21 June 2023

Seeing our students interacting with one another outside the classroom again in the context of sport and friendly competition, certainly warmed the heart. It was great to witness some long-standing school event records broken by our students as well. RJ students are resilient and determined, two qualities we continue to endeavour to embed across all we do in our School.

The athletic events were a great reflection of the cohesive nature of our school communities and the school spirit that is very much alive amongst our students. This was something that the Anglican Schools Corporation Annual Review identified last year; “there is evidence of a very strong house spirit culture in all areas of the school. House captains spoke very fondly of their leadership of houses and the collaboration as leaders instigate house activities.” (ASC School Review, 2022)  I would like to thank Mr Mitchell, Mrs Millard and Mr Hyde and their teams for the organisation and support provided to ensure these two days of colourful and spirited activity were a great success.

It is a wonderful thing to be a part of the RJ Community and we want to continue to improve in our building of a community that promotes connection and belonging which also provides a support system for students. When students face difficulties, they can rely on their peers, teachers and other staff members for guidance, encouragement and emotional support. This support network plays a crucial role in building resilience, self-confidence and a positive mindset. Partnering with our families, our goal is to ensure students know they are loved and cared for in a safe environment.

Last week, close to 100 of our students from Marsden Park and Oakhurst took part in the Anglican Schools Corporation Choral Festival. This was a spectacular event involving nine of the Corporation’s Schools across New South Wales coming together to celebrate their love of singing. RJ Singstars from Oakhurst and Marsden Park along with the Secondary Vox ensemble gave outstanding performances as part of the Festival. All the staff present, myself included, were extremely proud of what our students accomplished. Thank you to Mrs Wilson & Mrs Mead (Marsden Park) and Miss Shannon-Duhigg and Mr Manaloto for your organisation, tutelage and support of our students.

As we look to the end of this Term, our Secondary students are anticipating a wonderful Heritage Day event as they celebrate the diversity of our ethnicity at RJ. The colours, the aromas and the sounds of our multicultural community will be on display next week as students present country-specific items at the Heritage concert, explore the delicacies of the national food stalls and parade elements of their national dress. For the first time in a number of years, we invite parents to attend the concert which will commence around 1:30pm next Thursday 29 June. Mr Maxwell will advise parents on how they can register to attend. 

For those families who are looking to head off on a winter holiday during the break or venture overseas to warmer weather, we pray God’s blessings on your family travels. For those staying in and around Sydney, enjoy the opportunities available in our own city to explore life with your family. If you’ve never ventured into the city for the day or a trip to circular Quay or Hyde Park, maybe this year could be the year to explore your own city. To the west, the Blue Mountains also provide some welcoming opportunities to see some of our native national parks.

To all our parents, thank you for your continued support of our magnificent school. We look forward to seeing you at the start of Term 3.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

God Bless
Mr Alan Dawson | Principal 

Parents work hard to get the best outcomes for their students, students wrestle with new challenges and things that they find hard to learn. This is not to minimise the experiences of students and their families. In fact, it is precisely the impact these things have on our students, families and community that lie at the heart of why educators get involved in schools in the first place. To make a difference in the lives of those who they support.

Heading towards the end of Term 2 can be a wearying experience for students, families, and staff. However, every now and then a new experience comes into view that revitalises your perspective and helps you to appreciate just how amazing it is to be working in schools. This was absolutely the case when I had the delight of attending the Winter Sleepout on Friday night. Roughly 200 students from upper primary and secondary schools gathered to learn about homelessness and specifically what it means to sleep rough. From the activities and events organised for the night to the soup prepared for the students by the staff, it was very much a community affair, topped off by our students and staff sleeping outside with little more than cardboard and a sleeping bag in very cold conditions.

This very proactive and intentional service-learning experience offered so much to our students, but at the same time, so much was offered by our students. From the badged student leaders who organised a lot of the evening, to the service team who supported the event and also to the students who stepped up to make the event special and took the opportunity to lead younger students. This is something that we can be so proud of at RJ, that our students give up their time to support others. It is this aspect of our community that will continue to encourage me that our students have an opportunity to make a big difference in the world that they will step out into at the conclusion of their schooling.

