In This Issue
From the Headmaster
From the Headmaster
From the Headmaster

What a thought-provoking Key Parent Function last week! The school is abuzz with positive feedback. Dr Judith Locke was challenging, practical and entertaining, as she pushed our parents and educators to assess the way we interact with the children in our care. Dr Locke focused on growing independence and ensuring that our daughters and sons are increasingly ready for their entry into adulthood.
Redfield dads and their sons are warmly invited to the Father’s Day Breakfast on Friday, 5 September, make sure you celebrate Dad well on Fathers day - get him some small gift, but most importantly tell him that you love him and say a prayer for him.
We celebrated Book Week with our Primary School students this week, culminating on Friday with the Book Week Parade and activities. Book Week is an excellent opportunity to highlight the joy of reading and the vital role books play in sparking imagination, creativity, and critical thinking. The entire Primary school has been looking forward to this event and it was wonderful to see such a great turnout of parents and grandparents. We were glad you could join us.
To help our Year 12’s, Jason Ursinoand the Redfield staff will arrange some intensive HSC preparation in the school holidays as well as a new program called the Home Run program. This program aims to help our Year 12 students get themselves ready as a team for the HSC starting in October. While other teachers have a break and relax, our hard-working crew will be here doing all they can to assist our men to achieve the results they deserve. This is a great example of the Redfield staff’s desire to help the boys as much as possible, and how seriously we take the scholastic areas of school life.
With the end of the term fast approaching it is time to consider our plans and keep busy while having a good rest.
- Make sure your boys have a set time to get up in the morning; sleeping in excessively only tends to reinforce the habits of laziness.
- Encourage a timetable so time can be made for everything: rest, play, movies, friends and, yes, chores and work.
- Challenge them to be involved in helping someone; random acts of kindness are good for the giver as well as the receiver.
- Learn a new skill, read a new book, go for a bush walk, exercise.
- Start a gratitude journal. Write down at the end of each day what you are grateful for and why. At the end of the holidays or when you are having a bad day, read over them to remind yourself that life is pretty good despite its challenges.
- Make time for family.
Matt Aldous, Headmaster
Formation Front
Wellbeing Week - Week 7
Wellbeing Week - Week 7
“Looking after yourself, looking out for others”
Wellbeing week commences on Monday (Week 7). It is shaping up to be a great week with a range of events and activities focused on promoting the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health of our students.
There are a few key events parents need to be aware of:
1. “Looking Out for Others”Mufti Day on Wednesday, 3 September, when all boys in Years 2 to 12 are asked to come to school in casual clothes.Instead of donating money, each class has been allocated a specific item to bring in to donate to St Vincent de Paul Homeless Appeal(see the table below). To assist with collection efforts:
- Primary studentsare to bring their items into school during Weeks 4 to Week 7 and place them in the boxes in their classrooms. Going past a number of rooms this week, classes have already done a fantastic job with this.
- Secondary studentsare to bring their items to school on Wednesday, 3 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 LunchBarbecue on Thursday, 4 September. On Thursday of Wellbeing Week, the College will host a sausage sizzle for all students in Years 2 to 12. There will be no cost for this event.
3. Fun Thursday Interhouse Challenge on Thursday, 4 September (Years 7 to 10 students only). Year 7-10 studentsare to come to school in their Redfield sports uniformand bring their House shirtready to compete against their rival Houses in a range of challenges and sports after lunch.
Thank you all for your support of this Wellbeing and Pastoral Initiative as we work together to provide our students with the tools they need to thrive and flourish both in and out of the classroom.
Redfield Blitz Term 3 Week 7-10 - Culture of Excellence: Respect
At Redfield, we are committed to fostering a culture of excellencein all aspects of school life. Be it through the provision of a rigorous academic program, high expectations, a supportive learning environment, dedicated teachers and mentors, or through our virtues and character program, we encourage all our students to strive for their personal best in all that they do.
An important aspect of developing this Culture of Excellence is Respect. Respect for the classroom and learning, respect for staff and fellow students and respect for the school environment. Current research highlights the importance of building respect as it fosters positive relationships and a safe learning environment which reduces conflict, bullying and contributes to better academic and wellbeing outcomes (Cohen, 2006). The development of respect is also important in building resilience amongst our young men as raised by Dr Judith Locke at our last KPF. It is fitting that we have a focus on respect for the latter part of this term, as our focus virtue is ‘self-control’ and by extension temperance.
With this in mind, we will be having a Blitz on Respectin the Secondary School for the remainder of Term 3. If a student in the Secondary school is issued with a bluebook infringement for disrespectful behaviour towards a staff member or learning environment they will be issued with both a bluebook infringement and an immediate lunch time detention. We want to build a strong culture of respect amongst our students that values our staff and the learning environment so all can learn effectively and achieve their very best at Redfield.
David Vassallo, Deputy Headmaster
Term 3 - Key Parent Function
Term 3 - Key Parent Function
At our combined Term 3 KPF, Judith Locke delivered a fantastic presentation for parents on the importance of raising resilient and independent children. Her sessions were very well received and a number of parents commented that this was one of the best KPFs ever! The advice was very practical and informative for parents to implement at home. Below is the official summary from Judith as well as links to her books and facebook page.
