Year 7 2023

Orientation
Information
YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Welcome to Year 7

The transition to Senior School marks an important stage of your life

and recognises your increasing maturity and your ability to take on more
responsibilities.

At Meriden, we encourage our students to become independent

learners and critical thinkers. We want you to be actively involved in your
academic studies, to participate enthusiastically both inside and outside
the classroom and to make the most of every learning opportunity.
We will help you to identify your strengths and assist you to become
a self-directed learner.

We want you to take advantage of the many opportunities available to you

at Meriden. The activities you engage in will help you to grow intellectually,
physically and socially. The more diverse your involvement, the more you
will grow. We encourage you to join a sporting team, become involved in
music, develop your public speaking skills, and look for other opportunities
such as Chess and Student Christian Groups. These are all great ways for
you to make new friends, learn new skills and discover your strengths.

We are delighted to have you join our community and we look forward to
guiding you through this transition. Look forward to Year 7 with excitement,
enthusiasm and confidence and make the most of every opportunity.

Mrs Lisa Brown

Principal

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 YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Table of Contents

School contact details........................................................................................................................................ 4

Term dates 2023.................................................................................................................................................4

Senior Meriden staff........................................................................................................................................... 5

Meriden Senior School map............................................................................................................................... 7

Year 7 Orientation afternoon............................................................................................................................ 10

First day arrangements.................................................................................................................................... 10

Stationery list.................................................................................................................................................... 11

Student laptop computer.................................................................................................................................. 12

Year 7 textbooks...............................................................................................................................................13

Hudson Library and Research Centre.............................................................................................................. 14

Homework Help................................................................................................................................................15

Meriden’s online systems for parents............................................................................................................... 16

Senior School Canteen.................................................................................................................................... 18

Uniform Shop...................................................................................................................................................19

Transport..........................................................................................................................................................20

Music................................................................................................................................................................21

Sport ................................................................................................................................................................24

Student Christian Groups................................................................................................................................. 24

Cocurricular activities....................................................................................................................................... 25

The Meriden Community.................................................................................................................................. 26

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YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

School contact details

Senior School 3 Margaret Street, Strathfield NSW 2135

Administration Office 7:30am – 4:30pm

Phone: 9752 9444 | Fax: 9752 9400

Email: [email protected]

Postal Address PO Box 78, Strathfield NSW 2135

Absence Line – Meriden App

Senior School
SMS: 0418 193 988
ABSENTEE
Email: [email protected]

Uniform Shop Phone: 9752 9492

Monday to Friday: 7:45am – 5:15pm

Hudson Library Phone: 9752 9441

and Research
Centre Monday to Friday: 7:30am – 6:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am – 2:00pm

School Holidays at the end of Terms 1, 2 and 3: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 2:00pm

Term 4 summer holidays and Public Holidays: Closed

Term dates 2023

Term 1 Friday 27 January to Wednesday 5 April

Orientation Day for new students Years 7-12: Wednesday 25 January

Term 2 Wednesday 26 April to Friday 23 June

Term 3 Tuesday 18 July to Friday 22 September

Term 4 Monday 9 October to Wednesday 6 December (Senior School)

Speech Day – Wednesday 6 December

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 YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Some key Meriden staff

Mrs Lisa Brown Mr Richard Loane Mrs Jessica Chilton Mrs Christine Kenny
Principal Head of Campus Head of Student Head of Teaching and
Wellbeing Learning

Rev Clayton Moss Ms Jodie Spooner- Mr Adam Raw

Chaplain Ryan Director of Sport
Director of Music

Ms Amy Wilson Ms Jennifer Morgan-

Year 7 Coordinator Nicholson
Nurse

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YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Heads of Department Other key staff Coordinators

of Learning Links
Academic Support Chaplain
Mrs Joanne Spanos Rev Clayton Moss Global Outlook
Mr Kuhan Rajalingam
Applied Science Dean of Academic Care
Mrs Rikki McMillan Ms Sascha Bass High Potential Learning
Mrs Sharna Kershaw
Christian Education Dean of Assessment
Rev Brie Pattison and Reporting Innovation
Ms Jessica Farrell Mrs Alexandra Phillips
Digital and Creative Arts
Ms Gillian Legge Dean of Community Learning Research and Critical Thinking
Mrs Vanessa Kirollos Dr Jocelyn Laurence
English
Mr Tim Archer Dean of Lateral Learning Speech
Ms Priscilla Curran Mrs Charlotte Yates
History
Mrs Cheryl O’Loan Dean of Staff Student Futures
Ms Vicki Sheehan Mr Ryan Richards
Languages
Mrs Teresa Alonso-Lashras Dean of Student Involvement Technology
Mr Richard Hughes Miss Nicola Casaceli
Mathematics
Miss Svetlana Onisczenko Dean of Studies
Mrs Nicole Hearne
Performing Arts
Ms Jodie Spooner-Ryan Director of Sport
Mr Adam Raw
Science
Mrs Tara Richards Executive Assistant to Principal
Mrs Viola Fernandes
Social Science
Miss Anita Kondichetty Meriden Music Academy
Mrs Carolyn Mirabito

