Year 7

Yr 7 Leading the Way

This week Yr 7 experienced another ‘first’ for their Secondary School experience. They navigated Parent Teacher interviews, receiving valuable feedback on their work and efforts in Semester 1, and then reflected closely on this feedback during Tutor time. Such reflection is an important way for students to process their feedback and plan for improvement in the future.

Importantly, Yr 7 also spent time planning and preparing for these interviews so that on the night they could take the lead in managing the interviews with their parents / carers and teachers. While some students were a bit nervous, Jess and I, and the Yr 7 teachers were extremely impressed with how students conducted themselves across their interviews and the insight they showed into their own progress this year.

We hope that the experience students gained here will build their confidence and also encourage them to continue reflecting on their successes and shortfalls across the year.

Gala Arts 2023

If you were privileged enough to be at The Concourse, Chatswood last Friday evening, you would have been treated to an absolutely spectacular display of artistic and creative talent, confidence and poise, and panache. So much panache. I am, of course, talking about the Redlands Annual Spectacular that is Gala Arts.

The evening was a splendid showcase of the depths of talent existing at Redlands across Theatre, Dance, Vocal, Instrumental and Visual Arts. And it was a jolly entertaining night out!

The event also has a friendly level of competition embedded into it, as students compete for points in the House Shield to determine who will be crowned Gala Arts House Champions. This year, the competition went to Cowper House. Well done Cowper!

However, participating in Gala Arts goes beyond mere House points, applause and recognition. The event is about empowering students to discover their full potential, build confidence, cultivate teamwork, and become well-rounded individuals prepared to take on life’s diverse challenges. The time students invested into their performances, whilst also balancing their academic commitments, is a testament to the well-rounded students we are seeking to produce at Redlands.

I want to congratulate all the students who auditioned for Gala Arts, were involved in performances and who helped out as stage crew. The confidence our Yr 7s demonstrated was palpable and a variety of Yr 12 Seniors have spoken to me directly about how wonderful it was to work with such students and the amazing talent they are already showing, and only in Yr 7! It will be a bright future ahead for our Yr 7 Arts crew. 

Congratulations to:

  • Leo Campbell – When I Grow Up (Theatre)
  • Phoebe Dawson-Damer – Production Crew
  • Finlay Drumm – Photography / Visual Arts
  • Akash Gohil – Photography / Visual Arts
  • Phoebe Sun – Eye of the Tiger (Dance)
  • Grace Walker-Barker – First Arabesque (Instrumental) and Photography / Visual Arts
  • Mackenzie Willis – Les Poissons (Theatre) and When I Grow Up (Theatre)

Yr 7 Dance

On Sunday 23 July, the Redlands 7-9 Senior Jazz Performance Group was invited to perform at the Sydney Opera House in Sydney Eisteddfod’s Dance Gala. This group featured Year 7 students Freya Carroll, Emma Foley, Ada Grossman, Anabelle Kendrigan, Adabelle Lee, Zoe Murdoch, Phoebe Sun, Astrid Vincent and Ariella Wold. This group was selected following their 1st place win at Sydney Eisteddfod last term. Being selected for this gala is an incredible achievement and getting to perform at the Opera House is a really exciting opportunity.

We are all so proud of this group and their growth this year, especially the Yr 7s who seamlessly transitioned into working efficiently with the older dance students. Again, to see such talent in our Year 7s already suggests they have a really brighter future ahead of them.

Da Vinci Decathlon

On Tuesday 25 July, a group of eight Yr 7 students represented Redlands in the Da Vinci Decathlon state competition, joining 150 teams from across NSW!

The Da Vinci Decathlon, an interschool competition held at Knox Grammar School, is named after Leonardo da Vinci, as the tasks that students undertake mirror his diverse skills and interests. Students participated in competitions across ten disciplines related to the theme of Unity, including Mathematics, English, Science, Code Breaking, Engineering, Ideation, Creative Producers, Art and Poetry, Cartography and Legacy.

A big round of applause goes out to the Yr 7 students who attended the event – Nathalie Bain, Lachlan Carter, Thys Hulsbosch, Aimee Kang, Liv Law, Lauren Rolfe, Clem Roumanoff and Aaron Oh.

Each student demonstrated an outstanding work ethic and exceptional teamwork skills, alongside their impressive display of critical and creative thinking throughout the entire process. Well done to the Y7 team!

ICAS Science Competition

The 2023 ICAS Science competition will take place on Friday 25 August in school. Entry for students in Years 7-10 is voluntary. This year parents will sign up and pay for students directly in the ICAS shop. This needs to be completed before Monday 31 July. The cost of the test is $19.25. Please see the access details below.

Access details for parents:
Your Parent Payment System code is: YGA135
Your parent page link is HERE

News from the Counselling Team: Parent Workshop – Weathering the Storm: Responding to teen anxiety and depression

On Tuesday 1 August, 5:30pm to 7:00pm, parents and caregivers have the opportunity to join our excellent counselling team for a talk specifically designed to support parents and caregivers who have young people with diagnosed anxiety and depression, as well as those who display signs and symptoms of these conditions.

During this session, our counselling team will explore your crucial role as a parent / carer in responding to mental health issues, helping you to support children in times of distress by gaining a deeper insight into your teenager’s experiences.

The aim is to equip parents and caregivers with a comprehensive understanding of the signs and symptoms to be mindful of, knowing when to be concerned, and learning practical strategies you can employ to support your young people. Our counsellors will also provide valuable information on helpful resources and guidance on how to seek out support when needed.

If interested, please register your attendance: HERE

 

Term 3 Key Dates and Upcoming Events

  • Week 3: Parent Presentation: Supporting Student Mental Health with a focus on Anxiety and Depression (Tuesday 1 August)
  • Week 5: Science Week.

 

Mr Jimmy Tod-Hill
Year 7 Advisor
jtodhill@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6462