Chris Tanna, Director of Formation
Help them help themselves
When was the last time you helped your children help themselves? And by that I don’t mean the last time you handed them the pizza box. I mean when was the last time your actions were with the sole goal of making your child or teen more independent?
Parenting these days is much more associated with extra parental effort for children. More actions to show your child you love them, more attempts to make them always happy, more behind the scenes work to help them become successful, the gentle reminders for them to finish their homework (and the very firm reminders to do their homework). It’s all with the best of intentions, but it is not always helpful.
The problem is that an increase of parenting help comes an increase in children’s dependence on their parent providing this sort of help. Regularly remind your child about their responsibilities and they will start to rely on this reminder every single time. Bring their forgotten lunch or their swimming gear up to school, and they start to think that remembering things is optional and they can rely on you being their memory backup.
Constant parent reminders are becoming so typical, that an educational psychologist colleague of mine believes she is seeing a decrease in children’s short-term memory skills. And you can understand the cause. Why would a child or teen need to develop that part of their brain, if they can rely on their parent to be their memory back-up drive?
It’s not only their retention skills parents can stunt by overdoing help for children.
Parent’s well-meaning actions to turn their children’s sadness into happiness instantly also make kids more dependent on their parent or someone else in their life always making it better. That’s fine if they are always going to be surrounded by people who will take the time to improve things for them – but it’s very unlikely that this will always be the case.
Every child is going to have to face difficult things (not getting on the team, missing out on the job, or not getting the rental property they wanted) at some point. If they haven’t learnt how to cope with disappointment, then it is going to be much more challenging for them.
How do you turn this around? Well, it’s best not to change everything immediately. But small incremental steps are going to work much better.
For example, next time they come home expressing disappointment in something that happened that day, don’t fix it immediately by a phone call to the school, or instantly make them happy again with a food treat. Instead, try talking to them briefly about their frustration. Rather than making it immediately better for them, try normalizing their feelings as appropriate for the situation they face. This will allow them to learn how to talk through and eventually accept the situation or develop the impetus to change their circumstances through their own efforts.
Next time you have the urge to remind your teen about their home tasks or chores, stop yourself, and give them the chance to remember it themselves. Or let them experience the costs of their lack of organization. In fact, it is only by them experiencing the consequences of their choices that will truly encourage them to develop the self-regulation they need to complete their daily responsibilities and eventually step up to adulthood.
I know parents always want to help and that it is ultimately with great love. But helping children to learn how to help themselves is going to be parental assistance that provides truly long-term benefits for them.
Takeaway for parents
Here are some other ideas that will help children help themselves.
- When they have a problem, encourage them to brainstorm solutions.
- To help them at first, encourage them to come up with some ideas mixed with your own ideas.
- Help them with pros and cons of the ideas that are discussed and get them to choose which one.
- Assist them choose which one they will do and maybe coach and encourage them as they complete the steps of the plan.
- After they do this, have them to evaluate it all and what they might do next time.
- Praise them for the huge step forward that they have taken.
© Judith Locke
Dr Judith Lockeis a Clinical Psychologist and registered teacher who presents sessions for parents and teachers at schools around Australia and internationally. For more of Judith’s work read her parenting books, The Bonsai Child(alsoavailable in Mandarin) and The Bonsai Student. Her most recent book is Raising Anxiety, written with Dr Danielle Einstein. You can also follow Judith’s Facebook page Confident and Capable.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Monday, 1 September - Friday, 5 September: Wellbeing Week
Tuesday, 2 September: Fathers' Day Stall
Friday, 5 September: Father's Day Mass and Breakfast
Monday, 8 September - Wednesday, 10 September: Year 9 Camp
Tuesday, 9 September: Celebrating the birthday of Our Lady
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
Redfield College Upcoming Events - Parent Committee
Redfield College Upcoming Events - Parent Committee
With Redfield College’s 40th Anniversary approaching in 2026, the Redfield Parent Committee (RPC) has been working hard to prepare for the celebrations taking place next year.
As part of this preparation, the RPC has been coordinating a variety of fundraising events over the past year. Looking ahead, several exciting events are planned, including the Father’s Day Stall, Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast, the Feast of Our Lady’s Birthday celebration, and Carols on the Green.
The College extends its sincere thanks to the RPC for their ongoing dedication and efforts.
Chairperson Rachael Gabrael
Deputy Chairperson Mary Flynn
Secretary Soraj Singh-Bains
Treasurer Tracey Zheng
Committee Members Nayana Saad
Lara Chee
Felicity Essey
Raizel Signo
We warmly encourage members of our community to get involved where possible. If you are able to assist with any future events, please contact the RPC by emailing rpc@redfield.nsw.edu.au.
Frank Romeo, Director of Administration
From the Primary School
From the Primary School
From the Primary School

