Community Update

It was a privilege to join our staff and students this morning at a Remembrance Day commemoration honouring those lost to wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.  The ringing of our historic School Bell marked the beginning of a minute’s silence, providing time for peaceful reflection on the remarkable cost of conflict and how it has shaped our world. I used this precious time to remember my much loved Grandfather who served in the Second World War. While he was one of the ‘lucky ones’ to survive the battlefields on which he fought in Europe and North Africa, his experience as a soldier in The Black Watch shaped a lifetime of service to country and community.      

We are fortunate at Redlands to have a community with a strong and generous tradition of service.  Parents, carers and friends of the School proudly support the enrichment of our students’ lives in many ways, through regular donations and by giving one of the most special gifts of all – their time. 

Redlands, like most independent schools, has a Foundation that supports the School’s strategic and philanthropic programs. The Foundation Advisory Committee (FAC) guide the School with experienced counsel and stewardship of our Foundation Office, providing resources and assistance in support of the School’s Vision, Mission and Strategic Plan. 

The FAC’s experienced stewardship of our philanthropic program enables Redlands to continue to invest in the growth and advancement of the School.  The FAC held their final meeting of the year this week and my thanks to those who serve on this committee for their individual and collective contribution in yet another year of growth. More information on the Foundation Advisory Committee along with an update on the Belinda Oxley Scholarship can be found here. 

It has been lovely to see and hear how our community has been connecting through the year. With the end of another School year in sight the Redlands Parents and Friends Association (RPFA), Parent Contact Groups (PCGs) and Friends of Groups (FoGs) continue to actively bring our various groups together both socially and operationally. A number of social events still remain in the calendar and these can be found on here.

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.

And to finish, The Ode, from the poem For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon.

“They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.”

Lest we forget.

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

From The Principal

We are very much looking forward to celebrating an extraordinary year at our end of year events in Week 9. There are still a number of logistical aspects that we need to work through, related to the latest Public Health Order and the AISNSW advice to schools, which is based on information from NSW Health.

The Preparatory School Presentation Day will be held on campus in Dunnet Hall on Tuesday 30 November at 10.00am. The Junior School Speech Day event is scheduled for Wednesday 1 December at 11.00am and the Secondary School Speech Night on the same day at 5.00pm. While the Junior and Secondary School Speech Day events are currently booked for Luna Park, we are assessing the feasibility of holding these events offsite in light of the current NSW Health restrictions and are exploring moving these events on campus. We will keep our community informed regarding parental attendance and other aspects of the events, as we work through the ever-changing requirements.

It has been wonderful to note how various cocurricular activities have still been able to proceed this year in a virtual environment. In some cases, this has even led to a broader range of opportunity for groups of students. One such example is our exceptional Junior School Debating team who have recently made it through to the semi-finals of this year’s National Independent Schools Virtual Debating competition. They have been competing against schools from across Australia and are to be congratulated on their outstanding performance. Our Secondary School Mock Trial team is also to be congratulated for making it to the quarter-finals of the NSW competition, which is hotly contested and requires considerable case research and preparation. In an extremely close Moot, in the quarter-final, the two teams were tied on points and the Magistrate needed to award an extra point to decide who would proceed to the semi-finals.

It has been fantastic to finally have the Year 12HSC examinations underway, with our Year 12IB students completing their examinations this week. The Class of 2021 continue to impress with the way they have responded to the various challenges and supported each other throughout. We wish them all well for the final weeks and celebrating with them and parents at our Valedictory event next early next year.

In order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all of our students and staff in this COVID environment, I remind all parents and carers to keep their children at home and not send them to school if they have coughs, sore throats, runny noses or any other potential COVID symptoms. Please ensure students remain at home until they are well or have received a negative COVID test. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Mr Stephen Webber

Photo caption: Under beautiful conditions we were able to hold the Junior School Inter-house Football competition with a wonderful turn out from the students. Congratulations to Dumolo House for winning the competition for the second year in a row!

Foundation

Belinda Oxley Scholarship Update

This week I was delighted to share with the Foundation Advisory Committee that all donations and fundraising efforts helped us to achieve 95% of this year’s target in raising funds towards the means-tested scholarship honoring the legacy of long-standing and respected educator Belinda Oxley. Belinda joined our staff in 1995 as a Year 2 teacher and fulfilled many important roles at the School over 23 years, including Dean of Early Childhood, up until her passing in 2018.

A HUGE thank you to all members of our community who helped us to reach this goal. No matter how large or small your contribution, it will make a lasting difference to a well-deserving student starting Yr 7 in 2023 who otherwise could not benefit from Redlands education.

I would also like acknowledge members of the Foundation advisory Committee for their ongoing support, advocacy and guidance which has significantly contributed to the advancement of the School.

Current members: Grahame Petersen – Chair, Glenda Mcloughlin – Chair of the Board, Kristina Green, Nadia Naylor, Josh Heller, Crispin Murray, Stephen Webber – Principal, Brad Weatherstone – CFO, Grant Birse – Head of Community Engagement and myself.

If you wish to learn more about the Redlands Foundation and the Foundation Advisory Committee, please contact me directly or visit our website HERE.

Redlanders Chapter Meeting – UK and Europe

Redlands is very proud of its global alumni Community. Today, hundreds of past students are scattered throughout the globe. We value deeply our connections with Redlanders living abroad and are making connections among them no matter when they left the School. Our regular

UK & Europe Chapter Meeting is taking place on Thursday 25 November at 8pm GMT, 7am+1 day AEDT.

We look forward to hearing from many of those living abroad. For any updates or queries, please contact Kim Flatman, Alumni and Community Engagment Coordinator, alumni@redlands.nsw.edu.au.

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

RPFA

Parent and Family Get-togethers

• Fri 12 Nov Yr 10 coffee from 8.30am at Balmoral Rotunda
• Wed 17 Nov Yr 9 BYO Cocktails by the Beach from 5.30pm at Clontarf Beach Reserve
• Thurs 18 Nov Yr 12 drinks and bowls from 7pm at Neutral Bay Club
• Thurs 18 Nov Yr 8 end of year parent social from 6.30pm at Bosk, Clontarf
• Fri 19 Nov Yr 9 morning coffee from 8.30am at Frenchies Cafe, Mosman
• Fri 19 Nov Yr 10 end of year drinks night from 6pm at Warringah Bowls Club, Mosman
• Sun 21 Nov Yr 8 casual BYO family picnic and paddleboard from 11am at Balmoral Beach
• Tues 23 Nov Yr 7 drinks and bowls from 7pm at Neutral Bay Club
• Fri 26 Nov Yr 8 coffee from 8.15am at Balmoral Rotunda 
• Tues 30 Nov Yr 1 end of year playdate from 12.30pm at Balmoral
• Tues 30 Nov Yr 2 end of year playdate from 12.30pm at Balmoral (playground end)

Term 4 Second Hand Uniform Sale – Collection

Our most recent second hand uniform sale has raised over $4,000 to go towards the means-tested Redlands Foundation Scholarship Fund, this year in honour of Belinda Oxley. Cumulative sales for the year raised over $21,000 for the Scholarship Fund.

Donations Requested / Volunteers Needed

It is again that time of year where we wonder how our children have finished another year of school, and we say goodbye to our Seniors as well as those leaving for shores near and far to pursue new adventures and opportunities. Before moving on, please consider donating uniforms and textbooks that you no longer need.

Uniforms will be kindly accepted at the Uniform Shop during the week commencing 15 Nov. 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. If we receive enough donations of blazers we will run a second sale of just blazers prior to Speech Day.

More details to follow regarding second hand textbooks, but we are likely to need volunteers to help sort and pack books just before the end of the school year. Watch this space!

Walks on Tracks

Next week’s walk on Wed 17 Nov will be Mosman to Cremorne Point – meet at the Bradleys Head Road/Middle Head Road roundabout at 8.40am.

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

Book Club – NEW DATE

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 Fri 26 Nov.

