20 September 2024

For our Year 12 students, this is especially poignant. With their formal schooling nearly complete, they now turn their attention to preparing for the HSC exams in Term 4. It's an intense period, but finishing their final term with focus and determination will provide the foundation for success. It's not just about the exams, though—the way they close this chapter will shape how they begin the next, be it in further studies, work, or new life adventures.

Our Year 11 students are also at a pivotal moment, completing their Preliminary courses and ready to embark on their HSC journey next term. The way they finish this stage will significantly impact how they transition into the challenges and opportunities of their final year of schooling. Their focus and preparation now are vital for the foundation of a successful HSC year.

Across the College, we’ve also been witness to something truly remarkable—our Junior School’s Finding Nemo Jnr. production. The students involved have shown incredible dedication, embodying the College’s values of Courage and Excellence. Their resilience and teamwork were on full display, and the way they delivered a memorable and vibrant performance is a testament to the power of finishing strong.

This Saturday, September 21, we have another fantastic opportunity to gather as a community at the Spring Festival, running from 9am to 2pm. It promises to be a fun-filled day and a key event for our College family to connect, celebrate, and engage in a variety of activities.

As we head into the upcoming holiday break, it’s essential to rest and recharge. A refreshing break now ensures that we all return reinvigorated, ready to begin the next term with renewed energy and purpose. Remember, first impressions are important, but how you finish matters even more—because it sets the tone for how you begin the next chapter. Let’s end this term well and set ourselves up for continued success.

God Bless
Mr Alan Dawson | Principal 

Our students had an excellent opportunity to hear from an external speaker about having a hope-filled future, where students need to honestly assess and take ownership of their lives. They also had the opportunity to celebrate with their Home Groups, to share in community together and have a few special surprises also.

As Year 12 students enter their final week of schooling, there is much to reflect on and be thankful for: friends that you have shared the journey with, staff that have invested into you, families that have supported you to get to this point, the ability to work and learn in a school and a country that values education and wants you to do all that you are capable of achieving. However, the approach or conclusion of things can often be a very busy time. We’ve all said something like “I can’t believe it’s only 1 week until Christmas”. This is why one of the great gifts that we can afford ourselves in these moments is the opportunity to slow down. To slow down and appreciate the significance of what we have achieved, what we are moving on to and what lies before us. 

But graduation isn’t only a significant milestone for our Year 12 students. It marks a significant transition for both students and their parents. A transition from parental authority to increased autonomy; from the controlled environment of school to the flexibility of university, work or vocational training; from a high level of support to an environment where you are expected to contend for yourself and many other transitions. These moments require adjustment, realignment, patience and a willingness to learn and grow. But they are also opportunities to develop a deeper relationship with your children that moves from leading them out in front to walking alongside them and doing life together. Whilst there can be a sense of loss when one season of life ends, there are also many emerging possibilities that lie ahead.

Child Safe Standard 8 - Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse (or other kinds of harm) to occur.

Minimising the opportunity for abuse is a vital safety consideration for all members of a community. The focus of this child safe standard is less about zeroing abuse, which is ultimately every educational community’s hope and goal, and more about identifying possible opportunities for abuse and proactively addressing these concerns. In the physical space it is vital to ensure blind spots are tackled wherever possible, difficult areas of a school are identified and monitored and the physical assets of the school support child safety. One simple but effective way this has been achieved in recent developments at the College is by increasing the use of glass in our classrooms. This increases visibility of, and for, students and invites the classroom to be observed and accessible.

The physical assets of the College are also audited, reviewed and adjusted as we continue to refurbish sections of Senior School. At each stage we consider not only the educational benefits of what can be achieved, but how to resolve problematic spaces, create spaces that serve students effectively and utilise student feedback to monitor and modify areas of concern. Whilst there are constraints that mean this cannot always be an immediate response in many schools, we ought to adjust as we are able and when the physical attributes of the College cannot be modified, utilising them in a new way can achieve a positive result also. We will save the discussion of online environments for the next RJ Review.

