Foundation

Community and Fundraising Events

With the ongoing COVID restrictions for events on campus, we will be advising about Redlands 2021 events later this term.

Redlander (Alumni) Parents Morning Tea

Our Alumni Parent community has expanded this year, with 100 students from Redlands House through to Secondary School being children of Redlanders. Alumni engagement and support is so vital to our community. There are many areas where Alumni connect with the School during the year.

We are delighted to extend an invitation to all current Redlander Alumni parents to join us for a Welcome Morning Tea to meet with other fellow Redlander parents.

For updates on Redlander Alumni events and initiatives please click here.

To learn more about the rich and diverse history of our School please click here.

International Alumni Chapter Meetings via Zoom

We look forward to welcoming our Redlander community to the upcoming International Alumni Chapter meetings via Zoom, connecting Redlanders across Australia and the globe. These events provide a great opportunity to meet fellow Redlanders across our diverse community internationally.

UK & Europe: Wednesday 24 February, 8.00pm UK GMT (Syd AEDT 7.00am Thursday 25 Feb)

Asia / HK / Singapore: Wednesday 24 February, 5.30pm HK time (Syd AEDT 8.30pm Wed 24 Feb)

USA / Canada: Thursday 25 February, 8.00pm EST; (Syd AEDT 12 noon Friday 26 Feb)

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

Head of Secondary School

A Gentle Rhythm

As we move to the end of our second week back at school, a gentle rhythm has been established in the Secondary School. Our Yr 11 cohort have been kindly welcoming students every morning at the school gates, whilst the Yr 12 student leaders are on camp. From most, there are smiles and a spring in the step. Many arrive at school after morning training and are awake and alert. Others are clearly still making the transition to a new school year, and struggling with the early mornings, after a lovely long holiday period. At recess and lunch, many are utilising the Fahl Garden to relax and chat, while others are accessing the basketball courts with friends, and more actively using their leisure time. The break-out spaces in the Redlands Learning Hub are also humming along nicely, with students collaborating or working independently, outside of timetabled classes. Our new students in Yrs 8-11 have also found a rhythm and are now more confidently arriving at school each day, finding their friends and locating their classrooms. It’s been such a pleasure to support our new students as they become part of our community.

Tomorrow we host the Academic Achievement Assembly to celebrate the High Achievers from the Class of 2020. We look forward to honouring those students in both the HSC and IB who performed at the top of their respective cohort. Alumni Alexandra York and Leo Colin will be sharing their experiences of study in 2020 and our Yr 11 students have the privilege of sharing in this wonderful celebration. The Academic Achievement Assembly will look and feel slightly different this year, due to limitations posed by COVID-19, however we are pleased to be able to host the parents of our 2020 High Achievers via Zoom.

This week and next are key highlights in a school calendar, filled as they are with camps! Tomorrow marks the final day of Yr 12 Camp. Ms Sarah Matthews, Yr 12 Year Advisor, has been keeping us updated about the group’s adventures and we look forward to sharing stories and photographs with the wider community.  I also know that Mr Atkins, Yr 7 Year Advisor, is eagerly anticipating the Yr 7 Camp, which leaves on Monday. The Yr 7 Camp is always such an exciting time for our new Secondary School students and forms a significant part of their transition experience. Friendship and connection are fundamental to a successful Yr 7 experience and the Camp offers them an opportunity to develop important social and emotional skills.

Another rhythm we seem to be enjoying at the moment is that of being able to move freely within our internal and external communities, as we continue to keep COVID-19 at bay. This success is due to a range of factors, and we have all played our part in suppressing this virus in our community. It was disappointing this morning to hear that our Victorian neighbours have had to reintroduce some restrictions and it serves as a reminder that we have not put this pandemic behind us yet. I was also disappointed this morning to hear that some of our students have not been complying with the Public Health Order which mandates that children over the age of 12 must wear masks on public transport and school buses. We have taken steps at school today to reiterate the mask message: all Secondary School students must wear masks on public transport and Redlands buses. Our community members are relying on us to abide by these rules as they exist to ensure our safety and that of others. If your child catches public transport or a Redlands bus to school, can you please ensure they have a mask on their person and they know it is their responsibility to wear this mask when travelling on public transport and Redlands buses.

Can I also remind you of our COVID-19 requirements. As per the Principal’s section of Note Day, in accordance with advice from NSW Health, parents and carers are reminded NOT to send children to school if they are unwell, even if they have the mildest flu-like symptoms. These symptoms include fever (37.5 or higher), cough, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or loss of taste or smell. NSW Health has requested that schools ask anyone who is unwell or has even one of these symptoms, to arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics. Students with flu-like symptoms will need to be tested, provide a copy of a negative COVID-19 test result and be symptom-free before being permitted to return to school.

Full School Uniform on Before/After-School Training Days

From Monday 8 February, students must wear their full school uniform during the day at school (except on Thursdays). This means that if they arrive at school after early morning training, or attend after-school training, they must change into their PE/training kit. 

Please ensure that your child has all of the necessary uniform requirements, including proper school shoes, so that they can change at school, before Period 1, or after Period 6. In 2020 when hampered by limitations posed by COVID-19, students were permitted to remain in their PE uniform after training, but this temporary change has now concluded.

During the school day, except on Thursdays, when they have sport, students are required to wear their full school uniform. This expectation will be enforced from Monday 8 February. Please note: Redlands school fleeces should only be worn as part of the Sports uniform. Students should not wear the fleece over the top of the regular school uniform. On cooler days, students should wear their Redlands navy jumper and/or their blazer over their school uniform.

Yrs 11 and 12 HSC and IB Information Evenings

Each evening will present important information related to each course and Year Group, followed by a response to general questions.

Please email your questions prior to the evening:

For HSC, please email drandall@redlands.nsw.edu.au
For IB, please email dtaylor@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Study Centre: Redlands Learning Hub Study Spaces

The aim of the Study Centre is to provide students from Yrs 7-12 with the opportunity to receive shoulder-to-shoulder support or assistance in specific disciplines from Secondary School teachers. Study Centre sessions take place in the breakout spaces in the Redlands Learning Hub from Monday–Wednesday before and after school. Further information will be provided next week.

Students who require learning support can access guidance in H17 on Tuesday and Wednesday from 3.30-4.30pm.

Attention – Parents and Carers of Students with a Diagnosed Risk of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and is potentially life threatening. If your child is one of the 33 students in the Secondary School with a diagnosed risk of Anaphylaxis, we require your support to ensure their safety.

All Secondary School students with a diagnosed risk of anaphylaxis are required to:

• keep a clearly labelled Emergency Kit containing a current Action Plan for Anaphylaxis and valid EpiPen in the Student Services Centre during term time, in addition to the EpiPen that they carry to and from school and to off-campus sporting activities and excursions
• demonstrate that they are carrying their Epipen and Action Plan prior to going on an excursion in keeping with our ‘No EpiPen, No Excursion’ guidelines
• take two (2) EpiPens to Camp

Thank you for consistently supporting our endeavours to keep children diagnosed as being at risk of Anaphylaxis safe at school and at external school activities.

Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9869

From the Principal

The Board and Executive team have continued to progress the development and finalisation of our Strategic Plan 2021-2025, and workshops held in December and January have provided an opportunity to further refine proposed strategic drivers and to ensure they align with the vast amount of feedback and data collected throughout 2020. I look forward to sharing the outcomes of the process with the community during the first semester this year.

It would not surprise you that one of the key focus areas is the development of our staff. A new initiative this year, led by Head of Teaching and Learning, Matthew Bentley, has been the establishment of Professional Learning teams. These teams of academic staff have selected key research questions to investigate during this semester, which are focused on continual improvement in our pedagogical practices. The process is informed and supported by qualitative and quantitative data on student outcomes and we are most fortunate to have Dr Tracey-Ann Palmer and Associate Professor Nick Hopwood from UTS partnering with us and supporting the teams.

One of the things that struck me when joining one of the teams in their discussion about what their research question would be, was the comment that feedback from the Student Voice Surveys last year had identified an area of potential improvement. The team then discussed strategies that they could research and implement to address the feedback.

Educational research is clear that there are improved outcomes when teachers are provided time to collaborate professionally together in areas that directly relate to their classroom practice. We are looking forward to the outcomes from the research and the cultural benefit from the staff having dedicated time to work together.

It has been wonderful to see the Secondary School students enjoying our new Landscape Podium, in front of the Redlands Learning Hub, which has been named the Fahl Garden. I appreciated the opportunity to share with the students the important history behind the selection of the Fahl family name for this stunning area and thought that parents and carers may also be interested.

Lynette Fahl died in May 1963 after completing her Intermediate Certificate the previous year. She would have been in the Class of 1964. The Lynette Fahl Memorial Garden was a small rose garden, established in the previous “Arts Precinct”. When building commenced on the Redlands Learning Hub the roses were removed and planted outside the Senior Campus Reception. In 1980, Lynette’s father, Richard Fahl bequeathed the proceeds of the sale of his house to Redlands, which the late John Roberts, who was Treasurer at the time, considered to be extremely serendipitous in terms of supporting the school financially at a critical time. The Board resolved to name the new Landscape Podium the Fahl Garden in recognition of the entire family. It will be a feature of the Senior Campus for many years into the future, that provides an exceptional social space for students and the broader community. 

Finally, in accordance with advice from NSW Health, parents and carers are reminded NOT to send children to school if they are unwell, even if they have the mildest flu-like symptoms. These symptoms include fever (37.5 or higher), cough, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or loss of taste or smell. NSW Health has requested that schools ask anyone who is unwell or has even one of these symptoms, to arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics. Students with flu-like symptoms will need to be tested, provide a copy of a negative COVID-19 test result and be symptom-free before being permitted to return to school.

Mr Stephen Webber

Photo caption: Students enjoying the Fahl Garden on the Senior Campus.

RPFA

Second Hand Uniform Sale Donations

Further to the success of last year’s online sale, the RPFA is planning another second hand uniform sale in early March – stay tuned for more details. As always, funds raised are contributed towards the means-tested Redlands Foundation Scholarship Fund. 

We need your help by donating clean, current uniforms in excellent condition, especially winter items. Please deliver items to the Uniform Shop on individual coat hangers from now until Friday 26 February. Please note, no polo shirts will be accepted due to the introduction of the new PE uniform.

Walks on Tracks

Next week’s walk on 10 February will be in Seaforth, from the roundabout at the junction of Sydney Road and Frenchs Forest Road. Meet at the roundabout at 8.40am.

For more information, please contact Ann Marie Kimber on 0406691533.

Book Club

Our first book for 2021 will be by new Australian author Jane Naqvi called Jackjumper with a meeting to be held on Tuesday 16 February from 9.30am to discuss. New members are very welcome. Please email Katherine Dixon.

2021 RPFA Committee

rpfa@redlands.nsw.edu.au

President: Michelle Tea
Vice President: JP Forrest
Secretary: Jo Lloyd 
Treasurer: Annette Swann
Committee: Maria Kinsela, Lilian Li, Anna Maidon, Karen Nicholson, Monique Scattini, Anna Maria Stillone, Sally Swan

Careers

Charles Sturt University (CSU) Explore Days

Explore Days are back on campus at CSU, midweek in March. Students get hands-on experience within course preview sessions, campus tours, a chance to speak to current students and free lunch and merchandise. Complete your expression of interest here.

AIE Work Experience Program

This is a great way for students in Yrs 10-12 to learn more about the interactive and digital industries. The work experience program runs from 9.00am-3.00pm over the course of a week. Applications are now open, submit your expression of interest here.

The SAT Test at Redlands

Redlands will again be a test centre for the American SAT exam, with the first three dates being confirmed: Saturday 13 March, Saturday 8 May and Saturday 5 June, with the latter being SAT Subject Test only. Click here to register. Note that after the June test, the Subject Test and optional Essay will no longer be offered. Many American universities are continuing their ‘test optional’ policy for 2021-22. It is always best to check with the individual university.

National Art School (NAS) Art Club and School Holiday Workshops

The Art Club is a new offering from NAS for students aged 15-17 years. Workshops are designed to develop skills and knowledge and focus on a different discipline each term. Term 1 is booked out but Terms 2-4 are available, as are bookings for school holiday programs, click here.

Savannah College of Art and Design Presentation

Ms Simone Salier
Tertiary Education and Careers Advisor
ssalier@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9867

Chaplain

Prayer is one of the strangest aspects of life and faith. Yet for Christians, who see their faith not as a religion but as a vibrant relationship with the almighty, prayer is as natural as breathing. Prayer is an ongoing conversation with God, a great honour of access provided by Jesus who taught us to pray to God as a loving Father. This is a conversation as varied as any other. Sometimes it is asking for things, others a thank you, often a “you are amazing” and sometimes just sitting with God as one processes life. It is not that prayer always changes things, but rather prayer often changes us: our perspectives, our desires, our understanding of God and his way forward. It is true that God answers prayers but not always as we want or as we expect, often more generously than anticipated.

One amazing aspect of prayer is that as we pray and trust God, our anxiety and concerns dwindle into peace. So, I invite you to pray, God does not ignore prayers and delights in hearing us seek him out, just as a father or mother is delighted when their child sits down and starts to speak about their day.

I am also convinced that God answers prayer and so I would like to invite members of the Redlands community to gather with me to pray for our students, staff, Executives, Board Members and community. We pray for the good of the school, that God will continue to bless it.

Dates: Thursdays – 11 February, 11 March, 6 May, 3 June, 27 July, 31 August, 12 October and 16 November
Time: 8.30am
Venue: H Block level 1 meeting room next to the Nurse’s office.

