Thursday 10 September is RUOK Day and I have been most impressed by the leadership displayed by a group of our Year 12 students in organising an assembly focused on this important topic and their passion in supporting their fellow students’ wellbeing.
I was honoured to be asked by the group to share a message with our Secondary School students on the importance of being prepared to ask for assistance when struggling with any mental health concerns. It is essential that we remove the stigma of doing so and support our students in seeing this in a similar way to seeking assistance for concerns regarding physical health.
In my message, I shared the account from a colleague who was an AFL coach in Perth. He once asked his team in a meeting, who amongst them would be prepared to help a friend who may be struggling with their mental health? Every hand in the room went up. The next question was telling. Who amongst them would be prepared to ask one of them for help, if they were the one struggling? Not one hand went up. A powerful contrast!
I went on to state that during our lives we will all face times that are challenging and we will all face fears and obstacles that at times can seem insurmountable. I shared about a time when I personally sought the support of my closest friends and my father and had to make myself vulnerable in doing so. Just like the members of the AFL team, my friends were rock solid in their support and I am blessed to have such a strong and loving relationship with my father.
I have also learned over the years that the greatest growth can often flow from the biggest challenges that we face. The metaphor of a beautiful pearl growing from an unwanted intrusion into a pearl shell is powerfully symbolic.
I have often reflected this year how much we thrive on social interaction, which was reinforced by the joy we all felt when the students returned to On Campus Learning. As I was cycling recently with a new group up through the Northern Beaches towards Church Point, I realised that I hadn’t been as aware of the persistent bumps in the road, as when I had previously ridden the route by myself. We all need people in our lives to help smooth out the bumps!
So, my message to all in our community, as we promote RUOK day in the School, let’s not just stop and ask others if they are OK, let’s also be prepared to stop and ask for support when we need it.
OnSTAGE Nominations
Congratulations to Year 12 students Grace Flavell, Alec Henderson and Faith Oosthuizen, whose individual Drama performances have all been nominated for OnSTAGE, the showcase of the very best HSC Drama major works. The students are now in contention for the final selection to be performed at a professional theatre in 2021 and we wish them all the best.
RPFA Online Second Hand Uniform Sale / Fun Family Trivia Afternoon
Thank you to the members of the RPFA for their magnificent effort in moving the Second Hand Uniform Sale online. You can access the sale here until next Friday 18 September.
I also remind parents of the Online Fun Family Trivia Afternoon on Sunday 20 September. Bookings are $10 a family and can be made here.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo caption: Collaborative learning in the Preparatory School.
Foundation
Online Second Hand Uniform Sale
As our very popular Second Hand Uniform Sale is not possible this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the RPFA is pleased to annouce our Online Second Hand Uniform Sale. All items have been inspected to ensure they are in good condition. All proceeds will go towards the means-tested Redlands Foundation Scholarship Fund.
We sincerely thank Mrs Michelle Tea, RPFA President / Yr 7 parent and the team of volunteers who have made this Online Second Hand Uniform Sale possible. If you have any questions please contact rpfa@redlands.nsw.edu.au.
Fun Family Trivia Afternoon
We welcome you to our inaugural Online Fun Family Trivia afternoon which will be run on Zoom and Kahoot.
This event is open to all families in our Redlands community and will provide an entertaining way to connect with each other. There will be lots of fun and prizes with points awarded to the House competition. Make sure you dress in your House colours as there will be prizes for the most outlandish family!
In Week 9, all Secondary School students will attend a video assembly on Thursday 17 September celebrating the sporting and cocurricular life of the school over the last few months.
In non-COVID time, a notable Alumni guest speaker presents at these assemblies. As an alternative, several alumni within the sporting and arts fields have been approached to submit video messages introducing themselves, reflecting on their time at Redlands, their career paths to date and advising current students how best to stay involved in their sporting, artistic or cocurricular activities beyond Redlands.
Redlander participants include:
Janusz Hooker, Class of 1987 – Former Olympic rower, Chairman LJ Hooker Limited
Rachael Beck, Class of 1989 – actress, musical theatre, musician
Sophie Cape, Class of 1993 – visual artist
Leah Thomas, Class of 1996 – soprano Opera Australia
Stuart Pollard, Class 2004 – professional sailor, living in UK
Brendan Martin, Class of 2006 – rower
Embla Bishop, Class of 2013 – actress, musical theatre
Jack Frerer, Class of 2013 – musician, composer, Julliard School graduate
Jordan Auld, Class of 2014 – opera singer, Opera Scholars Australia
Alumni Spotlight
Lisa Nicol, Class of 1986
Acclaimed children’s author and Redlander, Lisa Nicol visited Junior School students in Week 6 to talk about her books, Vincent and the Grandest Hotel on Earth, Dr Boogaloo and the Girl Who Lost Her Laughter, and her upcoming picture book, The Ballad of Dexi Lee.
The students read a number of Lisa’s books and asked her lots of great questions. They were more enthralled to hear she had been a student at Redlands too and had enjoyed her time in Dumolo House!
Rachael Beck, Class of 1989
We recently heard from acclaimed actress and musician Rachael Beck as she reflected on her time at Redlands. Rachael is running holiday workshops and would love Redlands students to come along and learn from the Redlands best!
“Redlands was an excellent springboard for my imagination to be nurtured and nourished. This has served me well in my industry and as a person. I remember the Redlands days fondly and hope every student ends up with the happy memories I have, and of course I hope every student has at least one go at a play or musical theatre.”
Funds raised from the second hand uniform sale are contributed towards the means-tested Redlands Foundation Scholarship Fund. Everyone’s support is greatly appreciated!
Family Trivia Night
Join us and other Redlands families for our first ever socially distant community event – a Kahoot Trivia afternoon. Suitable for all ages. Dress in your House colors as special House points will be awarded and there will be lots of prizes!
We will be discussing The White Girl by Tony Birch – recently shortlisted for the Miles Franklin award, “a story of good, evil and the legacy of Australia’s colonial past” on Thursday 10 September from 7.30pm. Please email Lerida Grant on lerida@bigpond.net.au for more information.