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

2022 RPFA Committee rpfa@redlands.nsw.edu.au

President: JP Forrest

Vice President: Brittne Whitelaw
Secretary: Rebecca James 
Treasurer: Annette Swann
Committee: Declan Hourihan, Jennifer Mast, Jo Lloyd, Karen Nicholson, Kate Kesby, Lisa Middlebrook, Maria Kinsela, Monique Scattini

Head of Secondary School

Yr 12 Back Together Again

The entire community has kept Yr 12 in their thoughts and prayers over recent months, and this week we were delighted to have both cohorts of students on campus at the same time to sit IB and HSC examinations. On Tuesday morning the IB Maths students, who were leaving after completing their early examination, waved hello to the HSC students arriving for their first English paper. There was such a positive energy among both groups. Obviously the IB students were relieved their Maths examination was over, and for some this was their final exam! Our HSC students were eager to get into the exam room and tackle their first paper. They’ve certainly waited a long time to be able to do this! Pleasingly, the first English paper was a gift, and the HSC cohort are now confidently surging ahead with the remainder of their exams. We wish them well and look forward to December, when all of our Yr 12 final examinations conclude, and our Class of 2021 can dive into their Summer.

I’d like to take this opportunity to celebrate the dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly throughout this period in support of the IB and HSC examinations. There is a small army of people working behind the scenes, invigilating the exams and supporting the students to ensure that Yr 12 can confidently and calmly demonstrate their knowledge and skills at the conclusion of their schooling.

Yr 12 (2021) Valedictory is taking place on 1 February at The Big Top, Luna Park

We are so excited to be able to reconnect with our Yr 12 cohort and their parents early next year to celebrate their many achievements. Please purchase your tickets this week through TryBooking.

Student Leaders Launch

Our new Yr 12 Student Leadership team have already made such positive contributions to the Secondary School community. This week they met in their leadership meeting to explore a range of events to conclude the year. From next week they will be holding a series of Town Halls, designed to capture student voice around wellbeing and a positive start to 2022. We look forward to supporting them to meet the needs of the students they serve.

Our Service Captains, Alex Gibbs and Charlotte Harman, are launching an Anglicare Fundraiser, whereby money raised is used to purchase Christmas Hampers for those who need them. I encourage all parents to support your children to raise money for this wonderful and much needed charity. They have an ambitious goal of raising $10,000 and we’d very much like them to exceed this goal. Further information can be found here.

Full STEAM Ahead

The Yr 7 STEAM program commenced today. The focus of the two days explores the question: How can we create cities and communities that are eco-friendly? Next week, Yr 8 engage in a similar STEAM program where they will be exploring what can we do to save our coral reefs?

Remembrance Day

Today we paused at 11.00am to mark Remembrance Day. Our School Captains rang the Bell in Liggins Quad to mark the start and end of one minute’s silence. By pausing our activity and observing one minute’s silence, we pay tribute to those who have served and are still serving in our defence forces and remember those who have died or suffered in conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations. 

BYOD Parent Purchasing Portal

Redlands has negotiated a special education deal for parents purchasing their child’s new digital device, through one of its partners, JB Hi-Fi. Parents have the option to purchase from any retailer of their choice however we have selected JB HiFi as they provide sound warranty and servicing options. The JB Hi-Fi Parent Purchasing Portal and further information can be accessed here.

Wet Weather

Clear wet weather arrangements are in place for students, encompassing the staggered timetable and the restricted areas where the HSC Examinations are taking place. Students are asked to be mindful of each other and congregate in the dedicated spaces made available to them. All spaces are well ventilated and enable them to eat and drink, and spend time with their friends in a supervised environment. 

Communicating your child’s absence with the Secondary School Office

Please be specific if your child is unwell. When emailing to inform us of a student absence, please clearly outline your child’s symptoms. If you tell us that your child is ‘unwell’, with no explanation of symptoms, we will assume a COVID-19 test is required. Additionally, we kindly ask that you are vigilant about sharing the negative COVID-19 test with ssabsence@redlands.nsw.edu.au before your child is returned to school. Unfortunately, if this does not happen, parents will be contacted and asked to collect their child from school. Our priority is our community’s safety and our capacity to enable our Yr 12 students to sit their examinations. We sincerely appreciate the cooperation of parents in following safe practices as we move through this next stage of the pandemic.

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

Chaplain

Today is Remembrance Day (Thursday, 11 November) when we recall the tradition of service in the Australian Defence Forces. Men and women who served our country, many at the cost of their lives, are remembered with the sound of silence imitating the silencing of the guns at the cease fire at the end of World War 1. One minute in the midst of busy days and the noises of life to pause and give thanks for the most gracious gift that anyone can give: the gift of their life to bring or preserve peace. So, in a minute of silence we remember those who died, those who wear the scars on body or soul, those who gave service to the nation over the years since the First World War.

I am struck by two key aspects; one is the cost of peace and the second is self-sacrificing service.

The first is to know that peace is never to be taken for granted for it has come as a result of the blood of others. Bringing peace is working against the drives of selfishness, greed, corruption and abuse of power. There are conflicts brooding today and will continue to, until mankind can be cured of these ills. This should stir within us a sense of thankfulness, self-reflection of our own hearts, and a prayer that God may work to bring new hearts that yearn for peace and not strife.

The second, self-sacrificing service, reminds us that the men and women we remember today often are remembered without names. The unknown soldiers, who responded to the need, trained, giving up the security of home and their ambitions in life to serve their country. These soldiers are a great role model of young and older people who were willing to serve even when it came at a personal cost.

Today, if you did not do so at 11 am, take a minute now, as a family, to remember.

As we come towards the end of the year the youngest to the oldest in our school community will have the opportunity to share in something special – the power of making a difference by serving others. 

Giving in so many ways is core to the first Christmas Story and is core to who Redlands seeks to be. 

We are able to do the same thing this year as we always do, but this year it seems different.  This year we have energy for the important things because we have been reminded in so many ways of what they are. We are ready to let our light shine by giving because we know that this year has been especially challenging for many in our wider community.

We will be supporting two organisations that have a long association with the School: Anglicare and Matthew Talbot Homeless Hostel. 

Anglicare

7-12

This year we are asking the Redlands community to take on the goal of serving these families generously. Please give a gift from your family to another family. Due to COVID the arrangements will be significantly different than previous years to avoid handling and rehandling of goods. In one sense this makes it easier but do not let this opportunity pass you by. Your family could give another family in need a hamper of food for $50. The Service Captains, Alex Gibbs and Charlotte Harman have set a minimum target of $5,000, which is just $10 a family. They have also set up an easy means to give as Redlands community. Please see this link to their article.  

Anglicare 

P – 6 

Supporting Anglicare’s Toys and Tucker is online due to COVID. The way we give is different but the need is the same if not greater this year. You have an opportunity as a family to choose what you might buy for another family this Christmas. For more information about this watch Anglicare Toys and Tucker video here. The shopping link is here: Toys ‘n’ Tucker website – have fun online shopping! 

The Junior School will be having their own mufti-day on the last Monday of term, to not only have a fun day together but to share with those in need. 

Anglicare

Prep School 

On Thursday, 25 November, Prep Students will be dressing up to help us celebrate Christmas together. 

Students are encouraged to come dressed in Christmas themed Mufti clothes (Christmas colours –  Red, Green, white, Gold and Silver, or Christmas Angel wings, Santa hats, stars and sparkles.) This links to our Junior Campus Carol Service. 

Matthew Talbot Homeless Hostel 

Matthew Talbot strives to make the people feel welcome at their service. One easy way to do this is to provide for their basic needs. Help them have a warm shower and clean clothes so they know someone cares. 

This is where we can help – we are collecting basic toiletries, socks and underwear at each of the Receptions on the Junior Campus and Senior Campus from this Monday. Deodorant isn’t just deodorant – it is love, soap is respect, shampoo signals hope, toothbrush and paste equals welcome. Imagine what a difference we can make for those who need help this season.

This season the Redlands community can unite to serve the broader community, living out our values and shining a light for all. Thank you for your generosity.

Bronwyn Lihou and Fiona McKenzie
blihou@redlands.nsw.edu.au
fmckenzie@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Service

Hi, we’re Alex and Charlie, the new Service captains for 2022. We are so excited to step into this role, and see what we can achieve as a community this coming year!

This year, our first service initiative is the Anglicare Christmas Appeal. Toys’ n’ Tucker is an initiative of Anglicare Sydney which tries to share the joy of Christmas by providing food and gifts for those who might otherwise go without. This past year has been more challenging than ever before, especially for the most disadvantaged in society. Unfortunately, due to COVID, we’re unable to run the Toys’ n’ Tucker drive as usual, with every family bringing donations to be packed by Anglicare into hampers for families in need. Instead, this year, Anglicare is encouraging all of us to donate, and they will be able to organise the hampers.

So, how will it work?

