Monday, Redlands celebrated World Bee Day with our first honey harvest from the School’s very own beehives, accompanied by beehive talks to educate students on bees’ impact on the environment. Preparatory, Junior, and Secondary students participated in the honey harvest by helping to scrape beeswax off the honey frames and spinning the frames in the honey extractor. All students in attendance also had the chance to pour their very own jar of Redlands honey.

Mr Ian Holden
Head of Junior School
iholden@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022

Head of Preparatory School

27 May 27- 3  June 3  is National Reconciliation Week. This is an important week to stop and reflect on our journey as educators and parents on how we can teach our children about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s history and culture.

Exploring reconciliation in childhood helps children learn about and value Australia’s Indigenous people and their rich culture and history. Reconciliation involves developing our understanding of how these histories continue to shape contemporary Australian society and ensuring that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are always treated with dignity and respect. Reconciliation is often best understood as a journey. The key to this journey of reconciliation is education. It is everyone’s responsibility.

With this in mind, we arrive at this year’s Reconciliation Week theme: Now More Than Ever. These four impactful words summon Australians, urging their dedication to improving outcomes for Indigenous people.

This week, we emphasise the significance of sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture with the children through Literature and Art. Please visit the vibrant display of library books in the Junior and Preparatory school foyers showcasing Indigenous authors and artists will. Please take time to share the books, artwork and examples of the teachers work on display.

Through our work with children, Redlands will continue to inspire and build relationships, respect and trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians, committing to this important educational journey.

“Reconciliation is a decision you take in your heart”.
Ingrid Betancourt

Library News

A message from Mrs Roberts

National Simultaneous Storytime

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 24th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children’s book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

This year NSS took place on Wednesday at 12:00pm. The Book was Bowerbird Blues.  Our Prep learners either read the book online or read the actual book. They also participated in a ‘hunt for the bowerbird’ around the school which was a lot of fun.

In a society that is so busy all the time, it is nice to stop and do something altogether like reading a book!

Premiers Reading Challenge

It is not too late to start the Premier’s Reading Challenge. If your child is in Kindergarten or Year 1, remember your child’s log in detail are in the back of their planner. You have until August to read thirty books…one a night for four weeks! It is not onerous, but rather it should be enjoyable. Any questions, please visit the library. We are happy to help.

World Bee Day

We were very excited to welcome Beekeeper David to the Prep School on Monday to help us celebrate World Bee Day. Our Kindergarten and Year.1 students enjoyed learning about how honey ends up in the jar! They were able to experience how a beekeeper extracts honey from the hive, where wax comes from and even experienced the ‘smoker’ that helped the bees calm down.

A few lucky students even got to wear a beekeeper’s protective suit and helmet. I think the highlight for many was the tasting of the honey at the end, so many students commented on how sweet it was and how different it was to the honey in shops!

Having real life hands on experiences are so very important for our young learners to make authentic connections to their learning. David did comment on how many students said that they and seen beehives on you tube or the TV, this made the real experience so much more rewarding on Monday.

Year 2 Excursion

On Monday 16^th May, Year 2 went on a Sydney Harbour Cruise excursion. We met our tour guides at Circular Quay before we boarded the boat. While we were on the cruise, we saw many special places such as The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. We travelled to Watsons Bay where we had time to complete some fun activities. We went line fishing and we also built animal habitats on the beach. We learnt about how to care for special places. Finally, we got back on the boat and travelled back to the Opera House. We had a group photo on the stairs on the Sydney Opera House. Then we walked back through Circular Quay and the Rocks to head back to the bus. We had an excellent time on our excursion.

By Evelyn and Freya

Mrs Ainslie Breckenridge
Head of Preparatory School
abreckenridge@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848

Redlands House and PreKindergarten

National Reconciliation Week 2024

27 May – 3 June is National Reconciliation Week. This is an important week to stop and reflect on our journey as educators and parents on how we can teach our children about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s history and culture.

Exploring reconciliation in childhood helps children learn about and value Australia’s Indigenous people and their rich culture and history. Reconciliation involves developing our understanding of how these histories continue to shape contemporary Australian society and ensuring that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are treated with dignity and respect at all times. Reconciliation is often best understood as a journey. The key to this journey of reconciliation is education. It is everyone’s responsibility.