We have a lot to be thankful for as a community. Our staff who have given so much in a challenging time in education; our students who continue to grow and be challenged; our partnership as families and our school work together to get the best outcomes for our students, and for a good God who looks after our community as we seek to honour Him in all we do.

In this time as we work towards the winter break, our prayer is that our students and their families seek opportunities to rest and recover from a big start to the year. It is essentially the first uninterrupted start to their schooling for three years. Some of our students will have done a full Semester 1 for the first time! Let’s utilise this winter break opportunity to springboard into a fantastic Semester 2.

Mr Scott Roby
Deputy Principal  

It was a glorious Winter’s day and the House spirit and sportsmanship levels were high. There was a great level of participation across all events. Special thanks to Mr Mitchell for his organisation of the day and also a vote of thanks to our parent helpers who were terrific in keeping the various age groups organised and focused. Well done RJ Primary!

TASC CHORAL FESTIVAL

Last Friday our Cantabile choir went to Penrith Anglican School to participate in the Anglican Schools Corporation annual Choral Festival. Our choristers gave a wonderful rendition of ‘Seize the Day’, ably led by Miss Shannon-Duhigg. We look forward to next term’s event at the Sydney Town Hall. Well done boys and girls for representing RJ so wonderfully.

ATTENDANCE AND LATENESS

As the Winter Term is drawing to an end, we continue to have high levels of sickness and absenteeism. Please continue to monitor your child’s health and do not send them to School if coughing, sneezing or with a high temperature. That being said, we do encourage School attendance and many children have missed days and weeks of school this semester – this can have an effect on progress, so if your child is well, please encourage School attendance. Holidays during School time will result in missed concepts and can affect social development with peers. Primary teachers will not set work for students on holidays in term time. There are also an increasing number of families getting their children to School after the bell at 8:45am. Please set your children up for a good day at School by helping them be here on time.

REPORTS AND PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS

• Report distribution will be via email – Thurs 29 June (Week 10) We are now sending electronic copies out to families. Please contact your child’s Class Teacher if you require a printed version and are unable to organise this from home.
• Parent/Teacher interviews – Thurs 27 July and Tues 1 August (Term 3 Weeks 1 and 2). Online bookings for interviews will be sent out in Week 10.

BREAD BAGS

We are enrolled with Wonder Recycling Rewards to collect used plastic bread bags. Once a certain weight of plastic bread bags has been collected, our school qualifies for some play equipment. Please send in any bread bags (minus crumbs!) with your child over the coming weeks.

COMING UP –

• Soloists Concert this Wednesday 21 June after School in The Studio

• K-2 Mini-Athletics Wed 28 June (take 2 after we were rained out!)

• Winter mufti day Thursday 29 June (Week 10) to raise funds for Anglicare’s Take Love appeal. Students can wear comfy warm Winter tracksuits. Bring a gold coin donation and a tin of food for the hampers.

• Last day of Term 2 – Friday 30 June

• Term 3 commences Monday 24 July (return in Winter uniform)

Enjoy the rest of your week,  

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary - Oakhurst

Reports for students will be made available through Edumate on the 29 June throughout the day. It is expected that all reports will be uploaded by the close of business Thursday. The reports are available both on the Edumate web version and the Richard Johnson Edumate app. Once the process has been completed you will receive a text message from Marsden Park Admin. I want to particularly thank all the teachers for their hard work and dedication for completing reports, it really is a mammoth task collating the data and then writing insightful and personalised comments. A big thanks also goes in particular to the students that are working hard at school to progress in their learning. Remember teachers will be available for Parent Teacher Interviews early in Term 3. 

