From the Principal
Term 2 has kicked off strongly, with a range of events and activities already completed.
This week has been full of enriching experiences across our College community. Senior School camps for Years 8, 9, and 10 were a great success, giving students valuable opportunities to grow and connect. Our Junior School leaders engaged brilliantly at the TASC Young Leaders Day. We also gathered as a community through House Chapels for Years 7–12 and House Meetings for Kindergarten to Year 6. Last Tuesday, we welcomed parents to our first Community Prayer Group meeting and hosted the Year 10 Subject Selection Expo.
Today we had the joy of celebrating our wonderful mums at the Junior School Mother’s Day Breakfast. It was heart-warming to see so many of our RJ mums join us, share a light pastry breakfast with their children, and enjoy some lovely student presentations. A few lucky Mums even walked away with door prizes, adding some extra fun to the morning.
Of course, we also acknowledge that Mother’s Day can be a tender time for some, especially for those of us whose mums are no longer with us. The memories of my mum are still vivid and deeply cherished. She was one of the most generous, big-hearted people you could ever meet, with a special talent for making everyone feel welcome. Her kitchen always smelled incredible, filled with the aromas of apple pies, lemon meringue tarts and pineapple cheesecakes (which are still my favourites). She always made time for others, no matter how busy life got and quietly gave so much of herself for Dad and us three boys. Her love, humour and selfless spirit left a lasting legacy.
Mum had a brilliant sense of humour and could have a good laugh, even about her own antics. Like the time she lost her keys and we found them in the freezer next to the ice cream because, of course, keeping it from melting was top priority! Mum lived out her faith in such a real way. She was kind, compassionate and was always ready to help others. She loved to sing, especially with the Salvation Army choral group and played a cornet in the Corps Band.
Growing up with her meant being surrounded by warmth, laughter, music and love. It was incredibly sad losing her eight years ago. There’s still a deep ache, but also so many beautiful memories that keep her close. I have a deep respect for my mum and a genuine appreciation for all mothers and all they do for their children and families.
The Bible presents mothers as wise, strong, nurturing and foundational to a family's spiritual and emotional health. They should be honoured and cherished (Exodus 20:12, Proverbs 31:28). They are great teachers (Proverbs 1:8) and the Bible even compares God’s comfort to a mother’s care (Isaiah 66:13). The story of Hannah in the Old Testament speaks to the responsibility mothers have to nurture their children and teach them about the ways of God.
This weekend, I pray that all our RJ mums feel deeply loved, supported and appreciated by those they care for and who care for them. And for those who find themselves in the quiet ache of no longer having their mum with them, I pray that cherished memories would feel near and real, just as real as the peace and comfort God so faithfully provides.
So to our mums, Happy Mothers' Day!
God Bless
Mr Alan Dawson | Principal
