Reddam House Woollahra Week 8 23 June 2023
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Much of this past week was spent going through the exams with the Year 3-6 students. It was largely a time of celebrating their achievements, although there were also important lessons learned of where improvements might be made. The good thing is that there are still another two terms to work on areas where greater understanding is needed, or where study skills can be honed. It was good to hear from the teachers that the students applied themselves fully to the process of receiving feedback and we trust that the whole exam experience was not too daunting for them, especially for the Year 3s, who did so well to sit their first exams.
However, the week wasn’t only about exams – far from it! After the enjoyment of last week’s K-2 Creative Arts Week, this week it was the turn of the Year 3-6 students to put their creative hats on and to immerse themselves in their own artistic experiences. If the excited buzz in the venues was anything to go by, a thoroughly good time was had by all, with more to come next week.
In addition, our choirs and music ensembles put their many hours of rehearsing on show, as they performed at the Sydney Eisteddfod. They wowed the judges and audience with their polished performances, and we are hugely proud of their excellence in the various formats in which they took part.
Our flagship ensemble, Year 5-6 Singers, achieved first place in the Open Primary Choir section. The adjudicator complimented them for their rendition of "Sea Change", describing it as the best she had ever heard.
All our choirs received commendations, which was a remarkable achievement given the high level of competition. In the Year 3-6 Choir section, both our Year 3-4 Sculthorpe Choir and Year 5-6 A Cappella received Highly Commended awards. In the Infant Choir section, the K-1 Gumnuts Choir came in third place, and the Year 2 Bunyips Choir took second place. Meriden Year 2 choir came out as the winners in this category.
On Monday, in the Primary Acoustic Ensemble Section, our Reddam Piccolo String Quartet, comprising Eason Yuan, James Steiner, Ruby Zhang, and Ryan Lee, received a highly commended award for their exceptional performance.
We are also proud of our String Orchestra students, who competed on Wednesday morning in the secondary intermediate string ensemble section.
This week’s activities were another reminder of why we regard cultural activities as so important as part of the holistic education which we offer at Reddam. While core subjects, such as mathematics and language, are undeniably essential, the incorporation of cultural activities, such as music and art, into the primary school curriculum holds immeasurable value. These activities provide a multifaceted platform for our students to explore, express, and develop their creativity, imagination, and cultural understanding.
These activities encourage students to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and express themselves in unique ways. Through art, students learn to visualise concepts, develop their own artistic style, and experiment with various mediums, colours, and techniques. Similarly, engaging with music exposes our students to diverse melodies, rhythms, and harmonies, enabling them to develop their own musical ideas, improvise, and compose. By nurturing creativity and imagination, such activities lay the foundation for innovative thinking and problem-solving skills that extend beyond the artistic realm – and in a world which is evolving so rapidly, these are two of the greatest assets we can give our students as we help to prepare them for life beyond school.
The mathematicians were required to use a very different sort of creativity this week, as the Year 4s took part in another round of Maths Games, while the Year 5 and 6 students stretched themselves in the Maths Olympiad. Well done to all these students for persisting with these activities through the year and by doing so deepening their mathematical abilities.
My thanks to those parents who participated in the Parent Teacher interviews during the week – and to those who will still do so next week. These feedback sessions are really valuable so that teachers and parents are able to work alongside each other to provide the best support possible for the students, especially during assessments.
Rhea Sotiras competed at the Tamworth Country Capital gymnastics competition last Friday in the level 5 Open division. She placed 5th on floor, 6th on beam and her team placed 2nd overall. Then, she competed in the Manly Warringah Winter Wonderland competition on Sunday, where she did excellently to be placed 3rd overall, with individual placings of 1st on floor, 2nd on beam and 5th on vault. Well done, Rhea.
Hugo Brady, in Year 2, has been doing really well in tennis lately. He played in the orange ball competition (7-11 year olds) at Kim Warwick Tennis Academy and won that competition. He then also played in the orange ball competition at White City Tennis centre and won that competition too, adding to his win in the competition last term. Excellent, Hugo!
