From the Principal

The most enjoyable aspect of working in education is the opportunity to interact with students on a regular basis and the inspiration you gain from watching them develop and flourish over time. When talking with our younger students, I am still often surprised by the questions I get asked and enjoy the diversity of our students’ thinking.

A Junior School student was reflecting on the complexity of being the ‘Big Boss’, as he called it, and he asked me what was the most important part of my job. A great question! I thought I would first see what his response would be; making the rules was mentioned, along with planning interesting things for the students to learn. He was certain that I had planned their recent lesson on Robotics and wanted to thank me. Whilst I would have loved to take the credit, what followed was an interesting exchange about what was actually the most important thing for me to do. My answer was: to appoint the most amazing team of teachers who would create such wonderful learning experiences and work with our exceptional Support and Operational team to provide the resources to make it possible. I received a nod of understanding and a cheery farewell as he raced off to his next lesson.

It won’t be surprising that a key driver in our next strategic plan will be focused on our staff and ensuring that we continue to attract the highest quality people possible, that we develop and support them to flourish in their roles and that we maintain high standards across all areas. I am passionate about having a culture in which staff feel that they are a crucial and valued part of the team, in which collaboration is expected and trust, professionalism and high expectations are evident.

Several recent staff appointments in new key roles are already having a significant positive impact. Two examples to highlight are additions to our Support and Operational team, Daniel Grant as Head of Property and Suzanne Morley as Risk and Compliance Manager. At one of our recent Critical Incident Management Team meetings regarding managing the ongoing COVID-19 situation, it was great to see Daniel and Suzanne Zooming in from our High Country Campus in Jindabyne. They were spending the week at the Campus as part of our focus on continual facility improvement and risk and compliance review. Both Daniel and Suzanne have come to the School with significant corporate and educational experience in their respective fields and are improving our facilities, systems and processes for the benefit of all students and staff.   

Both Gemma Van de Peer, Head of Secondary School, and Alison Cox, Head of Secondary School Sport, have made an impressive start in their respective roles and it is great to have that fresh perspective and the key questions about current practice, which will inform possible future improvements across the Secondary School programs. One of the consistent themes when asking new staff their impressions of the School is the warmth of the welcome from the community and the dedication of the staff. I wish all of our new staff well for 2021 and beyond and I look forward to them making their mark as part of our team.

I enjoyed attending both the Secondary and Junior School Swimming Carnivals at SOPAC this week and appreciated the competitive and good-natured spirit of the rivalry between the Houses. It was pleasing also to see so many students involved and contributing. Congratulations to Dumolo on winning the Secondary School Shield and Cowper on winning the Junior School Trophy.

It is disappointing that restrictions mean that we are unable to hold our Twilight Drinks function for parents on the Fahl Garden; however, we are looking forward to working with the RPFA to enable smaller groups of parents to create further connections with each other. More information about these events will be forthcoming.           

Mr Stephen Webber

Photo caption: Records, personal bests and most of all, fun, were had at the Secondary and Junior School Swimming Carnivals this week. 

This is Redlands

Community Events

Each year, the Redlands Parents and Friends Association (RPFA) organise and support a number of community events which are a wonderful opportunity to participate in the active Redlands community and meet other parents and friends of Redlands.

Details of these events can be found in Note Day each week and should you have any questions or would like more information, please email the RPFA at rpfa@redlands.nsw.edu.au or contact the coordinators of the events listed below.

Coffee Mornings, Drinks and Dinners

Coffee mornings, evening drinks and dinners are organised by Secondary Year Parent Contacts and Early Childhood and Junior Class Parent Contacts. These are currently being hosted externally within COVID-19 guidelines.

Book Club

The Book Club meets twice during the School term in the local area at a volunteer parent’s home. New members are welcome to join at any time. For further details, please email Katherine Dixon.

Walks on Tracks

Guided walks around the northern Sydney area are organised by an RPFA volunteer for our community. Walks take place regularly during the School term, subject to participation and weather. For further detail, please email Ann Marie Kimber.

Redlands Parents Prayer Meetings

The Redlands community is welcome to join our regular Parents Who Pray Meetings, hosted throughout the year by our Senior Campus Chaplain on the Senior Campus. Junior and Preparatory School parents and carers are, of course, welcome to attend. For further details, please email Ms Bronwyn Lihou, Senior Campus Chaplain.

Thank you for your continued guidance and support and please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Community Engagement team should you have any feedback or questions. We look forward to supporting our vibrant and active School community through 2021. 

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

Foundation

Legacy Gift, Class of 2021

Our Yr 12 students have displayed an overwhelming interest to continue the Redlands tradition and build on the previous success of the Yr 12 Legacy Gift initiative. This year’s team comprises of 30 Yr 12 students, representing the Redlands Class of 2021, who will identify fundraising projects and initiatives conducted during Terms 1 and 2 to support the means-tested Scholarship and another “gift” pre-defined by students and the School. Participation in this program develops important life skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication.

Redlands Foundation Scholarship Fund

Our efforts continue to support the means-tested Redlands Foundation Scholarship Fund. This year we will be launching a Scholarship Appeal to name one scholarship after Belinda Oxley to acknowledge her dedication to Redlands for 23 years. Belinda is remembered as a very dedicated educator with a passion for art education. In 2013 she received the Roseby Staff Award and in 2015, moved from classroom teaching to the position of Dean of Early Childhood. 

If you are interested in learning more about how you can support this cause, please contact the Foundation office.

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

RPFA

Second Hand Uniform Sale – Donations Requested

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

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

Walks on Tracks

Next week’s walk on 24 February will be around North Head. Meet at the Shelley Beach carpark at 8.40am. Note: no dogs on this walk as it’s a National Park.

For more information, please contact Ann Marie Kimber on 0406691533 or amkimber@gmail.com.

Book Club

Due to popular demand, our next book club meeting will be an evening event on Thursday 18 March. We will be discussing The Bird in the Bamboo Cage by Hazel Gaynor. 

New members are very welcome. Please email Katherine Dixon at dixon.katherine@gmail.com for further information and to RSVP for this event.

Photo of Book Club members with author Jane Naqvi discussing her book Jackjumper via Zoom.

2021 RPFA Committee

rpfa@redlands.nsw.edu.au

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

Head of Secondary School

Learning from Yr 8

This year, I have the pleasure of teaching Yr 8 English. We are currently reading a novel with a focus on composing an essay which analyses the text. The text is Nanberry by Jackie French. I have to admit, I didn’t love it, when I first read it, but the novel has grown on me. I think the opportunity to unpack it with Yr 8, to explore its ideas and to consider the perspectives, has made me value it more than when I first picked it up in the holidays. Thank you Yr 8!