With this in mind, we arrive at this year’s Reconciliation Week theme: Now More Than Ever. These four impactful words summon Australians, urging their dedication to improving outcomes for Indigenous people.

This week, we emphasise the significance of sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture with the children through Literature and Art. We will create a vibrant display of library books in the Junior and Preparatory School foyers, showcasing Indigenous authors and artists. Please take time to share the books, art work and examples of the teachers work on display.

Through our work with children, Redlands will continue to inspire and build relationships, respect and trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians, committing to this important educational journey.

“Reconciliation is a decision you take in your heart” – Ingrid Betancourt

Parent Teacher interviews for Seniors

Parent Teacher Interviews for families of Junior students will be held in Week 6, from Monday 3 June to Friday 7 June. Interviews can be booked using this link. Bookings can be made from Monday 27 May at 9am until Friday 31 May at 9am.  If you’re unable to attend these interviews in person, we can arrange for the interview to be conducted via Zoom. Please book in and advise your teacher directly if you would prefer a Zoom interview session.

Mrs Chemane Huon
Redlands House and Transition Coordinator
chuon@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9904 1448

Mrs Ainslie Breckenridge
Head of Preparatory School
abreckenridge@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9848

Secondary Sport

Macquarie University was a wash with Redlands last weekend, with AFL, Rugby and Football all taking place in fantastic scenes. After the previous weeks of deluge, seeing all games take place was fantastic to see!

As we dive deeper into the Winter Season with assessment blocks and exams, I think it highlights the importance of regular, sustained effort over sporadic or occasional actions. This principle is especially relevant in the context of sport commitments particularly for high school students.

For students, when you commit to sport, it’s not just about showing up for the games or practicing intensely right before competition. it’s about daily routines and habits that build your skills, strength and mental toughness over time. Here is why consistency is crucial:

• Skill Development – regularly mastering techniques and strategies help you refine your skills and make you a better player.
• Physical Fitness – consistent training keeps your body in peak condition, helping to build endurance, strength and flexibility, assisting in reducing the risk of injuries.
• Mental Discipline – regular practice instills discipline and a strong work ethic, it teaches you to manage your time effectively and stay focused on your goals.
• Teamwork and Camaraderie – being consistent helps foster better communication and strong bonds with teammates, which can enhance team performance.

By focusing on what you do every day, rather than just occasionally, you build a strong, reliable foundation that leads to success in sport and other areas of life. consistency ensures that progress is steady and sustainable, paving the way for achievements that are both substantial and lasting.

‘Consistency wins because it’s not what you do once in a while that matters, it’s what you do every day’

Allistair McCaw

Redlands Secondary Sports Calendar

• Sunday 26 May – Balmoral Burn Humpty Dumpty Charity Run
• Monday 27 May – Winter Sports Photos 10.10am/ 12.55pm
• Monday 27 May – ISA Football Training Boys and Girls – Valentine Park
• Wednesday 29 May – ISA Cross Country – Sydney International Equestrian Centre
• Saturday 1 June – Pink Sock Round
• Sunday 2 June – Rowing Foot of the River

Redlands Charity Round

A reminder that next week Winter Season Round 5 will be the Redlands Charity ‘Pink Sock’ Weekend, raising money for the McGrath Foundation. There will be the Festival on the Fahl on Thursday, then all teams are encouraged to purchase Pink Socks for their fixtures on Saturday 1 June. 

AFL

Round 3 of AFL on the weekend we saw some great play, good luck for Round 4 this weekend.

• Redlands 1 boys won 75-0 against Cranbrook
• Redlands 2 boys lost 60-0 against St Augustines

Round 4 coming up

• Redlands 1 vs Riverview
• Redlands 2 vs Trinity

Athletics

If you wish to contribute by donating money to the Humpty Dumpty foundation, please visit this link.

Cross Country

ISA Cross Country Carnival 2024 Congratulations to our students representing Redlands in the 2024 ISA Cross Country Carnival. The event will be held on Wednesday 29 May 2024 at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Saxony Road, Horsley Park, NSW.

If you have been selected to participate as part of the Redlands Cross Country team, please look at your emails for information.

Football

Thank you all for supporting our players last weekend on a cold, wet windy day.  Our boys had a round of mixed results against very tough opposition winning some and losing some. Our aim is to keep pushing the kids at training and keep improving our players and teams.

