2 June 2020

Our School community spirit comes from the One for whom we can be so thankful:

“The Lord is God, and He has made His light to shine upon us …. He is our God; we give Him thanks and we exalt Him, because He is good and His love endures forever.” Psalm 118: 27-29

Our Senior students have continued to forge ahead with their learning tasks and assessments, with hardly any downtime during recent months, thanks to the considerable diligence of our teaching staff. Last Wednesday, Years 11 and 12 participated in their review Interviews, together with their respective teachers and parents. Impressively, this valuable dialogue was very successfully undertaken via Zoom – an enormous logistical challenge, made possible by the Director of Studies, Mrs Scrimshaw, and others – well done! Feedback from parents, students and teachers has been incredibly supportive of this pioneering endeavour.

A comprehensive presentation last Friday of the excellent opportunities awaiting our Year 10 students throughout the Senior Years, sparked their aspirations and dreams. Whilst we were unable to include parents, as normal, the RJ academic pathways and curriculum choices for Stage 6 were digitally recorded and made available online for their consideration. This thorough process, and with encouragement to maintain ongoing enquiries with our staff, will enable RJ families to make informed subject selections during coming weeks.

Over the next five weeks of Term 2, we have planned to gradually recommence our various extra-curricular clubs and co-curricular groups, including our sporting activities (internal, not inter-school). It will be fantastic to see our students thriving again in these special opportunities. Respective announcements and notes (where appropriate) will introduce their resumption. Also, during the coming weeks, the gatherings of students and staff will gradually increase in size, as we move towards re-establishing Primary and Secondary Assemblies, Secondary Chapels etc. For instance, our scheduled House Meetings proceed this week at both Campuses.

Please note that I have approved several larger events towards the end of Term, including our Years 3-12 Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals (students only), School Photos, Winter Sleepout, Secondary Festival, as well as the CRU Blast Camp for Primary students in the July break. CRU Blast is being promoted this week amongst the Secondary Section, from a leadership perspective, and we are anticipating that many teenagers will volunteer to be trained as Assistant Leaders, albeit during a slightly condensed build-up.

In respect of staffing, at the Marsden Park Campus, I confirm that Mrs Hannah Kaleeny will commence Maternity Leave at the end of Term 2 and Mrs Miriam Oliver will become the Class teacher for 2M for the remainder of the year. We're sure that both teachers will ensure a smooth transition.  

The aspect which I haven’t yet been able to determine is the date on which parents/guardians will be able to resume full access to both Campuses, although the June P and F Association Meeting will be held in the Hall.

Due to the unusual start of Term, we have been unable to highlight two refurbishments which were completed recently: the upgrade of our Drama Performance space (Level 1 Block E); and the redesigned Changerooms and Toilets (Ground Floor Block E – next to the Canteen). The latter project attracted a $40,000 Grant from the NSW Government’s ‘Community Building Partnership’ program, which we gratefully acknowledge.

Mr Paul Cockrem
Principal

With students having been off Campus for quite some time, coming back yesterday almost seemed like it was the start of the school year all over again. So the following are just reminders about presenting well and doing the right things.

EXPECTATIONS & UNIFORMS

Hopefully students haven’t forgotten how to present well by wearing their Uniform correctly with appropriate footwear, hairstyles, jewellery and winter blazers. As we re-commence we would ask parents to book that much needed haircut and check to see that their children in Primary and/or Secondary are looking sharp in the School’s navy blue.

DIARIES 

As well as presenting well, Secondary students should once again be using their diary with parents signing the diary on a weekly basis. The diary provides an opportunity for teachers to be able to communicate issues with home and for parents to make any short comment/query in the diary also. Let’s return to the great way in which both students and parents were using the diary prior to COVID-19.

C.S. Lewis has been quoted as saying,“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” As we move through this COVID-19 season, let’s be positive and hopeful of the better things that lie ahead for us all. As the Scriptures remind us, God is the only one who can make the valley of trouble, a door of hope (Hosea 2:15). Let’s keep moving forward into the promises He has for us all.

Mr Alan Dawson
Deputy Principal 

Last Sunday was Pentecost Sunday where we remember the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles who were gathered together after Jesus’ return to Heaven. (Acts chapter 2) It is seen as a time of renewal, focused on evangelism, a deeper intimacy with God, and fellowship. As we begin to emerge from the effects of COVID19, I believe that Pentecost imparts faith, hope, a sharing of community, and an awareness of a purpose much greater than ourselves. During the last couple of months, I would often sing a Colin Buchanan song with the students who continued to come to School. This line from the song always gave me hope that no matter what was happening in our world, God was still in control -

I am the Lord and I do not fail - Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall but the Lord don’t change at all…

I pray that we will continue to draw strength from God and one another in the coming weeks.

