Junior Sport

HICES Football Trials

We wish the following students the best of luck as they trial for a place in the 2024 HICES Football team this week. Dean Tsacalos, Stanley Huang and Elias Elia were all selected to represent Redlands at these trials and if successful, they will trial for the CIS team later this term.

Redlands Pulse Orientation and Navigation Video: Our intranet, Redlands Pulse, is the first port of call for all Junior School Sport related enquiries. A video has been produced to show you how to navigate through Pulse. You can view this short video here.

Redlands Pulse: The Junior School Sport pages on Redlands Pulse will continue to be the ‘source of truth’ for all information relating to sport this term. If parents have an enquiry relating to sport, please make your first port of call the Junior School Sport section of Redlands Pulse.

Sport Information Booklet: For all Sport information regarding what sports we offer when, how to navigate our documents, as well as information on Uniforms and Carnivals please refer to our Parent Information Booklet on Pulse.

Term 1 upcoming dates For Term 1: These upcoming dates and key events can be viewed by selecting this link.

Sport Calendar: The Sport calendar for Term 1 onwards is available online on Junior School Sport Page. You can also view it by selecting here; 2024 JS Sport Calendar

As is customary when a house wins a carnival they get to fly their flag on the oval for all to see which will remain there up until our next carnival. The students of Roseby were very excited to have their photo and sing their winning song in front of everyone on Wednesay prior to sport

Representative Sports- Saturday morning match wear

Just a reminder for all families who represent Redlands in Saturday sport only Redlands Sports Uniforms and match day kit is to be worn. Each family should own either a school tracksuit and or a fleece that they can wear over the top of their playing kit if they are cold. If your child feels the cold they may play in their fleece if their match allows it.

Any incorrect item will now be confiscated as all students have received the same message.

Wednesday Sport inability to train

If your child has an injury that prevents them from training, please send through an email to Junior Sport juniorsport@redlands.nsw.edu.au requesting they ‘sit out’ of training for that particular session. We can then forward this to the relevant external coaching staff. Where applicable please include when they can return to normal training, so coaches are aware of this. That way coaching staff are aware of an injury that prevents them from participating at the venue but also allows us to be aware of periods where they are medically required to ‘sit out’.

Sport Nominations

There are some sports that Redlands do not have a pathway through in our competition (IPSHA) but allow use to participate in at a higher level. For more information, please see Redlands Pulse as some nominations close this term. Nominations are only open to those students in Year 5 and 6 in 2024.

Representative Sport Student Absence

If students are absent on match day, parents are required to complete this online absence form. This will allow your responses to be passed on electronically to your child’s coach efficiently and at short notice. The Student Absence link can also be found on the Junior School Sport Page on Redlands Pulse.

Please don’t hesitate to view our Sport Information page on Redlands Pulse if you have any questions pertaining to Sport.

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

Dance Academy

Tickets for the Australian Ballet’s Carmen

We have secured 20 tickets for the Australian Ballet’s final dress rehearsal of Johan Inger’s award winning production of Carmen at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 9 April at 7pm. 

Further details are available – please CLICK HERE

First come first served, CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Tereza Theodoulou at Jazz | Friday 8 March

Ms Vanessa has organised a huge treat for our Friday Jazz classes on 8 March. Tereza Theodoulou, lead Lecturer, Syllabus Creator and ISTD Senior Examiner will be workshopping the syllabus in classes and sharing her extraordinary knowledge and experience with the students. This is an amazing and unique experience for the Academy. Please read Tereza’s biog for further details.

Harmony Week | Redlands Dance Academy Students Performing on Saturday 23 March

Our Year 4/5 Jazz students will be hitting the stage at this event as part of the local Harmony Week annual celebrations.

Tickets are free with registration – CLICK HERE

WHERE: CAMMERAYGAL HIGH SCHOOL HALL, 149 WEST ST, CROWS NEST
WHEN: SATURDAY, 23 MARCH, 3-5PM

We hope to see you there!

Holiday Program | Intensive RAD Exam Preparation (Year 7-12) | 15 – 18 April 2024

Enhance your exam readiness with our RAD Exam Preparation workshops during the Easter holidays. Tailored for vocational students ranging from Intermediate Foundation to Advanced 2 levels, this two-day program provides a unique opportunity to delve into your syllabus.

For further information and to book your spot please see our HOLIDAY PROGRAM Pulse page.

Class Watching

We invite parents, carers and family members of all year groups to join us in the studios as Term 1 draws to a close. Class Watching is a wonderful opportunity to see your dancer in action in their Academy classes.

Class Watching starts on Saturday 6 April, and runs all week Monday 8 April – Friday 12 April. 

Parking: guests are reminded that Allister Street (school-side) is reserved for Junior School carline until 4pm Monday – Friday.

Class Dates for Term 1

Student Achievements

Our Redlands House students have been working very hard this term. Below are our RH Senior/PreK students demonstrating a beautiful Tendu. Well done girls!

Congratulations to Year 9 Juliet Whelan who is through to the Finals at the Australian Classical Grand Prix.

Any Questions?

Please contact us with any questions, concerns or feedback. 

Please may we remind parents that if you wish to make an appointment to speak with Ms Revie you can do so by emailing the Dance Department.

Ms Gilly Revie
Head of Redlands Dance Academy
grevie@redlands.nsw.edu.au
02 9908 6488 

Dance Curriculum

Important Dates

Any Questions?

Please contact us at kboase@redlands.nsw.edu.au with any questions, concerns or feedback.

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

Music

Instrumental Competition

We are looking forward to the upcoming Instrumental Competition next week on Monday 11 March! Our guest adjudicator this year is renowned Music Educator, Pianist and Music Director, Barry Walmsley, who is looking forward to being with us for the event.

The session times are as follows:

At the end of the night, we will announce the overall winner. We look forward to seeing parents, friends and other community members supporting our most talented instrumentalists and performers. 

Jazz in the Garden

Despite the unexpected rain, Jazz in the Garden persevered, relocating to the warm and intimate setting of Redlands Hall. The cosy ambiance and charming decorations created the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable musical experience. Rain clouds couldn’t dampen the spirits of our talented students, who showcased their incredible jazz ensembles from both senior and junior campuses. A heartfelt thank you to the Friends of Music for their delicious BBQ offerings and the impeccable organisation of the bake sale, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to this memorable event. A sincere appreciation also goes out to the parents and wider Redlands community members whose continued support contributed to the success of this event. Thank you for being an integral part of this wonderful musical celebration, underscoring the vibrant community spirit that makes events like these truly special. Consider our 2024 program officially launched!

Junior Choir – Musgrove Opera Workshop 1

Junior Choir had a special guest last week as they prepare for their performance of the Opera Mulga Bill’s Bicycle. Artistic director Mr Lachlan Massey from Musgrove Opera led students in an intensive workshop, working on intonation, phrasing, diction and ensemble technique. Mr Massey even introduced his own choreography which the students thoroughly enjoyed! We look forward to the second and third workshops in Week 6 and 7, followed by the performance in Week 11.

RedFactor – Auditions Next Week

Do you have the Red Factor?! Auditions are next week! Make sure you are prepared with any requirements, for example backing tracks. A reminder that costumes are not required for the auditions, and auditions must be 2 minutes maximum.

AUDITION DATES – Week 7 Lunchtimes:

Year 3: Friday 15 March
Year 4: Thursday 14 March
Year 5: Monday 11 March
Year 6: Tuesday 12 March

HICES Music Festival

Parents of students in Yrs 5-8 may have seen a Pulse Announcement providing information on the exciting opportunity that is the HICES Music Camp in August 2024. Students in the following Year Groups are encouraged to apply and all information can be found in the news link.

Here to help!

Keep your eye on Pulse and the MUSIC EVENTS page to ensure key dates are all on the family calendar and reach out to your campus Music Office if we can assist in any way.

Mrs Jacqueline McGlade 
Junior Music Administrator | juniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au | 9908 6495

CLICK FOR PREP & JUNIOR MUSIC PULSE

Ms Kirsty Hales
Senior Music Administrator | seniormusic@redlands.nsw.edu.au | 9968 9820

CLICK FOR SENIOR MUSIC PULSE 

Ms Katherine Moses
Junior Campus Music Subject Coordinator (P-6)

Ms Victoria Williams
Secondary School Music Subject Coordinator (7-12)

Mr Mathew Owen
Director of Music Performance (P-12)

Head of Secondary School

Year 10 Step Up for Future Success

Today the Secondary School Leadership Team spoke with Year 10 students during Tutor Time. As educators, we know how significant Year 10 is to the formation of senior student identity – as people and as learners. By Year 10 some students are incredibly diligent while others are still learning how to self-manage or know their purpose at school. We know they need positive encouragement to take on a challenge and guidance to be resilient and assertive. We know that some students overestimate the difficulty of a task and then go onto underestimate their ability to deal with it, whilst others underestimate the difficulty of a task and then overestimate their ability to deal with it. It is a time of great learning about self. It is where the foundations for success in Stage 6 are consolidated.  You can find more about what was discussed with Year 10 here.

We explored with our Year 10 cohort some of the qualities and dispositions of a successful senior student – such as embracing effort, knowing one’s purpose at school and seeing disappointment or failure as an opportunity to grow. Successful students are organised, purposeful and demonstrate grit and perseverance when faced with disappointment – they are not overwhelmed by the myth of talent. They understand that their effort and attitude will determine their capacity to achieve, and their subsequent actions reflect this. In five short weeks, the process for Stage 6 Pathway Selection will commence for Year 10. As well as some testing and evaluating, students will engage in exploration of what a myriad of data says about them as learners with a member of the Secondary School Leadership Team before making a decision about their Pathway (HSC or IB) and the Subjects for study. To be in the right place to engage in this process Year 10 should already be focused, forward-looking and purposeful Stage 5 students.

What’s been happening in the past week? SO MUCH!

Clean up Australia Day

Our Environment Captains Conor Petersen and Tara Gold attended the Clean Up Australia Day at North Sydney on Sunday, along with Junior School Environment Captain Grace Flynn and her mother Annie Flynn (Taylor – RL 1990). We appreciate the students who commit to this event every year, demonstrating commitment to the School and the broader community. A really worthwhile cause!

Record Numbers of Students attend Study Centre

Our Study Centre (7-11) situated in Roseby Library is continuing to thrive with a higher number of students attending each week.

This week in Year 11 Assembly, we congratulated them on a really successful start to the year. From the data we receive from Roseby Library, Year 11 are continuing to increase their attendance, making use of Dr Alice and the teaching staff who provide support.

Want to Know More About What’s on Offer for Year 11 and Year 7 to 10 Students?

The Roseby Library offers all Redlands students the opportunity for further study in groups or in quiet zones during our extended after-school opening hours. This study time is primarily self-directed, with the support and supervision of Dr Alice, a member of our dedicated library team, and Redlands staff such as Mathematics and English teachers. 

Opening Hours:
3:20pm until 7:00pm, Monday to Thursday (Term time only)

Library Services:
Our library team is in the process of adapting and transforming the Roseby Library to align with the changing needs of our students – and the evolved Study Centre.

