Year 7

Jeans for Genes Fundraising

On Friday of last week, the Redlands community came out in force for Jeans for Genes Day, donating generously towards supporting medical research and raising funds for children and families living with genetic disorders.

As a school we raised over $9,000 on the day, making us the number one donor in the School category for ‘Jeans for Genes’ Day. Amazing!

Olympic Tutor Time

What fun we had celebrating watching our Aussie Athletes compete in the Olympics. All Tutor groups enjoyed celebrating together and sharing the treats with each other. Thank you to our Yr 7 community for supporting this event and providing lovely treats for us all to enjoy.

Big Science Competition 

The Big Science Competition is a 50-minute online competition testing scientific knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Run by Australian Science Innovations (ASI), the same organisation that runs the Junior Science Olympiads, the Big Science Competition is distinguished by challenging questions that set scientific principles in real-life contemporary contexts which require students to demonstrate understanding of how theory applies in authentic, real-world situations. Due to the complex nature of the questions, the students invited to participate had to demonstrate prior high achievement in Science and/or receive a teacher nomination.

Congratulations to the following Year 7s who achieved such great results. Well done particularly to Megumi Ishii, who gained a High Distinction!

Gardening Club

This week some wonderful Yr 7 Students joined us on the rooftop garden to water, mulch, organise, plant and pick our home grown produce. Calvin took home this enormous sweet potato and made some delicious chips for his family. We encourage more students to join us for this co-curricular club and try to use our produce to make some new and excited dishes at home.

Subject Focus – Technology

Yr 7 Technology classes have been working hard on creating their Looms this Term. All students have engaged with this activity and we are looking forward to seeing their finished work.

Subject Selection – Yr 7 into Yr 8

The time has come for us to ask you and your children to select Languages and Arts subjects for Year 8.  

Redlands places great emphasis on these subjects and our 7 to 10 curriculum structure reflects this. We require our students to continue one of their languages from Year 7 into Year 8. We also ask them to select one of the Arts subjects – Dance, Drama, Music, Musical Theatre or Visual Arts to study in Year 8. The subject selection booklet provides detailed information on the subjects to be studied in Year 8. The booklet also explains how it is possible to study two languages in Year 8 and what students intending to study the International Baccalaureate in Years 11 and 12 need to bear in mind when choosing their language for Year 8. An overview of the Redlands curriculum structure in Years 7 and 8 is also outlined. We encourage you to read this booklet and discuss the options with your child. 

Subject selection is a web-based process. In coming days, your child will be sent a web code to their school email from a site called Edval. The last few pages of the booklet explain how to make their choices via the Edval site. The due date for subject selection submissions has now been revised to Friday 30 August 2024, to assist students in making a more informed choice of Language for Year 8.  

On Tuesday 6th August, Ms Rolon (Dean of Studies 7-10) will speak to the Yr 7 students as a year group to explain the electives and the process and their tutors will be supporting them during pastoral care time next week.  

For further information on Yr 7 into 8 subject selection, please click HERE. 

Digital Citizenship 

Over the last few weeks. Year 7 students have been developing their understanding of the importance of responsible and ethical online behaviour. Key issues which Year 7 explore include maintaining online privacy, combating cyberbullying, and managing their digital footprint. Year 7 students will learn the importance of respecting others, being accountable, and understand the importance of using privacy settings which are essential safe online practices. To promote a positive online community, students will learn how how to communicate respectfully, support inclusivity, educate peers, and model good behaviour. By embracing these principles, students will help create a safe and respectful digital environment where everyone feels valued. Further information can be found on the E-Safety Website, NSW Government Digital Citizenship and ReachOut.

School Climate Survey:

Starting from Week 4, students will be invited to complete a School Climate Survey. The survey is anonymous and aims to gather data from the student body regarding the climate at Redlands. It provides an opportunity for students to give feedback on the school environment, acknowledge peers who contribute positively or voice any concerns. Once the data is collected, it will be provided to the Year Advisors, Head of Secondary School, Counsellors and the Dean of Students. This information will help inform effective interventions and support our inclusive community.

Key Dates

Giving Day – Wednesday 21 August

On Wednesday 21 August we are excited to launch our major philanthropic campaign, Giving Day. Our Giving Day campaign supports the High Country Campus expansion and establishes another important means-tested scholarship in honour of Redlander Coralie Amos OAM.  

Giving Day promises to be a fantastic day of celebration that will have a transformational impact for our students. I look forward to connecting with members of our community on the day where we have 24 hours to reach our giving target of $400,000. Thanks to the incredible support of our matching gift donors, every donation on this day will be tripled, increasing the impact of everyone’s contributions significantly.

For more information about our Giving Day and how you can get involved, please visit the Foundation section.

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