Year 7

Welcome

A very warm welcome to all students and families as we begin Secondary School. This represents a significant change in the learning environment for students and it is expected that the experience will differ for each child. Whilst there will be commonalities in terms of the physical environment, the classroom and the school routine, each student will react and progress at a different pace. First term is very much a settling in period and we expect students to make their own way, to achieve and also make mistakes with the idea that these are only temporary and part of the learning process. Academic Staff, Tutors and Year Advisors share the role of guiding the Yr 7 cohort through this start to their senior schooling. This will no doubt be the start of an exciting and fulfilling journey.

Personally, I have delighted meeting your sons and daughters during the recent transition days. I am beginning to put names to faces and have already heard stories and learned key gems about your child. This is certainly a fun time as we get to know each other.

I have been fortunate to be part of the Redlands Wellbeing Team for a number of years and have recently guided our Yr 12 2021 cohort through their final year. I am a passionate Visual Arts teacher and this year I will be teaching two Yr 7 classes which I am thrilled about as it will give me the opportunity to live the Yr 7 experience in the classroom. I am excited to start the journey with your child and look forward to building strong relationships with families this year. I will be ably assisted by Yr 7 Assistant Advisor, Ms Alyssha Clarke and also the wonderful Tutors who will be a daily presence in each student’s school life.

Ms Van de Peer, spoke with staff last week about the importance of our Redlands Values, as these guiding principles shape not only the individual but also the culture of our school. Respect, responsibility, moral courage, compassion, honesty and fairness are the tenets that I will seek to model for our students in the conversations and interactions that I have with them with the expectation that they will model these for each other.

Year 7 Parent Webinar

Monday 7 February, 6pm

All Year 7 parents are invited to attend this parent webinar which will provide information on Secondary School Readiness. The webinar link is in the following flyer. 

Some useful and frequent questions that new families have will be covered in the webinar including:

  • How much home-learning should my child be doing?
  • How will my child be assessed?
  • What happens if my child can’t complete an assessment?

We will also take parents on a tour of the Yr 7 Core Page which will be an integral part of every Yr 7 student’s academic journey this year. Please join us for this important event!

Year 7 Tutors

  • 7CB (Cowper Blue) Mr Jack Gooding LH2.3
  • 7CY (Cowper Yellow) Mr Nathan Lange LH2.4
  • 7DB (Dumolo Blue) Ms Rachel Beggs LH2.5
  • 7DR (Dumolo Red) Ms Sandra Reidenbach LH2.6
  • 7MB (McDouall Blue) Ms Naoko Abe LH2.7
  • 7MG (McDouall Green) Ms Elizabeth Keogh LH2.8
  • 7RR (Roseby Red) Ms Annabel Alan LH2.9
  • 7RW (Roseby White) Ms Rachel Wilson LH 2.10

Our Yr 7 Tutors bring to our 2022 Yr 7 cohort, a wealth of knowledge and experience. They will be your child’s “go to” person as they settle into the Senior School. Tutors will be a consistent presence in your child’s life and support their social and emotional wellbeing as well as assisting them with organisational skills and learning goals. Should you have a question relating to daily matters the Tutor is the first point of call. Please be aware that Tutors are also full-time teachers with academic responsibilities, and they will respond to email as soon as they are able. For more urgent issues please ring the Student Services Centre on 9908 6407.

Absences

If your child is absent due to illness, please email ssabsence@redlands.nsw.edu.au and please copy me and your child’s Tutor. If your child has tested positive to COVID, please follow the school’s guidelines which have been sent in additional correspondence.

Hair and Uniform

Generally, the school rule regarding hair is that all students, regardless of gender, must have their hair off their face. Teachers do want to see a student’s eyes which is particularly relevant now that we are wearing masks. With regards to jewellery, apart from a single set of plain studs in the ear lobes, jewellery is not permitted. An exception is made for medical bracelets. Please ensure that trouser hems are the appropriate length touching the shoes and skirts are knee length and not shorter. For further clarification about uniform and grooming the school rules can be found in the student diary. Your assistance supporting these rules is very much appreciated. As always strong links between home and school are so important.

Ms Sarah Matthews
Yr 7 Advisor
smatthews@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6494