Head of Junior School

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We are aware of the growing concern within our community about the increased level of parking enforcement around the Junior School, particularly during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.

Before addressing the parking issue itself, I want to be absolutely clear about our expectations. Swearing at, abusing, threatening or intimidating Redlands staff or North Sydney Council staff is unacceptable behaviour. We have recently experienced instances of parents becoming abusive towards our staff and Council Rangers, including swearing and aggressive or intimidating interactions. Whatever the circumstances or level of frustration, this behaviour is not acceptable and will not be condoned by the School.

This expectation is consistent with our Redlands Community Code of Conduct, which applies to all members of our community, including parents and carers. The Code requires communication to be characterised by respect and courtesy, concerns to be raised through appropriate channels and all members of our community to demonstrate high standards of behaviour as role models for our children.

It is also important to recognise that the actions of one or two individuals can unfairly affect the reputation of our entire parent community and our School. We want to be a community that is known for respectful, constructive and positive relationships with our staff, our neighbours and the broader community.

We do understand that families are frustrated. For parents of our youngest children, particularly those in Preschool through Year 2, safely walking children into school or collecting them at the end of the day does not always fit neatly within a five-minute parking restriction. Construction in Allister Street has also reduced available parking and changed traffic and pedestrian movements around the School, adding to the challenges families are experiencing.

The School has a long-standing and constructive partnership with North Sydney Council and has undertaken traffic management reviews in consultation with Council in the past. These reviews have helped inform many of the traffic management strategies and arrangements we have in place around the School today. We value this relationship and recognise that both the School and Council share a responsibility for creating a safe and functional environment around our campus.

We are therefore actively working with Council to find the right balance between community education, practical and usable street signage and reasonable enforcement of parking regulations. We are communicating directly with Council, meeting with relevant representatives and exploring practical solutions that recognise the particular circumstances around a school.

In the meantime, we expect all families to follow the parking rules and restrictions around the School. Where there are concerns about the current arrangements, we ask parents to raise them constructively with the School or Council through the appropriate channels, rather than directing frustration towards individual staff or Rangers.

Ultimately, we all want the same thing: children who are safe, traffic that can move freely, respectful relationships with our neighbours and a community that follows the law.

We will continue to work constructively with Council and our parent community to find practical solutions that support these shared goals.

Spring Fair

We are excited to welcome Junior School families to the Redlands Spring Fair on Saturday 12 September. With rides, games, a petting zoo, face painting, crazy hair, food, treats and student performances, there will be something for children of all ages. Entry is free, and families can purchase all-day ride wristbands and coupon bundles in advance. Please bring family and friends, and consider volunteering for an hour to help create a memorable day for our children.

PURCHASE ALL-DAY UNLIMITED RIDE WRISTBANDS AND COUPONS

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

Father’s Day Lucky Door Prize

Lucky door prize at our Father’s Day celebration on Monday will be a round of golf for four players including carts and catering! Don’t forget to pick up your golf day card on the day, winner will be announced in next week’s Note Day.

Michael Quach
Head of Junior School
mquach@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Our K-2 Students fully embraced our ‘Symphony of Stories’ themed Book Week last week. On Tuesday, they impressed us with their fantastic costumes and then they visited different classes to listen to a variety of stories. Thursday was a busy day with all the K-2 classes being visited by the children’s illustrator, Zoë Bennett. Zoë encouraged the students to think about how a story can be told without any words. The focus for the workshops was around illustrating emotions and a character’s feeling using facial expressions and the use of the body. Following these workshops, the Year 1 and 2 students went to the Hall to listen to the musical retelling of ‘Peter and the Wolf’

Thank you to Mrs Roberts for arranging this superb week for our children.

K-2 Assemblies: Term 3

Kindergarten have done a wonderful job of leading our assemblies this term. On Tuesday 15 September, all the Kindy students will lead our last assembly of Term 3. Assemblies start at 1.50pm in Dunnet Hall and usually end at 2.20pm.

We look forward to welcoming you!

The Conclusion of Bush School

Our Kindergarten students have had a memorable time taking part in the 5-week Bush School program. They’ve observed local wildlife, climbed trees, rolled down hills, cooked in the mud kitchen, created natural art and built their own dens! The program has given our youngest students the chance to connect with nature and explore their surroundings, helping them to play outside the walls of the classroom.

Along the way, many children have stepped outside their comfort zone, tried new things and formed new friendships. A big thank you to all the parent helpers who have joined us, and to Ms Eggleton and the Kindy Team for organising this invaluable opportunity for our students.