Also excelling in tennis were Sam Pinski and Shepherd Smart, who won the doubles at the White City Tennis Competition on Sunday. And while on the topic of winning, well done to the Reddam 10 netball girls, who won their first match of the season!
On the cultural front, Oscar Petersen did exceptionally well to receive Honours in his AMEB guitar exam. Well done, Oscar!
Next week sees the eagerly anticipated Year 6 Evening of Eminence on Monday and Tuesday evenings. The Year 6s have been hard at work preparing for this event and they will undoubtedly impress all with their insights and comments about the significant individuals whom they have researched.
It is also a week to look forward to for the Year 3s and 4s, as they will no doubt enjoy their excursions, to the Royal National Park and the Centennial Parklands respectively. And then of course we can all anticipate a thoroughly good rest when we close the school for the mid-year break on Friday.
Enjoy your weekend!
Dee Pitcairn
Principal
1 - First win of the season for our Reddam 10 netball team.
2 - Reddam House String Orchestra
3 - Rhea Sotiras competed at the Tamworth Country Capital gymnastics competition last Friday in the level 5. Open division. Rhea placed 5th on floor, 6th on beam and her team placed 2nd overall.
4 - Hugo Brady at the Orange Ball competition (7-11 year old kids) at Kim Warwick Tennis Academy and Orange Ball Competition at White City Tennis centre where he won both competitions
5 - Sam Pinski and Shep Smart won doubles at white city tennis comp on Sunday!
6 - Oscar Petersen received Honours in his AMEB guitar exam.
Happy Birthday
Reddam House would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to Jeffrey Xie, Tiffany Lin, Sasha Popoff, Lucia Zagora, Joshua Stesel, Violet Douglas, Asher Moreton, Sophia Zhang, Noah Butler, Hanna Ching, Alexander Garben-Thew, Matthew German, Aria Algie, Noah McQuarrie, Tiffany Fan, Miley Yuan
Principal Awards
Luella Rosen, Lucy Fallman, Eloise Hughes, Monty Paxton, Hanna Ching, Marcello Russo, William Feng, Finley Power, Sebastien McNamara, Anika Martin
Principal Honour Awards
Sabina Anderson, Avi Hutensky, Harriette Ho, Harry Wafer, Anson Ruan, Amiella Allen, James Mawer, Ethan Haurdic, Jayden Cao, Noah McQuarrie
Sport Fixtures
Sports Fixtures 24th June 2023
Basketball
Friday 23 June - Comets | Alexandria - 53 Maddox St
U16s MYSTICS vs BYE (no game)
U16s LIGHTNING vs Newtown Storm 4:30pm Ct 2
U16s SPARKS vs KHY Astronauts 4:30pm Ct 1
U18s SUNS vs SGHS Cherry Pie 5:15pm Ct 2
U18s DIAMONDS vs CYS 5:15pm Ct 1
Saturday 24 June - Comets & Perry Park | Alexandria - 53 Maddox St
Girls
U10s BOOMERS vs All Blacks 8am Ct 3
U10s TIGERS vs Sydney HoopStars Tigers 8am Ct 2
U12s STORM vs Inner City Flames 9:40am Ct 3
U14s TIMBERWOLVES vs Newtown Scorpians 2:40pm Ct 1 (COMETS)
U14 FLAMES vs KHY Astronauts 11:20am Ct 3
Boys
U10s LAKERS vs MPB 8:50am Ct 1
U10s SPURS vs BYE (no game)
U10s WIZARDS vs Inner City Demons 8:50am Ct 3
U12s BUCKS vs Sydney HoopStars Adders 10:30am Ct 2
U12s RAPTORS vs ProBall Raptors 11:20am Ct 2
