Redfield College has now been running its reading program ‘Renaissance Reading’ for one term. Students in Years 2-10 have been reading daily for 20 minutes. Once a student finishes reading their book they complete an online assessment. Primary students complete this at school whilst secondary students complete this assessment at home. Please encourage your son to read at home as well. A good goal would be 20 minutes reading at school and another 20 minutes reading at home.

Redfield College has achieved very strong results in this year's NAPLAN. The school average exceeded the national average in all of the testing domains of Numeracy, Reading, Writing and Conventions of Language.

Your son's Individual Student Report (ISR) for NAPLAN 2025 has been received by the school and will be sent home with him over the next few days. Please note that this report will is also be available for you to view digitally through the Parent Portal next week.

In Years 2-8 we have implemented a Theology of the Body Program which occurs in Religious Education class once a fortnight. Parents have been given a parent guide to help facilitate conversations with their sons before they go to class each fortnight. Students in class have been looking into important questions such as:

• Why has God given me a body?
• How can I be a gift to others?
• How can I appreciate the gifts that God has given me?
• Why has God given me the gift of senses?
• How do I control my body and my actions?

Please take the time to read the relevant sections of the “Body Matters” books with your son each week. The pages to read will be communicated to you via the classroom teacher.

Redfield College is committed to building a culture of excellence and helping each student achieve his personal best in all aspects of his education. MAPS Growth is an assessment tool which helps to build a learner profile for each student so that his strengths and areas for improvement are identified and used to help him grow academically. Students in Years 2-10 sit these assessments. 

Primary students are in the middle of MAPS Growth assessment and this should be complete in the next couple of weeks. Secondary students (Years 7-10) will be completing their assessments in week 5.

Redfield College wants every boy to do their best and grow academically. Building good habits is critical in growing in virtue and one way to do this for all students is completing their homework each night. We will follow up on any boys that haven’t completed their homework and ensure that they have completed it. In secondary school, lunchtime sessions are set aside for students to finish their homework. We appreciate your support in this manner. 

Daryl Castellino, Director of Teaching and Learning 

Wellbeing and mental health play critical roles in the lives of our young men. It is important that we equip our students with the knowledge and skills to thrive and flourish in all aspects of their lives.

In Week 7, Redfield will host Wellbeing Weekacross the Primary and Secondary campuses.

The theme for the week is ‘Looking after yourself, looking out for others’and will focus on promoting the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health of our students.

During Wellbeing Week, students will participate in a variety of activities designed to encourage healthy habits, resilience, positive relationships, and looking out for others. These activities include:

During the holidays, I along with James Touma, Christian Gebrael and Samuel Zaitony had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer with the Vinnies Van. The aim of the evening was to provide snacks, drinks and most importantly conversation to the less fortunate members of our wider community. Whilst handing out sandwiches and snacks at two locations in Ryde, we met many different people, all with their own stories. What struck me most was how much they appreciated what we were doing. Not for the food, but for the conversation and warm welcome we approached them with. I also greatly appreciated the chance to find fulfillment through helping others. We are very fortunate to have this opportunity at Redfield, and I strongly encourage anyone who is interested to put their hand up and have a go. A big thank you to Mr Vassallo and Mr Richa for organising, setting up and accompanying us on the evening.

Jackson Busch, Year 11

Today we held our 'First Friday' Vigil in the College Chapel. For the first time, we were able to use the tabor which was gifted to the school by the Class of 2024.

A tabor is a stand for the monstrance used during eucharistic adoration. Symbolically it represents our task of lifting up Jesus and making him visible through our words and actions. The word 'tabor' comes from the name of the mountain on which Jesus appeared in brilliant light to James, John and Peter. The arrival of the new tabor was very timely, with the feast of the Transfiguration coming next Wednesday.

Monday, 4 August - Friday, 15 August: Year 12 Trial Exams

Monday, 4 August: Japanese Exchange Program, student arrive

Monday, 18 August - Friday, 29 August: Years 2-6 MAPS Growth Testing

Wednesday, 20 August - Friday, 21 August: Years 7-10 MAPS Growth Testing

Wednesday, 13 August - Friday, 15 August: Year 6 Canberra Excursion

Wednesday, 13 August and Thursday, 14 August: Evening of Recollection

Thursday, 21 August: KPF 

Friday, 22 August: Years 2-7 ICAS Spelling

Monday, 25 August - Friday, 29 August: Book Week

Monday, 1 September - Friday, 5 September: Wellbeing Week

Tuesday, 2 September: Fathers' Day Stall

Friday, 5 September: Fathers Day Mass and Breakfast

Monday, 8 September - Wednesday, 10 September: Year 9 Camp

Wednesday, 10 September and Thursday, 11 September: Recollection

Monday, 15 September - Friday, 19 September: Year 11 - Preliminary Exams

Monday, 22 September - Friday, 26 September: Year 12 Graduation Week

Friday, 26 September: Last Day, Term 3

Monday, 29 September - Wednesday, 1 October: Sports Camp

I hope you all had an enjoyable and refreshing break. Term 3 has started with a bang, and we are already well and truly in the swing of things!