Parent Topic Talk – Strengthening Positive Online Behaviour

Please join the Junior School Counsellors, Silvia & Jemimah, for an interactive presentation on how to support your child develop positive online behaviour, including internet safety skills and age-appropriate limits on screen time. This presentation shall look at the most recent research regarding the impact of screen time on our young people, as well as practical strategies parents can utilise to facilitate a healthy relationship with technology. Taking place in the Arnold Library on Wednesday 9 September at 8.20am.

Please sign up using the link below:

Ashley Bentley
Deputy Head of Junior School: Students (K-2)
abentley@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Book Week: A Celebration of Literacy

What a wonderful Book Week we had! Our 2026 celebrations brought our school community together to share a love of books, stories and reading under the theme, Symphony of Stories. From creative costumes and classroom celebrations to special guests, music and plenty of opportunities to discover new stories, there was so much happening across the school.

Our much-loved Book Character Parade was a wonderful way to celebrate the week.

Students in Years 1–6 were treated to a special performance of Peter and the Wolf, presented by our talented music tutors and some students. It was a memorable celebration that beautifully brought together the music department and the school libraries.

Classrooms were transformed for the Decorated Door Gallery Walk, with students and teachers creating colourful displays inspired by favourite books, authors and characters. Students took part in a walk around the school before voting for their favourites.

K–2 students had the opportunity to work with Zoë Bennett, children’s illustrator. Students in Years 3–6 also enjoyed an author experience with R.A. Spratt. Year 3 students were excited to welcome Mystery Readers;  Mr Sean Corcoran, Mr Michael Quach, Mrs Margie Rowe and Mr Karl de Witte.

Years 4 and 5 put their literary knowledge to the test during Kids Lit Trivia, competing in teams and answering questions about CBCA books, Rachel Spratt’s books and popular children’s literature. There was plenty of fun, excitement and friendly rivalry.

Our Book Sale for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, raised $620, while recycling some retired Library books. Year 6 finished the week with writing a book in a day to raise money for the Kids’ Cancer Project.

What a week! A huge thank you to teacher and families for helping make Book Week 2026 such a special occasion. Your support, creativity and enthusiasm helped bring a Symphony of Stories to life.

A very special thank you to our Library team for creating so many wonderful opportunities for our students to connect with books, stories and each other, and for making Book Week such a joyful celebration of literacy.

Take a look at our Book Week video here for a glimpse of some of the special moments from across the week.

Year 6 Completes Write a Book in a Day and raises over $16,500

What an incredible day of creativity, collaboration and community impact! On Friday, our Year 6 students participated in Write a Book in a Day, spending the day working in teams to plan, write and illustrate original books, all while supporting The Kids’ Cancer Project.

We are thrilled to share that our Year 6 community raised over $16,500 for childhood cancer research. This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the generosity of our students, families and wider community. Thank you to everyone who supported this important cause.

The writing day itself was a tremendous success. Students were highly engaged throughout the challenge, generating imaginative ideas, solving problems together and demonstrating remarkable perseverance as they brought their stories to life. Their enthusiasm was so strong that several students even volunteered to return during lunch breaks to continue refining their books!

We are incredibly proud of the creativity, teamwork and compassion shown by our students. Over the coming weeks, we look forward to sharing the finished stories in the library and celebrating the impact they have made through this meaningful experience.

Congratulations, Year 6, on an extraordinary achievement. You should be very proud!

Languages: Opening Doors to Culture and Connection

Today, our Years 4–6 students heard from Mr Quach, Ms Green and Senior School students about the exciting opportunities that come with learning a language at Redlands.

Mr Quach shared the language pathways available, while Ms Green spoke about the deeper connections that language learning can create. Liam and Marlon shared their Mandarin skills, while Clem and Emille gave students a taste of Japanese and French.

Our Senior School students spoke warmly about the joy of learning a language and the connections it can build with heritage, family, culture and others. They also reminded students that learning a language takes courage and persistence. There will be moments when you need to take risks, persevere and lean into something new, but in doing so, you are learning much more than words and grammar. You are discovering another culture and developing a different way of seeing the world.

Marlon shared the Chinese saying 磨杵成针 (mó chǔ chéng zhēn)  “With hard work and persistence, even a steel rod can be ground into a needle.” A wonderful reminder of the rewards that come from perseverance.

Their message was simple: choose a language that sparks your curiosity, embrace the challenge and enjoy where the journey takes you.

A special thank you to Ms Green and our Senior School students for sharing their language-learning journeys with us.

A letter has been sent to Junior School families outlining the language options for students currently in Years 4 and 5. Families can also access the Language Preference  Form here. Preferences are due by the end of Week 8.