U12s CAVALIERS vs Road Runner 12:10pm Ct 3
U12s HORNETS vs Newtown Bears 11:20am Ct 1
U14s BULLS vs ProBall Clippers 1:50pm Ct 2
U14s STAGS vs Raptors 1pm Ct 3
U14s MAVERICKS vs BYE (no game)
U14s PACERS vs Newtown Rams 2:40pm Ct 4
U14s NUGGETS vs Newtown Eagles 1:50pm Ct 4
U16s THUNDER vs Newtown Blazers 5:10pm Ct 4
U16s ROCKETS vs BYE (no game)
U16s BLAZERS vs Inner City Cyclones 3:30pm Ct 2 (COMETS)
U16s JAZZ vs Newtown Jazz 4:20pm Ct 3
PCYC (Marrickville) 531 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville
U16s NETS vs Inner City Mustangs 5:15pm Ct 3
U16s WARRIORS vs Newtown Rhinos 6pm Ct 3
U18s GRIZZLIES vs BYE (no game)
U18s HEAT vs White Eagles 4:30pm Ct 1
U18s MAGIC vs BYE (no game)
Soccer
High School Girls
Reddam House U15 v Queens Park U15, Lyne Park, Rose Bay, 11:00am
High School Boys
Reddam Year 10 v No game
Reddam Year 9R v No game
Reddam Year 9E v No game
Reddam Year 8 v No game
Reddam Year 7R v No game
Reddam Year 7E v No game
Reddam Primary
Reddam 9 United V Easts FC Parma 10.00am Queens Park 2B
Reddam 9 City V Pagewood Titans 10.00am Jellicoe Park Mini Field M3
Reddam 10 United V Mascot Meteorites 11.00am L'Estrange Park Half Field 2A
Reddam 10 City V Pagewood Sonics 11.00am Jellicoe Park Half Field 3G
Reddam 11 City V Easts FC Mixed Real 12.00pm Queens Park Half Field 12A
Reddam 12 City V Pagewood Rainbow Warriors 1.00pm Jellicoe Park Half Field 2A
Netball
Reddam 1 v KRB, 1:15 PM
Reddam 2 v Saints, 1:15 PM
Reddam 3 v KRB, 12:00 PM
Reddam 4 v STC, 12:00 PM
Reddam 5 v KRB, 11:00 AM
Reddam 6 v RRNC, 12:00 PM
Reddam 7 v Mascot, 12:00 PM
Reddam 8 v Maccabi, 9:00 AM & RRNC 11.00AM
Reddam 9 v Kamabala, 11:00 AM
Reddam 10 v Maccabi, 10:00am
Reddam 11 v Randwick Rugby, 10:00am
Reddam 12 v St Catherines, 10:00am
Reddam 13 v Saints, 9:00am
Reddam 14 v Memaids, 8:00am
Reddam 15 v MRSL, 8:00am
Cross Country
No racing
Sport Results
Sports results 17th June 2023
Basketball
Girls
U16s MYSTICS vs Reddam Sparks 46 - 12
U16s LIGHTNING vs KHY Lightning 48 - 6
U16s SPARKS vs Reddam Mystics 12 - 46
U18s SUNS vs SGHS Marshmellow Chameleons 54 - 9
U18s DIAMONDS vs BYE (no game)
U10s BOOMERS vs Inner City Cupcakes 17 - 4
U10s TIGERS vs Inner City Angels 14 - 22
U12s STORM vs Sydney HoopStars Bobcats 20 - 2
U14s TIMBERWOLVES vs Inner City Scorpians 63 - 10
U14 FLAMES vs Newtown Flames
Boys
U10s LAKERS vs Reddam Wizards 54 - 0
U10s SPURS vs Sydney HoopStars Boas 10 - 25
U10s WIZARDS vs Reddam Lakers 0 - 54
U12s BUCKS vs Newtown Thunder 17 - 8
U12s RAPTORS vs BYE (no game)
U12s CAVALIERS vs Sydney HoopStars Vipers 19 - 17
U12s HORNETS vs ProBall Bucks 8 - 42
U14s BULLS vs BYE (no game)
U14s STAGS vs Sydney HoopStars Coyotes 13 - 27
U14s MAVERICKS vs Sydney HoopStars Diamondbacks 33 - 39
U14s PACERS vs Newtown Rangers 43 - 28
U14s NUGGETS vs Newtown Lions 27 - 18
U16s ROCKETS vs NewtownTigers 0 - 20
U16s BLAZERS vs Newtown Jazz 0 - 20
U18s HEAT vs BYE (no game)
U16s JAZZ vs BYE (no game)
U16s WARRIORS vs Bullets 31 - 34
U16s NETS vs White Eagles 44 - 22
U16s THUNDER vs Newtown Bullets 24 - 30