Student Responsibilities:
Extended access to the library is offered to students who are engaged in group and quiet study activities. Study Centre is an opportunity for students to:

• Engage in home learning activities set by the subject teacher
• Revise prior learning
• Prepare for examinations or assessments
• Explore new ideas and avenues for subject related learning
• Enjoy the dedicated spaces for group and quiet study

It is also important to respect the learning of other students and maintain the Study Centre for all. The Student Code of Conduct applies during this time – including the limited use of personal technology for socialising or recreation.

Get to know Dr. Alice:
Dr. Alice has attained a Masters of Research and PhD in English Literature, specialising in Modernist fiction and Ecocriticism. She is an experienced HSC English and Society & Culture teacher, with certification in Librarianship. As a passionate educator and researcher, Dr Alice is well positioned to support students extending their study in the Roseby Library after school. 

Illuminate Scholars Program:
Students who would benefit from attending a more structured and support after school study centre, should enrol in the Illuminate Scholars Program – where they have access to Academic Coaches (tutors) on Level 3 of the Learning Hub. Have you visited the Pulse page yet to check this out? For more information, please email illuminate@redlands.nsw.edu.au.  

Jazz in the Garden

Despite the unexpected rain, Jazz in the Garden persevered, relocating to the warm and intimate setting of Redlands Hall. The cosy ambiance and charming decorations created the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable musical experience. Rain clouds couldn’t dampen the spirits of our talented students, who showcased their incredible jazz ensembles from both senior and junior campuses. A heartfelt thank you to the Friends of Music for their delicious BBQ offerings and the impeccable organisation of the bake sale, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to this memorable event. A sincere appreciation also goes out to the parents and wider Redlands community members whose continued support contributed to the success of this event. Thank you for being an integral part of this wonderful musical celebration, underscoring the vibrant community spirit that makes events like these truly special. Consider our 2024 program officially launched!

Parent Support Session for Adolescent Wellbeing

Our Secondary School counsellors presented a support and information session on Your Relationship With Your Teen and Understanding Their Development to Year 7 parents and carers on Monday night. The presentation can be found on the Secondary School Student Wellbeing Page in Pulse for those who are interested but were not able to attend on the evening. The presentation covered adolescent developmental changes, how to respond to conflict and emotions, how to strengthen your bond with your child and offered a spotlight on Screens and Digital Media.

Year 11 and Year 12 Step Beyond!

On Tuesday our Year 12 Captains once more recognised members of the community who have Stepped Beyond! Year 12 student Amelia Barter recently took the initiative to lead the 7-10 Poetry Club. She created engaging and thought-provoking activities, which aimed to encourage reflection and creativity and to teach others. Also Year 11 student Sofia Vincent participated in not one but two Yr 12 IB Dance compositions, taking time out of her busy schedule before and after school to help the Year 12s. Both Amelia and Sofia were awarded Step Beyond badges for their efforts and bravery in taking on personal commitments that stretch and challenge them – and others! Our Sport Captains Ava and Alfie celebrated the end of another amazing Summer season with a quick round up video and our Arts Captains entertained and delighted us with their dramatic antics.

Wellbeing Captains Anneka and Anderson shared their top tips and tricks for generating wellbeing as an energy. They advised students to spend their free time in ways that were re-energising. They focused on balance, fun and school spirit.  They encouraged students to continue showing up for each other and having each other’s back.

Year 8 Camp

Our Year 8 students have been enjoying the glorious weather of Yarrahapinni. Groups have rotated through a range of activities including wilderness hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and, the camp favourite, surf lessons. In the afternoons, at the main base, groups have been reunited with friends and some creative games of cricket with a spade, cards and general camaraderie have ensued.

International Women’s Day Breakfast

You are warmly invited to attend our inaugural International Women’s Day Breakfast on 11 March at 7.00am. Please purchase a ticket for yourself and your children, come along and enjoy hearing from two inspiring female leaders. All students across the Secondary School have been readying for this day via Student-led assemblies across the past three weeks. Groups of panels, made up of staff and students have explored what IWD means to them and shared powerful stories of women in their lives. INVEST IN WOMEN by joining us on this day!

Uniform Recycling takes place in Week 7

Textile Recyclers Australia (TRA) has been selected as our uniform recycling partner following a comprehensive review of available options in 2023. TRA will commence the collection of unwanted Redlands uniforms in Week 7 of Term 1, with each Year Group having a specific day to bring in their unwanted Redlands uniforms, listed on the poster above. Bin collections will be monitored, so please ensure only the requested Redlands items in the poster above are brought it, or they will be sent back home. Any non-Redlands branded uniforms can be taken to your local charity bin for reuse, or to H&M and Zara (who offer used clothing recycling).

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

From the Principal

Over the past week we have been excited to share further information with our community via a dedicated Pulse page about the Year 9 Moonbah Program – our residential experiential learning program at High Country Campus for Year 9 students commencing in 2025. (Moonbah is the actual location of our 214 hectares High Country Campus, which is situated 7 kilometres outside the town centre of Jindabyne.)

On this page you will find an overview of the program, a link to Frequently Asked Questions with answers (43 thus far) and other information. We appreciate that as we share more information there will be further questions that arise, so we will be updating this page regularly over the coming months and look forward to sharing more specifics about the program in early Term 2.

While we initially plan on targeting our communication with our current Year 8 students and their families, we appreciate that all members of our community will be interested in the development of this program – especially students and their families from younger Year Groups.

Over the coming months we plan to hold a variety of different information sessions and activities to help students and their families familiarise themselves with our beautiful High Country Campus, as well as being able to ask questions and hear more information about the Year 9 Moonbah Program itself.

We appreciate that for some students and their families, there might currently be uncertainty about Year 9 Moonbah Program, so I thought it was important to briefly summarise some of our rationale behind it.

Redlands has been running its Winter School on the High Country Campus since 1996 so we have extensive experience leading a residential learning program. For the past four years the School has been exploring how we can further this type of experiential learning experience in line with our Vision of inspiring students to achieve life readiness and our Strategic Driver of supporting and challenging students to achieve personal excellence through programs and pathways. We also realise that not all students currently have the opportunity to attend Winter School so the Moonbah Program will now afford this opportunity to all Year 9 students.

As a Round Square school, we are drawing on the educational theories of Kurt Hahn and see the Year 9 Moonbah Program as an opportunity for our students to truly live the Round Square Ideals of Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service through a holistic program that will build character, competencies and life skills in our students.

As part of our continued commitment to innovation we have been conducting our own internal and external research and firmly believe in the academic, pastoral and social benefits for the students who will attend this program. This belief firstly stems from our review of Winter School and observations of the growth of the students who attend it.

In their surveys at the end of Year 12, many of these students have mentioned Winter School as the highlight of their experience at Redlands, not because of the snowsports element, but because of the residential experience and the corresponding social development, fostering of independence and cultivation of self-directed learning dispositions.

Over these past four years, Redlands staff have also comprehensively reviewed, researched and visited many residential experiential learning programs at leading independent schools across NSW, Victoria and South Australia, including site visits to coeducational schools Wesley College and Ballarat Clarendon College, and this examination has only further confirmed our belief in the benefits of a bespoke program for Redlands.

Finally, the School has also drawn on academic research on residential experiential learning, immersive, interdisciplinary and outdoor education programs which have found positive impacts on students’ wellbeing, relationships, self-confidence, resilience, engagement with learning and overall academic achievement. We believe that in this current age, this type of experience will now be even more beneficial for our students than ever.  

In a final update, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Eddy Atkins as the Head of High Country Campus from 2024, who will now oversee both the Year 9 Moonbah Program in Terms 1 and 2 and Winter School in Term 3. Mr Atkins joined the Redlands Secondary School in 2015 as a PDHPE teacher before moving into a Year Advisor role. Since 2022 Mr Atkins has been the Head of Winter School and Outdoor Education and has successfully led these programs. Mr Atkins will not only bring his experience of leading our current residential program on High Country Campus, but also has a strong understanding of the Redlands culture, as well.

More specific information about the Year 9 Moonbah Program can be found in the FAQs section of the Pulse Page and we will look forward to sharing much more in the months ahead.

Our alumni of Redlanders can be found locally and globally and we look forward to welcoming them to our Back to Campus Reunion on the Fahl Garden on Friday 5 April.  This special event will unite our cohorts celebrating milestone reunions and also connect past students in celebration of our 140^th year as a School. We are not just a school, we are a community and we value the relationships we have with each other. Our students past and present, families, staff and members of local and global communities are valued and included through a shared connection with Redlands.

Mr Sean Corcoran

Photo caption: We’re excited to share further information about our Year 9 Moonbah Program, our residential experiential learning program at High Country Campus, commencing in 2025.

Community Update

Redlands, like most independent schools, has a Foundation that supports the School’s strategic and philanthropic programs. Earlier this week the Foundation Advisory Committee (FAC) met for the first time this year to provide the School with specialist counsel in support of the short and long-term objectives of these important programs. The FAC’s experienced stewardship of our philanthropic program enables Redlands to continue to invest in the growth and advancement of the School. Thank you to many parents and friends of Redlands who contribute their time and expertise within this important program that supports and sustains our School.

A reminder that students, parents, carers and friends are invited to our inaugural Count Her In International Women’s Day Breakfast here Redlands next Monday, 11 March from 7am. Two incredible leaders and changemakers (The Hon. Bronnie Taylor – Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals, Member of the NSW Legislative Council and Vicki Condon AM – CEO and Executive Director of Raise Foundation) will discuss their commitment to the creation of opportunities for women to earn, learn and lead. Tickets available here.

It has been lovely to experience and hear how our community have been connecting through social gatherings, drinks, coffees and dinners through the first term. The Redlands Parents and Friends Association (RPFA), Parent Contact Groups (PCGs) and Friends of Groups (FoGs) have all been actively engaged in bringing our various groups together both socially and operationally. There are quite a few events still to come this term so please keep an eye out in the RPFA section of today’s Note Day for more information. My thanks to the army of volunteers, led by the RPFA, for their assistance in delivering this morning’s Second Hand Uniform Sale. Proceeds from the sale will be dedicated towards the means-tested Redlands Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Redlands is a school in the Anglican tradition that seeks to provide students and our wider community with the opportunity to understand the Christian faith in a relevant and accessible way. With that in mind, we are delighted to welcome our community for a time of Easter reflection, prayer and connection on Wednesday 27 March from 7.30am at St Peter’s Church, Cremorne. A light breakfast will be provided and I am reliably informed that Easter eggs may also be available for tasting.

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

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

Foundation

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we are honoured to recognise Redlanders whose careers support and advance women. The following change makers represent just a few among our Redlander Community who inspire inclusion through their work in international and national law, mental health and wellbeing, and within the music industry.

Helen Murrell SC – RL 1971

First Female Chief Justice to the Supreme Court of the ACT

The Honourable Helen Murrell SC, who broke new ground by becoming the first woman appointed Chief Justice to the Supreme Court of the ACT in 2013, where she served for eight years. 

