It was a wonderful occasion last Wednesday as we celebrated the 40th Anniversary as a community. It was a beautiful celebration, the students all were respectful and carried themselves in a way matching the reverence of the occasion. It was great to have so many family, friends, and Old Boys with us on the day. It was especially gratifying to have 4 Old Boy priests celebrating. Fr Phil Elias, Fr Daniel McCaughan, Fr John Watson and Fr Stephen Howard. Fr John spoke beautifully about the challenges or mountains that PARED and Redfield families old and new have had to patiently bear in our 40 years. There will always be challenges, difficulties, haters and detractors but together as a community, united as family we can aim to be here for another 140 years, continuing to make a difference.
From the Headmaster
The last few days I have been in our nation's capital with our year 6 class. There have been many great moments and we have created many lasting memories. There are few greater places than the War Memorial. We went to a very moving last post ceremony. Here the tomb of the unknown soldier resides as does the eulogy for him.
“The Unknown Australian Soldier we inter today was one of those who, by his deeds, proved that real nobility and grandeur belongs not to empires and nations but to the people on whom they, in the last resort, always depend.”
This is a reminder that we all have a part to play in our nation and in our school, great or small, to make it just that little better every day, this is proven ultimately by our deeds not our words.
Learning to speak clearly and present with confidence is an important skill that all children can develop. Developing the capacity to share ideas and speak in front of an audience can help students build self-confidence, sharpen their thinking, and learn that their voice matters.
We saw a wonderful example of skills on display last Friday at our annual Redfield Book Parade. Our students took to the stage and wowed us with their fantastic character presentations. Dressed as their favourite book characters, the boys spoke with wonderful confidence in clear, expressive voices. Stepping up to speak in front of a large crowd takes real courage, and our students did an incredible job modelling great fortitude and showing the whole school community how it is done. Well done!
Matthew Aldous, Headmaster
From Diverse Learning
Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome
Our school community is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of neurodiversity, and in this issue we are looking closely at Tourette Syndrome and Coprolalia. Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by involuntary movements and vocal sounds called tics. Also associated with Tourette Syndrome is Coprolalia—the involuntary utterance of obscene words or socially inappropriate remarks. About 10% to 15% of people diagnosed with Tourette syndrome experience coprolalia. It is crucial for our school community to understand that these outbursts are completely unintentional and do not reflect the personal thoughts, beliefs, or choices of the individual. By promoting an environment of patience, kindness, and accurate awareness, we can ensure that all students feel supported and included.
A short, but informative video about an Australian student with Tourette Syndrome can be viewed here.
Please see the below fact sheet about Coprolalia:
Formation Front
Reminder: Wellbeing Week is Coming Next Week
Reminder: Wellbeing Week is Coming Next Week
A reminder that next week (Week 7), is Wellbeing Week across the Primary and Secondary campuses at Redfield. The theme for the week is‘Looking after yourself, looking out for others’.
During Wellbeing Week, our students will participate in a variety of activities designed to encourage healthy habits, resilience, positive relationships, and looking out for others. Activities will include, year-appropriate wellbeing workshops, talks by our Redfield Counselling Team, spiritual mediations with Father Phil as well as a variety of games, challenges and team-building activities.
Of particular importance for parents to note is:
1. “Looking Out for Others” Mufti Day on Wednesday, 2 September, when all boys in Years 2 to 12 are asked to come to school in casual clothes. On this day each students is asked to think of others by:
a) make a gold coin donation with monies raised being donated to St Vincent De Paul Society to support their valuable work helping those in need within our community
AND
b) bringing donation items in support of St Vincent De Paul Homeless Appeal and the creation of snack packs for the homeless. Each class has been allocated a specific item. These are listed below.
To ease with collection:
- Primary students are to bring their items intoschool during Weeks 4 to Week 7 and place them in the boxes in their classrooms.
- Secondary students are to bring their items to school on Wednesday 2 September (Week 7) Their donation items will be collected on entry to school by students from our Mission and Service Team.
