On Wednesday, 25 June, we had our first-ever Secondary Assembly at Redfield! This assembly was a great opportunity for the Secondary school to come together to acknowledge and celebrate the various achievements of our Secondary students in a range of endeavours, as well as to provide a chance to build House spirit and school culture amongst our Years 7 to 12 students.

It was a full program of events. Our College Captain, Isaac Chee, began proceeding with an address to Secondary students on the importance of selflessness and thinking of others. He particularly encouraged our Redfield men to think about how they could serve their community and, importantly, look out for their mates. We also recognised a number of Secondary students who demonstrated outstanding achievements including:

Our Bronze Lion Award Winners:Bronze Lion Awards are awarded to students who receive five Lion Awards. This is testament to their consistent effort and demonstration of the cardinal virtues of justice, prudence, temperance and fortitude. Congratulations to the following students on receiving their Bronze Lion Awards:

2026 College Leadership applications for students in Years 10 to 12 in 2026 are now open. I met with all students in these year groups in Week 8 to discuss the various leadership opportunities available to them. These include:

• College Captain and Vice-Captain (Year 12 only)
• Public Speaking & Debating Captain and Vice-Captain
• Mission & Service Captain and Vice-Captain
• Music Captain and Vice-Captain
• Creative Arts Captain and Vice-Captain
• Years 11 and 12 House Captains (applications for Year 10 House Captains will take place in Term 4) 

Students interested in applying for these roles are to complete a Redfield Leadership Application form by Wednesday, 23 July (Week 1 of Term 3). This form was emailed to all current Years 9 to 11 students, along with information on each role, expectations and proposed leadership application timeline on Monday, 16 June. 

I wish each student the best of luck with his application.  

A big thank you goes to all our families and students for their support this term. Term 2 is a short but busy term. I would like to wish you all a wonderful and restful break. I look forward to seeing you on you on our return to school in Term 3. 

David Vassallo, Deputy Headmaster

We wish to remind 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

On Friday, 20 June, I had the opportunity to help out with the Vinnies Van with fellow students Sam Flitcroft (Year 11), Logan D'Silva (Year 11) and Jordan Hatcher (Year 12). Being my first experience, I didn't know what to expect from the people we would serve, but they were all great people who just wanted some food, clothing and, most importantly, good conversation and companionship. I found it positively eye-opening to see the perspective of people who are less fortunate than we are, and despite their circumstances, they were so cheerful and so appreciative, which we can all learn from. 

Overall, Vinnies Van was a productive learning experience, as I became aware of the struggles of many Australians (who often remain hidden from view), and it was a great way to give back to the community. I also want to thank Mr David Vassallo and Mr William Schweikert for giving up their time to supervise us on the night. 

Jack Marcelo, Year 11 Student

Click on this link to make a donation.

Leaping, running, cheering... our day on the track

Spirits were high, and Primary was ready to start rolling on the track for our Annual Athletics Carnival held on Tuesday, 16 June on the Redfield Rugby Oval. The energy was strong with encouragement. Our bright colours stood out from the sun as our day began. Mr Hatcher announced the first race, the 1500-metre event, to start our big day. The excitement lasted all day, as each race brought more energy to the field. The 100-metre and 200-metre sprint events were packed with action, with students pushing themselves to the limit for their House teams. It was impressive to see so many runners stay strong and finish with determination.

Cheering from the sidelines never stopped and continued echoing in our ears. Friends and Housemates encouraged one another, showing real team spirit. The relays were also a big highlight, with the runners giving their best and working together to cross the finish line. The field events of shot put, long jump, discus and high jump were completed the previous weeks during PE lessons.

The ICAS exams are just around the corner and we’re excited to see your sons showcase their academic skills! Please refer to the ICAS exam timetable to see when each exam will take place. It is not too late to enrol your son for these exams if you feel he is ready for the challenge.

Here’s a quick reminder to help ensure everything runs smoothly:

• Drop-off: Please bring your son to the Primary building by 7:30am on his exam day. The boys are to meet Mr Hatcher outside the 2B Classroom with their school diary in hand.
• Preparation: The day before each exam, Mr Hatcher will visit your son to provide a login sheet to assist with the login process the following morning.
• Rest and Fuel: A good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast will help your son feel confident and ready to do his best!

We’re so proud of the effort your boys have made, and we’re here to support them every step of the way. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Remember, there are no catch-up days for absences, so please ensure that your son arrives on time and prepared.

Jason Hatcher, Primary ICAS Testing Coordinator

After the outstanding response to our previous Book Swap events, the Primary Social Justice Group will be running another Great Redfield Book Swap Day on Thursday, 14 August (Week 4 of Term 3)to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and our own College Library.