President: Michelle Tea
Vice President: JP Forrest
Secretary: Jo Lloyd
Treasurer: Christine Walsh
Committee: Anna Maria Stillone, Annette Swann, Jean Martin, Kate Kesby, Malcolm Pascoe, Maria Kinsela and Tina Shacklock
Event
Fun Family Trivia Afternoon
We welcome you to our inaugural Online Fun Family Trivia afternoon which will be run on Zoom and Kahoot.
This event is open to all families in our Redlands community and will provide an entertaining way to connect with each other. There will be lots of fun and prizes with points awarded to the House competition. Make sure you dress in your House colours as there will be prizes for the most outlandish family!
Head of Secondary School
R U OK Day
Today is R U OK Day and provides an opportunity for all of us to focus on mental health and to reflect on how we can best support people around us who might be struggling, through the simple actions of asking a question, listening, encouraging them to take action and checking in later. We know how challenging these past six months have been for everyone due to the disruptions and uncertainty caused by Covid-19 and our Yr 12 student leaders wanted to use R U OK Day to have a wider Secondary School focus on mental health. In today’s online assembly, our students heard from our Counsellors (Tanya and Lara), our Principal (Mr Webber) and other staff about how we can best support ourself and others when times are tough. Tomorrow we have a mufti day in the Secondary School to raise money for organisations which focus on mental health where we are asking students to wear yellow and make a gold coin donation in support of this cause. It was wonderful to see this initiative led by our Yr 12 student leaders who wanted to address an issue that affects so many young people in a responsive and supportive manner.
Staffing Updates
We wanted to update you with some staffing updates in the Secondary School. As has already been communicated, Ms Abigail Walker commenced her maternity leave position this week and we are fortunate to have Ms Ebony Stewart return to the HSIE Department to cover Ms Walker’s leave. In addition, next term our Dean of Students, Ms Carolyn Shaw, will commence her maternity leave and we wish her all the best in these coming weeks and months. We are pleased to announce that current Yr 9 Year Advisor, Ms Marita Jansons, will step into the acting Dean of Students role in Ms Shaw’s absence and are fortunate to have such a highly experienced Year Advisor to be able to cover this position. Accordingly, we will confirm who will be stepping into Ms Jansons’ acting Yr 9 Year Advisor role in the coming weeks. Finally, our Head of Secondary School Sport, Mr Thomas Kindred, will be leaving Redlands at the end of this year to take on another leadership position at Oxley College. We appreciate Mr Kindred’s tremendous efforts in developing the Secondary School Sports program over the past three years and wish him and his family all the best with their “tree change”. We will be commencing our search for a new Head of Secondary School Sports to start in 2021 in the coming weeks.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Yr 12 students Grace Flavell, Alec Henderson and Faith Oosthuizen for having their HSC individual performances nominated for OnSTAGE, a selection of performances and individual projects from Higher School Certificate Drama students. This is a wonderful achievement to be nominated for this showcase and confirmation of ONSTAGE performances will occur later in the year.
Sports Update
While we have been transitioning to our summer sports season, some winter sports concluded last week. The NSNA Netball competition finished up with six Redlands teams in the finals. Congratulations to the 7Cs and 9Bs who won their respective Grand Finals over the weekend. Also, the Redlands Tennis Championships concluded on Saturday with Semi Finals and Finals matches. Congratulations to Stella Simpson-Morgan for winning the Junior Singles Championships and Phillip Hible for winning the Senior Singles Championships.
Spirit Week
Next week we will be celebrating Spirit Week in the Secondary School. Spirit Week was an initiative started by Yr 12 student leaders in 2017 to celebrate our community and school spirit across the Houses, Sports and the Arts. This year, we will kick off Spirit Week with our Final Yr 12 Prefect Assembly on Tuesday. On Wednesday we will hold various House competitions during Recess and Lunch and students will be able to wear their House colours in mufti dress on the day. Thursday we will have a number of Sports activities at Recess and Lunch and Friday we will have various Arts activities at Recess and Lunch. We hope the week is an enjoyable time for students to celebrate some of the many different activities which make up their Redlands Secondary School experience.
Canteen Update
As stated last term, we have commenced online ordering in the Secondary School Canteen and we are strongly encouraging students to use this system for purchasing food in the Canteen. There is a much more extensive menu through the online ordering system and by using online ordering, students will ensure that their order is waiting for them at the beginning of Recess or Lunch and will not have to worry about availability of food items once they arrive to the Canteen. Students can pre-order items from the Canteen through Flexischools, and parents and carers can create a Flexischools account for their family via this link https://www.flexischools.com.au/ and link a credit card and student number to the account. More details regarding online Canteen ordering are available on Redlands Pulse.
It is wonderful to see our Redlands Parents and Friends Association set up an inaugural socially distant community event for our Redlands with a Kahoot Trivia afternoon lined up. Zoom in to see friends and families in House colours and see who can answer the most multiple choice questions the quickest! The quiz, which is being run by a quiz company, has been designed to be suitable for all ages and students can earn House points as well as lots of prizes during the quiz.
Notre Dame University will host its Open Day from 10.00am-4.00pm this Saturday 12 September. View the schedule now and register prior here.
Charles Sturt University (CSU) will hold its Open Day on Tuesday 15 September from 12-4pm. More information here.
Discover Western Sydney University
This will be held for Yr 12 students and parents and is about applying and early offers on Thursday 17 September at 5.00pm. WSU are also offering a webinar for Yrs 10 and 11 students and parents on ‘making informed choices’ to be held on Tuesday 22 September at 6.00pm. Register now here.
University of Sydney Webinars
Faculty of Medicine and Health student Panel: Tuesday 15 September from 4.00-4.30pm. Register here.
Where can a Bachelor of Arts take you? Wednesday 16 September from 5.00-6.00pm. Register here.
Business School Majors Showcase: Thursday 17 September from 4.30-6.00pm. Register here.
Sydney College of the Arts Portfolio Evening
This will be held on Thursday 17 September from 5.00-8.00pm. You can register for a 20 minute one-on-one online session with an academic to receive personalised feedback on your portfolio and visual arts practice. Register here.
Ms Simone Salier
Tertiary Education and Careers Advisor
ssalier@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9867
Chaplain
2020 has been a year of change, a year of uncertainty. It has been a year that many usual givens have come into question: the ability to go to school or the beach, the normal of travelling overseas, the ability to pop on a plane to visit grandma in Queensland, the celebrations of milestones.
