22 October 2019

Our Year 12 students have commenced their HSC Exams. Their Graduation events at the end of term were warmly celebrated by the School community, finishing with the traditional RJ Guard of Honour, which starts with the youngest students, Kindergarten, through to the families and friends of the Year 12 students. We continue to pray for each one of them and will wish them well at the Year 12 Formal, for their future journeys.

 

Another important aspect of ‘Graduation’ is the handover of student leadership. We have thanked the outgoing leaders and we congratulate the newly appointed students: School Captains – Andrew Martin, Ria Shrestha; Vice Captains – Hayley Eldridge, Tark Patel; Service Captains – Lucas Wingfield, Maitreyee Damle; Service Vice Captains – Journey Boyden, Lani McIntosh; Chapel Captains – Hamish White, Caitlin Boyley; Chapel Vice Captains – Jessica Lowden, Daniel Moreno; Co-curricular Captains (Arts) – Ceann Bastian, Dillon Meurling; Co-curricular Vice Captains (Arts) – TJ Cooper, Maya Espinoza; Co-curricular Captains (Sport) – Charlie Cavanagh, Mark Paje; Co-curricular Vice Captains (Sport) – Joshua John, Tiana-Louise Barton; House Captains: Sharks – Alina Lopez, Rams – Mehraty Michael, Lions – Arya Patel, Eagles – Vickie-Jayne Purcell. Let’s enthusiastically support these students in their new roles. During this Term the other House Leader positions will be appointed and Student Forum positions early in the new year.

Our North-West Mission Team of 28 students and 5 staff arrived back last Friday afternoon, in high spirits but very tired. From all accounts the Mission Trip achieved fantastic outcomes and the students developed tremendously from their amazing experiences. It’s important to realise that this Team of students/staff contributed their own time throughout Term 3 to develop and rehearse their programs for the Primary-aged students in Moree, Wee Waa and Narrabri schools, as well as gave-up the end of their holidays, from Thursday 10 October. They also devised a new program for Moree High School which achieved great feedback. For this sacrifice of time and energy, we convey our warm congratulations to the students and the staff – Mr Rowe (Co-ordinator), Miss Mahaffey, Mr Hyde, Miss Peterson and Mr Dawson. Well done Mission Team!

The Mission Team’s motivation stems from Bible verses which refer to the ‘gospel’ or ‘good news’ about Jesus, as below:

“Jesus said, ‘Go into all the world and present the gospel to everyone.’” (Mark 16:15)

“Jesus said, ‘Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.’” (Mark 8:35)

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.’” (Romans 1:16)

Mr Paul Cockrem 
Principal  

Primary 

Secondary

HAIRCUTS

This is a reminder to all our parents and students to remember that all students should have their haircut, if required, in accordance with the guidelines provided on the School website for the start of term. It is the responsibility of the parent and student to ensure that hair is regularly cut throughout a term to continue to comply with the School’s guidelines surrounding student appearance. This also extends to female students, including earrings, nail polish, make-up, all following the School’s Uniform Policy. Thank you for your support.

SPORT & CULTURAL MEDALLIONS 2019

One of the great traditions that has flourished over the years at RJ has been the awarding of medallions to students who have been involved in Sporting or Cultural activities throughout the year. It also includes those students who have had opportunity to participate at various levels of representation in some sporting and cultural areas.

This week, the list of activities that will count towards these medallions is listed, as well as how their point value counting towards medallions. Please see below.

In the Week 4 edition of the RJ Review, a list will be published of students, who according to our records, have qualified for the Sport and Cultural Medallion Awards for 2019.

Once these lists have been published, parents and students will have the opportunity to query any omissions. Then in Week 6, the final list of Medallion winners will be published in the RJ Review.

In accumulating the number of points necessary to receive a medallion, the student needs to have been involved in any continuous activity for at least two-thirds of the time that the activity runs during the year.

