15 August 2023

You will see in this edition some wonderful news of the recent Primary Debating competition held at Tara Anglican School for Girls and the efforts of our own Primary Debating teams from Oakhurst. Alongside this, you will read of our Secondary Basketball teams competing in the CSSA Gala Day and the progression of two of the teams to the State competition. I would like to thank Mrs Anita Wells for guiding our debaters and all of our basketball coaches for their leadership of our teams for the fantastic results achieved all round. Well done students and staff!

Our fortnight ahead looks very exciting as our Primary vocalists and dancers gear up for the IPSHA Performing Arts Festival at Sydney’s Town Hall in the CBD next Monday evening. It is my hope that this experience will really encourage our students to continue to strive for excellence in all they do within the Arts. We also have the Oakhurst Community Connect Evening on Tuesday night. This is a great time for families to connect with each other and to share with the School leadership team. 

Our Year 12 students commenced their HSC Trial Examinations this week and are off to a good start. Many of these students made good use of their time in the holidays to take part in the Mock Trial exams hosted by our Secondary Faculty Leaders. They provided our students with the opportunity to experience HSC exam conditions as well as attempt exam papers in preparation for the Trials. Let’s continue to pray for them as they sit their Trial Exams over the next two weeks.

In preparation for student leadership roles handover, our Year 11 students will take part in a Leadership Seminar next week as they explore opportunities to lead our student body over the next 12 months. The process for nominating various leadership roles on offer will be outlined to students along with the challenge of stepping up to lead here at RJ. I would encourage parents to have a chat with their Year 11 students and urge them to take the leap into leadership as part of their own development as a person. We never know when we will be called upon to lead others throughout our life.

Speaking of leadership, I believe that Jesus Christ is the greatest leader of all time due to his servant leadership and boundless compassion. He prioritised others' needs above His own, exemplifying humility and selflessness in all He did. His teachings emphasised love, forgiveness, and empathy, fostering a community where all people were valued. Through parables and actions, He conveyed profound wisdom and fostered transformation in people’s lives. 

Throughout His life, His heart for people transcended boundaries, embracing outcasts and inspiring followers to serve one another. Jesus' legacy lies in His ability to inspire through service, love, and a profound connection with humanity, making Him an unparalleled leader whose principles continue to resonate through time. I believe this is the same for today. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross made way for us to access relationship with an amazing God, and it is this wonderful gift of eternal life that we celebrate within our community in all we do at RJ. I encourage you to trust God with your life and lean into all of His goodness He has on offer for us all.

God Bless
Mr Alan Dawson | Principal 

The Matildas began the tournament without their best player and one of the best strikers in the world, Sam Kerr. This was evident in their narrow win over Ireland and even more so when they fell to Nigeria. But this setback was a blessing in disguise. As the team had grown to rely on delivering the ball to their best player and watching her do amazing things, they were forced to develop different tactics in their incredible 4-0 win over the current Olympic Champions, Canada. This saw the emergence of incredibly talented players within the squad who needed to step up for the team to thrive. As a consequence, by the time Sam Kerr was able to return to the squad, the team was stronger than they were prior to her injury. The culmination of this is an incredible result for the Matildas and Australia where we are now in the final four sides in the World Cup. 

There is a valuable lesson in this for us as a School and for our learners. No doubt many of our Year 12 students throughout our student body are wrestling with adversity of some kind. Perhaps they have learning difficulties, social difficulties, physical illness or some other challenging situation. Perhaps it feels like they have failed or are about to have a significant setback. Like the Matildas, we should look to develop ourselves around that adversity. Perhaps we cannot change our circumstances, but we can change how we respond to them. Maya Angelou is famously quoted as saying “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

Perhaps some of our community really need to look to what they can do to change this Term. This might just be the key to unlocking future success. And of course, GO THE MATILDAS!! 

Mr Scott Roby
Deputy Principal 

TWO NEW TERRIFIC TEACHERS!