Registrar
Mrs Gina Malley

Teacher Librarian
Ms Katie Bowie

Counsellor
Mrs Inge Whild

Counsellor
Mrs Clotilde Lienhart

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 YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Meriden Senior School map

Senior School Campus ENTRY TO STAFF CARPARK

Lower Ground Floor

STAFF CARPARK
RECEPTION

CHANGE ROOMS

CONTRACTORS’ TOILET
DA03
MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT
DA04 DA01

DA02
AS01

DA05
STORE

DA06 MAINTENANCE
LOCKER WORKSHOP
AREA
ST.
POOL

ADMINISTRATION HEALTH
DaCA BUILDING CENTRE
BUILDING

MUSIC 1
ACADEMY 2
OFFICE
5
GREENHALGH
11 3
CENTRE
10 4 6
CONTROL ROOM FOR MUSIC
7 AND DRAMA
MUSIC STUDIOS 9
8
LEVEL B1

PERFORMING ARTS (DRAMA)

GREEN DEPARTMENT
ROOM

GREENHALGH
CENTRE
FOR MUSIC
ALLISON HOWELL AND DRAMA
DRAMA THEATRE LEVEL B2

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02/08/2022
YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Senior School Campus

Ground Floor

SPORTS CENTRE
SPORTS
DEPARTMENT

ENROLMENTS
MEETING ROOM 2
SPORTS
DA13 DA01 CENTRE
DA12 BELOW
DA15
FITNESS APPLIED
AS02
DA14 CENTRE SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT
DA11
DaCA
BUILDING MAIN
ENTRANCE
MA02 SS01
DaCA LANGUAGES
DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT

TURNER
ADMINISTRATION MA01 SS02
HOUSE
BUILDING
ROAD
REDMYRE

SC01
S.M. MORTON
SCIENCE
THE AVENUE

TIPPING ROOM WING

WALLIS CHAPLAINCY
BELL GARDEN
DEPARTMENT
BUILDING

MARGARET STREET
SC02

CANTEEN
CE02 SC03
ENGLISH
DEPARTMENT

HOPE HOUSE
CE01 LA02 LA01 SS03
THE THE GALLERY UNDERCROFT
CIRCUIT

WALLIS AUDITORIUM GREENHALGH

RECITAL CENTRE
ROOM
FOR MUSIC
ENSEMBLE AND DRAMA
ROOM

ST.
LA03 AMPHITHEATRE
BAND
CHAPEL STAND DRESSING
ROOM
DA09 DA08 DA07 DaCA
ANNEXE

SC04 SC05 SC06 SC07

02/08/2022
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 YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Senior School Campus

Upper Ground Floor

SPORTS CENTRE BELOW

SPORTS
MA14
CENTRE
THE DECK
LECTURE
THEATRE
KITCHENETTE

MA13

TURNER
MA12 MA16 MA15 SS11 SS12 HOUSE

MA11 SS13
SOCIAL
SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT
SC11
S.M. MORTON
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
DEPARTMENT
SCIENCE
SC12 WING
MONCKTON ROOM
WALLIS
BUILDING MEETING ROOM 1
SC13
SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT
EN15
EN16

EN11 SC15

THE READING
HISTORY ROOM HOPE HOUSE
DEPARTMENT EN12 LA12
HI15 MATHS
THE
EN13 DEPARTMENT
FOUNDRY
HUDSON
LIBRARY AND EN14
RESEARCH
CENTRE
HI14
PA11
HI13
HI12 HI11 GREENHALGH
CENTRE
FOR MUSIC
PA13 AND DRAMA
PA14
PA12 LEVEL 1