U18s GRIZZLIES vs MPB 27 - 8
U18s MAGIC vs Reggae Rockers 42 - 40
Soccer
High School Girls
Reddam House FC U15 v Pagewood Botany 0 – 3
High School Boys
Reddam Year 10 v Sydney Boys High School 4-0
Reddam Year 9R v Sydney Boys High School 2-1
Reddam Year 9E v Sydney Boys High School 2-2
Reddam Year 8 v SHORE 6-2
Reddam Year 7R v SHORE 1-2
Reddam Year 7E v Newington 1-4
Reddam Primary
Reddam 9 United 1 Maroubra United Mixed Maggies 3
Reddam 9 City BYE
Reddam 10 United 0 Queens Park M&Ms 5
Reddam 10 City 2 Easts FC Fulham 0
Reddam 11 City 9 Pagewood Botany Speedy Strikers 1
Reddam 12 City 3 Easts FC U12 Schalke 1
Netball
Reddam 1 v BYE,
Reddam 2 v RRNC, 34 - 38
Reddam 3 v Maccabi, 28 - 12
Reddam 4 v Kambala, 19 - 1
Reddam 5 v Double Bay, 27 - 18
Reddam 6 v RBSC, 21 - 19
Reddam 7 v STC, 12 - 18
Reddam 8 v RRNC, 26 - 22
Reddam 9 v RRNC, 7 - 13
Reddam 10 v Coogee, 18-16
Reddam 11 v Randwick Rugby, 3 - 5
Reddam 12 v Dolphins, 1-17
Reddam 13 v Bondi Phoenix, 16-18
Reddam 14 v Mascot, 3-16
Reddam 15 v Maccabi, 2-6
Kindergarten
Although we only have one week left in this term, we are still working super hard and trying our best every day. This week in Kindergarten we introduced new concepts in Maths and English and also had a new ‘Show and Tell’ topic.
We introduced the first 3 pink sight words this week, using them in sentences and talking about how each word has different letters sounds in them. We continued writing independent sentences and sounding out words when we are unsure how to spell them. We also revised writing the letters l, t, h, b and k to make sure we are forming them correctly and with our pincer grip.
We started to look at fractions in Maths and specifically finding half. We did lots of work with concrete materials building towers, folding paper, sharing objects between two people and shading in shapes.
Our ‘Show and Tell’ topic this week was all about Gratitude. We asked the children to present something they are grateful for. These presentations were very heartwarming and honest. The children loved showing off their families and friends and telling us all the wonderful reasons they are grateful for these people in their lives. We cannot wait to see next week’s presentations.
This week we reflected on Term 2 and identified three glows and a grow. The two glows highlight reasons we are proud of ourselves and what we have achieved this term and the glow is what aspect of school life we can improve on. The students set their goals for Term 3 and they enjoyed reflecting on the great term they have had so far.
Year 1
This week in History and Geography in Year 1 we looked at the D'harawal seasons calendar. Did you know that it recognises 6 seasons? The seasons are observed by the changing plant and animal life as well as the weather type. The calendars within different First Nation Peoples communities are individual as the surrounding country offers varying indicators and variables. The children enjoyed learning that communities can observe the night sky and that star constellations can inform what season it is.
