4 August 2020

During the final week of the School vacation two outstanding programs took place: the amazing CRU Blast Camp for Primary students (capped at 60 unfortunately, due to our COVID-19 Safety Plan); and highly productive Staff Development Days. Several factors ensured our annual CRU Blast was very successful: the incredible leadership of Mr Rowe, assisted by Miss Mahaffey, in partnership with Crusaders personnel and with Oakhurst Anglican, headed by Rev Ramsay; and the extraordinary involvement of over 30 Years 9-12 (as well ex-RJ) students as Assistant Leaders. Well done everyone! This Christian Camp harnesses many crucial factors which create a stupendously enjoyable, interactive and fun time together and which demonstrate the vital essence of our RJ culture.

We’ve started the new Term really well, undertaking Zoom Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews for Years 7 and 8 and finishing the first week with fantastic House Meetings at both Campuses and with a tremendous Primary Assembly at Oakhurst Campus, hosted wonderfully by Class 4J, which focused on God’s people, the Israelites, being urged by God to follow His purpose and direction. In the face of obstacles and struggles along the way, they began to weaken, and to become negative and quarrelsome. Their journey, especially through those hard times, is a story which can teach us so much. Experiences such as relationship troubles, grief for a loved one or ongoing anxiety because of doubt or uncertainty can potentially side-track anyone of us from trusting in God’s purpose and direction for ourselves and for our community. As described below, God reaches out to show that trusting Him is the best thing to do: 

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” (Nahum 1:7)

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me.” (John 14:1)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with confident hope.” (Romans 15:13)

Every week the School Executive monitors the updated news from NSW Health and reviews our School’s scheduled activities accordingly. For instance, our participation in Primary inter-school sport (WSCS) has had to be cancelled this Term, however in its place an excellent weekly House competition in soccer, t-ball and oztag has been arranged by Mr Mitchell for Years 3-6 from both Campuses. At this stage, the normal range of Secondary sports will take place. It’s great that our Athletics Carnival can be held this week, albeit for serious competitors only, due to the maximum number imposed by the venue. 

The following details cover Weeks 2-5. Whilst Years 9 and 10 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews will also occur via Zoom, the Pre-K and Primary Parent/Teacher Interviews will be arranged as a choice of either face-to-face (with proper physical distancing) or via phone. We can proceed with events such as Visitor Open Mornings, Kindergarten 2021 Readiness/Information Sessions, the next P and F Association Meeting and the RJ Soiree (Year 12 Music and Drama performances), because proper distancing can be achieved, whereas we won’t be able to invite parents and families to the annual Book Week events. Instead, we will have to visually record (photos/video highlights) them and we’ll also organise our older Secondary students to be ‘stand-in carers': Year 10 at Marsden Park and Year 11 at Oakhurst.

Please refer to the folder on our website for the latest COVID-19 communication. It is essential that the procedures are followed by every School person/family in respect of staying home if unwell and to undertake a COVID-19 test if they have flu-like symptoms. Obviously, the person remains at home until the test result is known. Please continue to be safe and to follow the School's directions for the sake of others and the whole community. Thank you. 

Mr Paul Cockrem
Principal

As the significant adults in our children’s lives we need to be aware of the dangers that can befall them when they engage online. Recently, the news reported how a 6 year old had cost his parents thousands of dollars through a game app his parents had given him on their iPad to ‘keep him busy’; and busy he was, purchasing game tokens via his parents credit card attached to the device.

When it comes to keeping our children safe online, all parents should know what their children can access via a phone, a laptop or another electronic device with online capability. The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has a very informative website to assist parents navigating the murky waters of internet allures. This website provides helpful, down-to-earth tips for parents on some of the ‘big issues’ such as Cyberbullying, Pornography, Sending Nudes and Sexting, and Online Gaming (just to name a few).

In fact, parents often find that addressing some of these topics with their children is extremely difficult especially the issue of pornography. On this topic alone, the eSafety website provides simple ways parents can have ‘real’ conversations with their children on the harm that viewing pornography can have on a developing child or teenager.

