Community Update

It was lovely to see and hear the School spring back to life in its entirety this week.

I had the pleasure of joining a number of community webinars and also speaking with a number of parents again this week. My sincere thanks to our community for the constructive feedback we seek and continue to receive. Discussion on WhatsApp groups was a familiar and consistent theme.

It should be noted that the WhatsApp groups used by parents and carers are not formally endorsed by the School. All communication from the School is shared via email, Pulse and Note Day. Where information is sought or clarification is required, we encourage parents to contact the relevant section of the School directly or through feedback@redlands.nsw.edu.au, as early as possible to avoid confusion and inconvenience. WhatsApp groups should not be considered as a primary source of information.

It is always a pleasure to hear what our alumni community have been up to and I thoroughly enjoyed  reading the advice that Class of 2014 alumni, Oliver Brown provided for both our graduating and recently graduated students. Oliver’s honest account of his experience will sound familiar to many. Some lost opportunities scattered through a journey in pursuit of his passion and strengths. Oliver’s story, along with information on a Sustainability, Environmental, Social and Governance Investing webinar, presented by an expert alumni panel, can be found here.

A reminder that the Redlands Parents’ Prayer Group is meeting next on Thursday, 4 November from 8pm to 9pm via Zoom. Please contact Sally Swan (Mum to Annabelle Yr 12 and Adelaide Yr 7) at swanlsally@gmail.com for further information and the Zoom link.

I remain grateful for the continued guidance and support our community provides and, as ever, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Community Engagement team should you have any feedback, suggestions or questions

Mr Grant Birse
Head of Community Engagement
9908 6406
gbirse@redlands.nsw.edu.au

From The Principal

It has been wonderful to have all Year Groups back on campus this week, with the sounds of students filling the classrooms, corridors and grounds. So many staff have commented on how quickly students have made the transition and Monday was quite an emotional day, as friends reconnected and enjoyed being together in person.

Return of School Sport

This week we were pleased to receive updated guidelines supporting School Sport to return from this Monday 1 November. Many of these guidelines are in line with the community sports settings which are already in place, such as the requirement for students aged 16 and older to be fully vaccinated to play or train at certain community recreational facilities. Further information will be communicated to students who are affected by this requirement.

It has also been advised that School Sport should be done in defined cohorts and Sports activities across different cohorts are discouraged. Interschool competitions such as ISA and IPSHA are not scheduled to resume until Term 1 2022.

We are very much looking forward to providing opportunities for students to resume their Sport programs next week. The Junior School Sport program will feature separate Year Group Sport activities on Wednesdays, along with a Football House Gala Day on Saturday 6 November with separate times for each Year Group. Secondary School Sport resumes with cohort-based Representative Sport training and cohort-based Non-Representative Sport. Further details are provided in the Secondary Sport and Junior Sport sections of Note Day.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Thank you to the many parents and carers of students aged between 12 and 18 who have either uploaded their child’s COVID-19 Vaccination certificates to Pulse or advised us of the date that their child’s second vaccination dose is due. For those parents who are yet to do so, you can either upload their certificates or make a note on your child’s file via this User Guide. If you require any assistance with this, please email feedback@redlands.nsw.edu.au. Please note that the individual vaccination status of students remains confidential in alignment with the Australian Privacy Principles and the New South Wales Health Privacy Principles.

Year 12 2022 Leadership

Our Year 12 Class of 2022 have been undertaking leadership training this week, provided by Burn Bright, with key sessions for the whole of the cohort as well as students who have been selected as Captains in key areas. The students have returned energised and eager to lead and there is a strong strength of conviction and dedication evident in the group. I have no doubt that they will lead with distinction and congratulate them on being selected in the following roles.

Mr Stephen Webber

Photo caption: It was an exciting morning welcoming our students back to On-Campus Learning on Monday on both the Junior and Senior Campuses.  

Foundation

In the absence of in person events, we are delighted to invite our parent and Redlander community to a free webinar on a very important and relevant topic.

Sustainability and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Investing presented by an expert alumni panel:

Chris Nunn, Class of 1994
AMP Capital, Head of Platform Operations and ESG Investing

Phil Williams, Class of 2000
ERM: Environmental Resource Management, Partner, Sustainability & Climate Change

Jeff Brown, Class of 2016, School Captain
UBS Asset Management, Global Fixed Income Analyst

Book HERE 

The Zoom link will be sent prior to the event, and there will be an opportunity for speakers to answer a few questions. If you have enquiries, please contact Kim Flatman, Alumni and Community Engagement Coordinator alumni@redlands.nsw.edu.au.

We very much appreciated to have an opportunity to talk to Oliver Brown, Class of 2014, who shared with us how important it is to try new things and be open to opportunities and also passed on messages to our Year 12 students who just started their IB exams this week.

“If I were to offer any advice for students/recent graduates, I would recommend making the most of any opportunity that comes your way. I tried to do this as much as possible, but feel like there were loads more presented to me that I felt too scared to go for. Also, if you’re struggling to find where you might find a career, think of your strengths and passions and see if you can see them being applied in the real world. New careers are being created every day, yours might already be out there or yet to be created.

I went through a lot of different ideas about what I wanted to do in my last few years of school. Most revolved around my interests in English and Drama leading me to consider things like acting, scriptwriting and novel writing. I think what sold me on journalism however was my interest and passion for talking to people and that stood out to me as the best career to tie it all together. I knew I wanted to go back to South Australia when I graduated, so I applied for all the relevant media degrees I could find down there and was lucky enough to be accepted in them all. In the end, I chose the University of South Australia because I thought that was where I would get the most practical experience. Fortunately, I was right.

Four years later, I graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing and Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing with a couple of years of experience volunteering at radio stations. Finding a job was more difficult than I thought however. A lot of places require you to have at least a year’s experience to even get a look at your resume, making getting the start very difficult. Eventually though, I found a community newspaper in the Adelaide Hills and after a year and a half of working there, felt it was time to move on and applied for the job I have now, working as the journalist for the Coonamble Times and being part of the team behind a new digital regional news app called the Western Plains App which is really exciting. Living and working in a small town of less than 3000 is very different to how I grew up, but by embracing opportunities out here, I believe I am in a great place to continue to learn and develop my career while exploring a social side of life I have never really experienced before.”

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

RPFA

To show how much we appreciate all the staff at Redlands, we surprised them with some delicious pastries this week as they and our children returned to campus. 

Annual General Meeting

The Redlands Parents and Friends Association Annual General Meeting is tonight, Thurs 28 October at 6.30pm via Zoom. This is a great opportunity for new parents to hear how our Association works in and for our community.

The AGM will include:

• a report from our Principal, Mr Stephen Webber
• a review of the RPFA’s activities this year, along with plans for 2022
• the election of the RPFA Committee

The meeting will run for approximately one hour. You don’t need to be a Committee member to attend and there is no obligation to nominate for positions or volunteer for activities.

Parent Get-together Save the Dates

Fri 29 Oct: Yr 11 coffee morning from 10am at Mosman Rowers Archie Bear

Fri 5 Nov: Yr 8 coffee morning from 8.30am at Bosk Kiosk, Clontarf

Fri 5 Nov: Yr 10 coffee morning 8.30am at the Balmoral Rotunda

Wed 10 Nov: Yr 11 end of year drinks from 6pm at The Oaks Hotel, Neutral Bay

Thurs 11 Nov: Yr 12 drinks and bowls at Neutral Bay Club – keep an eye out for more info soon

Thurs 18 Nov: Yr 8 end of year parent social from 6.30pm at Bosk, Clontarf. Numbers are limited to 70, so get in quickly. We’d love to reconnect with you and have some fun.