She was enrolled as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court in 1977. In 1981 she was the 37th woman to be admitted to the NSW Bar, and when she was appointed silk in 1995 she was the only woman among the 15 senior counsel who were appointed that year. Her honour was appointed a NSW District Court judge in 1996 and went on to be President of the NSW Equal Opportunity Tribunal, and an Acting Judge in the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales. Learn More

Arabella Gibson – RL 1992 

CEO of Gidget Foundation Australia

For over 7 years, Arabella Gibson has been the CEO of Gidget Foundation Australia, a national not-for-profit mental health organisation supporting the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents and their families. 

Under her leadership, the Foundation has introduced three new programs providing direct support: Start Talking, offering nationwide telehealth services for regional, rural and remote communities; Gidget Village, offering group therapy support to those in parents experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety and Gidget Virtual Village, a peer supported Facebook group for thousands of parents. Learn More

Mikaela Lancaster – RL 1995

Spotify Managing Director AUNZ

Mikaela Lancaster has been a driven powerhouse in the field of business and technology for nearly three decades. Her most recent venture started when she took on the role as the head of Spotify in Australia in 2020. She has extended the subscription service to beyond the traditional music platform to other audio, including podcasts and the launch of audio books in Australia in November last year. Learn More

Rachel Davis – RL 1996

Vice President and Co-Founder at Shift, the leading centre of expertise on business and human rights

Rachel Davis is a passionate advocate for human rights who has played a critical role over the last two decades in shaping the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and their practical implementation. In 2011, the Guiding Principles were unanimously adopted by the UN. They set the global benchmark for how companies should operate with respect for the people they impact – workers in their own operations and value chains, local communities and the people who use their products and services. Today, as co-founder of New York based non-profit organisation Shift, with a global team of 20 experts, Rachel continues to influence the way the Guiding Principles are implemented through binding standards and the practice of leading companies and investors. Learn More

Alexandra Shehadie – RL 1980

Expert adviser on diversity and inclusion and creating positive and safe workplace cultures

Chairperson Guthrie House

It is not surprising that Alex Shehadie has a passion for social justice. The daughter of two extraordinary community leaders, Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO FTSE and a long serving Governor of New South Wales, and Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE, Lord Mayor of Sydney and Wallaby captain, she saw the impact strong community leadership and governance could have to improve the lives of marginalised people and those whose  voices need to be heard. Learn More

Celebrating 140 Years of Redlands with our Alumni Community

We have a special event for our Redlanders to get together and celebrate this special milestone while reconnecting with each other and see how the campus has transformed since their time at Redlands.

This event is to take place in the Fahl Garden, our fabulous outdoor space in front of the Redlands Learning Hub. This beautiful area was open to students and staff in February 2021, completing Stage 1 of the School’s Master Plan redevelopment and is a memorial to a former student of the School. The Redlands Learning Hub replaced the original Mowll building, which was a traditional building for core subjects.

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

Redlands Parents and Friends

Celebrating International Women’s Day

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day (Friday 8 March), ‘inspiring inclusion’ is one that resonates with the heart of what we do at the RPFA. Our work is dedicated to assisting Redlands in not just maintaining, but continuing to build its inclusive and vibrant school community.

On this day for celebrating women, we take a moment to honour and support all of the brilliant women in our community, and also the men who champion our efforts. There are many who seamlessly juggle life’s many demands to volunteer their time in support of the heart of our school – its community. Thank you! .

 Tickets are still available for the Redlands International Women’s Day Breakfast on Monday 11 March. Grab yours here.

Coming Up

Stay tuned for details for our next community event in October to celebrate 140 years of Redlands!

Redlands Community Easter Reflection

Wed 27 March, St Peter’s Cremorne, 7.30am

In the lead up to Easter. we invite you all to the Community Easter Reflection. As we all prepare for Easter, it’s a lovely way to pause, spend time with our Principal, Chaplains, teachers and members of all sections of our community in a casual and welcoming setting. A light breakfast will be provided (maybe including some Easter eggs). Prep and JS parents are welcome to bring their children.

Parent / Family Get-togethers

Walks on Tracks

Weekly guided walks around the northern Sydney area are organised by Ann Marie, a wonderful RPFA volunteer. This is a great way to meet other Redlands parents and get in shape, plus a wonderful way to spend a morning discovering the many paths of the Sydney area.

The invitation for walks is open, so if you have friends or family who you think would like to come along, please feel free to bring them. Dogs are also welcome on most walks, look for the ???? below .

Walks are roughly 1 1/2- 2 hours and for those with the time we love to stop for a coffee afterwards. We have planned all the walks for the term so mark your calendars.  Next three shared here:

• Wed 13 March: Beauty Point. Meet at Orso carpark Spit Bridge or a 8.40am departure.????
• Wed 20 March: Waverton to Wollstonecraft. Meet at Coal Loader, Balls Head Dr Waverton for a 8.40am departure. ????
• Wed 27 March: Centennial Park. Meet at the Green House Café on Grand Drive for a 8.40am departure. ????

Any questions, please contact Ann Marie on 0406 691 533.

Book Club

The Redlands Book Club is a group of Redlands parents – past and present – who share a love of reading. New members are always welcome! The Book Club meets twice each school term to discuss a book, rotating among members’ homes. Occasionally, outings are also organised to events, movies or shows that are tied in with books, including annual attendance at the Sydney Writer’s festival in May. If you would like to join Book Club, or simply want to know more, please contact Monica or Sabiha.

• This month we will be discussing The God of No Goodby Sita Walker. The meeting is expected to be in the second half of March as an evening session. Stay tuned here for the date.
• For our May meeting we will be reading a debut crime-thriller by local author, Lynne Johnson, The Bait Trap.

Behind the Scenes with RPFA: Meet your RPFA Committee

The Redlands Parents and Friends Association (RPFA) is a group of committed parents who support the broad activities of the school’s diverse community. The RPFA is your first point of contact for Redlands community events or support. Check back here each week to meet 2024 committee members and be inspired for how you can get involved.

RPFA FIVE with

• Name: Karen Nicholson
• Role: RPFA Committee Member
• Kiddos: Harriet Thompson, Yr 7-12 finished 2017; Angus Thompson, Yrs 5-12 finished 2020; and Kane Thompson, Years 7-12 finishing up this year

If you could choose a RPFA theme song (or super hero), what would be the title name?

Try by Pink

Why did you decide to join the RPFA, and what do you love most about it? 

In my latest role as chair of HoFoGs, I was asked by former Deputy Principal, Sarah McGarry to help with introducing compliance to the Friends of Groups. She had written a constitution for the RPFA and needed someone to assist in change. She had met me when I was part of Friends of Snowsports and she saw what a community we had built and she wanted to have that across all Friends of Groups. Prior to that I was in Friends of Snowsports getting volunteers to run Redlands Cup and Interschools ski races to Marshall and judge. I learnt so much and met awesome parents.

What advice would you give to a parent or carer looking to get more involved in the school?

Start with something small like a class parent, or secretary or treasurer  of a Friends of Group. Get involved. I have gotten so  much from contributing to the school in personal fulfilment.

If you could trade places with your children for a day, what would you most want to experience?

Snowsports and Winterschool. To be able to partcipate in ski races and live at Jindabyne for a term with friends as a teenager would have been the best

The Week in Pictures

A fabulous shot from the Walks on Tracks girls that we missed last week!! And here’s this week’s Shelly Beach to Manly walk.

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This week’s Gold Star photos goes to … the Year 11 Mums (and 9 large, mostly well-behaved fur babies!) who had coffee yesterday at Clontarf’s Sandy Bar Cafe (owned by a Redlands parent!)

Do you have pictures of parent / family get-togethers you want to share? Please send them to RPFA Note Day.

RPFA Committee

President: Brittne Whitelaw
Vice President: Carrie Taylor
Secretary: Jennifer Mast
Treasurer: Joe Russo
Committee: Monika Crennan, Michelle McDonald, Lisa Middlebrook, Karen Nicholson, Emma Okhovat, Sophia Stewart-Kasimba

Contact us!

Languages

Students from our Year 8 Latin Class Recently Reflected on their Learning Experience

In class, we translated a story about two Roman slaves and a thief which we adapted in small groups into a play. Recently, we’ve been learning about the Roman baths and how people would keep their personal items in a changing room (known as the apodyterio) which resulted in stealing becoming common. Our play was inspired by the story and we, as a class, all watched everyone’s performances and reacted like a Roman crowd

Aimee Kang

Studying Latin has not only enhanced my understanding of the language itself, but has caused me to improve in other academic areas and has bred and nurtured valuable habits. The Latin classroom is a very cooperative atmosphere, with realistic expectations set for each student to fully immerse themselves and be an active member of the classroom. In our Latin class we often perform Fabulae (plays), such as this one called ‘in apodyterio’, which is set in a Roman bath house and is about a thief who steals a toga belonging to a rich merchant. Two slaves try and catch him. Performing the fabulae improves our pronunciation of Latin, offers a better understanding of the culture, and is just fun. My favourite thing about studying Latin is the nurturing environment and the memories and bonds made in it.

Lily Musgrave-Kresa

University and Careers

Please see the Careers Pulse page for information on events, pathways and career exploration.

Articles

AFR’s Top Graduate Employers for 2024

Includes articles on latest labour market trends for university graduates and employer profiles.

Learn More

Resume Basics

Learn More

Upcoming Events

ADF | Navy Careers Virtual Information Session

7 March
Consider a career like no other and work alongside likeminded, expertly trained personnel as a member of the Navy. Speak with serving members about career opportunities at our virtual info session. Find out more

University of Newcastle | Campus Tours

8 March 
If you’re thinking about study at the University of Newcastle, let our Student Ambassadors show you some of our must-see teaching and learning spaces. Not only will you get a personalised tour, but an opportunity to ask as many questions as you have about what uni life is really like! Find out more

UNSW | Year 12 Medicine Information Evening

12 March online
Studying the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine at UNSW will provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical experiences you need to launch your career as a medical professional. UNSW’s Medicine Information Evening, for current Year 12 students will provide insight into the dynamic blend of hands-on clinical experiences and research-focused learning that you will be immersed in as a UNSW Medicine student. You’ll also find out detailed information on the application and admissions process for 2025 entry. Find out more

QUT Advice Night

12 March
Year 11 and 12 students and their parents are invited to join us online to find out about course and career planning, how to apply to QUT, support services at uni, and hear from current students about their QUT experience. Register now

Studying Science at Sydney

13 March 4–4:30pm
Are your students aspiring scientists keen to explore their tertiary study options? Encourage them to join our academic expert to learn about studying science in the vibrant scientific community at the University of Sydney. This session will cover the wide range of science major options, advanced study options, flexible and specialist degree pathways, research opportunities, industry engagement and exciting student life. Further information

Sydney Design School | Information Session

13 March 
Find out everything you need to know about our flexible courses and career support. Our Director, Amanda Grace will introduce you to our unique philosophy, passionate Educators and industry focused approach to learning.
Our sessions are also streamed live online via Zoom. Register to receive a link closer to the date of your Info Session. Find out more

AIE | Information Evening

13 March 
Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, film, 3D animation and visual effects at the AIE Information Evening. The evening will include presentations on different areas of industry to get into, as well as information about AIE full-time and part-time courses and entry requirements. We will be showing off AIE student work and our staff and teachers will be available to chat with you about our courses and how AIE can get you into a creative career. Find out more

ISCD | Interior Design Info Session

14 March
Our interior design info sessions are a great way to explore the foundations of design and discover if a career in interior design is for you. Join from anywhere, ask questions in real-time. Find out more 

University of Sydney | Day in the life of a Sydney student

15 March
What is it like to study at the University of Sydney? What will your study to social life balance be like while undertaking your degree? Discover first hand from a student what a day in the life of at Sydney looks like, learn about study load, clubs and societies, support offered, internships, work placement and so much more. Find out more

Charles Sturt | Explore Day

5 March to 16 March
Are you in Year 10, 11 or 12? Then Explore Day is your chance to check out what life at Charles Sturt University is like. Find out more

ANU Open Day

16 March
Get a taste of ANU by attending Open Day 2024. If you can’t join us in-person for Open Day, catch us online as we live stream the event. Register now

Year 12 Key Dates

International Applications

If you are applying to universities overseas you must meet with us this Term to start planning your applications. 