The story is set in 1879 when the new colony in Sydney Cove is established. Nanberry, an Aboriginal boy, is adopted by a British settler, and the story develops from there. As you can imagine, the possibilities for class discussion are many, and we have begun to consider some of the issues which emerge when one person tells another’s story. I think my Yr 8 class appreciate the power of story-telling and the questions which often emerge when we focus on the validity and veracity of another’s perspective, especially when we tell the story of ‘other’.

In class, we have begun to explore our own stories. We do this through Lightning Writing, when we have the opportunity to write freely for six minutes every lesson. Apart from Jamie Backhouse, who has a cast on his arm and cannot write at the moment (he has become adept at using speech-to-text and happily talks into his laptop, before emailing me his excellent writing attempts), Yr 8 pick up their preferred pen or pencil to compose their ideas, freely, creatively, spontaneously and without judgement. Sometimes, they struggle. Other times, the Lightning Writing trigger sets them off immediately and they write continuously for the entire time. Both Alex Smith and Ruby Holgate are always keen to share their attempts and what I have happily discovered is how beautifully and differently they write. Alex uses humour and speedily-crafted sentences to make his point. He layers one incongruous image upon another for comic effect. Ruby, on the other hand, uses careful description to shape an image in her reader’s mind. She is currently working on using powerful verbs and adverbs (and avoiding adjectives) to enable flow and rhythm to her writing. Over the coming year, I am most looking forward to awakening in each of them how they can harness their own personality and their own story to write powerfully and for effect.

For me, teaching students how to write, and building their confidence in being able to write, is the most rewarding aspect of being an English teacher. Being able to craft an argument – to state a complex thesis and convincingly argue the point, with apt evidence and analysis, is such a powerful skill. And so is the skill of writing creatively – and there are no hard and fast rules. To capture the attention and interest of a reader, one needs to use words well – to build images and captivate. What Ruby and Alex have reminded me, is that this can be done in any number of ways. What’s fun, is trying on a style and seeing how it fits. My hope is that as the year progresses, the students begin to appreciate their own style and the style of others – and that they confidently share this style, experiment with it, and hand it off to someone else, who can see how it works for them. Really, it’s about having a go, feeling safe to try something new (and possibly crazy), and then working with each other to reflect and review our efforts, before we try again.  

Press Play with our Yr 12 Student Leaders

Our Student Leaders meet weekly to discuss important issues and agree actions as a team. Our Yr 12 Student Leaders are directly led by School Captains Piper Allen and Theo Mirrlees-Black, who do a stellar job. They are also ably supported by Ms Marita Jansons, Dean of Students, and our House Leaders, Ms Charlotte Berkeley Ms Shirin Borthwick, Mr David Linehan, Ms Libby Busch and our Chaplain, Ms Bronwyn Lihou.

This week they have been working on their presentation to the School Board which they deliver next – they are a little nervous but embracing the discomfort and the opportunity to grow from this experience! Their vision for Redlands students to ‘Press Play’ underscores their desire to encourage all students to get involved, give things a go, and be actively engaged in the life of the School. Essentially, they want Redlands students to say ‘yes’, to put up their hand, to speak up and out, and to participate. Personally, I find it an inspiring call to action, and one borne out of their personal experiences of giving and receiving, of putting themselves ‘out there’ and reaping the rewards of intentional vulnerability. As well as Student-led assemblies, the Leaders have a number of events and experiences they will use to encourage Redlands students to ‘Press Play. Stay tuned!

Swimming Carnival

Given the COVID-19 world we now inhabit, it was so exciting to be able to hold the Swimming Carnival at SOPAC – and the students embraced the opportunity to participate and spend time in their House. Many got involved by swimming in races with their peers while others cheered each other on from the sidelines. Just like taking supported risks in the classroom, many students took a supported risk at the Swimming Carnival, by having a go and participating in a race, even though they did not feel entirely confident in doing so. Essentially, they decided to ‘press play’ and engage in the event, as encouraged by their House Captains and Heads of House the day before in the House Assemblies.

And speaking of taking a risk, the teachers did just that at the Carnival, in taking on the students in the final relay. Ms Salier led the teacher team to a solid start, but youth and speed soon overwhelmed the educators. Thankfully, Yr 12 student and Sports Captain, Olivia Donoghue, generously waited for the teachers to catch up, so she could race Mr Cameron Ellis fair and square. Mr Ellis certainly gave it his all, but Olivia could not be beaten. She glided in, hardly puffing at all, and with a smile. It was a wonderful way to end the Swimming Carnival.

Yr 12 Lunch

This morning I briefly spoke with Yr 12 to notify them that from Week 5 they will be permitted to leave the School at lunchtime. I know they have been keenly looking forward to this privilege and Ms Matthews, Ms Jansons and I are glad that they are now able to venture out into the Cremorne community at lunchtime, from 12.55-1.30pm.

This ‘right’ as Yr 12 students comes with two distinct responsibilities. Firstly, if they choose to leave the School at lunchtime, to venture into Cremorne on foot, students must conduct themselves in an exemplary manner, and one befitting our School culture of high expectations and community mindedness. Secondly, the students must be back on campus by 1.30pm, ready for lessons or study in Period 5.

I also made it very clear that there will be no second chances. Students who return late (after 1.30pm) or are reported as exhibiting behaviour that is not in keeping with the School’s expectations, will not be allowed to leave the School at lunchtime again. They are to look after each other whilst out and about in the community, use the traffic lights and pedestrian crossings to safely make their way across the road and be responsive and considerate of the wider community.  To this end, Yr 12 students will be permitted to wear their Yr 12 jersey when they leave the school at lunchtime. The jersey clearly identifies our students as Redlands students and supports their capacity to be the best version of themselves at all times. 

Sailing

Last weekend I spent the morning with Ms Cox, our Head of Secondary School Sport, and some of the Redlands sailors at the Royal Yacht Squadron at Kirribilli. The rain was pelting down, the sailors were cold and wet – and the learning was intense. Zach and Zach (the Sailing coaches – and apparently there is a third Zach!) put the Redlands sailors through their paces – and all before they got on the water! But as the morning unfolded, the fog lifted, the rain eased somewhat and the sailors were able to get out onto the water. Ms Cox and I were in awe. Such a resilient group of young people, led by Sailing Captain Jameson Prescott – and so much fun! 

Computer Science Competitions and Opportunities

Innovative Design is offering a range of Computer Science Enrichment and Computational Thinking Challenges  throughout 2021. These challenges can be used to build on personal interest, course work and as skill development for Tertiary preparation at local, state and international standards. 

If you would are interested in any of these competitions please contact sharrison@redlands.nsw.edu.au or anastase@redlands.nsw.edu.au  Students can visit the Innovative Design office NH1.0.

Managing Allergies and COVID-19

Many allergies are always a challenge and this is made more so by the COVID-19 virus, whose symptoms can mimic common allergy symptoms. The NSW Government have advised schools of the following:

Students who have seasonal allergic rhinitis or another condition that presents similarly to flu-like symptoms are still required to get tested for COVID-19 and return a negative test result. Where their symptoms continue beyond 10 days, students should provide documentation from their GP confirming their symptoms are typical for their condition. If the student develops new or changed symptoms, they should get tested for COVID-19.