We are so happy to welcome two wonderful teachers to the Primary team here at Oakhurst this Term – Ms Ruth Batey replaces Mrs Holland on KH as she prepares for the birth of her baby, and Ms Renee McClelland replaces Ms Llanos on 3R. Welcome to RJ!

DEBATERS’ DILIGENCE DELIVERS

Our Debating team under the guidance of Mrs Wells and accompanied by Mrs Peterson, travelled to Tara Anglican School last week to compete in the IPSHA Gala Debating Day against other Independent schools. The team contested four debates, winning three of these – an impressive result! Congratulations to the students and staff for representing RJ so wonderfully.

FRIENDSHIP ISSUES – THERE’S A BENCH FOR THAT…

Our Student Forum put a proposal to Mr Dawson last Term to purchase a Friendship or Buddy Bench, which now sits pride of place in the Primary Courtyard. This bench is designed to be used by students who may be feeling lonely or left out, so when they come to the bench, members of Student Forum approach to offer some company and support. Everyone matters at RJ 😀

SUPER SCOUT!

Kaysanne L (Year 2) has been working hard towards achieving her Joey Scout Challenge Award, which is the peak Award for the Joey Scout section. She achieved this last Term and received her Award at a special presentation on Monday 14 August. Congratulations, Kaysanne – what a wonderful achievement!

AMAZING ME FAMILY EVENING

Well, our scheduling couldn’t have been worse! The same evening as the Matildas semi-final at the FIFA World Cup! This being such a momentous event, we have decided to postpone this presentation. Unfortunately, our presenter, Rowena Thomas is fully booked this Term, so we will reschedule in the first week of Term 4 on Tuesday 10 October. Apologies to families who made special arrangements for this night. We hope you can join us in Term 4. Refunds will be available if required – please contact myself or Mrs Ghali.                                                 

kshannonduhigg@rjas.nsw.edu.au             sghali@rjas.nsw.edu.au

RJ PERFORMERS READY TO SHINE AT SYDNEY TOWN HALL   🎹🎼🎵

The Cantabile Choir and Junior Dance Company have been rehearsing enthusiastically to prepare for the IPSHA Performing Arts Festival on Monday 21 August. This will be a fantastic opportunity for our students to perform our own School item as well as take part in a massed choral item along with other participating schools. Miss S-D is very proud of the students’ preparations to date.

Tickets at 2023 IPSHA NSW Performing Arts Festival

RJ COMMUNITY CONNECT NIGHT 

Come along to our next Community Connect event for RJ parents on 22 August and enjoy an evening of light refreshments and engaging conversations. We will meet in The Hub (Secondary Library).

Registration

CONTACT DETAILS

If you have recently moved or changed phone or email details, please update these either on the Parent Portal on Edumate or by contacting Primary Reception. Having the correct parent contact details on file at RJ is essential for efficient communication, especially in an emergency.  

BOOK WEEK CELEBRATION DAY

We are getting excited about our upcoming Celebration Day for Book Week on Friday 25 August. The Staff are busily coming up with an array of character costumes for this day. Start getting your child’s costume ready too! Parents can come and view the year group parades from 9:45am.

Don’t forget about the Book Fair open to parents to purchase books before and after School on Wednesday and Thursday 23-24 August and Friday morning 25 August. Situated upstairs in F6 classroom (near Year 6 rooms). Students will bring home a flyer this week with more information.

FATHERS’ DAY STALL – CAN YOU HELP?

Thursday 31 August - Volunteers Needed                                       

We are delighted to offer our Primary students the opportunity to buy a small gift from our fundraising Fathers’ Day Stall on Thursday 31 August. Students are to bring a $5 or $10 note (no coins please). Please email Mrs Stephanie Ghali if you can volunteer (8:00am to 12:45pm); sghali@rjas.nsw.edu.au

Enjoy the rest of your week,  

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary - Oakhurst

Our Year 12 students have commenced their HSC Trial Examinations. Please uphold them in your thoughts and prayers throughout the next week and a half. It has been pleasing to see students in Years 7-11 being mindful of the exams taking place in the Senior Learning Centre, keeping out of the area and tolerating small adjustments to rooming for some classes.