YEAR 12 PERFORMING ARTS (MUSIC) STUDIO 12

COMMON LA13 DEPARTMENT
ROOM

PRINT ROOM

YEAR 12 COORDINATOR

TERTIARY ADVISOR GREENHALGH

CENTRE
FOR MUSIC
STAFF AND DRAMA
COMMON LEVEL 2
ROOM
BOARDROOM

STUDIO 13

02/08/2022
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YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Year 7 Orientation afternoon

Wednesday 25 January 2023. 1:00 – 3:00pm

Year 7 girls should come to Meriden in their sport uniform at 1:00pm. They will be introduced to their Year
Coordinator, Ms Wilson, and the Head of Student Wellbeing, Mrs Jessica Chilton. They will be given a tour
of the school grounds by student leaders and given time to find their lockers, practise using their locks and
orient themselves before the first day of school.

Girls who have not yet attended Learning Appraisal Day will be assessed on Wednesday 25 January 2023,
from 8:30am – 12:30pm.

First day arrangements

Friday 27 January 2023

Arrival 8:00 – 8:10am

Students come to school in their summer uniform. Year 7 girls will be greeted
by senior students at the school gates and directed to their lockers and then
to Wallis Auditorium. Students need to bring some pens/pencils, their laptop, a
book to write in and food for recess and lunch.

8:20am Assembly in Wallis Auditorium.

Girls will join the whole Senior School for Assembly. Year 7 will be seated in
Wallis Auditorium by the Year 7 Coordinator, Ms Wilson, and the tutors.

Lesson 1 Year 7 will remain in Wallis Auditorium at the end of Assembly. They will be
allocated to their classes and introduced to their tutors and other key staff.
Year 7 will be briefed on various aspects of the life of the School.

Lesson 2 Girls will be given their timetables, Meriden Planners and log-in details.
Students will be given IT training with members of the ICT Department.

Recess

Pastoral Time Year 7 will have their first tutor group meeting as per their timetable.

Lesson 3 As per student timetable.

Lunch Year 7 will sit together as a group for lunch.

Lesson 4 As per student timetable.

Lesson 5 As per student timetable.

Dismissal Girls will be dismissed at 3:10pm.

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 YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Stationery list
The following stationery is required for the start of Term 1.

General stationery

7 x 96-page A4 exercise books

Blue, black and red pens
HB pencils
Textas and/or coloured pencils
Eraser
Highlighter pens
Glue stick
Scissors
Clear perspex ruler
Small stapler
USB memory stick (minimum 2GB)
Clipboard

Display folders and Manila folders may be required, as requested by individual teachers.

Mathematics

Protractor
Pair of compasses
Scientific calculator: Casio fx-100AU Plus 2nd Edition

Music
1 x 96-page A4 Music Book

Technology Mandatory
Sewing needles, fabric pins and fabric scissors

Fabric, coloured thread and other materials may be required, as dictated by the student’s design project.

Visual Arts
Students will be provided with an “Art Kit” in a calico bag consisting of drawing pencils, paintbrushes,
Visual Arts process diary and apron.

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YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Student laptop computer

All Year 7 students are required to have the School’s mandated laptop computer, the ACER TravelMate Spin
B311 Touch Screen Laptop. Students will use this device in Years 7, 8 and 9 and no other devices will be
accepted in these School years.

The ACER TravelMate Spin B311 Touch Screen Laptop required has a higher specification over the model
offered in retail stores and therefore must be bought through the School. Meriden has organised a cost-
effective package deal for this device which includes the laptop and a three-year warranty.

Once purchased, the laptop belongs to the student and is the student’s responsibility. All faults, breakages
and software problems remain the student’s responsibility, but please note that the School will assist with
all problems associated with the device and if any claims or warranty issues arise, the ICT Department will
coordinate the repairs on behalf of the student.

How to purchase your laptop

The ACER TravelMate Spin B311 Touch Screen Laptop is purchased online using the Meriden/ASI portal.
The cost is $1,029.60 including a 3-year warranty and carry case.

The School also purchases an Accidental Damage Insurance policy for all ACER laptops and this is included
in the Year 7 Resource Fee paid at the start of the year along with the Term 1 fees.

Please purchase your laptop by Friday 2 December 2022.

1. Go to https://meriden.asi.com.au, or use the QR code on the right.

2. Click “Shop Now”.

3. Click “New User” just below the Login button.

4. Enter your name, email address and create a password.

5. Enter the Registration Key Code dzXyyTrH Purchase the

School mandated
6. Click “Create an Account”. laptop.