We are all looking forward to the upcoming Swimming Program, which begins next week. Swimming is such an important life skill, and this program will help build confidence in our less experienced swimmers while extending those who are already capable in the water. A big thank you to Mr Corey Rawlings, who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get the program up and running.

At the end of Week 4, our Year 6 students will be heading off to Canberra on camp. It promises to be an exciting and educational experience where the boys will explore our nation's capital and see our democracy in action. Thank you to Mr Ben Nolanfor all his work in planning and organising what will no doubt be a memorable camp.

A few weeks ago, a group of students and I, accompanied by Michael Alvirand Chris Cullen, had the incredible opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., for a leadership seminar hosted by The Heights School. This unique experience brought together students from around the world—including Uruguay, Argentina, Guatemala, Honduras, the Philippines, and Japan—for two weeks of learning, growth, and meaningful connection.

The Heights School offered an incredibly welcoming and inspiring environment for personal growth. From the start, it was clear that the school takes character formation seriously, combining strong academics with a deep focus on virtue. The setting was ideal for a seminar centered on leadership. Through engaging lectures and hands-on workshops, we dove into what real leadership looks like, rooted in service, guided by humility, and grounded in integrity.

We are proud to announce that the Redfield College Concert Band / Wind Symphony have both been awarded the Bronze Award at the Australian Schools Band and Orchestra Festival (ASBOF) held last Sunday.

ASBOF is one of the most respected school music festivals in Australia, attracting ensembles from across the state in a celebration of musical talent, discipline, and teamwork. 

The Bronze Award is a reflection of their hard work, consistent rehearsals, and growing musicianship. For many students, this was their first time performing at such a prestigious event—and they rose to the occasion with enthusiasm and professionalism.

We congratulate all members of the Concert Band / Wind Symphony, for this fantastic achievement. Thank you also to the families who continue to support the students’ musical journeys with encouragement and time.

Frank Romeo, Head of Music

We are thrilled to share the wonderful achievements of our Vocal Ensemble and Schola at the Ryde Eisteddfod last Wednesday.

The Vocal Ensemble proudly took home 1st place in the Secondary Schools section.

  The Schola impressed the judges with a beautifully refined performance, earning a very close 2nd place in the Sacred Music section.

Both ensembles performed challenging and sophisticated repertoire with remarkable skill, expression, and teamwork. Their beautifully blended sound and commitment to musical excellence were truly inspiring.

A huge congratulations to all the students involved—and heartfelt thanks to the music staff for their outstanding leadership and support.

Well done to our talented musicians—you’ve made our school community incredibly proud!

Frank Romeo, Head of Music

This winter marks an exciting milestone for Redfield College on the snow! Victor Lo (Year 1) proudly represented Redfield at the Northern NSW & QLD Interschools Championships at Perisher, joining 926 students from 137 schools across the region. Competing in the Ski Cross race (Division 6 Boys) on 9 July, Victor braved challenging conditions, strong winds and low visibility, to finish 26th out of 50 racers. This was not only Victor's first Interschools race, but also Redfield’s debut at this event. Victor is already eager to compete again in winter 2026.

Victor followed up with another great effort at the Scots Alpine Ski Race on 13 July, finishing 8th out of 15. He was absolutely delighted to earn a finisher's medal as a celebration of his perseverance and achievements.

Well done, Victor and a big thank you to his dad, Mike, for stepping in as Redfield's Team Manager for the Championships.

Nick Georgiou, Head of Sport 

During the school holidays, Dean Buranasin (Year 4) was selected to represent the Under 11’s Two Blues team at the NSW Junior Rugby State Championships held in Mudgee. Dean demonstrated exceptional ability throughout the tournament, particularly during scrums and lineouts, where he played in the positions of hooker and number 8. The Under 11’s Two Blues team remained undefeated across all six matches of the competition. Congratulations to Dean on this fantastic achievement and for representing our school community with such skill and sportsmanship.

Every year, Redfield College participates in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about support provided to students with a disability.

Please click on this link for information from the Australian Government about the NCCD.

The NCCD is a thorough process, and it will draw on information already held by the school. It will have no direct impact on your son. If you have any further questions about the NCCD, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Julie-Ann McLoughlin, Diverse Learning Coordinator
julieann.mcloughlin@redfield.nsw.edu.au

Changes to school services for Redfield College will commence Monday, 04 August 2025, and include;

3136 omit Jaffa Rd. Students may board from Kenthurst Rd or Old Northern Rd.

3552 departs 2 minutes later

3553 departs 1 minute later

Changes to school services for Redfield College will commence Monday, 11 August 2025, and include;

3504 departs 3 minutes later due to private coaches blocking the bus bay

3520 departs 3 minutes later due to private coaches blocking the bus bay

3533 departs 1 minute later

3544 passes 2 minutes earlier

3562 departs 2 minutes later due to private coaches blocking the bus bay

3583 passes 1 minute later

3589 passes 1 minute later

3592 departs 2 minutes later due to private coaches blocking the bus bay

3594 passes 1 minute later

3621 departs 2 minutes earlier

3625 passes 1 minute later

There are no changes to the route paths, only timing changes to reflect 2025 travel times.

Thomas Uthaug, Service Development Manager, CDC Buses