TASC Primary Choral festival 

The big news from this last fortnight was from the Choral Festival held at Penrith Anglican College. This has talented singers and musicians from all over the Corporation. Our Primary singers were ably lead by Mrs Wilson and Mrs Mead. I had the chance of enjoying the concert and, let me just say, that I was a very proud Head of Primary when our students performed. They sounded fantastic and represented our school so unbelievably well. I look forward to next year's event.

Performance Assembly – Original date has been changed, the Assembly is now on 30 June. 

On the last day of school this Term we are having a performance assembly to celebrate all the amazing hard work that has been done throughout the Semester. The event is really meant to be a celebration for the students' hard work and determination.  Due to limited space in the hall, we are only able to invite the parents of the Choral Festival students to attend the event. But I assure you that this will not be the last event of this kind for the year.   

New date Mini-Athletics 

Due to the postponement of the K-2 Mini Athletics we have decided to hold the event on 26 June at 2:00pm. The car park will be available from 1.45pm.

God Bless  
Mr Sale 

Term 2 Assembly Class Dates

Housekeeping   

• Absences: Please email the absences email address:  absences@rjas.nsw.edu.au or SMS 0438 657 339  
• After school care arrangements: If you have arranged after school care, please remind your child before dropping them to school. Please call the office to ensure the message is not missed in an emergency.  
• Please remember that the carpark is now rear to curb only. Please drive safely due to the high volumes of children walking through the area.  
• Snack Day items. Please be mindful that we limit the amount of items that students are allowed to purchase for snack day. The rule is one item and one drink for all students.  
• Early Leavers. Please also remember that if students are leaving early then a call should be made to the office no later than 10am that day.  

Mr Luke Sale
Head of Primary - Marsden Park

CRU Blast is an exciting CRU Day Camp held for students in Kindergarten to Year 6. Your son or daughter will have the week of their lives and get a great opportunity to make new friends and develop new skills during their school holidays! They'll enjoy the experience of camp, with the chance to participate in exciting outdoor activities and explore a Christian worldview, whilst still going home to sleep in the comfort of their own bed.

The dates for CRU Blast are: 
Monday July 17 – Friday July 21, 2023  (the 3rd week of the July School Holidays)

The registrations have commenced and students have received a flyer:

The link below will take you straight to the registration page: 

REGISTER HERE!

or visit:  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 at School by phone 9677 2455 or email – srowe@rjas.nsw.edu.au 

Mr Stewart Rowe
Christian Ministry Service Learning

Locker cleanout will take place on the last day of Term. All lockers must be left empty and locked over the three week break.

Year 9 and 10 Learning Conferences will be taking place in Week Two for Term 3. Parents will be sent a link early next term to make appointments to speak with their child's teachers.

Recent Events

Athletics Carnival - thank you to the PDHPE staff for coordinating the carnival and to the Secondary Staff and students who made the day a great success.

Winter Sleepout - well done to Mr Rowe and the Service team! The night, while cold, was a great success. With more than 200 members of the RJ community sleeping out overnight it was a great opportunity for many to learn about youth homelessness and raise funds for "Youth off the streets".

Years 7 and 8 Learning Conferences took place in the Paul Cockrem Senior Learning Centre and also via Zoom. I hope the flexibility of hybrid interviews, that is face to face or online, is a help to the families within the RJ Community.

Uniform Reminder

With the cooler mornings students are reminded that they are permitted to wear the school jumper under the school blazer. Additionally they can wear the RJ Beanie and RJ Scarf in order to keep warm. Hoodies and non-uniform jumpers are not permitted to be worn.

It is surprising to see students attempting to wear additional jewellery and make up to school, particularly additional sets of earrings. Parents and students are encouraged to revisit the schools uniform policy, found in the Student Diary and also on the School's website to ensure that they are informed and able to follow the uniform expectations.

I do hope that all members of the RJ Community have an enjoyable break over the holiday period. I pray that it be a time of rest and that all will return safe and well for the start of Term 3.

