5 July 2024

As we approach the holiday break, I would like to take a moment to reflect on a metaphor that resonates deeply with the season of rest and rejuvenation ahead of us: life as a cup. The image of a cup can be a powerful reminder of how we manage our time, energy, and wellbeing.

Think about your own life as a cup. Is it full, empty, or perhaps somewhere in between? This cup can hold many things – responsibilities, challenges, joys, and blessings. However, it's essential to recognise that what we choose to fill our cup with significantly impacts our wellbeing and our ability to pour into others' lives.

In the Book of Psalm, particularly Psalm 23, David speaks of his cup overflowing. This powerful image captures a life filled with trust in God's protection, provision, and comfort. David's overflowing cup symbolises the abundance that comes from a deep sense of faith and reliance on God. It's a reminder that when we allow our lives to be filled with the right things—faith, love, and gratitude – our capacity to bless others increases.

The concept of self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Before we can truly take care of others, we must ensure our own cups are filled. It’s a little like the instruction an air hostess gives on a flight. “If the oxygen masks fall from the ceiling, place your mask on first before helping others with their mask.” This isn't selfish, it's practical. When we are energised and well, we are better equipped to support, encourage, and nurture those around us. Just as the psalmist David found his cup overflowing through trust and faith, we too can experience this fullness by prioritising our wellbeing.

As we move into the holiday break, I encourage each of you to take intentional steps to fill your cup, your children’s cup, your family cup. Reflect on what energises you and brings you all joy. It could be spending time with loved ones, engaging in a hobby, reading a book, going out to a movie or to play in the park together, or simply finding moments of quiet reflection. Whatever it is, make it a priority.

Remember, a well-filled cup not only sustains us but allows us to overflow into the lives of others. Let's enter this holiday break with the mindset of filling our cups, so that we can return refreshed and ready to be a blessing to our families, our community, our students and our school.

Wishing you all a restful and fulfilling mid-year break.

God Bless
Mr Alan Dawson | Principal 

One of the best parts of Heritage Day is also in the lead up to the event. Hearing from students who share their family history, delight in telling their stories and talk about what it means to be a part of their cultural community is truly special. Heritage Day shines a light on important conversations about race and culture too, where students have a vehicle to discuss important and challenging concepts. This year I had the opportunity to be part of a conversation in Home Group about cultural appropriation and whether it was acceptable to dress up in the cultural dress of someone else’s culture. These sorts of conversations and the celebration of diversity commence a path to a better Australia as education is a vehicle for a generation that seeks to grow up in a more inclusive and diverse Australia that continues to embrace multiculturalism.

If it wasn’t enough to have great conversation around race and culture, watching the incredible performances that our students spend hours and weeks on perfecting is an absolute joy and privilege. This starts with the cultural parade where students showcase their cultural dress. This shines a positive light on the diversity in our community and it is also lovely to see students supporting their friends, particularly for countries that do not have many student representatives at RJ. Often we see students supporting their friends by dressing up, coming on stage with them or by simply encouraging them to be brave and present on stage.

Our Heritage Day Cultural Art Competition continues to grow also, now in its second year. The students’ art making talents are so wonderfully admirable and seeing the stylistic ways in which they depict scenes that represent their culture is so touching. It demonstrates a passion for their cultural heritage that is a unique addition to the variety of expression that students are able to celebrate at this time. Not to mention the hours of love and attention to detail that have gone into preparing their work. We are blessed by truly capable artists here at RJ.

However, the true gems here are the cultural performances. Students have spent weeks and weeks, practising and perfecting their performances. Many of the groups started as early as Term 1 to ensure they were at their best for performing this week. This brings together students from all over Senior School who share a cultural background, encourages siblings to work together (we all know that can be challenging at times) and produces performances that would be of a standard that people would pay to watch in other contexts. It truly is a wonderful celebration of our RJ community.

Last but by no means least is the opportunity to eat incredible food. There is no food court that I’ve ever been to that offers the variety and quality of our food stalls. Having arrived out of the back end of COVID restrictions, we again have families who contribute to the cooking, preparing and serving of food at our food fair. There is no diet that is worth commencing before this day and any who do need to ensure they allow themselves a “cheat day”. Keep an eye on our RJ social media to see some incredible images from the day.

We will recommence the Child Safe Standards in Term 3, but for now have a restful and engaging break through July and support your students in disconnecting, both from school and from the digital world. Find some time over the students’ break to connect as a family and look for ways to encourage what they’ve achieved in Semester 1 or look for ways to encourage them for what they might like to achieve in Semester 2. Above all let’s continue to partner together in growing and educating our students and entrusting them into God’s care.