I was asked what God would say about COVID-19. The bible portrays disease and death as part of the fallen world and that God is working in the world to bring his final purposes to fruition that is life with no pain, no crying and no death. (Revelation 21: 4)
During a situation like this, Jesus would speak to any fear or anxiety. In his parting dialogue to his disciples in John’s gospel he says this “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus offers a peace that brings calm in the storm and comfort in the face of distress. It is a peace wrought of knowing the presence of the loving Father through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is an unchanging peace as we know that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The world may be in flux but Jesus is the stable rock to hold onto. He is the one worth trusting.
This peace means we do not need to be troubled or afraid. We have the certainty that God is still working in the world. So any fears can be quelled and anxiety calmed as we pray and trust in God’s goodness and seek his purpose in the world and in our lives.
Thank you to all parents and carers for placing your orders online to the Uniform Shop during the last few months. We will continue with online ordering for the foreseeable future and appreciate your continued support. Orders can be placed online at www.flexischools.com.au or by downloading the Flexischools app. If you need assistance with sizes or have any questions regarding uniforms, please do not hesitate to call us.
Basketball Singlets
Basketball singlets for Term 4 will be hired at a charge of $10.00 for the season. These will be distributed by the Sports Departments in Junior and Secondary Schools once the teams have been selected and the cost will be charged to your school account. We are expecting a delivery of Basketball shorts in the next few weeks and these will also be available to order online.
Summer Uniform
As we near the end of winter term, it’s now time to check if your child has grown and to order any summer uniform ready for the start of Term 4. Boys in Yrs 7–12 now have the option of wearing grey shorts with knee high grey socks in Terms 4 and 1. Please check the Flexischools website for waist measurements on these new shorts.
New Students
If you have a new student starting at Redlands in 2021, we have setup an online booking process to assist with their uniform fitting. We strongly recommend you make an appointment as soon as possible to avoid the rush, particularly as we are limited to one parent and up to two children in the Shop at any time. We have experienced staff who will ensure they make allowances for growth over the next few months and we will of course exchange any items that need changing. Please click here to book an appointment for your child’s uniform fitting.
Holiday Hours
The Uniform Shop will open on the following days during the upcoming school holidays for collection of orders:
Friday 25 September, Thursday 8 October and Friday 9 October from 8.00am–4.00pm.
Students are now starting to receive their results back from the recent Yr 11 examinations. Please take the time to have conversations with your son or daughter about how they are feeling in relation to these results. For many students, the Yr 11 formal examinations mark a big step up and for many it was quite a different experience from previous examinations. I have discussed with students the need to manage any disappointment and see it as an opportunity to refocus and explore further some areas of content. Students have been encouraged to speak with me and their Tutor should they feel disappointed about their results.
Welcome
I would like to welcome new student, Brooke Adderton, to our Year Group. Brooke and her family have relocated from California. Parents, Jaye and Peter Adderton have Avalon in Yr 1, Siena in Yr 10 and Brooke in Yr 11. I know that you will all make the Adderton family feel very welcome.
R U OK? Day
Today is R U OK? Day and in order to draw attention to the important topic of mental health, the day focuses on ‘it is okay not to be okay’, and how to support to others after this question has been asked. Students have been given guidance about how to have a conversation with a friend if they have expressed that they are struggling and how to seek help. This is an important message for us all and I encourage everyone to take a moment at some point over the next few days to reflect on how we are feeling, as well as check in on a friend if you concerned for them. Given the Covid 19 climate, this is perhaps even more pertinent than in times past.
If you would like further information on this, or guidance on how to start a conversation, there are some fantastic resources on the R U OK Day website https://www.ruok.org.au/. The main message is encouraging people to follow four key steps:
Mufti Day Tomorrow
To raise money and awareness for mental health, the Yr 12 Prefects are also organising a mufti day that will take place tomorrow with the request that students wear a touch of yellow.
Ms Sarah Matthews
Yr 11 Advisor
smatthews@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6494
Year 10
RU OK Day Mufti
This week, students have been recognising R U OK? day learning some strategies of how to keep the conversation going when someone says they are not OK, and that this could change a life. There was also a whole school assembly on Thursday to recognise the day. Friday is a Mufti day where students are to wear something yellow and bring a gold coin to raise awareness of mental health wellbeing.
Minimum Standards Testing
Yr 10 behaved impeccably during the Minimum Standards Testing this week, completing the tests in a timely manner and studying quietly during the rest of the period. Any students who were absent on either of the days will have a catch-up session early next term, with more information provided closer to the time.
Yearly Examinations
As we are approaching the end of Term 3, Yr 10 should be beginning to consider their preparations for their end of year examinations in Week 3, Term 4. Students have been using this term to learn the importance of planning their schedule each week, through the use of a termly and weekly planner. It would be a good time to check-in with your child and have a conversation about exam preparation and how they are going to effectively use their upcoming holidays to not only enjoy themselves but also begin their revision process. In Week 10 this term, Tutors will begin assisting the students in their preparation and will provide resources and advice.
The Study Centre timetable can be found onRedlands Pulse.
Yr 9 Assessment
Redlands attempts to coordinate the timing of Assessment tasks. Students who are properly prepared will not be overloaded. The Redlands calendar includes sporting and cocurricular events as part of each student’s education, and the school takes into account all school events and trips when scheduling Assessment tasks. Students are required to submit their tasks on the due date. Late submission of tasks without reasonable cause and prior arrangement from the classroom teacher and Subject Coordinator will incur a 10% penalty (of the total maximum mark) per day until it reaches zero. Students are required to submit a note signed by parent/guardian outlining the reasons for late submission prior to the due date. Students who fail to submit tasks will still be required to complete the task. It is a requirement of all courses that all tasks must be submitted, even if their lateness would attract a zero mark. More details of Yr 9 Assessment requirements can be found on Redlands Pulse in the Yr 9 Assessment Handbook.