The Girls program was away to Barker College who are always a challenging opponent, but we continue to improve and getting positive results. Junior teams well done on your games and the 2 senior teams games close in most of the games.

Congratulations to all the players that went to the ISA trials last Monday and Tuesday – great to see Jasmine Black and Arkie Riches selected for the girls’ team and Landon Mansell selected for the Under 16’s ISA Team.

Round 4 of the ISA competition this weekend we face two very familiar and tough opponents the Boys away to Oakhill and the Girls are at Home at Macquarie University Sports Fields.

See you all on the weekend.

Gerry Gomez
Redlands Director of Football.

Fitness Centre

As we approach the halfway mark for Term 2, Open Gym sessions next week will feature a wide variety of jumps, hops, movement and strength challenges to help students set goals for the remainder of the term program.

These challenges will include some of our new testing equipment and will run each morning during Open Gym sessions – Students must have signed up to Open Gym via clipboard to attend.

Session Times:
MON/TUES/THURS/FRI

• Year 11-12: 6:30-6:45 Latest Arrival/Start Time
• Year 9-10: 6:45 Start Time
• Year 7/8: 7:10 Start time.

Afternoon sessions are reserved for Representative sports First Teams.
Wednesday mornings are reserved for Representative Hockey Senior Girls and Girls Only Gym.

Reminder:
ALL Students must be signed up to a session via clipboard before attending an open gym session. Sign Ups for Winter Sport Open Gym have now closed.

ALL Students are provided with a daily program to complete within sessions that nurture long term development as well as challenge students short term goals and aspirations.

Students who sign up to the gym must adhere to the following conditions of use:
– Session format: All students participate in structured sessions designed and delivered by the S&C Staff
– Session Start/Finish times as per year group
– Must be in PE Uniform
– Closed in shoes
– No Headphones
– Adhere to all safety and hygiene measures in the gym

Hockey

A cold autumn weekend greeted us at Barker on Saturday for Round 3 of the ISA Hockey competition. Senior 1sts came up against a strong Chevalier team (2nds and 3rds had a bye).

Chevalier (Chev) started the game the stronger side, but some terrific defensive work frustrated Chev and teams went into halftime 0-0. In the second half the Redlands girls started to find their feet and created a few good opportunities in particular Jess Van Extel and Sahara Nicholas. Unfortunately, Redlands couldn’t convert those chances and Chev made their opportunities count and the score ended up 2-0 to Chev. Plenty of positives and areas for improvement to take into the games this weekend. Round 4 sees Redlands come up against SACS and Barker respectively.

For anyone interested in playing more hockey, please see below Friday under the lights hockey competition at Narrabeen:

Netball

There are some exciting games coming up at the Suncorp Super League in the holidays. Watching these amazing athletes live on the court is so important to keep the sport thriving and growing in the future. Here are the fixtures for you to book your seats. There are some games in the holidays that would make an excellent outing for the family.

Learn More

From the words of the new Chair of the Netball Australia Board, the phenomenal Ms Liz Ellis  “Netball is in a healthy position. We’re seeing record crowds at Suncorp Super Netball and growing broadcast audiences this season at the same time as revenue from our commercial partners is growing. Fans are more engaged than ever which is great to see, but we will all work hard to do even better,’’ Ms Ellis said.

“This is an exciting time to be part of netball in this country. Our Diamonds are the best in the world, we have the best elite competition in the world, we have more than one million participants and we are hosting the Netball World Cup in 2027, which is also the centenary of our sport.

Let’s keep invested, engaged and support this awesome sport we all love.

Round 3 players of the week are listed below.