This will provide a great opportunity for our Redfield men to give to others.
2. Lion’s Lunch barbecue on Thursday, 3 September. Nothing brings the community together better than food! On Thursday, 3 September, the College will host a sausage sizzle and drink for all students in Years 2 to 12. There will be no cost for this.
3. Fun Thursday Interhouse Challenge on Thursday, 3 September. Years 7 to 10 students are to come to school in their Redfield sports uniform and bring their House shirt ready to compete against their rival Houses in a range of challenges and games after lunch.
The goal for the week is to provide students with the tools they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom by helping to equip them with the knowledge and skills to thrive and flourish in all aspects of their lives.
It is shaping up to be a great event.
David Vassallo, Deputy Headmaster
Vinnies Van
Vinnies Van
On Friday 14 August, a band of Year 11s, Andrew B, Arthur E, Will P and Thomas S, accompanied with Mr David Vassallo and Mr Charbel Doumit, set out to better the days of the many through serving through the Ryde Vinnies Van.
With each stop we made, everybody left with a smile on their faces. Not only the food and goodies, but the simple light-hearted banter with the local residence truly made their days. One of the people we served – Neil- even shared a joke or tow with us including:
“I got laid off this morning. Apparently it was because I was smiling too much! Guess I won’t be getting another gig as a funeral director!”
Time flies when you’re having fun, and it didn’t feel like time was being used up at all. Having the ability to serve another fills one with a sense of dignity, joy and humility like no other, and would highly encourage everybody to participate at least once in the Vinnies van if they get a chance.
Thomas S, (Year 11)
Upcoming Events
Father's Day Stall
Father's Day Stall
Father's Day Raffle
Father's Day Raffle
College Events
40th Anniversary Mass
40th Anniversary Mass
To commemorate Redfield College’s 40th anniversary, the school community gathered for a beautiful Mass of Thanksgiving, bringing together past and present students, parents, staff, and friends of the College. The celebration was a fitting tribute to four decades of faith, learning, and friendship that have shaped generations of Redfield families.
The Mass was concelebrated by a distinguished group of priests with strong ties to the College and wider Catholic community. Among them were Fr John Watson, Prefect for Spiritual Formation for the Prelature of Opus Dei in Australia and New Zealand and a Redfield Old Boy from the Class of 2003; Fr David Ranson, Diocesan Administrator of Broken Bay and Parish Priest of Our Lady of Dolours, Chatswood; Fr Daniel McCaughan, Parish Priest of St Patrick’s Sutherland, Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy for the Archdiocese of Sydney, and a Redfield Old Boy from the Class of 2002; Fr Frank Garcia, PARED Chaplain and the school’s longest-serving chaplain; Fr Felix Navarro, who served as Redfield’s chaplain from 2011 to 2017; and Fr Stephen Howard, a member of the Class of 2010 who was ordained just ten days earlier at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney.
Adding to the dignity and beauty of the liturgy was the Redfield Schola, whose singing lifted the hearts of all in attendance. Their voices were accompanied by an unexpected and delightful singing from a bird in the COLA, whose spontaneous song seemed to join in the celebration and created a memorable atmosphere of prayer and gratitude.
The anniversary Mass was a joyful reminder of the enduring spirit of Redfield College and the deep bonds that unite its community across generations. As the school celebrates 40 years since its establishment, the gathering reflected on the countless lives touched by Redfield’s mission and looked forward with confidence and gratitude to the years ahead.
Thank you to the following people for their contribution to making this mass a beautiful occasion. Our wonderful operations staff, Mr Michael Carrington, Mr Adrian Gauchi, Mr Raymond Michael, Mrs Bridget Kim, Mrs Park, the Maroun Family (year 2), Mrs CC Kos, Mrs Lara Chee, Mrs Annie Acevedo, Mr Romeo, Mr Cascun, students in the Schola, Mr McDonald and Fr Phil Elias.
