23 May 2025

But despite the deluge, one thing has remained completely undampened: our incredible RJ community spirit.

With umbrellas in hand and at the ready, our students and staff have carried on with purpose and positivity. College photos went ahead, capturing precious memories for families to look back on in years to come. The K-2 Cross Country event brought big smiles as our youngest students showed determination and joy in equal measure. Most of our football gala days also forged ahead, with students showcasing teamwork, grit, and sportsmanship on the field despite the muddy grounds.

National Simultaneous Storytime brought the Junior School together last Wednesday as Mrs Shannon-Duhigg and I read ‘The Truck Cat’  to our younger learners. It reminded us of the importance of family and home, our intergenerational connections whether in person in memories and the people we hold close in our lives.

Year 11 and 12 Learning Conferences were a wonderful opportunity for students, parents and teachers to connect and collaborate, keeping learning at the forefront. Meanwhile, our Senior School students engaged thoughtfully with Brainstorm Productions' powerful performance of Verbal Combat, highlighting the need to call out bullying and think carefully before posting online – a timely reminder in our digital age.

Congratulations must also go to our Year 5 and 6 Da Vinci Decathlon team, who represented the College brilliantly. Their ability to collaborate, think critically and creatively problem solve under pressure was truly commendable. We are so proud of the way they rose to the challenges they encountered. They were the epitome of collaboration and resourcefulness.

Looking ahead, we’re excited for two fantastic RJ Community events. First, our State of Origin Big Screen night is happening this Wednesday evening from 7:30pm in the Junior School Courtyard – a great chance to wear your state colours and connect with other families. Don’t forget, registrations are essential! Then, mark your calendars for our RJ Community Connect Trivia & Puzzle Night on Friday 13 June. It promises to be a fun evening of facts, laughter and new connections.

As we continue to journey through the term – rain or shine – we’re reminded of the words from Proverbs 3:5:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Whether in big challenges or small daily moments, may we continue to trust Him, knowing He is with us every step of the way.

God Bless
Mr Alan Dawson | Principal 

This tone has been noticeable with the advent of Winter Uniform and with the recent Photo Days for both Junior and Senior School. Whilst it is understandable that students do not always welcome a change in uniform, it is an opportunity to demonstrate that they are proud of their College and are a willing member of our community.

The importance of uniform in teaching young people about boundaries and expectations cannot be underestimated. In life, we are all part of organisations - whether workplaces, sporting teams, dance troupes, or community groups - that set standards for dress and behaviour. Meeting those expectations is a way of demonstrating that we are a willing and engaged member of a community.

This sense of community starts at home, where we as parents can model to our students what is expected and communicate clearly what our standards are. Most young people are capable of more than they believe - or are willing to admit. They may often choose to push against expectations that are not preferable for them, but that is also part of teaching them how to be less egocentric and how to consider others. It continues at the College gate where staff greet students and reinforce uniform expectations, and it should continue until they arrive home, where they are no longer representing the College community but their family.

In all things, we aim to set a culture of high expectations for our students. They are capable of rising to what we call them to, even when they believe they can’t or don’t want to. Wearing the uniform signals "I am ready to sign up" to what the College stands for. This is especially important in the classroom, where the focus is on learning and growing young learners so they can engage in all aspects of the learning process. Let's continue to work in partnership in setting high standards in all aspects of schooling, so that students are best positioned to succeed.

Senior School Colour Run

It is unfortunate that weather has disrupted the Senior School Colour Run this week, but we look forward to holding the event in Term 2 Week 7. In great news (perhaps not so great for me), students have raised enough funds to ensure that I am stuck wearing a wig for the day and we are close to having the same outcome for Mr Dawson!

Please continue supporting your students in setting up their fundraising accounts and contributing to the causes they care about. The students can elect to share their fundraising amounts across all the nominated organisations or focus on the cause which is most important to them.

Mr Scott Roby
Deputy Principal

3T brought us a wonderful reminder of the friendship between David and Jonathan last week - how true friendship means being loyal and standing by each other even in difficult times. Today 2H relayed the wonderful story of Ruth and Naomi, where friendship can begin in unusual and difficult circumstances. Our Assembly presentations also showcase the work being done in the classrooms. Parents are welcome to attend their child’s class Assembly presentation. An invitation will be emailed or sent via Seesaw.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD!