• First VII-Celine Patel had great composure throughout the game despite the scoreboard. Celine showed leadership on court and created momentum. Her shooting was on point and she adjusted her positioning and game play to defenders that were regularly changing on court.
• Inter E-Lilin Chen had great movement around the court, had good court awareness and had responded well to constructive feedback.
• Junior G- Evie Rubin played with 100% effort for the entirety of the game, constantly creating space and options for her team to pass to with amazing defensive skills.
• Inter C- Tajana Simunic despite feeling unwell during the week Tajana played a fantastic game. She facilitated some great plays and opportunities for the other shooters and made most of her shots. She was energetic and pushed through the quarters to play a great game.
• Junior C – Astrid Vincent had a good game collecting lots of intercepts and improving with her turn and block getting many rebounds.
• Junior B- Izzy Salz was energetic and there for intercepts while shooting goals and working hard inside the circle the whole game.
• Inter D – Katherine Arena had a great game in a new position. Her passing was always accurate and she drove hard onto the ball as a new attacker.
• Junior F – Alma O’Leary picked up a new position and had an amazing game. She had strong direct passes and did well at clearing out and re offering in the mid court.
• Inter B – Olivia Paul had a really great game in the mid-court, with strong drives through the middle and good passes into the shooters, always making sure to hit circle edge.
• Inter A – Poppy Jennings was one step in front of her attacker the whole game, read the play well and hustled for those intercepts. Liv Law also had a fabulous game, playing with intensity and speed and was vital in the midcourt.
• Junior E – Ava Field played a really great game, utilising the drills we worked on during training and taking on feedback well. She had a great attitude and kept the energy up throughout the game.
• Junior D – Emily Heller was a fundamental player in the team on the weekend with her constant energy, amazing vision of play and encouraging attitude within the team!
• Junior A -Georgia Cavric was a standout player for the weekend. She intercepted many passes and worked them down the court really well. She was always an open passing option and had a great attitude throughout the game.
• Senior Seconds- Maddie Lamport worked really well in the circle and didn’t miss a goal. There was lots of positive chat on the court by her and the entire team showed great enthusiasm throughout the game.

In Round 4, seven of our teams are playing St Andrews Cathedral School (SACS) at their home courts. Good luck to all and I look forward to watching the rest of the team at our home courts at  NBISC.

Rugby

We also ask that players and parents check the Pulse page & Rugby news notifications for weekly updates and important information. 

Captains wrap up;

A successful start for the 2024 Barbarian Squad over the weekend. A strong three try, to one victory over Joeys 10ths. The team displayed coherent offensive and defensive skills throughout the match setting up a positive foundation for the upcoming season. The squad played with absolute passion, bettering each other and establishing positive camaraderie between teammates. The unity and determination was evident in every set piece, showcasing the teams effort and positive scope against upcoming challenges. To finalise, judging by the sentiment shared by the huddle post match we are all excited and committed to the season ahead. An outstanding first achievement for the team.

Hugo Scott

Focus for the week:

As we build into another week of fixtures, we encourage players to continue to work on on field communication. Improving on how to talk to your teammates & encourage them in game time.

Being able to direct players around the park and work as a cohesive unit is a difficult skill that requires ongoing efforts.

Trainer of the week: 

The following players should be congratulated on their efforts over the last week.

• Lachlan Murphy
• Felix Eade
• Finn OSullivan
• Zack Lark

Uniform

Students are to wear full Redlands Rugby Uniform for Saturday Fixtures:

• School Rugby Shorts, Jersey and Socks. • No metal stud boots • Mouth Guard

Students will be unable to take to the field without a mouthguard

Please if you haven’t already visited the uniform shop, ensure you have the correct GAME uniform. 

Firsts players will alternate between the schools merge jerseys this season. Please always wear REDLANDS SHORTS & SOCKS. (More information on the uniforms to come at training this week)

Snowsports

The second hand Sale was a great success on Sunday with the weather holding up and lots of guests attending. Thank you to everyone who dedicated their time to ensure the day ran smoothly.

Book Here

Snowsports Registrations Closing soon!!

All Snowsports bookings will be closing Friday 31 May, please follow link for booking Interschools, Redlands Cup, Rentals and Camps.

Tennis

Well done to all students for a fantastic result last Saturday against St Pius. We had some exciting matches and some great results.

We are looking forward to Round 4 of the ISA matches this Saturday. Good luck to all teams this weekend against Oakhill College!

Touch Football

Well done to a selected group of Junior players who took part in the NSW Touch All Schools Metro Carnival. These players were selected to continue their development against older players.

Water Polo

This season we will name players/trainers of the week throughout the term on Note Day each week. These players demonstrate commitment to the team in training and strong performance in games.

• Opens Girls: Olive Ross Sampson
• Inters Girls: Maritsa Radich
• Iners Boys: Archie Farrel

A few reminders:

• Fixtures have been loaded onto Pulse and the student’s calendar. We encourage all students to download the Redlands App
• Open Water Polo girls, your compulsory 1x Gym session on Tuesdays 3.30-4.30pm. Attendance is recorded.
• Inter teams, to attend the Fitness session, please read the Fitness Center pulse page. Inter team students can select the morning they wish to attend but will need to register their attendance.
• Water polo is a representative sport and as such attendance is compulsory to all training and fixtures. Absences must be logged through Pulse sport absence form. 

