From the Desk of the Head of Primary

Early in Term 1 we had an afternoon session with parents about some of the academic programs at Redfield Primary. It was one of those situations where, in hindsight, we ask ourselves: 'why have we not been doing this for years?'. Such was the positive feedback from all involved. 


Parents learned from teachers ‘on the front line’ about Cars and Stars, our reading comprehension program; they received an overview of Spalding, in order to better help their boys with spelling and handwriting; Mr Murray explained the 7 Steps to Writing Success program, with a special emphasis on what to do at home. They also heard tips on how to best use Maths Online, Bug Club and other tools available from home. Mr McNamara outlined the much expanded extension program, which now includes both Numercy and Literacy from year 2 to year 6, and Mr Williamson explained the basics of MultiLit, the basis of our Learning Support program.


In view of this wide range of academic programs designed to maximise our students’ academic progress, you can imagine our excitement when The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), which runs NAPLAN, analysed national data and identified schools with substantially above average gain in last year's NAPLAN results. Redfield was one of 9 primary schools across NSW identified for significant improvement in the area of literacy. All these programs, it seems, are working!


Having said that, there is so much more to Redfield than academics, as you well know. Father Felix started this Year of Mercy by revealing to parents and students alike God’s ‘wi-fi password’: merciful1. Remember? As a result our leadership team, led by Captain Damien Doowage and Vice-captain Finn Maher, threw themselved into the task of service their position entailed. Their efforts in the Lenten Appeal raised more than $500 for St Vincent the Paul Society. At the end of the year, they organised a raffle and, with the money raised, went to 5 separate supermarkets and bought items needed to supplement the Christmas Hampers in each Primary class. At an individual level, they led by example as well. We were particularly proud of Finn when he was selected to be an ANZAC Youth Ambassador for Castle Hill RSL.


So much at Redfield takes place outside the classroom, it is difficult to point specifics out. Code Camp run during the holidays and many of our boys were able to learn computer coding, and even how to create their own phone app. The debating club boys come to mind as well, not only for their numerous victories, but also for their commitment and initiative to meet up at lunchtime and prepare each debate. The Chess club members also showed commitment and initiative, although the image that sticks in my mind is the one of the boys from the Fishing Club pulling out a monstrous looking eel from the dam. That’s commitment!


Let me finish with a special thank you to all the staff and parents who so willingly give of their time to assist with coaching, managing or in executive roles in the Cricket, Basketball, Rugby and Football clubs. Not only does your generosity provide our students with wonderful opportunities, but you yourselves are wonderful role models of the kind of caring and giving adults we want our boys to grow up to be.


Mr. James Ramos
Head of Primary