WINTER UNIFORM

A reminder that all students must now be in Winter Uniform and wearing their jackets to and from School. The School beanie is also only to be worn to and from School and does not take the place of a sunhat. Please check that all your child/ren’s clothing items are clearly labelled with their names. The bubblers are still not in use at present, so students must have their own labelled drink bottle at School every day.

MORNING AND AFTERNOON PICK UP AND DROP OFF

A huge thank you to parents who have adjusted their normal pick up routine – we do appreciate your understanding as we continue to maintain physical distancing between adults and reduce the number of parents onsite. Using Dryden Ave only for cars driving through for a quick pick up of students, and the field for parents walking in for an on-foot pick up will relieve congestion along Dryden Ave. The Church carpark is another drive-through option. We appreciate everyone’s patience at this time and encourage you to make sure your child/ren are clear on their afternoon pick-up spot.

HOUSE MEETINGS THIS FRIDAY 5 JUNE

This coming Friday we have House Meetings for all House Groups after lunch so students can wear their coloured House shirts with tracksuits to School on this day.

ATHLETICS EVENTS

On Thursday 11 June, students in Kindergarten to Year 2 will participate in modified athletics events for their Mini-Athletics Carnival. The Years 3-12 Athletics Carnival is planned for later in the Term. Parents do not attend Athletics Events this term.

YEARS 5/6 CAMP

We have been able to secure new dates for our Years 5/6 Camp. The students were very excited when they were told this news last week. Camp will now be held in Week 2 of Term 4 from Monday 19-Wednesday 21 October. Please note these dates in your calendar.

GROUPS RESUMING

Some of our lunchtime groups run by Staff will recommence this week. Announcements on these groups are always given on morning lines. The before and after music and dance groups will start in the next two weeks (Wk 7 Dance, Wk 8 Choirs). Mr Mitchell will continue to send information regarding sport training resumption – see Sport section of this RJ Review. Please also check emails and the School website for Sport updates.

SCHOOL PHOTOS 

Our School photo day at Oakhurst is scheduled for Wednesday 24 June. Envelopes were sent home today for orders to be placed. Please order online. Only return the envelope marked with your order selection to School on Photo Day, if you're not ordering online. 

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary Oakhurst

Our morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up arrangements are going well. We will continue with these arrangements over the coming weeks. I will continue to inform you of any changes the week prior.

While we are not back to full routines, some groups commence this week and others the week after. Teachers are also busily rescheduling excursions for later in the year, with many bookings now secured, including our Years 5/6 Camp (see details below).

ASSEMBLY/HOUSE MEETINGS

On their House Days in Weeks 3 and 4, students started preparing for House Items for upcoming Term 2 Primary Assemblies. Unfortunately, parents do not attend Primary Assemblies in Term 2. No classes will be presenting Items this term, so parents won’t miss out on any special Items. All Assemblies will be held in the COLA outside space (later in the day when the temperature is warmer). Please note the updated Assembly Schedule and requirements for Term 2:

ATHLETICS EVENTS

On Thursday 11 June, students in Kindergarten to Year 2 will participate in modified athletics events for their Mini-Athletics Carnival. The Years 3-12 Athletics Carnival is planned for later this Term. Parents do not attend Athletics Events this term.

KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION AND ASSESSMENT SESSIONS 

Kindergarten Information and Assessment Sessions for new enrolments commencing Kindergarten in 2021 will be held on Monday 22 June and Tuesday 23 June. Current Pre-Kindergarten students are not required to attend these sessions. They will attend Kindergarten Orientation Days later in the year.

NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORYTIME

National Simultaneous Storytime aims to promote a love of reading in children. Parents are encouraged to read regularly with their children to help them develop a love of reading. Mr Cockrem is excited to share a book with the students on Monday 15 June. We look forward to seeing what adventures he has planned for us this year.

