Year 7

It has been a fantastic second week for our Year 7 students! They are growing in confidence as they navigate their new school environment, showing curiosity, kindness and enthusiasm in all aspects of school life. We are incredibly proud of their positive attitude and the way they are embracing their secondary school journey. 

Swimming Carnival

Whether in the pool or cheering from the stands, our Year 7 students made a splash at Tuesday’s Swimming Carnival! It was fantastic to see so much House spirit on display, with students waving flags and cheering on their peers. A special shoutout to those who stepped out of their comfort zone and gave it a go, even if they were a little hesitant at first. A big thank you to everyone who participated – your energy and enthusiasm made the event a fantastic success.  

Activities Fair

The Activities Fair took place today at Lunch in preparation for Co-Curricular Clubs kicking off next week. There is a wide selection of opportunities to choose from and I highly encourage you to chat with child about what they might want to try (and maybe challenge them to pick something they are not so familiar with!). Co-Curricular Clubs are an excellent way to make new friends both within the year group, and with older students. Some of the clubs available include: 

Subject-Inspired Clubs: Textiles, Chinese, Francophone, Poetry & Creative Writing, Science, History, Debating & Public Speaking, Mock Trial 

Arts and Culture: Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts 

Other Cocurriculars: Chess, DoE, Big Sisters Club, Gardening/Beekeeping, Newspaper, Start-ups, eSports, Book Club, Model UN, Coding and more!  

For more information, check out the Co-Curricular page on Pulse.  

Reminders

Sports Bag: Students must use the Redlands Sports Bag to carry their PE uniform on PE days or when attending before/after-school sports. 

Devices at School: Smartwatches, phones and AirPods are not permitted, in line with the Student Code of Conduct. 

Yr 7 Information Webinar: Monday 10 February 

Now that your child has had one full week in the Secondary School, we will explore the finer details around learning, assessment tasks, navigating iLearn and other digital platforms in this informative webinar. There will be a chance to submit questions for answering on the night or for follow-up at a later time. We look forward to having your join us to continue sharing information for supporting our Yr 7 students.

Year 7 Transition to High School and the Technology Tango

We are excited to announce that on Wednesday 12 February, we will be hosting a special presentation by Jocelyn Brewer. Jocelyn is a Warrane/Sydney-based psychologist with a special interest in cyberpsychology and staying human in a digitally colonised, AI-infused world. She is the founder of Digital Nutrition and MetaWell, and is a sought-after speaker and media commentator.

Event Details:

  • Date: Wednesday 12 February 
  • Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
  • Location: Redlands Hall

Program Information: Transition to High School and the Technology Tango

The transition to high school can be a big social-emotional leap. Friendship groups are reconfigured, students go from ‘ruling the school’ to being the smallest fish in a big pond, and expectations of independence increase. Throw in new rules and autonomy with devices, and it can be ‘a lot’.

This is a special session for parents of the 2025 Year 7 cohort that will help them feel supported by the School, understand some of the potential challenges and build skills to manage them. The session has a particular focus on technology and device use in the context of high school and the benefits of clear boundaries and agreements on screentime.

What will participants learn?

  • To build an understanding of the challenges around transitions to high school.
  • Skills to manage the socio-emotional leaps and changes around friendship groups and identity.
  • To develop strategies to support the increasing independence with technology and introduce clear boundaries with devices.

For: Parents, carers and grandparents of young people starting Year 7.

Format: A 75-minute presentation followed by time for questions.

Please follow the RSVP link to confirm your attendance

We look forward to seeing you there!

Secondary School Photographs

Secondary School Student Portraits and Sibling Photos will take place on Wednesday 12 February. Students attending Moonbah in Term 1 will have their portraits taken in Term 2 (date TBC). The Year 9 Year Group Photo will take place in Semester 2 (date TBC), once the cohort are all back together.

The Standard Portrait and Year Group Package will be automatically billed to your school account and posted directly to your primary contact address following the Year Group photo. If you do not wish to receive a standard package, please complete the Photo Opt Out Form before 10 February.

The Standard Package will cost $40 and consist of: 

  • Year Group Photograph 20 x 30cm
  • Portrait packages containing 7 portraits:
    • 1 – 15 x 20cm
    • 2 – 10 x 15cm
    • 1 – 10 x 7cm
    • 1 – 7.5 x 5cm
    • 2 – 5 x 3.5cm
  • Online access to a high-resolution digital portrait download

Student Portrait Photo Schedule

Students should go to their timetabled lesson in the period photos are scheduled. Class teachers will take students to the portrait photos at the required time. If your child is unable to attend the portrait photo, please contact the Year Advisor and an alternative time may be arranged on the day. A catch-up date for portraits is scheduled on Thursday 6 March, in the Learning Hub level 2, during Tutor time. Your child will need to wear full school uniform.

  • Period 1 – Year 7 & Year 8
  • Period 2 – Year 9 & Year 10
  • Tutor Time – Year 12
  • Period 3 – Year 11

Sibling Photos

If you would like to order Sibling Photos, please complete the Sibling Order Form before 10 February. Secondary School Sibling photos will be held in Redlands Hall from 7.15-8.15am on Wednesday 12 February. Junior Campus Sibling Photos will be held on Friday 14 March on the Junior Campus. If you are unable to attend on 12 February this alternative date is an available option. If you have any questions, alterations or additional orders, please contact Melba Studios directly on (02) 9438 4566 or email sales@melbastudios.com.au.

School Uniform

All students are required to be wearing their full school uniform, including ties and blazers. 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 must ensure such hair is 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.

Meagan Barr
Year 7 Advisor
mbarr@redlands.nsw.edu.au