1. You can donate money through the link provided below (This method helps us keep tally of Redlands contribution and will be paid direct to Anglicare in one amount).
   https://gofund.me/2e6d8ee4
2. Anglicare will use the donated funds to buy hamper items at wholesale prices
3. Hampers will be packed at their Villawood Warehouse
4. They will deliver hampers straight to peoples’ doors, bringing the joy of Christmas with them.

We aim to raise $5000, and once we have reached that, we will host a Christmas-themed mufti day! We hope that every family will be able to donate at least $10. Let’s dig deep to share a little joy this Christmas!

Thanks!

Charlie Harman and Alex Gibbs
2022 Service Captains

Ms Rachael Riley
Service Coordinator
rriley@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9909 3133

University and Careers Advisors

University of Technology Sydney Parents 1-1 consultations: 

Parents are welcome to join UTS for a consultation and get their uni questions answered. Find out about UTS admissions processes, course and career information and support services. Register here

Mrs Justine Fowler and Ms Clare Hurst
University and Careers Advisors
careers@redlands.nsw.edu.au 

Year 11

School Leadership Team Introduction Assembly

This week our 2022 Student Leadership Team, via a video assembly led by our School Captains, Sophia Maxwell and Jack Murray, presented their Vision for 2022, ‘Mission Possible’. Our Principal, Mr Webber, had a cameo in the video, appearing as the Head of IMF (Impossible Missions Force), assigning the ‘mission’ to Sophia and Jack, should they choose to accept it. The School Captains explained their aims for the year, such as the importance of togetherness, making the most out of every opportunity, having a positive attitude, developing school spirit where everyone feels welcome and goals are supported, and most importantly to ‘have fun!’

Call to Earth Day

On Wednesday we recognised ‘Call to Earth Day’ where Yr 11 watched a video narrated by Sir David Attenborough ‘How to Save Our Planet’ and then discussed how humans have created a planet that is in danger of being destroyed, then having a whole year group debate online on how we can make Redlands more sustainable.

Mock Trial Competition

The Yr 11 Mock Trial team had a fiercely fought trial in the quarter finals this week against Shore. The case was a civil trial of bailment, under the Uncollected Goods Act, 1995, where Redlands represented the Defence, denying liability when the Plaintiff’s car was stolen from their premises. The trial went for 3 ½ hours and ended with a tie on points between the two teams. The Magistrate was then required to give one extra point to the team he decided should go through to the semi-finals, and Shore were declared the winners. Congratulations goes to the Redlands team who have competed to a high level throughout 2021, both face-to-face and over Zoom: Jack Murray, Charlotte Harman, Sophia Maxwell, Callum Wardman-Browne, Louise Colin and Sophie McMillan.

Have a great week!

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

Year 10

Student Achievement 

Congratulations to Emilie Bessell who was awarded ISA Colours for Basketball for 2021 as an ISA Basketball representative. 

Cowper House Assembly

Well done to the following students who displayed leadership, presenting at the Cowper House Assembly last Thursday: Marina Vivaldi, Will Byron, Jackson Doyle, Aryan Singh, Maddy D’Almeida, Yasi Colteran, Zoe Naismith, Gracie Connell, Ruari Blackstock, Hugo McKay and Lily Hobbs.

A big thank you to Mr Jack Gooding and Dr Jane Sloan for all their assistance and support with preparing their speakers for the day. 

On Wednesday, Yr 10 students participated in Call to Earth Day which is a day dedicated to students learning about the threats to our planet, how to protect our planet and how to advocate strategic ways of reducing carbon footprints. 

Students participated in the following activities:

Waste Free Wednesday

• All students were encouraged to bring a waste free lunch to school. Students were encouraged in Tutor Time to to discuss various waste free options or alternatives  (eg. how to pack a sandwich without using plastic wrap)

Sustainability Action Plan

• Students responded to the question ‘How Can Redlands Become More Sustainable?’.  These responses will be taken into consideration when creating our Redlands Sustainability Action Plan.

Short Sustainability videos 

• Students viewed a range of susntainability videos which were selected specifically for Senior School students by students and staff members on the Sustainability Working Group based upon the following topics:
  • Seven Billion Dreams, One Planet
  • Conservation International
  • One Earth
  • Plea for the Planet
  • How to Save Our Planet
  • How much electricity does it take to power the world?
  • Can 100% renewable energy power the world? – Federico Rosei and Renzo Rosei
  • Greta Thunberg and George Monbiot make short film on the climate crisis
  • Nature Is Speaking – Julia Roberts is Mother Nature | Conservation International (CI)
  • Which bag should you use? – Luka Seamus Wright and Imogen Ellen Napper
  • Plastic Pollution: How Humans are Turning the World into Plastic
  • Nature is Speaking

Important Dates 

BurnBright – Altitude – Exploring Foundations – Friday 19 November 

Coming up on Friday 19 November in Week 7, Yr 10 will be participating in a full day program ‘Altitude – Exploring Foundations’ on campus at Redlands lead by the team at BurnBright.

Burn Bright’s Altitude wellbeing program explores the concept that as Yr 10 approach the great heights of their high school journey and look ahead, it’s crucial that they explore the foundations of their character as this is what guides us, not only in our triumphs but also in times of challenge. Throughout the program Yr 10 will delve into the cornerstone skills and reflections needed for oneself to achieve long term personal success. BurnBright believe in a foundation of healthy strong relationships, and exploring intentional relationships attribute to one’s journey in and out of school. Burn Bright believes success is cultivated from a strong support network, but more so, a true understanding of one’s character. 

The Altitude program encourages this practice through exploring daily practices, continued self-reflection, and conversation around how Year 10 students can be the best version of who they are, for themselves and others.

Peer Support Training – Monday 22 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.

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

Yr 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.

1 December End of Yr 10 Term 4

31 January Start of Yr 11 Term 1, 2022.

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

Year 9

Important Yr 9 Events 

• 1-12 November Tutor One-on-one Goal Setting Meetings 
• 12 November Burn Bright Spark and Ignite Program  
• 16 November Young Change Agents Design Challenge  
• 19 November NAPLAN Student Readiness Testing (Period 5) 
• 23-25 November Midawarr Program by Culture College on campus 
• 1 December End of Yr 9 Term 4 
• 31 January Start of Yr 10 Term 1 
• 4 February 2022 Careers Profiling  

Communication Changes 

As you would have seen in communication from Ms Gemma Van de Peer, Ms Alissa Ynson, Yr 9 Year Advisor, has taken compassionate leave from school commencing Wednesday 10 November. Until Ms Ynson is able to return to school, Ms Katharine Boase, Acting Dean of Activities and previously Assistant Yr 9 Advisor, and Ms Alyssha Clarke, Acting Assistant Year Advisor, will take on the leadership of Yr 9 students.  

If you have any queries or concerns or should you wish to speak with a Yr 9 pastoral leader over the coming weeks, can I please ask that you contact Ms Boase and Ms Clarke by email as follows:  

kboase@redlands.nsw.edu.au  

aclarke@redlands.nsw.edu.au  

Expectations 

On Thursday 11 November we met with Yr 9 as a cohort to outline our expectations of them over the coming weeks. As the holidays approach, it becomes harder to focus in school. With this in mind, it is important for students to stay focused during these last few weeks as their lives tend to become busier with the end of year celebrations and events. It is crucial for students to continue to review materials for classes to prepare for the demands of Yr 10. We want to make sure students finish the school year as strong as they can and these few steps below can help them stay focused till the end of the year.  

Prioritise Sleep  

It’s tempting for students to go to sleep later as the days get longer. However, missing sleep is a major cause of behaviour and attention problems in students. A well-rested child can focus, learn and thrive as they finish out the school year.  

Have a Routine  

With all the extra events, deadlines for school and cocurriculars occurring and lives slowly going back to normality it can be hard to stick to a routine. These small changes can lead to tuning out and acts of defiance. Dependable routines allow students to know what to expect and allow them to focus when it’s time to change activities  

Return to Sport  

Return to Sport has been a great success in the Secondary School. Students have been excited to participate in face-to-face sport. A reminder of the key guidelines for the program is below.  

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.

Student Attendance 

Just a reminder that if a student is absent from school an explanation must be provided by a parent/carer to ssabsence@redlands.nsw.edu.au. If your child is absent due to illness, we thank you for providing details of your child’s symptoms. Any student absent with COVID-19 related symptoms must complete a PCR COVID-19 test and evidence of a negative test result must be provided to the School prior to the student returning to campus. 