Whether your child discovers online porn unintentionally, or they have gone looking for it, you as a parent can play a role. Dr Justin Poulson, a leading parenting expert, provides practical support and resources to parents on this sensitive issue via the eSafety website. Please click on this link to access information on this big issue or others I’ve mentioned above https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/big-issues/online-pornography. I would encourage all of our RJ parents to visit this website and take courage when talking with your child about this issue. As Joshua encourages us in the Bible, “Be bold, be strong, for the Lord your God is with you” (Joshua 1:9).

COLOUR RUN (SECONDARY) – WEEK 6

Our Secondary Student Forum and Year 12’s have organised Colour Run to raise funds for the Headspace organistion this year. Secondary students received their sponsorship booklets last week and are encouraged to open their school fundraising account online as explained in the booklet to help raise money for Headspace. The actual Colour Run day will start as a mufti dress up and will conclude with the Colour Run taking place after lunch in the afternoon at Hanna Reserve. Students can elect to give more than the $5 mufti fee, which will go to Headspace fundraising, and become eligible for fundraising prizes as incentives to do their best for this project. Check out the details in your child’s Colour Run Information Booklet and parent letter emailed to each Secondary family last week.

Mr Alan Dawson
Deputy Principal

Our Friday Assemblies resumed last week with 4J bringing us a great presentation on Joshua and trusting in God, no matter what. Unfortunately, we cannot have our parent audience joining us at this stage, but we will get some video footage uploaded to Seesaw for families to view.

The Dryden Ave afternoon pick up continues to be busy, but is certainly running more smoothly then last term. The Field option is very quick if you can park across at Plumpton Marketplace or in nearby streets and enter from Jersey Rd. The Church carpark is another option for pick-ups in the afternoon. Make sure your child/ren know the designated pick-up spot each day.

LATE ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL

We still have a number of students arriving after the morning bell at 8:45am. Important information is delivered at our morning lines as well as promoting a settled start to the day with prayer, so please make sure your child arrives before 8:45am. Gates will be locked just before 9am.

If your child is late to School for any reason, please accompany them to Primary Reception to sign in as usual. Ring at the Dryden Avenue gate closest to Primary Reception to be buzzed through.

WINTER ACCESSORIES DAY UPDATE 

Oakhurst students raised $592.50 for Anglicare on the last Friday of Term 2 – thank you so much for your generosity. Over 500 tins of food were collected on the day as well.

SICKNESS 

A reminder to please keep students at home if they are unwell in the morning. This saves you having to come and pick them up later in the day, as we are being especially vigilant at present and you will be called. If your child has a COVID19 test, can you please advise Primary Reception. Students who are tested are not to return to School until a negative result is issued and they are feeling better. 

YEAR 6 FUN DAY 

This coming Friday 7 August is a special day organised and run by our Year 6 students to raise money for our sponsored children in Kathmandu, Nepal. There will be a number of activities and yummy treats available. Students should bring in some money (no more than $5) which will be exchanged for tokens. They can then decide which activities they would like to participate in and/or what treats to purchase. A huge thank you to Miss Parata, Miss Nye and Mr Reed for their organisation of this day.

REPORTS AND PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS 

Years 1 and 2 Reports were distributed last Friday, with Years 3-6 coming home this Friday and Kindergarten due out on 21 August. It has been decided that we will continue with face-to-face Parent/Teacher Interviews, though strict physical distancing and hygiene practices will be observed. Details for booking these Interviews will be emailed later this week. Interviews are in Week 4 on Monday 17 August and Thursday 20 August after School. Any parents who would prefer a phone interview instead will have the opportunity to schedule this with your child’s class teacher.

SPORT/CARNIVALS 

We will be running a House competition for the remainder of the Term in place of inter-school Sport. Students are therefore asked to wear their House shirts from next week (Week 3) to School each Wednesday. Please see Mr Cockrem and Mr Mitchell’s section of the RJ Review for the latest updates to RJ’s Sporting plans for Term 3.