Martina Petersen
Deputy Head of Junior School: Learning and Teaching
mpetersen@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Continuing the Journey: A Connected Pathway from Junior to Secondary School at Redlands

At Redlands, we believe that moving from Junior School to Secondary School is not simply a transition, it is a continuation of each student’s learning journey. As a P–12 school, we are uniquely positioned to provide a seamless and connected experience that allows students and families to look ahead with confidence, excitement and a strong sense of belonging.

Our vision is simple: although the Junior and Secondary Schools operate across two campuses, students should experience one connected school, one learning journey and one community. The proximity of our campuses is a unique opportunity to create continuous pathways of learning, relationships, opportunity and belonging that extend from the Junior years right through to graduation.

As part of this commitment, we are developing a purposeful Continuation Pathway that gradually introduces students and families to the opportunities, people and learning experiences that await them in Secondary School. Rather than viewing Year 6 to Year 7 as a single transition point, we are creating opportunities for students to build familiarity and connection over many years, so that Secondary School feels like the natural next step in a journey already underway.

This pathway has two key aims:

• To help students build confidence, familiarity and readiness for the next stage of their education.
• To give families meaningful insights into the breadth, depth and distinctiveness of the Redlands Secondary School experience.

At the heart of this work is a simple belief: belonging comes before transition. Students thrive when they know the people, understand the culture and can see themselves as valued members of a community before they arrive.

Beginning Early in Year 4

Our continuation journey begins in Year 4, with students exploring elements of the Secondary School through engaging learning experiences and visits to specialist spaces. Students have opportunities to work with Secondary School teachers, participate in collaborative challenges and enjoy hands-on activities linked to their classroom learning.

These authentic experiences allow students to engage directly with specialist teaching spaces, experience new ways of learning and build positive relationships with older students and staff. In many cases, Senior students become partners in the learning process through mentoring opportunities, workshops and collaborative activities that help younger students experience the wider Redlands community.

Families are also invited to special engagement events such as our recent Secondary School: The Inside Story evening, designed to showcase Secondary School learning programs, facilities and opportunities. These events provide valuable opportunities to meet staff, hear from current students and gain a deeper understanding of the pathways available at Redlands.

Importantly, our focus is not simply on sharing information. We want families to see how their child’s individual strengths, interests and aspirations can continue to grow through the diverse opportunities available throughout the Secondary School years.

Expanding Horizons in Year 5

In Year 5, students experience a deeper connection with Secondary School learning through investigations and projects linked to their Units of Inquiry. Working alongside specialist teachers, students may explore areas such as Science, Languages, Innovative Design, Technology, Textiles, Food Design and Round Square opportunities.

These experiences allow students to discover subjects and facilities that are unique to the Secondary School environment while encouraging curiosity, creativity and independent thinking. Students may also participate in multidisciplinary projects, design challenges and STEAM investigations that showcase the exciting learning possibilities available in later years.

As a P–12 school, Redlands offers unique continuity across academic, sporting, artistic and leadership pursuits. Students begin to see how participation in music, drama, dance, sport, languages and co-curricular activities can evolve and deepen over time, allowing them to imagine the opportunities that lie ahead.

For families, dedicated engagement opportunities offer further insight into the rich academic and co-curricular programs available in the years ahead, helping them understand the many pathways through which their child can flourish.

Building Readiness in Year 6

By Year 6, the focus shifts from exploration to preparation. Students begin building the confidence and practical skills needed for a successful start in Secondary School.

Students become increasingly familiar with learning expectations, facilities, routines and the people who will support them in the next stage of their learning. Through continued engagement with the Secondary School campus, students develop confidence navigating new environments and gain a clear understanding of what Year 7 life will involve.

A key goal is that by the time students enter Year 7, they already know the people, the place, the opportunities and the culture of Secondary School. The move should feel less like arriving somewhere unfamiliar and more like taking the next step in a journey they have already begun.

Learning Beyond Orientation

A key feature of the Redlands Continuation Pathway is the belief that students learn best through authentic experiences. Rather than relying solely on orientation visits, students engage in meaningful learning opportunities on the Secondary School campus throughout their Junior School years.

These may include multidisciplinary learning projects, innovation challenges, collaborative inquiry experiences and partnerships with older students. Access to specialist facilities such as science laboratories, art studios, design spaces, technology workshops and textiles rooms enables students to experience first-hand the dynamic learning environments that will support their future growth.

Future initiatives may also include opportunities to engage with distinctive learning environments such as the rooftop garden and beehives, inquiry partnerships between Junior and Senior students, and cross-campus projects that strengthen both learning and relationships.

Through these opportunities, the Secondary School campus becomes more than a place students will one day attend. It becomes a familiar and exciting extension of their current learning journey.

Every Child Known

One of the most important principles underpinning our approach is Every Child Known.

As students progress through Redlands, the knowledge we have of them as learners should travel with them. Their strengths, interests, achievements, learning needs and aspirations should not be rediscovered when they arrive in Year 7.