Canberra Excursion, 2025 - Year 6
Canberra Excursion, 2025 - Year 6

From Wednesday, 13 to Friday, 15 August, our Year 6 students travelled to Canberra for a three-day excursion that combined history, culture, sport and plenty of fun. The trip provided students with opportunities to deepen their understanding of Australia’s democratic system, explore national institutions and share memorable experiences with their peers.
Day 1 – Art, Sport and the Outdoors
We began with a morning departure from Redfield College, travelling south with a stop for morning tea before arriving in Canberra. Our first destination was the National Portrait Gallery, where students engaged in the Head Hunt! program and discovered the stories behind significant figures in Australia’s history. From there, we toured the Australian Institute of Sport, enjoying a guided tour and hands-on experiences at the interactive Sportexcentre. The afternoon was spent at the National Arboretum, exploring the Discovery Garden and the iconic Pod Playground, before settling into Leumeah Lodge, our accommodation for the trip.
Day 2 – Science, Democracy, and Play
Our second day was packed with highlights. Students visited the National Film and Sound Archive, taking part in the Media and Meprogram, before heading to Questacon to enjoy the hands-on science exhibits. After lunch among the public artworks at Reconciliation Place, we spent the afternoon at Parliament House, where students explored both the Senate and House of Representatives, and participated in a program with the Parliamentary Education Office. The evening ended on a high with a visit to iPlay Belconnen, where laser tag, dodgem cars, and arcade games gave students a chance to unwind after a big day.
Day 3 – The Feast of the Assumption and Remembrance
Day three began very early, with the boys rising at 5:00am to prepare for Mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral in celebration of the Feast of the Assumption. This special occasion gave students the chance to participate in a significant liturgical celebration alongside the wider Canberra community. Following Mass, the groups undertook a driving tour of the Embassy and Lodge District and visited the National Electoral Education Centre, where they gained hands-on insights into how Australia’s democratic system operates. The excursion concluded at the Australian War Memorial, where the We Will Remember Themprogram provided a moving and reflective end to our journey.
This excursion gave our students the chance to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, from art and science to democracy, faith and national heritage. It was also a time of personal growth: for some, staying away from home for the first time; for others, summoning the courage to take on the giant slide at Questacon or embrace new experiences alongside their peers. These challenges, both big and small, helped the boys grow in confidence, resilience, and independence.
It was a joy to see their enthusiasm and camaraderie shine through, creating memories that will stay with them long after the bus rolled back into Redfield.
Government Support
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Government is contributing $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program. This rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion and is deducted from the cost.
Ben Nolan, 6B Class Teacher



Kangourou sans Frontieres Mathematics Competition
Kangourou sans Frontieres Mathematics Competition
This March, many of our students took part in the Kangourou sans Frontières (KSF) Mathematics Competition, with several achieving outstanding results. Inspired by the AMT’s Australian Mathematics Competition, the KSF has grown to become the largest maths competition in the world, with over 6 million participants each year. The contest provides a wonderful opportunity for students to challenge themselves, sharpen their problem-solving skills, and experience mathematics in a competitive yet enjoyable setting.
Congratulations to all students who participated — we are very proud of your efforts!
Below are Redfield’s top achievers for 2025
Michael Kim | Jed Toohey | Vitaliano Jimenez Quade |
Adrian Wu | David Sung | Aarav Solanki |
Cruz Leung | Rayden Tee | Gabriel Elley |
Flynn Cheah | Gabriel Min | Rishaan Arora |
Wilson Jia | Saathvik Kapavarapu | Ilan Sukumar |
Amadeus Leung | Chaitya Kapoor |
Jason Hatcher, Primary Teacher