Stay well,

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary Oakhurst 

ASSEMBLY

1M will present an Assembly Item in Assembly this week, looking at how Joshua trusted God, no matter what. 3/4M will present an Item in Week 3 looking at how Joshua was strong and courageous. Unfortunately, parents are unable to attend Primary Assemblies at this point. We will seek to record the Assembly Item and upload to Seesaw if the recording is suitable for parents to view at a later date.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL – YEARS 3-12 – VARIATION

Serious competitors only will be attending the Athletics Carnival this Wednesday 5 August. Students attending should have already registered online as per the email sent by the Principal last week. Please contact Mr Mitchell at the Oakhurst Campus on 9677-2455 or email gmitchell@rjas.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions about the Athletics Carnival.

HOUSE MEETINGS

Students had a wonderful time at House Meetings last week, learning chants and playing games together. The chants are getting louder and louder, with Rams by far the loudest group at our Campus. A fun ‘chant-off’ at the 2 bridges to the grass play area was a fun way to round off our House time. Thank you to Miss Tolomeo for organising House Meetings and to the House Captains for their wonderful leadership.

MOVEMENT IN THE CARPARK

Safety barriers have been set-up just inside the gate as an additional safety measure during afternoon pick-up. These barriers are also in place to remind parents to use the paths available to move children safely to and from vehicles. Please do not walk children up the middle of the carpark aisles, instead walk on the white concrete paths and use the pedestrian crossing as required. Please also ensure you adhere to the 10km/h speed limit in the carpark at all times. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS - VARIATION

Parent Teacher Interviews will be conducted in Week 4 and will involve an option of booking a face-to-face meeting or organising a telephone call at a convenient time when the teacher is off class throughout the week. Further information will be emailed to parents in the coming days.

PRIMARY BOOK WEEK - VARIATION

Primary Book Week will be held in Week 5 of this term. All Primary classes Pre-K (who attend on Thursday) to Year 6 dress up as their favourite book character. Unfortunately, parents will not be able to attend this year. We will be sure to take lots of photos for you to enjoy. The organisers of the Book Week Performance needed to postpone to 23 September so students will enjoy this book dramatisation later in the term.

RJ LEARNING CELEBRATIONS - CANCELLED

To limit overall student interactions across the Campuses, we will not be proceeding with our Learning Celebrations in 2020.

STUDENT REPORTS

Years 1 and 2 Student Reports were issued last Friday. Years 3-6 Student Reports will be sent home with students this Friday 7 August.

WSCS YEARS 3-6 INTERSCHOOL SPORT – CANCELLED

Due to concerns across WSCS schools of COVID-19, WSCS has been cancelled in 2020. Instead, weekly Primary RJ cross-campus sport will occur each Wednesday. Students in Years 3-6 will be transferred to the Oakhurst Campus where they will participate in House Sport on Campus or at a nearby field, such as Hanna Reserve and Heber Park. Students wear their House Shirts for Sport commencing from Week 3. Permission has already been provided by parents for Campus and local venue transfer early in 2020.

YEAR 1 EXCURSION – CANCELLED

The Year 1 Excursion to Sydney Zoo has been cancelled due to an inability to access the support of parent helpers and potential exposure to others at such a venue. At this point, the excursion will not be rescheduled in 2020.

YEAR 6 FUN DAY

Year 6 Fun Day will be held this Friday 7 August. Please refer to the note for full details and be sure to send some money along with your child so they can be involved in the activities Year 6 are busily preparing. Money raised goes to our sponsor children in Nepal.

Mrs Narelle Taylor
Assistant Principal/Head of Primary Marsden Park

We were also blessed to have Miss Mahaffey, another teacher from RJ and five of our former students, Tiffany Adams, Micah Graham, Sarah Thompson, Kartik Kumar and Will Stout returning as Senior Leaders on the Camp. It was tremendous to see Tiffany, Will, Sarah, Kartik and Micah using their many gifts and talents throughout the week. In fact, Tiffany and one of our campers, Angus White have been a part of every one of the seven CRU Blast Camps held. Well done, Tiffany and Angus. Students in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 were Assistant Leaders during the week, organising and running activities, assisting during the Christian Discovery time through music, drama and helping in discussion groups where the Campers discovered more about God’s amazing love for us as we investigated 'Why We Celebrate Easter'.