COVID-19 testing for students with complex health or disability may be challenging. In these situations, schools will ask the parent or carer to have their child assessed by their medical practitioner. Where a medical practitioner determines that a COVID-19 test is not required, documentation must be provided to the school to confirm that the student does not have symptoms that warrant a COVID-19 test. The certificate must also indicate that the student is able to return to school. 

At Redlands, we will therefore require any student presenting with allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, to be tested for COVID-19. Return to school will be permitted after a negative test result.

If the symptoms are ongoing because of the allergy or other health concern (ie. symptoms continue for more than ten days), documentation from a General Practitioner that these symptoms are typical of their condition, and that they are safe to return to school, will be required. However, any new or changed symptoms would require another COVID-19 test.

As I write this entry for Note Day, we have successfully recorded over 30 consecutive days of no locally acquired COVID-19 cases in NSW – the longest stretch with no community transmission since the pandemic began – and it does seem extreme to ask students with allergies to get tested and see their General Practitioner before returning to school. These requirements are, however, mandated by NSW Government, and like the wearing of masks on public transport and Redlands buses, they will be upheld at Redlands for the wellbeing of our community and our wider Sydney community. So, if your child does present with allergy symptoms, they will be required to follow this process, and our Health team will be in contact with you to support you through the process. I’d like to personally thank you for your understanding and adherence to these health requirements.

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

Careers

Go IT Girls Virtual Work Experience Program

This program is aimed at Yr 10 and 11 girls interested in a career in technology. Technical experience not necessary. Students will work on their own projects and will have the opportunity to meet senior female executives who will provide insight into various job roles available. There are multiple dates available in 2021. For more information, click here. Please see Ms Salier if keen.

AFTT April High School Workshops

AFTT has introductory workshops where you can learn what a career in the theatre production, film or acting industry would be like. Register here. 

University of Notre Dame Summer Program for International Students

This is a two week curriculum taught by Notre Dame faculty on 10-24 July, with a focus on international leadership. Hands-on learning, collaborative projects, business and community engagement and extra curricular activities. Click here to find out more.

There are other ‘summer’ (June-July) programs available overseas, virtually and in person. See Ms Salier if you are interested.

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

Chaplain

The Christian faith is one that is based on Grace. It is an entirely unique concept in religions, that God gives us not what we deserve, but a generous gift of eternal life. While our society is a fierce meritocracy, our spiritual life is overflowing in grace that should impact all of our interactions with others. Wednesday was the commencement of Lent, the season leading up to Easter. Easter is the celebration of the story of God’s loving kindness to the world. God expressing Grace to us all.

Our CRU group (the Cocurricular Club that explores faith and life which meets on Monday lunch in H.2.5) provided pancakes on Monday for the Senior Campus free of charge. This was most unexpected by students who thought it may be a fundraiser. The genuine surprise that they should be given something sweet and delicious for nothing was the beginning of discussions around the grace of God. This practical demonstration of grace to others helps students begin to grasp that this is what the core of the bible is all about.

There is also an Cocurricular Club for Yrs 3-6 on Friday lunch, TGIF, where students are welcome to enjoy lunchtime with friends and interesting activities to explore faith. There is a new group for Yrs 1-2 called TGIL (Thank God it’s Lunchtime) on Thursdays, meeting at the Friendship Bench.

God Bless

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

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

Year 12

Yr 12 HSC Students

Yesterday our Dean of Studies, Mr David Randall, met with our Yr 12 HSC students in the Roseby Library. These regular sessions have been designed to ensure that our HSC students feel connected with each other and to allow them an opportunity to ask program specific questions. These sessions will also address important HSC administrative issues. Students who have not yet activated their Students Online accounts should see Mr Randall at their earliest opportunity.

Secondary School Swimming Carnival

It was wonderful to gather together as a whole school at Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre. I was delighted that our Yr 12 students had the opportunity to attend their final school Swimming Carnival. Attendance was high and students keenly participated in all events. I was incredibly proud of many interactions I witnessed where our Yr 12s supported and encouraged students in younger years. It is this sense of care and community that has become a hallmark of this Year Group.

I would like to congratulate all Yr 12 students who participated in events yesterday. The following students excelled in the pool and they should feel especially proud of their achievements:-

Senior Girls 18yrs 1st place Olivia Donoghue
Senior Girls 18yrs 2nd place Rachel Kinghorn
Senior Girls 17yrs 4th place Sophia Justice
Senior Girls 17yrs 5th place Anna-Luisa Feller
Senior Boys 18yrs 2nd place Alexander Holtheuer

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

Year 11

Swimming Carnival

The whole school attended the annual Swimming Carnival at the Aquatic Centre at Homebush this week, where many students participated in a number of events.

Congratulations go to the following Yr 11 students:

Erik Scott 17yr old Boys Champion and Senior Boys Champion
Evie Farrell 17yr old Girls Champion
Aaron Drake 17yr old Boys Runner-up
Kirill Shatilov 18yr old Boys Runner-up

AAS Testing 23 February

Next Tuesday, all Yr 11 students are asked to bring their scientific calculators and a black or blue pen as they sit a half-day of testing provided by Academic Assessment Services during Periods 1-4. As independent consultants, AAS specialise in the assessment and analysis of educational performance and progress. Their team of professionals includes measurement and curriculum experts, education experts and teachers who will provide guidance in the development of strategic action plans for each student.

Clothing Drive

A huge thank you to all students and families who have donated to the Yr 9 Service Initiative, Salvation Army Clothing Drive. Students have just reached their goal to fill four bins of clothing and the reward of a Mufti Day next week will go ahead!  

Students may wear mufti as outlined in the Student Planner in exchange for contributing an article of clothing or a gold coin donation to the Salvation Army at the front or back gate upon entry to school on Wednesday 24 February.  

Yr 9 students will be collecting donations upon entry that morning and thanking everyone for their efforts in making this clothing drive a success. 

Pastoral Care Program

Students have continued exploring the issues of unconscious bias and stereotyping. Unconscious biases are the learned stereotypes about certain groups of people that are formed outside of conscious awareness. They are automatic, unintentional, deeply engrained in our beliefs and have the ability to affect our behaviour. Unconscious bias can manifest as “prejudice in favour of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another usually in a way that’s considered to be unfair.” During this exploration, students will be watching the Indigenous episode of You Can’t Ask That. In addition, students have begun understanding how to manage stress in the next two years.

Student Achievement

Congratulations to Evie Farrell who won the Female U17 Champion Lifesaver Event at the Sydney Northern Beaches Surf Life Saving Branch Championships recently. The competition comprised of three elements which together encompassed all aspects of surf lifesaving: a physical element (surf swim race, board race, tube race and beach sprint), a practical element (resuscitation skills) and a theoretical element (an exam paper covering all aspects of the surf lifesaving manual). This is an amazing achievement for Evie!