Last Friday's House meetings in Secondary was great expression of community within the School, with students across all the year groups participating in activities and challenges together, further strengthening connections within the Secondary section. Thank you to the House leaders, both staff and students, for preparing and hosting the House meetings.

Parents/Carers are invited to attend the upcoming RJ Community Connect evening on Tuesday 22 August from 7pm in The Hub. This will be an evening of light refreshments and engaging conversations. Parents/Carers who are attending need to register via the following link - https://bit.ly/3OQZjZz.

In Jeremiah 32:17 an amazing declaration about God is made, "Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you". My hope and prayer is that the declaration about God's power and majesty is a reassurance and comfort to us as we share our life experiences within the RJ community. It has been a privilege to be part of conversations that have focussed on the encouragement that is found in knowing God even when things are difficult. Please remember that if you have any questions or concerns in relation to your child's wellbeing please reach out to their Home Group teacher.

Wednesday next week will see the half way point in the nine week Term. Parents and Carers are reminded to continue to check the RJ App for updates and permission requests for any upcoming events. Please contact the School if you have any questions in relation to accessing and using the RJ App.

Mr Brad Maxwell
Head of Secondary

This year, students can participate in two ways.

1. 40km team walk – teams of 4-5 walk as far as they can between 3:45pm and 9:15pm. 

2. 20km + 20 team Walk – Students still form teams of 4 or 5. If they are unable to be part of the whole walk till 9:15pm, their team joins us from 3:45pm to 6:15pm for the walk. Then, in the following week, complete 20 other acts e.g. 20 acts of kindness, 20 tasks at home.

If students do not have a team, it is still fine for them to participate. They do need $20 of sponsorship, and we will find a group for them to join for the activity.

Permission notes are available at Student Reception or Primary Reception.

More details are in the permission note but here is a brief overview.

Organisational Flowchart

1. Students Register for the World Vision Famine Challenge. They sign up at https://40hourfamine.com.au/ and then join the RJ Team.
2. Students form teams of 4-5 friends and fill out the Team Sheet. If students do not have a team, it is still fine for them to participate. They do need $20 of sponsorship and we will find a group for them to join for the activity. 
3. Sponsors – Students ask family and friends to sponsor them online. Each team will need a total of $100 of sponsorship through the RJ team.
4. Permission notes, one for each member of the team are filled out and signed at home and returned with the Team Sheet and screenshots of the World Vision Sponsorship.
5. Students participate in the walk on Friday 1 September, either the 40km Walk or the 20km + 20 Team Walk. 

Registrations for the event close on Monday 28 August. 

Venue: Oakhurst Campus

Start: Friday 1 September, 3:20pm

Schedule:

3:20pm – Students change into sports gear.

3:45pm – Students commence the walk.

6:15pm – Dinner break and activities. 

Finish:

6:15pm – Students participating in the 20km+ 20 team walk will be collected in the main turnaround.

9:15 pm – Students participating in the 40 km Team walk.

What to Bring:

• Sport Uniform to change into.

• Water bottle

• Hat

Rolls will be marked at both the commencement and conclusion of the event. No student is permitted to leave the School grounds after school or during the event, unless being collected by a parent.

Please encourage your child to participate in this most worthwhile event and if you have any questions, please contact Stewart Rowe via email or phone 9677 2455.

Mr Stewart Rowe
Christian Ministry Service Learning

They displayed excellent skills and manners throughout the evening and were wonderful ambassadors for the School, along with learning about serving short black, long black and cappuccino coffee. The students; Natalie, Yashita, Avriella and Isabel, are congratulated for their efforts. 