Registrations for the STEP admissions test required for some Cambridge and Oxford course admissions are due by 4 May. You need to know by the end of the Term if you need to sit this test and must notify us.

Key Dates

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

Year 12

Key Dates

• 21-23 March Secondary School Musical
• 25 March Student and Parents UAC Webinar
• 28 March SS Cross Country Carnival
• 30 April – 10 May  Yr 12 IB Half-Yearly Examination Block
• 28 June Yr 12 Formal
• 26 July Gala Arts
• 20 & 21 June Senior Music Festival 
• 5-16 August YR 12 HSC & IB Trials
• 26-30 August Yr 12 Final Orals & Yr 3-12 HSC Visual Arts Exhibition
• 16-20 September IB Visual Arts Exhibition
• 25 September Valedictory
• 16 October – 8 November Yr 12 HSC Exams
• 21 October – 11 November Yr 12 IB Exams 
• 2024 TERM DATES

Study Centre

The Study Centre is still going strong and students are embracing this space and opportunity to study and connect with each other and their teachers. On Level 2 of the Redlands Learning Hub is the Yr 12 Study Centre with breakout spaces for quiet and collaborative space with a few teachers on duty each day to assist with specific subjects.

Year 12 Study Centre Schedule Final

One Level 3 of the Learning Hub, the Illuminate Program is running as a more structured study opportunity with a 1:5 ratio of hired staff to students. See the Illuminate Pulse Page for further information.

HSC Students

All HSC students should have received a link directly from Jeddle to activate their personal account. Jeddle is a fantastic platform for revising a range of HSC subjects, particularly English. Students can work through modules at their own pace and it will provide students with a range of resources to use. Students are encouraged to login and get started utilising these study resources today by incorporating revision time in their study schedules. 

International Women’s Day Breakfast Hosted by Kylea Tink MP

On Wednesday morning, Wellbeing Captains Anneka Steele and Anderson Boris accompanied Mr Sean Corcoran and me at the International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Kirribilli Club hosted by Kylea Tink MP. The  panel of speakers included an award-winning journalist, author, presenter and commentator on women and the workforce, Catherine Fox AM, an Organisational Culture and Change Lead, Michelle Lim, the GM of Policy, Communications and Research at Chief Executive Women, Melanie Fernandez and an award-winning broadcast journalist and science communicator, Sophie Scott OAM. 

The panellists discussed a broad range of perspectives on women’s rights as human rights and the need for a call to action for every individual to contribute to the society in which they choose to live. The speakers left the audience feeling motivated, energized, angry and inspired.

International Women’s Day Breakfast Charity Event at Redlands

On Monday, 11 March from 7am – 9am, Redlands is hosting an International Women’s Day Breakfast charity event. All members of the community are encouraged to attend by purchasing a ticket and bringing along someone who inspires and invests time in them. See the advertisement below.

Australian Computational and Linguistic Olympiad (OZCLO)

The Australian Computational and Linguistics Olympiad (OzCLO) is a volunteer-run contest about language for secondary school students. The contest challenges students to develop their own strategies in teams of four to solve problems about fascinating real languages.

This week, Johnny Wang, Ahnu Guan, Kirshan Price and Sholto-Mirrlees-Black engaged in two intense hours of problem-solving, decoding and challenging themselves to work through each of the problems in this contest. This was the first time this competition was run at Redlands and we hope to see more students involved in future years. Well done to the team for their impressive efforts and for demonstrating their pure enthusiasm for learning.

Week 7: Uniform Recycling Week 

Please bring in your old Redlands uniforms for recycling next week. 

What to bring: 

All branded uniform items (photos are on the poster). 

Other items can be taken to your local charity bin for reuse, or to H&M or Zara, who offer used clothing recycling.

When: 8-8.20am (bring the uniforms with you to school)

• Monday: Years 7 & 10
• Tuesday: Year 8
• Wednesday: Year 9
• Thursday: Year 11
• Friday: Year 12

Where: Student Services Foyer

Extra information about the recycling process: 

Textile Recyclers Australia (TRA) are an Australian based organisation who aim to keep textiles out of landfill, investing in partnerships to find circular solutions to Australia’s textile recycling problems. TRA have recycled various school uniforms in the past, alongside retailers such as Aldi and Woolworths, fashion customers Seed, French Connection and Uniqlo, along with Sheridan.

There have onshore and offshore solutions for textiles. Onshore solutions see TRA mechanically shred and use the uniforms as furniture filler. Offshore solutions involve mechanical fibre-to-fibre recycling. By recycling used uniforms in this way, the company is avoiding the disposal of textiles in landfills, which have negative environmental impacts. The various yarns make a variety of recycled products such as totes, cushions, gloves, socks, rugs, throws, blankets, felts, underlay, insulation, motor vehicle seat stuffing and more.

Student Congratulations

Congratulations to the Sailing Team for their performance at Pittwater Secondary Schools Teams Racing Regatta 2024. Redlands was awarded the Umpires Award for Best Overall team on the water and they were commended for Team Spirit, Sportsmanship and Behaviour.

Congratulations and best of luck to the 2024 Redlands Swim team for the upcoming ISA Swimming Carnival. The event will be held on Wednesday 13 March at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. Good luck to Xander Halfen, Rafferty Heard, Charlotte Hugman, Chloe Jennings, Julius Keller and Ruby Voyce.

Best of luck to all teams this weekend in the ISA Finals! A special shout-out to the Touch Football Girls 1^st team going back to back for ISA Division 1 Championships, the 2nd Girls Basketball team and the 3rd Boys Basketball team playing in their finals this weekend! 

See the Sports Pulse Page for further team and fixture information. 

Ms Alissa Ynson
Yr 12 Advisor
aynson@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9865   

Year 11

Year 11 HSC and IB information Breakfast

Tuesday 12 March, 8.20am

If parents would like to attend, please complete the registration link before Friday 8 March. Student attendance is mandatory, so they do not need to RSVP.

International Women’s Day Breakfast

On Monday 11 March from 7am–9am, Redlands is hosting an International Women’s Day Breakfast charity event. All members of the community are encouraged to attend by purchasing a ticket and bringing along someone who inspires and invests time in them. See the advertisement avoe and click on the link to purchase a ticket. 

Round Square Postcard –  International Women Day 6 March

Reflection from Amynta Field

The Round Square seminar was an amazing opportunity to broaden our perspectives and discuss ideas surrounding inclusion of women as a central theme of this year’s International Women’s Day. Some of the key points that were discussed were how we can promote equality within different demographics of girls and women and encourage discussion of issues surrounding these topics. I think that a key theme that was identified was that inclusion alone is not enough to truly make a difference, and there is a need to assist women and girls by providing equal opportunities and support. Another common idea was the importance of education in producing a platform for independence and equal opportunity. It was incredible to hear from so many people our age from different backgrounds, schools and countries, and develop greater insight into how and why we should focus on inclusion.

Ms Lisa Vale
Yr 11 Advisor
9968 9837
lvale@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Year 10

Year 10 Stepping Up and Stepping Beyond

In our assembly on Thursday, Yr 10 was joined by key support people to explore some of the qualities and dispositions of a successful senior student. Dean of Students Ms Jansons, Dean of Academic Studies 7-10: Ms Rolon, Dean of HSC Ms Benjamin and Dean of IB Mr Taylor each delivered powerful messages about embracing effort, knowing one’s purpose at school and seeing disappointment or failure as an opportunity to grow. Yr 10 students were asked to consider how successful students are organised, purposeful and demonstrate grit and perseverance when faced with disappointment – they are not overwhelmed by the myth of talent. These students understand that their effort and attitude will determine their capacity to achieve, and their subsequent actions reflect this.

Today, Yr 10 learnt that In five short weeks the process for Stage 6 Pathway Selection will commence. As well as some testing and evaluating, students will engage in exploration of what a myriad of data says about them as learners with a member of the Secondary School Leadership Team before making a decision about their Pathway (HSC or IB) and the Subjects for study. To be in the right place to engage in this process Year 10 should already be focused, forward-looking and purposeful Stage 5 students.

Questions for Year 10 to ask themselves at this juncture:

• Do I know when all of my assessments are scheduled for this term – what they involve and how much time I need to spend preparing for each one?
• Which subjects do I want to develop in this year and which subjects do I want to extend myself in this year – and how am I going to do this?
• Do I have a study schedule that is more than a simple count down on my laptop?
• Am I engaged in around 2 hours of study/revision and home learning each day?
• Am I spending a good deal of time (3-4 hours) each weekend on assessments and preparing for the following week?
• Which afternoon/evenings am I attending Study Centre in Roseby Library and/or committing to the Illuminate Program where I can receive targeted and structured support from Academic Coaches?
• Do I know which study strategies work for me and which study strategies I want to develop this year in order to be a stronger learner?
• Who are my support people at school? Is it my tutor, my YA or AYA or a different person such as a Subject Teacher, Ms Rolon, Ms Matthews or even Ms Van de Peer?
• Am I still behaving and acting like a Year 8/9 student or have I stepped up and taken on the responsibility of a Year 10 student this year?

As well as the Pathway Selection Process in Term 2, Year 10 also have their Examination Block. The results of these examinations will be significant in guiding students to the Stage 6 Pathway and to making specific subject choices. How students approach these exams (their level of effort and self-management) will be significant in assessing how ready and mature Year 10 are and their capacity to take on higher level and extension subjects in Stage 6.

In Term 4 this year, Year 10 will commence Year 11 studies. For those who attend Winter School, that means they only have a term and a half remaining at Cremorne before beginning senior studies. Today Year 10 were challenged with these exciting developments that sit on the horizon but very much in view. Today they meet some of the key people who will take them on this journey and the amazing support they have to guide them as they navigate the coming months and years. We have high expectations for each individual and the cohort as a whole – now is the time For Year 10 to step up and lean in to the possibilities and opportunities available – we anticipate their engagement and ultimate success in the coming weeks of Term 1.

International Women’s Day Breakfast

On Monday 11 March from 7am – 9am, Redlands is hosting an International Women’s Day Breakfast charity event. All members of the community are encouraged to attend by purchasing a ticket and bringing along someone who inspires and invests time in them. See the advertisement above and click on the link to purchase a ticket. 

