From the Principal

From the Principal

Since the previous RJ Review, there have been a number of excellent activities, including a superb Year 7 Camp, wonderful Bandaged Bear Days and Literacy Info Sessions for K-2 Primary parents at both Campuses and the Stage 5 Evening for students/parents to introduce learning programs/assessments and the upcoming Camps at the beginning of Term 2. I was able to make my annual visit to the Year 7 Camp and they were having a fantastic time in an idyllic setting. It was great to see them taking on challenges and also making new friendships. I had the chance once again, with another cohort, to share about the unique history of the Waterslea Campsite on the Shoalhaven River, at which I enjoyed successive camping experiences as a young teenager 50 years ago, although it had none of the modern facilities then, as we slept in canvas tents, had a basic lean-to tin kitchen and no amenities.

 

Principal's Awards

Congratulations to the following students for receiving Principal's Awards at recent Assemblies:

From the Deputy Principal

From the Deputy Principal

Safety is always a major concern for schools and here at RJ it is no different. Most often we talk about safety in relation to traffic or personal safety. We certainly encourage our staff, students and our parents to always be alert around the drop off and pick up times at the beginning and end of the school day.

Yet, students also need to learn how to keep safe when using electronic devices, including mobile phones. Have you discussed the boundaries of having a mobile phone with your child?

 

Primary Matters

From the Head of Primary - Oakhurst

BANDAGED BEAR DAY

Our students enjoyed lots of fun last Tuesday along with their bandaged furry friends, where we raised money for the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. A number of K-2 families joined us for a lovely morning tea Teddy Bears’ Picnic in the courtyard. The students enjoyed a variety of activities at lunchtime including a Teddy Bear disco, biscuit decorating, guess the Tiny Teddies in the jar and Pin the Tail on Teddy. Over $1,200 was raised – thank you everyone.

 

From the Head of Primary - Marsden Park

ASSEMBLY

In Week 4, students in 3/4M taught us from Genesis 2 about how God created man and woman. Students in Year 3 and new students in Year 5/6 were presented with their bibles by Mr Cockrem. In Week 5, 1P continued our learning from Genesis 2 by showing us how God made man to rule over and take care of His world. Well done to both classes for their wonderful presentations. Grandparents’ Day replaces Assembly this week. In Week 7, 5-6M will present an Assembly Item. Parents of the presenting class are warmly welcome to attend Primary Assemblies.

The Day the Bears Came to RJ Marsden Park

On Tuesday our bears came to School with us to celebrate Bandaged Bear Day. It was a lovely sunny day. The bears enjoyed joining us for lots of activities.

To start the day they sat very quietly during Assembly, then they joined us in our classroom. In our rooms they helped us ice Teddy Bear biscuits and decorate them with chocolates and sprinkles. We also did a Teddy craft. During fruit break they tried to sneak our yummy fruit.

Secondary Segments

From the Director of Studies

We have had the usual busy start to the Term and all Information Evenings have been completed – last week, the Somerset organisation presented on the Urban Challenge (Year 10) and Camp Somerset (Year 9) experiences. Year 10 parents are also reminded that expectations differ slightly with regard to meeting the Stage 5 course requirements from NESA – please encourage your son or daughter to look carefully at the information contained in the Year 10 Handbook. Students need to satisfactorily complete all the course expectations, in each subject, to satisfactorily progress to Stage 6.

Year 7 Waterslea Camp

It has been a great start for the Year 7 students. They have settled into Secondary very well, coping with a myriad of changes from Primary and beginning to develop into a cohesive, consistent and enthusiastic cohort of students. One of the events that has helped them to develop this cohesiveness was the wonderful Year 7 Camp. 98 students, accompanied by 8 teachers, had a fabulous time at the Youthworks Waterslea Conference Centre two weeks ago.

Careers Report

From the Careers Advisor

Term 1 has begun very positively for careers as we have seen some wonderful developments for our Stage 5 and Stage 6 students. We have had a large number of students making appointments to explore their futures. For many of our Years 11 and 12 students they are beginning to think about early offers and most importantly, degrees and careers which they would love to learn more about. Interestingly, for 2020 we have seen many of our RJ students wanting to serve the community by focusing on careers in paramedicine, nursing and social work. While these are just a few careers to name, the many careers which our students are selecting provide wonderful opportunities to help someone in need and most importantly, help our students grow into mature individuals once they are in the real world.

Sports Reports

Primary Sports Report

AFL PAUL KELLY CUP TRAINING

A reminder for parents to collect students at 4:40pm each Tuesday afternoon.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

The RJ community has raised close to $4,500 so far this term. The Heart Foundation is very appreciative of our efforts. Good work to the RJ community!

 

Secondary Sports Report

Halfway through the term and there has been so much going on already. We have had Carnivals, trials and our regular Tuesday Sports program. With more events to come I am looking forward to seeing all the achievements of our RJ students.

Meet the Staff

Miss Pearlin Paul - Secondary Teacher

Get to know RJ's Secondary Teacher, Miss Pearlin Paul:

Mrs Ruth Nelson - Administration Assistant

Get to know RJ's Administration Assistant, Mrs Ruth Nelson:

Announcements

Enrolling a Sibling for 2021? Don't Miss Out!

If you are intending to enrol a sibling at RJ, please do so ASAP to avoid disappointment. Pre-K, Kindergarten and Year 7 spaces are filling up very quickly. An Application can be downloaded from the School’s website or collected from the respective Campus Reception.

School Opal Card Requirement