We rejoice with Mr and Mrs Wood (class teacher 3W) and give thanks to God on the safe arrival of Benjamin Ezra Wood into their family on Friday 9 May. What a blessing 👶🏻✨

CROSS COUNTRY EVENTS

K-2 held a successful and activity-packed Cross-Country event last week. The students gave it their all and it was a fun afternoon. Thank you, Mr Mitchell for organising this event and the K-2 staff for helping to make it happen.

Years 3-12 held their Cross-Country event last term. Congratulations to the students who have qualified for the CSSA State event on Friday 30 May. We wish you well as you represent RJ.

NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORYTIME

This fun event occurred on Wednesday this week featuring this year’s book – The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel. Mr Dawson and I really enjoy promoting quality Australian literature to our young readers here at RJ.

DA VINCI DECATHLON

On Thursday 22 May, two teams of students from Stage 3 headed to Knox Grammar School to represent RJ in the da Vinci Decathlon. They joined around 1300 NSW students to participate in an academic competition that was incredibly challenging. The Year 5 and Year 6 teams competed in 10 different tasks. Each team completed activities in Code Breaking, English, Ideation, Science, Creative Producers, Cartography, Art and Poetry, Mathematics, Engineering and Legacy that required them to demonstrate a variety of skills.  

Throughout the day the students found themselves in The Learning Pit on a number of occasions, however they showcased resilience and teamwork as they engaged in each of the disciplines. It was a fantastic experience for the students and they represented the College with pride. Their commitment to each task and their tenacity when faced with challenges is commended. 

Congratulations to Year 5 -Samuel Z, Tiahna B, Isabel N, Sophie E, Sid M, Amarah M, Sarah H, Dominic P

Year 6 - Arshdeep S, Sahil C, Eva A, Bella S, Stephanie M, Ansh P, Arav P, Sienna F

A special thank you to Mr Reed and Ms Fitzgibbons for preparing our teams so well and accompanying them on the day.

STATE OF ORIGIN ON THE BIG SCREEN

JS families are encouraged to watch the State of Origin in the JS Courtyard this coming Wednesday. Refer to the promo for more information.

LATE ARRIVALS

We continue to have a large number of students arriving after our 8:45am bell each morning. Please try hard to get your children to school on time so they have a settled start to the day, meet up with their friends and hear the announcements on lines. Expect to be contacted by the College if your child is regularly late.

Enjoy your weekend.

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Junior School

 Years K-2

4:00pm - 5:00pm  

www.trybooking.com/DBDOO

 Years 3-6

5:30pm - 6:30pm  

www.trybooking.com/DBDPI

Bookings close Monday 26 May 9:00pm

Important Information:

• Dress: Colourful, modest clothing with appropriate footwear for dancing 

• Tickets must be presented on the night to collect the glow bangles (a printed copy or a digital version) 

• Permission is assumed upon ticket purchase.

Drop-off and Pick-up:

• Please drop off and collect children promptly.

• Parents to park and collect children for clear handover.

• Do not park in the turnaround at any time. Parking is available under the PCSLC after 4:30pm.

• Whilst parents are encouraged to leave the site during the event, if you prefer to remain onsite, please wait in the Canteen area, out of view of the Hall, so students can enjoy the event without distraction.

• If your child requires a handover from After School Care, please note when booking and advise St Marks Child Care Service directly.

Parents and carers are invited to assist with food stalls during the upcoming Heritage Festival. Students and parents/carers are encouraged to respond to relevant communication from the College to express their interest in being involved.

Semester One Academic Reports and Learning Conferences 

Semester One reports for Year 11 and 12 students were released last week. These reports are accessible via Edumate for students, and through the RJ APP or the Edumate Parent Portal for Parents/Carers. Reports for Years 7 and 8 will be released later this term, with Years 9 and 10 reports to follow early in Term Three.

Learning Conferences are held in the week following the release of the Semester One reports. Thank you to the parents/carers, students and staff involved in the recent Year 11 and 12 Learning Conferences. We hope the conversations provided valuable feedback on student learning and achievements, as well as direction for future growth.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's subjects, you are encouraged to contact the College or email the relevant subject teacher. All parents/carers are also encouraged to attend the Learning Conferences with their child, to gain a clear overview of their child's progress in their subjects. 

Brainstorm Productions

On Thursday 22 May, Senior School students engaged with the team from Brainstorm Productions and their performance titled "Verbal Combat". The event addressed issues relevant to teenagers, including real-life choices, consequences, empathy, critical thinking, and resilience. It sparked meaningful discussions around respect, responsibility, privacy, bullying and mental health.