General Sport Information

Fixtures

• All student training and fixture details will be available to families under My Schedule on Redlands Pulse. Additionally, the weekly Fixtures (The Redlands Rhino) can be found on the Secondary School Sport page on Redlands Pulse from Wednesday each week. Please ensure you check Redlands Pulse Friday afternoon to ensure you have the latest fixture information.

Uniform

• The Redlands sports uniform should be worn to all trainings and matches (students are not permitted to wear any non-Redlands branded clothing). In the event of inclement weather students should wear their Redlands fleece or sports tracksuit.
• Students must wear trainer style sneakers that are preferably white with non-marking soles. It is part of our shared responsibility to ensure that students wear footwear that aligns with the activity to be undertaken. High top sneakers, Vans, Converse etc. are not appropriate for School Sport.

Saturday Sport Absences

• Parents are required to log an absence via Clipboard prior to missing any training session.
• Any student unable to attend a Saturday fixture due to illness, is required to submit a Medical Certificate to their Sports administrator by the Monday morning following the missed fixture.
• Injured students are required to attend all training sessions and Saturday fixtures.
• Failure to do any of the above will jeopardise a student’s eligibility for Colours, Pockets, and Awards and result in school disciplinary action.
• Please refer to the Student Planner 2024 for full details on requirements for participating in a Representative Sport.
• Bus Transport
  • When travelling on Redlands transport the Redlands school rules are in place and students should be always upholding the values of the school:
• Have good behaviour, safe behaviour and appropriate language at all times.
• Follow the driver (and supervising staff) instructions at all times.
• Obey the transport rules and regulations at all times (seat belts must be worn at all times).
• Leave the bus how they found it (no rubbish, no mess).

Students who fail to meet the standards of the above will face school disciplinary action.

Wet Weather

• Unless communicated differently or in the morning of the session (via Redlands Pulse & Clipboard), all training sessions are to be deemed ‘on’.
• Students should bring with them a change of Redlands Sport Uniform (Thursdays only) or their school uniform (Tuesday) if there are light showers during training.

Winter Sport

A reminder that all key information for the season has been uploaded onto the Secondary School Sport page of Redlands Pulse, if you have any additional questions, please reach out to the appropriate Sports Administrator listed at the bottom of this page.

Sports Photos

All Sports Photos are available for parents to view / purchase on the SPA Images Website 

Photo Library >> Schoolsports 2022-24 >> select your sport

Password (redlands2024) Redlands has an agreement with SPA Images that we will only use the images for marketing purposes.

Melba has finalised all photos taken of sport teams and co-curricular activities and they are now available for parents to view and purchase. Please visit the Melba Studios website, Select the ‘Schools’ icon. The password for access is winnie.

Concussion Protocols

Parents and Carers last week received an email containing the Redlands Concussion Protocols, which can also be found in the Key Documents section of Redlands Pulse – Secondary School Sport. A reminder to all that these protocols are for both a return to school and a return to sport. Students who have a suspected concussion are asked to seek medical attention at their earliest convenience.

Winter Sport – Key Contacts

Junior Sport

HICES Cross Country Carnival

Congratulations to all our students who competed the HICES Cross Country carnival up at Scots All Saints in Bathurst this week. These students were selected based on their performance at our school carnival and were trialing for a place in the HICES team that would compete at the CIS Cross Country Championships. Congratulations to all athletes and special mention to the following students on their selection in this HICES team who now progress to CIS Cross Country representing HICES;

• Oliver Morcos
• Luca Gambotto
• Thomas Tom Gayner
• Roman Pop Dimitrov
• Leo Carmody
• Elizabeth (Elsie) Cotter
• Ophelia Collie
• Amelie Brakell
• Aurelio Nicholas
• Aria Amos
• April Abboud
• Henley Bird
• Charlotte Roy
• Reina Sabharwal

NSW PSSA Tennis

Congratulations to Anasuya (Year 6) who represented CIS at the NSW PSSA Tennis trials up in Newcastle. She won 7 out of 8 (singles+doubles) games with an excellent single game played in the final. Well done Anasuya

CIS Golf

This is an open call for any students in Years 3-6 who are golfers to register for the CIS Golf selections. Please be aware this trial is for experienced golfers only. Maximum handicap for boys is 32 and for girls is 44. Students must be a member of a registered Golf Club (AGU, WGA), Jack Newton Golf Foundation, any Junior Development Program and must have a Golf Link Number. Parents/Students will be required to enter their child’s golf link number and golf handicap on their form. If you would like to register your child please complete the expression of interest form found here.

