Reddam House Woollahra Week 2 20 October 2023
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
In an age where so many children spend most of their time indoors, often in front of a digital screen of one sort or another, it was good to be reminded this past week of the benefits of playing outdoors – and not just that but of playing in an outdoor environment which involves some degree of risk.
An article in The Conversation online magazine reports on the outcome of a study of the importance of risk-taking by children and how this helps to forge resilience and tenacity in them. The study focused on the Boongaree nature play park in Berry, which has come in for some negative reporting as a result of several injuries sustained by children, with the Daily Mail even suggesting that it is “Australia’s most dangerous playground”.
However, as the study suggests, risk is an everyday part of life and what we need to do as adults is to help our children to learn how to navigate their way through potential risks. By evaluating potential risks and taking precautions before proceeding, they learn important life skills. And, as the study suggests, an outdoor play area which is not highly controlled is an ideal place to learn about risk-taking.
The article reflects on the findings of the study and makes some useful suggestions of how we as adults might support our children as they play in an outdoor environment. The first is to start with a positive mindset, by encouraging our children to try new things at the park. Instead of sticking to the same old equipment, we should let them explore and discover new adventures.
Then, be ready to support – and to stand back. Sometimes, children need a little space to explore on their own. Keep an eye on them to ensure their safety, but also let them discover the park at their own pace. The article reminds us that “language matters”: when guiding your child, try to avoid using phrases such as “be careful”. This can make them feel scared. Instead, use supportive language such as, “Is there a stronger piece of wood to put your foot on?” or “Have you seen the hole over there?” Encourage them to think and problem-solve.
The article encourages us to give useful advice, such as by helping your child with specific guidance on how to use the equipment safely. Then it is important to let them decide which equipment they want to use and how high they want to climb. We should avoid pushing them to do activities they're not comfortable with, and we should only step in when they're trying something clearly above their skill level. Finally, the article reminds us that we as adults should have fun alongside our children by joining in on their imaginative games, and by letting them know that it's perfectly fine to say “yes” or “no” to challenges.
This past week, Bally Napthali received the incredibly exciting news that after his most recent July audition, he has been accepted for the ITP programme for 2024 for The Australian Ballet School. This is the culmination of endless hours spent after school and on the weekends trying to improve his skill to make this happen, and as such we are thrilled for him.
Then, several of our young artists have been making waves with their creativity. Harrison Wafer (Year 3) and Hanson Gong (Year 5) have been selected as winners of the Truck Art Competition, run by the Woollahra Council. Thomas Mawer (Year 6) was runner up. Harrison and Hanson will have their works displayed on the Woollahra Council Trucks, so we should soon all be able to enjoy their art as it moves around the city.
Congratulations to a number of our students who competed in the Sydney International Soccer Cup over the long weekend of the school holidays. They played 2-3 matches each day over 4 days. The competition was particularly tough, with one team from the UK and several from New Zealand. Jack Kogan, Archer Witchell and George Sergides, in Year 2, played for the Under 8s team, the Kickeroos, while Annelise Sergides, in Year 3, and Tilly Bofkin, in Year 5, played for the SheKicks team. Although their teams didn’t end up among the top placings, they showed great spirit and amazing resilience, and all enjoyed being part of such a big soccer competition.
The Year 5 Orientation Day last Sunday was an exciting event during which the Year 4s were able to start casting their minds to all the opportunities which await them next year. In the same vein, the current Year 6 students will be able to gain an insight into their first year of high school, as they attend the Year 7 Orientation and Testing Day this coming Sunday at 9am. A week later it will be the turn of the incoming Kindergarten group, at 10am, who I have no doubt are bursting to start their ‘big school’ experience. My thanks to all those who have worked so hard for these three events to make the transition for our students at various phases of their schooling a smooth and happy one.
Next week on Tuesday we will support the Make a Wish Foundation as part of our outreach programme. This wonderful foundation makes a profound difference in the lives of Australian children who are going through a hard time, and it is our privilege to support them, while at the same time raising awareness among our students regarding the needs of others.
