Head of Secondary School

Head of Secondary School

We came together as a Secondary School community in Dunnet Hall on Wednesday to close out Term 1, and it felt like a particularly fitting way to finish my very first term at Redlands. As someone still finding my feet in a new community, I have been deeply grateful for the warmth, kindness and generosity of spirit I have experienced from all members of the school community. The Easter Assembly gave us the opportunity to pause together, hear messages from Mr Corcoran on our school values, and reflect with Ms Philips on what the Easter story teaches us about leadership – leadership grounded in humility, service and care for others. It was a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined by titles or positions, but by character, choices and the way we show up for one another every day.

That message felt especially resonant when reflected against the energy and breadth of experiences across the school this week. On Monday night, Battle of the Bands showcased the culmination of weeks of rehearsal and preparation, with students supporting one another and performing with confidence and pride. Tuesday’s Cross Country Carnival reminded us that leadership and role modelling look different for everyone – whether pushing for a personal best, persevering through a challenging course or encouraging a peer along the way. Later that day, our Year 12 students filled the Fahl Garden with Easter joy during an Easter egg hunt, reminding us that leadership can also be about creating moments of connection and light‑heartedness for others. On Wednesday, students presented their startup business ideas as part of the Startup Bootcamp after a term of working collaboratively, and our Year 10 students took to the stage for Shakespeare Under the Stars, showing commitment, teamwork and the courage to step into something challenging.

During the Easter Assembly, we also formally inducted our Winter Sports Captains and our Round Square Captain. This was a significant moment, and one that deserves recognition. These students are being acknowledged not simply for talent or participation, but because they have consistently demonstrated leadership through the way they engage with others, contribute to their teams and live out our values. At the same time, it was important to emphasise that leadership at Redlands is not reserved for those with badges or titles. Across all of these events and moments this week, I see role modelling everywhere – in the level of engagement, the willingness to participate fully and the way students work together collaboratively and support one another.

These small, everyday actions matter deeply. They shape how people feel, how connected they are and ultimately, the culture of our School. As we head into the Easter break and close out Term 1, I would like to wish all members of the Redlands community a safe, restful and joyful Easter. I look forward to sharing more about the start of Term 2 in my Term 2 Welcome letter.

Moonbah Return

Today we welcomed our Year 9 students back from Moonbah after an incredible term at the High Country Campus. As they returned to Cremorne, they were greeted by a Guard of Honour formed by our Year 8 and Year 9 students – a powerful and moving moment that spoke volumes about community and connection. It has been wonderful to see the growth in independence, resilience and peer relationships that has come from their time at Moonbah, and we are already excited for our next cohort who will embark on the program in Term 2.

Staff Farewells

As we come to the end of the term, I would also like to acknowledge and thank several valued members of staff who are leaving our community. We farewell Emar Macken, who has cared for generations of Redlands students as our School Nurse for the past 17 years, always with kindness, calm and deep commitment. We thank Clare Hurst for the thoughtful guidance and support she has provided as our Future Pathways Advisor, helping students navigate important decisions with her expertise and care. We also thank Keqing Chen, who has been with us this term teaching Chinese, and Neevie Graham, who has worked so thoughtfully with students in Learning Support. Each of these staff members has made a meaningful contribution to our community, and we wish them every success and happiness in the next chapter of their journeys.

Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition

On Wednesday 25 March, two of our students, Eleanor Longcroft (Year 11) and Annaliese Beatty (Year 9), took part in the first round of the Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition, one of Australia’s longest‑running public speaking competitions, which asks Junior students to give a 6‑minute and Senior students an 8‑minute prepared speech. Eleanor’s speech on People Power, considered the place of AI in art, while Annaliese spoke about rowing as her Beacon of Hope. We are delighted to congratulate Annaliese, who won the Junior heat and will now progress to the Regional Final. We wish her every success as she continues in the competition.

Youth Week @ Mosman Council

Our Year 11 students recently took part in a student consultancy with Mosman Council as part of planning for Youth Week, engaging thoughtfully with key issues including mental health, belonging and social isolation, youth voice, cost of living and participation, and the importance of safe local spaces. The group represented themselves and the School exceptionally well, with Eleanor Longcroft, Soraya Christian-Hare, Amarine Chrisment, Bowen Shiao, Mia Cruttenden, Penny Vincent-McGovern, Rose Boddy, Rafael Rolon, Merrick Schmidt and Sebastian Salz contributing with insight, maturity and authenticity. Their ideas will directly shape the upcoming event, Youth Voices: In Conversation with the Mayor (Wednesday 22 April, 7:00–8:30pm at Mosman Library), a youth-led forum open to all students. We strongly encourage students to attend and take part in this valuable opportunity to have their voice heard.

