15 September 2020

We will be proceeding with the important handover of student leadership from Year 12 to Year 11, on Friday 25 September. Stage 6 will be present in the Hall for this symbolic event and it will be livestreamed to Stages 4 and 5 in their Home Group rooms. Based on the first round of Interviews, as well as the feedback expressed by staff, the final group of Year 11 nominees have been selected to individually meet with the School Executive this Friday. As previously advised, the Year 12 Graduation Ceremony has been postponed to Friday 13 November.

The individual performances by two Year 12 Drama students, Maya Espinoza and Leilani McIntosh, have been nominated for possible inclusion in OnSTAGE, a selection of performances from HSC students across the State. So far, thirteen Year 12 students have received confirmation of early offers to University in a range of courses through the ‘Leaders and Achievers’ Scheme at Macquarie University. We are delighted for them and it is further evidence of the School’s development of student character and capabilities, as well as our broader reputation in the educational arena.

Last week we promptly made parents aware via the P and F Association Facebook and a note to Primary parents about a livestreaming of a graphic video shared across multiple social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok). Even the Prime Minister publicly aired his grave concern, especially focused on these social media companies which apparently ignore their responsibilities to the greater good of society and the crucial values underpinning our way of life. However, this incident again underscores the absolute necessity for all parents to be keenly aware of their children’s use of the internet and social media. For instance, our School does not support the use of any social media platforms by Primary students. Please be vigilant to keep your children safe.

The following summary of a passage in God’s Word offers a most insightful message about what our society should be seeking to demonstrate rather than harmful behaviours:

“Live in peace with each other. Encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Do not pay back wrong for wrong, but treat one another with kindness. Be joyful always, pray regularly, be thankful in all circumstances. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid wrongdoing.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:14-22)

Back in Term 1 we were hopeful that, by the latter part of Term 3 and projecting into Term 4, the general societal situation re COVID-19 would be somewhat different. The School Executive continues to review activities accordingly. It saddens us to cancel anything, but there’s only a narrow scope currently for modifying/replacing such activities. The Years 5/6 Camp has been cancelled, however substitute options are being planned for each Campus and, once finalised, the Heads of Primary will distribute relevant notes. The Year 4 Pyjamarama will proceed with several minor adjustments. The Year 8 Trip to Canberra has been cancelled. The Year 9 Camp to the Colo River will proceed, but in single tents. The Year 10 City Challenge may proceed with modifications, including revised travel and accommodation arrangements, which will be outlined in a note for students and parents. The Primary Years 1-3 Swimming sessions for both Campuses during Term 4 will proceed as normal. The postponed Primary Book Week Activities/Parade at both Campuses will proceed in Week 3 Term 4, however a decision concerning parent attendance has not yet been made. Activities/events from Week 4 Term 4 will be reviewed by the Executive early next term and communicated through the RJ Review.

Together with Civic Australia (Interior Design/Project Management) and Alleanza Architecture, we are proud to showcase 'The Hive' Primary library in the video below. The School’s vision was to design and create an attractive learning space for Primary aged students; drawing them in and stimulating their senses by providing a wonderfully bright, happy and comfortable learning environment.

Mr Paul Cockrem
Principal

R U OK? DAY @ RJ – SEPTEMBER 18

This week on Friday 18 September we will celebrate R U OK? Day.

R U OK? is about being mindful and supportive of others and how they might be feeling. By following a simple four step process using the acrostic of ALEC (the name of the young boy used in the R U OK? promotional material), students can learn to approach their friends in a supportive way to offer their assistance.

A – Ask, R U OK?

L – Listen without interrupting.

E – Encourage them to get help from an adult (mum, dad, teacher etc) that might be able to help.

C – Check in with them in a couple of days to see if they got the help they needed.

As part of this day, Student Forum will be selling soft drink spider drinks at lunch time. Drinks will be $1.50 each.

Primary Students at Marsden Park and Oakhurst will host a Yellow and Black Mufti day. Please bring a gold coin donation. Secondary students are still required to wear School Uniform.

SECONDARY MUSICAL FOR 2021

Auditions for next year’s Secondary Musical have now been completed with further call back sessions underway this week. Lead roles for our production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in March 2021, will be announced next week. Dates and details for rehearsals and performances will be given to students involved via a student note to be taken home for parent confirmation of their student’s involvement.

CO-CURRICULAR MEDALLION AWARDS UPDATE

This is a reminder that the School Executive recently met to review the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the numerous co-curricular activities and events that our students would normally have become involved in throughout the year.

Due to the cancellation of the majority of these activities and competitions and the inequity for students to be able to access points towards the Medallions’ Awards, the School Executive have regretfully withdrawn the Co-curricular Medallion Awards from this year’s list of accolades at Presentation Night events for both Primary and Secondary sections.

HAIRCUTS 

This is a reminder to all our parents and students to remember that on the return to School next term, all students should have their haircut, if required, in accordance with the guidelines provided on the website. Guidelines are also explicitly stated in the Secondary Diary on page 137. It is the responsibility of the parent and the student to ensure that hair is regularly cut throughout a term and continues to comply with the School’s guidelines for student appearance. Undercuts of any sort and haircuts less than a Blade 2 to fade are not compliant. This also extends to female students including the wearing of ear-rings, nail polish, make up all following the School’s Uniform Policy.