If you would like to pray but are unable to attend at this time, please let me know. Should you have any queries please send an email to me.

While we are meeting on the Senior Campus, Junior and Prep parents and carers are welcome as well.

Ms Bronwyn Lihou
Senior Campus Chaplain
blihou@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9909 3133

Ms Fiona McKenzie
Junior Campus Chaplain
fmckenzie@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022

Year 12

PE Uniform

The Redlands Secondary School has reverted to regular use of the PE uniform. Students are able to wear their PE uniform on Thursdays. During the remainder of the week, students will travel to and from school in their full school uniform. Students will use the student change rooms to get changed into their PE uniforms at the following times for practical lessons:

Flexischools

Purchasing food from the Canteen is now via a pre-order system, Flexischools.  While some snacks will still be available for students to purchase in person, the majority of meals will need to be pre-ordered via Flexischools using the app or website, prior to 8.30am. 

Ms Sarah Matthews
Yr 12 Advisor
smatthews@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6494

Year 11

Last week was a short, yet busy return to school, and as we progress through the first full school week of 2021, it is wonderful to see how motivated and enthusiastic the Yr 11 students are as they settle back into their school routine. Organisation is one of the main keys to success in Yrs 11and12, and students will be receiving a talk by Dr Prue Salter on Monday 8 February during Periods 5 and 6 as to how they can achieve their personal best. Many of you will be aware that Prue is an expert in the field of study skills and is a resource who Redlands uses across all Year Groups. Students and parents have access to her online resources through the Study Skills Handbook, by using the Username Redlands and Password 68results.

HSC and IB Information Evenings

A reminder that you will have received a letter from the school providing information about the Yr 11 HSC and IB Information Evenings, via Zoom. The purpose of these evenings is to present an overview of what to expect over the next two years, from a parental and student perspective, and give details of assessments, examination requirements and other important information. It is strongly recommended that all students and parents join their relevant session:

IB – Monday 8 February at 6.00pm.
HSC – Wednesday 10 February at 6.00pm.

If you have any questions regarding these two programs, please contact:

HSC – Mr David Randall
IB – Mr Darren Taylor

Careers Information

Many of you will have joined Ms Salier’s Zoom meeting on Monday where she discussed tertiary education and how she will be supporting Yr 11 students this year. This week half of the students were spoken to by Ms Salier about the wonderful opportunity provided to them by Redlands BridgeU, which is an online platform that allows students to manage their entire university and careers guidance program from one place, with everything they need to help develop skills for university applications and beyond. The other half of the cohort will have this talk from Ms Salier next week.

Academic Assessment Services

On 23 February, Yr 11 students will sit a half day of testing provided by Academic Assessment Services from 8.30am-12.00pm. As independent consultants, they specialise in the assessment and analysis of educational performance and progress. Their team of professionals include measurement and curriculum experts, education experts and teachers who will provide guidance in the development of strategic action plans for each student. Parents will also be posted a copy of the results. If your child misses the assessment, catch ups will be offered on 1 March at 8.30am.

PE Uniform

The Secondary School has reverted to regular use of the PE uniform. Students are able to wear their PE uniform on Thursday. During the remainder of the week, students will travel to and from school in their full school uniform. Students will use the student change rooms to get changed into their PE uniforms at the following times for practical lessons:

Flexischools

As mentioned last week, purchasing food from the Canteen is now via a pre-order system, Flexischools.  While some snacks will still be available for students to purchase in person, the majority of meals will need to be pre-ordered via Flexischools using the app or website, prior to 8.30am.

Pastoral Care Program 

This week students have begun determining who their support network is in the next two years at school and who they can turn to for help, encouragement, support, and personal growth. The aim is that these people are there to help them achieve their personal and academic goals, assisting them in maintaining their mental wellbeing. In addition, students have begun their journey of exploration and understanding of diversity, by watching and discussing a video called The Brown Eyed, Blue Eyed Experiment, which raises awareness surrounding diversity, particularly the issue of racism.

Ms Rebecca Mountain
Yr 11 Advisor
rmountain@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6462

Year 10

PE Uniform

The Redlands Secondary School has reverted to regular use of the PE uniform. Students are able to wear their PE uniform on Thursdays. During the remainder of the week, students will travel to and from school in their full school uniform. Students will use the student change rooms to get changed into their PE uniforms at the following times for practical lessons: 

Careers Testing

It was exciting to see our Yr 10 students undertake their Careers Testing on Wednesday morning. For any students who missed the Careers Test, Simone Salier will contact parents directly. For any general questions regarding Careers, Simone can be reached via email.

Online Canteen Orders

Just a friendly reminder, that purchasing food from the Canteen is via a pre-order system, Flexischools. While some snacks will still be available for students to purchase in person, the majority of meals will need to be pre-ordered via Flexischools using the app or website, prior to 8.30am. Parents and carers create a Flexischools account for their child via this link.

Congratulations Finn

Congratulations to Finn for his recent win at the Small Boats Regatta at Penrith. Finn represented the Sydney Rowing Club and came first in the Men’s Under 17 Single Sculls. This was Finn’s first time racing over 2km, and first time in a Single Scull race.

Term 1 Pastoral Program – Resilience: Reframing negativity and stress management 

Our Term 1 Pastoral Program returns to the theme of ‘resilience’ with a new focus on the relationship between resilience and stress, and how developing resilience can help students cope, adapt and bounce back after changes, challenges, setbacks and disappointments. 

The ability to bounce back from stress or adversity is important throughout high school, but becomes ever more so during the senior years of study as students face many transitions, and continue to manage friendships and their growing lives outside of school. Those with a higher degree of emotional resilience can handle the stresses that come with these changes more calmly and effectively. 

Goals: 

• To understand ‘resilience’ as a concept, and appreciate how it can help manage stressors in everyday life  
• To build resilience and self-efficacy through habits of mind, such as adopting a growth mindset, reframing negativity, thinking flexibly and learning from setbacks  

Mr Nicholas Walker
Acting Yr 10 Advisor
nwalker@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9909 3133

Year 9

Important Dates

PE Uniform

The Redlands Secondary School has reverted to regular use of the PE uniform. Students are able to wear their PE uniform on Thursdays. During the remainder of the week, students will travel to and from school in their full school uniform. Students will use the student change rooms to get changed into their PE uniforms at the following times for practical lessons:

Flexischools

Purchasing food from the Canteen is now via a pre-order system, Flexischools.  While some snacks will still be available for students to purchase in person, the majority of meals will need to be pre-ordered via Flexischools using the app or website, prior to 8.30am. 