RETURN OF LEARNING BUNDLES AND SCHOOL RESOURCES

It is essential that all Learning Bundles are returned to School for marking. School Resources such as reading books must be returned to School as a priority as these materials form part of reading schemes and are required for reading groups to functioning appropriately. Please be diligent in returning all materials as a priority.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

School Photos for the Marsden Park Campus will be taken in Week 9, Thursday 25 June. All students (Pre-K to Year 6) are to wear their Winter Uniform on this day. Pre-Kindergarten children wear their long-sleeved RJ polo shirt, tracksuit pants and joggers. K-6 girls must wear navy blue tights, not socks. Hair is to be tied up with a small navy hair tie. Earrings must be as per the Uniform Policy – plain gold or silver stud or sleeper. Further information relating to Uniform requirements was emailed to parents in Week 4. Professional promotional photos will be taken on Friday 26 June. Mrs Ghali will contact families whose children may be involved in this photo shoot.

YEARS 5/6 CAMP

We have been able to secure new dates for our Years 5/6 Camp. The students were very excited when I told them on their return to School last week. Camp will now be held in Week 2 of Term 4 from Monday 19-Wednesday 21 October. Please note these dates in your calendar.

YEAR 6 TO YEAR 7 INFORMATION SESSION

Year 6 students will travel by RJ bus to the Oakhurst Campus for a Year 7 Information Session on Wednesday 17 June. Further information will follow shortly.

Mrs Narelle Taylor
Assistant Principal/Head of Primary Marsden Park

This part of the Term is always very busy with Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews, Reports and Year 11 Subject Selection. Due to the current COVID-19 season, some of these events have been postponed or altered to suit our 'new normal'.

Last Wednesday saw our Stage 6 students and parents join us for our first online P/T/S Interviews. It was a jam-packed evening with many productive conversations. Some of the main issues involve students not doing any revision work at home. The extra effort they apply at home will make a difference in their confidence when they come to School. This includes reading texts for study and texts for pleasure. Senior students continue to have access to Edrolo, and there are excellent resources available through the class CANVAS pages. Though this was a new way of doing things, parent feedback suggests that our families and students continued to feel supported by our staff. Many parents commented on the convenience of completing the Interviews by ZOOM, which I am sure was further helped by not needing to go out on a cold winter’s evening. 

Unfortunately, we had to cancel the Year 11 2021 Subject Evening this year. This evening always provides an opportunity for families to discuss subject options. However, we were happy to meet with our Year 10 students on Friday to discuss the Subject Selection process. Stage 6 staff have provided videos and information through a CANVAS page this year to allow students and their parents to get to know what is available at RJ for Years 11 and 12. We look forward over the next few weeks to great discussions with our Year 10 cohort as they make their choices before the deadline on Friday 19 June.

Mrs Julia Scrimshaw
Director of Studies/Acting Head of Secondary

*****With COVID-19 still in mind, students will be expected to maintain a suitable distance during the sleepover part of the evening at the Primary Courtyard. Also, there will be regular times for washing hands, particularly before and after the evening meal and the activity time.***** 

The cost of the evening is $10 per student, which will be donated to Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off the Streets Program. Cardboard boxes are the go for the evening, so start collecting your bed for the night!! Permission notes are now available from Mr Rowe or Student Reception.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr Rowe at school by email- srowe@rjas.nsw.edu.au. 

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

Year 11 Photography students set up their cameras, lighting and green screen to film the students and will go away to edit in backdrops and sound design elements. Their filming ran smoothly, and they certainly knew what they were doing.

Thanks to Miss Ho who initiated the collaboration and guided her Photography students throughout the process. It was a new initiative and certainly something we will keep for future Year 11 students.

Mr John Derrington
Secondary Teacher

In order to pay for your child’s booking, please use the relevant link below. The permission note will be distributed in the next day or two. The permission note must be signed and returned and the payment made before the spot is confirmed. (As this is an optional activity, permission is not via the RJ Edumate App).

1-2 Soccer Clinic (Thursday morning – Oakhurst students only)

The clinic will run in Weeks 8-10 of this term. The clinic will also run for the duration of Term 3. The link for this clinic is https://www.trybooking.com/BJUJH

3-6 Soccer Clinic (Friday afternoon – Oakhurst and Marsden Park students)

The clinic will run in Weeks 8-10 of this term. The clinic will also run for the duration of Term 3. The link for this clinic is https://www.trybooking.com/BJUJM

If there are any queries, please contact me at gmitchell@rjas.nsw.edu.au

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Primary Sports Coordinator

The dates for CRU Blast are: Monday 20 July - Friday 24 July.

The CRU Camp website will be updated shortly to allow for registrations. The link to register for the Camp is https://crudaycamps.com.au/cru-blast#cru-blast-introduction

We'd love to see your child/ children at CRU Blast this year. If you have any questions, please contact Stewart Rowe by phone 9677 2455 or email – srowe@rjas.nsw.edu.au

Mr Stewart Rowe
Director of Christian Ministry 

Orders for all individual portraits, class packages and family (sibling) photographs can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using the code for the Campus that your child/children attend.