CO-CURRICULAR - CULTURAL

Mr Alan Dawson
Deputy Principal

ASSEMBLY

5J presented the first Assembly Item last week, starting our new theme for the term “God Saves His People” by teaching how God saved His people from slavery in Egypt. Primary Education Mornings replace Primary Assemblies in Week 2, with House Meetings replacing Primary Assemblies in Week 3. In Week 4, 1M and 5R will present Assembly Items and awards will be presented for the Year 5 Young Leaders Program. ICAS Certificates through to Year 5 will be presented in Week 5 with Certificates for Year 6 presented in Week 6. Parents of the presenting class are invited to attend Primary Assemblies.

EDUCATION MORNINGS

The Marsden Park Campus Education Morning will be held this Wednesday 23 October. The Oakhurst Campus Education Morning will be held this Friday 25 October. Each morning runs from 9:00-10:20am. Students wear yellow and black mufti and bring a gold coin (preferably $2) donation. Remember to come along and purchase a book from the Book Fair. Please refer to the parent note sent home last week for more information.

EXCURSIONS AND INCURSIONS

Students in Pre-Kindergarten (Monday attendance) will enjoy a visit from a police officer this Monday 28 October. The Wednesday Pre-K class and Kindergarten students from the Marsden Park Campus will have a visit from KindiFarm next Wednesday 30 October.

HOUSE MEETINGS

House Meetings will be held on Wednesday 30 October (Marsden Park Campus) and Thursday 31 October (Oakhurst Campus). All students in K-6 are required to wear their House shirt with their Sport Uniform on this day.

MUSIC PERIPATETIC CONCERTS

Music Peripatetic Concerts will be held on Wednesday 13 November commencing at 6:30pm. Students involved in these concerts will receive a note from Mrs Robertson. Music tuition at RJ provides our young students with the opportunity to develop their musical and performance skills and I look forward to hearing the pieces they have been busily rehearsing.

PARENT HELPER THANK YOU

Each year we have only a very small number of the very large number of parent helpers available to attend our Parent Helper Morning Tea. We are extremely thankful for assistance provided by parents and grandparents throughout the year. To acknowledge all our helpers and not just the small number who can attend a morning tea, this year teachers will be sending a card home at the end of the year to any helpers who have assisted in the classroom in place of the Morning Tea. While only a small gesture, our appreciation is much greater than a thank you card or Morning Tea. Thank you to all our wonderful helpers throughout the school year.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION DAYS

Oakhurst Kindergarten Orientation Days will be held on Monday 11 November and Tuesday 12 November from 9:00-11:30am.

Marsden Park Pre-Kindergarten Orientation – an information session for parents only will be held on Tuesday 19 November from 9:15-10:15am.

Marsden Park Kindergarten Orientation Days will be held on Monday 18 November and Tuesday 19 November from 9:00am-11:30am.

We look forward to meeting our new Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten children and their families on these days.

PRIMARY DEBATING

Congratulations to our Stage 3 Debating teams who participated in the IPSHA Debating competition last week. This Thursday 24 October, they will be participating in a debate against Nepean Christian School. We wish them well.

PRIMARY LEADERSHIP 2020

Students have submitted their application forms to apply for Primary Captain and House Leadership positions in 2020. Applications will be reviewed based on student responses to application questions, effort and behaviour in class, as well as commitment to the Young Leaders Program. A number of students will then be selected to be interviewed for Primary Captain positions. Interviews for these roles will be held on Tuesday 29 October (Oakhurst Campus) and Thursday 31 October (Marsden Park Campus). House Leaders will be voted by students and supported by House Coordinator recommendation based on the students’ involvement in House Meetings throughout 2019. Leadership positions will be finalised later in the term. Captains and House Leaders for the Oakhurst Campus will be announced at the Year 6 Graduation Assembly on Thursday 28 November (parents of Captains and Leaders will be advised prior to this event). Leaders for the Marsden Park Campus will be announced at the Campus Presentation Evening on Monday 2 December.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

All students require a hat (wide-brim or legionnaire) at School each day. Hats are essential for sun protection during PE and Sport activities and for playing in open air areas during recess and lunch. Please ensure all Uniform items are clearly labelled. Students without a hat will be asked to remain in the Primary Courtyard or COLA during break times.