On Wednesday, the Year 1s will head off on the first excursion of the term, to Vaucluse House, which should be a fascinating time of finding out more about a bygone era. Then on Friday it will be the turn of our musicians to strut their stuff in front of an appreciative audience in this year’s Battle of the Bands. We wish all those taking part everything of the best and know that they will have a great time showing off their musical prowess.
Have a great weekend!
Dee Pitcairn Principal
Woollahra Truck Art
Linktr.ee We now update our Linktr.ee account ("mini website") to include our weekly newsletter and sports fixtures. You can find a link on our Instagram account @reddamhousesydney or at linktr.ee/reddamhousesydney
Happy Birthday Reddam House would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to
Arielle Hou, Samantha Min, Yi (Michael) Sun, Samuel Pinski, Liam DaoGeorgia, Lim Luke Cassab, Oliver McLellan
Principal Awards James Plaskett, Benjamin Vo, Erinn Wong, Aamir Bhagat, Luca Scardilli, Regina Muhlmann, Ella Jacobs, Harry Teggins
Principal Honour Awards Nava Lewis-Bierman
Sports Fixtures Sports Fixtures 21st October 2023
Basketball Friday 20th October - Comets | Alexandria - 53 Maddox St Year 8 MYSTICS vs KHY Astronauts 4:20pm Ct 2 Year 9 LIGHTNING vs Inner City Allstars 5:50pm Ct 1 Year 8 SPARKS vs St Caths Red 4:20pm Ct 1 Year 10 SUNS vs Coogee Crystals 5:05pm Ct 2 Year 11 DIAMONDS vs All Blacks 5:05pm Ct 1
Saturday 21st October - Comets | Alexandria - 53 Maddox St Boys Year 5 CAVALIERS vs Inner City Ohana 2:40pm Ct 2
Saturday 21st October - Perry Park | Alexandria - 53 Maddox St
Girls Year 3 BOOMERS vs Sydney Hoopstars Tigers 8am Ct 4 Year 3 TIGERS vs Year 4/5 STORM vs Sydney Hoopstars Bobcats 10:30am Ct 1 Year 6/7 TIMBERWOLVES vs Inner City Scorpions 1:50pm Ct 4 Year 7 FLAMES vs Newtown Angels 11:20am Ct 4
Boys Year 3 LAKERS vs Sydney Hoopstars Golden Pythons 8am Ct 3 Year 3 SPURS vs Sydney Hoopstars Boas 8:50am Ct 3 Year 3 WIZARDS vs ProBall Lynx 9:40am Ct 1 Year 4 BUCKS vs Reddam Hornets 11:20am Ct 3 Year 5 RAPTORS vs Sydney Hoopstars Tarheels 1pm Ct 1 Year 5 HORNETS vs Reddam Bucks 11:20am Ct 3 Year 6 BULLS vs KHY Astronauts 1:50pm Ct 2 Year 7 STAGS vs Lilyfield Lightning 1:50pm Ct 3 Year 7 MAVERICKS vs Road Runners Blue 6pm Ct 3 Year 7 PACERS vs Inner City Thunder 4:20pm Ct 1 Year 7 NUGGETS vs Sydney Hoopstars Wolves 12:10pm Ct 2 Year 10 HEAT vs BYE (no game)
PCYC (Marrickville) 531 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville Year 8 ROCKETS vs Reddam Jazz 2:15pm Ct 1 Year 8 WARRIORS vs Newtown Hawks 6:45pm Ct 1 Year 8 BLAZERS vs Newtown Tigers 3pm Ct 1 Year 8 JAZZ vs Reddam Rockets 2:15pm Ct 1 Year 9 THUNDER vs BYE (no game) Year 9 NETS vs BYE (no game) Year 11 GRIZZLIES vs Botany Forsaken 5:15pm Ct 1
Year 10/11 MAGIC vs Showtime MVP Ballers 2:15pm Ct 2
Water Polo BOYS Opens v SHORE, Riverview Pool 12.10pm Middle v Knox, Knox Pool 12:15pm Primary v St Augustine, Scots Pool 9:00am
GIRLS Reddam 1 v SGHS, UNSW Pool 8:30am Reddam 2 v Reddam 3, UNSW Pool 10:00am Reddam 3 v Reddam 2, UNSW Pool 10:00am Reddam 4 v SGHS, UNSW Pool 11:45am Reddam 5 v Dolphins, UNSW Pool 11:15am