Redlands Cross Country Carnival Photos

As you would be aware, I organised for a professional sports photographer to attend the Junior School Cross Country Carnival to take some photos for parents and the school. There are some great shots online for you to view and or purchase or download. Please follow the steps below to view this folder that is only accessible to Redlands families and will be uploaded in the coming days

Log In Here

• Click prompt to Access Gallery
• Select – Redlands Icon
• Select – 2024 folder
• Select Event i.e. Junior Cross Country Carnival
• Enter: Name & Email Address
• Enter Password: Dunnet01
• Select- View album

 There’s a whole range you can choose from. Prints, Personalised Prints, Canvas, Framed Photos, Digital Images to mention a few.

Representative Sports- Saturday Morning Match Wear

Just a reminder for all families who represent Redlands in Saturday sport only Redlands Sports Uniforms and match day kit is to be worn. Each family should own either a school tracksuit and or a fleece that they can wear over the top of their playing kit if they are cold. If your child feels the cold they may play in their fleece if their match allows it.Any incorrect item will now be confiscated as all students have received the same message.

Athletics- Field Event Trials

As previously advertised, in preparation for our Athletics Carnival students will be completing a unit of Athletics in their PE classes in Term 2 which will cover High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Put and Discus. We will then be hosting Field Events Pre Carnival trials for these events in Term 2. To nominate your child for these Pre Carnival trials please complete your child’s details here. 2024 Field Event Trials. Registration closes soon.

Redlands Pulse Orientation and Navigation Video

Our intranet, Redlands Pulse, is the first port of call for all Junior School Sport related enquiries. A video has been produced to show you how to navigate through Pulse. You can view this short video here.

Redlands Pulse -The Junior School Sport pages on Redlands Pulse will continue to be the ‘source of truth’ for all information relating to sport this term. I am asking that if parents have an enquiry relating to sport that your first port of call will be the Junior School Sport section of Redlands Pulse.

Sport Information Booklet

For all Sport information regarding what sports we offer when, how to navigate our documents, as well as information on Uniforms and Carnivals please refer to our Parent Information Booklet on Pulse.

Wednesday Sport Inability to Train

If your child has an injury that prevents them from training, please send through an email to Junior Sport juniorsport@redlands.nsw.edu.au requesting they ‘sit out’ of training for that particular session. We can then forward this to the relevant external coaching staff. Where applicable please include when they can return to normal training, so coaches are aware of this. That way coaching staff are aware of an injury that prevents them from participating at the venue but also allows us to be aware of periods where they are medically required to ‘sit out’.

Representative Sport Student Absence

If students are absent on match day, parents are required to complete this online absence form. This will allow your responses to be passed on electronically to your child’s coach efficiently and at short notice. The Student Absence link can also be found on the Junior School Sport Page on Redlands Pulse.

Please don’t hesitate to view our Sport Information page on Redlands Pulse if you have any questions pertaining to Sport.

Mr Trevor Dunne
Head of Junior Sport
tdunne@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022

Dance Academy

Eisteddfods

The Dance Academy enjoyed their first performance of the season at the Anzac Village RSL on Saturday 18 May. Many residents attended and absolutely loved the repertoire that was performed beautifully. At some points we wished for a bigger stage, but it was a brilliant way to get rid of nerves ahead of the eisteddfods starting this weekend.

Wishing our two Jazz Performance groups and the Contemporary Performers chookas for the IRBD on Saturday 25 May. Parents and students taking part in IRBD are reminded to please check our EISTEDDFODS Pulse page for the most up-to-date information.

RAD Exams | Friday 24 May

Lots of luck to our senior students doing their RAD Exams on Friday. All the work has been done, now just go out there and enjoy yourselves!!!!