Mr Stewart Rowe
Christian Ministry Service Learning

FATHER'S DAY STALL – FRIDAY 1 SEPTEMBER - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 

We are delighted to offer our Pre-K and Primary students the opportunity to buy a small gift from our fundraising Father’s Day Stall on Friday 1 September. Students are to bring a $5 or $10 note (no coins please). Please email Mrs Stephanie Ghali if you can volunteer (8:00am to 12:00pm); sghali@rjas.nsw.edu.au. Please note Mon/Tues Pre-K students will have the opportunity to purchase a gift on Tuesday 29 August. 

HOW TO HAVE THAT CONVERSATION WITH YOUR CHILD… (Postponed to 10 October) 

Rowena Thomas was to return to RJ to present her Amazing Me family sessions for students in Years 3-6 on Wednesday 16 August. However, we have made the decision to postpone the event so that families will be able to watch the World Cup Semi-final. The sessions and times are unchanged but will now be moved to Tuesday 10 October. If this time doesn’t work for your family please speak to the office and we can make arrangements for a full refund.  

There will be two presentations, ‘Bodies and Puberty’ for Stage 2 starting at 5:30pm, then ‘Bodies and Babies: for Stage 3 commencing at 6:45pm in the Hall. Stage 3 students are welcome to attend both sessions if preferred. I highly recommend that you attend one or both sessions with your child. Rowena is a warm and engaging presenter who helps normalise ‘tricky’ conversation topics!  

Information was emailed out last Term. Booking link below: https://www.trybooking.com/CIZMP

PRIMARY BOOK WEEK – WEEK 5   

Primary Book Week, where teachers and children dress up as book characters, has been scheduled for Friday 25 August (Week 5 of Term 3). Our theme for this year is Read, Grow, Inspire. You may like to start talking with your child/ren about what book character they would like to dress up as. Please refer to the broadcast from Mr Sale to find out all the details of the event. There is also a book fair that will be open in the mornings before school Monday – Friday and in the afternoon Monday – Thursday.    

COMMUNICATION  

Please note that the following forms of communication to the RJ Families apply when we are distributing information regarding events. Not all forms are used for the same event. Please also refer to the RJ App / Calendar for upcoming events and Term dates refer to the calendar on the School website.  

1. A broadcast via the Newsfeed on the RJ App is used for whole section events such as Book Week and Easter Hat Parade. 
2. The Fortnightly RJ Review (Newsletter) – which is emailed to parents and can be found on the home page of our School website. This also outlines events that are happening throughout the term.  
3. From time to time, we will use Emails /or SMS to highlight changes that may occur that affect events. Such as parent parking.  

SCHOOL BAN ON NUTS 

A friendly reminder that a very serious allergy towards peanuts for some of our students has prompted the School to ban peanuts, peanut butter, Nutella, peanut sauce, nut biscuits and fruit and nut mixes, as well as any other food product which contains peanuts. Please note that products which have ‘traces of nut or peanuts’ have not been listed - these are acceptable. We ask parents to be very cautious about this School directive. The health and safety of every student is of paramount concern for the whole School community. 

WSCS – YEARS 3-6 SPORT 

Students in Years 3-6 will recommence on 9 August in the Western Sydney Christian Schools (WSCS) Interschool Sport Competition or School Sport with students from the Oakhurst Campus and will conclude on 13 September. Students selected in a team will receive a note home, with further details provided. 

Assembly Class Dates for Term 3 

Events for your Diary

Additional event information will be provided closer to events through the RJ App. Please continue to read the fortnightly RJ Review for updates throughout the Term. 

We appreciate your prayers and support for the remainder of the School year. 

Yours sincerely, 

Mr Luke Sale
Head of Primary - Marsden Park 

Activities included: Wet Sponge Throw, Target Shoot, Lucky Dip, Bowling, Flip the Bottle, Hot Wheels Racing, Crooked House, Popcorn, Cupcakes and Cookies and Ice Cream Spiders. The students enjoyed the day and one of the highlights was being able to throw wet sponges at Mr Robertson and Mr Lamb!

Year 6 would like to thank everyone for helping raise over $1700.