Mr Scott Roby
Deputy Principal

SOLOISTS CONCERT

During Week 9 we very much enjoyed a concert from a number of Junior School students currently learning an instrument. We were treated to violins, keyboard, vocals, guitar and even Indian Tabla drums! It was a wonderful afternoon showcasing the talent of our students here at RJ. Special thanks to our Junior School Music Leader Miss S-D and the peripatetic staff at RJ.

PUBLIC SPEAKING SHOWCASE

Also, in Week 9 we were treated to some noteworthy orations by selected students in Years 3-6. The students read out their own compositions which consisted of a variety of genres including narratives, expositions, diary entries and poetry. It was an educational and entertaining afternoon. Special thanks to Miss Ross for her organisation of this event.

UNIFORM REMINDERS

• The College bomber jacket is a compulsory part of the Winter uniform and needs to be worn to and from school each day. 
• The College jumper can be worn without the jacket during the day at school but requires the jacket over it arriving and leaving the College each day. 
• Girls need to have the Winter tie on their blouses when wearing either the tunic or long pants option. 
• Raincoats are recommended to have permanently folded up in your child’s bag.

We have noticed a number of students with uniform items requiring mending or replacing. Please use the upcoming break to assess and update your child’s uniform if necessary. Check for holes in tights/trousers and tunic length for girls.

REPORTS AND PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS

• Report distribution will online – Thursday 4 July (Week 10) We will send electronic copies out to families uploaded to Edumate. Please contact your child’s Class Teacher if you require a printed version and are unable to organise this from home. Instructions on how to access online Reports will be emailed to you.

• Parent/Teacher interviews – Thursday 1 August and Tuesday 6 August (Term 3  - Weeks 1 and 2)  Online bookings for interviews will be sent out in Week 10

• Parents are encouraged to bring the Student Report along to their Interview to discuss any matters of interest or concern. 

TOYS AT RJ

A reminder that children do not need to bring toys to school – we have equipment available at Recess and Lunch; however, if your child wishes to bring a toy to school we ask that they bring one only and it must fit in the front pocket of the school bag (balls excepted – limit of 1 ball). There have been issues recently of toys being broken, lost or damaged which is the risk taken when things are brought from home.

COOL CANS MUFTI DAY FOR ANGLICARE

The Junior School Student Forum organised a Cool Cans Day to raise money and collect tins of food for Anglicare’s Take Love Winter Appeal. This day was held yesterday and the students looked fabulous in their cool pastel colours. Lots of tinned food was brought in which will be used in food hampers for those less fortunate. Thank you for your generosity.

HOLIDAY BREAK

Term 2 ends this Friday 05 July.

Term 3 commences for students on Monday 29 July. Students continue to wear Winter uniform at the start of Term 3.

Enjoy your weekend, 

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Junior School

The dates for CRU Blast are: Monday 22 July 2024 – Friday 26 July 2024 (third week of the holidays)

The registrations have commenced, and students have received a flyer. The link to register for the camp is: CRU Camp Registration

The QR Code will take you to the registration page.

We’d love to see your child/children at CRU Blast this year. If you have any questions, please contact Liam Johnston by email – [email protected]  

Mr Liam Johnston
Christian Ministry & Service Leader 

I am amazed each year by the energy and commitment of our students to be on stage and celebrate their heritage. For all involved, it is the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy who we are and as reflected in Psalm 98, we take the opportunity to make joyful noise in acknowledging God our creator.  It is a great way to bring the first half of the year to a conclusion.

Term 2 Holidays

As we move into a three-week holiday my hope for all our students (and staff) is that they can take the opportunity to have a break. May everyone find the opportunity to rest and do something that they enjoy or even challenge themselves to do something new. For our Year 12 cohort, I hope they take advantage of the HSC Mock Trials later in the holidays, while also making time to revise their subjects to help consolidate their knowledge and understanding.

Finally, I hope that our students can spend time outside, meeting with friends and family, and being wise with the time spent on social media and online gaming. If students get stuck and need some support we encourage them to do so. This may be speaking with someone you trust, engaging with your local Headspace centre or your GP, or accessing online or telephone support through headspace (1800 650 890) or Kids helpline (1800 55 1800). I am looking forward to seeing our students return for the start of Term 3 on Monday 29 July.

Term 3 Events - selected events in the first half of the term

Reports for Years 9 and 10 will be released at the start of Term 3.

Learning Conferences for Years 9 and 10 are in Week 2 of Term 3.

Science Week will take place in Week 3.

Year 12 students will commence the HSC Trials 

Please ensure to use the RJ APP to keep up with communication and any required permission throughout Term Three.

If students and/or parents/carers are wanting to access resources relating to study, time management and wellbeing please access the resources available below. 

www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the following details:

Our College's access details are: 

USER: [email protected]

PWD: success21 

Mr Brad Maxwell
Head of Senior School

Year 4 students who have been having weekly lessons on their choice of band instruments, flute, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone and percussion have come together playing pieces as a whole band, which is a huge accomplishment.  