For The Great Redfield Book Swap Day, we are asking Primary boys to swap any unwanted and preloved or second-hand books and novels. The boys have been asked at assembly to sort through their books at home and select a few that they no longer read. They may be books they didn’t enjoy or have outgrown but are still in good condition. Please make sure that the books are not ripped, stained or damaged.

On the day of the event, classes will be visited by the members of the Primary Social Justice Group to collect all the books and a gold coin donation for each book that boys wish to swap. Boys can swap up to five books each. “This will save our parents buying new books and help raise money to purchase books for those less fortunate,” agreed the organisers.

You were not made for comfort. You were not made to blend in, to chase likes or to follow the crowd. You were made for greatness — not the kind the world applauds, but the kind that echoes in eternity. The saints were not superheroes. They were ordinary people who said yes to extraordinary love. They fought the battles you fight now — fear, doubt, pride, insecurity — but they chose to love anyway, to forgive anyway, to believe anyway. Holiness is not for the perfect; it is for the willing. And you are called, not just to exist, but to burn with purpose.

The following students from Years 7 and 8 received a Lion Award in Week 9:

The following students in Years 9 and 10 received a Lion Award in Week 9:

The following students from Years 11 and 12 received a Lion Award in Week 9:

As of the semi-finals on Friday, 20 June, the Catholic Schools Debating Association (CSDA) competition came to a close for Redfield College. Our most successful team of the season, the Year 11s, were narrowly defeated by their long-time rivals, OLMC, bringing an end to a truly remarkable run.

The Year 11 team had been forced to battle through a tough draw, competing against 16 other teams for just one quarter final spot. Their path to the semis included four consecutive elimination final victories — an extraordinary feat that showed not just skill, but also resilience and determination. Having overcome so much, it felt as though their dream run would continue. It wasn’t to be, but their performance against OLMC was still deeply impressive. Huge congratulations go to the Year 11 team, featured in the accompanying image: Nicholas Jaucian, Seth Wiemer(not pictured), Christopher Fernandezand Jackson Busch.

On a crisp winter’s day, our Year 7 Visual Arts students set out on an inspiring excursion to explore one of Australia’s most prestigious art events, the Archibald Prize. The day began at the S.H. Ervin Gallery at Observatory Hill, where the boys visited the Salon des Refusés exhibition, often referred to as “the best of the rest”. These are the high-quality portraits that didn’t quite make the official Archibald Prize finalist list, but still offer powerful insights into contemporary portraiture.

Students were given a short talk on the exhibition and a few selected works before choosing two paintings they felt should have made the final cut. Each boy then sketched his chosen portraits, honing his observational skills while engaging closely with the artworks.

After a break for lunch in the sunshine at Hyde Park, the group continued to the Art Gallery of New South Wales to view the Archibald Prize finalists. There, students were asked to sketch the winning portrait, their personal favourite and one they least connected with, encouraging them to consider both personal taste and artistic merit.

On Thursday, 12 June, the Year 11 Visual Arts class set off across Sydney Harbour on a bright sunny morning, catching the ferry to the historic Cockatoo Island. Although the journey was cold and windy, spirits remained high as the boys prepared to explore one of the city’s most unique and visually rich sites.

Cockatoo Island, a former convict prison, naval shipyard and shipbuilding hub, is layered with history. The imposing industrial structures, rusting machinery, towering cranes and cavernous workshops offered students an extraordinary environment to spark ideas for their Term 3 body of work.

From the weathered textures of old iron to the play of light across concrete walls, the island provided endless inspiration. Students spent the day photographing, sketching and taking notes, thereby beginning the creative process of artworks that will each communicate a personal message or theme.

With such a compelling and atmospheric backdrop, the boys have returned with plenty to reflect on and the beginnings of what promises to be an exciting term ahead of artmaking.

Stewart Hannan, Head of Visual Arts

The Year 12 Trial HSC Exams will run across Weeks 3 and 4 of Term 3, beginning Monday, 4 August and concluding Monday, 18 August. The day following the final exam, Tuesday, 19 August, students will take part in a Year 12 Reflection Day. More details about the day will be shared closer to the time.

Normal classes resume on Wednesday, 20 August. However, students studying external courses may continue sitting exams into Week 5.

The exam timetablehas been distributed to students and is available online. Please note that it remains a working document and may be subject to change.

If a student is unable to attend an exam due to illness or misadventure, they must provide independent, third-party evidence (e.g. a doctor’s certificate) and submit it with a completed Illness and Misadventure Appeal form upon returning to school. Without this, a mark of zero will apply for any missed exam. Students should refer to their Year 12 Student Information Guide & Assessment Policy for full details on the appeals process.

The Redfield College Exam Protocolwill be displayed in exam rooms during the HSC Trial period. Students are expected to follow this protocol for all exams.

This exciting annual event celebrates the talent and dedication of young performers in our local community. Students are invited to showcase their musical abilities and compete for recognition in this prestigious contest, held as part of the Orange Blossom Festival.