Ms Alyssha Clarke
Yr 9 Assistant Advisor
aclarke@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Year 8

Waste Free Wednesday – Call to Earth!

Wednesday 10 November was Call to Earth Day.

This is a day where we are all encouraged to learn more about the threats facing our planet, people who are working to protect it and the steps we can all take to aid the cause. 

On this day, Redlands held a ‘Waste Free Wednesday’, with all staff and students encouraged to minimise their waste on this day. No plastic, no bags, no paper. Hopefully, as a community, we can identify the significant amount of waste we create in just one day, and gain a deeper understanding of what methods and swaps we can make to reduce this amount.

#CallToEarth Day – ‘How can Redlands become more sustainable?’

(CNN) – Humans are causing alarming changes to the planet. Collectively, we are destroying ecosystems, polluting the ocean and altering our climate. Change needs to happen at every level of society, but as individuals we can play a role in making things better.

On November 10, Yr 8 took part in the first-ever Call to Earth Day. Celebrating a planet worth protecting, schools, individuals and organisations across the world raised awareness of environmental issues and engaged with conservation education.

This initiative was dedicated to conservation, environmentalism and sustainability. The following link tells stories about our incredible planet and the remarkable people who are protecting it.

https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/call-to-earth/#/

Yr 8 watched a selection of the following short sustainability videos during tutor time this week. These videos (all less than 10 minutes) were selected specifically for Secondary School students by students and staff members on the Sustainability Working Group.  

• Seven Billion Dreams, One Planet
• Conservation International
• One Earth
• Plea for the Planet
• How to Save Our Planet
• How much electricity does it take to power the world?
• Can 100% renewable energy power the world? – Federico Rosei and Renzo Rosei
• Greta Thunberg and George Monbiot make short film on the climate crisis
• Nature Is Speaking – Julia Roberts is Mother Nature | Conservation International (CI)
• Which bag should you use? – Luka Seamus Wright and Imogen Ellen Napper
• Plastic Pollution: How Humans are Turning the World into Plastic
• Nature is Speaking 

PARENT RESOURCES

‘Young people’s voices in the climate crisis’ – Australian Psychological Society

There is global acknowledgement that climate change is an urgent threat to current and future generations and the planet. Children and young people are among the most vulnerable to its impacts. They have a right to know about and take action on issues concerning their current and future welfare. Climate change is an issue that many young people are worried about and which deeply concerns their future lives. Having the opportunity to share and act on their concerns about climate change can boost young people’s self-efficacy, hopefulness and resilience, while dismissing their feelings and denying or ignoring the climate crisis can negatively impact their wellbeing.

https://psychweek.org.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/19APS-PsychWeek-Summary-Report.pdf

FILM – 2040

Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-rTQ443akE&t=36s  

2040 is a hybrid feature documentary that looks to the future, but is vitally important now. The 2040 journey began with award-winning director Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film). Motivated by concerns about the planet his 4-year-old daughter would inherit, Damon embarked on a global journey to meet innovators and change makers in the areas of economics, technology, civil society, agriculture, education and sustainability. Drawing on their expertise, he sought to identify the best solutions, available to us now, that would help improve the health of our planet and the societies that operate within in. from marine permaculture to decentralised renewable energy projects, he discovered that people all over the world are taking matters into their own hands.

This journey is the central premise for the documentary ‘2040’, a story of hope that looks at the very real possibility that humanity could reverse global warming and improve the lives of every living in the process. It is a positive vision of what ‘could be’, instead of the dystopian future we are so often presented.

‘101 Things to do to help address climate change’ – Australian Psychological Society, Believe in Change

View article here

Student Attendance

If a student is absent from school an explanation must be provided by a parent/carer to ssabsence@redlands.nsw.edu.au. If your child is absent due to illness, we thank you for providing details of your child’s symptoms. Any student absent with COVID-19 related symptoms must complete a PCR COVID-19 test and evidence of a negative test result must be provided to the School prior to the student returning to campus.

Important Dates

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.

1 December End of Yr 8 Term 4

31 January Start of Yr 9 Term 1, 2022.

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

Year 7

Burn Bright 

On Tuesday our Yr 7 students participated in a full day of Burn Bright activities focused on ‘Recipe For Success’. It was wonderful to see our students engage with positive energy and enthusiasm throughout the day, where they had the opportunity to brainstorm the attributes and values of positive relationships, were challenged to think using a growth mindset, and stepped outside of their comfort zone participating in a range of resilience building activities.

Student Attendance

If a student is absent from school an explanation must be provided by a parent/carer to ssabsence@redlands.nsw.edu.au. If your child is absent due to illness, we thank you for providing details of your child’s symptoms. Any student absent with COVID-19 related symptoms must complete a PCR COVID-19 test and evidence of a negative test result must be provided to the School prior to the student returning to campus.

NAPLAN – School Readiness Test

Year 7 and 9 students will participate in the NAPLAN School Readiness Test during their usual English lessons on Friday 19 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, all students will require a fully charged laptop and a set of compatible earphones.

Year 7 Artworks

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

Head of Junior School

Debating Team Reaches National Semi-Finals!

Earlier this week, our Yr 6 Debating team were victorious in the quarter-final of this year’s National Independent Schools Virtual Debating competition. With a number of previous debates against schools from different States, Monday’s quarter-final debate was against Macarthur Anglican School from NSW and the students excelled again in collaboratively developing their opinions and successfully challenging those of their opposition. The team now progress to the national semi-final stage against previous winners, Northside Montessori School (NSW), and we wish them all the very best in this upcoming debate.

Team: Caroline Brown,  Alex Heller, George McIntosh, Rafael Rolon
Reserves: Sam Ashby , Kai Feldman, Chloe Petering

Student Leadership 2022

Yesterday, our Yr 6 2022 student leadership nomination process commenced for our current Yr 5 cohort ahead of their transition into Yr 6 and the student leadership role that come with this move. I am grateful to Mr Brakell and his team for the meticulous planning and organisation of the session, which it was a pleasure to be part of.

On Friday, the students will now be presented the opportunity to self-nominate for any of the sixteen formal leadership positions listed below and the students were encouraged to consider putting themselves forward for at least one of the roles.

• Junior School Captains (one girl and one boy)
• Arts Captains (one girl and one boy)
• Sports Captains (one girl and one boy)
• Environmental Captains (one girl and one boy)
• House Captains (one girl and one boy per House – 8 in total)

We are delighted to introduce two Environmental Captains to this group from 2022 as new roles aligning with both the Secondary School student leadership group and our School’s strategic direction in sustainability. These students will be part of the School’s Sustainability Working Group of students, staff and community members and lead student voice and action in this important future-focused area.

Once in Yr 6, students not elected to these leadership positions will be invited to consider student leadership involvement in a range of groups including technology, community, library and service to provide each student with an experience to lead in some form or another.

As I said to the Yr 5 cohort, I know that we have no shortage of potential school leaders who would be very capable representatives of the student body in 2022. Yr 5 students, as well as teachers who know them, will have the opportunity to confidentially vote next week and then the captains will be announced for the first time at Speech Day on the last day of this term and presented with their leadership badges by our Principal, Mr Webber.

Speech Day – Wednesday 1 December 

As you would have seen in the calendar, our Junior School Speech Day is scheduled to takes place at 11am on Wednesday 1 December. All students are expected to attend this final formal occasion of the year. While it is currently booked for Luna Park, we are assessing the feasibility of holding it offsite in light of the current NSW Health restrictions and are exploring holding it on campus. We will keep our community informed, regarding parental attendance and other aspects of the events, as we work through the ever-changing requirements.

Each year, class teachers choose six students to receive class prizes with input from specialist teachers as well. These prizes are based on observations over the whole year and awarded as outlined below:

• 2 x Academic Effort and Achievement 
• 2 x Outstanding Approach to Learning 
• 2 x Citizenship 

In addition, there are some major prizes awarded in Year 6 only and these will be announced to the cohort in Week 8. All of these prizes will be presented on Speech Day which will also be the occasion for the announcement of our 2022 Student Leaders as mentioned in the paragraph above.

Year 6 Graduation Assembly

Another important event at the end of this term will be our Year 6 Graduation Assembly on Tuesday 30 November. With restrictions in place for all on-campus school events, this will be a student only event with Year 6 and some teachers in the hall and all other Junior School students and staff watching on livestream, which we have set up for all Year 6 family members to also enjoy as well. The link and passcode are embedded in the flyer but are also below. A reminder will be sent closer to the time.