Online orders are due the day prior to your child/ren’s Photo Day.

If you prefer to make a cash/cheque payment, use the order envelope provided and return it on Photo Day. Ensure correct payment is securely contained within the envelope.

Family (sibling) photos are offered at both Campuses for students enrolled at the same Campus and can only be ordered online.

• Oakhurst Campus Sibling (Family) photographs will be taken on the Co-curricular & Sporting Groups photo days in September (Term 3). They can be ordered at the same time as other photographs.
• Marsden Park Sibling (Family) photographs will be taken Thursday 25 June and must be ordered at least 24 hours prior to photo day.

All students must wear full Winter School Uniform, as per the Student Uniform and Presentation Policy. Pre-Kindergarten students wear their long sleeved polo and tracksuit.

Should you have a query about the School photo day schedules, please email admin@rjas.nsw.edu.au.

Should you have a query about online ordering, please email AdvancedLife directly via enquiries@advancedlife.com.au.

Mr Paul Cockrem
Principal 

For many children this might be a little more challenging than the normal return to school after the long school holidays. For a start, when students return to school, some things will be different for a while (e.g stronger hygiene protocols will be in place; not all school activities, such as Assemblies, can resume straight away). Also, for many families, parents might still be working from home and travel arrangements to and from school may have changed. It is realistic to expect that children may take a while to settle back into routine.

Allow some time for this to happen and maintain good communication with your child about their experience in returning to school.

The following are some possible signs that your child is having difficulty settling back into school routine:

• Talking more than usual
• Talking less than usual
• Regressing in behaviour (children have gone back to much younger behaviours)
• Expressing negative beliefs/doubts about their academic and/or social abilities (beliefs and doubts that weren’t there before)
• Making unhelpful comparisons with others
• Wanting to be in their room more than usual/avoiding being with family or friends
• Emotionally flat or less expressive than usual
• More expressive of emotions than usual (especially anger, irritation and frustration)
• Appearing to have less enjoyment in their usual hobbies and interests
• Less focused than usual
• Restless
• Finding it hard to get good sleep, tired
• Displaying big changes in eating habits

If you have concerns about your child settling back to school and have noticed some of the above signs in your child for more than 2 weeks, please talk to your child’s class teacher (Primary) or Home Group teacher (Secondary).

• Some students may feel anxious about potentially bringing the virus home to vulnerable family members. 
• Grief and anxiety for families who have had first-hand experience of someone unwell or dying from COVID-19.
• Anxious because they believe they have fallen behind their peers (academically) during the break.
• Anxious about being at School because of pre-existing separation anxiety (e.g. parent drop-offs may become difficult for a while, younger children clingy with teacher).
• Anxious about being at School because of pre-existing social anxiety (isolation gave them a break from needing to handle less predictable social interactions).
• Anxious about being face-to-face with students with whom they have had negative social media interactions over the isolation period.
• More emotional or withdrawn at school after being in the presence of domestic unsettledness or heightened family tension over the isolation period.
• “Silly” behaviour because they have felt confined for so long; (immature way of expressing relief/release at being out of isolation).
• Anxious because of parents’ uncertain work/financial situation (parents’ job loss or temporary job loss due to government restrictions). 
• Exacerbation of pre-existing mental health issues. This may be heightened because they may not be able to access their usual support services, or there has been a change to services (some services are only operating via Zoom; some forms of therapy have been temporarily suspended).
• Where parents are divorced or separated, shared care arrangements may have changed (possibly due to loss of work/flexible work situations) and may add to a sense of uncertainty in the children.
• May be anxious about the health of elderly (or other vulnerable) relatives. Some may not have been able to visit relatives. There may have been changes to living arrangements regarding relatives which has placed added stress on the family (e.g older relative now living in the home; older relative moved away from the home).
• Senior students may have lost motivation and be experiencing low mood, due to present economic circumstances. 
• Social disconnection:

1. Many community activities have not yet resumed (eg church, youth group, sporting, music, dance).
2. Although visiting restrictions are gradually being relaxed, there might still be friends and relatives that young people have not yet connected with for quite some time.
3. Meeting up with classmates outside of school may be more challenging or temporarily suspended.
4. Disconnection from wider family. Young people might feel uncertain about when they can see family who live interstate or overseas.

• Restrictions on public transport. Travel arrangements for some students may have changed.