We strongly encourage all budding musicians in our local school community to take part in this wonderful opportunity to perform and grow. This is a chance to shine!

Event Date: Sunday, 7 September, 2025 (Finals Concert)

Location: TLC Theatre, Baulkham Hills High School

Open to: Primary and Secondary school students

Entries close: Sunday, 31 August, 2025

For more information or to register, visit: 

https://www.sys.org.au/the-hills-young-musicians-contest/

Email: management@sys.org.au

Phone: Dr Koo, 0449 776 872

Click on the image below for details about school holiday music workshops.

Henry Denahy(Year 9) and Luke Alloggia(Year 8) played representative Rugby for the Eastwood Rugby Under 14s team in the State Championship held at Dubbo over the three days of the King's Birthday long weekend (Saturday, 7 June to Monday, 9 June).

Henry plays club rugby for the Beecroft Barbarians, and Luke for Dural Rugby. They were selected for the Eastwood team from a pool of around 45 players.

The State Championship is divided into two phases: the Sydney teams battle it out for the Sydney Cup, and then the Country and Regional teams join the fray to see which team is crowned the State Champions. Eastwood defeated Northern Suburbs to take out the Sydney Cup (see picture), but went down to the same team in the State Championships final. Eastwood won an impressive eight out of their nine games, defeating teams such as Penrith, Randwick, Easts, Sydney Uni and Northern Suburbs along the way.

Last Wednesday, 18 June, our Secondary students took to the track for one of the most anticipated events on the school calendar: the 2025 Athletics Carnival. What unfolded was a fantastic showcase of competitive energy, House pride and student involvement across all year groups.

From the first race to the final war cry, the day was packed with memorable moments. The 100-metre finals were a standout, with fierce and evenly matched rivalries across every age division drawing huge cheers from all four Houses. It was the kind of competition that brings out the best in everyone: fast, close and fiercely contested.

In between events, the tug o’ war brought students together in full force, with year groups rallying around the rope in a spirited display of teamwork and determination. The highly anticipated Staff-versus-Year 12 showdown was no disappointment either. Both sides dug deep in an effort to claim bragging rights, with the teachers taking the win - a timely reminder to Year 12 that it’s always good to stay humble, and that there isn’t always a “next time”.

I am proud to announce we have 41 members of Team Redfield running in the City2Surf this year! These brave souls have committed to running the 14-kilometre course starting at Hyde Park, over the gruelling Heartbreak Hill and finishing at beautiful Bondi Beach.

I am also proud to announce that we have already raised over $1400 that will go to life-saving neonatal care. Although it is only our first year, Redfield is currently in the top-five of fundraising teams for Running for Premature Babies! Let's back our runners and show that Redfield spirit! Number 1 all the way!

I will be representing the teachers of Redfield on the day, alongside many of our students (some as young as Year 2) and their parents, families and friends.

The Team Redfield page is here: https://city2surf25.grassrootz.com/running-for-premature-babies/redfield-college. 

Find a name and give generously! All donations over $2 are tax-deductible, and with the EOFY just around the corner, now is the perfect time.

Thank you for all your support!

Will Schweikert, Redfield City2Surf Team Coordinator

Nicholas Jaucian (Year 11), a standout student from Redfield, has made a significant impact on his school’s reputation by competing on the world stage in flag football. As the quarterback for Australia’s U17 Flag Football Team, Nick’s team gained an impressive sixth-place finish at the International Competition held in Los Angeles, USA. This is a remarkable achievement, with Nick’s participation in this prestigious event bringing the excitement of this new Olympic sport back to Redfield. His leadership, sportsmanship and dedication have inspired his peers and raised awareness of the opportunities available at Redfield. Thanks to Nick’s efforts, the school is now exploring ways to introduce flag football into its sports program, giving more students the chance to get involved in this fast-growing sport.

Through his gentlemanly conduct on and off the field, Nick has become an ambassador for Redfield and the broader PARED community, demonstrating the school’s commitment to excellence, teamwork and character development. His international experience has not only enriched his own sporting journey but has also opened doors for future Redfield students to compete, learn and excel on the world stage.

Dear Redfield Community,

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for the prayers, support, encouragement and generosity you've shown me in the lead-up to my trip to Los Angeles to represent Australia in flag football.

It honestly means the world to me to have the backing of my school community. Whether it was helping with fundraising, sending messages of support or simply cheering me on, it's made a huge difference and reminded me how lucky I am to be part of such a supportive community. I'm privileged to represent not just Australia but also Redfield College while I'm over there, and I hope to make you all proud.

Thanks again for being part of this journey with me!

Warm regards,

Nicholas Jaucian (Year 11)

Thank you to our parent and student volunteers who helped out in our 'treat' canteen during both the Primary and Secondary Athletics Carnivals last week. 

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