Yr 9 Pastoral Program “Looking Inward, Seeing Outward”

Students have explored their own character strengths, friendships and focused on getting to know Secondary School life academically and socially over these last two years. This year, we are beginning to focus outward. We ended Yr 8 learning about positive psychology and a growth mindset. We will build on these skills by focusing on how what we have learned about ourselves impacts how we see those around us. We will be learning about other cultures and not only learning to accept differences but to celebrate them. As we prepare for our Term 2 Arnhem Land cultural immersion trip, students have been starting to discuss what they know and want to know about the Indigenous Australian culture, which will be a large portion of our program this term.

Wk 3 – Safer Internet Day

As students have now had a couple of years in Secondary School, they have been asked what topics they feel are important to revisit this year during Safer Internet Week. Our discussion will be guided by our Yr 9 cohort and what they have been noticing in the online space that impacts them on a daily basis.  For further information and resources for parents, please click here.

Ms Alissa Ynson
Yr 9 Advisor
9968 9863
aynson@redlands.nsw.edu.au  

Year 8

General Communication in the Secondary School

Redlands prioritises open and supportive communication between students, families and the School. Clear lines of communication are central to developing and sustaining these important partnerships. In the first instance, parents are encouraged to communicate any messages to teachers via email, as during the day, teachers are not able to engage in detailed phone conversations. Any urgent messages or general enquiries can also be directed to Ms Jane Coutts (9908 6407) or Ms Susan Jones (9968 9811) through the Secondary School Office.

Communication to staff via email is via the standard email address format: the first name initial followed by the surname@redlands.nsw.edu.au, eg. lvale@redlands.nsw.edu.au.

When communicating with Redlands staff via email, please note the following:

• Staff will respond to emails in a timely manner and will reply within 48 hours
• Emails should be respectful and courteous in tone
• Face-to-face meetings are encouraged for more complex or sensitive discussions and these will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time, or via Zoom
• Staff are not expected to answer emails in the evening or on weekends. It is important that they have this time for planning, preparation and family
• For academic queries, please contact the class teacher initially, followed by the Subject Coordinator if needed. For Pastoral or Wellbeing queries, please contact the Tutor first, followed by the Year Advisor (Ms Lisa Vale) or Assistant Year Advisor (Ms Vanessa Wang) if needed. A full list of Tutors can be found on Redlands Pulse.

Reporting Absences and Lateness

Please notify the School via email on the morning of your child’s absence by 9.30am, and every morning they are absent. Use the Secondary School Absence email (ssabsence@redlands.nsw.edu.au). If a student is absent from school for three days or more, a medical certificate from a General Practitioner is required. Please attach the medical certificate to the absence email so that we can accurately record your child’s attendance.

Medical Appointments

Please note that regular medical appointments should be scheduled outside of the school day. Thursday afternoon sport training should be avoided for medical appointments. Occasionally, emergency and/or specialist appointments occur, over which students and parents have no control. In such instances (e.g. orthodontist appointments) students should return to school as soon as possible after the appointment. Students need to record their onsite and offsite presence through the Secondary School Office and provide evidence of their appointment. Parents are required to send an email to ssabsence@redlands.nsw.edu.au before any student is granted authorised departure from the Secondary School Campus.

Term Dates and Requests for Leave

To assist with your planning of the school year and holidays, click here for the 2021 Term Dates. I would like to remind parents that in order to minimise the disruption of students’ learning, Redlands does not endorse requests for leave of absence during term time, particularly at the end or beginning of term. In exceptional circumstances, absence during term time will be approved by the Head of Secondary School and requests for leave should be forwarded to Secondary School Absences email at ssabsence@redlands.nsw.edu.au well in advance of the leave. Each case will be judged on an individual basis before permission is granted in these exceptional circumstances.

Homework

Students have access to their 2021 Assessment Handbooks (a guide for students and parents). Tutors will continue to focus on the organisation and planning methods required when looking at schedules for the year ahead. We appreciate your support at home with this to ensure we are not providing undue stress to an already busy start to Yr 8.  

This week, Tutors have discussed with students the Redlands Homework Policy, as per page 17 of the Student Planner. Key points:

• Yr 8 – Up to 1 hour to 1½ hours per day (averaged across a week).
• In Yr 8, no new home learning is set on Thursday night which is due on the following day (Friday). This evening is used to catch up on home learning tasks from the week.
• In Yrs 7-10, there will be no new home learning tasks set over the holidays.  

PE Uniform

The Redlands Secondary School has reverted to regular use of the PE uniform. Students are able to wear their PE uniform on Thursdays. During the remainder of the week, students will travel to and from school in their full school uniform. Students will use the student change rooms to get changed into their PE uniforms at the following times for practical lessons:

Flexischools

Purchasing food from the Canteen is now via a pre-order system, Flexischools.  While some snacks will still be available for students to purchase in person, the majority of meals will need to be pre-ordered via Flexischools using the app or website, prior to 8.30am.  

Pastoral Program

The focus this term of our Pastoral Program will be based around academic self-management and responsibility (Study Skills), risk-taking – positive and negative (including online risk-taking) and a continuation of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. A number of activities will be based around the all-school focus of Social and Emotional Learning. Many of our activities will be Tutor-run, whilst also allowing students to reflect and work independently to ensure growth and success throughout the year.

Ms Lisa Vale
Yr 8 Advisor
9968 9837
lvale@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Year 7

Yr 7 Camp

It is exciting for us to be getting prepared for Yr 7 Camp based at our High Country Campus in Jindabyne from Monday 8 to Friday 12 February.

We will be departing from Allister Street, Cremorne (Redlands Junior Campus – Dunnet Hall) at 6.30am, Monday 8 February. Students are to be dropped off at 6.00am. Due to COVID-19 we ask that parents do not congregate on the pathways or entrance to allow for other parents to drop off and for staff to assemble students in a timely manner. We will be returning by 3.30pm on Friday 12 February. Pickup will be from the Senior Campus from the Gerard Street entrance as names will be marked off before students can leave.

PE Uniform

The Redlands Secondary School has reverted to regular use of the PE uniform. Students are able to wear their PE uniform on Thursdays. During the remainder of the week, students will travel to and from school in their full school uniform. Students will use the student change rooms to get changed into their PE uniforms at the following times for practical lessons:

Flexischools

Purchasing food from the Canteen is now via a pre-order system, Flexischools.  While some snacks will still be available for students to purchase in person, the majority of meals will need to be pre-ordered via Flexischools using the app or website, prior to 8.30 am. 

Head of Junior School

COVID-19 Update

As mentioned in the Principal’s report, in accordance with advice from NSW Health, parents and carers are reminded NOT to send children to school if they are unwell, even if they have the mildest flu-like symptoms. These symptoms include fever (37.5 or higher), cough, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or loss of taste or smell. NSW Health has requested that schools ask anyone who is unwell or has even one of these symptoms, to arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics. Students with flu-like symptoms will need to be tested, provide a copy of a negative COVID-19 test result and be symptom-free before being permitted to return to school.