Invitiation to Youth Voices: In Conversations with the Mayor

Youth Voices: In Conversation with the Mayor. 

As part of Youth Week, students are invited to take part in a relaxed, youth‑led conversation with the Mosman Mayor. This is an opportunity for young people to share what matters to them, listen to others, and engage directly with local leadership on issues such as mental health, belonging, cost of living, youth spaces and more. The session will be a safe and inclusive space where young voices are valued, whether students choose to ask questions, listen in, or simply be part of the conversation. The event is free, food will be provided, and places are limited. The event will take place on Wednesday 22 April from 7:00–8:30pm at Mosman Library, and is free to attend.

Redlands 2026 Snowsports Bookings Open 1 April

Please log onto clipboard and select Redlands 2026 Snowsports Bookings.

Select the items you are interested in purchasing under the following headings.

All information, dates and costs are listed under each individual heading

  • Perisher Race Training Lessons
  • Redlands Cup
  • Snowsport Equipment Rental
  • Snowsports Development Camp
  • Snowsports Performance Camp
  • Sydney Interschool Championships (Expressions of Interest- Bookings open end of April)
  • Thredbo Race Training lessons

If you are interested in booking lessons in Perisher, please book as soon as possible.

Lessons available Monday 13 July – Thursday 16 July (Week of Interschools). To secure instructors and lesson times, we must lock this in as early as possible. Lessons must be booked before 1 May, otherwise we may have to cancel.

If you are booking into the camps, lessons are included with the price at Thredbo.

If you are staying in Thredbo, and not staying at HCC with the camps, you are still able to book lessons with the group.

Please select Thredbo Race Training lessons. Week 7 July – Saturday 11 July.

Don’t forget to get your tickets to our Snowsports Icebreaker Event. Tickets are now available to purchase. 

Please join us on Thursday 7 May to meet our Snowsports community for a fun and informative evening.

  • The Terrace Room (upstairs), The Oaks Hotel
  • 118 Military Rd, Neutral Bay
  • Time: 6-10pm

Open to all current Redlands families, current snowsports families and interested families.

Parent only event.

Tickets cost $55 includes canapes. Cash bar available.

Round Square International Conference 2026  

We are thrilled to invite students aged 16–18 to apply for the RSIC 2026, hosted by Barker College from 28 September to 3 October. Under the theme Visions of the Future from an Ancient Land, this high-energy program offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful service and build global leadership skills alongside 1,200 international delegates.

  • Highlights: Festival-style campus welcome, Sydney Adventure Day and immersive homestay/hotel experiences.
  • Cost: AUD $2,122 (Fully inclusive of meals, accommodation and activities).
  • Deadline: Friday 8 May

For full details on the itinerary and the two-step application process, please view the Pulse Message here.

For further inquiries, please contact Anne Benoit Renard, Round Square Representative, at arenard@redlands.nsw.edu.au.

Redlands Honey in the National Honey Competition 

Strong Enough to Care – A Voice Notes Event

Save the Date – Thursday 14 May

Raising boys today isn’t simple. In a world shaped by algorithms, outrage and shifting expectations, many young men are quietly trying to work out who they are – and what it means to be a man.

At Redlands, we believe in challenging thinking, not avoiding it. We are a community that values critical thinking, compassion and responsibility – and we know that with the privilege of our context comes a responsibility to do this work well.

This Voice Notes event is an invitation to lean in, not step back.

Join us at the Cremorne Orpheum with leading clinical psychologist Zac Seidler, one of Australia’s most influential voices in boys’ and men’s mental health. This is a rare opportunity to hear from someone at the forefront of this work.

Alongside a Redlands student, staff member and alumnus, Zac will be part of a powerful panel exploring how we can better support and guide our boys to become emotionally intelligent, resilient and compassionate young men – not just strong, but strong enough to care.

As a proudly coeducational community, this conversation matters for all of us. Developing good men is not just about boys – it’s about relationships, respect and allyship – and the role we each play in shaping the culture around them.

This is for every parent of boys, P–12.

Bring your sons. Deepen the conversations you’re already having. Let’s  strengthen the way we support them, together.

Amber Ripley 
Head of Secondary School
aripley@redlands.nsw.edu.au