Writing Competitions

The following writing competitions are now open for submissions from students in Year 7-12:

• The Nan Manfield Young Writers’ Award – deadline: 14 April 
• The Whitlam Institute What Matters? Competition (fiction, non-fiction, prose or poetry) – deadline: 17 May 
• Mosman Youth Awards in Literature (prose and poetry) – deadline: 31 May 

We encourage all students to have a go at crafting a piece of writing. Whether it’s based on work they’ve done in English class or out of their own interest, writing a piece that is judged externally is a great way to gain validation for effort and skill.

For more details, please visit the website or contact Dr Phoebe Poon (High Potential Learning Coordinator) at ppoon@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Lucienne Willis
Yr 10 Advisor
lwillis@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Year 9

Subject Focus – Commerce

This week, Redlands had the opportunity to welcome two superstar facilitators from the Talk Money with Ecstra Foundation program, targeted at our enthusiastic Year 9 students. 
 
The workshops began with thought-provoking discussions on the evolving landscape of work and its implications for our future generations. We discussed why we work and how shifting dynamics have changed the nature of employment. The students reflected on these questions as they relate to their own lives and the choices that await. We also considered the complexities of employment types – part-time, full-time, casual, and self-employment – and the significance of understanding one’s rights within these frameworks. 
 
From an immensely pragmatic perspective, we analysed payslips, ensuring awards are rightly applied, and engaged in mock ‘difficult’ conversations. The room was abuzz as students shared stories of their own workplaces, checked their awards, and looked at payslips anew. There were several valuable take aways around always checking your hours and where to go for help if things don’t seem accurate. The level of engagement and curiosity was impressive with our presenters remarking that Redlands students were among the best they had seen. 
 
In a country where financial literacy levels are challenging, initiatives like these are not just beneficial but essential. These workshops provide more than knowledge; they offer our students the practical skills necessary to navigate life’s financial paths confidently. It perfectly aligns with their current Commerce assessment, where they delve into the realms of job selection, tax implications, and the critical choice of superannuation funds, fostering a foundation of financial literacy that is, fundamentally, a basic life skill. 

Rowing Medal Presentations in Assembly Last Week

NAPLAN 2024 

13-18 March

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

Our school will be participating in NAPLAN from 13 to 18 March.

• 13 March – Years 7 & 9 Writing and Reading tests
• 14 March – Years 7 & 9 Conventions of Language tests, plus catch up opportunity for missed tests
• 15 March – Years 7 & 9 Numeracy tests, plus catch up opportunity for missed tests
• 18 March – Catch up opportunity for missed tests

Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not recommended. Students can use the public demonstration site or links contained within the NAP Locked down browser, which has been installed on all students’ laptops, to familiarise themselves with the types of questions and tools available in NAPLAN. Students will be undertaking a practice test on 7 and 8 March during Mathematics classes.

Please ensure all students are fully prepared for the NAPLAN tests by bringing:

• A fully charged laptop
• Headphones or ear buds
• Pen or pencil

Students will meet their Year Advisor in the Liggins Quad to assemble in alphabetical order.

If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact the Dean of Studies (Years 7-10), Ms Anna-Marie Rolon.

Writing Competitions

The following writing competitions are now open for submissions from students in Year 7-12:

• The Nan Manfield Young Writers’ Award – deadline: 14 April 
• The Whitlam Institute What Matters? Competition (fiction, non-fiction, prose or poetry) – deadline: 17 May 
• Mosman Youth Awards in Literature (prose and poetry) – deadline: 31 May 

We encourage all students to have a go at crafting a piece of writing. Whether it’s based on work they’ve done in English class or out of their own interest, writing a piece that is judged externally is a great way to gain validation for effort and skill.

For more details, please visit the website or contact Dr Phoebe Poon (High Potential Learning Coordinator) at ppoon@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Mr Tobias Horan
Yr 9 Advisor
9968 9872
thoran@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Year 8

Year 8 Camp

Our Year 8 students have been enjoying the glorious weather of Yarrahapinni. Groups have rotated through a range of activities including wilderness hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and, the camp favourite, surf lessons. In the afternoons, at the main base, groups have been reunited with friends and some creative games of cricket with a spade, cards and general camaraderie have ensued.

Year 7

Burn Bright 

Navigating positive peer relationships in Secondary School holds significant importance for students. These relationships not only contribute to emotional wellbeing but also creates a sense of belonging within the school community. 

Today, we had the incredible opportunity to work with Burn Bright. The Team spoke about empowering young people to become confident, resilient, and engaged members of their communities. We explored the dynamics of friendships and how important it is to develop respectful relationships with peers as well as how we can upskill to become A+ Friends.

All Yr 7 Students engaged in a reflection activity ‘My Recipe for Success’ answering the following questions:

1. What type of friend do I want to be?
2. What 3 things do I want to achieve in Year 7?
3. What are the areas I would like to develop while I am in Year 7?
4. What are the strengths that I have that can help me achieve, improve or develop these goals?

Students have been encouraged to continue this conversation both in school and at home.

High Expectations 

Since coming back from camp, Year 7 students have been reminded of the high standards expected in terms of behaviour, diligence and engagement during both academic classes and Tutor sessions. As a result, Records of Academic Discussion (RADs) and Behaviour Management Notifications are likely to be implemented as part of our Year 7 journey. These tools are designed to assist parents and caregivers in supporting the school by facilitating discussions at home and reinforcing the positive behaviours expected in Secondary School. 

Community Shout Outs 

Good Luck to Kody Benoleil who has been invited to play Football in the East Mallorca Cup Tournament in Spain for Manly United U13 BYL Team.  

Congratulations to Aggie Storch-Lees who competed for the U14 Girls NSW (Basketball NSW) in the Southern Cross Challenge in Melbourne earlier this year. Aggie represents the Northern Suburbs Basketball Association in the U14 Junior Premier League, competing against teams within Sydney and NSW. A fantastic achievement! 

Elias Buggy Axton will be involved in an artist residency at Bundanon, Nowra with the Sydney Children’s Choir in March. We wish him all the best for this fantastic opportunity.

National History Challenge 

The National History Challenge is a research-based competition for Australian students. It gives students a chance to be historians, researching world history, examining Australia’s past, investigating their community or exploring their own roots. It emphasises and rewards quality research, the use of community resources and effective presentation.  

Students can explore this year’s theme of ‘Crisis and Response’ in any area of History of their choosing and prepare a product to share this exploration.  

If you are interested in signing up as either and individual or as a team please contact the History Coordinator, Mr Chris Allen at callen@redlands.nsw.edu.au. Or if you would like to know more about the challenge visit the National History Challenge website. 

International Women’s Day Breakfast

On Monday 11 March from 7am–9am, Redlands is hosting an International Women’s Day Breakfast charity event. All members of the community are encouraged to attend by purchasing a ticket and bringing along someone who inspires and invests time in them. See the advertisement above and click on the link to purchase a ticket. 

NAPLAN 2024 

13-18 March

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

Our school will be participating in NAPLAN from 13 to 18 March.

• 13 March – Years 7 & 9 Writing and Reading tests
• 14 March – Years 7 & 9 Conventions of Language tests, plus catch up opportunity for missed tests
• 15 March – Years 7 & 9 Numeracy tests, plus catch up opportunity for missed tests
• 18 March – Catch up opportunity for missed tests

Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not recommended. Students can use the public demonstration site or links contained within the NAP Locked down browser, which has been installed on all students’ laptops, to familiarise themselves with the types of questions and tools available in NAPLAN. Students will be undertaking a practice test on 7 and 8 March during Mathematics classes.

Please ensure all students are fully prepared for the NAPLAN tests by bringing:

• A fully charged laptop
• Headphones or ear buds
• Pen or pencil

Students will meet their Year Advisor in the Liggins Quad to assemble in alphabetical order.

If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact the Dean of Studies (Years 7-10), Ms Anna-Marie Rolon.

Week 7: Uniform Recycling Week 

Please bring in your old Redlands uniforms for recycling next week. 

What to bring:  All branded uniform items (photos are on the poster). Other items can be taken to your local charity bin for reuse, or to H&M or Zara, who offer used clothing recycling.

When: 8-8.20am (bring the uniforms with you to school)

• Monday: Years 7 & 10
• Tuesday: Year 8
• Wednesday: Year 9
• Thursday: Year 11
• Friday: Year 12

Where: Student Services Foyer

Extra information about the recycling process: 

Textile Recyclers Australia (TRA) are an Australian based organisation who aim to keep textiles out of landfill, investing in partnerships to find circular solutions to Australia’s textile recycling problems. TRA have recycled various school uniforms in the past, alongside retailers such as Aldi and Woolworths, fashion customers Seed, French Connection and Uniqlo, along with Sheridan.

Upcoming Events 

Ms Abby Walker
Yr 7 Advisor
9968 9818
awalker@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Head of Junior School

Theme of the Week – Persistence

In this week’s assembly we spoke about the attribute of persistence. To illustrate this, I recounted the story of Malala Yousafzai, who became a global symbol of resilience and persistence in the face of adversity. Growing up in the Swat Valley under Taliban rule, she defied the oppressive ban on girls’ education and advocated for the right to education for all. In 2012, Malala survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban, sustaining severe injuries.  Undeterred, she continued her advocacy, ultimately receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 at the age of 17. Malala’s unwavering commitment to education and human rights highlights the power of persistence in the pursuit of justice and equality. Albeit on a completely different scale, there is a message that our school can take from Malala’s story.  As we move into the busy second half of the term the challenge for our students is to be tenacious and persistent in maintaining high standards and their best effort in all areas of school life that have undoubtedly led to their very good start to the school year. 

Uniform Recycling Week

Textile Recyclers Australia (TRA) has been selected as our uniform recycling partner following a comprehensive review of available options in 2023. TRA will commence the collection of unwanted Redlands uniforms in Week 7 of Term 1, with each Year Group having a specific day to bring in their unwanted uniforms. Bin collections will be monitored, so please ensure only requested items are brought it, or they will be sent back home. Any non-Redlands branded uniforms can be taken to your local charity bin for reuse, or to H&M and Zara (who offer used clothing recycling).

Student Safeguarding

In my recent letter to parents, I spoke about how students’ personal safety is a key area that falls under all schools’ safeguarding responsibilities under NSW Child Safe Standards. Redlands’ Statement of Commitment to Child Safeguarding can be viewed here. I also mentioned that it is important for students to be provided with the tools to navigate this area, be-it in their normal interactions with other students as well as in the complex online world. As such, a key focus in our regular wellbeing and PDH sessions for the rest this semester will be lessons on personal safety, including areas such as staying safe, consent and respectful relationships. Further information about the topic areas to be covered will be sent out next week by the Year Co-ordinators. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or our Dean of Students, Mrs Clinton if you have any further questions.

Arnold Library

Thank you to parents who attended the recent workshops on the revised English and Mathematics curriculum. Our Head of Library, Mrs Katherine Wiebe has set out below an overview of how the Arnold Library supports the development of literacy for our students.

Our goal is to foster a love for reading, support learning across various subjects, and promote library literacy skills among our students. Our library lessons operate on a fortnightly basis, to engage students in reading and learning. One week focuses on borrowing books, being read to and reading their own books for pleasure. The alternate week involves collaborative teaching with class teachers, we support research units across various subjects like history, geography, and science and technology.