Fri 19 Nov or Wed 24 Nov: Yr 10 possible end of year drinks night – please click on the link to help us gauge interest and numbers

Tues 23 Nov: Yr 7 bowls at Neutral Bay Club 

Term 4 Second Hand Uniform Sale

Due to the short term, the RPFA is running a quick sale of current stock of summer uniforms. 

Please ensure any donated uniforms are washed, free of stains and rips, and on a hanger (or use the ones available at the Uniform Shop).

Please note that we cannot accept donations of the old Sports uniform.

As always, funds raised go towards the means-tested Redlands Foundation Scholarship Fund this year in honour of Belinda Oxley.

If we receive enough donations of blazers we will run a second sale of just blazers prior to Speech Day.

Walks on Tracks

Next week’s walk on Wed 3 Nov will be around Beauty Point – meet at Orso carpark, at the bottom of Spit hill at 8.40am.

For more information, please email Ann Marie Kimber or call 0406691533.

Book Club

The next meeting of the Redlands parents book club will be our last for the year and will also be our annual Christmas lunch. We will be discussing The Midnight Library by Matt Haig on Wed 24 Nov.

Enquiries and new members welcome. Please contact Katherine Dixon or call 0432619890 for further information.

2021 RPFA Committee rpfa@redlands.nsw.edu.au

President: Michelle Tea

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

Head of Secondary School

This week our newly inducted Yr 12 Student Leaders have energetically launched themselves into serving the School community. Monday morning saw them arrive bright and early, resplendent in their summer uniform, proudly wearing their badge, tie and/or ribbon. When our student community returned to On-Campus Learning, Yr 12 Leaders welcomed them with big smiling eyes and generous squirts of hand sanitiser. During the week, our Yr 12 Prefect body have made themselves present and available to students, shared their experiences and vision in meetings to support Environmental Sustainability, received their jerseys, accepted their leadership responsibilities via the Oath of Office ceremony and attended Leadership Training, care of Burn Bright, a company which specialises in student leadership and wellbeing programs.

At Redlands, we value the principle of servant leadership. A focus on being of service to others is what we ask all Yr 12 students to strive for. Our student leaders are also expected to be authentic leaders who live the values of the School and whose actions speak louder than their words. In addition, they work collectively and collaboratively with each other and with teachers and staff to create a positive culture across the School and out into the wider community.

In 2022, all Yr 12 students will serve as leaders in the Secondary School. They will all hold a School Prefect position over the course of their final year of school, and have the opportunity to take on the leadership responsibilities of one or more events listed on the Prefect Calendar, in line with their strengths, interests and capacity to commit.

These responsibilities may be on campus duties such as Meet and Greet, leading and/or assisting in assemblies, and hosting and/or contributing to a range of other events and activities across the school year.

There are many ways students can develop and flex their muscles in the leadership space. To symbolize their responsibility and privilege in this leadership space, they wear a Yr 12 Badge, and either a tie or a ribbon. We encourage students to wear these symbols with pride and awareness, that when others see them in this tie, or wearing this gold ribbon; or when they see the badge, they see mature, responsible, leaders.

Towards the end of Yr 12, all students have the opportunity to apply for a Prefect Award based on contributions made over this final year of schooling. Students who receive a Prefect Award aren’t perfect but they are young people who consistently embody the school values and who authentically represent the characteristics of servant leadership. 

Many Yr 12 students also serve as Captains of Activities – across a range of sporting and cocurricular offerings in the school. In these roles, the Captains of Activities will step into a niche role, where leadership of students and working collaboratively with key staff members, is crucial. The Captains of Activities are young people committed to their identified responsibility – to promoting, advocating, organising, experimenting and ultimately to bringing joy and a sense of camaraderie to those students who participate in the activity. 

Eight students step into the role of House Captain, two co-captains per House. The House Captain works closely with the Head of House in support of students organized vertically across Yr 7-12. The building and deepening of spirit, community, connection and opportunity are central to the leadership role of a House Captain. It’s a fun role, but also a challenging one, as the House Captain works to strengthen bonds and create solidarity among the students. 

Finally, ten students take on the role of Secondary School Co-Captains – in Arts, Sport, Service, Environment and as School Captains. These are prestigious leadership roles and the students who have been elected into these roles will not only represent the Yr 12 cohort, they will serve the Secondary School community within an individual portfolio and as a Student Leadership Team. As well as fulfilling specific duties and responsibilities, the Secondary School Captains will embody the School’s values and lead by example, with maturity, selflessness and passion. It is my hope as the Head of Secondary School, that these leaders will pursue the light of others and offer hope to others, as they assume the responsibility of their role over the course of this next year. 

The Redlands staff have already commented on how willingly Yr 12 have stepped into their leadership role this week. Below are some further photos of them engaging as a cohort in their Burn Bright Leadership Training, held this morning.

Connection and Confidence

This term’s focus is reconnecting our Secondary School students and expanding their confidence in the social and emotional realm. We want them to depart for their Christmas holidays having rebuilt bonds with friends, peers and teachers, and feeling confident. They have all grown so much! It is also clearly evident how much more mature they are since their time away from school, and we have designed to some great activities and events to leverage this maturity in the coming weeks. Below is a snapshot – you can will find more specific details on the Note Day pages of each year group.

Lost Property

What’s in there?

Our lost property collection in the Secondary School mostly features fleeces, blazers, lunchboxes and drink bottles.

Where is it?

Student lost property is all stored neatly in an accessible area near the Secondary School Office.

How do students gain access?

If students wish to look in lost property they need only visit the Secondary School Student Office and someone will escort them to the lost property space. Students can also seek support from their Tutor, their Year Advisor, a teacher or a member of support and operational staff.

Can parents visit Lost Property?

Given our social and emotional framework at Redlands is underpinned by a focus on self-development and independence, we prefer parents to support our practice of enabling students to self-manage. There is an array of supports for students at Redlands and there should be no need for a parent to come onto site to offer assistance. In this space, it’s important for us to step back so they can step up!

Lost Property Clear Out Week 5

A crack-team of Year 7 students have been sorting and stocktaking lost property this week. Next week, all named lost property items will be reunited with their owners, in a drive to completely clear this space before the end of this year. We will include parents in our emails to students so you can actively support and encourage your children to be reunited with their possessions.

Sport

Sport recommences next week in a modified form. I encourage all parents to read the Sport section of Note Day, so that you are fully informed. Our Sport department, capably led by Ms Alison Cox, have been planning for the resumption of Sport, and are very excited to engage the students from next week.

Arnhem Land Homestay 2022 – Year 9 and 10 Parents and Students

Please join us for a Zoom information session to relaunch the Arnhem Land Cultural Immersion program run by Culture College. This trip, rescheduled for the April Holidays 2022 takes students on Country to north east Arnhem Land where they enjoy two-way learning with the Yolŋu community. As there are still positions available for students to join this wonderful immersion experience, we are inviting interested families to join us via this Zoom link next Wednesday 3 November at 6.30pm.

Term 4 Second Hand Uniform Sale

As we are now midway through Term 4, the RPFA are having a quick sale of second hand summer uniform, commencing at 6pm, this Monday 1 November. Quality donations will be accepted 15-19 November. For more details please see the RPFA page.

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

Chaplain

The students have settled back into On-Campus Learning with a delightful buzz in the School on Monday. Yr 9 took some time in Christian Studies to reflect on the themes we have been studying. They were asked to reflect on how they practically experienced these in lockdown and devise lessons moving forward that are important for life generally. This active reflection brought some wonderful gems we could all benefit from.

These are the classes’ conclusions:

Compassion is not just about doing but being there for people. It is about perspective-taking and listening so appreciating others’ suffering.