As this is the last issue before the Term 3 break, be encouraged to utilise the Term 3 break as an opportunity to connect with your students. Take a moment to do something with them that is special for your family or for your children. Many students crave connection with their families and simply want to be seen and have “low stakes” moments with their parents. Going for a walk, laughing about moments that your family has shared or as the weather warms up, going for an ice cream is a great way to connect with your children. We wish you all a rejuvenating break as we prepare for the endings and new beginnings.

Mr Scott Roby
Deputy Principal

Many families even had photos with Nemo himself on our special ‘red carpet photo board’!  A massive thank you to Mr Dawson for his unwavering support and guidance throughout, to Miss S-D our Director and Miss Ross our Producer. Great memories of a lifetime were made last week!

KINDERGARTEN AND STAGE 1 GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

Our final Grandparents’ Welcome Day for the year will be held on Thursday 26 September for Grandparents of students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2. Please arrive from 9:15am and make your way to the JS Courtyard for a 9:30am start. There will be grade performances, classroom visits and a yummy morning tea of scones to enjoy!

If you are available from 9am to assist with morning tea preparation for about an hour, please email me at [email protected]

STUDENTS RETURNING AFTER SERIOUS INJURY/ILLNESS

If your child has undergone a stint in hospital, had an operation or time off with a serious illness, please inform the Class Teacher, our JS Admin team or our College Nurse when your child is planning to return to school so we can put into place any adjustments required for a smooth transition back to the College. Any Doctor or Specialist notes advising ongoing care are also helpful for our First Aid team.

YEAR 12 GRADUATION

Our Year 12 students commemorate their end of studies at RJ on Friday 27 September. If you have K-6 siblings of Year 12 students and you wish to take them with you after the Graduation service, please contact our Junior School Admin team to advise that your children will be leaving early that day. This will provide ease of signing out and collecting from class. K-6 students do not attend the Graduation service – pick up after the guard of honour following the service.

YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM

As part of our ongoing commitment to service at RJ over the next few weeks, students in Year 5 are being challenged to take part in service opportunities. Many of these activities have been occurring at school and parents of Year 5 students would have received communication regarding this from the teachers. Please encourage your child to participate as this is a great opportunity to serve. This program is also a prerequisite for College leadership in 2025 and will conclude at the end of this term. 

SCHOOL HOLIDAY SUGGESTION

Visit Australia’s oldest Parliament as it opens its doors for Family Fun Day, an open day packed with fun educational activities for families with children aged from 4 to 12 years on Friday 11 October, from 9:30am to 3pm. This year’s highlights include:

• Visiting the heritage chambers

• Giving a speech for an election campaign

• Participating in a committee role play

• Enjoying live music

• Making craft animals and objects

• Learning how to vote    

Entry is free and the event will be held at NSW Parliament, 6 Macquarie Street Sydney. 

Flyer and booking link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/free-family-fun-day-at-parliament-of-nsw-tickets-1008060896277 Family Fun Day 2024 (nsw.gov.au)

DATES

The RJ Spring Festival is tomorrow – Saturday 21 September. Come along for stalls, rides and performances.

Term 3 finishes on Friday 27 September.

Term 4 commences on Tuesday 15 October.

All students return in Summer uniform. Please check tunic lengths for girls and if boys are getting haircuts, mention to the barber/stylist that your son attends an Independent School – they should know the suitability requirements.

Enjoy your weekend and the upcoming break

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg

Head of Junior School

The camp offered a unique curriculum designed to push boundaries and elevate students' problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This departure from the traditional classroom setting allowed our students to explore new concepts and apply their talents in novel ways. Here's a look at the diverse activities they engaged in:

Poetry and Art: Students immersed themselves in the creative realms of poetry and visual arts. They explored self-expression and artistic techniques, broadening their artistic horizons and enhancing their appreciation for both disciplines.