Mr Alan Dawson
Deputy Principal

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR MAINTENANCE TEAM

Our Maintenance team keep our Campus looking amazing each and every day. This week they have trimmed the plants in our playground and replaced bark so our children can play safely during their break times. Our blossoms are in full bloom and look amazing. Spring has sprung at our Marsden Park Campus.

BABY VISIT

The staff enjoyed a lovely visit from Mrs Kaleeny and baby Elias last week. Mrs Kaleeny was happy for a photograph to show off to our School community. What a great blessing he is!

BOOK WEEK PERFORMANCE

On Thursday 24 September, Meerkat performance group will present a dramatic presentation for students in K-6 of shortlisted books as part of our Book Week celebrations. With Book Week changes due to COVID-19 we were unable to align the performance with our new date but didn’t want students to miss out. Students will greatly enjoy seeing the dramatisation.

DRINK BOTTLES

Please continue to check your child has a drink bottle at School each day.

FIZZICS INCURSION

Years 3/4 enjoyed a Science Incursion with Fizzics yesterday. They had a fantastic time learning about energy and how it changes forms. They had lots of great questions for the presenter.

JUMP OFF DAY (K-6) – CHANGE OF DATE

Our students have jumped so much over the year that they have worn out some of our ropes! To ensure we have enough ropes for Jump Off Day, we have placed an order and moved the date for the Marsden Park Jump Off to Monday 21 September. Students in K-6 will wear Sport Uniform on this day.

R U OK? DAY

RJ will be acknowledging R U OK? Day on Friday 18 September. Notes have been sent home for this event which will be led by our Student Forum. Students wear black and yellow mufti and bring a gold coin donation on the day. Students who pre-ordered Spiders will receive them after eating their lunch.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

As students have started to return to Summer Uniform, it is apparent how much some of our students have grown over the winter month. Please check hem lengths on girls’ dresses to check the dress sits mid knee and adjust or purchase a new dress over the upcoming holiday break ready for full Summer Uniform in Term 4.

VACATION CARE

Northwest Community Childcare (our Before and After School Care Campus provider) are offering their revamped ‘Schools Out Kids Club’ in Week 1 of the holiday break from Monday 28 September – Friday 2 October at our Marsden Park Campus, with additional days available in the second week of the holidays at their other centre. Refer to the flier in this Review or website https://nwcm.com.au/childcare/vacation-care/ for more details. Bookings close at 5:00pm on Friday 18 September.

YEARS 3-6 CROSS-CAMPUS SPORT - ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Rain prevented Sport last week, but our students were congratulated for their behaviour during their bus travel the previous week. The bus company emailed the School to acknowledge our students exceptional behaviour. Well done Years 3-6.

YEAR 5 YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM

Students in Year 5 have commenced the Young Leaders Program and will work towards individual goals over the remainder of the term. We encourage them as they develop their leadership skills by completing tasks focused on communication, organisation and teamwork, service, Christian development and physical endeavour.

PRIMARY LEADERSHIP 2021

Year 5 students will receive their application forms next week to apply for Primary Captain and House Captain positions in 2021. Applications are due to their class teacher by Friday 16 October (Term 4, Week 1). 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. House Captains will be voted by students and supported by House Coordinator recommendation based on the students’ involvement in House Meetings throughout 2020. Leaders for the Marsden Park Campus will be announced at the Marsden Park Presentation Night on Monday 30 November. Additional leadership positions at Marsden Park for new enrolments may be available early in 2021.

YEAR 5/6 CAMP – CANCELLED

It is with great sadness that due to continuing COVID-19 restrictions we have had to cancel the Year 5/6 Camp for 2020 after attempting 3 different bookings this year. Clearly, it just wasn’t meant to be. However, there is a silver lining and the students are excited by the prospect of a sleepover and activity day on Campus in Term 4. Dates will be advised in the Term 4 Parent Information Note.

Mrs Narelle Taylor
Assistant Principal/Head of Primary Marsden Park

Please make sure that you check your emails in the next two weeks as the links for the Term 4 Soccer Clinic will open soon. Remember that there are limited positions available in both the Thursday morning Oakhurst Clinic for Years 1-2 students and the Years 3-6 Clinic on Friday afternoon, which is open to both Oakhurst and Marsden Park students. There are only 15 positions available for the Years 1-2 Soccer Clinic on Thursday morning and 40 spots available in the Years 3-6 Soccer Clinic on Friday afternoon. Both of these Clinics will run for 7 weeks in Term 4 and are not supported by Active Kids Vouchers.

CRICKET CLINIC

The students who attended the Cricket Clinic yesterday had a great time. Next week will be the last week of the Cricket Clinic for this term. Just a reminder to make sure you are punctual in picking your child up at 4:40pm please.

There are some other opportunities for our students who live near Schofields if they are interested in pursuing cricket into the summer. Please refer to the following information regarding future cricket opportunities.