Please see our RAD Pulse page for further information

Can’t Come to Class

If your child is sick or will miss their dance class, then please complete the RDA Absent from Class form – CLICK HERE

Private Lessons: A reminder that for private lessons, you need to contact your private lesson teacher and cc the Dance Department. 24 hours notice is required for any cancellations. Any private lesson missed with less than 24 hours notice will be charged as a received lesson. Note: for private lessons do not complete the RDA ABSENT FROM CLASS FORM

Any Questions?

Please see our RDA Pulse page for the most up-to-date information on all things dance, and if you have any questions, concerns or feedback please contact us. 

A reminder that if you wish to make an appointment to speak with Ms Revie, please contact the Dance Department.

Ms Gilly Revie
Head of Redlands Dance Academy
grevie@redlands.nsw.edu.au
02 9908 6488 

Drama and Theatre

Sport For Jove Interschools Shakespeare Carnival Regional Finals

On Tuesday night four Year 11 students – Bettina Butcher, Remie Gibbs, Freya Kittle & Millie Winton – journeyed to the Lindfield Learning Village to compete in the Sport For Jove Interschools Shakespeare Carnival Regional Finals. The team represented the school with great maturity and put on a fantastic performance for the crowd, consisting of diverse contingents from Abbotsleigh, St Vincent’s College, Trinity Grammar, Lindfield Learning Village & Pymble Ladies College.

The team begun this process mid-way through Term 1, generously volunteering to be a part of the new Performing Arts Club. After looking at the requirements and categories for the competition, they took up the challenge and elected to create a work for the Physical Theatre category. This is one of the most difficult categories for submission (among others such as duologue, ensemble scene etc.) as instead of just learning and delivering a pre-written scene, the team had to synthesise their understanding of a Shakespearean text into a completely original, group devised physical theatre work. Doubling down on the challenge, they decided early on that they’d rather grapple with a text that was not taught in the curriculum, and hence narrowed their focus onto Julius Caesar as their source of inspiration.

Despite the immense challenges laid before them, the group worked diligently with the support of Mr Gidney in Lunchtimes and after school (and even coming in for a workshop in the holidays) to devise their piece. The process started in abstraction, allowing ideas and moments to flow free-form without prejudice or criticality, before quickly refining this wide repertoire of content into a cogent piece in a matter of a few short weeks. This organic devising methodology was new and intriguing to all the students and will pay significant dividends when they approach their Group Performances in HSC Drama and IB Theatre next year.

On the night, the team were ‘first cabs off the rank’ so to speak, and delivered their performance with poise and commitment, despite the nerves that come along with setting the standard for a performance competition. They blew the crowd away, with the judges and host describing the performance as “Delicate” and “Incredibly sophisticated”. Despite some tough opposition in the category from a numerous and energetic group from St Vincents College, Redlands emerged victorious – being selected to perform in the State Finals at the Seymour Centre on the 2^nd of June.

This is an incredible feat by the team, and they are excited to represent Redlands in this fierce competition against a wide range of schools that have progressed from several Regional Finals from across the state. We extend a huge congratulations to the team for their efforts and deserved success thus far, and wish them all the best for the finals. Tickets are available via the Seymour Centre website if you would like to come and support the team in the final.

Lincoln Gidney
Drama and Theatre Teacher

What’s on: Drama & Theatre

There has been some amazing performance this year and we are not even halfway through the year. I wanted to add my congratulations to the Physical Theatre, Shakespeare Carnival entrants who represented Redlands this week (as above), and wish them and their teacher, the dedicated and knowledgeable, Mr Gidney, all the best as they head into the State finals in a couple of weeks, exciting times. This week is also an exciting space with both Year 11 and 12 IB students performing their Collaborative Projects for an audience on Friday night. 

We are well into the rehearsals for Away, and look forward to opening ticket sales shortly. 

Here is a sneak peak at some of the dates and performances we have planned for this term, it is a very busy and “productive” (excuse the pun) place. 