Parents/carers are encouraged to speak with their child about the performance and continue conversations about the use of social media as part of the ongoing care and support.

Use of OPAL Cards on School Bus Services - action required

Busways has raised concerns about students not 'tapping' on or off the buses with their Opal cards, particularly on the 6699 Colebee bus, where it was recently observed that none of the RJ students who got on the bus used their OPAL card. Failure to tap on and off may cause Transport NSW to review the continuation of funded services. If the Colebee service is withdrawn, reinstating it would be a lengthy and difficult process.

Please remind your student to use their Opal card accordingly to avoid losing services. 

Uniform Reminder

Senior School students are to wear the Winter Uniform, which includes the RJ tie/scarf and College Blazer. (Year 12 students may wear the Year 12 Jersey from Monday to Thursday as part of the winter uniform but must wear their blazers on Fridays.)

With Thursdays, for Inter House Competitions, students may wear their House Shirt as part of the sport uniform. This will allow students to either participate in the competition or support their house through wearing the House Shirt.

Serving within the College

All students are encouraged to serve others within the RJ Community and beyond.  In 1 Peter 4:10, we are encouraged to serve others using the abilities that God has given us to the benefit of those around us while reflecting the grace and generosity that God shows us. The willingness to put others' needs before our own reflects some of the attributes we would like all RJ students to possess: being connected, resourceful and positive contributors. Whether students engage in a formal opportunity to serve, such as the Service Team or simply offering assistance when a need arises, it strengthens our community and is highly valued.

Mr Brad Maxwell
Head of Senior School

If your child is in Years 6–12, we encourage them to consider being part of this important experience. It’s a chance to stand in support of vulnerable young people, learn more about homelessness, and be part of a meaningful community effort. 

For now, all you need to do is save the date. More information, including how to register, will be shared in Week 4 during the official launch.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr Johnston by email- [email protected]  

Mr Liam Johnston 
Christian Ministry & Service Leader 

🏅State Cross Country – Go Team RJ!

Our Senior School students are also gearing up for the CSSA State Cross Country next Friday. We’re confident in your preparation and can’t wait to hear how you go!

🏐 Tuesday Representative Sport

Our Netball and Boys Football teams were able to take the field this week for round 2 of their respective competitions. We’re hopeful that our Girls Football team will finally get the chance to kick off next week, as their scheduled fields have unfortunately been closed for the past two rounds due to weather.

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Director of Sport 

⚽ WSCS (Weekday School Sports Competition)

Our WSCS competition kicked off last week with great energy! It was fantastic to see our Years 3–6 students representing the College in various sports and enjoying the camaraderie with other Christian schools. There were plenty of smiles upon their return. Unfortunately, this week's matches were cancelled due to ground closures, but we’re hoping for better weather next week.

🏃‍♂️ K–2 Cross Country

What a wonderful finale to our cross-country events! Our youngest students in K–2 had an amazing time dashing around the fields, cheered on by a fantastic crowd of parents. Every paddle pop stick dropped into the House Buckets made a difference—so much so that the K–2 results shifted the outcome of the overall College Cross Country Championship!

⚽ Football Gala Days

Our Years 3–4 and 5–6 students took part in the Nepean Football Gala Days this week at Mamre Anglican. Despite a few scattered showers, the students enthusiastically played their matches. For many, it was their first gala day experience, and they rose to the occasion with enthusiasm and team spirit.

🏀 Basketball Clinic

A quick update: next Tuesday’s Basketball Clinic will be moved to the Outdoor Court to accommodate the K–2 School Disco. Please ensure your child is prepared for the change in venue.

🏅State Cross Country – Good Luck!

Best of luck to our Junior School students competing in the CSSA State Cross Country next Friday. We’re proud of you and hope your training serves you well on the day!

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Director of Sport 

Looking for an exciting way for your child to spend the Term 2 holidays? CRU Blast is back at RJ from July 21–25, 2025, offering a week full of fun, friendship, and adventure!

Campers will enjoy action-packed activities like Laser Tag, a jumping castle, an inflatable obstacle course, and an exciting excursion day. They'll also explore the Christian faith through engaging discovery sessions led by trained Christian leaders.

With a 1:5 leader-to-camper ratio, all activities included in the cost, and delicious morning and afternoon tea provided, CRU Blast is the perfect place for your child to build confidence, make new friends, and create lasting memories.

Book now at https://crucamps.com.au/cru-blast — be sure to click the Register button (not the Volunteer button).

For more information, email Mrs Nikita Singh (CRU Blast Director): [email protected]