Touch Football Girls: Reddam 1 v Sceggs 2, Queens Park No. 2 (Baronga Avenue), 8:50 am Reddam 2 v Kambala 5, Queens Park No. 1 (Baronga Avenue), 8:00 am Reddam 3 v Ascham 15, Queens Park No. 15 (Darley Road near playground), 11:00 am Reddam 4 v Ascham 16, Reservoir Field No. 1 (Oxford St), 10:30 am Reddam 5 v Kambala 12, Reservoir Field No. 2 (Oxford St), 8:50 am Reddam 6 v Kambala 13, Reservoir Field No. 2 (Oxford St), 9:40 am
Boys: Reddam 1 (Opens) v Cranbrook, Queens Park No. 7 (adjacent to the Shed Café, Darley Rd) 8:00 am Reddam 2 (Under 16) v Waverley 1, Queens Park No. 9 (adjacent to the Shed Café, Darley Rd), 10:30 am
Reddam 3 (Under 15) v Waverley 1, Trinity 2, 9:40 am. The bus will leave at 8:30 am Reddam 4 (Under 14) v Waverley 2, Riverview 1B, 10:40 am. The bus will leave at 9:30 am
Tennis Reddam 1 v St Pius, Talus Street Courts 10.00am Reddam 2 v Redlands, Neutral Bay Lawn Tennis Club 10.00am Reddam 3 v St Pius, Talus Street Courts 10.00am Reddam 4 v Redlands, Neutral Bay Lawn Tennis Club 10.00am Reddam 5 v St. Pius, Neutral Bay Lawn Tennis Club 8.00am Reddam 6 v Reddam 7, Neutral Bay Lawn Tennis Club 8.00am Reddam 7 v Reddam 6, Neutral Bay Lawn Tennis Club 8.00am Reddam 8 v St Pius, Talus Street Courts 8.00am
Cricket Reddam Ravens V Easts Hawks 8.00am Lower Cooper 1 Reddam Rabbits V SSMCJCC Copperheads 8.00am Lower Cooper 2 Reddam Roos V RJCC Renegades 3.00pm Lough Field South
Sports Results 14 October 2023 Basketball Girls Year 3 BOOMERS vs Inner City Angels 30 - 21 Year 3 TIGERS vs All Blacks 17 - 2 Year 4/5 STORM vs Inner City Flames 14 - 11 Year 6/7 TIMBERWOLVES vs Inner City Diamonds Year 7 FLAMES vs Inner City Magiv 18 - 22 Year 8 MYSTICS vs SGHS Venom 24 - 6 Year 9 LIGHTNING vs Be Real
Year 8 SPARKS vs SGHS Wildcats 37 - 6 Year 10 SUNS vs Sghs Cherry Pie 32 - 0 Year 11 DIAMONDS vs Inner City Ravens
Boys Year 5 CAVALIERS vs Newtown Comets 29 - 22 Year 3 LAKERS vs Newtown Wizards 54 - 29 Year 3 SPURS vs Newtown Panthers 37 - 14 Year 3 WIZARDS vs Inner City Tigers 26 - 22 Year 4 BUCKS vs Sydney HoopStars Wildcats 15 - 23 Year 5 RAPTORS vs Newtown Thunder 10 - 36 Year 5 HORNETS vs Sydney HoopStars Moccasins 22 - 13 Year 6 BULLS vs Newtown Wizards 19 - 36 Year 7 STAGS vs Newtown Rangers 16 - 34 Year 7 MAVERICKS vs Big Dream Ballers 55 - 47 Year 7 PACERS vs ProBall Clippers 23 - 23 Year 7 NUGGETS vs KHY Astonauts 17 - 37 Year 9 NETS vs Reggae Rockers 59 - 31 Year 10 HEAT vs Newtown Stingrays 20 - 0 Year 8 ROCKETS vs Matto Magic 11 - 52 Year 9 THUNDER vs Newtown Tigers 36 - 13 Year 8 BLAZERS vs Inner City Cyclones 19 - 44 Year 8 JAZZ vs Newtown Jazz 33 - 35 Year 8 WARRIORS vs Newtown Bullets 28 - 19 Year 11 GRIZZLIES vs Big Dream 0 - 20 Year 10/11 MAGIC vs Inner City Mavericks 46 - 50
Water Polo BOYS Opens v Knox, 10-11 Middle v Shore, 14-3 Primary v St Aloys, 5-3 GIRLS Reddam 1 v SACS, 8-0 Reddam 2 v Barker, 18-1 Reddam 3 v SACS, 8-0 Reddam 4 v Dolphins, 9-1 Reddam 5 v SGHS, 5-5
Touch Football Girls Reddam 1 v KRB 2, 2 - 5 Reddam 2 v Sceggs 7, 2 - 8 Reddam 3 v Sceggs 11, 2 - 7 Reddam 4 v Sceggs 12, 7 - 2 Reddam 5 v Sceggs 16, 7 - 0 Reddam 6 v KRB 19, 5 - 0
Primary Reddam Rays 5 Raptors 1 Reddam Sharks 4 Fierce Kids 0 Reddam Marlins 2 Roosters Blue 1 Reddam Killer Whales 8 Kenso Knights 1 Reddam Dolphins 0 Mighty Untouchables 6