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

Year 10

Swimming Carnival Success!

Well done to all the Yr 10 students who competed in the Secondary School Swimming Carnival on Tuesday. It was wonderful to see wonderful participation on the day by our Yr 10 students across all events with many students taking the opportunity to enter events to push themselves outside their comfort zone. 

Congratulations to Sienna Wessels (10 CB) who was awarded Age Champion in the 16 year girls, Max Symons (10DR) who was awarded Age Champion in the 16 year boys and Loch Wilding (10MG) who was was awarded Runners Up Age Champion in the 16 year boys, and achieved 1st place in the Champion of Champions 50m Freestyle. 

Career Interviews

This week, Career interviews have begun to take place. All parents and students have been emailed interview times. All students are to arrive ten minutes early so they can have a quick read through their personal Careers Report. 

Winter School Registrations 

Registration for Winter School is now open. Winter School places the same emphasis on academic excellence that is expected at Redlands, whilst providing further opportunity for students to be extended far beyond the classroom. Winter School also provides the opportunity for students to develop their skills in skiing and snowboarding with an intensive high quality training program. Students participate in a total of 11 hours of ski or snowboard training lessons from qualified instructors and race coaches. These lessons provide a comprehensive program of race and freestyle techniques development in small graded groups.

The program promotes physical and mental fitness in the context of skiing and snowboarding skills for all levels of ability. Many Redlands students progress to competition standard in snowboarding, alpine and freestyle skiing at school, state and international levels. Students are housed in supervised single-sex dormitories where they learn to share and live effectively and harmoniously with others in an out-of-family context. The development of students’ respect, understanding and tolerance of a range of age groups is an essential component of Winter School.

IGNITE

This week in the Year 10 Year Assembly, IGNITE was launched as part of the Yr 10 Pastoral Program for 2021. 

IGNITE is an exciting new initiative that will encourage students to lead a team and develop Pastoral activities and student-led assemblies throughout the year. The IGNITE team will inspire, motivate and empower Yr 10 to take action, make a change and understand relevant issues facing Yr 10 and the wider Redlands community. A sign-up form has been sent to all students.

Chapel Goes Live

Last Friday, Yr 10 were able to experience Chapel virtually for the first time through a live stream from St Peters Chapel to Redlands Hall. Thank you to the following Yr 10 students who assisted with the live stream broadcast and participation with the singing and the instrumental music: Lauren Hill, Jamison Houchell, Sarah Kumpulainen, Hannah Mitchell, Jacob Rieser and Annie Zhang (Yr 9).

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

Year 9

Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to all students who participated in the Secondary School Swimming Carnival this week. We have some incredible swimmers and fantastic participation across the year. Further details on results will come out through Sport. Congratulations to the following students on their achievements:  

Ruby Voyce – 1st in Age Group
Xander Halfen and Hamish Campbell- 1st and 2nd in Age Group
Chloe Jennings, Grace Durrant and Eva Osborn- 1st, 2nd and 3rd  in Age Group
Rafferty Heard, Julius Keller and Johnny Wang – 1st, 2nd and 3rd in Age Group
Charlotte Hugman – 3rd in Age Group

Ruby Voyce – 1st Junior Girls
Xander Halfen – 1st Junior Boys
Chloe Jennings – 1st Intermediate Girls
Rafferty Heard – 1st in Intermediate Boys

Clothing Drive

A huge thank you to all students and families who have donated to the Yr 9 Service Initiative, Salvation Army Clothing Drive. Students have just reached their goal to fill four bins of clothing and the reward of a mufti-day next week will go ahead! 

Students may wear mufti as outlined in the Student Planner in exchange for contributing an article of clothing or a gold coin donation to the Salvation Army at the front or back gate upon entry to school on Wednesday 24 February. 

Yr 9 students will be collecting donations upon entry that morning and thanking everyone for their efforts in making this clothing drive a success.

Visual Arts Yr 8 Self-Portraits

An exhibition of self-portraits by Visual Arts students of Yr 8 2020 has just been hung in the Gallery Space on Level 1 of the Learning Hub. These paintings were completed at the very end of Term 4 and were not part of the annual Visual Arts Exhibition held in Term 3 of 2020. The exhibition will be up for the next few weeks.

Students started this project with shading and understanding the changes in colour as light hits a face. These fully completed self-portraits are beautifully completed and it just draws you in to explore each one and guess the artist.  Well done to all students who produced such a piece of artwork. 

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

Year 8

Key Dates

5 March – Secondary School Photos

Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to all Yr 8 students who participated in the Redlands Secondary School Swimming Carnival. What a wonderful example of House spirit and courage. The level of positivity for participation and encouragement across the Year Group for not only their peers, but their House, was exceptional.  

It was exciting to note that Yr 8 had one of the highest levels of participation across all Year Groups, and of course, a huge congratulations to Dumolo who won the House Shield. Students should be very proud of their efforts. Further congratulations to the following students:

U13 Boys – Runner Up – Charles Hargrave
U13 Girls – Runner Up – Charlotte Humphreys
U14 Girls – Runner Up – Ruby Holgate 

“The Swimming Carnival is always such a fun experience that I and many others look forward to each year. My highlight was seeing the peers around me encouraging each other to go into race after race, and the excitement of seeing their peers finish their races was always a moment that was great to see throughout the day. Seeing and being part of the House spirit on this day was great and built a positive atmosphere for everyone which is so important for a carnival. Also, participating in events is so important for everyone to get out there and out of their comfort zone to develop themselves as an individual. Of course, we cannot forget the House points you receive too! This will be a day I’ll look forward to every year as it should be for everyone else, whether you’re a competitive racer or simply to get out of the classroom and have some fun.” Annabelle Hwang

“Some of my highlights of the Swimming Carnival were being able to watch my friends participate in their races and see everyone do so well. Being involved and participating is so good for you and still important even if you don’t think you’re good enough. Having fun is one of the most important parts of the day. As a swimmer, the House spirit gets you hyped up, ready and excited for your races”. Charles Hargraves

“For me, the Swimming Carnival is a great time of the year. Despite the COVID restrictions, I usually love the chanting and cheering, but most importantly, the House spirit. Seeing so many students participating is awesome. Participation is important because it supports your House and adds points to the final carnival tally. It is also really important to have a go at everything and do your best even if you might not come first. House spirit is important because it creates a bond between different people in different age groups. It also gives the people who may not be able to, or want to compete, a chance to show some competitive spirit.” Angus McInnes

Parent Resources

eSafety’s Guide to Popular Apps Summary

eSafety’s Guide to Popular Apps Checklist

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

Year 7

Yr 7 Camp

Ms Willis and I wanted to pass on our genuine thanks to all the parents and carers who managed to drop their son or daughter off at 6.00am last Monday morning. It was an early start and that gave us a great opportunity to get down to High Country Campus and begin the week. We would also like to thank all the students for an absolutely wonderful camp. It was good to see our Yr 7s navigate their way through the week and come out the other end with new friendships, life skills and a sense of accomplishment. We know that for some students it was really out of their comfort zone and they may have been a little hesitant to even attend but we all know the true value of these learning opportunities and life experiences for our students. Thank you for getting them along to Yr 7 Camp.