SWIM SCHOOL AND GYMNASTICS LESSONS

Swim School lessons commenced this week for students in Years 1-3. We greatly appreciate the assistance of parents who are able to assist Oakhurst Campus students by walking to and from the pool. Unless assisting in this way and having provided the School with their WWCC clearance, parents are not to attend the pool to watch lessons. A reminder that if your child forgets their swimmers, Reception staff will not be contacting parents. Students will watch the lesson that week from the side of the pool. Please ensure your child has their swimming resources on their lesson day.

Gymnastics lessons commence this week for students in Years 4-6.

Swimming and gymnastics lessons continue through to the end of Week 7 on assigned days.

YEAR 5 YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM

At the end of last term, Year 5 students actively embraced the Young Leaders Program. Students completed set tasks relating to communication, organisation and teamwork, service, personal development and physical endeavour, to achieve either Bronze, Silver or Gold level. Certificates will be presented in Primary Assemblies in Week 4. Students should be proud of their achievements. Well done Year 5.

YEAR 6 CONNECTS AND YEAR 7 ORIENTATION DAYS

Nominated students from the Oakhurst Campus will participate in 2 days of shared learning with students from the Marsden Park Campus as Year 6 students from both Campuses start to prepare for their transition to Secondary. Year 6 students from both Campuses will also be participating in Year 7 Orientation Days on Wednesday 6 November and Thursday 14 November. Be sure to note these dates and the requirements of each Orientation Day in your calendar.

YEAR 6 GRADUATION – OAKHURST CAMPUS

Year 6 Graduation for Oakhurst students will be held on Thursday 28 November commencing at 9:00am. Graduation consists of a special Primary Assembly, followed by morning tea for the Year 6 students and their families. Parents of Year 6 students should note this date in their diary.

Mrs Narelle Taylor
Assistant Principal/Head of Primary

Our Year 5 team debated the topic ‘That Students Should Write Reports on Teachers’ and they presented arguments for the affirmative case. The adjudicator commented on how close the result was and how well both teams spoke. Our Year 6 team debated the negative case for ‘That Students Should Write Reports on Teachers’ and the negative case for ‘That School Sport Should be Optional’. The Year 6 team won the second debate. 

We are extremely proud of our two teams and hope that the Gala Day was a positive learning experience for them all. 

Mrs Jackson and Mrs Wells
Debating Co-ordinators 

While Mrs Clay is on Long Service Leave, I have had the pleasure to work with our Presiding Officer for the HSC Exams, Miss Faith Blake. She and her staff have been wonderfully supportive of our students, and it has been exciting to see the nerves settle after the first few exams and the maturity with which students have approached this time of testing. We pray this attitude will continue for the remainder of the exam period.

This week also sees the start of Yearly examinations for our Years 7 and 8 students. This will be the first opportunity for many of our younger students to experience the formal examination setting. During the holidays I sent an email to all parents and students detailing the expectations for formal examinations at RJ and would like to remind students of the need to be fully prepared for their exams, bringing with them all necessary equipment, including the all-important calculator.

RJ is an exciting place to work; one day is never the same as the last. Next week we have Years 9 and 10 examinations and our new Year 12 cohort have the opportunity to learn more about the HSC when they attend our Surviving Year 12 evening on Wednesday. A number of our Years 9 and 10 students will also take part in the National STEM in Schools day on Wednesday 30 October. We will be joined by our local Member of Parliament, Hon Ed Husic MP, who will participate in a Vodcast with CSIRO to discuss careers in STEM.

Mrs Julia Scrimshaw
Director of Studies

The National Art School is a prestigious leading independent fine art school and these students were selected from many applicants. The course ran during Term 2 and Term 3 holiday break. Recognition of their completed study will be awarded at an upcoming Assembly. 