Writing a Book: This class provided a platform for students to channel their imaginations into crafting their own stories. They refined their narrative skills and creative writing abilities, culminating in the development of their personal book projects.

Managing the Stock Exchange: A hands-on class where students delved into the intricacies of financial markets and trading. They gained practical insights into the complexities of the stock exchange, blending financial literacy with interactive learning.

Portraiture: Students explored portrait drawing, learning techniques to capture the essence of their subjects and refine their artistic skills.

Living in Space: This elective encouraged speculative thinking and scientific inquiry about potential life on Mars, merging creativity with scientific exploration and broadening students' understanding of space.

Using Ozebots: In this tech-oriented class, students interacted with Ozebots—small programmable robots—enhancing their knowledge of robotics and coding through engaging challenges.

Oracy: Focused on developing speaking and listening skills, this class aimed to improve students' ability to articulate their thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions.

Solar Punk Poetry: Students engaged with the concept of "Solar Punk," exploring themes of sustainability and future visions through poetry, blending creative writing with environmental awareness.

Beyond the classroom, the camp offered a range of outdoor activities designed to build resilience and foster teamwork. Students faced physical and mental challenges on the High Ropes Course and the Gorge Swing, pushing their limits and stepping outside their comfort zones. These experiences not only promoted personal growth but also strengthened the sense of camaraderie among participants.

The HICES Gifted and Talented Camp provided our students with an exceptional opportunity to extend their learning beyond traditional classroom boundaries. By engaging in diverse and challenging activities, they not only expanded their intellectual capacities but also developed new skills and gained invaluable experiences.

We are incredibly proud of their achievements and growth during this week. We look forward to seeing how these experiences will inspire and influence their future endeavours.

Their graduation assembly takes place on Friday 27 September. Families of our Year 12 cohort have the opportunity to book up to four seats for the Year 12 Graduation Assembly.

Students in Year 11 are continuing their yearly exams which conclude on Wednesday 25 September, with students returning to normal classes the following day. Please continue to pray for our Year 11 students.

All lockers across the Senior School are to be left locked and emptied over the holiday break. Students are encouraged to start taking home books and other resources that they will not need over the last days of the term. This will help avoid the potential for heavy bags being taken home on the last day of term.

College Uniform reminder

Students are permitted to wear the College summer uniform, which means students in Years 7-10 no longer need to wear their blazer or the College Tie/Scarf. Students in Years 11 and 12 are to continue to wear their ties/scarves.

However, full College Uniform is to be worn by all Senior School students on Friday 27 September, meaning blazers and ties/scarves, reflecting the importance of the Year 12 Graduation Assembly.

As we move into spring students are encouraged to wear the RJ sports cap whenever they are outside. The College Sports cap must be worn when students are outside during Term 4.

Respect and Care - Use of Social Media 

Earlier this week I contacted a number of students and their parents/carers in relation to social media. I raised the College's concerns about students commenting on posts and following accounts that shared text and images that were quite harmful to members of the College community. Students were reminded that they are accountable for any image they post, comments they make and accounts they follow. Additionally, it was pointed out that following, commenting or liking a post generally indicates that they support or agree with what has been shared. Students were also reminded that if a social media post or account is referred to the police due to the nature of the content shared, those who make comments or follow the account would be of interest to the police.

One of the frustrations of recent activity on social media is the 'anonymous' or nameless creators of the accounts and posts. While I would prefer people to be courageous enough to put their name to what they are willing to post, it is often not the case. Students are encouraged to advise a trusted adult if they know the identity of anyone posting harmful content. If any member of the RJ community is concerned about what they see on social media they can report the account or post directly to the social media platform, they can also make a report to the E-Safety Commissioner, https://www.esafety.gov.au/report, and in some situations, a report can be made at the local police station. It would be both disappointing and concerning if inappropriate/harmful content was ignored by members of the RJ community.