CRU Camp ran from 8.00am to 6.00pm each day, with a fabulous range of activities, such as: laser tag, Nerf wars, scooter ball, the carnival, billy carts, a visiting animal zoo, sport, art, dance, mini-Olympics, oval games and the fabulous Christian Discovery sessions.

The Assistant Leaders did a fantastic job, being involved every day from the start to the conclusion of the day’s activities. We had 28 Secondary students from the School involved as Assistant Leaders, which is a testament to the servant hearts of the students of our School. Along with the actual Camp, the students also attended up to 3 meetings/ training sessions leading up to the Camp. The Camp provided many opportunities for the students to develop and exercise their leadership skills along with the opportunity to develop and share their faith with the Primary students. The Assistant Leaders were wonderful, showing great care, enthusiasm, organisation and commitment, playing an integral role in helping the Primary students have a thoroughly enjoyable time with many very positive and lasting memories. 

My thanks to Calum Henderson and the other Crusader leaders for their wonderful leadership, to Miss Mahaffey for her commitment and many contributions and to Will, Sarah, Kartik, Micah and Tiffany for their commitment, leadership, enthusiasm and encouragement. Lastly, but definitely not least, thank you to our student Assistant Leaders for everything they did leading up to, and during the Camp. They are a terrific group of young people who worked wonderfully as a team and were fine ambassadors for our School and their families.

Our wonderful students were: Tiana Barton, Alyssia Boros, Charlie Cavanagh, Mark Cavanagh, Jale Champion, Sammy Champion, Isabelle Faralon, Claire Fisher, Elizabeth Fletcher, Russell Gonzales, Grace Hughes, Erica Hughes, Joshua Jackson, Vickie Jane Purcell, Carlos Lopez, Lani McIntosh, Connor McKenzie, Harmony Millard, Liana Naidu, Krisha Narayan, Corey Nicholson, Edward Scrimshaw, Daimon Springall, Hanniel Sudhir, Vanessa Tawil, Maroska Wasef, Emilie White and Hamish White.

Mr Stewart Rowe
Director of  Service Learning 

While doing some work from home, I have often been an “observer” of what has been happening, particularly with Distance Learning and then coming back to various adjustments in the way we meet together. Our students are very happy to be back and we just continue to remind them about good hygiene and safe practices when working or playing together. Having family in Melbourne, we know the frustration (and at times, despair) they and their friends are feeling with more stringent lockdowns now in place. They understand the necessity but can’t believe the selfishness of those wanting to ignore the rules and do whatever they please. We remind students that the same responsibility applies at School.

Zoom Interviews were held last week for Years 7 and 8, and Stage 5 Interviews will be held this Wednesday. Please check your times and contact Mrs Scrimshaw if there is a problem connecting or with audio – she helped many last week. We are looking forward to the time when we can connect face-to-face again, but in the meantime, email and telephone conversations are the best way forward.

While we went to a modified Report format in Semester 1, we are hoping to return to traditional Reports with comments for Stage 4 in Semester 2, assuming we don’t return to a Distance Learning situation. However, Stage 5 will maintain “on-time” reporting, with Year 9 now included in this process. Comments and feedback from assessment tasks will be available for parents to see on the Portal, under their student’s profile.

Year 12 have entered the final term of schooling and Trial examinations have been pushed back, to start in Week 4. This has allowed most courses to be finished before being examined. I know that some students are feeling quite anxious, but this can also be due to the realisation that perhaps not enough preparation has been done in the period leading up to the Trials. Now is the time to turn that around and take on board the advice that staff have given all year. Students need to be revising in an organised manner. They need to be attempting past papers under exam conditions. They need to be completing homework. The Trial results will give an indication of where there may be “gaps”, and then students should focus on addressing those gaps between now and the HSC.

Those in Year 12 who are completing major projects are reminded that NESA has changed the marking process to allow the teacher, rather than external markers who do not know the situation that each student has been in this year, to complete the marking of projects. Therefore there is no need for Illness and Misadventure applications, as time away from School and disruptions to learning and practical time will be taken into consideration. Our teachers are experienced markers and NESA has supplied a marking package to all schools to ensure that marking is consistent across the State.