Chris Tanna, Director of Formation
From the Primary School
Primary Merit Awards
Primary Merit Awards
From the Secondary School
Lion Awards
Lion Awards
Assessments Calendar for Term 3
Assessments Calendar for Term 3
Year 12 Retreat Day
Year 12 Retreat Day
On Wednesday 19 August, our Year 12 students gathered at the Benedict XVI Conference Centre for a special Reflection Day following their HSC Trial Examinations.
What a day it was! Year 12 truly blew us away with their engagement, enthusiasm and wholehearted participation. Most inspiring of all was the depth of faith they brought to the day.
We began with Holy Mass in the Chapel, where the beautiful singing of the schola took our breath away. It was a wonderful way to begin the day, and everyone left the liturgy feeling uplifted and ready for the day ahead.
Our first plenary session featured Professor Arthur Brooks (not quite in the flesh!), who spoke about happiness and the challenge of breaking free from the “matrix” of phone addiction. His message clearly resonated with our students, and the conversations that followed in small groups were thoughtful, honest and incredibly engaging.
Later in the day, we heard from Mr James Tran, who shared his powerful personal journey through addiction and the growth that can come through adversity. His testimony offered our students an opportunity to reflect on resilience, the choices we make and the importance of growth through life’s challenges.
Our final plenary was led by Simon Carrington from Fire Up Ministries, who offered some timely advice and wisdom around dating, friendships and relationships with the opposite sex. His talk provided plenty for our students to think about and discuss.
The cherry on top of a wonderful day was Adoration in the Chapel. This was a particularly moving time, allowing our students to slow down, be still and spend time in the presence of Our Lord.
A huge congratulations to our Year 12 students for the wonderful spirit they brought to the day. Their openness, joy, engagement and inspiring faith made the Reflection Day a truly memorable experience.
I would also like to extend an enormous thank you to Fr Phil Elias, Mr Chehade Richa, Mr Chris Tanna, Mr David Vassallo and MrMilad Khalil for generously accompanying our students throughout the day. Your presence and support were greatly appreciated.
It was a beautiful day of faith, friendship and reflection and one that I hope Year 12 will carry with them as they continue their journey towards the HSC and beyond.
Charbel Doumit, Head of Senior School
Philosophy Day
Philosophy Day
On Wednesday 5th August 12 Senior students from Redfield attended Academy Learning’s “National Senior Stretch Day” which was held at Ascham School.
Academy Learning has been offering these days, in which students explore a selection of philosophical questions, for over twenty years. Redfield students have been present every year. The days provide an opportunity to stand back and think about the broader questions behind the curriculum study that our students are involved in.
This year the topics ranged from an interrogation into the limits of the empirical methods to what science can tell us about the influence of music on our minds and bodies, to the perennial problem of Free Will. In addition, there was a session entitled “When is it permissible to break the rules?”, an exploration of an Oxbridge admissions question. The day ended with a debate on Australia’s social media ban.
The day is a good reminder once again, that, as Hamlet says in Shakespeare’s play,
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio/
Than are dreamt of by NESA. (Act 1, Scene 5)
With apologies to the Bard.
Martin Fitzgerald, Head of Philosophy
Sports
Flag Football Gala Day
Flag Football Gala Day
On Monday, 17 August, our students travelled to Killara to compete in a Flag Football Gala Day hosted by Bring It On Sport, an external provider we have worked with previously. Getting there was an adventure in itself, with the boys and staff having to battle some insane traffic before finally arriving at the venue.
Once we arrived, the conditions provided another challenge, with rain falling non-stop throughout the day. Despite the weather, the boys’ spirits remained high and they embraced the opportunity to compete, with many playing Flag Football for the first time.
Our Year 12 team competed in the u18 division and produced an outstanding performance, going through the day undefeated without conceding a single point.
The Year 8 team (competing in the u15 division) also competed strongly throughout the day. They played some excellent football but were unfortunate to have a number of decisions go against them at crucial moments.
