Year 7

Year 7 Camp Reflection

Returning to school after our Year 7 Camp in Jindabyne is always a mix of emotions – excitement, nostalgia, and perhaps a touch of exhaustion from all the adventures. As students step back into the familiar halls of their school, they bring with them memories of bonding over campfires, conquering challenges and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Jindabyne. The camp experience fosters a sense of camaraderie and resilience among classmates, strengthening friendships and creating lasting memories. While there’s a bittersweet feeling leaving behind the scenic beauty of our High Country Campus, there’s also a renewed energy to dive back into academic pursuits, armed with newfound confidence and a deeper sense of connection with peers. As the students settle back into school life, students carry with them the lessons learned and the bonds forged during their unforgettable time at camp, ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead. 

“The enjoyable experience was full of everlasting memories, fun and laughter.” Daisy Nassar

A huge thank you to everyone who made our Y7 Camp a success.

Routines

As we all settle back into life in Sydney, we might need to take some time to get used to our daily routines. Routines act as guiding lights, offering stability and structure to our school life. For students, having a routine means knowing what to expect each day, which can help reduce stress and improve time management skills. It also fosters habits that support learning and personal growth. As for parents, encouraging and supporting these routines helps instill independence and responsibility in their children while creating a nurturing environment for academic progress.

So, let’s embrace routines together and pave the way for a smooth and successful Secondary School experience.

Step Beyond

Well done to Owen Beck and Millicent Kroon who received a Yr 12 Step Beyond award at this week’s stage assembly.

Burn Bright Incursion – Thursday 7 March

We are very fortunate to be part of a Burn Bright workshop next week. Burn Bright is dedicated to illuminating the potential within every student. Through innovative programs and workshops, Burn Bright aims to empower young people to discover their passions, build resilience and cultivate essential life skills. With a focus on character development and personal growth, this company offers a range of interactive experiences designed to inspire confidence and foster positive relationships within school communities. By harnessing the power of storytelling, experiential learning, and mentorship, Burn Bright equips students with the tools they need to navigate challenges, embrace opportunities and ultimately, shine brightly both inside and outside the classroom. We can’t wait to learn more next week.

NAPLAN 2024 

13-18 March

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

Our school will be participating in NAPLAN from 13 to 18 March.

• 13 March – Years 7 & 9 Writing and Reading tests
• 14 March – Years 7 & 9 Conventions of Language tests, plus catch up opportunity for missed tests
• 15 March – Years 7 & 9 Numeracy tests, plus catch up opportunity for missed tests
• 18 March – Catch up opportunity for missed tests

Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not recommended. Students can use the public demonstration site or links contained within the NAP Locked down browser, which has been installed on all students’ laptops, to familiarise themselves with the types of questions and tools available in NAPLAN. Students will be undertaking a practice test on 7 and 8 March during Mathematics classes.

Please ensure all students are fully prepared for the NAPLAN tests by bringing:

• A fully charged laptop
• Headphones or ear buds
• Pen or pencil

Students will meet their Year Advisor in the Liggins Quad to assemble in alphabetical order.

If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact the Dean of Studies (Years 7-10), Ms Anna-Marie Rolon.

Upcoming Events 

Secondary School Individual Portraits and Sibling Photos Catch -up Opportunity

Friday 1 March

 A catch-up date for missed Year 7-12 Portrait photos and sibling photos will be offered on Friday 1 March at 10.10-11.05am in the Learning Hub Level 2 Atrium.

All students are required to be wearing their full school uniform, including blazers for all and ties for boys. Boys must be clean shaven with hair that has been cut so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Boys and girls with a hair length touching the collar is to be styled and tied-up neatly so that it is away from eyes, ears and collar. Hair is to be tied back with navy and hair coloured accessories.  No hair dye, mullet style haircuts, make-up or nail polish is permitted. No jewellery is to be worn other than one pair of plain gold or silver studs in ear lobes.

If you have any questions, alterations or additional orders, please contact Melba Studios directly on (02) 9438 4566 or email sales@melbastudios.com.au.

Ms Abby Walker
Yr 7 Advisor
9968 9818
awalker@redlands.nsw.edu.au