7. Click “Notebooks” (at the top of the screen).

8. Purchase the ACER TravelMate Spin B311 Student Bundle.

9. When entering delivery details, ensure the laptop is delivered to Meriden.

How to pick up your laptop

Your laptop will be available for collection from the Meriden ICT Department
by appointment. Collection appointments are available between Monday 16
and Friday 20 January 2023.

To make a laptop collection appointment with the Meriden ICT Department:

1. Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au, or use the QR code on the right.

Book a laptop
collection
2. Enter the event code vu868 and click “Go”. appointment

3. Select your preferred appointment date and time.

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 YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Year 7 textbooks
In Year 7 the majority of textbooks are in the form of eTexts and you will need
to order them online from the supplier, Campion Education.

Please order your Year 7 textbooks by Friday 16 December 2022.

How to purchase Year 7 textbooks

Purchase
1. Go to www.campion.com.au or use the QR code on the right.
Year 7
textbooks
2. Locate “Online ordering for parents and students” and click “Order here”.

3. Create a new parent account.

4. Enter the Resource List code XQYP and click “Next”.

5. Make your selections and follow the prompts to complete your order. Note: Choose the Language text as
per the Language selection you have already made.
Please ensure delivery is to your residential address.
Once you have placed your Campion order online, instructions on how to download and access the
eTexts will be sent via email from Campion. This will be in mid-January. This delayed delivery date for
eTexts provides time for Meriden ICT staff to liaise with Campion to facilitate a successful upload. If the
email does not arrive, please check your Junk mailbox.

The Meriden ICT Department will be open from Monday 16 – Friday 20 January 2023 for student laptop
collection appointments and assistance with installation of eTexts. Please see the previous page for
information regarding how to make an appointment with the Meriden ICT Department.

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YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Hudson Library and Research Centre

The Hudson Library and Research Centre is the information hub of the Senior School and is located upstairs
in the Wallis Building. Senior School students are encouraged to work in the library creatively and critically,
from independent study to group work, to research and leisurely reading.

Library Resources
Meriden students can look forward to borrowing from a genrefied fiction collection, which allows for
easier identification of books.

The fiction section is located in the Reading Room and non-fiction is in the Research Centre.

Self-service kiosks enable students to become independent patrons, with students being able to borrow and
return books at any time of the day. Borrowing permissions are as follows:

Fiction – 3-week borrowing period Non-Fiction – 1-week borrowing period

Years 7-8 5 books 2 books
Years 9-10 8 books 2 books
Years 11-12 10 books 2 books

In addition to the library’s physical resources, students have access to quality information online
through eVe.

An extended fiction collection containing eBooks and audiobooks can be read through the library’s ePlatform.

The Digital Library is the students’ portal to databases and subscriptions, news resources and other online
resources. Library staff have also developed and curated research guides to assist with assessment tasks.
For further assistance, students can book research appointments with the library’s resident Research Fellow,
Dr Ann Goeth.

Use of the Library

• No food or drinks are to be taken into the library.
• Any overdue books must to be returned before students can borrow again.
• Students must have their student ID to borrow resources.
• After-hours use of the library is only available to Meriden students in Years 7-12. Younger siblings from the
Junior School are to use the after-school care facility which is available each day until 6:00pm.
• Students working in the library after school are required to check in and out using the SINE pads, located
near the librarian’s desk.
• For supervision purposes, if students are intending to use the library after school, they must stay within the
library. Students are expected to start vacating the library at 5:45pm to allow for closure at 6:00pm.
• Students are expected to respect the needs of all present and work in a calm and quiet manner.

Library Activities
The Creativity Corner provides a circuit-breaker to the weekly schedule. Students of all year groups are
welcome to participate in various art and craft activities and recharge for the remainder of the School week.
The Creativity Corner meets each Wednesday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the Reading Room.

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 YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Library Opening Hours

Term Time Holidays (excluding Term 4 Holidays)
Monday to Friday 7:30am – 6:00pm 9:00am – 2:00pm
Saturday 9:00am – 2:00pm Closed

After School Phone Number: 02 9744 9441

For more information, please contact Ms Jessie Niumataiwalu, Library Manager

[email protected]

Homework Help
Students at Meriden can get assistance with their homework in several ways:

• Girls are readily able to speak to or email their teacher to arrange a time for additional help.

• Many students work on their homework in the Library after School each day.

• After-school Homework Help is available for English, Mathematics and Science, between 3:30pm – 4:30pm
on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. No bookings are required and teachers are available to assist
with homework and/or student questions.