Webinar link: click HERE
Passcode: 011006

Call to Earth Day

Despite the rain, our students embraced ‘Call to Earth Day’ as a new initiative which started with Class 5W being part of a waste audit the day before. ‘Waste Free Wednesday’ was a valuable learning experience for many students who have been encourage to adopt this mindset every day in how they can assist with packing their lunches using containers and not plastic wraps.

Each class were also involved in capturing their thoughts on the question ‘How Can Redlands Become More Sustainable?’ which will help to inform our Redlands Sustainability Action Plan moving forward.

My thanks to Mrs Chipper and Ms Tobiansky for their involvement in the group and the day.

House Football Competition

It was wonderful to see over 200 girls and boys take part in Saturday’s House football competition and my thanks are extended to the Junior Sports team for organising this event as well as this Saturday’s optional Year Group based Ninja Warrior challenge to reengage our students with sport. A highlight for me was seeing many girls and boys not only playing Football for the very first time but having great fun and enjoying the chance to connect with schoolfriends in a different space.

Yr 5 and Yr 7 2022 BYOD Device Requirements and JB Hi-Fi Purchase Portal on Redlands Pulse

As parents with students entering Yr 5 and Yr 7 in 2022 at Redlands consider Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) requirements for next year, please note the links to our updated BYOD requirements on Redlands Pulse. 

Redlands has negotiated a special education deal for parents purchasing their child’s new device, through one of its partners, JB Hi-Fi, which includes warranty and servicing options. Parents of course still have the option to purchase their device from any vendor.

Our suppliers are encouraging parents to make device decisions as early as possible due to COVID-related supply shortages and shipping delays. 

1. Junior School BYOD link (going into Yr 5 or Yr 6)
2. Secondary School BYOD link (going into Yr 7)

For any queries, please do contact our iSupport team who will be only too happy to assist.

COVID-Safe Environment

In order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all of our students and staff in this COVID environment, we remind all parents and carers to keep their children at home and not send them to school if they have coughs, sore throats, runny noses or any other potential COVID symptoms. Please ensure students remain at home until they are well or have received a negative COVID test. Thank you for your support and understanding.

December-January Vacation Care 2021-2022

If you would like your child to attend the December 2021 – January 2022 Vacation Care program, please visit our OOSH page on Redlands Pulse from Friday 12 November in order to preview all information pertaining to the holiday activity schedule and daily requirements.

The Flexischools website will be open on Monday 15 November 12pm to make any bookings. Please use the Prep and Junior Vacation Care icon for children in K-6.

Please contact the Acting OOSH Coordinator, Trishna Rai,  with any Vacation Care or After School Care queries. 

Remembrance Day

Today, our students and staff marked Remembrance Day with a minute’s silence at 11am, an important date to reflect and recognise many who have served and died in conflict. A number of classes enjoyed open discussion about war and the significance of this day in our history afterwards.

Dealing with The Explosive Child

This week’s information from our counselling team looks at managing particular behaviours in a child. From the outside, a youngster who throws a tantrum in response to a simple request appears stubborn and misbehaving. While conventional wisdom may advise parents to be firm and to punish in order to improve their children’s behaviour, Dr. Ross W. Greene Ph.D. offers an alternative approach in his book, The Explosive Child, through the philosophy: kids do well if they can. 

Please note that while this collaborative approach may appear to be “giving in” to undesirable behaviour or losing parental power at first glance, Dr. Greene contends that this isn’t the case. It’s all about taking proactive measures to address issues that aren’t being resolved through more traditional means. Years of research with behaviourally problematic youngsters have led to this problem-focused approach. 

Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems

Dr. Greene wisely advises parents to begin by identifying the difficulties their children are facing. On a cognitive level, “lagging skills” are those that make it difficult for children to adapt to life’s daily obstacles. When a parent can recognise when their child is having difficulties, they can begin to understand why.

Reframing “problems”

A fresh image of the situation can begin to emerge after noting when problematic behaviours begin to occur. Dr. Greene encourages parents to get to the heart of issues, phrasing them in such a way that the child is more likely to participate. Rather than focusing on “screaming and wailing when asked to come inside and finish her homework”, parents can focus on “difficulty making transitions”. 

The Empathy Step

Temper outbursts are virtually guaranteed under old approaches when decision-making is unilateral. Dr. Greene’s approach, on the other hand, is proactive and compassionate. The empathy stage, where parents gain information and comprehension of their child’s situation, is the first step in this technique. Taking a sincere, nonjudgmental approach helps parents and children work together as partners rather than opponents.

The Invitation Step

The invitation stage is where the parent and child brainstorm to find a solution after each sharing their worries about the topic in question. The goal is that both the parent and the child will be concerned (“I don’t want to do my schoolwork right now,” “Yes, I understand,” “But I’m worried that if we don’t do it now, we won’t have time later”). This is where teamwork takes place. Working together, you strive to come up with a reasonable and mutually acceptable solution. It’s possible that this will not happen on the first try! The important thing is to keep working together to overcome these obstacles.

If you’d like to read more about this approach, you can have a look Dr Ross Greene’s book, The Explosive Child.

Car Line Pick Up

Junior School parents are asked not to arrive before 3.15pm for car line pick up as cars arriving as early as 2.45pm are causing a significant issue for our Prep School car line. We have also fielded a number of complaints from local residents due to the traffic around the bottom or Allister St on to Rangers Rd.

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

Head of Preparatory School

Earth Day

Waste Free Wednesday, a wonderful initiative from our Chair of the Redlands Sustainability Group, Ms Kim Chipper was a big success this week. Our Prep students were encouraged to make their own lunch with no plastic to encourage discussion around the waste that we create as consumers. What better way to demonstrate waste than to also watch the Year 5 students conducting a waste audit of our bins!! We look forward to the results.

Our students also worked on activities that focused on the reuse, reduce and recycle message. Ms Angus and the One yellow class made environmental robots to demonstrate how we can innovate to make our environment better. The children brought in materials from home to reuse and recycle to create their environmental robots.

They also made a reusable bag display for the window. All the children brought in their own reusable bags from home for their shopping to show that we are thinking about the plastic in the environment and how using reusable bags is better for the environment. What eco warriors you are One Yellow!

Term 1 2022 Prep Sport Update

In exciting sports news, Expression of Interest (EOI) for Term 1 2022 Prep After-School Sport (Redlands House Seniors, Kindergarten, Yr 1 and Yr 2) will open on Monday 22^nd November at 1:00pm. In Term 1, the following sports will be available:

• Tennis (Monday & Friday)
• Football (Monday)
• Basketball (Monday & Friday)

Registration for all sports will take place in an EOI Form (one form for all sports) through a link on the Prep Sport Pulse page. All Prep families will be notified via email one week prior to registration opening and again once the EOI form is live. Please ensure that the school has your preferred contact email on your Engage records. Registration is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email from the Prep Sport Administrator. Families will be informed either way regarding the result of their EOI Form. Families must re-register each term and registrations DO NOT roll over. 

Each sport has limited spaces available for each year group. This is ensure a quality experience is offered to students with a low student-coach ratio. It is anticipated that spots in all sports will fill very quickly.

December-January Vacation Care 2021-2022

If you would like your child to attend the December 2021 to January 2022 Vacation Care program, please visit the OOSH page on Pulse from Friday 12^thNovember in order to preview all information pertaining to the holiday activity schedule and daily requirements. The Flexischools website www.flexischools.com.au will be open on Monday 15^th  November at 12:00pm to make any bookings. Please use the Prep and Junior Vacation Care icon for children in K-6. Feel free to contact the Acting OOSH Coordinator, Trishna Rai with any Vacation Care or After School Care queries. 

COVID-Safe Environment

In order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all of our students and staff in this COVID environment, we remind all parents and carers to keep their children at home and not send them to school if they have coughs, sore throats, runny noses or any other potential COVID symptoms. In addition, please do not dose students with Panadol and send them to school. Please ensure they remain at home until they are well or have received a negative COVID test.

If students come to school with any of these symptoms, they will be sent home with a letter from the School Nurse specifying what symptom has been identified. They will then be required to provide a negative COVID test to Prep Reception before returning to school. Thank you for your support and understanding.

We also request that all students have a spare mask in their school bags. 