The Classroom Learning Environment

We have now enjoyed a full week of learning and I have been so impressed by the students’ engagement, enjoyment of learning and support of one another. I have had a few messages from teachers commending classes or groups of students and just yesterday, our Senior Campus Chaplain, Ms Lihou, shared how involved and well-mannered the Junior School students had been in her first Chapel services on our campus. I also acknowledge how well our Yr 3 students have transitioned up from the Prep School and our many new students.

One of the joys of my week is always time spent in the classrooms. I have loved spending some time with students in this first week and have observed them settled, engaged and inquisitive in rich learning experiences and conversation.

As many of you will be aware, Redlands has a long association with Project Zero at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education in developing how we create, nurture, embed and sustain a culture of thinking in our School and the Eight Cultural Forces that the philosophy says exist and defines every learning environment has been visible in my classroom visits this past week.

These eight forces are listed below with a brief explanation of their significance and as teachers, how we aim to explore how best to leverage them to maximise learning opportunities and experiences for our students remains a key focus for Redlands teachers and will be a language that you will see and hear from teachers and your children.

Meet the Teacher Information Evening (Zoom)

As you will have noted from last Friday’s letter, our class teachers are looking forward to this evening’s Meet the Teacher information session at the times listed below.

Yrs 3 and 4: 5.00-5.45pm
Yrs 5 and 6: 6.00-6.45pm

The letter which is on Redlands Pulse contains each class’ Zoom link and passcode and a copy of the slides will be posted on to the relevant Year Group page of Redlands Pulse tomorrow.

Class Parent Representatives

Thank you to those parents who have already volunteered to take on a class parent representative role in 2021 which is very much appreciated. Class teachers will seek interest for this role at the Meet the Teacher evening where we still have spaces and if you have any questions about the role, please do feel free to contact either of our Junior School Parent Contact Group Coordinators, Rebecca James, or Becky Gait who will be only too willing to assist.

School Photographs

Our School photos were taken today in glorious sunshine and you will have received the letter with additional details of ordering this week. This letter is also on Redlands Pulse for reference.

Traffic Safety

I continue to remind all of our families about the importance of choosing safety over convenience when dropping off or picking up your child. We have a pedestrian crossing on either side of our campus and encourage families to use them where they can but also ask drivers to be particularly vigilant around these crossings. North Sydney Council provides us with a traffic supervisor on the Murdoch St side but currently not on the Allister St side, which we will take up with them again.

Please continue to be mindful that many families are new to Redlands and getting to grips with new parking and pick-up arrangements. For families using the car line process, please remind your child to wait with the duty teacher at the Junior School gate and follow the guidelines clarified in the letter sent last week. It is also important to arrive as close to 3.20pm as possible to avoid additional congestion to our younger Prep School students’ departure times.

Thank you, in advance, for your cooperation and support.

Mr Ari Guha
Head of Junior School 
aguha@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022

Head of the Preparatory School

COVID-19 Update

As mentioned in the Principal’s report, in accordance with advice from NSW Health, parents and carers are reminded NOT to send children to school if they are unwell, even if they have the mildest flu-like symptoms. These symptoms include fever (37.5 or higher), cough, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or loss of taste or smell. NSW Health has requested that schools ask anyone who is unwell or has even one of these symptoms, to arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics. Students with flu-like symptoms will need to be tested, provide a copy of a negative COVID-19 test result and be symptom-free before being permitted to return to school.

Prep School Photos

Prep School photos are on Wednesday 10 February (Week 3 ). This year we are using a new school provider Melba Photography. Ordering information will be sent to all families shortly. Can I please ask that all students in K-2 wear their full school uniform on this day and bring their blazer. If your child has PE on this day, they can bring their sandshoes in their bag to change into.

Allister Street Parking

Please be aware that the school side of Allister Street is a no parking zone in the mornings and afternoons. This area is only to be used as a drop off zone. It would be greatly appreciated if parents didn’t exit their cars on Allister Street when dropping off. Staff members are placed specifically out in the street to assist students out of the cars. This will allow the flow of the morning car line and also reduce the congestion that builds down Allister Street. If you would like to walk your child into school, please park in surrounding streets or walk in via the Murdoch Street entrance. Rangers do patrol this street often and will fine drivers who are parked in the zones during drop off times.

Prep Clubs

Prep Clubs are scheduled to begin in Week 4 this term for children in Yrs 1 and 2. Students who would like to attend are able to choose from a variety of options, running Wednesdays from 3.00-4.00pm. If you would like your child to take part in Term 1, for which there is no additional cost (excluding the new Science Club), please refer to the letter being emailed to families on Monday. Prep School will once again be using the Trybooking system to organise registrations, which will be made on a first in, first served basis. Children are required to choose one Club only for Term 1 and they will begin on Wednesday 17 February with the final week being Wednesday 24 March (Week 9). Please note that there will be no car line after Clubs now that parents are able to come onto school grounds to collect their children.

We are also happy to announce that we have engaged Eye Heart Science to provide a Young Investigators Science Club as an extra offering this year. Details about the Club, how to register and payment details will be included in Monday’s letter.

Parent Information Evening

Thanks to all K-2 families who Zoomed into the Parent Information sessions on Tuesday night. It was exciting to connect with you and share all our exciting plans for the year ahead. We tried to answer as many questions as we could, but if we happened to not answer something, please don’t hesitate to ask us. The link to the recorded sessions and PowerPoint slides information can be assessed on the Year Group Redlands Pulse pages from next Monday.

We discussed the importance of connection within our Redlands community and being a class parent is a wonderful way to help facilitate this. We still have some classes that don’t have class parents yet. If this is something you would like to do but need to have a further conversation please don’t hesitate to reach out to Jennifer Mast, who is coordinating the Class Parents for the Prep School this year or ask Prep Reception for a copy of the Duty Statement.

Technology in the Classroom Information Session

Redlands invites Prep parents to save the date for our first Technology in the Classroom Prep Parent Information and Workshop session on Wednesday 24 February. This session introduces parents to how Redlands uses technology as a tool for learning in the Prep classrooms. Parents will have an opportunity to experience how students use iPads during class through hands-on activities with various apps on school iPads. This is the first of four information sessions to be held this year, one per term. Booking information will be provided in next week’s Note Day.  

Lucy Hill Library

This year the Preparatory School is once again taking part in the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge. This state-wide initiative was introduced several years ago to encourage schools and children to get serious about enjoying reading and using libraries. We don’t have any trouble getting children interested in reading or in enjoying what the Lucy Hill Library has to offer, but we like to offer children and their parents the chance to take part. Some students who are now in the Secondary School have taken part every year since they were in Kindergarten and therefore have quite a collection of certificates from various state Premiers!

The Challenge is divided into K-2; 3-4; 5-6; and 7-9 Year Groups and a list of books appropriate to each of these age groups is provided for them to read from. The students have until August to read the required number of books.