While we won’t be holding the HSC Showcase this year, a smaller “RJ Soiree” will be held on 26 August for Music and Drama students. This will be an “invitation-only” event, for which parents and family members will need to register. A tasting plate of hors d’oeuvres will be served by Year 11 Hospitality students as part of their course requirements for Service Periods. Students in these classes will receive these invitations this week.

The Good News translation of 2 Corinthians 12:9 says "My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak." It is one of many verses I drew strength from during my surgery and treatment, and which gave me hope for the future. I knew I was not alone. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, and life can change in a day, but I am glad to know the God who knows exactly why these things happen, and I know that I can trust in Him.

Mrs Jenny Clay
Assistant Principal/Head of Secondary 

Term 3 will be a busy time, with Trial HSC Examinations for our Year 12 cohort, assessments for our other Year groups and the final set of exams for Year 11. Students and parents are encouraged to communicate with staff if they have any questions or concerns regarding the term ahead. We will continue to be praying for and doing all that we can to encourage and support all the students within the RJ Community.

Students are reminded that Winter Uniform is to be worn in Term 3. This means all students are to wear the tie/scarf, the blazer is to be worn to and from School and if students are feeling the cold the RJ beanie may be worn. The jumper may also be worn throughout the day, however the blazer must be the "outer layer" of clothing when travelling to and from School. Any additional items of clothing that are not part of the School Uniform are not permitted. Students who wear hoodies or other types of jumpers will be asked to remove them, along with non-RJ beanies, scarves or similar.

Finally students and parents are reminded of the expectations set out in the School Uniform and Presentation Policy, in the Student Diary on page 136-137 and also on the School's website. Unfortunately there are a number of students who are not meeting these expectations, particularly in relation to hairstyle and jewellery. The policy states that 'any failure to adhere to the requirements above will contravene the Conditions of Enrolment and appropriate action will be taken by the School'. Parents are asked for their support in helping their children abide by this Policy and supporting action taken by the School if/when it is needed, as agreed to when enrolling a child at RJ.

Key points are highlighted below.

HAIRSTYLES

• Hair must be clean, kept tidy and well‐groomed. Hair should not hang/fall across the face or eyes.
• For boys, hair must be above collar length and facial hair should be removed for a clean-shaven face.
• For girls, shoulder‐length or longer hair should be tied back and kept away from the face/eyes at all times using navy blue scrunchies, ribbons, and/or headbands.
• No radical hair styles are acceptable (e.g. no undercut, mohawk, or shaved hair or below size 2 clippers).
• Also, no styles involving significant differences between the length of hair are acceptable.
• Hair colouring must be subtle and tone with the student’s natural colour – not an extreme variation. A coloured patch or patches of hair are not acceptable.

JEWELLERY

• For girls a watch and a plain flat ring (one only) are permitted. Earrings are to be plain gold or silver stud/small sleeper earrings only (one per ear lobe). No other piercings permitted. Necklaces or bangles are not permitted. Female students in Year 11 and 12 are permitted to wear a simple fine chain worn beneath the uniform.
• For boys no jewellery of any description is permitted, except a watch may be worn.

Thank you for your support in helping RJ students take pride in the way they represent our School on a daily basis.

Mr Brad Maxwell
Director of Secondary Welfare 

Students presented their speech to the class with an accompanying PowerPoint slideshow which featured their vision for the documentary, a range of documentary conventions that they would use, examples of camera angles and footage, and an exploration of why they would use these and how they would help to convey the message of their documentary to the viewer.

As part of the presentations, students in the 9 (4) English class participated in a role play 'Documentary Boardroom' where students watched a promotion video to start the sessions, were given personalized name tags, took notes on each of the presentations and voted on which presentation should be selected as the best 'pitch' based on the set criteria.

It was wonderful to see the students creativity through a range of interesting topics selected, and to see the students' enthusiasm in presenting their ideas to their peers.

Mrs Annette Sicard
Secondary Teacher 

Sleeping rough provides a very real connection to the reason why Youth Off The Streets is in desperate need of the funds that the students have raised. All funds raised will contribute to supporting the lives of the 47,000 young people who are facing the challenge of homelessness, neglect and abuse, drug and alcohol dependency and exclusion from school. At the moment, the students have raised over $1800.