A message from Mr Digiacomo: Dealing with tantrums

From the outside, a youngster who throws a tantrum in response to a simple request appears stubborn and misbehaving. While conventional wisdom may advise parents to be firm and to punish in order to improve their children’s behaviour, Dr. Ross W. Greene Ph.D. offers an alternative approach in his book, The Explosive Child, through the philosophy: kids do well if they can. 

Please note that while this collaborative approach may appear to be “giving in” to undesirable behaviour or losing parental power at first glance, Dr. Greene contends that this isn’t the case. It’s all about taking proactive measures to address issues that aren’t being resolved through more traditional means. Years of research with behaviourally problematic youngsters have led to this problem-focused approach. 

1. Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems

Dr. Greene wisely advises parents to begin by identifying the difficulties their children are facing. On a cognitive level, “lagging skills” are those that make it difficult for children to adapt to life’s daily obstacles. When a parent can recognise when their child is having difficulties, they can begin to understand why.

2. Reframing “problems”

A fresh image of the situation can begin to emerge after noting when problematic behaviours begin to occur. Dr. Greene encourages parents to get to the heart of issues, phrasing them in such a way that the child is more likely to participate. Rather than focusing on “screaming and wailing when asked to come inside and finish her homework”, parents can focus on “difficulty making transitions”. 

3. The Empathy Step

Temper outbursts are virtually guaranteed under old approaches when decision-making is unilateral. Dr. Greene’s approach, on the other hand, is proactive and compassionate. The empathy stage, where parents gain information and comprehension of their child’s situation, is the first step in this technique. Taking a sincere, nonjudgmental approach helps parents and children work together as partners rather than opponents.

4. The Invitation Step

The invitation stage is where the parent and child brainstorm to find a solution after each sharing their worries about the topic in question. The goal is that both the parent and the child will be concerned (“I don’t want to do my schoolwork right now,” “Yes, I understand,” “But I’m worried that if we don’t do it now, we won’t have time later”). This is where teamwork takes place. Working together, you strive to come up with a reasonable and mutually acceptable solution. It’s possible that this will not happen on the first try! The important thing is to keep working together to overcome these obstacles.

If you’d like to read more about this approach, you can have a look Dr Ross Greene’s book, The Explosive Child:

Let’s make a difference this Christmas

From the Junior Campus Chaplain, Ms Fiona McKenzie

As we come towards the end of the year the youngest to the oldest in our school community will have the opportunity to share in something special; the power of making a difference!

Giving in so many ways is core to the first Christmas Story and is core to who Redlands seeks to be. 

We get to do the same thing this year as we always do but this year it seems different.  This year we have energy for the important things because we have been reminded in so many ways of what they are. We are ready to let our light shine by giving because we know that this year has been especially challenging for many in our wider community.

We will be supporting two organisations that have a long association with the school: 

Anglicare and Matthew Talbot Homeless Hostel. 

Anglicare 

P – 6 

Supporting Anglicare’s Toys and Tucker is online due to Covid-19. The way we give is different but the need is the same, if not greater this year. You have an opportunity as a family to choose what you might buy for another family this Christmas. For more information about this watch Anglicare Toys and Tucker video here. The shopping link is here: Toys ‘n’ Tucker website – have fun online shopping! 

Mufti Day Fun 

Donations for Anglicare 

Prep School 

On Thursday November 25, Prep students will be dressing up to help us celebrate Christmas together. 

Students are encouraged to come dressed in Christmas themed Mufti clothes (Christmas colours or Christmas Angel wings, Santa hats, stars and sparkles etc This links to our Junior Campus Carol Service. 

Matthew Talbot Homeless Hostel 

Matthew Talbot strives to make the people feel welcome at their service. One easy way to do this is to provide for their basic needs. Help them have a warm shower and clean clothes so they know someone cares. 

This is where we can help.  Redlands is collecting basic toiletries, socks and underwear at each of the Receptions on the Junior Campus from  Monday 15 November. These basic necessities are more than just things, they will providing what people need to feel self respect. Imagine what a difference we can make for those who need help this season.

Lost Property

There is quite a lot of lost property that has been gathered in the Prep over the last few weeks. Please encourage your child to look for anything that they have lost at school in the Lost Property cupboard.

From Monday 15 November, there will be a lost property table out the front of Prep Reception for families to check at drop off and pick up times.

Redlands House and Transition Gold

Kindergarten Orientation for 2022

On Wednesday 17 November the children moving to Kindergarten at Redlands will have an orientation morning. The children will visit the classrooms in the Prep School and have a chance to explore the environment and prepare them for the coming year. Please ensure the children have arrived at school by 9.00am on this day. Please bring your child to school as you usually would, the Redlands staff will take them to the Prep classrooms for the morning.

Transition Gold Orientation for 2022

On Wednesday 17 November the children moving to Transition Class at Redlands in 2022 will have an orientation morning from 9am to 10.30am. Children in our Senior program will be taken on the day to the Transition classroom by Redlands House staff. Children from the Junior program that do not normally attend on a Wednesday can be dropped off and collected  from Prep Reception. A staff member will be available at reception to greet you and take the children to the classroom.

Term 1 2022 Prep Sport Update

In exciting sports news, Expression of Interest (EOI) for Term 1 2022 Prep After-School Sport (Redlands House Seniors, Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2) will open on Monday 22 November at 1:00pm. In Term 1, the following sports will be available:

• Tennis (Monday & Friday)
• Football (Monday)
• Basketball (Monday & Friday) 

Registration for all sports will take place in an EOI Form (one form for all sports) through a link on the Prep Sport Pulse page. All Prep families will be notified via email one week prior to registration opening and again once the EOI form is live. Please ensure that the school has your preferred contact email on your Engage records. Registration is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email from the Prep Sport Administrator. Families will be informed either way regarding the result of their EOI Form. Families must re-register each term and registrations DO NOT roll over. 

Each sport has limited spaces available for each year group. This is ensure a quality experience is offered to students with a low student-coach ratio. It is anticipated that spots in all sports will fill very quickly.

December-January Vacation Care 2021-2022

If you would like your child to attend the December 2021-January 2022 Vacation Care program, please visit the OOSH page on Pulse from Friday 12^th November in order to preview all information pertaining to the holiday activity schedule and daily requirements. The Flexischools website www.flexischools.com.au will be open on Monday 15^th  November at 12:00pm to make any bookings. Please use the Redlands House Vacation Care icon for children in TG and Redlands House. Feel free to contact the Acting OOSH Coordinator, Trishna Rai, with any Vacation Care queries

REDLANDS HOUSE / TRANSITION GOLD VACATION CARE

DECEMBER 2021 – 6th to 17th  – 8.00am – 5.30pm

JANUARY 2022 – 10th to 21st – 8.00am – 5.30pm

Last Day Arrangements

The last day of the year for Redlands House students is the Tuesday 30 November. Redlands House will close after the Prep School Assembly at 12.30pm. Please note there is no Late Room on this day.

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 Sports

Redlands Return to Sport – Week 7 Guidelines

It was an absolute privilege to get out on Saturday morning to see the Rowing and Sailing programs back in full swing for the first time this season. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions and the joy on the faces of both the student and coaches being back doing what they love was priceless. We are looking forward to launching our remaining Representative Sport programs this weekend, details for these can be found below and on Redlands Pulse.

As we move into Week 7 of term, we will continue with the current cohort-based training program and Saturday Sport trials and training across our Representative Sport programs. Sport Specific details for Saturday Sport will be published in the Redlands Rhino early next week.

Participation and Exemption

• If there is a reason why your child is unable to participate in their scheduled Sports training during week 7, please directly email Alison Cox, Head of Secondary School Sport acox@redlands.nsw.edu.au by 3.00pm on Monday 15 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 has been communicated to these students.

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.
• If your child is unable to attend any of their scheduled sessions, please contact the appropriate Sports Administrator (contact details listed below).
• Sport Specific information is also available to families on the Secondary School Sports Page on Redlands Pulse.

Representative Sport

Touch Football

It was wonderful to see the Redlands Touch Football training take place last week, we are very much hoping for some better weather over the coming weeks in order to allow all teams an opportunity to train before the end of the term.

