4 April 2025

Tonight marks the final performance of our Senior School musical production, Newsies, and what an incredible run it has been! Over the past three days, nearly 1,400 audience members have had the privilege of witnessing this spectacular show. Our students have delivered breathtaking performances, capturing the heart and energy of Newsies through brilliant character portrayals, exceptional dancing, powerful singing and compelling acting.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Marrable and our dedicated Fine Arts Team, along with the many support teachers who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this production to life. This musical has been a shining example of reciprocity, resourcefulness and excellence. To our students, your courageous and stunning performances have been a testament to your tireless investment of time and talent, and we are immensely proud of you.

Beyond the stage, our College continues to thrive with student engagement, academic pursuits, and co-curricular activities. The Senior School Cross Country was a contested event across the age divisions and we look forward to the Junior School competing this coming Wednesday. In fact, the last week of term is a big one for our Junior School students. They will take part in Jump Rope for Heart (fundraising for the Heart Foundation) and Bandaged Bear Day to support the Westmead Children’s Hospital. We are also looking forward to their Easter Hat Parade and our combined Easter Service with both the Junior and Senior Schools.

As we reflect on the exciting things that take place in our College community, we take the time to thank the grandparents of our Year 3 and 4 students who attended the Stage 2 Grandparents' Day event. Young and old are an integral part of our College community, and we deeply valued the time we could share with our grandparents this past week.

Easter Service Invitation: Registrations open on Monday (7 April) at 10:00am for parents who would like to attend RJ's Easter Service next Friday at 9:30am (link to be forwarded). Due to limited seating for this combined Junior and Senior School event, attendance will be on a first come, first served basis. Registrations will close once capacity is reached.

New Prayer Initiative: Following interest from RJ parents, a new community prayer initiative to support RJ will commence on Tuesday morning 6 May, 8am. Please refer to the Dates to Remember section below.

Reflections & Thankfulness: As we approach the Easter holidays, we pray that each of us takes time to reflect on the true meaning of Easter - the sacrifice Jesus Christ made by taking the punishment substitute for humanity's sin, so that we might have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. 

These past two weeks have been filled with moments that reflect the strength of our community and the unwavering commitment to excellence that defines RJ. Thank you to our students, staff and families for your ongoing support and enthusiasm.

Wishing you all a restful and rewarding holiday break with family.

God Bless
Mr Alan Dawson | Principal 

Along the way, I came to two not-so-profound observations:

1. My head tells me I’m fit. 

2. My body tells me the truth.

Coming to the undeniable conclusion that I am, in fact, ‘old’ could have dampened my spirits. So too could the rain, which forced us to quickly move students back on-site. However, our wonderful RJ students turned both situations into something far more positive.

The flexibility demonstrated by students and staff in swiftly adapting to the change—adjusting supervision and schedules—was commendable. Despite the slightly hurried format, we were fortunate to complete the Senior School event, and the Junior School event will now take place on Wednesday. But for me, the greatest blessing was simply running alongside our students.

While I internally lamented my complete lack of preparation, the overwhelming encouragement from students was inspiring—or at least, that’s what I told myself as I gasped for breath, struggling around the course. It all culminated in a “sprint” finish with some Year 12 students who, until that moment, didn’t seem particularly interested in running.

This experience highlighted two key lessons:

1. We don’t have to listen to every message we hear.

2. The outcome isn’t always what matters most in learning.

As we grow, we learn to filter the messages we receive. This isn’t always easy, especially when the loudest voices are negative. My body was screaming at me to stop, but the steady stream of encouragement from students helped me push through. As parents, what consistent messages of encouragement are we giving our students to help them persevere through challenges? How can we help them develop the resilience to keep going when they feel stuck?

While outcomes are important—in school, work, and life—not every situation will end in success. I certainly didn’t break any land speed records, but the real joy came from being among the students, watching them cheer each other on, and laughing as they overtook me. We often learn more from our challenges and failures than from our successes.

As parents, how can we help our students use their failures or struggles as stepping stones for growth? How can we teach them to reframe setbacks as learning opportunities rather than obstacles?

What lessons can we take from moments when the message or the outcome isn’t quite what we hoped for?

Mr Scott Roby
Deputy Principal

It has been an action packed, event-filled term and both students and staff are looking forward to some much-needed rest during the upcoming break. Thank you to everyone who attended one or more of our special events this term. We appreciate your support and planning for Term 2 is already underway!

BANDAGED BEAR DAY

This popular day will take place on Tuesday 8 April with a Teddy Bears’ Picnic for K-2 students and their parents plus fun bear-themed lunchtime activities for all grades to enjoy. Bandaged Bear Day supports the vital work of Westmead Children’s Hospital. All students and teachers are encouraged to bring a bear to school for the day and wear a bandage to show their support. Further details will be on your child’s class Seesaw posts.

STAGE 2 GRANDPARENTS WELCOME DAY

Yesterday we welcomed the Grandparents of students in Years 3 and 4 to RJ. They enjoyed performances in the Courtyard, classroom visits, and a scrummy morning tea. Thank you to those who joined us and our parent volunteers - we hope you enjoyed your visit!

