Year 7
Key Dates and Upcoming Events
- Swimming Carnival – Week 2: Tuesday 4 February
- Year 7 Camp – Week 5
Congratulations on an Amazing Start!
I would like to extend a huge congratulations to all our new Yr 7 students on such a successful start to Secondary School! This week has been incredibly busy for everyone involved, but we have been so impressed by the enthusiasm and positivity our new students have shown as they embark on this exciting next chapter.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, students fully embraced their transition program (and braved the wild weather!). They took part in scavenger hunts around the campus, created posters to brighten their Tutor rooms and mastered the Four L’s of Organisation (not sure what they are? Just ask your new live-in high school student!).
Our Year Meeting on Wednesday was a fantastic opportunity to come together as a cohort. We introduced students to two new characters in their high school journey: Bare-Minimum Banana and With-Heart Watermelon. Bare-Minimum Banana represents less desirable habits – rushing through tasks, putting in minimal effort and being a little lazy with home learning. In contrast, With-Heart Watermelon embodies giving your best effort, taking pride in your work and making the most of every opportunity.
So far, every single one of our new Year 7 students has embraced their inner With-Heart Watermelon, and we encourage them to keep up this fantastic mindset as the term progresses!
In addition to talking about the fruits we should aspire to, students spent some time thinking about what they want the Class of 2030 to be known for. Working in groups with new friends, they brainstormed words and phrases that embodied who we want to be. Check out some examples below!
Year Advisor & Tutor Team Introduction
In our Year Meeting, we played Yr 7 this video to introduce our Year Advisor and Tutor Team. Feel free to check it out to get to know the wonderful people who will be helping your young person through this exciting transition.
Wellbeing Journals
Each week in our pastoral program, we dedicate time to developing the skills necessary for success in secondary school. We also set aside sessions for silent, mindful activities, allowing students to reflect on their day and recharge amidst their busy schedules.
This year, we are introducing a Wellbeing Journal to support these practices. We kindly ask that you purchase a lined notebook for your child to use as their Wellbeing Journal. We will discuss this further with them during Tutor Time in the coming week. The journal can be any form of lined paper and is for their personal use only – it will not be read by others. This is a valuable opportunity for students to cultivate reflective skills, which contribute to becoming well-rounded individuals.
Reminders
A few reminders about uniform expectations:
- Students need to be wearing polished, black, laced, leather, black-soled shoes (not leather trainers).
- The only jewellery permitted is a single, or one pair, of plain gold or silver studs or sleepers in the ear lobes.
- Sports Uniforms should be worn every Thursday, including to and from school.
- No Smart Watches are permitted at school.
Recommendations
Over the holidays, I read Raising Anxiety by Judith Locke and Danielle Einstein. While I usually stick to fiction, this book was an incredibly insightful read. The transition to secondary school can be just as – if not more – uncomfortable for parents as it is for students, and Locke and Einstein provide a valuable perspective on how to navigate this period with confidence.
Locke and Einstein outline clear, actionable strategies to help you help your young people build resilience, independence and self-confidence. It is full of relatable examples that offer meaningful goals for parents and educators to work toward with their children.
If you are interested in finding out more about it, or would like additional recommendations, please reach out!
Meagan Barr
Year 7 Advisor
mbarr@redlands.nsw.edu.au