Year 6 Debating Program Launches
Year 6 Debating Program Launches
Year 6 have been fortunate to begin their debating program this term with the support of our senior leaders. Debating Captain Raphael Cheung and Vice-Captain Christopher Fernandez have taken on the role of mentors, guiding the boys through the foundations of debating.
So far, students have been introduced to the structure of a debate and how to shape clear and convincing arguments. Over the coming weeks, Raphael and Christopher will continue leading the program, running training sessions that build up to full practice debates.
On behalf of the Year 6 boys, we would like to sincerely thank Raphael and Christopher for their time and dedication, especially while balancing their own important studies. They have been generously giving up their Tuesday lunchtimes to run these sessions and their leadership is greatly appreciated. We look forward to learning more from them in the weeks ahead.
Ben Nolan, 6B Class Teacher
From the Secondary School
Captain's Corner
Captain's Corner
As I approach the end of my time at school, I’ve been reflecting on what these years have really meant. Beyond the classes, assessments, and marks, the most valuable lessons I’ve learned have been about growing in virtue and about the kind of person I want to become.
One of the greatest blessings of our school is the ease of access we’ve had to the sacraments and to the life of faith. It’s easy to take that for granted when it’s part of our daily routine, but it is something truly invaluable. We are so fortunate to be part of a community that doesn’t just form our minds, but helps us flourish as whole people - spiritually, morally, and personally.
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be this: make the most of your time here. These years go faster than you think, and one day you’ll realise how quickly it all comes to an end. Cherish the friendships you make, embrace the opportunities before you, and don’t lose sight of what really matters.
As I walk these hallways for the last time, I do so with deep gratitude - for the relationships, the lessons, and the faith that will carry me forward.
Joseph Assaf, College Vice Captain
Week 6 Lion Awards
Week 6 Lion Awards
Congratulations go to these students in Years 7 & 8 who were presented Lion Awards this week:
Congratulations go to these students in Years 9 & 10 who were presented with a Lion Award this week:
Congratulations go to these students in Years 11 who were presented with a Lion Award this week:
Redfield Vinnies Van
Redfield Vinnies Van
On Friday, 15 August, myself, along with Christopher Fernandez and Benicio Gutiérrez, had the opportunity to volunteer in the St. Vincent de Paul’s Vinnies Van program. Accompanied by Mr David Vassallo and Mr George Georgescu, we visited two locations in Ryde where we provided hot beverages, sandwiches, snacks, and hygiene products to the less fortunate in our community. It was so heartwarming to see the real difference we were providing to them and how they appreciated the little things we take for granted. A big thanks to Mr Vassallo and Mr Georgescu for all their help, and I strongly advocate for anyone who is considering it next year; you will not regret it!
Aidan Weber, Year 11



Sports
Futsal Results
Futsal Results
The Under 14’s Redfield Futsal Team proudly represented the College at the NSW State Futsal Championships, after progressing from the regional championship earlier this year.
The boys put in a fantastic effort, finishing the group stage with 3 wins and 2 losses. Unfortunately, they narrowly missed out on progressing to the knockout stage on goal difference.
Congratulations to Tristan Abboud, Marcus Bazouni, Matthew Chee, Anthony Kim, Nicholas Masina, Jonah Rudolph, Joseph Taouk, and Elijah Doueihi for their spirit, teamwork, and determination.
A special thank you also goes to the parents for their support on the day and for assisting with transport.
Luke Cinque, Futsal U14 Coach

Community
Updated Redfield Private Bus Service Timetable
Updated Redfield Private Bus Service Timetable
Click on this link to view the updated Redfield private bus timetable. This new timetable is effective from 11 August, 2025.
Advance Life Photograph Orders
Advance Life Photograph Orders
We are pleased to advise that online ordering is now open for the school's Sports, House Captains, Student Leaders and Co-curricular group photos.
If you place your order before Friday, 5 September, you will receive a 20% early order discount. Simply click on the link below. Please note that whilst we are not able to preview images in the ordering portal, all purchases are fully refundable for a period of 21 days. The 20% discount will be automatically applied at checkout.
Lysterfield Lake College - Melbourne
Lysterfield Lake College - Melbourne
Last week on August 22nd, I had the opportunity to celebrate the grand opening of our brother school, Lysterfield Lake College, at their permanent site in Narre Warren North, Melbourne. Though still early days for the school (as a former student of Wollemi, I remember the days of demountables and fields aplenty), it is a true blessing from God that the boys were able to finally move to this permanent site, with views of the entire suburb, and only a three hundred metre walk to the lake itself. The celebration was joined by many local MP's and politicians, as well as benefactors and board members of Pared, Victoria. In his address, principal Trent Thomas emphasised the importance of working hard, and looking to the day when the school would get on site, as a process of character development, and I don't think any of us could agree more. God bless LLC!
Josh Woolnough

Announcements
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.
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 here 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)
Past Editions of The Red
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Redfield 2025 Term Dates
● Term 3:
Tuesday, 22 July - Friday, 26 September
● Term 4: Tuesday, 14 October - Thursday, 11 December
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