Gratitude boosts motivation and happiness. It is good to appreciate what people do for you.

Forgiveness helps me move past hard situations. Not forgiving can hurt me.

Hope is deeply connected to Gratitude as it requires a new lens for life. Hope is faith.

Resilience is when you do poorly in an assessment then you try harder in class. Resilience is to believe that difficult situations will pass.

I was inspired by my students’ openness and keen insights. It is true that difficult situations crystalise our thoughts, beliefs and grit. They often work like a microscope focussing our attention on the often overlooked. They are like a sieve that strains out the important things in life.

A survey, ‘The Australian Spirit during COVID-19’, August 2020 run by Mainstreet Insights examined the areas that Australians realised that they were focusing on as a result of the pandemic. It found that 47% of Australians were thinking more about the meaning of life and their own mortality. Further that 33% were thinking more about God and 28% were praying more. I wonder what the people were thinking about God. Were they wondering if it was intellectually sound to believe in God? Some may have wondered what God is like and how could we know. Perhaps they were considering how they can connect with God and what it would mean to be a follower of Jesus. Perhaps they were just trying to work out what they really did believe. All good things to consider.

It seems in our busy world that when we slow down, our minds turn to the matters of the Spirit. I wonder if you are one of these people who going forward have better clarity or more curiosity about beliefs, purpose and other gritty issues of life? Perhaps as churches return to in-person gatherings, now is the time to examine and explore faith in the face of the realities of life. Church communities are a great place to find warmth and welcome and a safe space to explore faith.

This reminds me of Paul who had a crisis experience and was blind for three days. This gave him time to re-examine his belief system and his zeal. This experience profoundly changed him from a Jesus-hater to a Jesus-follower. You may know him as St Paul the one who wrote about one third of the New Testament, but originally, he rounded up Christians and put them in jail. (Acts 8)

So let me encourage you, as you resume non-lockdown life, to continue to take time and space to reflect and consider your belief system and seek the truth. Jesus said, ‘Seek and you will find.’ 

God bless you and your families,

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

Roseby Library

Library Update

It’s been a real joy to welcome students back to the Library space.  Although we are operating in bubbles, we are enjoying seeing our readers and researchers back and making use of the Library space. Each Year Group has been allocated one day per week to visit the Library, in order to borrow. We have many wonderful new books to share!

Two Old Favourites and One Newly Published Book for Children’s Enjoyment!

Roald Dahl’s Flying Solo is a wonderful read and the sequel to the better-known Boy. The story takes  the reader on a journey into Dahl’s service during World War 2, as a pilot on Africa, combining excitement and danger with humour.

Another Biography from the past is Gerald Durrell’s The Corfu Trilogy. It begins with My Family and Other Animals, which has been on television as a feast for the eyes recently. The novels are much funnier and focus on animals more than the people. This biography is highly recommended for animal lovers and lovers of humour especially.

While we have been in lockdown, I have discovered a new favourite author. Her name is Christelle Dabos, and she is French and has written new trilogy The Mirror Visitor. These books have been translated from the French, by Hildegarde Serle. The first is A Winter’s Promise. Long ago, this imaginary world was shattered into many floating celestial islands or Arks. Each of these “worlds” have a unique relationship with time. As a result, they have evolved very differently.  Ruling over all the Arks is one all-powerful ancestor. Ophelia lives on Anima, an ark where objects have souls. She has the ability to read and communicate with the souls of objects, and has the power to travel through mirrors. Her peaceful existence is shattered when she is betrothed to Thorn, from the powerful Dragon clan. Ophelia must leave her family and follow her fiancée to the floating capital on the distant Ark of the Pole. In this new world of ice and storm, she must hide her identity. Unfortunately, she has become a pawn in a deadly plot. These are uniquely imagined and fast-paced novels.

Ms Bronwyn Curtis
Librarian

University and Careers Advisors

UNSW Portfolio Entry

Who can apply?

AIQS Scholarships

Year 11

Welcome Back!

On Monday we welcomed back the whole school to On-Campus Learning, and it was wonderful to see all of Yr 11 so excited to return. We began the week with a Year Assembly that wasn’t a virtual one for the first time in over four months, and what better way than to celebrate our new leaders and also hand out the Yr 12 jerseys.

Leadership Training

This week has also seen the whole Year Group receive leadership training delivered by the organisation Burn Bright. Our 2022 Office Bearers and House Captains spent a whole day building a foundation of a common vision and values to underpin the year ahead. They unpacked specific skills such as effective communication, school-life balance, project planning, running meetings, uniting and managing their Year Group and being a link between the students and the School. Our 2022 Captains of Activities and all Yr 12 Prefects spent a half day building on the Office Bearers’ work, focusing on building authentic Yr 12 leaders who use their own values, beliefs and behaviours to model good leadership to the rest of the School.

Yr 12 2022 Leadership Induction Assembly

If you missed the Yr 12 2022 Leadership Induction Assembly via Zoom in Week 2, here is a link to the recording.

Have a great week!

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

Year 10

Return to On-Campus Learning

On Monday, it was fantastic to see Yr 10 return to campus. Initially, at the start of the day, there were many students who felt nervous and anxious about their return to On-Campus Learning along with seeing friends for the first time in months, however, by the end of Tutor Time, students were relaxed, embracing each other’s company and valuing their connections. During Tutor Time, students were able to undertake group-based activities with their Tutor which allowed them to:

• create a positive group atmosphere
• learn strategies to relax in On-Campus Learning
• break down social barriers
• feel energised and motivated for the final weeks of term
• think outside the box
• get to know one another and re-establish relationships.

It was pleasing to see Yr 10 interacting with each other and talking openly about their lockdown experiences.

In the Yr 10 Year Assembly the following points were highlighted about students return to On-Campus Learning:

• Be realistic and flexible. Talk with your teachers about your work, both the strengths and the challenges. Your teachers are there to help you.
  
• Be kind to yourself. Give yourself the same advice that you’d give to a good friend.
  
• Life has been quite different, so give yourself time to adjust back into a routine.  Be realistic in your thinking about how long it might take.
  
• Set alarms, multiple alarms if needed to ensure you are up on time, particularly if you are catching public transport to school. 
  
• Check your timetable to know what lessons you’ll be having and prepare the equipment you might need. If you’re unsure ask your teacher or someone in your class.

Yr 10 Events

We are very much looking forward to the following confirmed events for Yr 10 this term:  

Peer Support Training – Monday 8 November

Placing students at the centre of their learning, Peer Support empowers students with practical skills and strategies to help guide younger students to positively navigate life and relationships. Participating Yr 10 students realise the significant outcomes of the program, including developed leadership, better connectedness, strengthened relationship skills, improved resilience and a greater sense of possibility. At the end of the training, Yr 10 students are able to make a written application to be considered for the role of Peer Support Leader in 2022, building community and working with Yr 7 as they navigate their transition into Secondary School. 

Burn Bright ‘Altitude’ Program: Exploring Foundations – Friday 19 November

Cultivates a strong support network to contribute to the journey in and out of school, and a true understanding of one’s character to guide students both in times of success and challenge. The program, facilitated by Burn Bright delves into ​​cornerstone skills and reflections needed to achieve long term personal success.

Work Exploration and Wellbeing Program – Monday 29 & Tuesday 30 November 

Year 10 will be participating in a Work Exploration and Wellbeing Program for the final two days of the term. The Work Exploration Day will focus specifically on career avenues, resume writing, interview techniques and professional etiquette and will be facilitated with the assistance of the Redlands University and Careers Advisors, Mrs Fowler and Ms Hurst. On the Wellbeing Day, Year 10 will enjoy activities that support a healthy body and a healthy mind by linking to the 5 Ways to Wellbeing. 