Our Year 9 team (also competing in the u15 division) comfortably progressed through the group stages, defeating every team they faced. Unfortunately, their campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion, losing the final on the buzzer following a difficult 50/50 call.
Between the relentless rain, challenging conditions, traffic and close games, it was certainly a day our boys won't forget. It was particularly pleasing to see so many students embrace a sport that was new to them and represent the school with such enthusiasm and resilience.
A big congratulations to all students who represented the school throughout the day.
Team Lists:
| Year 8 Team (u15s) | Year 9 Team (u15s) | Year 12 Team (u18s) |
|---|---|---|
| Marcus B | Luke A | Marcus A |
| Andrew B | Matthew C | Logan D |
| Elijah D | Pierre D | Samuel F |
| Daniel L | Dominic G | Nick J |
| Isaiah S | Anthony K | Marcus K |
| Mason S | Nick M | Joachim R |
| Isaac R | Nathan N | Ashton W |
| | Jonah R | Seth W |
| | Noah S | Daniel Y |
Nick Georgiou, Head of Sport
Redfield Lions U6 Rugby
Redfield Lions U6 Rugby
Forget State of Origin — the new Blues v Reds is Redfield Lions U6 v Blue Mountains Bluetongues U6. Redfield Old Boys and former ROBR team mates, Pat Abrams (Class of 2004) and Charlie Burfitt (Class of 2008), have swapped playing boots for coaches’ whistles, carrying their spirited rivalry into the next generation — Abrams and son for the Reds, Burfitt and sons for the Blues.
Natasha Doherty, President Redfield Rugby Club
Community
Chapel Flower Donations
Chapel Flower Donations
Announcements
2026 Parent Communications
You can view correspondence from the College here
Student Forms and Documents
You can view Student documents and assessment booklets for Years 7 to 12 here
College Counsellors
Secondary School - John Soulemezis - john.soulemezis@redfield.nsw.edu.au
Primary School - Laura Fimmano - laura.fimmano@redfield.nsw.edu.au
Engage Counsellor Referral Form - https://tinyurl.com/Hills-Counsellor-Referral
Redfield 2026 Term Dates
Term 1: Monday, 2 February - Thursday, 2 April
Term 2: Tuesday, 21 April - Thursday, 25 June
Term 3: Tuesday, 21 July - Friday, 25 September
Term 4: Tuesday, 13 October - Thursday, 10 December
Redfield 2027 Term Dates
Term 1: Monday, 1 February - Friday, 9 April
Term 2: Wednesday, 28 April - Thursday, 24 June
Term 3: Tuesday, 20 July - Friday, 24 September (Pupil free day - Friday, 6 August)
Term 4: Tuesday, 12 October - Thursday, 9 December
Midford Uniform Shop
Midford is the appointed agent for uniforms at Redfield. To access Midford's online store, please go to https://www.midford.com.au/ and use the school passphrase
Redfield1986.
Home delivery is available for a fee of $15. You will receive an email once your order has been
processed. Online orders will only be processed on Tuesdays. Phone 9651 0313. Click on this link for the
current price list.
Bus and Route
Redfield has a private bus and route travelling between Baulkham Hills and Dural, via Kellyville, Beaumont Hills and Glenhaven every morning and afternoon. Find out more and book your son a spot here.
For the latest CDC NSW Travel Advise, click on this link.
Engage Quick Links
Click here to access Engage
Click on the links below to complete
the relevant forms in Engage:
● To update your contact
details
● Submit an Absentee Form
● Submit an Extended Leave Form(for holidays, weddings, etc.)
●
Submit an Exemption From School Form (for external activities,
medical appointments, funerals etc.)
For more information on how to use the Engage Parent Portal please
visit our Parent Portal Resource Site
Redfield Staff Directory
Click on this link for staff roles and email addresses.
Parent e-Handbook
Click here for information on College Administration (School Uniforms, Student Attendance, Communication with the School, Transport Options and more)