Swimming Carnival 

Well done to all those students who participated in the Swimming Carnival on Tuesday. It was so exciting to see the Yr 7 cohort competing throughout the day and Ms Willis and I are so impressed with just how many of our students decided to give it a go and have a swim.

Congratulations to the following Runner Up and Age Champions – your efforts were amazing!

Under 12 Boys

Champion – Luka Gordon
Runner up – Ethan Lee

Under 12 Girls

Champion – Isobel Campbell
Runner  up – Alexandra Jones

Under 13 Boys

Champion – Lachlan Price-Pontifex

Under 13 Girls

Champion – Holly Smith

Study Centre

Please click here to view the Study Centre times. The aim of the Study Centre is to provide students from Yrs 7-12 with the opportunity to receive shoulder-to-shoulder support or assistance in specific disciplines from Secondary School teachers.  

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

Head of Junior School

Junior School Upcoming Events

Student Recognition – Kids Giving Back

I was proud to again receive an email from Robyn Miller, CEO of the organisation Kids Giving Back, sharing how a number of our Junior School students and their families spent time during the last school holidays to help others through this organisation.

Kids Giving Back is a charity whose mission is to create the next generation of generosity through meaningful, hands-on experiences for young people to give back to others. Through charity partners, they arrange opportunities for children aged 6-18 years old and their families to provide assistance and support via preparation of meals for the homeless, packing of care packs, as well as packing and delivering hampers for people experiencing food scarcity.

The contribution of our students resulted in over 3700 meals and resources being prepared and distributed during the December/ January school holiday period and 11 charities were assisted as a result of their work.

I will duly acknowledge these students in assembly next week but it is important for me to also do so through this wider community communication as well. Thank you to the following students who participated in one or more of the programs during the school holidays: 

Amelie Cadman (Yr 3)
Amelia Svensson (Yr 3)
Charlie Hutchings (Yr 4)
Sasha Gordon (Yr 4)
Joshua Svensson (Yr 5)
Charlie Reeves (Yr 6)
Daniel Cohen (Yr 6)
Talie Kara (Yr 6)
Zoe McKeown (Yr 6)
Jack Hutchings (Yr 7)
Luka Gordon (Yr 7)

To hear of our Redlands Junior School students embracing the concept of contributing back into the community and experiencing altruism is heart-warming and if there are families interested in the organisation’s April school holiday programs, this will be launched on 1 March.  

Junior School Swimming Carnival

It was fantastic to enjoy our first Junior School Carnival of 2021; the annual House Swimming Carnival, held in the notable arena of the Sydney Aquatic Centre, the venue for the swimming at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

The Olympic Creed states that, “the most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.” Indeed, this, in fact, would have been a perfect summary of the day with the infectious energy, enthusiasm and House spirit amongst our students.

As well as some exceptional swimmers on show in all age groups, as was evident by the show of hands at the end, I also congratulate the many students who took a risk to swim in a race that took them out of their comfort zone or swam for the first time in a carnival. These achievements are also noteworthy and invariably not measured by a placing ribbon.

As always, I extend my gratitude to all of our staff and sports coaches who deserve worthy recognition as both 25m and 50m pools ran non-stop over a number of hours to allow all students to enter in as many races as they wished to.

In particular, I congratulate Mr Dunne and Miss O’Sullivan for their meticulous preparation and planning for this major event and leadership of the day. All in all, a wonderful day for students, staff and families and well done to Cowper House on their sixth successive Swimming Carnival victory!

We look forward to our House Athletics Carnival on the penultimate day of Term 1, Wednesday 31 March, and details will be sent to families closer to the event.

Secondary School Engagement Session

Yr 5 Parents and Students

While Yr 7 2023 is almost two years away, parents and students often start thinking ahead towards Secondary School at the beginning of Yr 5.

Yr 5 parents and students have been invited to a Secondary School Engagement Session to learn more about Secondary School and the transition from Junior School.

Date: Thursday 25 February
Time: 5.45-7.00pm 
Location: Redlands Learning Hub, Senior Campus, 272 Military Road Cremorne

At the Engagement Session, Principal Mr Stephen Webber, together with Deputy Principal Mr Sean Corcoran, Head of Secondary School Ms Gemma Van de Peer, and members of the Leadership Team will meet with Junior School families.

To RSVP: please RSVP your attendance here (including the number and names of parents attending) by Friday 19 February 2021.

Over the next 18 months there will be more information about Secondary School provided to Yr 5 students and parents as part of our Transition program. We look forward to seeing you next Thursday.

Student Health Matters

Thank you to our families for continuing to support our community’s health by adhering to the current NSW Government Health guidelines with regards to testing students who have displayed COVID-19 symptoms and keeping them at home until they have returned a negative test result and become free of symptoms.

We are aware that COVID-19 and seasonal allergies share some symptoms, but there are often some key differences between the two. The advice we have been given indicates that students who have seasonal allergic rhinitis or another condition that presents similarly to flu-like symptoms are still required to get tested for COVID-19 and return a negative test result. In addition, documentation from a GP confirming that your child is able to return to school and that their symptoms are typical of your child’s condition would be kept on file by the School Nurse for future reference.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

The shifts over the last few months have amplified our understanding of how our students’ Social Emotional Learning competencies (coping mechanisms, maintaining relationships, making responsible decisions) support their learning environment.

This week, in our class Circle Times, students in Yrs 3 and 4 have been looking at ‘Understanding Their  Emotions’ with a focus on them being able to:

• state the different words that describe various emotions
• state the relationship between circumstances that give rise to different emotions 
• differentiate between helpful and harmful emotions
• learn about their emotions and how to manage their emotions so they do not get overly upset, when negative things happen. 

At the same time, our students in Yrs 5 and 6 have spent time with their class teachers looking at ‘Persistence and Self-awareness’, working towards them being able to:

• effectively articulate what student persistence and self-awareness looks like.
• explain that most successes are due to effort and not luck. 
• give themselves credit for their successes rather than attributing their successes to luck or ease of task.

I encourage families to share a conversation over the dinner table about these things and often sharing real examples allow students to develop a stronger sense of these topics.

Representative Debating

Good luck to our Yr 5 and Yr 6 Debating teams who take part in their first Interschool debates of 2021. The debates take place in the Redlands Learning Hub on the Senior Campus and I look forward to getting along to see them later this term.