• Every second Saturday during term time, the Hudson Library and Research Centre is open for Day 11
where subject-specific help is available for students. The timetable for Day 11 is available on the Lateral
Learning eVe page.

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YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Meriden’s online systems for parents

Meriden has a number of online systems for parents, which are accessed by a unique username and
password. The Meriden ICT Department is available to assist parents with the following systems:

The Meriden App

The Meriden App is the primary way the School communicates with parents.

Please make sure you download the Meriden App to your phone from the
App Store (iPhones) or Google Play (for Android phones).

The Meriden App is used to:

• receive important School notices and updates;

• view the School calendar;

• read the School newsletter;

• report abscences: in advance or before 7:30am on the day; or for access

to Leave or Exemption Forms for longer absences;

• access information about Meriden Sports and Cocurricular Activities;

• access information about many other areas of Meriden; and

• access the mobile version of eVe or Parent Lounge.

Parent Lounge
Parent Lounge is where parents maintain contact and medical details and provide online payments,
registrations and permissions.

The desktop version of Parent Lounge can be accessed from the Meriden website, and the mobile version
can be accessed from the Meriden App.

Parent Lounge is used to:

• update address and contact details, and your daughter’s medical details;

• provide permission for incursions and excursions,

including payment where relevant;

• register for Sport, Music and Cocurricular Activities;

• make bookings for Parent/Teacher Conferences;

• access termly invoices and recent payments;

• pay termly invoices using a credit card, or set up a

payment schedule to pay your termly invoice: and

• provide access to school reports (Years 10-12).

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 YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

eVe
eVe is a desktop version of most of the information available in the Meriden App and provides detailed
information about the School, including notices. It is also where parents can view their daughter’s timetable
and eReport.

The desktop version of eVe can be accessed from the Meriden website, and the mobile version can be
accessed from the Meriden App.

eVe is used to:

• access your daughter’s eReport (Years 7-9);

• view your daughter’s timetable (Years 7-12);

• view important School notices and updates;

• access information about Meriden Sports, Music and

Cocurricular Activities; and

• access information about many other areas of Meriden.

SMS Alerts
In the event of a major incident at the School, such as an evacuation or lockdown, parents will be advised
and kept updated by SMS.

The SMS system is also used to alert a parent of an unexplained student absence in the Senior School.

Username and password

To access Meriden’s online systems for parents you will need your unique username and password.

This information will be provided to you in January.

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YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Senior School Canteen

The Meriden Senior School Canteen offers a wide range of healthy, seasonal foods and beverages.
Opening hours are from 7:30am Monday to Friday and after school until 4:00pm, Tuesday to Friday.
It is also open on Saturdays from 9:00am – 12noon.

Students are encouraged to pre-order their lunches. However, meals can also be purchased from the
Canteen at lunchtime. The options for purchasing from the Canteen are:

• Pre-order lunch online by 9:00am through Flexischools (see below);

• Pre-order lunch at the Canteen before school commences, paying by cash or Student Card linked to your
Flexischools account; or

• Purchase morning tea or lunch directly, using cash or Student Card linked to your Flexischools account.

How to register and order through Flexischools

1. Go to flexischools.com.au/parents or use the QR code on the right.

2. Click “Sign up”.

3. Follow the prompts to create an account, including adding your daughter.

4. Top-up your account using VISA, Mastercard, PayPal or by direct deposit.

Register with
Flexischools will email you a reminder when your account is running low. FlexiSchools.

5. To order, locate “Senior Lunch Meriden School” in the “Food” section.

How to link your daughter’s student card to your Flexischools account

Once you have set up your Flexischools account, navigate to “Students” and click on your daughter’s name
and enter her Student Card Number. If you wish, you can set a daily FlexiSchools spending limit. For your
daughter to use her Student Card to make purchases from the Canteen, money needs to be loaded on your
FlexiSchools account.

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 YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Uniform Shop
The Meriden Uniform Shop supplies the entire uniform for all students (except shoes), and the Uniform Shop
staff are looking forward to helping you with the purchase of your Meriden Senior School uniform.

Uniform items required

A list of items required by your daughter is available on the Meriden website,
or by using the QR code on the right.

If not using the QR code on the right, go to

www.meriden.nsw.edu.au/resources/uniform-shop/

View the uniform

Uniform appointments requirements on the
Meriden website.
Our recommendation is that you purchase your new summer uniform prior to
the school closing this year to ease your daughter’s transition to Meriden.