• 24th IB 11&12 Collaborative projects performance exam 6.30pm
• 27th Kathakali performance workshop 7.15 am- 11.05 Year 11 IB
• 1^st & 2nd June Shakespeare Carnival State final – representing Redlands, 
• 5th June 11 Drama – both classes – HSC Ruby Moon – performance 6.30pm 
• 7th  June, Year 9 Drama incursion, Commedia Dell’arte Performance to view and workshop to participate in
• 14th June HSC Drama Individual Performances, 6.30 pm 
• 19th June Year 8 Drama & Juliet excursion

As always, any queries please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Kathryn Smith
Acting Subject Coordinator of Drama and Theatre
ksmith@redlands.nsw.edu.au 

Drama and Theatre Extra Subjects Programme 

Class spotlight on Year 4 Acting

Year 4 Acting have been working on a multitude of skills to enhance their abilities in both performance as well as creative storytelling. This week, the students worked in small groups to devise short scenes, focusing on establishing and maintaining a clear narrative as well as developing distinct characters through movement and voice. Keep up the great work Year 4!

If you are interested in this creative opportunity and would like to enrol in Junior Acting there are some spots still available on a Monday afternoon, please email: drama@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Junior Acting is on Monday after school 3:20pm-5pm and Year 3 and 4 Musical Theatre is on Thursday afternoons from 3:20- 5pm. There are some spots available in both.

Housekeeping: We kindly ask that all parents and guardians be on time to the extra subject pick up locations after the classes finish.  

You will find the various finishing times and locations for Junior school pick up on the Redlands Drama and Theatre pulse page. If you are running late your children(s) will be taken to OOSH and you will be charged accordingly.   

Please note: The Preparatory reception will close at 4pm sharp. Please enter via the Junior school gate and make your way down to the regular pick-up spot for the Preparatory students if you are collecting them from Drama or Musical Theatre classes from 4pm onwards.

If you have any questions or would like to enrol please email: 

Drama@redlands.nsw.edu.au OR avirtue@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Thank you for your ongoing support of our fantastic extra subjects programme.

Amber Virtue 
Head of Extra Curricular Drama  
avirtue@redlands.nsw.edu.au 

Music

Senior Vocal Competition – Next Monday!

The Senior Vocal Competition is just around the corner! The Music Department congratulates the finalists of the Senior Vocal Competition for 2024. We are excited to welcome Brad Cooper, a Tenor with the prestigious Opera Australia, as our adjudicator for this year’s event, to be held on Monday 27 May 2024 in the Edwards Auditorium of the John Roberts Centre on Senior Campus. 

Come join us for a night of celebration of Redlands best vocalists! 

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE TICKET TO THE SENIOR VOCAL COMPETITION

Studio Concerts

Studio Concerts are coming in Weeks 5 & 6 for both our Junior and Senior campus! These informal concert opportunities are an opportunity for both our private tuition students to perform, and for parents, carers and friends to check in with their children’s musical learning. 

JUNIOR STUDIO CONCERTS

SENIOR STUDIO CONCERTS

Senior Piano Competition Auditions

The Senior Piano Competitions auditions are coming up! The Piano Competition is a wonderful chance for both our Junior and Senior students to show off their incredible talents and skills. 

SENIOR PIANO COMPETITION AUDITIONS – CLICK HERE

Semester 2 Senior Extension Ensemble Auditions 

A reminder that Senior Extension Ensemble Auditions are now open for Semester 2. Click on the links below to apply, by Friday 23 May (Week 5).  

ADVANCED CONCERT BAND – SEMESTER 2, 2024

ADVANCED STRINGS – SEMESTER 2 2024

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – SEMESTER 2, 2024

SENIOR CHAMBER ENSEMBLE – SEMESTER 2, 2024

ADVANCED GUITAR ENSEMBLE – SEMESTER 2, 2024

ADVANCED STAGE BAND – SEMESTER 2, 2024

SENIOR VOICES – SEMESTER 2 2024

Term 2 Events

Please see a list below of important Term 2 Music Events to keep your eye on:

Here to help!

Keep your eye on Pulse and the MUSIC EVENTS page to ensure key dates are all on the family calendar and reach out to your campus Music Office if we can assist in any way.

Mrs Jacqueline McGlade  

Junior Music Administrator | juniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au | 9908 6495

CLICK FOR PREP & JUNIOR MUSIC PULSE

Ms Kirsty Hales

Senior Music Administrator | seniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au | 9968 9820

CLICK FOR SENIOR MUSIC PULSE 

Ms Katherine Moses
Junior Campus Music Subject Coordinator (P-6)

Ms Victoria Williams
Senior School Music Subject Coordinator (7-12)

Mr Mathew Owen
Director of Music Performance (P-12)