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

Junior School Upcoming Events

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

Head of Preparatory School

Prep School UPCOMING EVENTS

Technology Orientation session

Wednesday 24 February 
BOOK HERE

Redlands invites parents to register for our first Technology in the Classroom Orientation session to be held on Wednesday 24 February, from 8.30- 9.30am, in the Arnold Library.  This session introduces parents to how students use technology as a tool for learning in the Prep classrooms. Parents will have an opportunity to experience hands-on activities, with school iPads, led by our Yr 6 student Technology Leaders. This is the first of four information sessions to be held this year. Places are limited to 30 participants in accordance with NSW Health department advice. This session will be recorded and shared via Redlands Pulse in the days after the event.

Term 2 Prep Sports Program

Registrations for the Term 2 Sports program open next week, you will be notified when they open. All Transition, Redlands House and Prep families have received an email. In addition to this email, everyone has received a digital booklet that contains information about the sports on offer. Next term we are offering Basketball, Gymnastics and Football. There are limited spaces for each sport and age group so it will be a first in first served basis. Please use the registration links that will be available on Redlands Pulse to register, do not email the sport providers directly. A waitlist will be created for those who miss out in the case of withdrawals during the first few weeks of term. For more information, please view the flyers on Pulse Prep Sport Page.

Clubs

Prep Clubs kicked off this week with much excitement. The first Science Club was a huge success with our mini scientists making all sorts of gooey delights. After receiving feedback, as well as our own observations, pick-up time will go back to being a carline from 3.45-4.00pm for all Clubs except Science Club which will remain as 4.00pm pick up in the playground. We are sorry for any inconvenience this creates but we do need to ensure that we are respecting the NSW COVID guidelines of social distancing and having less that 30 people gathering on the Campus at any one time. 

Medical and Personal Information Updating

Can I please remind families to update and check their personal information that has been supplied to the School by accessing Redlands Pulse/Student Details. If you have any medical information that needs to be updated or shared with the school, please send an email to pulse@redlands.nsw.edu.au.

Please also be aware that if you ask someone else other than yourself to pick up your child, you need to provide an email to prepreception@redlands.nsw.edu.au with the details of the person along with photo identification. This information is shared with the class teacher and stored confidentially in the student’s file.

Art Smock and Library Bag Reminder

Just a reminder to please ensure your child has an art smock at school as well as a Library bag. Both items can be purchased at the Uniform Shop. The art smock will definitely help with the washing!

Student-Led Assembly 

This was a wonderful way to encourage and embrace student voice. I am so proud of the way the students not only workshopped the logistics of the Assembly but also how they prioritised messages and worked out the best way to communicate them. It was a huge success and the feedback from all staff was that we have never seen the Prep students so focused together! Amazing the power of student involvement.

 ‘Last week the 2 Red and 2 White classes led the first Prep Gathering. We asked all the classes to sit in colour groups. This was a change for everyone. We loved sharing with our Prep friends about how to make new friends and to be friendly. We also shared tips on how to place our rubbish in the right bin. We all promised to be ‘Planet Protectors’. Look forward to our next gathering in Week 5.’ Zoe Todd and Anne Zhang

Around the Preparatory School

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

Prep/RH Upcoming Events

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

Redlands House/Transition Gold

Clothes and Bags

Please ensure your child has spare clothes each day. All children have accidents from time to time and need spare clothes. Please also ensure your child has a bag big enough to hold their food containers, spare clothes and all of their artworks. We strongly encourage the children to be independent and look after their belongings. It is difficult for children to pack their own bags if they are not able to fit their belongings in.

Medication

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Secondary Sport

Secondary Sport Redland Pulse

Basketball

Round 2 was a big round at home, with the majority of our Redlands teams playing at NBISC. It has been great to see the regional ISA teams back in the competition this term, creating some tough, competitive games across a number of our divisions. The weekly results can be found on Redlands Pulse, as can the updated weekly fixtures under the “Redlands Rhino (Fixtures)” tab.

Congratulations to the Redlands students who trialled for the ISA Basketball team earlier this week. With some fantastic results, we had three girls progress to the next step, with Meera Coburn and Emilie Bessell being selected into the team and Yola Reinecke as shadow. On the boy’s side, James Wells was selected into the ISA 1^st Boys team, Oliver Kesby was selected into the ISA 2^nd Boys team and Nikola Barac was named as shadow. It was impressive to see so many Redlands students selected into the ISA Representative teams this year, particularly with the level of talent displayed across both the boys and girls ISA programs.

Swimming

It was a great day out at the Swimming Carnival, with a number of outstanding results. A huge thank you to the Redlands Sports Department for running the day, as well as the Heads of House, Year Advisors, Assistant Year Advisors and Secondary School staff. We had some very tight races throughout the day’s proceedings, below is a list of the Age Champions, Age Runner-Ups and Divisional Champions. A huge congratulations to Dumolo who took out the 2021 Swimming Carnival House Shield.

We look forward to selecting the Redlands Swimming team for the upcoming ISA Swimming Championships to be held on Wednesday 10 March (Term 1, Week 7)  

Congratulations to Loch Wilding (Yr 10) who broke three records at yesterday’s Carnival including the 50m Butterfly record that had stood since 1995. 

• 50m Freestyle – 26.50 
• 50m Butterfly – 28.02
• 50m Freestyle Champion of Champions – 26.45

Olivia Donoghue (Yr 12) also broke her own 50m Freestyle Champion of Champions record with a time of 28.51

Tennis

Congratulations to Stella Simpson-Morgan (Yr 8) who has been selected as a shadow for the Open Girls NSWCIS Tennis team.  

The wild weather on Saturday resulted in all Tennis matches unfortunately being washed out this week.

Just a reminder, please aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time to ensure there is sufficient time for a warm up and matches can start on time, 8.00am and 10.00am. If students are sick or injured and cannot attend training please email Eliza Peirce. If students are sick and rostered to play on Saturday, please email Eliza Peirce before 12.00pm on the Friday to ensure a replacement can be found and all sets can be completed. 

The COVID Safety Protocols for Tennis have not changed for Round 3. The one spectator rule at all NSTA Tennis venues remains in place. Both spectators and players should check in with the venue’s Service NSW QR code on arrival. The Redlands COVID Sports Protocols can be found on Redlands Pulse. All wet weather updates can be found on Twitter @RedlandsSport

Touch Football 

We had a mixed bag of weather and results over the weekend, with a last-minute call cancelling all fixtures scheduled against Central Coast Grammar on the Central Coast. The buses for Kinross took off early and things looked bleak, however the weather cleared as soon as the buses pulled into Kinross.

Our Junior A team have looked great this season, with a number of girls really improving their skill set over the season. They took on a tough KWS Jnr A and B team in two games, taking the games with ease. Our Jnr C team were again building on some great form, really focusing on running onto the ball and driving at the same man. They stuck to this well in the first game and snuck away with a draw, unfortunately the double game went against us for the second game.