To facilitate this, you must book an appointment with the Uniform Shop. Appointments take about 45 minutes.

Appointments for fittings of the winter uniform will be available from March 2023.

How to book a uniform appointment

1. Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au or use the QR code on the right.

2. Enter the event code 5usv4 and click “Go”.

3. Follow the steps shown.

Make a Meriden
Should you wish to make an appointment outside the times offered above, Uniform Shop
please call the Meriden Uniform Shop on 9752 9492. appointment.

Clothing Pool
The Uniform Shop carries good quality second-hand items that can be purchased instore. Please note, there
is no exchange or refund on clothing pool items.

Payment
Uniform Shop payments can be made by cash, EFTPOS, MasterCard, Visa and American Express cards.
We are happy to process future orders either in person, by phone, email or via our online ordering using
Flexischools. We are unable to place uniform sales on your school account.

Exchange and Refund

If it is necessary to return or exchange goods purchased, please have your receipt of purchase and ensure
that the items have not been worn or marked and all manufacturer’s labels are attached. Due to health
regulations, there are a number of items that cannot be exchanged or returned including swimsuits, socks,
tights, hats and second-hand items.

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YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Transport
School Opal Card
The School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) provides eligible school
students with free or subsidised travel from home to school on public
transport. Applications are made through the Transport NSW SSTS website,
not through the School.

Applications should be made as soon as possible so that the card is ready More information
for Term 1. Cards are sent to the student’s nominated address one or about a School
two weeks before the commencement of classes. Opal Card

• Students currently without a School Opal Card will need to create a new application.

• Students currently holding a School Opal Card may need to update their details.

For more information go to https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/home#/howToApply or use the

QR code on the right.

Meriden Bus Services

Meriden provides its own bus services to and from the following areas:

• Route 1: Taren Point, Miranda, Sylvania, Blakehurst, Hurstville, Beverly Hills

• Route 2: Woolwich, Hunters Hill, Gladesville, Tennyson Point, Putney, Rhodes, Concord West
• Route 3: Illawong, Alfords Point, Padstow Heights, Oatley
• Route 4: Balmain, Rozelle, Leichhardt, Dulwich Hill, Summer Hill, Enfield
• Route 5: Drummoyne, Russell Lea, Five Dock, Canada Bay, Concord
• Route 6: Concord, Breakfast Point, Cabarita, North Strathfield
• Route 7: Carlingford, Dundas, Ermington, Dundas Valley, Newington, Wentworth Point, Sydney Olympic Park
• Route 8: Earlwood, Canterbury, Ashbury, Croydon Park, Campsie, Belmore, Belfield

Details of each route, timetables and an application form are available on the School website.

Applications can also be submitted via https://orientation.meriden.nsw.edu.au/bus/

or by using the QR code on the right.

Apply to use
the Meriden
Bus Service

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 YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Music
There are many exciting music opportunities available to girls in the Senior School. All Year 7 students are
encouraged to be involved in the Music program through participation in music ensembles or through music
tuition through the Meriden Music Academy.

Music ensembles
Meriden has a broad offering of cocurricular music ensembles. Large groups include choirs, orchestras,
bands and string ensembles. Music ensembles are offered at all levels. An audition is required for advanced
and chamber groups.

Performances occur regularly throughout the year at Meriden. There are concerts for large ensembles,
recitals for soloists and smaller groups, twilight concerts for those taking individual instrumental or vocal
tuition, assemblies and open days. Meriden musicians also take part in combined schools and community
performances. There is an annual music camp at which all Meriden ensembles polish their skills, and
advanced ensembles may undertake interstate and international tours.

Private music lessons through Meriden Music Academy

The Meriden Music Academy provides private tuition for students on all instruments including voice, as well
as musicianship and Speech and Drama. Lessons are taught by qualified specialist teachers during the
school day and after school with some lessons also available on Saturdays. More information is available in
the Music Academy brochure or on the School website.

Our Music Department staff are always happy to provide further details and answer any questions you
may have about music at Meriden. Parents are invited to contact the Meriden Music Academy via email at
[email protected] or 9752 9478.

For further information about the Meriden Music Academy, please refer to the
Meriden Music Academy brochure found on the Year 7 Orientation website,
which can be accessed using the QR code on the right.

If not using the QR code, the Year 7 Orientation website and Meriden Music Academy
brochure can be accessed via: https://orientation.meriden.nsw.edu.au/year-7/

View the Meriden

How to register for music at Meriden Music Academy
Brochure
Please register for music at Meriden in 2023 by Friday 2 December 2022.