R U OK? Day
R U OK? Day is Thursday 10 September. It’s our national day of action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” if someone in their world is struggling with life’s ups and downs. On Thursday, Prefects held an R U OK? Day assembly focusing on the 2020 theme ‘There’s more to say after R U OK?’. Students will mark R U OK? Day by wearing yellow to school on Friday 11 September. Cold coin donations will be collected during Tutor Time. Pastoral Care activities this week were designed to:
Help students identify the “signs” to look for that indicate someone may be struggling
Empower students to start a conversation with friends and peers about seeking support for mental health issues
Students were also reminded that young people cannot be expected to fix someone’s problems, nor know the best way to help and support. However they can listen to what their friend is saying, let them know they care and tell a teacher, school counsellor or trusted adult if they are worried about their friend. By promoting an environment of positive peer support and accessing support channels via an adult, young people can learn that asking, “Are you OK?” is a key life skill.
Spirit Week
Next week (Week 9), Redlands celebrates Spirit Week. Year 12 will be hosting a number of events celebrating the culture of the school. Key events include a Spirit Week assembly, House mufti day, sports spirit day and arts spirit day. Details will be shared with students via iLearn.
Ms Marita Jansons
Yr 9 Advisor
mjansons@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9819
Year 8
Congratulations
Next Friday 18 September is the Debating SDN Grand Finals. The following students will be representing Yr 8 at this event: Ahnu Guan, Rafferty Heard, Sholto Mirrlees-Black, Jack Petering, Krishan Price, Scarlett Thorp, Jocelyn Wang and Annie Zhang. Congratulations on a fantastic season and all the best for Friday.
Yr 8 will participate in the second Inter-House Debating event scheduled for the first week of Term 4, where students from each House will debate against one another. Teams are already starting to prepare their approach. We look forward to this next Debating event.
See Something – Say Something
Across Australia, the Police departments in each state support the idea that if you see something, you say something. This is the right approach to being a positive member in a community and a role model to others, while helping those in need. In Yr 8, it is a pivotal time when students feel challenged between “saying something” because they know it is the right thing to do and “dobbing” because they do not want to get their friends in trouble. At Redlands we rely on building a strong and trusting relationship with our students as we aim to be a community that is supportive and fair. A lot of what we do is dependent on students speaking up when they know something is not right or when someone is being treated unfairly. We thank you and encourage you to continue this conversation at home so we can continue supporting your children in the best way possible.
There’s More to Say After R U OK?
R U OK? Day is today and a formal assembly was held. There will be a mufti-day tomorrow for all students to wear yellow in honour of the day and cause. Yr 8 students spent Tuesday sharing how they check in with their peers, discussing signs their peers are doing OK or NOT OK and focused on the theme of this year’s R U OK? Day, There’s more to say after R U Ok?.
As we know, a common answer to “How are you going?” as a teenager, seems to be ” fine.” Casel.org supports the structure below for conversations between adults and teenagers:
Probe: “Tell me more about that.” “What does that look like?” “I want to make sure I understand what you’re saying. Can you explain a little more?”
Communicate care and a calm emotional state: “Your teachers/parents/coach care a lot about your success.”
Validate emotions: “That must be so difficult. I see you and I’m here for you.” “I can only imagine how much that impacts you.”
Stay solution-oriented: “It sounds like a lot has been happening that is out of your control, and that sounds really frustrating. What are some things you do have control over – something small you can do to start to make things better?”
Wind down the conversation: “You’ve given me some things to think about. I’m going to take some time to process what you shared, and we’ll make some time to talk again in a few days.”
Ms Alissa Ynson
Yr 8 Advisor
9968 9863
aynson@redlands.nsw.edu.au
Year 7
Important Dates – Spirit Week (Week 9)
Tuesday 15 September – Spirit Week Assembly
Wednesday 16 September – House Mufti Day (House Colours)
Thursday 17 September – Sport Spirit Day
Friday 18 September – Arts Spirit Day
Study Centre: New Learning Hub Study Spaces
As we get closer to the examination block (Term 4, Week 3), accessing the Redlands Study Centre is even more important should students require additional help and support. The timetable can be found on Redlands Pulse.
Lost Property
This week, students will be accessing the Lost Property storeroom during Tutor Time. It is really important however that all items are clearly labelled to ensure they return to their owners.
Reminder
Students have been reminded again this week to stop calling their parents to bring in forgotten items to the school. If it’s medicine, that is considered an essential item so would be an exception, however pencil cases, laptops, sport bags, blazers, ties, exercise books etc are not essential. We are really encouraging responsibility and independence, and ask that parents support us in this.
R U Ok? Day
The message for R U OK? Day 2020 is: ‘There’s more to say after R U ok?’. This Friday is Mufti Day to acknowledge R U Ok? Day. Gold coin donations will go towards mental health support groups and students are encouraged to wear yellow.
We have many wonderful supports at Redlands for students and we encourage the conversation, “R U ok?”. Should you have any wellbeing concerns for your children, please do not hesitate to contact RUOK.
Pastoral Program
The focus of our program for the remainder of this term and into Term 4 will be on the Prue Salter Study Skills, namely, how to prepare for examination blocks and the skills required to support this process.
Congratulations to our Yr 5 Primary B team debating team who have made it to the Sydney Debating Network Grand Finals this week! The students have adapted well to the mid-competition shift to Zoom debates and we wish them well in their Final on Friday evening. All the best to Sam Ashby, Caroline Brown, Kernel He, Alex Heller, George McIntosh and Chloe Petering
We also congratulate our Yr 6 Primary A team of Jacob Cartwright, Thomas Hooper, Toby Priestley, Roy Rivera, Ruby Sommer, Freya Stasko who narrowly missed out on the Grand Finals.
Camp Activity Days
In the absence of being able to take our Yrs 3, 4 and 5 students on outdoor education camps this year, we have brought camp to our students! Starting with Yr 3 today and Yr 4 tomorrow, our camp providers, the Outdoor Education Group, are bringing in a range of activities for the students to enjoy and embrace here on campus. Their team will lead a range of fun, engaging and challenging team events for the students and our staff will also be there to enjoy and support students as they would do on camp. I look forward to spending time with each Year Group (as I would normally do) and sharing more photos next week and students should wear PE kit on the day.
Yr 5 have their session next Friday and Yr 2 will have their sessions next Thursday.
House Cross Country Carnival
Our annual House Cross Country Carnival is still scheduled for next Thursday 17 September and the revised plan is organised by Year Groups with each Year Group heading to the course at Cammeray Golf Club for their respective race and then coming back to school before the next year group heads out. A detailed letter and overview was sent to all families on Monday and parents are also reminded to give permission on the portal for your child to attend for their race as it is off site.