Cricket Reddam Ravens 6/85 Sydney Coastal Manta Rays 3/173 Reddam Rabbits 15/149 RJCC Stars 6/165 Reddam Roos 7/159 Easts Renegades 9/198
Kindergarten Kindergarten enjoyed getting back into the ‘Winnie the Pooh’ rehearsals this past week. It was amazing to see everyone singing and performing so well. We can’t wait to show you all what we have been working on!
In English this week, we continued to learn our ‘ch’ digraph, and we also started our new sight words. Once we were confident with our ‘ch’ digraph, we looked at words with the ‘sh’ and ‘ch’ digraph and picked the correct digraph for the chosen words. We then wrote about our science topic: living things. We wrote a selection of sentences describing what living things need to stay alive. We used a word bank to help us. The teachers are so impressed with how well Kindergarten are writing independent sentences!
In Maths this week, we continued to look at equal grouping. We worked on understanding what makes an equal and unequal group. We had lots of opportunities to use counters, unfix cubes and toy teddies to help explain grouping. Together, as a class, we made up stories about equal sharing and drew pictures to match the story.
In Topic this week, we continued to look at living things. We discussed what living things need to stay alive. We completed an experiment to show how plants use water to grow. We discovered that flowers ‘drink’ water through their roots! They take water in, and it travels up their stem to the leaves and flowers. Check out our blue, red and green flowers that helped us make this discovery.
In PDH this week, we continued to learn about sun and water safety. This week, we learnt about the 5 S’s of Sun Safety – slip, slop, slap, seek and slide. We listened to a song to help us to remember the 5 steps of staying safe in the sun to protect our skin from sunburn.
Year 1 In English this week we focused on rhyming in texts. Patterns in language, such as rhyme, create structure and engage readers and listeners. We read the book ‘The Smartest Giant in Town’ and recognised a lot of rhyming patterns such as ‘My tie is a scarf for a cold giraffe’, and ‘My shirts on a boat as a sail for a goat’. We also read a poem called The Picnic by Dorothy Aldis and answered a number of questions related to it. The students are becoming more skilful when searching for information and composing answers.
In Maths lessons we investigated odd and even numbers by identifying them on a number grid and realising that even numbers are in certain times tables. We also continued to expand our knowledge of doubling related to addition and multiplication using 1-, 2- and 3-digit numbers!
In History and Geography, we followed on from our work on rural environments last week. We looked at the timeline of dairy farming. The students were amazed to learn that cows were not native to Australia.
They were also fascinated to discover that the dairy industry is the third largest rural industry in Australia!
In Science we investigated the different products that animals give us and the importance of providing a healthy, safe, and sustainable environment for the animals in question. We also discussed the importance of different cultures and foods that people may or may not eat.