Update regarding the Year 10 Harbour Cruise

The Harbour Cruise is an important Year 10 event and we are committed to ensuring that Year 10 is able to celebrate this milestone safely.  

As you know, Redlands has been prioritising the health and safety of our entire community as we transition back to On-Campus Learning. We have also been operating under the current Level 3+ restrictions outlined by the NSW Government, and continue to be guided by NSW Health and the AIS on calendar matters. Currently, the Year 10 Harbour Cruise has been postponed and we are working to finalise a suitable date to reschedule this important celebration to ensure that we are able to inclusively and appropriately mark our transition into Senior School for this special Year Group.  

Year 10 Camp Update

Given the Level 3+ restrictions outlined by the NSW Government, Year 10 camp has been cancelled to ensure the safety of all students. As seen in the events outlined above, Year 10 will have some amazing opportunities to connect with each other and enjoy their final weeks together as a cohort until the end of the term. 

If you have any questions regarding the Harbour Cruise or Year 10 Camp, please email feedback@redlands.nsw.edu.au 

Reminder: Flexischools 

The canteen is open for with staggered opening times for different cohorts to collect food and drink ordered via the online ordering system, Flexischools. Please ensure familiarity with this Online ordering via Flexischools system, so that if students wish to purchase from the canteen, they have the appropriate access. Food will not be available to be bought over the counter.

Uniform and Hair

Students have the choice of wearing sports uniform or their summer school uniform for the remainder of the term. For haircuts, there is flexibility for students getting their haircuts. Boys may wear their hair in a manbun as long as it is neat and tidy.

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

Year 9

On Campus Connection and Confidence Days 25 & 26 October

This week, an incredible energy was felt across the school as students returned to campus.  Students reunited with friends and peers, Tutors ran activities designed to support student wellbeing and to fortify coping strategies while students also had a chance to touch base with their teachers prior to Term 4 Assessments.  Students navigated the new bell schedule and enjoyed the Fahl Garden for Recess and Lunch while settling back in to On-Campus Learning.

Yr 9 T4 Assessment Block

Students were briefed on expectations and processes for completing the T4 Assessment Block and the first day seemed to go very smoothly. Most showed up at the recommended time 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the assessment with their Sport uniform on and cameras working. Students have had the flexibility of being at home while completing these assessments and we will prepare to welcome them back to On-Campus Learning next week from the start of Week 5.  Students are wished all the best in demonstrating their knowledge from this last term and finishing their last Yr 9 assessments. 

Maths Help via Aluminate is back!

Maths help provided by a group of senior students can be accessed through the Aluminate iLearn page.  Students can ask questions, request help or engage in various challenge problems with feedback and help provided by students in Yr 11. Encourage your teens to post a question or request help for revision or extension. 

Upcoming Yr 9 Events

Goal Setting one-on-one meetings will take place in Weeks 5 and 6 between students and their Tutors to reflect on Remote Learning, assessment preparation and performance while also looking ahead to possible Yr 10 goals. 

Burn Bright Spark & Ignite Program will be run on Friday 12 Nov 2021 for Yr 9 students with a focus on building self-efficacy. Burn Bright believes in and wants to help harness the potential in young people to develop into authentic leaders who value healthy relationships, wellbeing and serving their community.  This cohort also participated in a Burn Bright Program in Yr 7, titled Recipe for Success. For further information and free parent resources provided by Burn Bright, please see their website: https://burnbright.org.au/parents/.

Yr 9 NAPLAN Student Readiness Testing will take place on 19 November during Period 5.

The Midawarr Program has been confirmed for the 23-25 November. Students will participate in a 3-day On-Country Experience engaging with First Nations community from NE Arnhem Land facilitated by Culture College and taking place on our Redlands Senior Campus. Students chose their t-shirt sizes this week in preparation for the event and further information will come out soon. 

Careers Profiling will take place Term 1 2022.  Students will receive a brief introduction to this process and parents will receive further information prior to summer break this term.

SCHOOLS TV – SPECIAL REPORT: Managing Overwhelm

Willingly or not, we have all been exposed to a piece of bad news that has lingered in our thoughts for days afterwards. This seems to be more common in the current environment than ever before. Due to the pandemic, the world we now live in is a very different place, so it is easy to see why we might feel impacted. It can often seem like there are many stressful events occurring simultaneously, and the hyperconnected nature of our environment means we are constantly being reminded of the challenges we face via numerous media and social media channels. Our connectivity to the digital world exposes us to a barrage of messages that can often leave us feeling overwhelmed.

It is therefore important for children and parents alike to consciously and intentionally learn good wellbeing strategies. Unfortunately, our brains have not evolved fast enough to adapt to the digital landscape we find ourselves in and this often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and can result in increased levels of stress and anxiety. If left untreated or unmanaged, constant stress and anxiety can lead to a number of behavioural issues or health consequences.

The blueprint for parenting, based on our own experiences, is no longer fit for purpose in raising kids as citizens of tomorrow. The combination of constant access to information and having little control over the situations presented, can be stressful and overwhelming. Although we can’t provide our kids with certainty, we can provide them with the skills and strategies to cope to enable them to flourish and thrive, socially, emotionally and academically. It may not necessarily be the information itself that is harmful, but more their inability to process and make sense of it.

https://redlands.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-managing-overwhelm

Ms Alissa Ynson
Yr 9 Advisor
aynson@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9865

Year 8

Return to On-Campus Learning – Monday 25 October

It was wonderful to have our Yr 8 students return to campus. The morning was spent valuing friendships, making connections and being back in the company of their peers.

Students undertook group-based activities with their Tutor which allowed them to:

• create a positive group atmosphere
• learn strategies to relax and into On-Campus Learning
• break down social barriers
• feel energised and motivated for the final weeks of term.
• think outside the box
• get to know one another and re-establish relationships.

Key messages passed onto students:

• Be realistic and flexible. Talk with your teachers about your work, both the strengths and the challenges. Your teachers are there to help you.
• Be kind to yourself. Give yourself the same advice that you’d give to a good friend.
• Life has been quite different, so give yourself time to adjust back into routine.  Be realistic in your thinking about how long it might take.
• Set alarms, multiple alarms if need be, to ensure they are up on time, particularly if they are catching public transport to school.
• Check your timetable to know what lessons you’ll be having and prepare the equipment you might need. If you’re unsure ask your teacher or someone in your class.

SCHOOLS TV – SPECIAL REPORT: Managing Overwhelm

Willingly or not, we have all been exposed to a piece of bad news that has lingered in our thoughts for days afterwards. This seems to be more common in the current environment than ever before. Due to the pandemic, the world we now live in is a very different place, so it is easy to see why we might feel impacted. It can often seem like there are many stressful events occurring simultaneously, and the hyperconnected nature of our environment means we are constantly being reminded of the challenges we face via numerous media and social media channels. Our connectivity to the digital world exposes us to a barrage of messages that can often leave us feeling overwhelmed.

It is therefore important for children and parents alike, to consciously and intentionally learn good wellbeing strategies. Unfortunately, our brains have not evolved fast enough to adapt to the digital landscape we find ourselves in and this often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and can result in increased levels of stress and anxiety. If left untreated or unmanaged, constant stress and anxiety can lead to a number of behavioural issues or health consequences.

The blueprint for parenting, based on our own experiences, is no longer fit for purpose in raising kids as citizens of tomorrow. The combination of constant access to information and having little control over the situations presented, can be stressful and overwhelming. Although we can’t provide our kids with certainty, we can provide them with the skills and strategies to cope to enable them to flourish and thrive, socially, emotionally and academically. It may not necessarily be the information itself that is harmful, but more their inability to process and make sense of it.

https://redlands.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-managing-overwhelm

Reminder: Flexischools 

The canteen is open with staggered opening times for different cohorts to collect food and drink ordered via the online ordering system, Flexischools. Please ensure familiarity with this Online ordering via Flexischools system, so that if students wish to purchase from the canteen, they have appropriate access. Food will not be available to be bought over the counter.