Wellbeing Matters
This week sees key wellbeing events of note: National Child Protection Week, R U OK? Alongside our timetabled wellbeing workshops.
National Child Protection Week (6-12 September) invites all Australians to prioritise children’s wellbeing. This year’s theme, Putting Children First, focuses on what children need to grow up well. To thrive, children need to feel safe and loved, have a chance to play and explore, have a say in decisions that affect them, and access to essential things like food, shelter and healthcare.
R U OK? Day is today and emphasises the value of close connections and strong relationships. During our class wellbeing workshops this week, our students have practised the four R U OK? conversation steps, further developing their friendship skills. Whilst children cannot be expected to fix someone’s problems, nor know the best way to help and support, they can be encouraged to listen to what their friend is saying, let them know they care and tell a trusted adult if they are worried.
In addition, and aligning with National Child Protection Week, our students identified their ‘safety network’ of trusted adults that they can go to if they feel unsafe. It is an important skill for our children to be able to recognise safe and unsafe situations, the feelings and body clues that provide warning signals and at least five adult ‘safety helpers’.
Unsafe situations can also include online environments. We regularly remind our students of our Responsible User Guidelines and the importance of getting help from an adult if something is worrying or upsetting them. The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has information and resources for parents as well as the ability to remove unsafe images, posts or content.
Upcoming Charity Event
As mentioned in our assembly this week, we are looking forward to holding a joint fundraiser in September for both Bear Cottage (which was cancelled back in March as we moved to online learning) and The Kids’ Cancer Project; charities that our Redlands community has had a strong affinity and personal connection with in recent years. This student-driven fundraiser is again being led by Yr 6 student, Stella Cunningham, as she, and we, continue to ensure that her brother’s legacy continues as we remember both Murray and Leo Hachem and their families in our School community.
As well as being able to make donations, students will have an opportunity to purchase a wider range of merchandise from both organisations which they will be given information on at the start of next week. We hope our community can come together to continue to support and raise awareness of these two special causes.
It is wonderful to see our Redlands Parents and Friends Association set up an inaugural socially distant community event for our Redlands with a Kahoot Trivia afternoon lined up. Zoom in to see friends and families in House colours and see who can answer the most multiple choice questions the quickest! The quiz, which is being run by a quiz company, has been designed to be suitable for all ages and students can earn House points as well as lots of prizes during the quiz.
Safety Around Schools Information
Please find below a series of Safety Around Schools Fact Sheets from North Sydney Council for your reference. These fact sheets go through common misunderstood road rules and the penalties and demerit points associated with disobeying these road rules in a school zone.
16 September – Yr 1 STEAM Day
17 September – K STEAM DAY, Yr 1 Caines Arcade
18 September – Year 2 STEAM Day
24 September – Last day of term, Prep Sports Gala day
National Child Protection Week
Wellbeing Workshops
The National Child Protection Week campaign, 6–12 September, invites all Australians to prioritise children’s wellbeing. This year’s theme, Putting Children First, focuses on what children need to grow up well. To thrive, children need to feel safe and loved, have a chance to play and explore, have a say in decisions that affect them, and access to essential things like food, shelter and healthcare.
R U OK? Day, Thursday 10 September, emphasises the value of close connections and strong relationships. During our wellbeing workshops this week, our students have practiced the four R U OK? conversation steps, further developing their friendship skills. Whilst children cannot be expected to fix someone’s problems, nor know the best way to help and support, they can be encouraged to listen to what their friend is saying, let them know they care and tell a trusted adult if they are worried. In addition, and aligning with National Child Protection Week, our students identified their ‘safety network’ of trusted adults that they can go to if they feel unsafe. It is an important skill for our children to be able to recognise safe and unsafe situations, the feelings and body clues that provide warning signals and at least five adult ‘safety helpers’. Unsafe situations can also include online environments. We regularly remind our students of our Responsible User Guidelines and the importance of getting help from an adult if something is worrying or upsetting them. The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has information and resources for parents as well as the ability to remove unsafe images, posts or content.
Vodcast
This week our vodcast comes from Jen Jackson. Jen is a member of our Learning Plus team and shares her knowledge of learning ‘tricky words’’. Please click here to watch Jen share strategies that can be used at home to help learn those tricky words in English that just don’t follow the rules.
Prep Notice Board Update
This week we move our focus of our Notice Board to sharing and celebrating the writing process. Throughout Prep, our students learn the structure to write imaginative, informative and persuasive texts. After the foundational skills are modelled, teachers find connections for our authors to write. It may be in unit of inquiry or discovering a connection with books being read in class or trying to use specific vocabulary to persuade an audience. The notice board will be our platform to share the thinking process involved. This also ties in nicely to our new P-6 writing program that our staff receive training in next week. I look forward to sharing with you what we learn in our first training session for Seven Steps to Writing Success next week.
RPFA Community Trivia Night
Missing those pre-COVID school social events? Gather your family for Redlands first ever socially distant community event – a Kahoot Trivia afternoon! Organised by the RPFA, the event is suitable for all ages and is sure to be great fun. Zoom in to see all your friends in their House colours and see who can answer the most multiple choice questions. House points and lots of prizes to be awarded!
For all of those children who will be moving to Kindergarten and Transition Gold at Redlands in 2021, please save the following dates for orientation. Children who will be leaving Redlands at the end of 2020 will stay at Redlands House for a normal preschool day. Junior students who may be attending the Transition Gold orientation should go directly to Prep Reception to be signed in at 9.00am and collected at 11.00am at the conclusion.
Wednesday 14 October 9.00-11.00am
Wednesday 21 October 9.00-11.00am
Vision Screening
The StEPS program is a free, population based vision screening program and is designed to identify childhood vision problems which cannot be detected by observation, behaviour, family history or vision surveillance. The StEPS program usually actively identifies and targets all 4 year old children in NSW to offer them a free visual acuity screen using a validated test. Sadly, this testing cannot be conducted in the Preschool this year. If you would like to have your child’s eyes tested by call StEPS Vision Screening 9462 9550 for an appointment and clinic dates.