Students participating in the K-2 Challenge need to experience 30 books, either by reading themselves, shared reading of the book or having the book read to them.

The Lucy Hill Library has identified the listed books with spine stickers and printed the code for each book on the back page to make it very easy for you. Or, you can access the lists for yourself here. 

The website is not live yet, but you may begin reading. If your child is not new to the school, they will already have their password in the back of their last year’s Planner. If your child is in Kindergarten or new to the school, later in March we will affix your child’s password and login details to their Planner so that you will be able to record what you read online. Until then, record what you read on paper. There is a log on the site.

As parents are still unable to visit the School Library, we will continue the borrowing procedure which was instigated last year. You may borrow ten books at a time. Please email the Library or send an email to Ms Roberts and we will put books in a bag for you to collect from the Prep School foyer. If you want specific titles or genres, please say so in your email, otherwise you will have the pleasure of a lucky dip each week. Of course, you may not necessarily like everything that comes home, but the beauty is that you can just send it back and get more.

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

Redlands House/Transition Gold

COVID-19 Update

As mentioned in the Principal’s report, in accordance with advice from NSW Health, parents and carers are reminded NOT to send children to school if they are unwell, even if they have the mildest flu-like symptoms. These symptoms include fever (37.5 or higher), cough, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or loss of taste or smell. NSW Health has requested that schools ask anyone who is unwell or has even one of these symptoms, to arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics. Students with flu-like symptoms will need to be tested, provide a copy of a negative COVID-19 test result and be symptom-free before being permitted to return to school.

Class Parents

We are still seeking Class Parents for some of the Redlands House classes. The key function of the role is to coordinate social activities for your Preschool class to build a strong and positive Redlands community. It is a wonderful way to become involved in your child’s education and to get to know other families at the School.  While we only need one parent per class, it is absolutely fine if two parents would like to team up and share the role. If you are interested in fulfilling this role, please speak to your class teacher or Mrs Huon.

Medication

Redlands House has strict government regulations that must be adhered to. Medication will only be administered at Redlands House Preschool if the medication is prescribed to the child or if it is accompanied by a certificate of statement from the child’s doctor.

For medical conditions – If medication is to be administered at Redlands House, a medical action plan is to be provided by the child’s parents/guardians.

For illness – If medication is to be administered at Redlands House, a medical record is to be completed and signed by the child’s parents/guardians. Please ask educators for a medical form.

In the case of an emergency – If medication is to be administered at Redlands House, in the case of an emergency verbal permission can be obtained by an educator from the child’s parents/guardians. In the case of an anaphylaxis or asthma emergency, medication can be administered without authorisation.

Medication will be stored in a child proof medication area (either within the fridge or cupboard as appropriate). Under no circumstances should medication be left in the child’s bag or in a place accessible to any children.

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

Secondary Sport Redland Pulse

Athletics 

At the end of last year we had a number of students compete at the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships with some amazing results from current and past students. Emma Mahon (Yr 12) won the Girls 19 Years 5000m, a great result for Emma who recently went through an injury scare in the back end of 2020. Jonah Koppers and James Barrelle (Yr 12) also competed in the Boys 19 Years 5000m, both ran very good times and will look to build on these results for the 2021 Athletics season. 

Our 2020 Girls Athletics Captain Alexandra York also competed at the event as her final competition for Redlands:

• 1st Place – Girls 17 Years Triple Jump with a jump of 12.62m
• 3rd Place – Girls 17 Years High Jump with a jump of 1.65m
• 4th Place – Girls 17 Years Long Jump with a jump of 5.53m
• 9th Place – Girls 17 Years 100m with a time of 12.53s

A huge thank you to Mr Nick Walker for his efforts with the Track and Field team throughout the 2020 disrupted season. We are very much looking forward to the upcoming season in 2021 to build on some great results from previous years. 

Basketball 

Round 1 of Redlands Basketball will commence this Saturday 6 February. The fixture details for Round 1 are available on Redlands Pulse under the Redlands Rhino tab. Please click here to view the COVID-19 protocols in place for each venue in Round 1.

We ask that all players:

• Arrive 30 minutes prior to the start time indicated on the Redlands Rhino
• Arrive dressed in full Redlands Basketball uniform ready to play
• Do not attend if you are unwell or have recently been in contact with a known Covid case

There will be more travel involved in ISA sport this term due to the inclusion of the regional schools, please check the Redlands Rhino carefully for the bus departure time in the event the opposition school lies outside of the Sydney Metropolitan region. Parental permission for the bus will need to be provided on the Engage portal. Best of luck to all teams in Round 1!

Rowing

Over the holidays our Rowing program shifted the planned January Rowing camps from Jindabyne to Mosman with students having two water sessions and one land session each day with breakfast and lunch provided. During this camp, we selected our crews for the first half of Term 1 which include the NSW State Championships and the Kings/PLC Regatta and Shore Regatta. Despite the last minute change away from Jindabyne due to COVID, both the Junior and Senior rowers acquitted themselves well with their adaptability and work ethic. Our Senior rowers were also lucky enough to engage with Sports Psychologist Dr Mike Martin, who took them through a number of self-coaching strategies and mindset challenges that will hopefully assist them both in sport and in the general aspects of their lives when challenges arise.

This weekend our Seniors and Yr 9 students will be taking on a number of crews from across Australia at the NSW State Championships held at Penrith. Typically we use results from this Regatta as an internal selection tool for the Australian Rowing Championships.

This week the school has confirmed our attendance at the ACT Head of the Lake and the ACT Championships to be held in Canberra on the weekend of Sat 27 and Sun 28 February. Further details of this will be available in the coming weeks.

Key Dates

Sat 20 Feb – Boat Naming (12.00-1.30pm at Mosman Rowing Club)
Sat 6 March – Crew Photos (Normal training times, Mosman Rowing Club)
Tue 30 March – Rowing Presentation Dinner (Zest)

Swimming

The 2021 Redlands Secondary School Swimming Carnival will be held on Tuesday 16 February (Term 1, Week 4). More information regarding the Swimming Carnival (Information Letter and Carnival Program) will be available via Redlands Pulse shortly. 

Those students interested in swimming the 200m Individual Medley will need to register before (Friday 12 February, Term 1, Week 3)

Tennis

This week sees the return of the Summer Tennis competition. To ensure the morning flows efficiently, students should:

• Arrive 15 minutes before their allocated start time with the first points being played on time
• Arrive ready to play
• Check in with the venue’s Service NSW QR code
• Check in with the venue convener to find out which court they are playing on
• Call the score each point and each game, make fair line calls
• Wear a hat and sunscreen

Lane Cove Clubhouse is still not available for spectators. Spectators may stand around the courts and watch. The one spectator per player rule is still in place for Round 1 at all venues. All spectators at all venues are asked to check in with the venues Service NSW QR code. Please check the Redlands Rhino each week for the most up to date draw.