Junior and Secondary School staff collaborate closely to ensure continuity of learning and wellbeing. Academic achievement data, pastoral information and professional insights are thoughtfully shared to support each student’s continued growth. This collaborative process ensures students begin Secondary School feeling known, understood and supported from day one.

Importantly, this approach supports all learners, including those requiring additional support and those demonstrating high potential across academic, creative, leadership and sporting domains.

Learning from Student Leaders

Our Senior School students play an important role in supporting younger learners as they continue their journey through Redlands.

Through mentoring, campus tours, collaborative projects, ambassador programs and House activities, older students help create welcoming connections across the school. These relationships build confidence, aspiration and community while providing younger students with authentic role models and a glimpse of the opportunities that await them.

One School, One Journey

The Redlands Continuation Pathway reflects our belief that students flourish when learning, relationships and opportunities are connected across all stages of schooling.

By creating continuous pathways across learning, people, place and community, and ensuring that every child remains known throughout their educational journey, we are building a stronger and more connected Redlands experience.

For families, this pathway provides reassurance that the outstanding opportunities available in Secondary School are not something that suddenly begins in Year 7. They are part of a connected P–12 experience that unfolds progressively over time, allowing each student to find their place, develop their strengths and thrive.

At Redlands, we are not simply preparing students for the next step. We are creating one school, one community and one continuous journey of growth, discovery, belonging and possibility from the earliest years of learning through to Year 12.

Don’t Miss Our Next Parent Topic Talk

We encourage all parents to attend our upcoming Topic Talk on Strengthening Positive Online Behaviour.  This is a great precursor to our upcoming classroom sessions with students on “Staying Safe Online” and our YSafe Parent Webinar on Wednesday 14 October, 2026 (6pm-7pm – Save the Date!)

Assemblies

We welcome all parents and friends to attend our fortnightly assemblies.

Kate Moore
Deputy Head of Junior School: Students (3-6)
kamoore@redlands.nsw.edu.au

Student Bathrooms

Just a friendly reminder that the boys’ and girls’ toilets located near the Piazza, just outside the K–6 Reception doors, are for student use only. Parents and carers are kindly asked to please use the other toilet facilities located around the school when needed. This helps us ensure that the student toilets remain available for our students at all times.

Father’s Day Celebration

We are excited to welcome all our wonderful dads to our Father’s Day event on Monday, 7 September. The event will commence at 8.00am and conclude at 9.30am, with lots of fun activities planned throughout the morning.

Dads are invited to join in the activities taking place across our K–2 classrooms, Piazza, Art Room and Oval. It will be a wonderful opportunity to spend some special time together and celebrate the amazing dads and father figures in our school community.

PreK-2 Sport

Pre K-2 After School Sport program selections opens Friday, 11 September at 7am. Families can submit their selections via the Activity Selection Portal.

Sports available this term:
Monday: AFL, Basketball, Tennis
Wednesday: Chess (Years 1-2)
Friday: Football, Touch Football (Years 1-2), Gymnastics, Netball

Please note: Touch Football is now open to Year 1 and 2 students only, and Monday and Friday sports have swapped from their Term 3 days. Places in some activities fill quickly, so we encourage families to log on promptly once the EOI opens.

Years 3–6 Clubs Tuesday Collection

Years 3–6 Clubs finish at 4.30pm on Tuesday afternoons. Students will be collected from the Allister Street gates, at the former Years 3–6 Reception. Parents and carers are asked to wait outside the gates, and club teachers will bring students out for collection.

If you are delayed, we strongly encourage families to pre-register for OSH so your child can be safely supervised there if needed. Thank you for your understanding and support in ensuring students are collected as close to 4.30pm as possible.

Allister Street: A Friendly Reminder

A reminder to all parents and carers to please be respectful and considerate of each other and our broader community when dropping off and collecting children from Allister Street. We understand the frustrations that can come with car lines and parking restrictions. However, by working together and continuing to demonstrate our Redlands values, we can help keep our students, staff, families and the wider community safe at all times. Thank you for your understanding, patience and cooperation.

Calling all Bakers – Consider Contributing to the Cake Stall  

No Fair is complete without a Bake Sale! We are calling all bakers, big and small to contribute sweet treats for the Cake Stall. Homemade or store bought, all are welcome. 

• Drop-off: Friday 11 Sept
• Grab a box from Junior Reception / Senior Services or use your own labelled container from Sept 7^th. Do label all boxes with name, year, class so we know who to thank!
• Please list all ingredients & flag allergens: gluten, eggs, dairy

Amber Wilson
Deputy Head of Junior School: Operations (P-6)
awilson@redlands.nsw.edu.au