Kaleidoscope Science
The Seniors and Transition Gold had a wonderful morning exploring and investigating a range of activities and experiments provided by Mitch from Kaleidoscope Science. The children really enjoyed this hands-on learning experience, they were engaged and excited. The children investigated magnets, telescopes, kaleidoscopes, periscopes, xylophones, batteries and circuits, as well as gravity, sound and vibrations. The tea bag rocket and the Hoberman sphere were very popular, as was the stomp rocket. Science, directly and indirectly, influences all aspects of everyday life. From the food we eat to the way we get around, science is everywhere. The children were encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, observe, test, and then communicate their findings, they are developing critical science skills. I am sure they will be talking about it for weeks to come.
It is wonderful to see our Redlands Parents and Friends Association set up an inaugural socially distant community event for our Redlands with a Kahoot Trivia afternoon lined up. Zoom in to see friends and families in House colours and see who can answer the most multiple choice questions the quickest! The quiz, which is being run by a quiz company, has been designed to be suitable for all ages and students can earn House points as well as lots of prizes during the quiz.
We have been fortunate to use the services of Anthony Koury Photographs at some of our sport fixtures over Winter the season. Parents are welcome to purchase any of the action shots in the Redlands photo gallery.
All summer sport team photos will be available for purchase next week on the website.
Congratulations to our NSNA Netball teams who competed in the NSNA Grand Finals on the weekend. We had six wins and two losses with two teams winning the overall championship. A fantastic result for our Junior Netball teams across Yrs 7-9. Please refer to the Netball section below for more information.
Basketball
Thank you to all players for their efforts in the first two weeks of the Basketball trials. A reminder that the Basketball preliminary information can be found on Redlands Pulse. All age groups will have two trials in Week 9, on Tuesday and Thursday. There is no commitment this Saturday 12 September for students playing Basketball.
Teams will be announced on Monday 21 September and will be posted on the Redlands noticeboard as well as Redlands Pulse.
Fitness Centre
Please be aware that the Redlands Fitness Centre is available to all students currently in a Representative Sport. There are sessions across all weekday mornings, Monday-Friday 6.25-7.45am.
From next week (Monday 14 September) we will be trialling afternoon sessions on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.
Students are required to sign up for all sessions via the Secondary Sports Page on iLearn.
The Fitness Centre is the perfect place for our High Performance athletes and students who are looking to trial for A or 1sts teams and to prepare themselves physically for the season to come. I would recommend that all students looking to build their strength and speed for the Summer Sport season 2020/2021 attend these sessions.
Last Saturday saw the final round of the 2020 NSNA season. All nine teams took the court with three of those teams playing a Grand Final match. Congratulations to all our Yrs 7-9 netballers for their fantastic effort and display of sportsmanship on the weekend and across the season.
The 7Cs got the day started against Mercy College. Having lost the round match in the lead up to Saturday, our Yr 7s knew they were going to have to come out strong. Our girls were firing from the start, creating nice passages of play down the court and their ability to create a turnover of possession and capitalise on this with a goal was excellent. On the final whistle, our girls came away victorious with a 13-8 win. Well done to Isobel Alderson, Isabella Crennan, Noor Danse, Zoe Halliday, Syrah Hargrave, Caitlin Mitchell, Lara Prineas and Sophie Yu on a fantastic win and taking out the 2020 premiership.
Our 7B team took the court against Mercy College in the 3v4 playoff. Again, our girls came in as the underdog in this match but took a dominant lead in the first quarter and sustained this for the length of the match, winning 11-7. They demonstrated outstanding teamwork throughout the match and each player displayed improvement in their Netball skill set, a testament to their commitment and diligent approach to training across the 2020 season.
The 8C team were up against Mercy College in the second Grand Final of the day, aiming to take out the premiership. They played hard until the final whistle, displaying some excellent collaborative skills, but unfortunately did not come away with the win, going down 12-18. This does not take away from the fantastic season they have had and they should be proud of their result as runner’s up this season. Congratulations to Anabelle Cullen, Lucy Davies, Claudia Franklin, Haylea Garrett, Hannah Jones-Way, Sarah McLaren, Scarlett Meijer, Zara Naismith and Ava Taylor on their efforts.
The 7A team were up against Monte and what an exceptional win they had. A high intensity match, the girls kept calm and in control, executing some outstanding set plays and finishing with 26-7 score line. Our 8A team knew they had to bring their A game in the 3 v 4 play off after losing to Wenona in the round matches. The girls came out firing, dominating in both the defensive and attacking goal thirds and their movement of the ball down the court was exceptional. Their determination and outstanding teamwork across the game allowed them to walk away victorious, securing a 24-18 win. Our 8Ds overcame the challenge of playing a team in the grade above to produce some excellent passages of play. Although the win went to CNC, they should be proud of the positive attitude and diligent work ethic they brought to every training and game, creating a culture within their team that others should aspire to.
The final timeslot of the day saw our last three teams take the court, including the last Grand Final of the day. The 9B team (pictured at top) had gone through the season undefeated and Saturday was no different. Their dominance was apparent from the start and they played excellently until the final whistle, securing the 2020 premiership with a 13-10 win. Congratulations to Sahara Ali, Sabrina Blasco, Mabel Hancock, Samantha Hely, Madison Hungerford, Ophelia Jackson, Sarah Kumpulainen, Iris Leung, Tess Maliepaard, Jess Marshall, Grace Matthews and Zoe Naismith on a fantastic season.
Our 8B team played the 3 v 4 play off against Rangers and what a fantastic game they had, coming away with a 23-11 win. Only narrowly missing out on the Grand Final, the team proved on Saturday how strong they are and how far they have come this season. They should be very proud of their efforts across the season, both at games and training, and have all seen positive improvement in their Netball skill set, putting them in good stead for the 2021 season.
The last game of the day saw our 9A team take on Monte, and although they went down 8-16, the score was not a true reflection of how close this game was. The team produced some outstanding turnovers of possession and took advantage of these with fantastic movement through the midcourt, all whilst demonstrating strong team cohesion. Each player has seen improvement in her netball skills and I look forward to seeing them continue to develop as players next year.