Our 1st VI have been training well this year, with a number of the girls really looking to make a mark in their last year of Redlands Touch Football. With KWS 1 being a strong match up, the girls started strong and were able to jump out to a 3-0 lead at half time. The second half was a little closer, with KWS scoring early, however, the 1sts held on to take the match 4-1. With a little help from some of the Jnrs, our Snr 3rds had a strong win 8-2.

This week has brought on some changes to the draw: our 1st VI, Snr 3, Jnr B and Jnr D teams have a BYE with games to be made up on Thursday 4 March during the afternoon (buses departing during sport). Our Snr 2 and Snr 4 teams travel to Chevalier College this weekend, with our Jnr A and Jnr C teams taking on St Spyridon College at Macquarie Uni, and our Jnr E team having a BYE.

Winter Sport Sign Ups

Shortly students will be sent the link to register for their Winter Sports, a reminder for the following:

• Please ensure you read the preliminary information located on Redlands Pulse, each sport has different information that gives an understanding of the commitments required.
• Yr 7 students must complete at Winter Representative Sport
• Students who selected a Non-Rep summer option for 2020 (Term 4) and 2021 (Term 1) seasons must complete a Winter Representative Sport.

“It’s never too late to be what you might’ve been”. George Eliot

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

All Sports contacts can be found on Redlands Pulse.​

Junior Sport

Swimming Carnival

Our annual Junior School Swimming Carnival took place at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Wednesday. In the first of our big three carnivals, there was much excitement leading up to the first race, our youngest swimmers being the Under 8s and Under 9s 25m and 50m Freestyle event. It was very exciting to see these students in their first Junior School Carnival.

Knowing the carnivals can be long for spectators, children and adults in the stands were kept entertained by some dancing competitions with the playlists compiled by the House Captains. Unfortunately, COVID restrictions did not allow for our war cry competitions this carnival. 

The class relays in the 25m pool, organised by the teachers and in some cases the students themselves, proved to be a hit with some fierce rivalry between the classes. Thank you to the parents and families who travelled out to Homebush to support the Carnival as well as our House leaders and Sport Captains who had their first carnival as leaders.

Congratulations to Cowper, and Captains Zoe Potter and Daniel Benoliel, who led their team to victory in the House Cup.

Results from the Carnival will be used to select the 2021 Redlands Swimming team who will swim at the HICES Carnival later this term. Individuals will be notified of their inclusion in this team via email in the coming days.

Age Champions

Congratulations to the following students who were named and presented age champion and runner up on the day. Individual points were tallied from 50m championship events only (excluding relays).

House Points

1st Place           Cowper 1627

2nd Place          Dumolo 1548

3rd Place          Roseby 1472

4^th Place            McDouall 1344

Spirit House Award

Prior to the Carnival, students were informed that a House would be selected, regardless of the overall winner, who demonstrated outstanding spirit and support throughout the Carnival. We had dance-off competitions and dress up competitions but could not include our war cry competition due to COVID-19 restrictions. Our chief Judge, Ms Reinhold, tallied points throughout the day. Despite having numerous students swimming in events, the winning House was Roseby.

1st Place 250 points   McDouall
2nd Place 150 points  Dumolo
3rd Place 100 points   Cowper
4th Place 50 points     Roseby

Round 1 Summer Sport 

Football

Reminder Football parents: the entry and QR sign-in is through the oval gate on Murdoch St.

Wet weather continued but our Girl’s Football fixtures went ahead in the torrential rain for most of the matches onsite. The bonus of a synthetic pitch is that despite the rain, it drains extremely well and games can continue.

In difficult conditions, the 6A girls went out there and produced good football and scored some good goals. Matilda Carylon was outstanding as a GK in the first half – brave, service to the players was good and kept a clean sheet. In the second half, Lila Soste went in goals and played well. The girls were looking to pass the ball through the lines and keep possession and I was pleased with their mindset. Maya Turton controlled the backline in defence and in starting our build up. Final congratulations to Charlotte Algar, Amellie Dewar, Katie Jennings and Emme Tainton, for playing as a team and the ability and desire to combine in their final third and score some good goals. Good to watch! Score: 6 goals – Katie Jennings 4, Emme Tainton 1, Charlotte Algar 1. Well done girls – Gerry Gomez, Coach. 

Right Place, Right Time, Right Equipment

Redlands Junior School students should follow these three guidelines when they are playing sport, be it Representative Sport or Non-Representative Sport.

The online live draw with venue addresses and online team lists (please check these each Friday for changes) will assist you in achieving these three things.

We need students to ensure they are at the venue 30 minutes before the scheduled start time in the correct uniform with the correct equipment.

Please complete an online absence form ahead of time so we can plan for students to come up with a team or give advance notice to families for their child to play two games instead of a coach putting families on the spot on the Saturday when we discover we are short players.

Winter Sport Nominations

Nominations for Winter Sport (Rep and Non-Rep) were due Friday 12 February via online submission. The results of these are now available for parents to view on Redlands Pulse. If there any changes, please email these through to the Sports office.

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

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

Snowsports

Please note: All Snowsports events dates and venues are provisional and may change due to possible COVID restrictions and/or regulations and/or operational conditions.

Registration

If you are planning to participate in any Snowsports events with Redlands in 2021 please complete the race registration.

Important Dates

For more details, please see Redlands Pulse – Snowsports.

If you have any further questions, please Zoom into the information mornings in March listed above or contact:

Mr Bruce Campbell
bcampbell@redlands.nsw.edu.au
Snowsports Administrator
0413764445

or Ms Eliza Peirce
epeirce@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9909 3133

Ballet and Dance

Important Dates

Please save the following dates:

FOBD

Friends of Ballet and Dance would like to invite interested parents to a morning tea. This is a great opportunity to meet other parents across different age groups. Due to Covid we were unable to host any events last year so we are hoping to catch up on all things dance. We would particularly like to get to know some new parents in Yrs 7 and 8 who may not have had the opportunity previously.

We look forward to meeting you – Sue (Chair), Kristina (Treasurer) and Tania (Secretary)

2021 Enrolment

If you are a new student, please enquire about 2021 places. For available classes please see our timetables on Redlands Pulse.

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

Can’t Come to Class?

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

Classes this Week

Feature photo at top is our RAD Grade 1 Ballerinas showing us First Position:
Back row, left to right – Estelle Cesco, Alma Kristensen, Julie Yang 
Front row, left to right – Mia Gambotto, Reina Sabharwal, Frankie Holmes, Avalon Adderton

Below, our RAD Grade 2 Ballerinas demonstrate Barre Work:

Left to right – Sienna Benz, Milly Wu, Audrey Gaudin, Lily Carey, Amelie Cadman, Isha Gupta, Sahana Saraf, Amelia Svensson, Grace Flynn, Aisha Hu

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

Drama and Theatre

Musical

It’s been a wonderful start to the year with all the students making excellent progress in rehearsals for the Redlands Musical, Grease. While there are students in new roles, it’s already clear that the hard work they put in last year will really pay off.