Mrs Tracey Kuiper
Primary Teacher

The da Vinci Decathlon is a multidisciplinary competition that requires the students to work cooperatively to solve challenges across 10 disciplines: Engineering, Mathematics, Code Breaking, Art and Poetry, Science, English, Ideation, Creative Producers, Cartography and Legacy. We enjoyed the company of the team from Oakhurst during our travels.

Our Marsden Park students were excited and motivated, and worked together in each of the challenges to give their best. They did this as a team without input from their teachers during the event. Our Marsden Park team included; Hannah C, Hayden D, Leah J, Keira L, Alicia M, Dhruva S, Ravnoor S, Ahempreet S.

We are very proud of their efforts and the way they conducted themselves.

Mr David Robertson
Primary Teacher 

We have three teams representing RJ at the Nepean Zone Sporting competition on Tuesday afternoons this Term, with two teams competing in Volleyball, and one in Rugby League.

Already this Term we have had students from RJ represent the School in many different events. These range from:

• Zone Athletics Carnival - 95 students representing RJ.
• CSSA Secondary Zone Basketball Gala Day - 3 teams competing.

Both these events have been tremendously successful, both in the number of students we have had participating, and also the success that was achieved at the events. We have 47 students progressing to State for Athletics, and 2 of our teams progressing to State level for Basketball. We wish these students well as they represent RJ in their respective upcoming events. Special thanks to Mr Wood and Mrs Hamilton for managing the teams on the day. 

Mrs Trish Millard 
PDHPE & Sport Faculty Leader

STATE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

The State Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 1 September. Students who finished in the top three times per running event or in the top two for field events (3rd place had to meet a qualifying distance) have qualified. Please note that students should not be purchasing CSSA apparel at the Carnival unless they finish in the top two or three of their event and qualify for the CIS Carnival. CSSA jackets are not part of the School Uniform – they can only be worn by students who make it through to the next level of competition.

MIXED OZ TAG GALA DAY

This Thursday we have a combined Campus team in Stage 2 and 3 competing in the mixed Oz Tag Gala Day. I’m sure that the students will have a lovely time at the event with Mr Robertson and Mrs Smith. Marsden Park students are to meet Mr Robertson at the Marsden Park Campus at 7am and Oakhurst students are to meet Mrs Smith at the Oakhurst Campus at 7:25am.

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Primary Sports Leader

What is your favourite food?

Italian food – Pizza and Pasta. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Reading, listening to music and anything creative. 

When and why did you come to work at this School?

I have just completed my Masters in Teaching and was looking for a school that valued Christian Education to start my career as a graduate teacher.

What do you think you will enjoy about your role in the School?

I will enjoy getting to know the students and seeing them grow and develop in their learning and all areas of their lives.

Describe a wonderful experience you’ve had which you will never forget.

Traveling to the Greek Island of Santorini and watching the sunset.

Why did you become a Christian?

I became a Christian when I understood that we needed the Salvation that only Christ can give. I have since dedicated my life to His service. 

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

Psalm 37:4 Because as we delight in the Lord, He knows our every need and will provide.

What is something you want to achieve?

I would love to travel and understand the needs within our world especially those children who are vulnerable to poverty, illness and who are orphaned.  

If you could meet any person in the world at the moment who would it be and why?

Prince William and Kate. I would like to know more about what issues they think they can improve within the world during their time in service. 

What is your favourite food?

Italian.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Reading, walking, exploring cafes & wineries. Spending time with my family.  

When and why did you come to work at this School?

I look forward to increasing my experience and being involved in a Christian community. 

What do you think you will enjoy about your role in the School?

I love working with Children and seeing them grow as individuals. 

Describe a wonderful experience you’ve had which you will never forget.

Travelling to England and Paris last year with my daughters will always be a wonderful memory. 

Why did you become a Christian?

I was raised in a Christian home and became a Christian as a teenager, knowing Jesus died just for me. 

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future'.  

Hear from Chris Braga, Senior Minister of Gracewest Anglican Church about the connection between burgers and Jesus. While also making and eating some great burgers!

Book online www.trybooking.com/cjwsb before 27 August.