Looking ahead:

• Term 2: Years 5 and 6 will host their grandparents.

• Term 3: Kindergarten, Year 1, and Year 2 will have their turn.

JUMP OFF DAY

On the second-last day of Term, 10 April, we will celebrate the culmination of our Jump Rope for Heart program. Students have worked hard to improve their skipping skills while raising funds for the Heart Foundation. We are looking forward to each grade showcasing their skipping skills. Check your child’s class Seesaw posts for photos of this in-College event. 

EASTER HAT PARADE

Our K-2 Easter Hat ‘Celebration of New Life’ Parade will be held on the last day of term, Friday 11 April, in the Junior School Courtyard. Parents are invited to join us for a wonderful parade of elaborate hats and enthusiastic performances from our youngest RJ students.

• Kindergarten - 🥚 Eggs
• Year 1 - 🌺🌼🏵️Flowers/plants
• Year 2 - 🐥🐇 Chicks/baby animals

2pm start, gates open at 1:45pm. Parents may take children home at the conclusion of this event.

SCHOOL MEDICATIONS AND EXPIRY DATES

A reminder from our Reception/First Aid team to ensure any medications stored at the College are up to date. This includes Ventolin puffers and Anaphylaxis autoinjectors. You will be contacted if replacements are needed, but the upcoming break is a good time to check. Please remember that asthma and anaphylaxis plans must be updated annually by your GP.

As we have had a number of students with vomiting bugs recently, please note that students are expected to stay at home for at least 24 hours after their last episode as per the NSW Health guidelines.

DATES TO NOTE

Monday 28 April: RJ Staff Day (student free)

Tuesday 29 April:  First day of Term 2

Students may return in Summer uniform for the first two weeks in Term 2 before the change over to Winter uniform in Week 3.

I wish every RJ Junior School family a safe and refreshing break as we conclude Term 1, along with a blessed Easter!

Enjoy your weekend.

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Junior School

This year we introduced term-based home learning projects aligned to different Key Learning Areas. Our goal was to support students in consolidating what they are studying in their classroom while also fostering independence and a love for learning.

We have been absolutely blown away by the quality of work the students have submitted. The students have really engaged with their projects and challenged themselves to create incredibly interesting presentations. We also appreciate the time, guidance and encouragement that family members gave  to achieve these wonderful outcomes.

Congratulations Year 3-6. We are very proud of you!

Discover what our students are saying about their Home Learning:

Our creativity was set free. We could choose our own projects, and we were not being forced into a box.  Asher

I could choose a project I was interested in and present it in my own way. Violet

I enjoyed this way of completing home learning because we got to use all different resources and learning muscles. Serafina

I like that we get to show what we have produced and teach the rest of the class at the end of each term. Marvin. 

We had to challenge ourselves rather than being given the answer. Arshdeep

I enjoyed painting my volcano and spending time with my dad to create it. Yuvraj

We got to learn more in depth about one subject. Anaya

It is more open ended and allows us to choose our own project. Imogen

I liked focusing on one task for a long period of time. Elijah

We could be more creative and take ownership of our learning. Vihana

I loved that we could make things and that help us to remember the things that we learned. Janet. 

I got to learn and practice new skills. Anna

We also extend our gratitude to the families who supported students and staff throughout the preparation time and ultimately the performances.

God has indeed blessed members of the RJ Community with a wide range of abilities in dancing, singing, technical production, and service.

As Term 1 draws to a close, here are a few reminders about uniform, video and photography, and upcoming events for Term 2.

Upcoming Events

📅 Monday, 7 April – Student Voice Representatives

📅 Friday, 11 April – Last Day of Term One

• K-12 Easter Service

• Locker Clean-Out (Period Six) All students are to leave their lockers empty and locked at the end of each term. To avoid heavy bags on the last day, students are encouraged to take home any unneeded resources earlier in the week.

📅 Tuesday, 29 April – First day of Term 2 (Monday, 28th is a student free day)

📅 Wednesday, 30 April – Friday, 2 May – Years 8-10 Camps

Student Uniform Expectations

As the weather cools, Senior School students are reminded to wear either the College jumper or College Blazer and scarf/tie. The sports jacket is not permitted with the summer uniform nor is the College beanie and winter scarf (winter uniform only).

Hair & Grooming Standards
Some Senior School students will need a haircut before returning for Term 2 to ensure they meet the College Uniform and Presentation Policy:

• Hair must be clean, tidy, and well-groomed.

• Hair should not hang across the face or eyes.

• Boys – Hair must be above collar length.

• Girls – Shoulder-length or longer hair must be tied back.

• Haircuts must be no shorter than a no. 2 blade. Skin fades or similar styles are not permitted.

While it would be unfortunate to see this happen, students who do not follow the College Uniform and Presentation Policy will not be permitted to represent the College. This could be due to incorrect hairstyle and/or uniform and would potentially impact their participation in the Senior School Assembly and Chapel, as well as excursions and similar events. In some situations where the choice not to meet this policy is ongoing and deliberate, students will be sent to have the concerns addressed before returning to the College.

