19 September 2025

Our youngest Junior School students delighted their grandparents with a wonderful concert and then proudly invited them into classrooms to share their learning. The buzz of conversation and discovery between students and their grandparents created truly priceless moments. A heartfelt thank you goes to our Junior School team and the many parents who contributed to morning tea and helped prepare our students for such a special occasion.

Next week marks another important milestone as we farewell the graduating Class of 2025. Right now, our Year 12 students are attending their Reflection Day in Dural, spending valuable time with peers and Home Group teachers, contemplating their schooling journey, the path ahead, and the relationships that have shaped them. The end of Term 3 is always a highlight as our whole College community gathers to celebrate our graduates and wish them God's blessing as they embark on their next adventure.

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the CSSA Basketball Gala Day with our Open Boys Basketball team. Despite some tough matches, the team showed determination and skill, earning a commendable third place in a competitive tournament. Their coach, Mr Andrew Wood, is eager to see our College introduce a basketball development program for students seeking to sharpen their skills. So stay tuned as we see what can be accomplished in this space.

Our Year 5 and 6 students returned today from their camps at Teen Ranch, where they took on a range of exciting challenges, from horse riding to rope courses. Each student stretched themselves, discovering new capabilities and growing in confidence. A huge thank you to the dedicated staff who gave their time and care to ensure students had an enriching experience away from home.

As we approach the end of term, anticipation is building among our Year 11 students ahead of the Leadership Induction Assembly, where we will announce the Student Leadership Team for 2026. This ceremony is always a moving occasion, as students pledge to serve in their portfolios with integrity, compassion and the example of Jesus as their guide.

As the holiday break approaches, I pray that all College families find refreshment and opportunities to strengthen family bonds. May this time away from our usual routine bring renewed joy and blessing to each household.

God Bless
Mr Alan Dawson | Principal 

This day of reflection is named after an activity that ought to be a regular practice for adults and students alike. In a world where busyness has become a badge of honour, and technology constantly fills our attention, it can be difficult to slow down long enough to think deeply. This practice of ‘filling our cups to the brim’ to the point where any bump will spill the liquid, leaves little room for valuable cognitive practices like evaluating and reflecting. 

Reflection helps us to ‘replay’ moments from our days, weeks, terms, or years. It allows us to consider how we’ve managed things, whether we owe an apology to a friend, colleague, or loved one, or how we might turn around a situation or relationship for good. It helps us ‘watch ourselves on replay’ and look for ways to improve our approach. However, some of us lean the other way and do more ruminating than reflecting, which can be unhelpful as we don’t give ourselves permission to move on. Forgiveness of ourselves and of others can be a powerful tool in preventing us becoming stuck in negative or repetitive cycles of thinking.

Whilst the age-old question “How was your day?” can often yield monosyllabic responses, at the heart of it is an opportunity for reflection and debriefing with our families. Informal conversations of this kind can be really valuable for our students (and for us as adults too). If you are used to receiving deflecting responses, challenge yourself to find the right open question that encourages a fuller reply. Recently, when my child answered “Boring”, I responded with, “Of all the boring things in your day, what was the most boring?”. It yielded an insight into a subject they didn't enjoy and allowed me to probe whether they were struggling with the teacher, their peers, or the subject matter. The conversation provided far more insight than I would otherwise have known.

Staying vigilant in the small things

Finally, a reminder to families to stay on top of patterns of behaviour for their students. Edumate records both tokens and demerits, and noticing patterns allows us to celebrate student successes and address concerns. If a token or demerit requires clarification or raises concerns, communication with your child's classroom teacher or the wellbeing team can help us work together. Best outcomes occur for all when parents address any matters with their children, help them take ownership, and point out their positive practices and partner with the College in promoting or correcting the relevant behaviour. Sometimes simply probing your child’s response can reveal things that we can address as parents or help our children see their own behaviour in a different light.

Mr Scott Roby | Deputy Principal

We were part of a group of 8 other Independent schools. Our students performed a wonderful medley from the musical Wicked, complete with vibrant, green-costumed dancers. Their performance was polished, entertaining, and showcased both vocal and choreographic complexity. Mr Dawson attended on the night and was very proud of our performers, as of course, was I. A special thank you goes to Miss S-D and Mrs Fiore for preparing the students through many rehearsals, to Miss Ross who accompanied the students throughout the day and into the evening, and to Miss Stephens who also assisted on the night. RJ Junior School really shone!

KINDERGARTEN AND STAGE 1 GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

Our final Grandparents’ Welcome Day was held yesterday for Grandparents of students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2. This was a great time of connection, smiles and sharing, as well as delicious scones for morning tea! Our youngest students loved sharing their school experiences and talents with their Grandparents. Thank you to all who attended and to our parent helpers on the day.