This calendar exploration lead us beautifully into enjoying our science experiment! As it is winter in Sydney, we made snow! The children learned how combining different materials can change the state of the new substance. We discussed how water can change its state in winter, becoming, sleet, hail, snow or ice in cold temperatures.
Having studied many of the texts of John Burningham the children were keen to go on our latest adventure with him. We read 'The Magic Bed.' The children were encouraged to segment the story
structure and express their favourite part with an explanation for why. Needless to say, we had many people wishing for a magic bed to take them on travels around the globe too!
We would like to congratulate the children who took part in the Gumnuts Choir this week. Children that took part did so with pride and represented the school beautifully. The children who remained at school warmly wished their peers well, offering them words of support and encouragement. In both camps we were impressed with the culture of striving for your own goals, motivating a friend and sharing in the happiness of their successes.
Within PDHPE the children reflected on the importance of safety on wheels. We even had a helmet design session. We hope that you all scoot, skate or pedal your way into a safe weekend! Well done Year 1!
Year 2
It’s drawing close to the end of the term, but Year 2 are still working hard and achieving their potential. They had an amazing day on Tuesday at the Sydney Eisteddfod performing as part of the Year 2 Bunyips Choir. Three songs were performed: ‘Minka’ (a Russian folk song), followed by ‘Song of Sirens’ and then ‘Desert’. The children’s favourite, ‘Minka’ gets faster and faster as it goes along, and they get to do short, sharp claps. They performed these extremely well and were awarded 2nd place in the Open Infant & Primary Choir section. Congratulations to all of the Year 2 students for representing Reddam House. Congratulations also to Meriden who came in 1st place.
Henry Stirk was our announcer, introducing the choir to the audience. He spoke fluently and with volume and clarity. Here is what some of the children thought about the day:
Rafaela Levitt: I was really happy when we heard that we came second.
Phoenix Monteiro: My favourite part of the day was the bus trip on the way there because I had a big chat with Noah and we played games near the window.
Ryan Kaspar: I enjoyed going onto the stage and being really focused. I needed to focus on the words and remember NOT to wave to my parents, even though I really wanted to!
Harriet Hanson: It was really fun, especially when we got to sit and talk to our friends after.
Aria Algie: When we were on stage I enjoyed everybody watching us because I think they liked it. We were all very proud of each other.
Benji Hunyor: I enjoyed being on stage. It was frightening at first but when we started singing, it started to get fun. It is like when you are starting a race, you get nervous like I did at CIS, but while you’re racing, you get more confident and finish well.
We are all looking forward to Week 9 and the last of our Cultural or Family Tradition News presentations. You can look forward to hearing about that next week!
Year 3
We are delighted to share the recent accomplishments of our Year 3 students and highlight the valuable lessons learned from their Mid-Year Examination results. As we embrace a growth mindset, we believe that each experience, whether it be a success or a challenge, presents an opportunity for growth and development.
Throughout the past week, our dedicated Year 3 students eagerly awaited the return of their exams. It was a moment of anticipation and reflection, where they discovered the outcome of their hard work and determination. We are pleased to announce that our students have shown tremendous effort and made significant progress.
The focus of this week was to instil a growth mindset among our young learners. By fostering this mindset, we encourage our students to view their exams as stepping stones on their educational journey, rather than fixed measures of their abilities. With a growth mindset, they understand that intelligence and capabilities can be developed through dedication, perseverance, and learning from both strengths and weaknesses.
Here are a few key points for our students to reflect upon:
1. Embracing Strengths:
We celebrate the strengths exhibited by our Year 3 students during their exams. Whether it was demonstrating exceptional knowledge in mathematics, expressing creativity in writing, or displaying critical thinking skills in science, each achievement is a testament to their talents and abilities. By acknowledging their strengths, our students develop a sense of confidence and motivation to further excel in these areas.