In Personal Development and Health Education we discussed our fantastic bodies. We know that we need to take care of them in order to be fit, healthy and happy. The students were asked to focus on their five senses when describing being at a party which they were extremely enthusiastic to discuss based on their own experiences. They all said they loved the smell of sweet cake and the sound of people laughing.
Well done, Year 1! Another fabulous week.
Year 2 This week our Year 2 students embarked on a week of academic exploration which was both enlightening and entertaining. In our English classes, students delved into the art of text analysis. The focus text for the week, "Showdown Symphony," captured their imaginations and left them hungry for literary knowledge. They went on a quest to uncover the hidden secrets of this narrative, exploring the placement and purpose of onomatopoeia in the text. Understanding where and why these poetic devices are used allowed our students to appreciate the magic of language.
Beyond this, the students developed their writing skills by crafting complex sentences. Using "because", "but," and "so," they engaged with the minds of the characters within "Showdown Symphony”. By carefully constructing sentences that explain character motivations and actions, our students will develop narratives that bring their characters to life.
Adding a further touch of the dramatic to their News Presentations, our students also entertained their peers with poetry recitals. These performances go beyond mere recitation; our students utilised dramatic skills and props to create memorable presentations that captivated the audience.
In Mathematics, our students discovered the magic behind numbers. Lessons revolved around number bonds and the intricate relationship between addition and subtraction. Solving problems has become a challenge, as students confidently identify quarters of collections and apply logical thinking skills. Another focus area for our young mathematicians was on diligently gathering data to create lists, tables, and picture graphs. The ability to interpret these results is not only essential in the classroom but also a valuable skill that will serve them well in everyday life. In the measurement strand, accuracy reigns supreme. Our students worked on mastering the art of accurately measuring objects using standard units making everyday activities more engaging and educational.
This week in Science our students embarked on an exploration of the attributes of living things, guided by the memorable acronym MRS GREN. This acronym, which stands for Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, and Nutrition, was their compass on this scientific journey.
Students learned about the characteristics that define living organisms. They explored how living things move, breathe, sense their surroundings, grow, reproduce, excrete waste, and obtain nutrition, and it left our students with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
History and Geography came alive this week as students embarked on a journey back in time to learn about the significant site of Port Arthur. The relevance of this historical landmark, both past and present, was a central focus. Our young historians were excited to listen to the stories of convicts, both young and
old, to understand the hardships they endured in a bygone era. It is clear that our Year 2 students are not just gaining knowledge, they are also building a foundation of skills and a love for the subjects they are studying. We can't wait to see what more these young students will achieve in the weeks to come.
Year 3 We had an exciting week in Year 3, as we delved into the fascinating world of plants and the essential role that they play in our environment. Here is a recap of the enriching and educational journey our young learners embarked upon this week.
To kick off the topic, our eager learners dived into the crucial role of bees and the pollination process. They learned how bees help to transfer pollen from the male part of the flower (stamen) to the female part (stigma), a vital step in plant reproduction.
Our enthusiastic students were captivated as they delved into the intricate parts of a flowering plant. They recapped the essential components of a flower, including the filament, style, stigma, and petals. This understanding laid a solid foundation for exploring the broader structure of a plant.
The Year 3s were then introduced to the magic of photosynthesis, a process through which plants convert light energy into vital plant energy. They discovered that leaves play a crucial role in this process. Additionally, the class learned about the various parts of a plant and their functions – roots for stability and nutrient absorption, stems for support and food storage (like a potato), and leaves for photosynthesis.
Our inquisitive learners explored the life cycle of a flowering plant, unveiling five essential stages – germination, roots, leaves, flowering, and seed production. Understanding that germination requires the right mix of water, oxygen, and temperature was a key highlight. Furthermore, the students discovered how flowers are pollinated to produce fruit, vegetables, or grains that contain seeds for dispersion, showcasing the interconnectedness of nature.
Our curious Year 3 students were amazed to learn about the various ways that plants disperse their seeds, including wind, force, water, animals, and gravity. This knowledge shed light on the ingenious methods plants employ to propagate and thrive.