STAGE 3 CAMPS

Our Year 5 and 6 students have been on camp at Teen Ranch in Cobbity this week. The students had the opportunity to take part in a variety of outdoor activities including archery, horse riding, orienteering, giant swing, rock wall climbing and bush craft. It is a great time to take on challenges, work together as a team, and enjoy God’s creation. A special thank you to the staff who attended – Mrs Wells, Mr Reed, Mr Newmarch, Miss S-D, Miss Stephens, Miss Musa, Mrs Pinney, Miss Ross and Mr Mitchell.

STUDENTS RETURNING AFTER SERIOUS INJURY/ILLNESS

If your child has spent time in hospital, undergone an operation, or been away with a serious illness, please inform the Class Teacher, our JS Admin team or our College Nurse before they return. This allows us to put in place any adjustments required for a smooth transition back to the College. Any Doctor or Specialist notes advising ongoing care are also vital for our First Aid team.

YEAR 12 GRADUATION

Our Year 12 students will commemorate the end of their studies at RJ on Friday 26 September. If you have K-6 siblings of Year 12 students and 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. This will make signing out and collection from class smoother. Please note that K-6 students do not attend the Graduation service – please collect after the Walk of Acclamation following the service.

DATES

Term 3 finishes on Friday 26 September.

Term 4 commences on Tuesday 14 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, 
Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg | Head of Junior School

They joined more than 100 students from across the state for a week filled with exciting challenges, new learning opportunities, and the chance to forge lasting friendships.

Each student selected a core class to attend across four mornings, immersing themselves in topics that matched their interests. The options were as diverse as they were engaging: Stock Market Simulation, Lego Robotics Challenge, Secrets of Space with Trigonometry, and Stop Motion Animation. Afternoons brought variety, with electives ranging from Bridge Building, Dramatic Skills, Mathematical Escape Room, Realism in Portraiture, to Outdoor Education. Every student had the chance to explore new skills and think in creative ways.

The action didn’t stop when the sun went down. Evenings were just as lively, beginning with icebreaker games to build connections, followed by a Trivia Night and an inspiring talk from guest speaker Adam Cheatham on Leadership and Culture. The week’s social highlight was the always-anticipated mid-week disco, hosted by the energetic DJ Kit Kat.

Our students represented the College with pride throughout the camp. Not only did they grow in knowledge and understanding of subjects beyond the school curriculum, but they also built friendships with peers from across the state. The week was a true celebration of challenge, curiosity, and community.

Mrs Lorna Fitzgibbons | Talent and Enrichment Leader

In Week 9, our Year 12 students will continue to take part in “HSC in a Day”, a valuable preparation experience for their final exams. Their Graduation Assembly will be held on Friday 26 September, and families have received a link to reserve up to four seats for this special occasion.

Meanwhile, Year 11 students are continuing their yearly exams, which conclude on Wednesday 24 September. Regular classes will resume the following day. We encourage our community to keep both Year 11 and Year 12 students in their thoughts and prayers during this important time.

Locker Clean-Out Reminder
All Senior School lockers must be emptied and locked over the holiday break. Students are encouraged to begin taking home any books or materials they won’t need in the final days of term to avoid carrying heavy bags on the last day. 

College Uniform Update

Students in Years 7–10 are to be wearing the College summer uniform, which means blazers and ties/scarves are not required. However, Years 11 and 12 must continue wearing their ties/scarves. With spring upon us, students are reminded to wear the RJ sports cap when outdoors. This will be a requirement during Term Four.

• - Thursday 25 September all students are to wear the summer uniform as the inter-house competition has concluded. Any student who will be on stage during the Leadership Assembly is required to wear the full College Uniform – Blazer and tie/scarf.
• - Friday 26 September, all Senior School students are expected to wear the full College uniform, including blazers and ties/scarves, in recognition of the significance of the Year 12 Graduation Assembly.

Holiday Wellbeing
As we approach the two-week holiday break, we encourage students to be mindful of their social media use and for parents/carers to check in with their children. We also recommend students take time away from screens, enjoy the outdoors, connect with friends in person, and embrace the warmer weather. 

Key Dates & Events

Thursday 25 September
• Leadership Induction Service & Leadership Handover 
• Staff vs Year 12 Students Game

Friday 26 September – Final Day of Term
• Year 12 Breakfast 
• Year 12 Graduation Assembly 
• Senior School Locker Clean-Out 
• Holidays commence at 3:10pm 

Term Four begins on Tuesday 14 October.
• Year 11 students should finalise their Year 12 2025 Jersey orders as soon as possible so the College can place the order.
• Year 12 students must purchase their Formal tickets by Friday 26 September.