Touch Football  

We are very excited for the return of the Touch Football season, ISA Round 1 begins this weekend. A reminder that this term teams will travel to a number of the regional schools in order to compete in this competition, please ensure you are checking the Redlands Rhino each Tuesday afternoon for up-to-date games times, all bus permissions will be emailed out early in the week for the travelling teams. 

“People look for the shortcut, the hack, and if you came here looking for that; you won’t find it. The shortcut is a lie, the hack doesn’t get you there. There is no easy way“. Akira The Don – There Must Be Discipline

Ms Alison Cox
Head of Secondary School Sport
sports@redlands.nsw.edu.au

All Sports contacts can be found on Redlands Pulse.​

Junior Sport

All students are to be congratulated for their enthusiasm and diligence during our Representative Sport Trials and on our first Wednesday Sports Day. With our final trials this coming Saturday for all our Representative Sports we certainly encourage students to embrace their final team lists once they are posted.

The subjective nature of such trials means that students are only “as good as they are on the day” but to give them all the best possible chance to be seen over time, additional selectors and coaching staff have been engaged to grade and assist.

I spoke to the students prior to Sport trials last week and challenged them to be ‘proactive and do something about it’ if they didn’t have a good trial day and don’t end up in their preferred team. As outlined on Redlands Pulse, our teams are ‘fluid’, meaning teams may change from week to week.

For the final trials please click here for times and venues. Students are asked to be at the venue 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time. 

Wednesday Sport Optional Parent Pick Up

Please be aware that if you would like to collect your child at the conclusion of their Wednesday Sports at the venue, you may do so as long as prior notice via email has been received. This email is then shared with the supervising staff on that particular sport. Please do not just turn up at the venue. Email permission can be sent to Junior Sport.

Winter Sport Selection

Despite not having commenced Round 1 of Summer Sport, IPSHA requires our numbers and team submissions for the 2021 Winter Sport season commencing later this term and into Term 2. We require all parents to complete this registration form for your child so we can ensure all Junior School students have been allocated to a sport for Wednesday Sport for winter. This was emailed to all families on Wednesday 3 February. Any responses submitted after the closing date of COB Friday 12 February may not get their first choice.

There are a variety of options available to all students in representative or non-representative sport.

In summary, you can do either of the following:

• Choose a Non-Representative Sport where your child only has a commitment in school hours being Wednesday Sport (1.30 to 3.20pm) with no Saturday involvement.
• Choose a Representative Sport where your child has a commitment on both Wednesday (training during school hours) and Saturday (competitive matches against other schools around Sydney)

In exciting news, Netball will now take place on Saturday morning as we are part of the IPSHA Netball competition. To cater for girls who cannot commit to Netball on Saturdays, we have offered Netball as a Non-Rep option for Wednesday only with no Saturday option.

Winter Representative Sport has a Saturday morning commitment to it with matches taking place Saturday mornings (an hour commitment anywhere between 7.30am and finishing by 11.30am at the latest). Winter sport for both Rep and Non-Rep commences Term 1, Week 8  (Wednesday 17 March) and for most sports, it runs for 12 weeks over Terms 2 and 3. Selections must be made by COB Friday 12 February.

Winter Sport Selection

For more information relating to each sport, the costs, involvements and commitment please refer to Redlands Pulse.

Absences from Saturday Sport

For those students who are representing Redlands in fixtures on Saturdays and will miss their game due to illness or misadventure, parents/carers 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 Redlands Pulse.

Norths Junior Rugby Under 6 – 12

Rugby is a sport that we aim to grow at Redlands and is one of our Winter Sport options. Currently, we have a number of Redlands families who are involved in Norths Rugby, a local community Rugby Club, teaching boys and girls the skills, philosophy and sense of community of Rugby Union from the of age 5. With their home ground based at Tunks Park, the Club is part of the Northern Suburbs District and for more information, please click here. Games do not clash with Redlands Sport so there is a chance for students to play for both teams.

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

Kirsty O’Sullivan
Sports Administrator
juniorsport@redlands.nsw.edu.au  

Ballet and Dance

2021 Enrolment

2021 class enrolments are now closed for current students. Please check the students’ timetables on Engage to see their current Dance classes. Any changes or questions, please email the Ballet and Dance office. If you are a new student, please enquire about 2021 places.

Important Dates

**Please see Redlands Pulse for further details on Auditions.

Student Achievements

We would like to congratulate all our Senior students on their excellent RAD exam results. 

End of Year Presentations 2021

Our End of Year Concert, Dance on Film 2020, was filmed at Redlands Hall over five days in November. Whilst a very different experience from previous years, it was a wonderful opportunity for students to perform their work and celebrate their achievements with family and friends.

We are delighted to share videos and photos from this event with you. Please click here to view.

Can’t Come to Class?

Please do not forget to let us know if sickness, injury or change of circumstance has occurred. Send an email to dance@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Any Questions?

Please contact us at dance@redlands.nsw.edu.au. We would love to hear from you.

Ms K Martin
Head of Ballet and Dance
kmartin@redlands.nsw.edu.au
02 9908 6461

Drama and Theatre

Activities Fair

Our Yr 12 Captains launched our Senior Drama and Theatre program last week with our Activities Fair. Redlands offers a variety of courses in Acting, Theatre Sports, Shakespeare, Musical Theatre, Film and Production for students from Kindergarten to Yr 12. There are limited vacancies available in some classes. Any student interested in joining any of our classes can collect an enrolment form from any reception, Redlands Pulse or via email. 

Musical

Our Musical rehearsals are well underway. Students can check rehearsal schedules and newsletters on iLearn, on the Theatre and Drama notice board and Redlands Pulse. Students are reminded to be prompt to all rehearsals, bring plenty of food and water, wear appropriate clothing as required and the very important libretto!

Costume, Makeup and Props Team

Any student interested in Costume, Theatre Makeup or Property creation is invited to become part of the Costume, Make Up or Props team for 2021. Costume students meet on Sunday morning and Make up and Props students meet every week on Friday afternoon. Any student interested in joining these groups should collect an enrolment form from the Drama and Theatre office.

Junior School Theatresports

Any student wishing to participate in Theatresports in Junior School is welcome to join us at lunch on Tuesday. Meet at the flagpole. Workshops are free and open to all students from Yrs 3 to 6.

Secondary School Theatresports

Redlands Theatresports Competition preparation has begun. Workshops are free and open to all students from Yrs 7 to 12. Classes take place on Tuesday lunchtimes in the Drama Studio. Redlands will be entering a Senior and Intermediate team in Impro Australia’s 2021 Theatresports  Schools Competition. The regional TSC takes place in Term 2 with heats running from early May. Winning schools will progress to take part in the qualifying finals in June and the top teams in each division will go into a Grand Final at the Enmore Theatre at the end of June.