In conclusion, this week was an enriching exploration of the wonders of plants, highlighting their importance and the intricate processes they undergo. Our young botanists are becoming more aware of the critical role plants play in our ecosystem and are embracing the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
Year 4 What an electrifying week the Year 4 students had!
Firstly, the eagerly anticipated Revision Booklets were distributed, and students have begun the process of preparation for their end of year examinations. The studies of 2023 will be assessed across all key areas of the students' learning, for example, Languages, Science, History and Geography, English, and Mathematics. It is wonderful to see the students embrace this learning process and confidently demonstrating all that they know.
In Mathematics, students immersed themselves in the studies of Measurement and Space. The focus was on understanding the connection between Volume and Capacity, and recognising that Capacity is used to measure the internal volume of a container, whereas the volume addresses the space that a container occupies. The students extended their understanding through various practical activities, and became familiar with using millilitres, litres, and cubic centimetres.
The final term of the year leads to the denouement in Public Speaking, where students are asked to reveal all that they have learnt in a polished, prepared, persuasive performance. Topics were chosen, and throughout the lessons this week, sophisticated arguments were researched and refined. Drafts were composed and students proudly shared their unique opinions and some incredibly sizzling opening paragraphs.
We look forward to your final presentations, Year 4!
Year 5 & 6 English Year 5 This week, Year 5 students continued to explore the themes and characters of the novel, 'The One and Only Ivan'. Students have developed an increasingly sophisticated ability to analyse how writers use literary devices and techniques to shape our understanding of their characters. Over the week, Year 5 students also composed compelling detailed PETAETAL paragraphs exploring both the major and minor characters of the novel.
The Year 5 also displayed an exceptional level work ethic, completing their Writing Assessments tasks with great success. Year 5 students are to be congratulated for their continued dedication to learning and self-improvement in English.
Year 6 The Year 6 students are thoroughly enjoying their film study for this term, 'Red Dog'. Students are using the PETAL structure to deconstruct how the director has communicated central themes and ideas through various cinematic techniques. Students have begun to develop increasingly effective and engaging arguments with strong techniques and analysis to support their opinions. Meanwhile, Year 6 students are also honing their understanding and application of language conventions, resulting in increased writing and comprehension abilities.
Year 6 English students also completed their Writing Assessment this week. Year 6 students are commended for their conscientious effort towards their English studies and growth mindset demonstrated so far this term!
Year 5 & 6 Science
This week in Science Year 5 students developed an understanding of the phases of the moon and solar and lunar eclipses. Students identified how the position of the moon affects the phases of the moon we observe; it's all to do with sunlight! Students also learned about solar and lunar eclipses and can now explain the differences between the two, why a lunar eclipse is seen to be red in colour and how you would see a total eclipse.
This week in Science Year 6 students studied earthquakes. Students learned about the three different margin types and what the result of an earthquake at each margin type would be. Students also
explained how earthquakes occur and identified the epicentre, focus, fault lines and shockwaves in a range of diagrams. Finally, students worked in small groups and discussed how they would respond to problems caused by earthquakes.
In Science Club, students carried out one of three activities. Group one's design skills were tested as they designed and built model cars; these cars were then propelled by a balloon. Students needed to consider aerodynamics and the mass of their car in order to be the fastest. Group 2 learned about the laws of physics as they were challenged to create a circuit that would keep a marble in motion for the longest time possible. Students needed to consider speed, angles and the complexity of their designs. Group three made elephant's toothpaste. Elephant's toothpaste is when an array of chemicals and ingredients are combined to form a toothpaste-like substance, however, the scale of the toothpaste is enormous! Enough to clean the tusks of an elephant!
Year 5 & 6 Maths
Volume and capacity were the focus of our Year 5 Mathematics lessons this week. Students distinguished between volume and capacity, with volume representing the space occupied by an object and capacity denoting what a container can hold. Mathematicians explored units such as cubic centimetres and the need for a larger unit of cubic meters for measuring larger volumes. They learned to measure volume efficiently by using centimetre cubes to construct rectangular prisms and counting them to determine volume. Progressing, students understood the relationship between the length, width, height, and volume of objects, generalised their knowledge and used the formula of multiplying these dimensions to determine volume. They also differentiated between volume and surface area. Students also became skilled at estimating volumes and selecting appropriate units for measuring the capacities and volumes of various objects.