As you know the past 12 months have been challenging for the Arts industry and while theatres and other performance venues are now open, there are still restrictions in place for audiences. More importantly, there are restrictions for performers and hirers such as schools. These restrictions limit our ability to present the Musical in the traditional way, for instance, by capping both the number of singers on-stage at one time and the total number of students able to be involved.

This year we will, instead, stage the Musical as a film, for online streaming access by the school community. The film will be ticketed with a limited number of showing dates, to be confirmed. While the experience may be a little different for ensemble members and the wider community, staging the Musical as a film has significant benefits in terms of the artistic viability of the show. It also absolutely guarantees we can go ahead should the COVID situation lead to further lockdowns. We expect the process of being involved in professional film recordings will be a wonderful experience for students, and allows us to include the band, hair and make-up, and production teams in supporting the cast.

Acting and musical numbers will be recorded and filmed over the coming weeks with the show being edited together afterward and a release date planned for Term 2.

Thank you for your understanding as we navigate these challenging times. We look forward to sharing with you the exciting film version of Grease as we extend our students’ capacity in Theatre to the Film medium.

Students can check rehearsal and filming schedules on iLearn, on the Theatre and Drama notice board and Redlands Pulse. 

Junior School Theatresports

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

Secondary School Theatresports

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

Shakespeare on Screen

This year the Redlands Shakespeare Festival is focussing on film acting techniques. You can submit a film of your performance and be judged by the esteemed Darren Gilshenan (The Moodys, Here Come the Habibs!, Harrow). Register your interest in the Shakespeare Festival here by Friday 19 February and then you will be invited to join the dedicated iLearn page.

Senior Acting Ensemble

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

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

Music

SENIOR CAMPUS MUSIC INFORMATION

JUNIOR CAMPUS MUSIC INFORMATION

Music Events

Music in schools is one of the most important subjects within any school curriculum, as varied experiences in musical learning encompass physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual elements in the shaping of a child’s development. At its core, the teaching and learning environment for Music at Redlands focuses on a sequential Music Literacy plan, stretching across the scope of the School P-12. Commencing in the Preschool, progressive Curriculum and Cocurricular Program in Music learning extends into Yr 12 Higher School Certificate and International Baccalaureate courses.

Designed and shaped by 21^st century thinking in educational practices, with learning evidence stepped in Making Thinking Visible, the Music Curriculum reflects this learning objective by drawing on elements from Kodály and Orff-Schulwerk learning processes and methodologies. This scaffolded and sequential approach to Music education at Redlands, provides students with opportunities to develop aural discernment skills through a mixture of choral and instrumental learning experiences, with the intent to further enhance and extend musicianship and music listening appreciation skills.

With classroom learning shaped around this music education philosophy, we as a department believe that teaching values are an integral dimension of learning through the study of Music. Ingrained into the Redlands Music program, there are key values learned as a result of music studies and performance. These include self-regulation, dedication, continuous improvement, self-confidence, humility, goal-setting and practice.

Jazz In The Garden (Live Streamed)

With rehearsals for Jazz Ensembles commencing this week, preparations are already underway for the 2021 Music Launch event. Students enrolled in the Jazz program will be participating in our annual launch event, Jazz in The Garden, on Saturday 13 March at 6.00pm. Rehearsals for this event will take place between 2.00-6.00pm throughout the afternoon prior to the event. Please note that a letter of communication will be issued to families in Week 4.

Battle of the Bands (Yrs 5-12)

Audition Series 1 (Week 5)

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

Junior and Senior Piano Competitions (Years 3-12)

Audition Series 2 (Weeks 6 and 7)

The audition process will require students to demonstrate advanced technical skills, personal expression and understanding of style. It is expected that students present works demonstrating a high standard of musical competency. Please note only one piece is required for the audition with the second contrasting piece listed on the application form. These competitions will be held in the Edwards Auditorium on Friday 30 April. Audition forms can be collected from Music Receptions or downloaded from Redlands Pulse.

Extra Subjects Programs

All enrolments for Extra Subjects Voice Tuition, Instrumental Tuition and Group Tuition must be submitted by Friday 12 February for lessons to commence in Term 1. Any forms received after this date will commence lessons in Term 2.

Senior Campus

Students in Yrs 8 and 9 Music Elective classes, attended an evening excursion to the City Recital to hear the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra Concert present Voyage of Music Discovery titled Motivic Development.

As part of this Concert Series, there is a featured contemporary guest artist in the second half and students were thrilled to know that it was Saxophone specialist tutor Mr Nicholas Russoniello. At this concert, Nick presented his original composition, Suite for Saxophones and Loop Station, a tour de force of real-time composition. His creation was based on a groove-based work by layering and developing musical elements as diverse as beatbox, reggae and minimalism. Nick has been described as a “polyphonic one-man-band, imaginatively extending the sonic capabilities of the saxophone in live performance”.

Our Music Elective students thoroughly enjoyed hearing Mr Russoniello’s original composition, as many of the students across these courses are tutored by Nick as part of their instrumental studies. Nick is an integral member of the Junior Campus Music Instrumental program (Yrs 4 and 5), which provides students with the initial steps in learning the saxophone. His studio is ever-growing and always at full capacity, with many students loving their lessons and continuing with their instrumental studies into the HSC and IB courses of Music learning. 

Enjoy this impressive recording of Pocket Loops (from Suite For Sax & Loop Station) composed in 2018.

Study Centre

Require any extra support in developing and furthering your Composing, listening and Performing Skills? Why not come along to the Music Study Centre on Monday (7.30-8.00am) or Friday (3.30-4.30pm). Please email seniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au.

Junior Campus

Extra Subjects Programs

Enrolments for Term 1 tuition are now closed. Term 2 enrolments close on Friday 1 April.

Instrument Insurance

School hired instruments must be included on personal home and contents insurance as Redlands cannot be held responsible for instruments which are lost, stolen or damaged. As all instruments are very fragile, we ask for your assistance in ensuring that students do not let other children play with their instrument, instruments are kept in a safe place and out of extreme temperatures (ie. hot car) and are not left out of their case when not in use.

Daily Instrument Storage Arrangements

Monday – Strings Program

On a Monday morning Cello (only) students are to bring their instruments for storage in the purpose-built cupboards in The Parkes Building corridor. For the security and safety of all resources, instruments are not to be left at school overnight as they are needed at home for regular practice sessions. Violins and Violas are to be stored safely within the child’s classroom.

Thursday – Concert Band Program and Yr 4 and 5 MIP

On Thursday mornings, Cello, Trombone, Baritone and Violin (only) students are to bring their instruments for storage in the purpose-built cupboards in the Parkes Building corridor. For the security and safety of all resources, instruments are not to be left at school overnight as they are needed at home for regular practice sessions. Flutes and Clarinets are to be stored in school bags on Thursday and all other instruments are to be stored safely within the child’s classroom. For student safety, instruments are not to be left outside classrooms in corridors or on the ground.

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