Shakespeare on Screen

Sport for Jove Theatre is returning with The Shakespeare Carnival for 2021. Right across NSW, high school students will have the chance to tread the boards and creatively engage with Shakespeare’s works on the stage as actors, dancers, musicians and designers. This year the Redlands Shakespeare Festival is focussing on film acting techniques. You can submit a film of your performance and be judged by the esteemed Darren Gilshenan (The Moodys, Here come the Habibs!, Harrow). Register your interest in the Shakespeare Festival here by Friday 19 February and then you will be invited to join the dedicated iLearn page.

Senior Acting Ensemble

Interested in becoming part of the Redlands Drama Senior Acting Ensemble? Students who would like to develop their acting skills and be part of an ensemble that creates new works, as well as working towards Theatre festivals, are invited to come on Monday lunchtime to the Drama Studio. See Mrs Daley for details.

Mrs Joy Daley
Coordinator of Theatre and Drama
drama@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9860

Music

SENIOR CAMPUS MUSIC INFORMATION

JUNIOR CAMPUS MUSIC INFORMATION

Music Events

Music Ensemble Program (Week 3)

This coming week, the Music Department will be resuming all ensembles within the Redlands Music program across Preparatory, Junior and Secondary Schools. The planning of our modified format for rehearsals has considered, first and foremost, the safety of all students who are currently enrolled in the Music program and the staff who are responsible for leading these groups each week. In particular, the Choral program will see students participate in a variety of different On Campus Learning experiences and varied rehearsal approaches, with a specified overview communicated to parents tomorrow, Friday 5 February.

Friends of Music

The first meeting for 2021 will be held via Zoom next Friday 12 February (Week 3) commencing at 8.30am. The meeting will run for approximately 45 minutes.

Join Zoom Meeting https://redlands.zoom.us/j/4874398088?pwd=YlYrbWFPMWVndkptcnFDUmQ4RWVFUT09

Meeting ID: 487 439 8088 / Passcode: Music

If you would like more information on the Friends of Music and its important association with the Music Department, please contact our President Ms Emma McLaren.

Jazz In The Garden (Live Streamed)

With rehearsals and preparations underway, the 2021 Music calendar is already shaping up to be filled with many exciting performance opportunities for students throughout the year. To commence this journey, students enrolled in the Jazz program will be participating in our annual launch event, Jazz in The Garden, scheduled for Saturday 13 March at 6.00pm. Specific details will be communicated to families in Week 4.

Battle of the Bands

In conjunction with our Rock Band Specialists, the determined theme for this year’s Battle of the Bands is Music from the 80s. This theme will certainly celebrate this wonderful decade of music and is a prerequisite for all entries. The Battle of the Bands supports our emerging contemporary musicians, with the competition to be held Monday 29 March commencing at 6.00pm. The competition is open to students in Yrs 7-12 and features our Junior School Rock Bands as featured performers. Audition forms can be collected from Music Receptions or on Redlands Pulse.

Extra Subjects Enrolments and Procedures

For lessons to commence in Term 1, enrolment for classes in Voice, Instrumental Studies, Musicianship, Sound Engineering, Rock Bands and Composition close next Friday 12 February. Any forms received after this date will commence lessons in Term 2. Parents and guardians are advised that students who are requesting a change to their current Extra Subject Music tuition will need to submit a Notification of Change form, four weeks prior to the end of Semester 1. Please note that once a semester has commenced, lessons will not be able to be terminated until the end of that semester. The Notification of Change form can be downloaded from Redlands Pulse and is required to be emailed to Music Administrators.

Music Tutor and Parent Communications

The Music Department places great importance on strong school-home partnerships with the intention to increase parental participation in the learning of music. In focusing on clear lines of communication, our goal is to establish a collaborative association with parents in supporting their child’s musical journey. Much like the Redlands Student Planner, our primary system of communication for school-to-home connections is through the use of the Private Music Tuition Record Book. This learning resource is the primary process in which parents and tutors liaise regularly, and its purpose is to record lesson instructions, set weekly goals and expectations, and provide ongoing practice routines and strategies.

The secondary process of communication is through Redlands staff email, where Music tutors will clearly outline teaching schedules and outline any changes or amendments that may occur from time to time. Correspondence through email is the expected form of communication, and Music tutors are not expected to respond to text messages on their personal mobile number. Please understand that Redlands Music tutors are also employed at other schools and, as such, do not work at Redlands every day. Parents are reminded that response to an email may not be immediate so forward planning is recommended. Under no circumstances should students and teachers be communicating via personal mobile devices. Importantly, we believe that effective communication is based on ongoing and regular exchanges, and our goal is to ensure that correspondence is both informative and interactive as possible. Every communication exchange, regardless of format, should reflect a thoughtful, planned dialogue and should be viewed as an opportunity for teacher-parent partnerships that ultimately support student learning.

Senior Campus

Senior Music Lockers

Students and parents are reminded to please ensure Music Locker forms are submitted by next Friday 12 February. This form can be found on Redlands Pulse or collected from the Senior Music Reception. Lockers and combination locks are allocated to students on receipt of the form.

Junior Campus

Music Instrumental Program (MIP)

Issue of departmental instruments will take place throughout Week 3 and parents are reminded to ensure that the Instrument Hire forms have been either emailed or handed in at the Junior Campus Music Office. A reminder that all students in Yr 4 will be billed $20 for the accompanying learning resource required for the program.

Instrument Storage and Care

On the day of a lesson, students are required to store instruments at the back of their classroom (for large instruments) or in their school bag or locker (for small instruments). Instruments should not be left at school overnight as they are needed for regular home learning and practice sessions. School hired instruments must be included on personal home and contents insurance as Redlands cannot be held responsible for instruments which are lost, stolen or damaged. As all musical instruments are incredibly fragile and expensive, parents are asked to assist in ensuring that students do not let other children play with their allocated instrument, this resource is kept in a safe place and out of extreme temperatures (ie. hot car) and instruments are not left out of their case when not in use.

Yr 2 Curriculum Strings

During classroom music on Monday, Yr 2 students participated in a demonstration session, as they learned about orchestral string instruments and listened to Ms Katherine Moses (Head of Strings), Ms Gabby Jung (Violin Tutor) and Mrs Mar’yana Sywak (Violin Tutor) perform beautiful String Trio repertoire. As an important part of their classroom Music program, students in Yr 2 have the opportunity to learn a string instrument for the duration of the year. This is a fully programmed aspect of their academic curriculum and learning an instrument is a great way of ‘Making Thinking Visible’ in the Music context. Research states that the benefits of instrumental studies enhances cognitive function in support of language, communication skills and spatial awareness, in addition to mathematical and reasoning abilities. As a Department, we believe that learning music together develops creativity through improvisation, builds collaborative skills and teamwork, and fosters social-emotional learnings in relation to individual determination, personal goal-setting and self-regulation.

Mr Darren Kuilenburg
Coordinator of Music
seniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9820