Mr Brad Maxwell
Head of Secondary

Our Year 9 Design & Technology students completed a project where they explored propeller-powered cars. They conducted research, designed, built, tested and raced these cars, which helped them develop their design, technology, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

As part of the project, they delved into aerodynamic principles and the evolution of engines, examining how technology has impacted transportation throughout history. They brainstormed ideas, created sketches and made precise orthogonal drawings to plan their projects. Using advanced tools and techniques, they constructed 3D models and used a vacuum former to heat plastic sheets over their carved foam moulds, turning their ideas into physical objects.

Through multiple rounds of testing and analysis, the students improved the stability, speed and overall performance of their cars. This process required resilience, adaptability and a willingness to learn from failures. Additionally, the project fostered critical thinking, effective collaboration and the ability to embrace challenges. These acquired skills will be valuable for students in various fields, such as engineering, architecture, industrial design and other areas that demand innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

In their next project, the students will study international and Australian designers, analysing their work and designing products inspired by their unique styles and processes. They will also explore the field of jewellery design, where they will design, carve and cast their own sterling silver rings.

Stay tuned for more updates from our Design & Technology department as our students continue to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity.

Mr Rom Zamora
Secondary Teacher

In Year 11, students studying Design & Technology created unique and personalised pen holders. The pen holders were meticulously designed to meet specific criteria, including customisation, functionality and style. Their purpose was to improve the working experience of our teachers by providing a simple and efficient solution. 

These pen holders ensure that pens stay securely in place, preventing them from rolling away or getting lost. Their user-friendly design allows teachers to easily access their pens while keeping their desks tidy. Additionally, the pen holders add a touch of sophistication and personal flair to the workspace, reflecting the individuality of each teacher.

During the design process, our students generated multiple concepts, conducted thorough research and directly consulted teachers for their input. They carefully assessed various materials and equipment options to create innovative and practical designs for the pen holders.

The upcoming project for the Year 11 Design & Technology students will be their major undertaking before progressing to Year 12. In this project, students will be tasked with designing and documenting a cantilever lamp, drawing inspiration from renowned designers such as Dieter Rams or Frank Gehry. The aim of this project is to prepare them for their Major Design Project in Year 12.

Mr Rom Zamora
Secondary Teacher

120 students from our Oakhurst and Marsden Primary and Secondary campuses participated in this outstanding event which brought 700 students together in a massed choir item ‘Shine Like Stars’ conducted by Allison Lewis. Our RJ Cantabile Choir, Vox Vocal Ensemble and Ricky J Singers certainly did sing like stars for the event. Oakhurst Primary impressed the crowd with the acapella start to their challenging piece ‘Seize the Day’. Ricky J Singers sang a moving arrangement of ‘Gravity and Vox with our Secondary Singers wowed the crowd with their energetic and showstopping performance of Hamilton Highlights. The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all our RJ singers.

A special thanks must also go out to all of our amazing parent volunteers who assisted on the day to ensure the event ran smoothly. Thank you also to the amazing staff team for their assistance on the day and to our PASS students who assisted in running our field events.

In terms of records, this was a very successful day for our students. 14 new school carnival records were set. That is the most changes in school records at a Primary carnival. Of those, 4 are all time school records, which means they could have been set at a higher level pathway event such as zone, CSSA, CIS or NSWPSSA level. That is quite an accomplishment for our primary students.

Zone Athletics Carnival

The team for this carnival will be released by the end of the week or early next week. The carnival is to be held at Blair Oval, St Marys on Wednesday 2nd August.

Rescheduled K-2 Athletics Carnival Marsden Park

The K-2 Athletics Carnival at the Marsden Park Campus will now occur in Week 10 on Monday 26 June.

Rescheduled K-2 Athletics Carnival Oakhurst Campus

The K-2 Athletics Carnival at the Oakhurst Campus will now occur in Week 10 on Wednesday 28 June.

Football Clinics

There will be information released in Week 10 for the Football Clinics at both Campuses for Term 3.

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Primary Sports Leader