If parents or carers have any questions about upcoming events, student wellbeing, or academic matters, please contact your child’s Home Group teacher as the first point of contact. To arrange a meeting with a staff member, please reach out via main reception.

A Personal Reflection

As we enter the break and our Year 12 students prepare for the HSC examinations, I’m reminded of the words from Philipians 4:6-7"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." May that be true for our students and their families over the coming weeks.

Wishing all in the RJ Community a restful and safe holiday break. I am looking forward to time to read, go to the beach and spend time with family. I hope that all our students enjoy the break and return ready for Term 4.

Mr Brad Maxwell | Head of Senior School

They explored the transformative and awe-inspiring nature of Deconstructive Architectural design that pushes the very limits of what seems plausible by exploring Architects such as Frank Ghery, Walter Gropius, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

Students then transferred this knowledge to create a 3D artwork and sculpture of a Dystopian cityscape including an iconic Postmodern building. Students were to incorporate a number of 3D construction techniques and textural manipulations and problem-solving skills, within their artwork. Students were to also combine a number of dystopian aesthetics as well as include a hint of Utopia-the return of nature.

The result was simply astonishing. The student’s artworks successfully demonstrated the depth of knowledge they had gained as well as the depth of skill. Students highly enjoyed this task and the challenges it gave them.

Mrs Sarah Key | Senior School Teacher

Nestled in the picturesque leafy suburbs of Wahroonga, this architectural marvel stands as testament to the spirit of ingenuity, creativity and a desire to create a new Architectural design standard and set of rules, to live by in the modern world. 

Designed in 1945 and completed in 1950 for the Architect Harry Seidler’s parents, it represents the modern desire for clean, easy living, with many features remarkably ahead of their time for convenience. As we discovered, when you buy a Seidler House you are investing in an iconic dream that encompasses not only the building itself, but also the furniture within, even extending to the crockery used.

Students felt privileged to visit such an amazing and historically significant building and were inspired to translate their newfound knowledge into their future artmaking and studies. 

Mrs Sarah Key | Senior School Teacher

After studying the Romantic Art movement, students researched a famous Romantic poem and brainstormed its imagery and symbols to create a transformative artwork of Natures Sublime. Their works made connections to God’s power, might, majesty, and of course, sheer artistry through the creation of their own 3D landscape paintings.

Students explored how nature could be represented using 3D shapes, textual and medium manipulation, and acrylic paint on canvas. The results were absolutely outstanding, with artworks reflecting a consistently high degree of technical accomplishment and refinement, while also deepening students' understanding of the sheer wonder of God’s sublime creation.

Mrs Sarah Key | Senior School Teacher

A special shout-out to Benji and Serafina, who impressively reached this level of competition in a second sport this year. Huge congratulations to Abuk, who claimed third place in the Junior Girls High Jump—securing a spot at the NSWPSSA Athletics Championships, the highest level of school competition in NSW! Our boys’ relay team also improved on their CSSA result—fantastic progress all round. Go RJ!

🏀 Basketball Tryouts

Tryouts took place this week ahead of the Nepean Zone Basketball Gala Day early in Term 4. Teams will be announced shortly, with training sessions scheduled for Week 1 of Term 4, leading into the gala days in Week 2.

🏀 Basketball Clinic

The Term 3 Basketball Clinic will have a catch-up session in Week 1 of Term 4. Bookings open today at 3pm and close at 3pm on 10 October, unless sold out. 🔗 Book here

⚽ Football Clinics
• Stage 1 Clinic (Years 1–2): Thursday mornings, 16 Oct – 27 Nov 🔗 Book here

• Stage 2–3 Clinic (Years 3–6): Friday afternoons, 17 Oct – 28 Nov 🔗 Book here

Bookings open today at 3pm and close10 October at 3pm, unless sold out.

🏊‍♀️ Swimming Squad

RJ’s Swim Squad will recommence in early Term 4 with training continuing through summer holidays. This is not a learn-to-swim program—it is designed for competent swimmers who are ready (or nearly ready) for squad-level training. The goal: to prepare for our 2026 school and representative carnivals. 🔗 Express your interest here

⚡ WSCS Competition

After a rain-soaked term, we are excited to see our Junior School students back in action for only the second round of competition this term. Next week’s matches will be played at Heber Park and Popondetta Park. Good luck to all teams—play hard and enjoy the experience!

Mr Gavin Mitchell | Director of Sport