2. Learning from Weaknesses:
Equally important is the ability to learn from areas that require further development. Our students understand that mistakes and challenges provide valuable learning opportunities. By identifying areas where improvement is needed, they can take proactive steps towards growth, and strive for future success. We encourage our students to approach their weaknesses with resilience and a determination to continuously improve.
By fostering a growth mindset, our Year 3 students are equipped with the tools to overcome obstacles, embrace challenges, and maximize their potential. It is through these experiences that they cultivate the skills necessary for future success.
As we move forward, let us continue to cultivate a culture of growth and learning within our school community. Together, we can inspire our students to embrace challenges, learn from their experiences, and become resilient individuals prepared for future success.
Year 4
As the end of Term 2 sweeps towards us, the Year 4 students had the opportunity this week to reflect upon, and celebrate, all of their accomplishments this semester.
This young group of learners has excelled throughout a week of examinations. Revising with one another, supporting one another, and enjoying the sunshine with one another, they have embraced the challenges that come with this stage of the year, and revelled in their successes. Students were overjoyed to receive their marked examination papers and read the feedback from their teachers.
Students chatted with their teachers to gain clarity on any questions that they had misinterpreted and took note as they followed through each examination answer key, intent on refining their understanding.
Each Year 4 teacher observed the maturity and willingness of the Year 4 students to comprehend, at a deeper level, the content being tested. This truly exemplified the learning power in this process, which was rewarding for both students and teachers alike.
In addition to the successes of the examinations, were the achievements from the Eisteddfod performances. The Year 3 and 4 Choir sang beautifully. Hear the Wind, Stars and Berrinbah, and Big River, were presented with charisma and class beyond their years and an absolute treat to hear in the professional concert hall at Chatswood. The superstar choir was awarded highly commended for their performance on the day. A special mention must also go out to the awesome foursome, the Piccolo String Quartet, for their highly commended accolade.
Well done on an incredible week of achievements Year 4 – so proud of you!
Year 5 & 6 English
With exams done and dusted, Year 5 and Year 6 English students are congratulated for their consistently dedicated approach to their studies this term. This week, students were provided with engaging feedback, with the aim of enhancing their learning, and improving their confidence, self-awareness, and enthusiasm for learning. Students were given explanations of what they did correctly and incorrectly, with the focus being on what they did right!
Constructive and meaningful feedback encourages our students to think critically about their work and reflect on their own areas of improvement. The sessions were helpful in aiding students to understand the marks they had been given, recognise their progress against the learning outcomes, identify their strengths and weaknesses and improve their understanding of the subject material, building upon their learning. An important message that was imparted was for the students to focus on their growth and potential, rather than on the ability to master a task on their first attempt. A grasp of the concepts and material, rather than focusing on the final grade, was emphasised.
Year 5 and Year 6 students put this understanding into practice with their writing this week. Students did an excellent job reading over their writing exams, in conjunction with the feedback provided, and managed to edit and re-write sections of their exam narratives with effective and appropriate
adjustments. This skill is essential when engaging with creative writing, and also helps students to become independent and self-reflective learners.
The English department is so proud of all the hard work and effort that Year 5 and 6 English students have put into this term. Well done, Year 5 and Year 6!
Year 5 & 6 Science
This week in Science, Year 5 and 6 students received their Science exams back. During the students' first lesson of the week, they received feedback on their exam paper so that they could pinpoint where improvement is needed for next time. Feedback is important, as it allows students to see how they should be answering exam-style questions to receive full marks.
In the students’ second lesson of the week, they used their Biology knowledge to answer a series of questions for an escape room! Students were against the clock to answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible to be the first to escape.