A significant addition in Year 6 was the building on their skills of finding the uniform cross-section as an alternative formula for calculating the volume of prisms and cylinders. This approach gave students a more versatile way to determine volumes for complex shapes. Throughout these lessons, students practised communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and recording their calculations to express their mathematical understanding effectively. Students engaged in practical activities and a hands-on approach to ensure they comprehended these mathematical concepts thoroughly.
Music Performance
As we delve deeper into this term, there's a buzz of excitement amongst our Music department and students alike. We're look forward to a series of ensemble, group, and collaborative performances that promise to enchant and inspire.
Kicking off our musical journey, next week sees our vibrant Battle of the Bands! A special Year 3-6 assembly will serve as the stage for our emerging rockstars. With drum beats, guitar riffs, and powerful vocals, this event promises to be an electric experience for both performers and spectators.
But that's just the beginning! Week 4 heralds our much-anticipated Spring Recital. This evening will be a celebration of our talented students, shining a spotlight on beautifully crafted ensembles and captivating chamber works. This should be a beautiful evening, held on Monday October 30 at 7pm in Adelaide Hall.
At Reddam House, we firmly believe in the transformative power of performance opportunities for our students. It not only bolsters their confidence but also hones their skills in a real-world setting. With such an enriched musical calendar ahead, this term is setting itself up to be a truly special one for our young maestros. We are excited to support their incredible talent and dedication.
Rock Bands
The talented students of our Reddam Rock Band have been diligently fine-tuning their skills, gearing up for a show-stopping performance at the upcoming Battle of the Bands in week 3. With three dynamic groups practising passionately every Monday and Wednesday afternoon, the dedication and enthusiasm are palpable.
In Term 2, our students took the initiative to select the pieces they would showcase, and since then they've committed wholeheartedly to mastering their roles. Their dedication is commendable.
We're incredibly proud to highlight the diversity of talent within the bands. Our young musicians span a spectrum of instruments, from the rhythmic beats of the drums and the pulsating strums of the bass to the electrifying riffs of the electric guitar. Not to forget our gifted keyboardists and soulful vocalists, all of whom bring their unique touch to the ensemble. Remarkably, for some, this will mark their debut performance on these instruments – a thrilling milestone indeed!
As the date draws near, the excitement is building. We can't wait to showcase to Reddam House the fruits of our dedication and hard work. We're confident the audience will be just as enthralled as we are proud. Join us next week in cheering them on!
Electronic Music Production
This Term 4, the EMP ensemble is taking a delightful and innovative twist to their musical journey by diving deep into the world of foley. For those unacquainted, foley involves creating sound effects, often used in film and theatre, to enhance auditory experiences.
Our inventive students have embarked on a quest to record an array of everyday objects, transforming the mundane into the melodious. From the rhythmic foot stomping and vibrant hand claps to the surprisingly amusing squeaks of rubber chickens, our ensemble is pushing the boundaries of traditional music-making.
The enthusiasm and creativity with which our students are approaching this project are palpable. They're not just playing music; they're reimagining it in the most playful and inventive ways.
As educators, watching them explore, experiment, and eventually express their unique compositions has been truly rewarding. We eagerly await the final performance and are thrilled at the prospect of sharing these innovative sounds with the Reddam House community. Brace yourselves!
Winnie the Pooh Rehearsal Schedule
Music
The Year 2s worked on their piece, 'Gypsy Man', in lessons this week. They sang the piece with accompanying actions, then revised the solfa notes using the solfa hand signs. They also learnt the piece on xylophones. They worked very hard to develop their xylophone technique – keeping curved fingers and bouncing of the keys.
They also spent time in their lesson improvising composition ideas using the tone set C E G A. There were fantastic ideas created and the children loved showing their ideas to the rest of the class. It was a fabulous week of music making!
Important Dates
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Tuesday 24th October - Make a Wish Foundation Fundraiser
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Wednesday 25th October - Year 1 Excursion