During borrowing lessons, students enjoy being read a story, students have the opportunity to choose books from a diverse range of fiction books of different genres, graphics and information books. During borrowing lessons students also share reviewing books, discussing themes, analysing characters and reflecting critically on texts.  When class teachers bring students to the library, we focus on developing research skills. Students learn to define their research tasks, locate and select information from various sources, and present their findings. We also emphasize the importance of using proper citation formats like the Harvard Bibliographic format and encourage students to reflect on their research process.

All library lessons teach students essential library literacy skills, including understanding library layout, using the library catalogue, navigating book features, and learning library terminology. We aim to produce independent library users. We actively promote literacy through various activities such as following the Children’s Book Council Australia notable lists, organizing author visits, with Deborah Abela visiting in 2024, and participating in the Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Library Page on Pulse via Student Accounts

View Here

We encourage students and parents to explore age-appropriate online encyclopedias RedeLearn, World Book and Britannica available through our school’s subscription, as well as eBooks and audiobooks through Borrow Box.

We value the partnership between home and school in promoting literacy. We encourage parents to visit the library during designated hours to explore our collection and borrow books with their children. We believe that a strong home/school library connection enhances a child’s reading experience.

• 8 – 8:20 am Monday through to Friday
• 3:20 – 4pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

Students are encouraged to borrow books for both classroom and home reading. They can choose up to three books in Library classes and swap them over as often as they like. Parents can also borrow books with their child on their own account, with a limit of up to ten books for two weeks.

Finally, included is a research article highlighting the benefits of reading for pleasure. We hope it inspires you to continue nurturing a love for reading.

Reading for Pleasure Early in Childhood Linked to Better Cognitive Performance and Mental Wellbeing

Bake a Difference

This week the Junior School/ Preparatory School were visited by some Year 10 students who shared information about a fundraising initiative they devised and are leading across the school.

• Raise Dough: Bake a Difference
• What: A bake sale for Raise Foundation
• When: Monday 25 March lunchtime (classes will be staged)
• How can we be involved: Get together and spend Sunday Funday baking your favourite treats!
• Please label any Tupperware containers so they can come back to you.
• Drop off on Monday morning in the Prep Meeting Room.
• No nuts or nut products to be used and label any Dairy of Gluten Free options.
• Bring gold coins for purchasing or a debit card!

Redlands is proud to support Raise who provide youth mentoring to 13–15-year-old students around Australia. These young people are grappling with issues like anxiety, depression, loneliness and bullying. With 1 in 4 young people saying they feel lonely all or most of the time, there’s never been a better time to support the work of Raise Foundation.

Not only are we providing access to a trained mentor, we are also supporting our Year 10 Redlands students who devised this fundraising initiative in their Commerce group project last year. Raise Foundation loved the concept so much they wanted to use it immediately. We have just heard word that one of their corporate partners utilised our students’ concept and raised $3000 in a single event! That’s enough to sponsor 1.5 entire mentor/mentee programs. Let’s see if we can do better!

Junior School Holidays Arts Club

International Women’s Day

As we draw nearer to International Women’s Day we’d like to invite our Redlands community to a breakfast panel being held on the Senior Campus. Please do bring a significant (m)other with you to this event – a friend, son, daughter or someone important to you. There will be a chance to enjoy a light breakfast and good conversation before hearing from two incredible leaders and changemakers, The Hon. Bronnie Taylor,  Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals, Member of the NSW Legislative Council and Vicki Condon AM Founder, CEO, Executive Director of Raise Foundation.

Mr Ian Holden
Head of Junior School
iholden@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022

Head of Preparatory School

Raise Dough: Bake a Difference 

• What: A bake sale for Raise Foundation
• When: Monday 25 March lunchtime (classes will be staged)

How can we be involved: Get together and spend Sunday Funday baking your favourite treats!

• Please label any Tupperware containers so they can come back to you. 
• Drop off on Monday morning in the Prep Meeting Room. 
• No nuts or nut products to be used and label any Dairy of Gluten Free options.
• Bring gold coins in if you would like to buy any cakes!

Junior Campus families and students are encouraged to support this Year 10 student initiative to raise awareness and donations for Raise Foundation.

Raise provides youth mentoring to 13–15-year-old students around Australia. These young people are grappling with issues like anxiety, depression, loneliness and bullying. With 1 in 4 young people saying they feel lonely all or most of the time, there’s never been a better time to support the work of Raise Foundation.

Not only are we providing access to a trained mentor we are supporting our Year 10 Redlands students who devised this fundraising initiative in their Commerce group project last year. Raise Foundation loved the concept so much they wanted to use it immediately. We have just heard word that one of their corporate partners utilised our students’ concept and raised $3000 in a single event! That’s enough to sponsor 1.5 entire mentor/mentee programs. Let’s see if we can do better!

Uniform Recycling Week

Textile Recyclers Australia (TRA) has been selected as our uniform recycling partner following a comprehensive review of available options in 2023. TRA will commence the collection of unwanted Redlands uniforms in Week 7 of Term 1, with each Year Group having a specific day to bring in their unwanted uniforms. Bin collections will be monitored, so please ensure only requested items are brought it, or they will be sent back home. Any non-Redlands branded uniforms can be taken to your local charity bin for reuse, or to H&M and Zara (who offer used clothing recycling).

Upcoming Events

There are quite a few events coming up in Prep for parents and our students. Please pop the following events into your diaries and reach out if there are questions or confusion surrounding any information.

Kindergarten Home Reading Workshop

Friday 15 March

8.45am-9.30am

Join us in the Arnold Library (in the Junior School) for the Kindergarten Home Reading Workshop on Friday 15^th March 8:45-9:30am. Discover the magic of early reading with the Kindergarten team as they delve into phonics, essential reading skills and supporting your child’s home reading journey. Unlock the keys to literacy success for your child.

As this will be held during morning drop off time, we ask parents to park either on the opposite side of Allister St or in surrounding streets please. Thank you for your continued understanding.

International Women’s Day Event

Monday 11 March from 7am

Redlands invites Students, Parents and Carers to our inaugural ‘Count Her In’ International Women’s Day Breakfast on Monday 11 March from 7am – 9am.

Hear from two incredible leaders and changemakers committed to the creation of opportunities for women to earn, learn and lead.

Guest Speakers: 

1. The Hon. Bronnie Taylor – Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals, Member of the NSW Legislative Council 
2. Vicki Condon AM – Foundation, CEO, Executive Director of Raise Foundation.

Click the following link to book tickets.

Redlands Photo Days

Prep School: Thursday 14 March

(Year 2 will have their photos taken first so that they can get to their excursion)

Junior School: Friday 15 March

Junior Campus Sibling Photos: Week 7, Friday 15 March, 7:00am – 7:45am – Dunnet Hall Foyer

For parents with children across both Senior and Junior/Prep School who would like sibling photos, we welcome you to attend  Sibling Photo Day on Friday 15 March on Junior Campus.

As we are in a transition phase for the new school uniform, Prep students are to wear which ever option they come to school in on this day as well. There is no need to buy any additional pieces.

You can book sibling photos for Wednesday 14 February online 24 hours beforehand by using the following link.

Term 1 Parent Topic Talk

Equipping your child to navigate anxiety and distress.

8.30am Tuesday 26 March

In recognising the vital role parents play in equipping their children with essential life skills to face challenging situations and emotions, we invite you to join us for a talk facilitated by the school counsellors. This session will focus on equipping your child to navigate challenges associated with anxiety and distress. Delve into the fundamentals of understanding distress and anxiety as we explore what these emotions might look like in your child. Discover the importance of building distress tolerance and learn to identify different manifestations of anxiety. We will provide valuable insights into practical strategies to help your child work through distressing situations. From distinguishing between hypo and hyper reactions to implementing effective coping mechanisms, you’ll gain actionable tools to support your child’s emotional well-being. Additionally, we’ll address separation anxiety and its impact across different age groups. Empower yourself with effective parenting concepts and practical tools to guide your child through challenging times.

For seating arrangements, please click the link to RSVP.

Prep School Learning Conversation Week

Monday 18 March – Friday 22 March

Earlier this week all prep families were provided with information regarding times and booking instructions for Prep Learning Conversations. This 15 minute face-to-face conversation with your child’s class teacher will be an opportunity for you to discuss where your child is at currently in their learning and where to next in their 2024 journey, both academically and pastorally. It is a ‘snapshot in time’ discussion and we call it a ‘conversation’ for that reason! Can I please encourage you to reach out to any specialist teachers or myself directly if you would like a 15 minute catch up.

Grandparents Day

Tuesday 11 June 

Please note that this year Grandparents Day will be held on Tuesday 11 June. This hopefully gives families ample time to book those flights and get spare rooms ready.

Term 1 Parent Topic Talk

Equipping your child to navigate anxiety and distress.

Tuesday 26 March, 8.30am

In recognising the vital role parents play in equipping their children with essential life skills to face challenging situations and emotions, we invite you to join us for a talk facilitated by the school counsellors. This session will focus on equipping your child to navigate challenges associated with anxiety and distress. Delve into the fundamentals of understanding distress and anxiety as we explore what these emotions might look like in your child. Discover the importance of building distress tolerance and learn to identify different manifestations of anxiety. We will provide valuable insights into practical strategies to help your child work through distressing situations. From distinguishing between hypo and hyper reactions to implementing effective coping mechanisms, you’ll gain actionable tools to support your child’s emotional well-being. Additionally, we’ll address separation anxiety and its impact across different age groups. Empower yourself with effective parenting concepts and practical tools to guide your child through challenging times.

For seating arrangements, please click the link to RSVP.

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

Redlands House and PreKindergarten

Parent Teacher Interviews for Seniors

Parent Teacher Interviews for families of Senior and PreK students will be held next week, from Monday 18 March to Friday 22 March. Interviews can be booked here. The code is ubapd. Bookings will open on Monday 11 March at 9am, and can be made until Friday 15 March at 9am.  If you’re unable to attend these interviews in person, we can arrange for the interview to be conducted via Zoom. Please book in and advise your teacher directly if you would prefer a Zoom interview session.

Interviews for families of Junior Students will be held in Term 2.

April Vacation Care 2024 for Redlands House and PreK

We would like to invite you to enrol your child in our upcoming April 2024 Vacation Care program. To obtain all relevant information pertaining to the holiday activity schedule and daily requirements, we encourage you to visit the Extended Care page in Pulse starting from Friday 8^th March 2024 (6pm). You may proceed with your booking by sending an email directly to Extendedcare@redlands.nsw.edu.au starting from Monday 11^th March 10am. Please do not book via  hubhello.  We kindly remind you that the deadline for making bookings is Monday 8 April. Please note that any bookings made after this date will not be accepted. Also be advised that bookings are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend making your booking as soon as possible to secure your place in the program. In the event of any Vacation Care queries, please do not hesitate to contact Trishna Rai trai@redlands.nsw.edu.au.

Vacation Care: 15-26 April, 8am to 6pm.