In Science Club, students made slime, crystal trees and the fastest vehicle possible. One group mixed slime powder with hot water and a few other chemicals to produce a green slime that resembled snot! The same group also created a crystal tree by pouring a chemical solution into a tray and then observing
the solution climb a paper tree. After 10 hours the chemical solution developed into crystals on the branches of the tree. Another group of students were also tasked with building the fastest vehicle possible to race against their peers! This task required teamwork and a physics brain to design a vehicle to beat the rest.
Year 5 & 6 Maths
During Exam Feedback Week, a crucial phase of the examination process, teachers and learners gained invaluable insights that significantly impacted their educational journey.
For teachers, exams were pivotal in comprehensively assessing students’ strengths and weaknesses across various mathematical content areas. This valuable information allowed us to identify specific areas that required additional attention, enabling us to tailor our instructional strategies accordingly. By acknowledging individual student needs, we could offer targeted support, ensuring each student received the necessary guidance to maximise their potential.
The exam feedback sessions allowed learners to reflect on their mathematical progress and areas needing improvement. The feedback obtained from exams, whether through scores, comments, or constructive criticism, served as a compass for self-assessment. It enabled students to recognise their strengths, acknowledge their achievements, and pinpoint areas requiring extra effort. This feedback loop fostered a growth mindset, inspiring students to strive for continuous improvement and take ownership of their learning journey.
Upon receiving their exam scripts, students utilised the 'traffic light system' to identify different types of errors. Careless errors, which were easily correctable, were highlighted in green. Complex, multi-step questions prone to mistakes or omissions yet still manageable with correction, were marked in orange. Questions they couldn't solve and required reinforcement were highlighted in red. This approach aimed to deepen learning and empower each student, fostering self-awareness regarding their progress about the learning outcomes. It helped them recognise their strengths and weaknesses, ultimately enhancing their understanding.
Resilience and humility were also pivotal aspects of the feedback sessions for the few students who, despite their hard work and excellent organisation, experienced disappointment and were encouraged to focus on what they did know. This reinforced the fundamentals of a growth mindset, emphasising the importance of perseverance and the belief in one's potential to improve.
We look forward to embarking on our new topic, angles and polygons, and linking this to the students’ understanding of perimeter and area.
Music Performance
This week was filled with delightful music-making across our school, with the standout event being our various trips to the Sydney Eisteddfod. The performances kicked off with the Piccolo String Quartet on Monday, followed by all our choirs on Tuesday, and concluded with the String Orchestra on Wednesday. We are incredibly proud of the hundreds of students who participated, and I extend my gratitude to their dedicated teachers. The results of their hard work have been detailed earlier in this newsletter.
As we look to the future, we eagerly anticipate upcoming events and performances. This wave of musical success has been a fitting way to round off an action-packed term. Next week, many of our ensembles will be busily preparing for performances at our Creative Arts Assemblies. We very much look forward to sharing these exciting moments with you.
Every day, there's something remarkable happening in our instrumental lessons and ensemble rehearsals. A round of applause to all our young musicians for their dedication and talent. Their efforts truly bring a touch of magic to our daily school life.
Composition Competition
We are delighted to be accepting entries for the 2023 Composition Competition. This prestigious contest celebrates the musical creativity of our students across all genres, styles, and mediums of composition. Entries will be evaluated by a distinguished Australian composer, who will provide each participant with individual feedback and Music RHAP points. We will acknowledge winners in each age category, and select compositions will be showcased at our school assemblies. Students are welcome to submit multiple entries by August 7th at 5pm. For more information or assistance with entries, please contact Mr. Bortolotti at marcus.bortolotti@reddamhouse.com.au. Please visit the following link for the entry submission form. We look forward to hearing your music!
● https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzGIa8zNWd01brXcfLpnS9iEFJdU6myFpbdExKNHL6zgjqA/viewform
Year 5-6 Metal Percussion
This term, our talented Year 5-6 Metal Percussion ensemble has been turning up the volume and delving into the realm of alternative pop-rock. With their mallets at the ready and passion in their hearts, they have been navigating the beautiful tune "Somewhere Only We Know" by the renowned band Keane.