This weekend we commence our Saturday program as outlined below:

COVID Protocols for Macquarie University are as follows:

• No spectators are permitted to attend on Saturday 
• All players must sign in with the QR Code and with the Redlands Secondary School Coaching team
• Players must arrive in their training attire (adopt the mentality of ‘arrive, train & leave’ 
• Players must bring their own water bottle 

We are expected to experience some inclement weather over the next few days, a decision will be made on the state of the fields by the Macquarie University Fields Management team on Friday afternoon for Saturday morning. Please ensure you check the Redlands Twitter page (@RedlandsSport) for updates.

Basketball

It has been great to see the Basketball students back on court in preparation for the Term 1, 2022 season. A reminder that all students will have an additional session this Saturday 13 November, the details for these sessions can be found below. 

COVIDProtocols for Saturday are as follows:

• No spectators are permitted to attend on Saturday 

• Students are asked to meet in the designated areas listed below (you will not be allowed to enter the court/venue until the previous group has exited): 
  • Top Caged Court: Students to wait in the top terraces (opposite the caged court
  • Lang Gym Students to wait in the Undercroft
  • Dunnet Hall Students to line up on the footpath outside Dunnet Hall entrance

• Redlands House Courts: Students to line up on the footpath outside Dunnet Hall entrance

Any changes/cancellations due to inclement weather will be posted on the Redlands Sports Twitter page @RedlandsSport. An email notification will also be sent to the basketball students/parents.  

Sailing

We were very fortunate to have amazing weather for the first Saturday of Sailing for the season. The Squadron would like to invite double vaccinated Redlands parents and carers to use the Squadron’s restaurant and café facilities on Saturdays while the students are training. The café will be opened from 7:00am. Visitors to the Squadron must sign in at the COVID check in desk, located underneath the Shade Sail near the café (follow the path down from the pedestrian gate on Peel St).

Just a reminder, if a sailor is unable to attend a training session, please notify Jack Littlechild at least 24 hours before the session begins. Any unexplained absences will be marked on the attendance sheet and taken into consideration when teams are being selected.

Parents and carers are also reminded that if they are planning to pick up their sailors on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons, they must notify Jack Littlechild before the training session begins.

Saturday Training 13 November
Sailors:             All Sailors – Group A will train in Elliott’s and Group B will train in Pacers.
Time:                8:00am-12:00pm 
Parking:           Parents and carers cannot access the RSYS car park. We recommend that you park locally and then meet/drop off students outside the RSYS pedestrian gate on Peel St.

The full training schedule and for more information please see Redlands Pulse – Sailing.

Tennis

This week, Saturday 13^th November, our weekend tennis training sessions commence. All Saturday training sessions this term will be held at Lane Cove Tennis Club. Students are asked to observe the following while at Lane Cove Tennis Club:

• Students 16 years and over will be required to check in with the venues QR code and demonstrate they are fully vaccinated
• The club house will be open for use of the bathroom facilities only
• Students should arrive as close to their start time as possible and leave directly after
• Students should not attend if they are unwell or have flu like symptoms

Saturday Training Schedule

The full training schedule is available on Redlands Pulse. Students are expected to attend their scheduled training session, if a student is unable to attend for any reason, please email Eliza Peirce. Students should bring their own tennis racquet, hat and water bottle to all training sessions. Students may choose to wear their white tennis polo on Saturday’s however this is not compulsory this term. Wet Weather updates are found on @RedlandsSport.

Rowing

Our rowers continue to train on water this past week as they adjust to the cohort based training schedule. To date we have been delighted with progress made and how students are handling the adjustment of their schedule but there are a few points worthy of a reminder:

• Notice of absent or late students should be sent through to both Mr Petering and Anders
  • Mr James Petering (jpetering@redlands.nsw.edu.au 0413 764 446)
  • Mr Anders Baatemyr (abaatemyr@redlands.nsw.edu.au  0499 421 151)
• Masks are to be worn on busses at all times to and from training
• Masks are to be worn on land when not actively training at the boatshed (setup & pack up)
• Students are to sign in via the QR code at the boatsheds upon arrival

Optional Holiday Training

During the upcoming summer holidays we are intending to hold our regular optional training sessions for all rowing students. These are a combination of both on water sessions at Mosman Rowing Club and land sessions from the schools fitness centre. We strongly encourage that students attend as many of these sessions as possible when in Sydney but also understand that families will be keen to take the opportunity to take holidays outside of Metro Sydney. Students sign up via a google form that will be included with more detailed info provided to families next week. A broad outline of the sessions are as follows:

Juniors (Current Yr 7 & 8)

Water: Tue & Thurs, 6:30 to 9:00am, Sat 8:30 to 11:00am
Gym/Ergo: Mon & Wed, 9:00 to 10:30am 

Seniors (Current Yr 9, 10 & 11)

Water: Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat 6:30 to 9:00am
Gym/Ergo: Tue & Thurs 9:00 to 10:30am 

Non-Representative Sport

Non-Rep students will continue with their sport rotations in Week 7 (Thursday 18^th November). The schedule for Week 7 can be found below. 

*Please note Futsal students will not be allowed to access the Junior School facilities while on the Junior Campus Oval. Students should fill up their water bottles and use the bathroom if required before leaving the Senior Campus.

Fitness Centre

Over the coming weeks, all students will have the opportunity to attend cohort-based Fitness Sessions after school from 3.30-4.30pm. Students can sign up via a Google form which will be available through iLearn and the Announcement page.

• Current Yr 11s may access the Fitness Centre across Tuesday afternoons but must contact the Director of Athletic Development Mr Jack Gooding jgooding@redlands.nsw.edu.au. prior to attending.

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 thorough clean is 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 ongoing support of the Redlands community in their respect of the Sport Protocols. These ensure the safety of our community.

Mrs Alison Cox
Head of Secondary School Sport
acox@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Junior Sport

Football House Gala Day

Under beautiful conditions we were able to hold our Interhouse Football competition with over 200 students registering for this optional event. It was great to see so many students sign up and play on the day including those who are not normally involved in our Saturday Representative Sport Program. With Dumolo having won the inaugural cup last year there was a last-minute rush of late sign ups across the other houses to bolster numbers across the grades.

Having to maintain the NSW Health order with only 1 grade at a time on site Year 3 kicked up the day with some great Football across all houses. At the end of their allocated time session placings for Year 3 were as follows;

1^st Place Dumolo
2^nd Place McDouall
Equal 3^rd Place Roseby and Cowper

Year 4 were next and the competition stepped up a notch with some great shots at goal and equally as impressive saves from our goalies. At the end of their allocated time session placings for Year 4 were as follows;

1^st Place McDouall
2^nd Place Copwer
3^rd Place Dumolo
4^th Place Roseby

Year 5 were next still playing their games on the modified fields and at the end of their allocated time session placings for Year 5 were as follows;

1st Place McDouall
2^nd Place Dumolo
3^rd Place Roseby
4^th Place Cowper

For the Year 6 games the playing fields were formatted into our large field configuration as well as having a final for the top 2 teams which would be based on the accumulation of points from the Year 3, 4 and 5 results. Before going into the finals McDouall was ahead of Dumolo by 18 points. However, in the final 2 late goals by Byron Mills and Rafael Rolon from Dumolo secured the trophy wining the Grand final by only 2 points. George Andrews accepted the trophy on behalf of Dumolo House and will retain the trophy for the second year running.

1^st Place Dumolo
2^nd Place McDouall
3^rd Place Cowper
4^th Place Roseby

Congratulations to all students who participated on the day, I hope you enjoyed yourself and look forward to another House competition this week with our Redlands Ninja Obstacle Course.

Redlands Obstacle Course Saturday 13 November

Similarly to the Football Gala Day, any students who are interested can register in their grades and house teams to compete in a friendly fitness Ninja Warrior Course to earn points for their house. At this stage, like all events across NSW this is listed as TBC and subject to the NSW Health Orders closer to the date.

How to register

Students  who are interested to attend must register via  this link Ninja Warrior Interhouse Team Registration, select their House from the tabs at the bottom of the document (image shown below), scroll down to locate their grade and enter their first and last name in the next available cell. Please note this link closes 6:00pm Friday 12 November. Only those students who have registered through the online link may come on site due to COVID 19 management guidelines.

What to wear and bring

Students are asked to wear their Sports Uniform along with joggers on the day. Students are also asked to bring any medication they require, drink bottles, hats etc.

House Bibs

Each student who has registered will be issued a House bib to wear whilst they complete the course. These will be returned by the students in each grade before they are walked to Dunnet Hall on Allister St for collection by parents and carers.

