Year 7

Welcome to Term 4! Only one more term of Secondary School ‘firsts’ for Yr 7 to experience. We have a busy term ahead of us. This week, students have met one-on-one with their Tutor to reflect on progress through Term 3 and set goals for Term 4. This term will be filled with examinations, Service opportunities, and tasks which encourage reflection on the successes (and challenges) of Yr 7. This week we welcome the return of Ms Privett to Cowper Blue after her term as Yr 9 Acting Assistant Advisor. Ms Takumura is looking after Cowper Yellow whilst Mr Okawa is on Long Service Leave; we welcome back Mr Okawa in 2019.

Examinations

In preparation for examinations in Week 3, students will be using Pastoral Care time as an opportunity for personal study. It is important that they schedule this time into their study routines and plan accordingly. Students have been encouraged to speak openly with their teachers about examination content and preparation. Should you have any questions, please contact the relevant teacher or Subject Coordinator directly.

The message we’re sending Yr 7 is that whilst exams are important, they are not the only source of subject assessment. Nerves are expected (and also useful) yet, no student should be losing sleep. Students should use the upcoming exams as an opportunity to track progress and gain an understanding of how examination sessions work in the Secondary School.

The Raising Children Network and the Study Skills Handbook have a wealth of useful information about exam preparation and managing any worries. 

Yr 7 Crystal Growing Competition

Crystals are everywhere. Just think of our daily lives: the sugar on your cereal or salt on your dinner, the LCD computer or TV screen have many tiny crystals inside. This is the first year Redlands have entered the RACI (Royal Australian Chemical Institute) Crystal Growing Competition and we are delighted to have had two groups place well in the Competition. The crystals are judged on shape and clarity first, rather than size. Congratulations to Jonah Sarich-Prince and Alexander McLellan (Highly Commended); and Tom Bradley and Oliver Talbot (3rd Place). The students are pictured below with Ms Harrisson (Subject Coordinator of Science).

International Science Competition

Well done to all who competed in the UNSW Global ICAS Science competition this year. Notable mention goes to Lucinda Baird (High Distinction), Kieran Alexandratos (Distinction) and Harley van der Pluijm (Distinction).

NSW State Hockey Championship

Best of luck to Freya Gait, Sebastien Griffith and Eloise Truman who will be competing in the NSW State Hockey Championships in the coming weeks.

Redlands Debating

Well done to Lucy Horton who also was awarded the Redlands Debating 2018 Most Valued Player.

CanTeen Bandanna Day Friday 26 October

This year’s CanTeen Bandanna Day will be held on Friday 26 October, Week 2. Bandannas will be available for purchase from Monday 22 to Friday 26 October for $5 at the front and back entrances before school, during recess and at lunch. Bandannas can be worn on Friday 26 October to show support and all funds raised will go to CanTeen, an Australian organisation for young people affected by cancer.

Service Dogs Australia

As part of our Service program, Service Dogs Australia will be visiting Yr 7. A specialist speaker and a guest Service Dog will give an informative presentation to students about vision impairment and Service Dog puppy training. Students will enjoy a fun, firsthand experience, while learning how Service Dogs are trained and how these special companions assist people with vision loss. In preparation for this visit, Yr 7 will be fundraising to support this organisation. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming fundraising events.

Key Dates

Yr 7 Examinations – Monday 29 October – Friday 2 November (Week 3)
Guide Dogs Australia Visit – Friday 16 November

Ms Marita Jansons 
Yr 7 Advisor
mjansons@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9819