In particular, a huge thank you to Olive Golding, who raised an incredible $310 of additional sponsorship for the night by asking family and friends to sponsor her. A fantastic effort. If you would like to contribute to Youth Off the Streets, please send your donations in an envelope to School. All assistance is greatly appreciated.

The event was wonderfully organised by our student committee, led by our Service Captains- Maitreyee Damle, Lucas Wingfield, Journey Boydon and Lani McIntosh, who were ably supported by members of our fantastic Service Learning Team: Isabelle Farolan, Joshua Jackson, Jale Champion, Kate Norgren, Liana Naidu, Connor McKenzie, Ria Shrestha, Tark Patel, Annabelle Rahme, Elizabeth Fletcher, Alyssia Boros, Kaia Davison, Erica Hughes, Hanniel Sudhir, Matthew Martin, Kisna Pental, Maitreyee Damle, Journey Boydon, Jaidwyn Joyce, Nazahah Hussain. The student team organised a terrific night of information and fun, with the students participating in a variety of fun activities, while learning more about the issues that Homeless Youth face each night.

We are also very thankful to the teachers who supported the evening, either by braving the elements and sleeping out with the students, providing soup, fruit or slice for dinner or by helping with setting up and running the activities. My thanks to Mr Dawson, Miss Mahaffey, Mr Millard, Mr Bunsell, Mr Reed, Miss Parata, Mrs Lyons, Mrs Robertson, Mrs Babbar, Mrs Scrimshaw, Mrs Mulligan, Mr and Mrs Champion, Mrs Rowe, Miss Paterson, Mr Rontale and Mr Murthen.

Finally, thank you to all our wonderful students for their support of this event, showing their commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who face the struggles of homelessness and disadvantage. They showed a real appreciation of the difficulties so many young people face, displayed excellent manners and even managed to get some sleep!! Well done, everyone.

Mr Stewart Rowe
Director of Service Learning

CRICKET CLINIC

We look forward to the cricket clinic taking place at the Oakhurst Campus, commencing on Monday of Week 4. There will be flyers distributed after Cricket NSW visits our Campuses with links to the registration site. This clinic will see families able to utilise the Active Kids Voucher. This clinic is open to students in Years 1-6. It is open to students from both Campuses. Parent pickup will be from the Dryden Avenue gates at 4:40pm. Please be punctual in picking up your child.

CSSA EVENTS

All CSSA events have been cancelled for the remainder of the year. The decision has been made in conjunction with the State Convenors after working through venue COVID Safety Plans which are very limited and restrict participation numbers. There is a possibility of other events, which do not fall under CSSA jurisdiction, taking place.

UNIFORM  

As mentioned by Mr Hyde in the previous edition of the RJ Review:

Parents are under no obligation to purchase representative apparel at Carnivals (e.g. State Swimming) for their child when they reach these representative levels. However, the School recognises and honours these students’ achievements at representative levels by allowing RJ students to wear this apparel to Wednesday Primary Sport activities in recognition of their achievement. By doing so, the School does not regard these garments as part of the official School Uniform and the allowance that is given to students to wear representative apparel is a privilege and not a right.

The School Executive has previously discussed this matter at length and decided that a 12-month period was an acceptable length of time for students to display this recognition of achievement and this expectation has been delivered to students as mentioned above. Students must not wear an older sibling's inherited representative apparel at School. If they do, they will be given a Uniform infringement.

Just a reminder that representing RJ at State Swimming or State Athletics does not mean that students can purchase representative apparel to be worn at School. It should only be purchased if a child places in events at this level of competition and represents CSSA at the higher-level CIS Carnival.

WSCS CANCELLATION

Regrettably, we have had to cancel the Term 3 WSCS competition. Instead, we will be having an Inter-House Sport competition involving both Campuses.

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Primary Sports Coordinator

This is a friendly reminder to finalise the Term 3 School fees if you haven’t already (if you are not on a direct debit instalment plan). Thank you for your prompt payment.