With two weeks of holidays commencing shortly, it is a timely reminder for our students to be wise when using social media and also a time for parents/carers to check in with their children regarding their use of social media. I would also encourage students to have a break from their screens, be outside, catch up with friends face-to-face, and enjoy the warmer weather.

Upcoming Events:

Thursday 26 September 

• Leadership Induction Service and Leadership handover
• Staff vs Year 12 students game
• Final of the Inter House Competition

Friday 27 September - Last day of term

• Year 12 Breakfast
• Year 12 Graduation Assembly
• Senior School Locker clean out
• Holidays commence for students at 3:10pm

I hope that during the holiday period, both students and staff have the opportunity for a break. For me I think of the words in Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God", that no matter the circumstances, whether during the end of a term or a holiday break, I can be still or assured that God is who He says He is. I am looking forward to having time to read, go to the beach and spend time with family, acknowledging that all of these things are from God. 

Reminders:

Term 4 commences for students on Tuesday 15 October.

Year 11 students need to complete their orders for their Year 12 2025 Jersey as soon as possible. As soon as all orders and payments are complete the order can placed with the company that supplies the jerseys to the College.

Year 12 students need to purchase their ticket for the Year 12 Formal, closing date is Friday 27 September.

Families of our Year 12 students need to 'book' their seats for the Year 12 Graduation Ceremony today.

Links and relevant QR codes have been sent to students and their parents/carers via Broadcast and email. 

Parents and carers are reminded that if you have any questions about upcoming events or concerns in relation to your child's wellbeing or a question about a specific subject area please reach out to their Home Group teacher as first point of contact. Parents wishing to meet with a staff member please contact the school via main reception to organise an appointment

Mr Brad Maxwell
Head of Senior School

The recent Shine event for Year 9 and 12 girls was a fantastic evening with a vibrant Barbie-pink theme attended by around 50 girls. The night began with an exciting escape room challenge that had everyone buzzing with excitement. This was followed by insightful discussions on the power of dressing modestly, as well as expectations and consent, which sparked some heated yet valuable conversations. Dinner brought a fun twist with pink-bun burgers, expertly grilled by Principal Mr. Dawson and parent Mr. Sciberras. Afterward, the girls enjoyed a calming Monet and mocktails session, which added an artistic touch to the night. There was also a heartwarming opportunity for the girls to write encouraging notes to each other. A special thank you goes to Miss Hindeleh, Miss Blazevic, Mrs Key and Mrs Millard who joined myself and a small team of students in making the event run so smoothly.

Miss Ruth Mahaffey
Faculty Leader Biblical Studies 

The boys were determined to break the all time relay record for their age group and they were able to do this with a time of 56.44 which placed them 9th overall for their event. Well done to Kai and Elijah for competing in individual events at the same carnival.

Oztag Gala Day

A Stage 2 and Stage 3 team went out on Wednesday to the CSSA Oztag Gala Day. Our Stage 2 team came away from the day with a couple of victories and some narrow losses. Our Stage 3 team competed to the best of their abilities but were unable to come away victorious on the day. It was a great learning curve for our teams and we thank Mrs Smith and Mr Colbourn for taking them to the event.

WSCS

Our last round of WSCS was held on Wednesday. It was great to see our students compete for the last time in the inter school competition. We would like to thank Toongabbie Chrisitan College, Tyndale and ACC for being fantastic opponents throughout the last two terms. A big thankyou to all of our parent spectators, volunteers and amazing teachers who coached our students, both this term and last.

Football Clinic Registrations – Years 1 and 2 (Thursday Morning)
Our Term 4 football clinic registration information is found below. 
Registration opening date: 20th  September at 3pm.
Registration closing date: 11th  October at 3pm unless already sold out.

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

Football Clinic Registrations – Years 3 to 6 (Friday afternoon)
Our Term 4 football clinic registration information is found below. 
Registration opening date: 20th  September at 3pm.
Registration closing date: 11th  October at 3pm unless already sold out.

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

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Junior School Sports Leader