Year 11 and 12 students have had the opportunity this week to be part of an HSC Music Masterclass presented by Mr Dawson. Students were guided in the area of visualisation and using the mind's eye as a tool of preparing and performance excellence.  

Earlier in the term, Year 10 Students and Year 11 students spent the day at Riverside Theatre for the annual Sharp Short Theatre competition. Students aged 5-18 are invited to showcase their talents in a 10-minute performance from any genre. Both groups dazzled the audience, receiving glowing reviews from parents, judges, and fellow performers alike. The students did not win their heat but had an amazing day.

Junior School Cantabile Choir students and Senior School VOX Vocal Students represented the College in a spectacular way at the recent TASC Choral Festival held at Thomas Hassall Anglican College. The performances of ‘Swimming’ by the Junior students and ‘High School Musical Medley’ were received enthusiastically by all participating schools.  

Throughout the term our Visual Arts and Industrial Technology Multimedia students have been busily working in the classrooms on a variety of major works and class projects. The creative ideas of our students are exciting and their artistic ideas are inspirational.

Through hard work, home learning and application, over sixty-five of our students excelled in participating and presenting a wonderful variety of performance pieces at our recent Soloist Concerts for our Junior and Senior Schools.  Our students have shown huge courage in preparing and presenting with exceptional performance poise and musical excellence. Students have demonstrated that engagement and commitment make such a tremendous difference in their learning journey.  

The Soloists' Concerts showcased students who are receiving one-on-one lessons with our team of highly specialised tutors and even some of their own outside tutors.  

Parents wishing to enquire about Individual lessons can do so through this form - https://forms.office.com/r/FFM68WiyUH 

Athletics Carnival Age Champions

Well done to the following students who were the age champions at the recent athletics carnival

RJ Run Club

Well done to all the Tuesday morning runners who braved the cold with Miss Stephens and Miss Stokes this term. Run club will resume on the first Tuesday of Term 3. It was fantastic to see so many records fall at the recent Junior School athletics carnival from runners in this group!

RJ Skipping Club

The Skipping Club will resume on the first Wednesday of next Term. It is great to see that CSSA will have a competition for Junior School students in Term 4 and RJ will be part of that, learning a routine under the leadership of Mrs Evans.

Tennis Club

The Todd Woodbridge Cup Competition commences in Term 3. Well done to all of our tennis players who are showing great improvement learning the fundamentals of tennis under Miss Ross’ instruction. That group will recommence on the first Wednesday of next Term.

The Todd Woodbridge Cup Gala Day is on Tuesday 3 September.

REGISTRATIONS FOR FOOTBALL CLINICS

Thursday morning:  Football (soccer) clinic (Years 1-2)

Location: Oakhurst – Grass Fields
Time: 7:45am-8:30am
Capacity - 16 students
Weeks: 1-8 (1/8/24-19/9/24). Please note that there will be no session in Week 7 due to the Musical
Registration opening date: 5 July at 3pm
Registration closing date: 24 July at 3pm unless already sold out
Cost: $15 per session ($105 total)

Trybooking Code: https://www.trybooking.com/CTFRG 

Friday afternoon:  Football (soccer) clinic (Years 3-6)

Location: Oakhurst – Grass Fields
Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm
Capacity - 32 students
Weeks: 1-8 (2/8/24-20/9/24). Please note that there will be no session in Week 7 due to the Musical
Registration opening date: 5 July at 3pm
Registration closing date: 24 July at 3pm unless already sold out
Cost: $20 per session ($140 total)

Trybooking Code: https://www.trybooking.com/CTFRH 

Contact for Junior School Sport

Just a reminder that if you need to contact Mr Mitchell regarding Junior School Sporting matters to use [email protected] 

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Junior School Sports Leader

Our 16s Girls Netball team placed 5th in the competition, and have sparked joy for Miss Roediger as their coach. The 14s Girls played their Grand Final on Tuesday and despite losing to PCS, played exceptionally well!

Year 8 completed their Swim Program, culminating in inflatable water fun this week.

Heritage Ultimate Frisbee Tournament Grand Final to be played between Asia and the Barbarians. I look forward to the passion and excitement of this game.

Coming up next Term…

Year 9 Swim Program on Tuesday afternoons.

Zone Athletics Carnival, Friday Week 1, will see approximately 110 students represent the College.

Basketball Gala Day, Oz Tag Gala Days, Tuesday sport competition in Rugby League, Volleyball and Tee Ball. 

I pray you have a restful break these holidays, and look forward to another successful Term in sport.

Please continue to send through any sporting achievements to [email protected] so we can celebrate students sporting success. 

Mrs Trish Millard
Faculty Leader PDHPE & Sport