Uniform and Hair

Students have the choice of wearing Sports uniform or their Summer School uniform for the remainder of the term. For haircuts, there is flexibility for students getting their haircut. Boys may wear their hair in a manbun as long as it is neat and tidy.

Term 4 Events

After the Assessment Block, the students will participate in a variety of curricular and cocurricular activities designed to engage and extend them in the closing weeks of the school year. Initially, they will receive feedback for their assessments, reflect on their achievements and disappointments and then set future goals. The goal setting will take place with their Tutor and be communicated to parents.

15 November – BURN BRIGHT – Inside Out Leadership: Leadership Starts from Within

Yr 8 will engage in a day-long program to support their self-development and personal leadership.  

Outcomes:

• Understand they have influence and be challenged on how they are using that influence
• Identify the qualities of a good leader and recognise their own strengths and the strengths of others
• Improve their sense of self and enhance their self-confidence
• Develop a capacity to overcome challenges and be resilient
• Seek to foster positive friendships and look out for each other to enhance a greater sense of belonging
• Understand the importance of service and start becoming a person who serves others
• Appreciate diversity and celebrate differences

17-18 November – STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths)

In November Year 8 students will engage in a STEAM Day developed to engage and extend their skills and learner attributes.

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

Year 7

Return to On-Campus Learning – Monday 25 October

It was lovely to have our Yr 7 students return to campus. The morning was spent valuing friendships, making connections and being back in the company of their peers. 

Part of our Tutor Time activities have been based around Self-efficacy. 

Self-efficacy is using success in an area of your life as a personal reference point for ability, leading to a sense of personal achievement and belief in yourself. Our activities explored the concept of ‘self-efficacy’ and developing ‘self-belief’. These skills are important for students using a positive outlook to achieve goals and develop resilience.

Students learn that having success in something, and then using that as a personal reference point for ability, leads to further success, achievement and a belief in themselves.

SCHOOLS TV – SPECIAL REPORT: Managing Overwhelm

Willingly or not, we have all been exposed to a piece of bad news that has lingered in our thoughts for days afterwards. This seems to be more common in the current environment than ever before. Due to the pandemic, the world we now live in is a very different place, so it is easy to see why we might feel impacted. It can often seem like there are many stressful events occurring simultaneously, and the hyperconnected nature of our environment means we are constantly being reminded of the challenges we face via numerous media and social media channels. Our connectivity to the digital world exposes us to a barrage of messages that can often leave us feeling overwhelmed.

It is therefore important for children and parents alike, to consciously and intentionally learn good wellbeing strategies. Unfortunately, our brains have not evolved fast enough to adapt to the digital landscape we find ourselves in and this often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and can result in increased levels of stress and anxiety. If left untreated or unmanaged, constant stress and anxiety can lead to a number of behavioural issues or health consequences.

The blueprint for parenting, based on our own experiences, is no longer fit for purpose in raising kids as citizens of tomorrow. The combination of constant access to information and having little control over the situations presented, can be stressful and overwhelming. Although we can’t provide our kids with certainty, we can provide them with the skills and strategies to cope to enable them to flourish and thrive, socially, emotionally and academically. It may not necessarily be the information itself that is harmful, but more their inability to process and make sense of it.

https://redlands.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-managing-overwhelm

Reminder: Flexischools 

The canteen will be open for the return of students to campus with staggered opening times for different cohorts to collect food and drink ordered via the online ordering system, Flexischools. Please ensure familiarity with this Online ordering via Flexischools system, so that if students wish to purchase from the canteen, they have appropriate access. Food will not be available to be bought over the counter.

Uniform and Hair

Students have the choice of wearing sports uniform or their Summer School Uniform for the remainder of the term. For haircuts, there is flexibility for students getting their haircut. Boys may wear their hair in a manbun as long as it is neat and tidy.

Yr 7 Vaccination Clinic Postponed

Yr 7 students were scheduled to receive dose 2 of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) on 5 November. This clinic has been postponed until 6 April 2022 following advice from the Northern Sydney Public Health Unit.

Mr Edward Atkins
Yr 7 Advisor 
eatkins@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9909 3133

Head of Junior School

We’re Back!

And just like that, our campus was filled with the joyous sounds of children laughing, learning and playing!

It has been uplifting to have returned back on campus this week and I thank our teaching and support staff for their preparation in ensuring these first few days have been a safe and happy place for the students to return to. As I shared in our first assembly (still on Zoom!), I felt quite emotional seeing the stream of students arriving on Monday and then watching the reconnection of students with one another, teachers with one another and of course students with staff.

We have made slight modifications to aspects of our processes as we have lived through some of the measures but above all, the students are enjoying being back learning and socialising together.

I want to thank our parents for their support in both our drop-off and pick-up procedures which have run very smoothly and safely, despite the final stages of North Sydney Council’s untimely roadworks on Allister St. Thank you for always choosing safety over convenience.

Looking ahead, we will keep our community updated on the status of events through these final weeks and with the government announcement this week that School Sport activities are allowed to proceed from 1 November for the rest of Term 4, we are looking at ways in which we can get Year Groups out together off site for active sports sessions, which will be communicated separately.

Tips for Supporting Your Children after Lockdown

Our counselling team have provided these additional tips for supporting your children that you might find helpful after lockdown:

1. Take off the pressure: The transition back into school is likely to take some time. Lots of children will experience ups and downs. Try your best to support, reassure and comfort them, without putting pressure on yourself to make sure they settle into a new routine straightaway.
2. Renegotiate routine: During Remote Learning, it is completely understandable that your family’s routine may have changed. Your child may have also grown accustomed to spending more time in front of the screen than usual. Try to renegotiate these routines with your child in such a way that involves them in the process.
3. Think ahead: It’s critical to help children create optimism and excitement for the future, in addition to reflecting on what’s transpired in recent weeks. It’s difficult to stay positive during a moment like this, but pinpointing the things they can look forward to will help them realise that the present circumstances won’t last forever.
4. Focus on their strengths: Children possess a high level of resilience and are capable of learning from hardship. They can also learn about their own skills and abilities, as well as how to deal with stressful situations. Inquire about the abilities they learned during lockdown and how they might apply them in On-Campus Learning, such as organisation, self-control and creativity.
5. Keep the connection alive: Lockdown proved to be a terrific time for families to connect and try your best to not let this slip away. We understand that children will want to spend more time with friends, which is extremely important; however, try to spend time together as a family as well, such as boardgames, outdoor activities, cooking and home crafts.
6. Validate their feelings and reach out if needed: It is normal for your child to be concerned about returning to school. Listen to them and reassure them that their feelings are normal and that we’re all adjusting. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you believe your child’s concern requires more attention.

School Uniform: Monday 1 November

Next Monday 1 November, we are filming all Junior School students performing the AUSLAN for I Still Call Australia Home as we piece together a musical item for our end of term Speech Day. Connected to this, we ask that all Junior School students wear their summer uniform without blazers for this recording.

In line with current restrictions and guidelines, filming will occur outdoors and will be by class group. Teachers will also remind students on Friday afternoon about wearing uniform this Monday.

Debating Team Reach Quarter-Finals of National Competition

Congratulations to our Junior School debating team who successfully moved into the quarter-finals of the National Independent Schools Virtual Debating competition! With previous debates against schools from different States, last Friday’s round of 16 debate was against St Luke’s Anglican School in Queensland and the students excelled again in collaboratively developing their arguments.