Mrs Michelle Miggins 
Secondary Visual Arts Teacher

During Term 3, the students spent Tuesday afternoons preparing two programs entitled “Found in God” designed for students in K-2 and “That’s Unbelievable” designed for students in Years 3-6. While on Mission, the students had the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus through these programs with a number of different groups, including the Aboriginal children who attend the Sunday School run by Paul and Erin Strahan. The programs were also presented in School Scripture assemblies at Wee Waa Public School, the two Narrabri Public Schools, Namoi Valley Christian School and also at the Moree Church Sunday School. This year was very special as we had the opportunity to present a program at the Moree Secondary College. It was exciting to see the enthusiasm of the students enjoying the programs. It was obvious, also, that our students were thoroughly motivated, sharing the gospel through dramas, songs, games, memory verses, and testimonies, as well as during times to discuss and answer questions. 

Along with these activities, the team had the opportunity to encourage, and be encouraged by families and young people from the churches in the towns in which we stayed, including a wonderful time with the Youth Group at the Moree Anglican Church. Several of the other very special times that the students enjoyed immensely were the visits the Fairview Aged Care Home, the barefoot bowls, the visit to the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre and the opportunity to share in the Church service at the old Aboriginal mission with the Strahans. The team was most appreciative of the kindness and hospitality extended to them by Simon and Kim Pain, a family in Moree who opened their home and farm to the students, providing both a delicious dinner for the students and a real encouragement to keep following Jesus. The sunset at the farm was truly spectacular. People in every community we visited shared with the teachers about the exemplary nature of the students in the team, both in their behaviour and their love for Jesus.

The team of students were truly blessed to be able to partner with the wonderful Strahan family who work with and care for many Aboriginal children in the Moree area. As we watched Paul and Erin open their home and hearts to the Aboriginal children and their families, it was obvious that their faith was not just in words alone, but in every aspect of their lives. This had a profound impact on all members of the team as we saw the family loving and caring for the children, young people and adults of the Aboriginal community in Moree, providing physical, emotional and spiritual support, seeking to point the families to our great God, who ultimately meets our deepest need.

It was an incredible blessing for the teachers involved in the Mission to see young people who are growing in their faith, passionate to see Jesus honoured in their lives and shared with those around them. The team, more like a family, put their faith into action, not only with the programs they presented but also in the beautiful way they cared for, loved and encouraged each other. The students who participated in the Mission were wonderful ambassadors for their families, our School and most importantly, for the Lord Jesus. A huge thank you, too, to the staff members- Miss Mahaffey, Miss Peterson, Mr Hyde and Mr Dawson who worked tirelessly leading up to, and during the Mission, helping students develop the programs and encouraging them throughout the trip.

The team was made up of the following wonderful students:

Ria Shrestha, Maitreyee Damle, Lucas Wingfield, Daniel Moreno, Charlie Cavanagh, Emily De Cruz, Lani McIntosh, Joshua John, Jessica Lowden, Hayley Eldridge, Caitlin Boyley, Mark Paje, Ceann Bastian, Maya Espinoza, Vickie-Jane Purcell, Noah Scoble, Hamish White, Jale Champion, Liana Naidu, Erica Hughes, Elizabeth Fletcher, Bridie O’Kelly, Hanniel Sudhir, Faith Kranendonk, Emilie White, Chesley Sabangan, Harmony Millard and Jemma Askew.

We are all so thankful to our great God for His faithfulness throughout the Mission and for giving us a glimpse of His heart and the love that He has for all people.

Mr Stewart Rowe 
Director of Christian Ministry/Service Learning (7-12)

Samaritan’s Purse is a non-profit, Christian organisation providing emergency relief and development assistance to suffering people around the world. Samaritan’s Purse is meeting the physical needs of victims of war, famine, natural disaster, poverty and disease with the aim of demonstrating God’s love and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. The aid and assistance are given without regard to the race, creed, gender, religion, or ethnicity of the beneficiaries. Some of the additional projects that Samaritan’s Purse operates along with Operation Christmas Child are: Water, Sanitation & Hygiene; Health & Nutrition; Education & Vocational Training; People at Risk; Animals & Agriculture Livelihoods and Church Resourcing.

Students in Stage 4 will be receiving a special box and a brochure that outlines the Operation Christmas Child Program. It is primarily run in Stage 4, but all students are encouraged to be involved. Special boxes to pack the gifts are available at School from Mr Rowe in the D Block staffroom. The boxes are then distributed to children around the world.

