We wish to inform you of an adjustment to the College calendar for Term 3. The start date for Term 3 has been brought forward by one day. Instead of commencing on Wednesday, 23 July, classes will now begin on Tuesday, 22 July.

Connected to this change, Friday, 8 August will now serve as a Parent-Teacher Interview Day for students in Years 7 to 10. As such, students in Years 2 to 11 will not be required to attend school on this day. Please note that Trial HSC Exams will continue as planned on this day, and Year 12 students are to attend school as per their published timetable.

We appreciate your understanding and support with these changes, and we look forward to the benefits of holding our interviews slightly earlier in the term. Further information about booking interviews with your son’s teachers will be shared closer to the date.

Frank Romeo, Director of Administration

Earlier this term, our Headmaster Mr Matt Aldousshared 2024 Perspective Survey data with our Redfield community. Whilst the survey presented many aspects of College life that are to be celebrated, it also provided valuable feedback about key areas in which we could improve, further develop and refine. One of these areas our was that of respect, and as such, our school leaders have been focusing on ways in which we can address this at the College.

With this in mind, we have begun to develop a number of strategies and initiatives. These have included:

On Thursday, 12 June, our Year 9 students joined over 5000 students from a range of schools in Sydney in attending the Stand Tall Conferenceat the International Convention Centre at Darling Harbour.

It was a great day. Our Year 9 students heard from a range of high-quality speakers who shared their stories and experiences of hardship, perseverance, endurance and courage. The aim of the conference was to help our students to develop resilience, motivation, strength and the power of perspective, thereby equipping them to face the challenges that they may confront now and, in the future, to be able to make positive life choices.

There were many great speakers on the day, but two who particularly inspired and resonated with our young men from Redfield were:

On Friday, 23 May, along with our Headmaster Mr Matt Aldous, I had the pleasure of accompanying four of our Redfield students who gave up their Friday night to assist those in need through participating in the Ryde Vinnies Van. These students were: 

• Marcus Alloggia (Year 11)
• Ben Chocron (Year 12)
• Jayden Elias (Year 11)
• Mark D’Mello (Year 11)

The boys did a fantastic job. For those of you who follow Redfield on Instagram, you would have seen our intrepid real-time reporter Mr Aldous’s posts on the night. For those of you who have yet to see these, please find the links below. As the old saying goes, "a picture (especially one that is moving) says a thousand words".

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ_SXGMy2QN/?igsh=MW9vMXF0dDVkMDFlNQ==

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ_asptySe2/?igsh=MWoxc2p5bmZ0Yzh2Mg==

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ_f8JmSgZ2/?igsh=MW1lcW5oZmtwZzhxbQ==

Helping your son navigate the online world safely - Tips 7 & 8

Over the course of Term 2, I have been sharing a number of tips to assist you to help your son navigate the online world safely. This week, I would like to share our final two tips. These tips have been put together by Tomorrow Manin conjunction with Respect and the Australian Government.

Tip 7 - Stay Updated

The online world changes rapidly, and staying informed keeps you prepared.

• Follow advice from trusted resources like the eSafety Commissioner (https://www.esafety.gov.au/) or the ACCC’s Scamwatch (https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/).
• Join parent forums or online groups to learn from others.
• Stay aware of emerging trends, apps and potential risks.

WATCH FOR: sudden interest in new apps or platforms, engaging with risky online challenges.

Tip 8 - Foster Open Communication

Teens will more likely come to you if they trust that you won’t overreact.

• Create a judgment-free space for your teen to share their experiences.
• Show empathy and understand, even when discussing mistakes.
• Let them know they can come to you with any online issues.

WATCH FOR: avoidance of conversations about online activities, seeking advice from peers rather than parents.

Click on this link to make a donation.

Monday, 16 June - Year 11 Parent-Teacher Interviews

Tuesday, 17 June - Year 7 Archibald Prize Art Excursion

Tuesday, 17 June - Primary Athletics Carnival

Wednesday, 18 June - Secondary Athletics Carnival

Thursday, 19 June - Term 1 House Points Competition Winners Barbecue for Secondary Castor and Primary Hydrus students

Friday, 20 June to Thursday, 26 June - Years 7-10 Mid-Year Exams

Tuesday, 24 June - HSC and Preliminary Music Night

Thursday, 26 June - Last Day, Term 2

Friday, 27 June - Primary Parent-Teacher Interviews

Friday, 27 June - Years 11 & 12 Careers Expo 

Monday, 30 June to Wednesday, 2 July - Holiday Sports Camp

Tuesday, 22 July - First Day, Term 3

During the month of May, it is a very special tradition in the Catholic Church to increase our devotion to Mary, the Mother of Our Lord and our Mother.