Keane's pop composition is undeniably a rhythmic challenge, brimming with syncopated beats that set your heart racing and your feet tapping. Undeterred, our Year 5-6 Metal Percussion group has risen to this challenge, sharpening their skills to perfect the intricate rhythms that lend the song its distinct vitality. With each strike and chime, they have confidently taken on the technical aspects of the melody, breathing life into it with their undeniable musical skill.
But their efforts don't stop there! In their pursuit of a spectacular performance, these young musicians have ventured into another demanding realm the delicate art of hand bells. Visualise the enchanting sound of bells ringing in perfect harmony, adding a layer of magic to the already mesmerising melody. Our Year 5-6 Metal Percussion students have adeptly tackled this ringing task, striking a harmonious balance between the vigorous glockenspiel playing and the gentle chimes, ensuring that the hand bells serve as a subtle and complementary addition without overwhelming the ensemble.
When our Year 5-6 Metal Percussion ensemble performs, they transport us to a magical, snow-covered landscape filled with the excitement of a musical journey. Their sound evokes the charm of a winter scene, as if we're strolling through a secret realm where only we are privy to the melody. It's a compelling experience that kindles our imagination and lifts our spirits. Starting the week with their performance is truly an injection of entertainment and joy!
As the term comes to a close, our Year 5-6 Metal Percussion ensemble is already preparing for the next stage of their musical journey. Brace yourselves for a surge of creativity as they explore new tunes that will captivate us all in no time. And there's more! We've heard rumours of an original composition in the making, created by the brilliant minds within the ensemble itself. Can you imagine? Our own students crafting a piece of music that will leave us spellbound! We eagerly anticipate witnessing this magic unfold in the upcoming term.
Year 3-4 Pop Percussion
Our Year 3-4 Pop Percussion ensemble has been putting in an exceptional amount of dedication and hard work throughout the initial half of the year. This unique group introduces the element of pop music, establishing a relatable and enjoyable learning environment for the students. The idea is to allow the students to use their existing piano skills, as well as other instrumental knowledge, and apply it in the context of a diverse range of percussion instruments. This approach helps in cultivating a well-rounded musical understanding in our young learners.
Over the first two terms, we've dabbled in various songs, exploring the different genres within the pop realm. The choice of songs was intended to cater to the students' preferences, while also broadening their musical horizons. In our most recent sessions, the focus has been on the song 'Believer' by Imagine Dragons. It has provided an excellent opportunity for the students to apply their learnt skills to a contemporary and widely popular song.
As we gear up for Term 3, our ensemble is in full swing, preparing with great enthusiasm and rigour. The aim is to put up a performance that reflects all the effort and learning that's taken place over the past few months. There's an undeniable eagerness in the air, as everyone is looking forward to showcasing what they've accomplished thus far.
We look forward to the continued growth and development of our talented Year 3-4 Pop Percussion ensemble and cannot wait to see them shine on stage.
The Kindergarten students had a fun lesson this week creating a class arrangement of the piece 'Edna the Elephant' using xylophones, shakers and claves. They had to listen carefully to the song, and then join in at the right time with the correct instruments and keep a clear pulse. They also had a great time performing 'Listen To The Drum' rhythms, using loud dynamics for the lyrics 'big drums', and soft dynamics for 'small drums'. All students in Kindergarten showed such progress in their ensemble skills and listening skills this week!
Music
Important Dates
Year 6 Evening of Eminence - Monday 26 and Tuesday 27June - 7:00pm - Adelaide Hall
Year 4 Excursion - Centennial Parklands - Monday 26 June
Year 3 Creative Arts Incursion - Monday 26 June
Year 3 Excursion - The Royal National Park Environmental Education Centre - Tuesday 27 June
K - 6 Online Parent Teacher Interviews - Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 June
Last day of Term - Friday 30 June - 1.00pm dismissal