Please note 25 April is ANZAC Day and a Public Holiday – no Vacation Care

Uniform Recycling takes place in Week 7

Textile Recyclers Australia (TRA) has been selected as our uniform recycling partner following a comprehensive review of available options in 2023. TRA will commence the collection of unwanted Redlands uniforms in Week 7 of Term 1, with each Year Group having a specific day to bring in their unwanted Redlands specific uniforms, listed on the poster above. Bin collections will be monitored, so please ensure only the requested Redlands items in the poster above are brought it, or they will be sent back home. Any non-Redlands branded uniforms can be taken to your local charity bin for reuse, or to H&M and Zara (who offer used clothing recycling).

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

As we move into the ISA Summer Sport Finals, it is important that students acknowledge and accept that there will be a bit of nervousness around finals games and that is okay! I think as coaches and educators we need to encourage students to accept these nerves and show there are ways to cope and deal, turning them into a fueling system.

• Mindful Breathing: Encourage athletes to practice deep, mindful breathing to help manage nervousness. Inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling through the mouth can activate the body’s relaxation response, promoting a calmer state of mind.
• Visualisation: Using visualisation techniques to imagine successful outcomes and positive performances. This mental rehearsal can boost confidence and reduce anxiety by creating a familiar and controlled mental environment.
• Positive Self-Talk: Teach the importance of positive self-talk. Encourage them to replace negative thoughts with affirmations and constructive statements. Remind them that self-belief can have a profound impact on performance.
• Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: Shift the focus from winning or losing to the process and effort put forth. Emphasise the importance of learning and growing from each experience, regardless of the outcome. This mindset shift can reduce performance-related pressure.

Certainly as parents/carers there are a number of areas in which you can support students throughout this process

• Encourage Reflection, Not Blame: Prompt your teenager to reflect on their performance rather than placing blame on themselves or others. Help them identify specific aspects to improve and turn the experience into a learning opportunity.
• Normalize Setbacks: Emphasize that setbacks and disappointments are a natural part of sports and life. Reinforce the idea that even the most successful athletes face challenges and setbacks, and it’s how one responds and learns from them that matters.
• Provide Unconditional Support: Reassure your teenager that your support is not contingent on their performance. Make it clear that you are there for them regardless of outcomes. This can alleviate the fear of disappointing parents and foster a healthier approach to sports.
• Teach Coping Mechanisms: Help your teenager develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress. This could include activities like deep breathing, visualization, or engaging in hobbies outside of sports to provide a mental break and perspective.
• Facilitate Communication with Coaches: Encourage open communication between your teenager and their coaches. Sometimes, coaches can provide valuable insights and guidance on overcoming challenges. Ensure your teenager feels comfortable discussing their concerns with their coaches.

2024 Winter Sport

The 2024 Winter Sport will commence next week (Week 7), all parents/carers and students that have registered for their Representative or Non-Representative sport will receive a Redlands Pulse notification tomorrow (Friday) with the outline for the reminder of the term (trials and training information). A reminder that all trainings and trials are compulsory as part of students commitment to their representative (or non-representative) sport.

“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” – Stephen Covey

From the Head of Secondary Sport – Mr Cameron Ellis

Redlands Secondary Sports Calendar

• Summer Sports Finals
• Week 7 – Winter Sports Trials
• Wednesday 13 March – ISA Swimming Carnival

Basketball

Congratulations to the 2nds Girls, Junior C Girls, 3rds Boys, 15A Boys, 15B Boys, 15D Boys and 13C Boys who will all be playing in the grand final on Saturday 9 March. We wish them the best of luck for their games this weekend.

Congratulations to all teams this season. There were many fantastic results throughout the season with numerous teams reaching the finals.

A big thanks goes out to all our coaches who have gone above and beyond this year in upskilling and coaching our Basketball teams

Our Basketball End of Season Presentation Dinner is less than a month away. Tickets are on sale now and will close on Sunday 17 March so you will need to book now.

To book please click on the link below:

Absences

If students are unable to attend their schedule fixtures/training sessions they need to complete the Redlands Sport Absentee Form*, this can be found on either:

• Redlands Pulse (under quick links)
• Redlands App (under activities)

*We ask that these are completed no later than 11:00am on Fridays.
Students who are unable to make their scheduled Saturday fixture need to provide a medical certificate by the following Monday. 

Injured students are required to attend all training sessions and Saturday fixtures. 

Fitness Centre

The Fitness Centre is an open space where students from all Sports at Redlands can actively participate in a range of sessions or focus on their own individual development with the support of the Redlands Fitness Staff.

1.Changes to the Fitness Centre:

For ALL students interested in attending Open Gym in the mornings, please refer to the sign-up button on Pulse and ensure you sign up with your preferred days.

 2. Session Times

Session times are staggered to provide more students access each morning with safe and effective coaching.

Year 11-12: 6:30 Start Time. Latest Arrival 6:45am

Year 9-10: 6:45 Start Time. Latest Arrival 7:00am

Year 7/8: 7:00 Start Time. Latest arrival time is 7:15am

Afternoon sessions are reserved for Rep sports.

Football

As we gear up for another exciting season, we wanted to touch base and fill you in on what’s happening with Redlands Football.

Firstly, a warm welcome to all our new families joining the football community this year. We have again broken our record for the number of players, so it’s going to be another big year. 

Redlands Football is managed by Director of Football, Gerry Gomez (pictured).  Gerry is an ex-Socceroo and a cherished member of the Redlands staff. He is supported by Assistant Head of Sport (Coach & Student Development), Graham Nes, and the Friends of Football committee.

Friends of Football committee members participate in planning, organising, and executing events and other initiatives to benefit the football program and foster community engagement.  If you would like to be a part of the Friends of Football committee, please email redlandsfriendsoffootball@gmail.com.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know as we prepare for the season:

• Training Schedule: Team trials will start next week and take place every Tuesday and Thursday. The training schedule will be available on Pulse.  
• Team Selection: Teams will be announced after the trials and a season launch event for all players will be held during lunchtime at Redlands Hall. Details to follow. It is expected all football players attend and we ask that they bring their lunch to eat during the event.
• Uniforms and Equipment: Redlands sport uniform is to be worn at all training sessions and shin pads are compulsory at both training and games. Players should also bring a water bottle and a hat. For new players, the Redlands Football uniform (jersey, shorts, and socks) is available for purchase at the Uniform Shop.  Players selected in the Boys 1st XI and the Girls 1st XI teams will have their full kit provided by the school.  Please note the Uniform Shop is not open on Tuesdays.
• Communication: Redlands Pulse is where you will find all information relating to Redlands Football. Any questions that are not answered by the information on Pulse should be directed to Gerry (ggomez@redlands.nsw.edu.au).  Once teams are selected, Friends of Football will organise a coordinator for each team. This coordinator will be your team’s contact person for day-to-day communication.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Friends of Football thrives on the support of dedicated volunteers. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the game, we welcome your involvement.  Please email Friends of Football to get involved.

We’re incredibly excited for the season ahead and can’t wait to see our players take to the field with passion and determination.

Tara Boris and Kelly Drew
Co-Chairs Friends of Football 2024

Netball

Friends of Netball – come and join

Please see the below message from our Friends of Netball (FON) Reps for 2024, Helena Blackstock and Deb Horton.

Deb and myself (Helena) would like to introduce ourselves. We are co-chairing the Friends of Netball committee and would love to hear from any parents who would be happy to put their hands up and volunteer to help with this year’s season of events planned. We promise we won’t ask too much of your time but we guarantee some fun and laughs along the way. If anyone is interested please email the Director of Netball, Georgina Ford gford@redlands.nsw.edu.au with the title FON Mailing List if you would like to join our 2024 Friends of Netball.

Looking forward to hearing from you
Helena Blackstock and Deb Horton.

In other Topline news for Netball :

• Netball Trials start next week commencing Tuesday 12 March for Seniors and Intermediates
• Juniors Start Thursday 14 March
• The trials run for 4 weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays

All the information you need on the upcoming ISA 2024 Netball Season is located on Pulse, Secondary School Sport > Secondary School Sport Winter Netball

Rowing

NSW Girls Head of the River

Last weekend our female rowers attended the NSW Girls Head of the River regatta in Penrith. Overall the girls competed well against some very strong competition from across NSW and ACT with many crews achieving PB times for racing this season. As a school we finished 5^th of 16 in the senior points score and 11^th out of 41 in the overall score.

The Senior Girls 2^nd crew of Bella Crennan (Yr11), Frankie Richardson (Yr10), Scarlett Thorp (Yr12), Jemima Hugman (Yr11) and coxswain Carolina Pedro Inacio (Yr11) had a brilliant race, working away from multiple challenges at the 1000m mark to win a well-deserved bronze medal.

Other notable results are as follows:

• Senior Girls 1^st: 4^th in final (S.Polok, L.Wainberg, A.Hwang, M.Sanger Larsson, Cox: Z.Naismith)
• Senior Girls 2^nd: 3^rd in final (I.Crennan, F.Richardson, S.Thorp, J.Hugman, Cox: C.Pedro Inacio)
• Year 10 Girls 1^st: 4^th in final (K.Budden, M.Osborn, I.Campbell, A.Winder, Cox: L.Chung)
• Year 9 Girls 2^nd: 6^th in final (D.Mennie, I.Solgaard, L.Soste, L.Forsyth, Cox: A.Franceschi)
• Year 9 Girls 2x: 8^th in final (M.Radich, A.Keller)
• Year 8 Girls 1^st: 9^th in final (S.Yates, G.Grace, E.Foley, T.Stone, Cox: A.Flynn)
• Year 9 Girls 4^th: 8^th in final (Z.Trevena, I.Bannon, E.Blundell, Z.Potter, Cox: O.Collins)
• Year 8 Girls 2^nd: 9^th in final (S.Feller, A.Cairns, K.Brown, L.van Hulsen, Cox: L.McKinnon)
• Year 8 Girls 2x: 5^th in final (A.Vincent, A.Connell)

Australian Rowing Championships

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent Redlands at the upcoming Australian Rowing Championships to be held at Penrith from 18-24 March.

School Girl Coxed Quad

• Mikaela Sanger Larsson
• Sonia Polok
• Alana Winder
• Lily Wainberg
• Zara Naismith

Women’s Under 17 Coxed Quad

• Sonia Polok
• Alana Winder
• Isobel Campbell
• Katie Budden
• Leah Chen

School Boy Coxed Quad

• Jack Meek
• Thomas Jackson
• Angus McInnes
• Thomas Hooper
• Fletcher Logan

Men’s Under 17 Coxed Quad (2 x crews)

• Angus McInnes
• Thomas Hooper
• Oscar Pearce
• Connor Morrison
• Henry Preece
• Archie Kerr
• Zach Borness
• Henry Dobson
• Toby Anderson
• Lilian Chen

Sailing

Ali B – Sailing Captain

Last Saturday some of our Redlands Pacer sailors competed in the RPAYC High schools Teams Racing Regatta against the top teams in NSW. The day presented extremely challenging conditions with strong shifty winds up to 27knts – the most amount of wind our sailors have ever competed or trained in. Overall,  our team sailed very well, dodging the high volume of jellyfish clusters throughout the course, finishing 1^st co-ed/mixed team and 5^th overall. Special shout out to the team for winning the Abbotsleigh Umpires Award trophy, awarded to the team which shows great enthusiasm, sportsmanship and improvement  throughout the event, on behalf of the jury. Congratulations to all sailors who competed for their great success and vast improvement in challenging conditions. 