I look forward to sharing news of their quarter-final debate vs Macarthur Anglican School from NSW.

Team: Chloe Petering, Alex Heller, Caroline Brown, Kai Feldman

Reserves: Rafael Rolon, Sam Ashby, George McIntosh

Call to Earth Day

On Wednesday 10 November, Redlands is celebrating Call to Earth Day. One way we are celebrating is through encouraging a ‘Waste Free Wednesday’ for all students. If possible, it would be a valuable learning experience for all students to pack their own lunch on the day. This would allow each student to consider what foods do not have any packaging and allow them to experiment with new ways of packing lunches (for example, through using containers and not plastic wraps). Students will be provided more information closer to the time. 

NAPLAN – School Readiness Test

Yr 3 and Yr 5 students will participate in the NAPLAN School Readiness Test on Wednesday 17 November. The 20 minute online practice test is a requirement for all schools to undertake as part of their transition to NAPLAN online next year. Individual student results are not recorded. In preparation, Yr 5 students will require their fully charged iPad and Yr 3 will use school ones. Both Yr 3 and Yr 5 students will require a set of compatible earphones. Class teachers will oversee this short session.

Safety Around Schools

With the return of schools and the significant increase in traffic, particularly around schools, please note the information below from North Sydney Council to help you keep our children safe around our campuses.

Thank you RPFA

This morning, our Junior Campus staff were both immensely grateful to receive some delicious morning tea treats as a token of appreciation from the Redlands Parents and Friends Association. On behalf of the staff, I send our heartfelt thanks for this kind gesture.

Notice of Roadworks – Allister St

We have been advised by North Sydney Council that they will be commencing works now on the opposite side of Allister St to our Junior Campus from next week. Please note that parking will be heavily restricted and at times, not available for parents to park on this side of the road. The usual kerbside school parking restrictions apply on our side of Allister St and should be adhered to ensure a smooth pick up process for our moving carlines. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Term 4 Second Hand Uniform Sale

As we are now midway through Term 4, the RPFA are having a quick sale of second hand summer uniform, commencing at 6pm, this Monday 1 November. Quality donations will be accepted 15-19 November. For more details please see the RPFA page.

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

Head of Preparatory School

PREP SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS

How Do We Support our Students after Lockdown?

The last two weeks have been a rollercoaster of emotions for our students as they have adjusted back to On-Campus Learning. Reconnecting with friends and teachers has been a focus, as has revisiting some organisational and return to routine skills. Opportunities through play, group work and wellbeing sessions have helped students navigate their way back to our school and its structures and systems. There is nothing sweeter that being in the playground at recess and lunch and watching our students playing and including each other in chatting and sharing time together. As we now move into the countdown to the Christmas holidays, here are some tips from Mr Digiacomo to support our students coming out of the lockdown situation and transitioning back to On-Campus Learning.  

1. Take off the pressure: The transition back into On-Campus Learning is likely to take some time. Lots of children will experience ups and downs. Try your best to support, reassure and comfort them, without putting pressure on yourself to make sure their homework is completed or that they settle into a new routine straightaway.
2. Renegotiate routine: During Remote Learning it is completely understandable that your family’s routine may have changed. Your child may have also grown accustomed to spending more time in front of the screen than usual. Try to renegotiate these routines with your child in such a way that involves them in the process. Accessing Redlands ysafe page will provide you with some tips.
3. Think ahead: It’s critical to help children create optimism and excitement for the future, in addition to reflecting on what’s transpired in recent weeks. It’s difficult to stay positive during a moment like this, but pinpointing the things they can look forward to will help them realise that the present circumstances won’t last forever. Why not focus some conversations now around Christmas preparation?
4. Focus on their strengths: Children possess a high level of resilience and are capable of learning from hardship. They can also learn about their own skills and abilities, as well as how to deal with stressful situations. Inquire about the abilities they learned during lockdown and how they might apply them in On-Campus Learning, such as organisation, self-control, creativity, and so on.
5. Keep the connection alive: Lockdown proved to be a terrific time for families to connect and try your best to not let this slip away. We understand that children will want to spend more time with friends, which is extremely important, however try to spend time together as a family as well, such as boardgames, outdoor activities, cooking and home crafts.
6. Validate their feelings and reach out if needed: It is normal for your child to be concerned about returning to On-Campus Learning. Listen to them and reassure them that their feelings are normal and that we’re all adjusting. Please do not hesitate to contact the School if you believe your child’s concern requires more attention.

2022 Classes

This time of the year I often start to receive ‘requests’ from parents for certain teachers for the upcoming new year. Please note that classes will not be formed until later in the year and that at this stage, due to new Grade Coordinators and new staff members, staff grade allocation will also be organised later. With this said, please be assured that when classes are created many factors and variable are taken into consideration to create four balanced classes for each grade. We create the classes first and then attach the teachers to the class.

Our staff and our school systems ensure that all information from interviews, reports to individual conversations with parents is taken into consideration so please trust our process and trust your current classroom teacher that they will be passing on all class profile information to your child’s new teacher.

Notice of Roadworks – Allister St

We have been advised by North Sydney Council that they will be commencing works now on the opposite side of Allister St to our Junior Campus from next week. Please note that parking will be heavily restricted and at times, not available for parents to park on this side of the road. The usual kerbside school parking restrictions apply on our side of Allister St and should be adhered to ensure a smooth pick up process for our moving carlines. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Term 4 Second Hand Uniform Sale

As we are now midway through Term 4, the RPFA are having a quick sale of second hand summer uniform, commencing at 6pm, this Monday 1 November. Quality donations will be accepted 15-19 November. For more details please see the RPFA page.

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

Prep/RH Upcoming Events

Below is a table of the upcoming end of year events for the Prep School.

Redlands House and Transition Gold

The Potato People

Shared reading is popular with all children. Mrs Maré recently shared The Potato People with many of the children. This book is about a Grandmother and her grandson, they make potato people together. Until one day the grandson stops coming around and the potatoes begin to wither and sprout, so grandma buries them. Teaches about how potatoes are grown and how love grows deep between Grandparents  and Grandchildren. Mrs Maré then organised for the children to plant and grow some potato of their own. They have been enjoying watering and caring for the plants. Hopefully soon we will have some potatoes to harvest.

Wednesday Lunch Orders for Cremorne Seniors

For the remainder of Term 4, Redlands House Senior classes can order their lunch from the Canteen on a Wednesday. Families will be able to order from a limited menu via the online ordering system on the Flexischools website. Please ensure that all orders are placed before 9.00am on the day.

Notice of Roadworks – Allister St

We have been advised by North Sydney Council that they will be commencing works now on the opposite side of Allister St to our Junior Campus from next week. Please note that parking will be heavily restricted and at times, not available for parents to park on this side of the road. The usual kerbside school parking restrictions apply on our side of Allister St and should be adhered to ensure a smooth pick up process for our moving carlines. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Term 4 Second Hand Uniform Sale

As we are now midway through Term 4, the RPFA are having a quick sale of second hand summer uniform, commencing at 6pm, this Monday 1 November. Quality donations will be accepted 15-19 November. For more details please see the RPFA page.

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

On behalf of the Sport department, I would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during these extraordinary times. Earlier this week, we received the wonderful news that School Sport activities are allowed to proceed from Monday 1 November, for the remainder of Term 4, with specific restrictions to align with NSW Public Health Orders and the Reopening NSW Roadmap. While we are excited to be able to offer a face-to-face Sport program for students once again, the guidelines will mean that our programs will feature adjustments.