To register for music lessons through the Meriden Music Academy or

to complete an expression of interest to join a music ensemble please use
the registration form accessed via the QR code at the right.

If not using the QR code, the music registration form can be accessed via:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6WDZ7JD

Music registration
and expression of
interest form

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YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Senior School Major Ensembles Rehearsal Schedule

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Before School
Senior Clarinet Concert
7:15 - 8:15am
Wind Chamber Strings Ensemble Band
Symphony
Intermediate Intermediate
Intermediate
Singers Percussion Madrigals
Chamber Strings
Ensemble
Senior
Percussion Symphony
Chamber Chamber
Ensemble Orchestra
Music Music
Sectionals

Lunchtime Senior
12:30 - 1:05pm Singers Concert
Intermediate Band
Choir Chamber
Singers
Rock Music
Band A
Club 88
Flute
Ensemble
Brass Jazz Band Rock Band B
Ensemble Chamber
Chamber
Music Music

After School Chapel

3:30 - 5:00pm Band A Symphony Senior
Orchestra Singers

Wind Composition Chapel

Symphony Club Band B and C

Sinfonia Chamber
Chamber Music
Music

Senior School Major Ensembles

Auditions are required unless otherwise stated.

Choir Years 7-12 All those who enjoy singing. No audition required.

Intermediate Singers Years 7-9 Advanced or more experienced choral singers.

Senior Singers and Madrigals Years 9-12 Advanced or more experienced choral singers.

Instrument Ensembles Years 7-12 Brass Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Flute Ensemble
and Percussion Ensemble, all levels welcome.

Concert Band Years 7-12 All woodwind, brass and percussion players.
Grade 1 AMEB and above.

Wind Symphony Years 7-12 Advanced woodwind, brass and percussion players.
Grade 5 AMEB and above

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 YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Jazz Band By invitation Advanced brass, saxophone, bass and percussion

only players.

Sinfonia Years 5-12 All string, woodwind, brass and percussion players.
Grade 3 AMEB and above.

Symphony Orchestra Years 7-12 Advanced string, woodwind, brass and percussion
players. Grades 5-6 AMEB and above.

String Orchestra Years 7-12 All string players. Prelim/Grade 1 and above.
No audition required.

Intermediate Chamber Years 7-12 Intermediate string players.

Strings Grade 3 AMEB and above.

Senior Chamber Strings Years 7-12 Advanced string players.

Grade 6 AMEB and above.

Chamber Music By invitation Advanced players in trios, quartets and quintets.

only Grades 5–6 AMEB and above.

Trios, Quartets and Quintets Years 7-12 Instrumental combinations vary according to the
musicians who are at the required level each year.
Combinations may include:

• string trio, quartet, quintet

• woodwind trio, quartet, quintet
• brass quartet, quintet
• piano trio

Chapel Band Years 7-12 Contemporary Christian music including vocals,

piano, guitar, bass, drums and lead instruments.

Rock Band Years 7-12 Rock music including vocals, piano, guitar, bass,
drums and lead instruments.

Club 88 Years 7-12 Open to all Pianists. No audition required.

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YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Sport
Sport is an important part of school life at Meriden. Through sport, girls are provided with the opportunity
to stay healthy, develop their skills and fitness and make friends quickly, not only in their immediate class
or year group, but also across the student body. This assists with their integration into the culture
of the School.

Meriden has requires every student in Years 7-9 to accumulate at least two sporting points in 2023. Students
can participate in sport in any or all school terms and, as long as students achieve a minimum of two points
over the year, sport is not compulsory in Term 1.

For all information about sport at Meriden, including sports offered in each term,
please refer to the Meriden Sports Handbook found on the Year 7 Orientation
website, which can be accessed using the QR code on the right.

If not using the QR code, access the Year 7 Orientation website and Meriden Sports
Handbook via this link: https://orientation.meriden.nsw.edu.au/year-7/
View the Meriden
Sport Handbook
Term 1 2023 Sport Registration
Registration for Term 1 2023 sport opened in mid-October, and a registration link was
sent via email.

Please call the Sports Department on 9752 9444 if your daughter wishes to participate in sport in
Term 1 but has not already registered.

Swimming Ability
In Year 7 PDHPE lessons, students participate in a range of swimming activities, water safety and
rescue skills. If students are unable to swim unassisted for 50 metres in varying levels of depth, they are
encouraged to sign up for external swimming lessons prior to their commencement at Meriden.