Each Saturday, none of our NSNA games can go ahead without our excellent student umpires. These girls volunteer each week to umpire all Redlands Netball games, both on Saturday and Friday nights and we are so appreciative of this. A huge thankyou to Sabrina Blasco, Erin Tyrrell, Layla Carpenter, Issy Treloar, Ava Taylor, Olivia Donoghue, Lulu Simpson and Aneke Golowenko for your efforts across the season. Additionally, no team is complete without their coach and we are so lucky to have some outstanding coaches. These ladies have worked extremely hard across the season to ensure our teams have valuable and rewarding training sessions and their efforts are recognised by players and staff alike. Thank you to Sarah, Majella, Jemma, Sophie, Harriet, Zoe and Erin for your hard work this season. Thank you as well to all the parents and carers of our teams. NSNA put a lot of restrictions and guidelines in place for game day and the way in which parents followed these allowed the season to continue to the end and we couldn’t be thankful enough.
7C Grand Final Winners
8C Grand Final Runner Ups
Sailing
After a long winter break, the Redlands Sailing season kicked off with a windy session on Saturday morning with eight boats training on Sydney Harbour. A strong south-westerly kept the sailors on their toes and allowed the sailors to hit some decent speeds during the boat handling drills. The Elliott 7s group of Yrs 7-9 sailors spent the session acclimatising to the bigger boats and ended the session with a number of tight races. The Pacer group of Yrs 10-12 sailors spent the session focusing on developing their spinnaker handling skills and learnt how to recover the boats after a number of capsizes. Both groups will be participating in an In-House Regatta, Redlands Winter Cup, on Saturday 19 September.
Tennis
On Saturday the Redlands Singles Championships finals took place at Cammeray Tennis Club. Congratulations to the Senior Semi Finalists Philip Hilble, Aymon Holth, James Robinson and Aiden Young and the Junior Semi Finalists, Stella Simpson-Morgan, Matteo Stucci, Oliver Noakes and William Byron. All students played extremely well, however it was our Senior and Junior Champions who showed why they won. They both took control from the first point and never looked in doubt, dominating on the court by outplaying their opponent with minimal unforced errors, and showing their experience in the windy conditions. A big congratulations to both Stella and Philip on their win, true champions.
Summer Tennis continues this week with training and trials occurring at training on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Just a reminder, please communicate any injury or illness to Eliza Peirce and do not attend training if unwell. All wet weather updates can be found on twitter @RedlandsSport.
Junior Winner - Stella Simpson-Morgan
Senior Winner - Philip Hilble
Senior Finalists - Phil and James
Junior Finalists - Stella and Oliver
Touch Football
Touch Football will be taking part this Saturday 12 September at Macquarie University Playing Field – Seniors (Yrs 10 and 11) – 8.00am; Juniors (Yrs 7, 8 and 9) – 9.00am.
There are no spectators allowed at the trials on Saturday, so parents can either wait in their car (in the car park) or drop the players off.
Players should arrive in their playing kit ready to play and should not attend if they are feeling unwell.
“Fear is not real. The only place that fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future. It is a product of our imagination causing us to fear things that do not at present and may not ever exist. That is near insanity. Do not misunderstand me, danger is very real but fear is a choice.” Will Smith
A final reminder for those students who are involved in Representative Sport for Term 4 Summer, there are final trials before team this weekend, Saturday 12 September. Sessions are 90 minutes in duration and, in adhering to COVID-19 protocols, students will be separated by grade for these trials. Click here to view your session times and venue.
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 the last four weeks, extra coaching staff were called upon to grade and assist. As outlined on Redlands Pulse teams are fluid and movements will occur from Round 7 onwards once we commence our season in Term 4. I expect there to be multiple changes in Basketball as the restrictions on our trials prevented us from trialling Yrs 5 and 6 students against each other on the same court in competitive matches.
Redlands teams are ‘fluid’, meaning teams may change week to week depending on three main criteria: Ability – in direct comparison to other students on the team; Attendance – any student who misses two trainings or two games a season unrelated to sickness may be moved; and Attitude – this is based on behaviour at trainings, on game day and not limited to the sporting arena.
Cross Country Carnival
Our Carnival, scheduled for Thursday 17 September, will proceed with a few minor changes. Permission and notification for this event were emailed to you last week via Engage. To adhere to the COVID protocols, students will be transported to and from the venue and run in grades rather than age groups. Using their entrant numbers from the Athletics Carnival, results will then be split post event based on their age groups so age champion can be presented. To view the course please click here.
Unfortunately the proposed end of season function at the Kirribilli Yacht Club on 24 September has been cancelled by the Club due to COIVD-19 restrictions.
2021 Season
Planing is well underway for next year. In 2021 we will be looking to offer Snowsports as a Winter Representative Sport to students who meet a certain criteria. The criteria is yet to be finalised but will be available soon.
More Snowsports details and calendar are on Redlands Pulse.
Please click here for a message from the FOBD Executive Committee regarding the AGM scheduled for Thursday 15 October.
Lost Property
As Term 3 draws to a close, our Lost Property cupboard is getting pretty full. We would like to remind parents/students that the cupboard is located in the hall way of the Parkes building. If you are missing anything, please ask your child to check our Lost Property cupboard before the end of term.
End of Term 3 and Start of Term 4
Please be advised that our last day for classes at the Academy for Term 3 will be Thursday 24 September and our Term 4 classes will start on Monday 12 October.
Classes this Week
Academy Photo Day
Our Prep and Junior School Ballet and Dance Academy students gathered for their annual group photos on Tuesday. It was a glorious Spring day, and the children behaved beautifully. Thank you to all those students who were able to join us.
Congratulations to Ella Banfield, Lara Dempsey, Sienna Gray, Saskia Jane and Jade Patrick for completing the filming of their Performance works and finalising their Composition works for the IB Dance Course. These works will be sent away for marking. We wish them all the best for the final examinations and whatever path they choose beyond school.
Thank You
Thank you to all of the student dancers who have spent the last couple of terms learning the composition works for the IB students, both remotely and in person. We appreciate your time and dedication to learning and performing these works.
Congratulations to three of our talented Yr 12 Drama students who have been nominated in individual performance for possible inclusion in OnSTAGE, a selection of performances and individual projects from Higher School Certificate Drama students.
Grace Flavell performed a captivating comedic piece entitled Living with the Enemy by David Bulmer. Alec Henderson’s darkly powerful A Clown’s Frown was based on Scaramouch Jones by Justin Butcher. Faith Oosthuizen performed a new work by Daniel Keene, Blood Sister, a moving tale of Ned Kelly’s sister, Kate.
OnSTAGE is scheduled to be held in February 2021.