Redlands Return to Sport Overview

Participation and Exemption

• The return to Sport will commence from Monday 1 November (Week 5). If there is a reason why your child is unable to participate in their scheduled Sports training, please directly email Alison Cox, Head of Secondary School Sport acox@redlands.nsw.edu.au by 3.00pm on 1 Monday November.

Summer Season

• All Sport training will be based on your child’s Summer Sport choice. Updated communication will be shared each week in the Secondary School Sport section of Note Day.

Cohorting

• A cohort-based training program will ensure cohorts are kept separate during Sport.
• Students traveling to off-site venues will be required to travel with their own cohort. This applies to those students traveling by bus or walking to venues.
• Once students arrive at their venues, they will be required to remain in their cohort group for the duration of the training session.

Mask-wearing

• Mask-wearing is required when traveling between sports venues and on school grounds (this includes students walking or traveling by bus to or from school)

• Secondary School students must wear masks in indoor sports venues at all times when not exercising, including in change room and bathroom facilities

Off-Site Training and Vaccinations

• In line with the community sport guidelines, students aged 16 and older who attend most of our off-site facilities must be fully vaccinated and will be required to show proof of vaccination status to facility staff on arrival. More specific information will be communicated to these students in the coming days.

Change-Rooms and Uniform

• School change-room access will be limited and students are encouraged to wear their PE uniform to school on days they have Sport training.

Representative Sport

• All students who have signed up to a Representative Sport for the summer season will be given the opportunity to train at least once a week while we are operating a cohort-based training program. Any changes to these arrangements will be communicated to families through the Sports Administrators and Note Day each week.
• Students whose Representative Sport training session is not scheduled on Thursday afternoon will be dismissed from school at 2.30pm.
• The ISA Board have determined that the ISA Summer Sport Competition will commence in Term 1, 2022. With this in mind, Term 4 will be used for training and grading in preparation for the Term 1 competition.
• With the exception of Rowing and Sailing, all Representative Sports will commence their Sport Trials and Training on Saturday 13 November and this will continue until Saturday 27 November.
• If your child is unable to attend any of their scheduled sessions, please contact the appropriate Sports Administrator.
• Sport Specific information will also be available to families on the Secondary School Sports Page on Redlands Pulse.

View Training Schedule Here

Non-Representative Sport

During Weeks 5-8, students who have selected Non-Representative Sport over the Summer Season will participate in a range of cohort-based activities. The Week 5 program is shown below, and students will rotate through these activities as a cohort over the remaining Thursdays in Term 4.

• Year 7               Dodge ball                              Primrose Park 
• Year 8               Yoga                                         Learning Hub
• Year 9               Yoga                                         Learning Hub
• Year 10             Futsal                                       Junior School Oval 
• Year 11             Ultimate Frisbee                    Primrose Park

If you have any questions about the Non-Representative Sport program, please contact Kate Seebohm, Sports Administrator, Non-Representative Sport kseebohm@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Fitness Centre

All Year 7-12 students have the opportunity to attend cohort-based Fitness Sessions after school from 3.30-4.30pm. In order to run these sessions safely, numbers will be capped at 20 students for Fitness Centre sessions and 30 students for sessions being run in the Fahl Garden. Students can sign up via a Google form which will be available through iLearn and the Announcement page.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: All students wishing to use the Fitness facilities are required to bring the following to every session:

• • Towel
  • Drink bottle
  • Redlands Sport / PE Uniform

The gym and all equipment will be wiped down in between each session and a major clean will be undertaken at the end of each day. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jack Gooding, Director of Athletic Development jgooding@redlands.nsw.edu.au.

Key Contacts:

We appreciate the support of the Redlands community in their respect of the Sport Protocols. These ensure the safety of our community.

Athletics

The registrations for the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships are now open, please head to Athletics NSW website for more information regarding how to register. 

We are also pleased to announce that the Mosman Little Athletics Club are running session this summer, please see the flyer below for more information 

Sailing

During last week’s training, the sailors raced against each other in our Redlands E-Racing Series. The racing took place in the Nacra 17 Olympic class. Congratulations to our top three sailors of the week: Oliver Noakes, Alex Gibbs and Lucy Baird.

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

All Sports contacts can be found on Redlands Pulse.​

Junior Sport

2022 Summer Sport Selection – Confirmation

Thank you to all those families who completed their 2022 Summer Term 1 Sport selection last week for their child. We appreciate the quick response from the initial request to register but also for the quick response in confirming your selection which we emailed to all families a week later.

The final Summer Sport lists for Term 1, 2022 can be viewed by selecting this link 2022 Summer Term 1 Sport Selection Review. If there any final modifications please let the Sport department know. For those families who missed out on their 1^st preference for some of our Non-Representative Sports and were notified that you are on a wait list, you will be contacted if a place becomes vacant. Please note there are wait lists in effect for Surfing, Sailing, Lifestyle Sports, and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding. There are plenty of places in our Representative Sports offerings.

For more information about what is on offer, details, logistics please refer to the 2022 Sport Information Handbook  

Term 4 Sport Calendar

As the current restrictions in NSW continue to undergo modifications, we will keep updating Redlands Pulse. For the remaining Wednesday Sport details please refer to the Term 4 Sport calendar which can be viewed by selecting here.

Invitation for all Students

What a great response so far across all houses and grades. On Saturday 6 November we have put together our second Inter-house Football competition where students can register to play Football in their grades while representing their Houses in a friendly internal competition held on site. Due to the current restrictions this day will take place in timeslots with each grade arriving and leaving before the next grade can begin. An email with all details will be sent to you over the weekend.

The House teams for this event are open to all Junior School Students, regardless if you play a Representative Sport, Non-Representative Sport, Winter Sport, Summer Sport for the School. If you are in a House (which you all are) you can register to play.

Timings-Entry to Junior School before matches

Parents are asked to drop their child to the Murdoch St Oval Gate before the scheduled start of their Grade’s timeslot.

These drop off times are as follows

• Year 3 families – please drop students at 7:45am
• Year 4 families – please drop students at 8:45am
• Year 5 families – please drop students at 9:45am
• Year 6 families – please drop students at 10:45am

Exit and Pick-up after Matches

Once their games are over in their allocated timeslot, students will collect their belongings and be walked down to Dunnet Hall for exit onto Allister St. This is a pick-up point only, not a drop off point.

Match Schedule and Timings

Please select the following link to view 2021 Match Schedule

Please organise with your child a pre-arranged pick up point on Allister St once their match has finished. The exit point will be via Dunnet Hall on Allister Street.

While this initiative is optional, I would encourage all students to take part as it will be a wonderful way to reconnect with friends they have not seen in a while. The day proved extremely popular last year after returning from a shorter lockdown and hopefully this year will be the same.

How to Register

Students are asked to select this link Football Inter-House Gala Day Team Registration, select their house from the tabs at the bottom of the document (image shown below), locate their grade and enter their first and last name in the next available cell.

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

Ballet and Dance

Photo caption: Isabella Ilic as Coppélia (2021)

Important Dates 

Our Semester 1 2022 timetables are now available on Redlands Pulse.

Students Currently Enrolled at the Ballet and Dance Academy

If your student is currently enrolled at the Ballet and Dance Academy then you can secure their place in their existing class/classes now. Please note to change/add/discontinue classes, please complete our Change Request Form and submit no later than Monday 8 November.

For further information and a link to our Change Request Forms, select the Priority Enrolment Information pack from the table below or visit our Enrolments section on Redlands Pulse.

New Students to the Academy

Enrolments for students wishing to join the Academy in 2022 will open Monday 15 November. Details will be available on our Enrolments page on Redlands Pulse.

Contact Us

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us at dance@redlands.nsw.edu.au with any questions or concerns.