Students Arriving / Departing the College

It is frustrating to see some students leave College grounds to access the shops after they have been dropped off in the morning by bus or parents/carers. Once students arrive at the College they are not permitted to leave until the end of the day. Similarly if students are catching bus home at the end of the day they must wait at the bus stop until the bus arrives. They are not permitted to walk across to the shops and then return to the bus stop.

🚦 Road Safety Concern:

Staff and members of the public have raised concerns about students crossing roads near the College. Students must use designated crossings or pedestrian lights. There have been instances of students taking risks by running across roads or jaywalking, particularly on Jersey Road. Parents/carers are encouraged to remind their children of the importance of road safety.

Filming & Photography Guidelines

📸 Taking videos or photos of RJ students (on campus, excursions, camps, or while in uniform) by other students is not permitted. Refer to Student Diary points 9.16 and 9.17 for details. At College events, there are staff appointed to take photos and videos. Students who are willing participants in any film or photos taken by their peers is not meeting the College's expectations in this matter.

🔒 Sharing images/videos of RJ students via digital platforms (Airdrop, messages, or social media) is strictly prohibited. The College enforces these rules to protect student privacy and the reputation of the College. We appreciate the support of parents and carers in reinforcing these expectations.

Wishing You a Safe & Restful Break

I do hope that all RJ families have a safe and enjoyable break. I am looking forward to Term 2 and the amazing opportunities ahead for our students to engage and contribute meaningfully to the College community.

Mr Brad Maxwell
Head of Senior School

It was great to see so many of our students compete to the best of their abilities. A special thank you to Mrs Fitzgibbons for her poolside duty and Miss Mitchell for managing our squad on the day.

🏉 Nepean Zone Touch Gala Day

The Nepean Zone Touch Gala Day team competed today. We hope that it was a great opportunity for our RJ representatives to make new connections and friendships with students from our fellow Nepean Zone schools: Mamre, NCS, PCS, Wycliffe, and RJ.

⚽ Bill Turner Cup

Our Bill Turner Cup (Under-15) Football team competed in the College’s first-ever match in this competition. Congratulations to the boys as they faced St. Luke’s Catholic College at Marsden Park. Thank you to Mr. Williams for coaching the team.

🏆 Inter-House Competition

The final main draw round took place yesterday. We look forward to two exciting finals next Thursday at lunchtime to conclude the House Competition.

🏃 Cross Country

Our Senior School students managed to squeeze in their cross-country races before brief showers. Congratulations to our top four runners who have qualified for the CSSA Cross Country Carnival next term.

🚴 Triathlon

Last Friday, several students competed in individual or team races at a combined CSSA, Hills Zone, and CASA event. For many, it was their first triathlon, and while challenging, they enjoyed the experience and are eager to participate again next year.

🏀 Basketball Program - Sign Up Now!

Spaces are filling up fast for our Basketball Program, set to begin in Term 2 and run by Hoops Sports Performance. To ensure your child doesn't miss out on the Monday afternoon sessions,

please click the link to register: https://www.trybooking.com/DAFTO.

Bookings will close at 3pm on Friday 11 April.

House Shirt Reminders

House Shirts are worn on Tuesday by the Year group that has Motiv8sport for the term. The students are separated into House Groups for this competition. It has been disappointing to see Year 8 students wear their RJ sports shirts in recent weeks so they can remain with their friends rather than participate in their House groups. Year 8 students need to ensure that House shirts and hats are worn on Tuesday. 

House Shirts are to be worn by all the Senior School students to support their Houses for the Thursday House Competition. We look forward to the finals matches on the last Thursday of Term.

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Director of Sport 

🏃 Junior School Cross Country

Unfortunately, the Junior School Cross Country was washed out but has been rescheduled for next Wednesday. Parents are welcome to attend. If you'd like to get closer to the action and have your WWCC, please contact Mr. Mitchell at [email protected] to volunteer at checkpoints.

🚴 Junior School Triathlon

Last Friday, several students competed in team races in either a biathlon or triathlon at a combined CSSA, Hills Zone, and CASA event. This was a first for many of our students, and despite the challenge, they enjoyed the experience. Special mention to Alexia and Chloe for finishing in the top 10 in the biathlon event!

❤️ Jump Rope for Heart

We are only one week away from our Jump Off Day! Our students have been busy fundraising for the Heart Foundation and have already raised over $3,000. You can register your child online so they can receive the full benefits of the program and participate in online fundraising. Simply follow the link below to get started: www.jumprope.org.au/parents 

🏀 Junior School Basketball Program - Sign Up Now!

Spaces are filling up fast for our Basketball Program, set to begin in Term 2 and run by Hoops Sports Performance. To ensure your child doesn't miss out on the Tuesday afternoon sessions, please click the link to register: https://www.trybooking.com/DAEVL. 

Bookings will close at 3pm on Friday 11 April.

⚽ Football Clinic - Registrations Open

Term 2 Football clinic registrations are open for Years 1-2 on Thursday mornings and Years 3-6 on Friday afternoons. Bookings close on Friday 25 April, unless already sold out.

Year 1-2 link: https://www.trybooking.com/DARGZ

Year 3-6 link: https://www.trybooking.com/DARHD

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Director of Sport