The process for collecting gifts to pack into a shoebox is as follows:

Step 1 Choose whether your box will be for a boy or girl

Step 2 Choose an age group 2-4, 5-9, 10-14

Step 3 Fill the box with new gifts that fit into the following categories. We are asking that students bring in one item from two categories each week.        

Mr Hughes presented an interesting and engaging talk which included excerpts from current and past Science Fiction films. He also made reference to Science Fiction literature and discussed the differences between Hard and Soft Science Fiction.

The role of technology in Science Fiction was also explored and connections were made with examples of modern technology today that have been inspired by Science fiction composers of the past. The talk concluded with a discussion of where God is in the universe and the perspectives of Science Fiction authors as they grapple with this question. Students were inspired to explore the Science Fiction genre further in their classes this Term.

Mrs Annette Sicard 
Secondary Teacher 

From my perspective, it was very exciting to see the small, yet very engaged, number of students attend the seminar to learn more about their future career pathways. For many of our RJ students, the University of Technology is seen as a very creative and innovative environment which is heavily focused on career paths that are niched, specific and certainly very challenging. On the day, our students were very interested in listening to the large variety of exchange and practical programs that UTS offers. It has been a pleasure to welcome these universities to our School over the past few terms and due to the continued interest from students, it will continue in 2020.

In Term 4, we are starting to see our new Year 12 students engage more with their future study and career prospects. Many Year 12 students are making some final appointments to speak about final subject choices, ATAR entry results for their target universities and early entry opportunities. It is wonderful to see our students thinking about their careers so early into their Year 12 studies, and it is my hope that our students will continue to think ahead and consider the fantastic array of studies and opportunities they can participate in when they leave School.

With our students keen to know more about career options, we are also beginning to think about new and innovative ways to grow our career opportunities for 2020. With this, students should continue to come and visit the Careers office on either Monday, Tuesday or Fridays. 

Miss Voula Simos
Careers Advisor 

BASKETBALL TRIALS

Basketball trials began last week and will be continuing into this week for both Campuses. If we have enough boys and or girls to make teams, they will participate in the Term 4 CSSA State Gala Day events. The Stage 3 event is on Monday 18 November and the Stage 2 event is on Monday 25 November.

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Primary Sports Coordinator

Firstly, I wish to thank all the students who have nominated themselves for Representative Sports this term. We have been able to fill teams in all sports and divisions this term. Representative sports started this week and will continue their competition over the next seven weeks. Good luck to all involved.

School sport will consist of a rotational system where students are allocated a group within their Year group. They will then participate in a variety of activities that develop skills and knowledge in a range of lifelong physical activities. Hopefully the students will gain an appreciation for participation and social interactions through these opportunities.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

CSSA Triathlon: This Thursday students will have the opportunity to compete against other CSSA schools in the annual State Triathlon. There are individual and team events that give our students an opportunity to try this sport in a fun and social environment. Thank you to all those who nominated as a team or individual.

CSSA Secondary Tennis: Next Tuesday students from RJ will have the opportunity to participate in a Secondary Tennis Gala Day. Students should have nominated on Monday for this event. 

That is all for this week. I look forward to sharing more in the coming Reviews on how our RJ students are going in Sport.

Mr David Hyde
Secondary Sports Coordinator

Applications for student travel in 2020 opened on Friday 11 October 2019. New students or those catching public transport for the first time should apply online https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updateDetails

Students progressing to Year 3 and Year 7 no longer need to re-apply if they:

• Are continuing at the same school
• Are residing at the same address
• Have not been sent an expiry notification from Transport for NSW.

Where a student meets the new distance eligibility, the system will automatically update their entitlement. If they do not meet the new eligibility, they will receive an expiry notification via email.

If students need to update their information or re-apply, they should go online to https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updateDetails

Applications need to be submitted before 31 December 2019 to ensure student entitlements are updated and their current entitlement/card is not cancelled. If their application is submitted after 31 December 2019, the system will automatically cancel an entitlement/card and a new one will need to be issued.

Students in the Opal network applying for a SSTS or Term Bus Pass entitlement for the first time will receive their card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2020.