We also ask that you check our Ballet and Dance page on Redlands Pulse for updates (click here).

Stay safe and keep well.

Ms Karen Martin
Head of Redlands Ballet and Dance Academy
kmartin@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Drama and Theatre

Welcome Back

We are thrilled to welcome back our Drama and Theatre students this week on the Senior Campus. They have adapted to learning in so many ways this year and we are so proud of their resilience and creativity. This week our Captains for 2022 have been inspired by leadership training with Burn Bright and we look forward to seeing how they develop their ideas and own unique leadership style. Our Extra Subject and Cocurricular classes continue online across all campuses due to limits on classes that cross over various cohorts and restrictions with singing. We look forward to seeing the filmed end of year performances for these classes, which will be made available to families on the various online learning platforms across the School. 

Gala Arts

Following the postponement, due to COVID-19 we are pleased to announce that Gala Arts will be taking place this term, in a modified format.

This event will take place in a similar format to last year, using the various Performing Arts venues across the Senior Campus, and will be professionally filmed and edited for release at the end of the year. The event will be filmed on the weekend of November 13 and 14.

Our wonderful Year 12 finalists will be unable to join us for this filming as they will be midway through their examinations. This means that any items where Year 12 students had a prominent role, will no longer take place. To this end, Gala Arts will be presented as a showcase instead of a competition to recognise the remaining finalists.

Although this will be different from the regular event, we hope it will nevertheless allow for a wonderful celebration of House spirit and the amazing talent in the Arts at Redlands.

Drama Celebration Award Nominations

Congratulations to these Year 12 2022 students who have been nominated for awards to be announced in the Drama Celebration Film 

Enrolments for 2022

Classes continue to the end of term and will resume in Week Two Term One 2022. Anyone interested in joining us for 2022 should complete enrolment forms available from the Drama and Theatre office via email at drama@redlands.nsw.edu.au.

New enrolments for all Extra Subject classes in 2022 are now being accepted. Please note there are waitlists in many courses. Students discontinuing courses must notify the Drama Office at drama@redlands.nsw.edu.au before the end of term.

Shrek Callback Auditions

Callbacks auditions are due to be uploaded via iLearn by 8am on Sunday 31 October. The Cast and Orchestra will be announced on Friday 12 November. Please note, the Company size (Cast, Crew and Orchestra) will be strictly limited to a maximum of 60 due to COVID restrictions.

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

Music

….and PLAY!

How magnificent it was to have students back in our classrooms this week!  While some senior classes are still completing online assessments this week, other classes across the School have launched into a variety of STEAM, Recording and Passion Projects that will bring us all to the end of the year!

Within both Curricular and Cocurricular Music streams, individual videos are rolling in for a variety of collaborative projects that we can’t wait to share with our community as part of our End of Year celebration events.

Students from P-12 are encouraged to check in with their ensemble leaders and classroom Music teachers if they are unsure which projects are on the go for them to be part of in their class or ensemble at this time! It’s not too late to get involved, even if involvement was sporadic while learning from home.

We are so proud of the resilience and grit shown by our young musicians, and know that even amidst heavy restrictions and challenges, they will still be able to produce some final performances of which they can be proud.

Redlands Music Vision Night and AGM: Dream with us!

There are undoubtedly exciting things ahead in Redlands Music for all our learners from P-12. We invite our whole community join us for the 2021 Friends of Music AGM – dreaming for 2022 and beyond! 

Whether you’re interested in joining the Friends of Music in a tiny or large way, or if you’re just keen to hear more about the many musical opportunities available to your child at Redlands, we encourage you to join our Zoom THIS THURSDAY 4 November at 7pm and bring your questions for a chat at the end.

LINK: CLICK THIS LINK TO JOIN US!

Director of Music, Amy Richardson, will share her vision for our Redlands Music learners from Preschool to Yr 12. Hear a reprised showcase performance from some of our very talented senior Music students, and catch a glimpse of the many ways a Friend of Music can become involved in our happenings across the school.

Later in the meeting, the election of the 2022 Friends of Music Committee will take place for anyone interested in taking a more active role. If you are considering nominating for President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer and would like more information about the roles, please email Emma McLaren: emmajmclaren@outlook.com.   See you there!

Our COVID-safe Music Programs 

As per previous Note Day messages, below is a reminder of our strategy as we return to “On-Campus” Learning across our various music-learning streams.

Private Tuition

The majority of our piano and instrumental tutors are now happily back and teaching ‘face-to-face’ lessons  across the school. In addition to mask wearing and frequent cleaning, we are grateful for CO2 monitors that have been placed in our studios as an extra level of cognisance regarding the importance of circulating air during lessons.

With some tutors needing to continue working remotely in the current climate for family reasons, we thank those still impacted for their understanding and ongoing flexibility as Zoom lessons to continue till the end of 2021.

Until the wording of the restrictions reflects the broader advice offered to the community with regard to singing activities, our Vocal Tutors are still unable to teach on site also. We are very grateful for their flexibility too, as they have worked to accommodate our students via Zoom outside of school hours and on weekends.

Classes, Rock Bands and Ensembles

Face to face Musicianship Classes, Bands & Ensembles remain an area of challenge for us – mostly due to the mixed Year Groups of students involved.  Our Rock Band and Musicianship Tutors are working hard to ensure resources are available via iLearn for asynchronous learning activities, for which they can then offer feedback.

For the remainder of our Cocurricular ensembles, the format of rehearsals have been adjusted to allow for commuting to/from home. Tutors and Ensemble conductors are communicating with students via iLearn Notifications. If you’ve not done so, please check your iLearn Notifications are ON for your enrolled ensembles.

LINK: Click here for the iLearn Music Course Directory.

Senior Instrumental Competition

As announced last week, we are thrilled that our Adjudicator for the 2021 Senior Instrumental Competition on Monday 22 November, is the internationally acclaimed conductor, Brian Castles-Onion AM. You may have seen him on the harbour conducting for Opera Australia, having worked at Julliard and with the New York Metropolitan Opera and many other renowned international orchestras. We are thrilled for the wealth of rich and diverse instrumental understanding he will bring as he adjudicates our instrumental finalists this year.  

2022! Rolling Over or Unenrolling?

At this time every year, we begin to put key plans in place for year to come in terms of both staffing and curriculum.

All enrolments are automatically rolled over from one year to the next (including from Year 6 to 7 into commensurate ensembles).  Should students be seeking a change of enrolment for the semester to come, we ask that this notice is given 4 weeks before the end of each semester, or a fee may apply*.
(*To extracurriular enrolments only)

Why so much notice needed? Why a late fee?

It’s a question that pops up from time to time, and we’re happy to answer it. Redlands seeks to employ the very best tutors in the state, and honestly, they’re some of the best in the country. Our specialists are in demand at schools and institutions across the city, and our ability to provide stable employment with clearly contracted hours sees us remain positioned as a workplace of choice for these excellent musicians and tutors. It is our policy that if a late cancellation fee is unfortunately needing to be charged, this is passed on to our tutors as compensation for income they may have turned down or lost while honouring their commitment to teach a Redlands student for a full semester. Ultimately, our Redlands students reap the rich benefits of the high quality tutors we attract to be part of our team each year.

This being said, we have waived all cancellation fees for lessons to be received in 2021. 

Ahead of 2022 however, we thank you for letting us know by 12 November 2021 should you wish to unenroll from private lessons, Rock Bands or Musicianship Classes without penalty.

As always, all our forms can be found on Pulse. Thank you for your help setting up 2022 for success!

Sing Out!

As always, we welcome you to *sing out* to our Administration Team via if we can assist you with any queries regarding Music learning at Redlands!

We hope you have a fantastic week!

Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12

seniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au
juniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au