Congratulations to Max Nicholson who competed in Flying11 States over the weekend at Manly Sailing Club, placing very well at 17th overall, after suffering a snapped mast in the first round.

India – RYSY Head Coach

This week, Redlands Pacer and Elliot groups were able to continue on their learnings from the last weeks through training on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Pacer crews were able to continue practicing for Team Racing regattas, especially as States is coming up next week (15-17 March)

The Elliot Fleet unfortunately didn’t get to sail on Saturday due to 25 knot winds, however were able to go out and see the training sessions of the Sail Grand Prix boats who were preparing for the Sydney leg of the championship. Along with this, the sailors were also able to watch the Sail GP inspiring racing.

This Saturday there will be a BBQ starting at 11:30am after the Sailing session. Parents are welcome to attend this session.

Upcoming events

• Saturday 9 March 2024, 11.30am – End of season BBQ – Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
• Friday 15 March 2024 – Sunday 17 March 2024 – 2024 NSW Secondary Schools Teams Racing Championship – Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron

Friendly Reminders

• All students to be in correct uniform in ALL sessions, can be Redlands PE uniform, appropriate black or navy blue sports shorts, wetsuit (any brand), white Redlands rashie and hat.
• Students are to keep phones in their bags for the entire session. If found using their phone during the session will result in being confiscated.

Snowsports

Softball

CIS held it’s Secondary Girls 18&U Softball trials on Monday at Stanhope Gardens Reserve.  There were 36 trialists at the event and 12 were chosen for the CIS team to compete at the All Schools Championships to be held on Monday 11 March at BISP.

Congratulations to Lauren Rolfe (Yr 8) who was selected into the CIS Softball team! 

Tennis

Roster for Round 4 Saturday 9 March and the draw is available via your Student Calendar or Redlands Pulse. If you/your child are rostered to play this weekend and cannot please let Ms Sarah Forman know before 12pm Thursday and make sure to contact your reserved teammate to cover before you email her. The green R means Reserve, so you/your child are not required that weekend unless there is a last-minute change.​

Please remember to be checking the TIME and LOCATION of your matches and aim to arrive at least 15 mins before your match time.

(7:45am for an 8:00am start or 9:45am for a 10:00am start)

A reminder for wet weather calls for training and matches if you receive no communication from Redlands Pulse or via email please assume the session is on. 

Friday Training

View Form

There is a maximum of 16 students and the sign up is via a Google Form (please do not show up without signing the form as the sessions only run if we have confirmed numbers). Sign up will close on Thursday 4:30pm and you will receive a notification from Redlands Pulse that night/the session will be viewable on your Student Calendar. Wash out calls are made at 5:45am the morning of.

Touch Football

ISA Semi Finals

A fantastic day on Saturday, with much cooler conditions than in previous weeks, saw five of our teams take to the fields for Semi finals.  Our Junior A girls were unfortunately knocked out by a very strong Kinross team, however our Senior 1sts Boys and Girls, Junior A Boys and Junior B Girls demonstrated great sportsmanship, whilst taking strong wins progressing through to the Grand Finals this coming Saturday. 

Looking ahead:

The following teams have qualified for Grand Finals this weekend on 9 March.

We wish you all the best as you take to the fields to reap the rewards of your commitment to Touch Football this season.

All Games are at our home fields at Macquarie University Fields. We encourage the wider Redlands community to come and support!

Good luck to several of our Redlands coaches off to compete at the National Touch Football competition this coming weekend:

JT, Keaton, Luke, Ella, Emma, Chloe, Portia and Jordy.

Several of these games are live on Kayo, tune in over the weekend to watch!

End of Season

End of Season Touch Football Presentation: Wednesday 27 March: Norths Leagues Club.

The night will include a range of awards for each team including, Players Player, MVP and Coaches award.

Purchase your Tickets 

Upcoming Events

• 9 March – Grand finals

Reminders

Students are highly encouraged to wear a school hat whilst playing. Students should be applying sunscreen before playing/ training, and must bring a water bottle. Students are also encouraged to wear their sports t-shirt for more sun protection.

General Sport Information

Fixtures

• All student training and fixture details will be available to families under My Schedule on Redlands Pulse. Additionally, the weekly Fixtures (The Redlands Rhino) can be found on the Secondary School Sport page on Redlands Pulse from Wednesday each week. Please ensure you check Redlands Pulse Friday afternoon to ensure you have the latest fixture information.

Uniform

• The Redlands sports uniform should be worn to all trainings and matches (students are not permitted to wear any non-Redlands branded clothing). In the event of inclement weather students should wear their Redlands fleece or sports tracksuit.
• Students must wear trainer style sneakers that are preferably white with non-marking soles. It is part of our shared responsibility to ensure that students wear footwear that aligns with the activity to be undertaken. High top sneakers, Vans, Converse etc. are not appropriate for School Sport.

Saturday Sport Absences

• Parents are required to log an absence via Clipboard prior to missing any training session.
• Any student unable to attend a Saturday fixture due to illness, is required to submit a Medical Certificate to their Sports administrator by the Monday morning following the missed fixture.
• Injured students are required to attend all training sessions and Saturday fixtures.
• Failure to do any of the above will jeopardise a student’s eligibility for Colours, Pockets, and Awards and result in school disciplinary action.
• Please refer to the Student Planner 2024 for full details on requirements for participating in a Representative Sport.
• Bus Transport
  • When travelling on Redlands transport the Redlands school rules are in place and students should be always upholding the values of the school:
• Have good behaviour, safe behaviour and appropriate language at all times.
• Follow the driver (and supervising staff) instructions at all times.
• Obey the transport rules and regulations at all times (seat belts must be worn at all times).
• Leave the bus how they found it (no rubbish, no mess).

Students who fail to meet the standards of the above will face school disciplinary action.

Wet Weather

• We have been lucky enough to have a relatively dry winter and to start the summer season, we use a number of fields that are multi-purpose and all weather.
• Unless communicated differently or in the morning of the session (via Redlands Pulse & Clipboard), all training sessions are to be deemed ‘on’.
• Students should bring with them a change of Redlands Sport Uniform (Thursdays only) or their school uniform (Tuesday) if there are light showers during training.

Summer Sport

A reminder that all key information for the season has been uploaded onto the Secondary School Sport page of Redlands Pulse, if you have any additional questions, please reach out to the appropriate Sports Administrator listed at the bottom of this page.

Sports Photos

All Sports Photos are available for parents to view / purchase on the SPA Images Website 

Photo Library >> Schoolsports 2022-24 >> select your sport

Password (redlands2024) Redlands has an agreement with SPA Images that we will only use the images for marketing purposes.

Melba has finalised all photos taken of sport teams and co-curricular activities and they are now available for parents to view and purchase. Please visit the Melba Studios website, Select the ‘Schools’ icon. The password for access is winnie.

Concussion Protocols

Parents and Carers last week received an email containing the Redlands Concussion Protocols, which can also be found in the Key Documents section of Redlands Pulse – Secondary School Sport. A reminder to all that these protocols are for both a return to school and a return to sport. Students who have a suspected concussion are asked to seek medical attention at their earliest convenience.

Summer Sport – Key Contacts

Drama

Legally Blonde: The Musical

Tickets are on sale today at 5pm for this year’s musical! Please use this link or click the image below to The Concourse website.

Rehearsal Reminders

• Be prompt to all rehearsals.
• Bring water and food to all rehearsals.
• Bring scripts, librettos and pencils to all rehearsals.
• Wear appropriate attire to Friday and Sunday rehearsals e.g. Redlands Drama or Dance attire or blacks.

Costume Requirements

• All Costume and Shoe requirements can be found in the letter sent out through iLearn. Please ensure you bring all items this Sunday for our photoshoot.

Photoshoot Requirements

• Please ensure you have read the iLearn announcement about what you need for this Sunday’s photoshoot. Please ensure you come ready with your hair and make-up done.

Please email any questions to kboase@redlands.nsw.edu.au. 

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

Performance Styles and Form

Year 11 HSC class has been working hard on developing ethical and authentic ways to perform serious and mature themes, evident in their Verbatim theatre assessment that will take place on Monday 11 March.

Why might a practitioner use verbatim theatre?
Verbatim theatre is fashioned from words actually spoken by real people in real situations, and reproduced by actors in performance. An increasingly influential form of theatre, it has a unique ability to present stories from unfamiliar sources and bring unheard voices to the stage. With this in mind students have reflected on the political, cultural and historical elements of these plays, significant to the narrative of the 21^st Century art form of Theatre. We are exploring, The Laramie Project (a significant play of the 20th century), Black Diggers, Run Rabbit Run and Parramatta Girls. 

Why is verbatim theatre important?

Verbatim gives actors the actual words of real people, verbatim theatre is the closest that theatre can get to objective truth – It is neither imagined nor invented; its authenticity is guaranteed because it presents the testimony of those with first-hand experience. 

Some of the scenes we have read include Indigenous peoples. As the students can attest, facing the difficult truths about our shared history as First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians can be confronting. However,  we stand with the idea that providing opportunities for students to genuinely reflect on their emotions, attitudes, discomforts, and assumptions is probably the most powerful way to teach for reconciliation.

The images above are of a shadow screen, as year 11 HSC have had the opportunity to explore these plays and staging possibilities with the aid of Verbatim techniques such as the addition of technology.

Kathryn Smith
Acting Subject Coordinator of Drama and Theatre
ksmith@redlands.nsw.edu.au 

Drama and Theatre Extra Subjects Program

Call out for any budding young actors! We invite you to explore your creative side every Monday afternoon in the Redlands Drama Studio. The year 7 & 8 Extracurricular acting class runs from 3:20-5pm.

In this dynamic class you will explore improvisation, scene work, play building, characterisation and you’ll even put on an end of year show! There are spaces left if you would still like to enrol.

We also have a Year 9-12 senior acting class in the Adams centre every Monday afternoon.

If you are interested in these creative opportunities and would like to enrol, please email: drama@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Class Spotlight on Creative Kids

In Creative Kids this week, our youngest actors explored their imaginations and creativity through song! Creative Kids is a wonderful program that runs at Redlands House every Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:45-3:45pm. If your child would like to explore in a land where pigs can fly, train conductors sing and elephants roam the corridors of Redlands, then this is the class! This power hour of fun and pure creativity is not to be missed.

If you are interested in this creative opportunity and would like to enrol, please email: drama@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Housekeeping: We kindly ask that all parents and guardians be on time to the extra subject pick up locations after the classes finish.  

You will find the various finishing times and locations for Junior school pick up on the Redlands Drama and Theatre pulse page. If you are running late your children(s) will be taken to OOSH and you will be charged accordingly.   

If you have any questions, please email: 

Drama@redlands.nsw.edu.au OR avirtue@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Thank you for your ongoing support of our fantastic extra subjects’ program!

Amber Virtue 
Head of Extra Curricular Drama  
avirtue@redlands.nsw.edu.au