On Friday, 30 May, Years 3 and 4 visited the Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents to pray the Rosary together. Each grade prayed the Mysteries of the Rosary with their teachers, and we all gathered at the end in the beautiful chapel to pray the Litanies together.

The Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents is an approved Jubilee Pilgrimage site, where one can obtain a Jubilee Indulgence during this Year of Hope.

After completing our pilgrimage, we visited Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope. The boys had a wonderful time playing in the wave pool (even though the waves weren’t working!), and their favourite part was the inflatable obstacle course, which was a lot of fun!

It was a beautiful way to finish the month of May!

Francisco Nodrid, Primary Formation Leader

Congratulations go to these students in Years 7 and 8 were presented with a Lion Award this week:

Congratulations go to these students in Years 9 and 10 who received a Lion Award this week:

Congratulations go to these students in Years 11 and 12 who received a Lion Award this week:

The Mid-Year Exams for Years 7 to 10 will run from Friday, 20 June to Thursday, 26 June.

Please note recent changes to the timetable. The updated version can be viewed via this link.

Students are encouraged to ensure that they plan their revision carefully and speak with their teachers if they have any questions.  

Jason Ursino, Head of Curriculum

An impressive number of Year 10 students have responded to Christ’s call to preach the Gospel. As part of the Diocese of Parramatta’s Special Religious  Education (SRE) program, the students take the short trip down the road to Dural Public School every Friday morning, where they share their Catholic faith with students in Years 3 to 6. We are extremely proud of them for offering their time to share their God-given gift of teaching with the Dural Public students, who may not receive any form of Catechesis otherwise. Their friendly, engaging and bubbly nature has proven to be very popular among the children in their class. The Redfield community commends the following students for their commitment to this program:

• John-Paul Azzi
• Thomas Chee
• Arthur Essey
• Michael Harb
• Xavier Harb
• Jason Khoudair
• Daniel Lee
• Michael Lee
• Yohan Menezes
• Louis-Thomas Morrissey
• Wil Palmer
• Thomas Signo
• Marco Tomac
• Paul Vlastelica
• Alex Yi

Milad Khalil, Secondary Religion Teacher

Rock Night was a resounding success, delivering an unforgettable evening filled with talent, energy and community spirit. The stage came alive with amazing student performances, each act showcasing impressive musical skill and confidence beyond their years. The excitement reached new heights when the dads band took over, rocking out with electrifying riffs and crowd-pleasing hits that had everyone on their feet. The venue pulsed with a true rock arena atmosphere, with lights, sound and cheers blending into a celebration of music and togetherness. It was a night where passion and community truly took centre stage.

Click on this link to watch the promotional video.

Frank Romeo, Head of Music

Huge congratulations go to the Redfield College Vocal Ensemble for placing third with a mark of 94/100 in the prestigious Sydney Eisteddfod. They performed two pieces, 'Nearer My God to Thee' and 'Find the Cost of Freedom', attracting comments such as: "What a beautifully rehearsed and emotionally connected performance!" and "It is so wonderful to hear clean, neat singing from a high school male ensemble.".

The Vocal Ensemble is now preparing for performances early next term in the Ryde City Eisteddfod on Wednesday, 30 July, as well as the Dooral Choral Festival on Sunday, 10 August.

Click on this link to view the performance on 'The Cost of Freedom'.

Frank Romeo, Head of Music 

On Thursday, 12 June, Vihaan Pasham (Year 7) and Joachim Rodrigues (Year 11) proudly represented Redfield, HZSA and AICES at the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Cross Country event held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.

Both students faced strong competition on a challenging, hill-heavy course. Vihaan placed 18th out of 58 competitors in his age group, while Joachim finished 38th out of 73 - outstanding achievements by both boys!

Well done, Vihaan and Joachim! Redfield is very proud of your efforts!

Nick Georgiou, Head of Sport

The NSW Regional Under 14s Futsal Championships were held at Dural on Monday, 2 June.

Our Under 14s team went undefeated through the group stage and triumphed in a thrilling semi-final, winning on penalties. Despite a determined and spirited performance in the final, they narrowly fell short of the title.

It was a fantastic campaign, and the boys should be proud of their effort, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

The team was:

• Marcus Bazouni (Year 7)
• Elijah Doueihi (Year 7)
• Anthony Kim (Year 8)
• Daniel Londos (Year 7)
• Nicholas Masina (Year 8)
• Jonah Rudolph (Year 8)
• Joseph Taouk (Year 8)

Nick Georgiou, Head of Sport

Click on this link to register for the upcoming Sports Camp (Monday, 30 June to Wednesday, 2 July).