The Royal Life Saving (Australia) website has excellent information for young people who are swimming
and participating in water-based activities: royallifesaving.com.au/educate-participate

Student Christian Groups

At Meriden, the Student Christian Group (SCG) meets weekly in year groups. Many students from Years
7-12 choose to attend these lunchtime groups. The Year 7 SCG group, Bee, meets on Wednesday at lunch
time and all girls are welcome to come along. At Bee, girls read from the Bible, discuss topics that relate to
everyday life, pray together, enjoy games and have a lot of fun.

The girls form new friendships with those outside their regular classes and also with their Year 11 leaders,
creating an added network of Christian support and care. At the end of Year 12, many Meriden girls reflect
on the role that the Student Christian Group has played in their individual lives, journeys of faith and the
formation of strong and long-lasting friendships.

The Chaplaincy team would love to answer any questions you might have about the ministries operating
within Meriden and look forward to meeting you and your daughter.

You can contact the Chaplain, Rev Clayton Moss, at [email protected] or phone 9752 9439.

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 YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

Cocurricular activities
In addition to Sport and Music, Meriden’s extensive range of cocurricular activities, clubs and groups
provides opportunities for every student to discover new interests, make new friends and develop important
life skills such as teamwork, cooperation and leadership.

All clubs and groups contain a mix of students from multiple school years. Clubs and groups usually meet
weekly; either before school, at lunchtime or after school.

Information about cocurricular activities, including a timetable and registration details, will be given to the
girls by Mr Richard Hughes, Dean of Student Involvement, at the commencement of Term 1.

In Year 7 students will have the opportunity to participate in:

• Art Club • Philosophy Club

• Chess Club • Public Speaking Competitions
• Composition Club • Public Speaking Clubs:
• Da Vinci Decathlon (application required) Speak Up Club (Terms 1-3); TED Ed Club (Term 4)
• Debating • Radio Club
• Drama Club • Science Clubs
• Fab Lab • Student Christian Groups
• Greek Club • Student Representative Council
• Green Team • Tech Club
• Library Committee • Tournament of Minds (application required)
• Manga Anime Club • Writing Groups
• Media Team

In addition to the activities listed above, as students move into older school years they will also have the
opportunity to participate in the following:

• Ambassadors (Year 10)

• Cadets – Trinity Grammar School Army Cadet Unit
(Year 7 students can join from Term 4; Years 8-12;)
• Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (Years 9-12)
• Festival of Speech (Years 8-11)
• Interact (Years 10-11)
• Mock Trial (Years 10-11)
• Tech Angels (Years 8-11)
• Theatresports (Years 9-12)

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YEAR 7 ORIENTATION INFORMATION

The Meriden Community

Meriden encourages parental involvement in a wide range of activities. Support for the students through
attendance at sporting matches, music concerts, plays and special events is greatly appreciated by all
participants.

There are also a number of associations in which parents may be involved. These groups make an
invaluable contribution to the School’s resources and play a pivotal role in the community life of the School.

Some opportunities for involvement are outlined below.

Parents and Friends Association

The Association meets once a term in the evenings and organises social events and fundraising activities.
The main activities during the year which come under the auspices of the P and F are the Parents’ Expo and
the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events.

The Meriden Foundation

The Foundation was established in 1992 in conjunction with the School’s 95th birthday. Its aim is to provide
resources to maintain a high standard of educational excellence and guarantee the future independence of
the School. This is done through special events and the encouragement of contributions to the Building Fund
(tax deductible), together with bequests. The Foundation holds fundraising events each year, to which all
parents are welcome. Membership is open to all members of the School community.

Friends of Meriden Sport (FOMS)

Friends of Meriden Sport was formed in February 2012, with the aim of supporting the wide-ranging Sports
program available to students at Meriden. Activities undertaken by the Friends of Meriden Sport help to
increase interest in the Sports program and raise funds for resources and other requirements. The aim is to
help students achieve their goals and encourage the love of sport in those around them. Membership is open
to all parents who wish to support their daughters in their chosen sport.

Information about joining these groups will be provided at the Parents’ Expo, which will be held on Friday
3 February 2023.

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Meriden School Telephone 61 2 9752 9444
CRICOS Number: 02318F Facsimile 61 2 9752 9400
3 Margaret Street Email [email protected]
Strathfield NSW 2135 Website www.meriden.nsw.edu.au