Pick up and Drop off Timings

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 8:00am @ Murdoch St Oval Gate
• Year 4 families- please drop students at 9:00am @ Murdoch St Oval Gate
• Year 5 families- please drop students at 10:00am @ Murdoch St Oval Gate
• Year 6 families- please drop students at 11:00am @ Murdoch St Oval Gate

Once their allocated timeslot is over, students will collect their belongings and be walked to Prep School Reception for exit onto Allister St. This is a pick-up point only, not a drop off point.

These pick-up times are as follows

• Year 3 families- PICK UP students at 8:45am @ Prep School Reception, Allister St
• Year 4 families- PICK UP students at 9:45am @ Prep School Reception, Allister St
• Year 5 families- PICK UP students at 10:45am @ Prep School Reception Allister St
• Year 6 families- PICK UP students at 11:45pm @ Prep School Reception, Allister St

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 Prep Reception on Allister Street.

Wet weather update for Saturday will be via Engage Notification.

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

Ballet and Dance

End of Year (EOY) Performance Filming

The Ballet and Dance Academy EOY Performance will be filmed over three days: 15, 19 & 20 November. For further details please see our End of Year Filming page on Redlands Pulse.

Filming Monday 15 November

Filming Schedule – Monday 15 November 

Important Dates 

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

New Students to the Academy

Enrolments for students wishing to join the Academy in 2022 open Monday 15 November. Please visit our our Enrolments page on Redlands Pulse for further information.

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

Curriculum Dance

End of Year (EOY) Performance Filming

All Dance Curriculum classes will be filmed on Monday 15 November in Redlands Hall. The times are as follows:

All relevant information will be on the event on Engage and in the class iLearn pages. If you have any questions please contact me at kboase@redlands.nsw.edu.au.

Gala Arts Filming

We would like to congratulate all Dance students who will be participating in the filming of Gala Arts this weekend. We look forward to seeing the final results at the end of the term.

Mrs Katharine Boase
Subject Coordinator Dance
kboase@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Drama and Theatre

Griffin Ambassador Program 2022

Applications for the 2022 Griffin Ambassadors program are now open. To apply, please fill in the application form here. Applications will close Thursday 2 December at 5pm.

Being a Griffin Ambassador allowed me to see Australian shows brought to life in such innovative and creative ways. I enjoyed being able to discuss the shows with my fellow Ambassadors, and also participating in eye-opening workshops with some amazing Australian theatre artists. Being a Griffin Ambassador has certainly broadened my understanding of theatre, and I have no doubt that I will use what I have learned this year in a future career in the arts.

– Margaret Thanos, Griffin Ambassador 2017 Redlander 2018

Running successfully since 2004, Griffin Ambassadors is our annual access-all-areas program for year 10, 11 and 12 students. The program is stocked with a hearty menu of workshops, performances and access to industry professionals, all geared to support the next generation of theatre-goers and theatre-makers.

Ambassadors are united by a common curiosity about contemporary Australian stories, a love of theatre and the motivation to know more!

Ambassadors might be curious techies, budding playwrights, outgoing performers, inquisitive arts administrators or maybe just love going to see theatre!

In 2022, Ambassadors get to:

• Attend an induction day to learn about Griffin’s season, the workings of the company and our artistic direction.
• Participate in exclusive Ambassador workshops (in directing, acting, or writing) taught by leading theatre practitioners.
• Attend a Saturday matinee performance of Griffin Main Season productions and participate in post-show forums with casts and creatives.

Shrek the Musical 2022

Congratulations to all who have applied and auditioned for Shrek the Musical 2022. The Cast and Orchestra will be announced here on Monday 15 November. The crew will be selected in Term 1 next year. Please note, the Company size (Cast, Crew and Orchestra) will be strictly limited due to COVID restrictions.

Gala Arts

We wish all our performers the very best for this weekend as they film their pieces bringing them to life on stage. Using the various Performing Arts venues across the Senior Campus, the event will be professionally filmed using current COVID safety regulations and will be edited for release at the end of the year. This will be a  wonderful celebration of the Arts and House spirit at Redlands in what has become a highlight in the Redlands calendar. 

Drama Celebration Award Nominations

Congratulations to these Year 10 students who have been nominated for awards to be announced in the Drama Celebration Film 

Student News

Congratulations to Amelia Barter who completed her Speech & Drama Examination recently. Amelia, taught by our talented tutor Jessica Fallico, received Honours in her Grade 7 Examination. Amelia’s examiners commented that her performance was a well-prepared program and delightful performance, highlighting her versatility as a performer and the success of her tuition program. Congratulations Amelia and Tutor Ms Fallico. 

Enrolments for 2022

Classes for 2022 are filling fast and there are already waiting lists for some classes. 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. Students discontinuing courses must notify the Drama Office at drama@redlands.nsw.edu.au before the end of term.

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

Music

Musica Viva Incursion via Zoom!

On the Junior Campus, with their end of year filming projects all in process too, students from Kindergarten to Yr 5 were treated to an exciting incursion from Musica Viva. The show, Da Vinci’s Apprentice opened our eyes and ears to instruments from the Renaissance period including the viola da gamba, cornetto and theorbo. This engaging presentation had our students laughing, moving and interacting with the music via Zoom, and Musica Viva were very impressed by the knowledge and creativity shown by our Redlands students.

Lights, Camera, Antigen Testing!

We were overwhelmed by the community support and response to our call out at short notice for all cocurricular students to participate in the Music Filming Day on Wednesday. We managed to win against a 100% chance of rain forecast, with all ensembles filmed for inclusion in our project for 2021, to be shown at Speech Day.

M*A*S*H*-level operations (with help from our Medical Centre) ensured any singers, woodwind or brass players laying down additional tracks to fill in gaps in the studio were COVID free, and it was wonderful to have 200 students leave a piece of themselves within this work.  We are still happy to receive home-filmed video features from any student still hoping to contribute as a feature in this way. Please see the instructions on iLearn for your stream, and forward this by early next week. Can’t wait to see all those faces on the big screen at Speech Day!

Redlands Music Vision Night and AGM

Heartfelt thanks to all whose who joined us for our AGM last Thursday evening. We are feeling buoyed with vision for the future of Redlands Music and are thankful to Carys Wardman-Browne (parent of Yr 12 Arts Captain / Choir Captain, Callum) for accepting the nomination to the office of President of the Friends of Music committee for 2022.

We’re always looking for more ‘Friends’ and would love to hear from you if have time or talent (in tiny or large scale for either!) to run alongside our P-12 musicians in support throughout the year to come. If you are interested in becoming a ‘Friend of Music’ please reach out to the Music office, and we will connect you with Carys and other likeminded people.  

Senior Instrumental Competition – Revised for Online Context

Though things are starting to look up for our community in terms of restrictions easing, and in spite of our great hopes in light of the eased PHO, restrictions for schools sadly haven’t relaxed comfortably enough to allow for a live performance showcase that features ‘breath’ instruments, such as those that will feature as finalists in our Senior Instrumental Competition for 2021. We must regrettably inform our community that this event is officially unable to proceed in our desired live context. Video uploads for the competition will now be received via our iLearn page up until the 23 November 2021, to be adjudicated remotely by our guest adjudicator, Brian Castles-Onion AM. Competitors are encouraged to reach out to the Senior Music office with any questions, and communicate with their assigned accompanists to navigate any challenges involved in recording with the backing track that will be provided.

Advanced Ensemble Auditions for 2022

For students hoping to audition for advancement within our ensemble streams in 2021, please refer to the information on the ‘Auditions’ iLearn page. For students in Yr 6, information will be sent to you directly regarding the process for your auditioned entry to an advanced stream in 2022. Auditions for this round close on Friday 19 November, with a further opportunity afforded in the new year.

Enrolments for 2022

Ensemble and tuition enrolments are automatically rolled over from one year to the next (including from Yr 6 into commensurate Yr 7 ensembles). If you are interested in joining one of our ensembles or signing up for lessons, we’d welcome your email. I’ve not met a single person in my life who regrets learning an instrument.

Should students be seeking a change of enrolment status for the semester to come, we ask that this notice is given 4 weeks before the end of each semester.  The cut-off date to avoid late fee for un-enrolling from Private Tuition is tomorrow – Friday 12 November.

Reach out to our office, or connect with our page on Pulse to download any forms you are needing at this time.

Thanks for another great week.

Happy Week 7 to come,

Amy Richardson
Director of Music P-12
juniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au
seniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au