Yr 12 IB Theatre
The IB Theatre Collaborative Projects have been filmed this week and made available for families to view. These original pieces of Theatre exploreideas and questions about Art, Loss and Ambition in unusual circumstances. We wish our students all the very best as they work towards this final stage of their Theatre Assessment.
Yr 11 IB and HSC Production
On Monday 14 September Yr 11 IB and HSC students will present a series of original self devised works featuring physical theatre techniques of Frantic Assembly, DV8 and PUSH. These creative and engaging performances will be filmed in the Drama Studio and made available for families to view via the iLearn Course page.
Drama Competition
The finalists for the Drama Competition have now been selected by our adjudicator Redlander Lachlan Kent. The winners will be announced in the Cocurricular Assembly on 17 September. Congratulations to all the students who entered this year’s online competition. The finalists in each section are
Solo Performance Finalists:
Louise Colin – Not for this World
Federico Gazzilli – I’m fine
Maddison Hunt – Punk Rock
Emma Canton – Joan of Arc
Group Performance Finalists:
Callum Wardman-Browne, Kyle Banfield, Iris Buisman – Art
Ben Adamson and and Kyle Banfield – Hitched
Leilani Heath and Faith Oosthuizen- The Wizard of Wonderland
Noah Pincini and Marcus Cooper-Hor – From the Future
Gala Arts
All Gala Arts competitors are reminded to finalise all details requested including costumes, backing tracks, prompt scripts and technical requirements by Friday in their production folder.
Musical 2021
Students currently in Yr 6, students who are new to Redlands, those who did not audition this year and those who were unsuccessful this year, will all have the opportunity to audition for 2021. The video audition process for all applicants will be confirmed soon with all audition information placed here.
What Has Been Happening in the Junior Music Classroom This Term?
Meet Music Tutor – Mr Nick Russoniello
Mr Nick Russoniello, one of Australia’s most dynamic young artists, enjoys an exciting and varied performance career both in Australia and abroad. Nick has been the recipient of a number of major awards including the 2011 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year and the 2013 Fine Music Kruger Scholarship. Nick has appeared as a soloist with the Adelaide, Queensland, Melbourne, Sydney Symphony Orchestras and The Metropolitan Orchestra.
Alongside his performance achievements, Nick’s original compositions for saxophone have been performed by saxophonists around the world. In 2019 Nick premiered his new compositions with The Golden Age Quartet, appearing as a soloist with the Fellows of The Sydney Symphony Orchestra and presenting his music at the Royal College of Music, London.
As part of the Yrs 4 and 5 Music Instrumental Program learning experiences this week, Mr Russoniello spoke with the students about the woodwind instrument family. He introduced the children to different reeds and mouthpieces used across various woodwind instruments and introduced students to the saxophone family, the Soprano, Alto, Tenor and the Baritone. Various sounds were explored on these saxophones, from traditional playing techniques to contemporary sounds such as beatboxing, multiphonics and slap tongue. Mr Russoniello finished his presentation by performing one of his own compositions titled Down On The Corner which was inspired by hip-hop dance style and rap, which included a loop station as part of this performance.
Thinking Routines in the Kindergarten Classroom
In Music lesson this term, Kindergarten students have discovered similarities and differences between two known songs, Bye-Lo and Seesaw. All classes used a Same and Different Thinking Routine to explore the songs, with responses being recorded on the poster in the Prep Music Room. Students used wonderful musical language including beat, rhythm, so and mi to describe the music.
Interested in Joining a Rock Band?
If you would like to join one of our existing Rock Bands or even form a new Rock Band, please contact Mrs Jacqueline McGlade or Ms Tame for more information.
The Secondary Rock Band program is specifically looking for the following musicians to join some of the already established Rock Bands in Yrs 7-10. Please note that Private Tuition in developing individual skills is a prerequisite for membership with Redlands Rock. Positions available are:
Yr 7 Rock Bands – Electric Guitarist, Lead Vocalists and Keyboardist
Yr 8 Rock Band – Bass Guitarists
Yr 10 Rock Band – Drummer and Lead Vocalist
Music Awards Presentations
Yrs 8-11 Music Awards for Leadership, Excellence, Dedication and Service will be announced at the Cocurricular Assembly next Thursday 17 September. Congratulations to the following students in Yrs 8-11 who have been nominated this year.
Lucinda Baird, Sabrina Blasco, Ellyce Evans-Beard, Joe Griffiths, Lily Hobbs, Jamison Houchell, Alana Mansfield, Kokoro Sawa, Lachlan Scott, Nicole Steffan, Mitchell Turner, Oscar Whatmough
10
Eden Borrie, Aaron Drake, Alexander Gibbs, Charlotte Harman, Sophia Maxwell, Izaac Nisbet, Omar Rihani, Callum Wardman-Browne, Jessica Wei
11
Joshua Colleran, Olivia Donoghue, Maddison Hunt, Alex Kim, Beatrix Blasco, Sophia Justice, Katherine Keller, Theo Mirrless-Black, Julia Parker, Mia Ramsey, Jun Zhang
Vocal Competition Final
Monday 21 September
The Music Department is pleased to announce the adjudicator for the Vocal Competition is Mr Darren Mapes, experienced singer, actor, musician and vocal coach. With close to 30 years experience in the industry, Darren is a graduate of UNE-NR being awarded a BA (performance), and with a passion for Musical Theatre, was head of the Music Theatre Diploma at Brent Street for over ten years. He has toured nationally and throughout Asia with his show, The Carpenters From Kempsey – a successful comedy/cabaret. He regularly accompanies Casey Donovan and toured alongside her in the show, Back to Bacharach, also starring Paulini, Doug Williams and Michelle Martinez. He appeared in Neil Gooding and Mathew Henderson’s production of Thank You For Being A Friend and works as a professional accompanist for many cabaret singers. He is highly regarded in the business as a leading vocal coach and many of his private voice students work professionally in music theatre as both lead and ensemble performers.
Senior Campus
Yr 11 HSC and IB Music Showcase (Revised Date) – Music 1, Music 2, Music Extension and IB Music – Wednesday 16 September (4.00pm)
Instrumental Competition Auditions – Friday 18 September (3.30-5.30pm)
Instrumental Competition Finals – Monday 19 October (4.00pm-8.00pm)
