24 October 2025

In fact, some staff and students didn’t return at the start of Term 4 as they had the opportunity to serve on Northwest Mission. A group of students and staff ventured to Moree and its surrounds during the break and returned at the end of Week 1. Many were a little wearier than when they left after a lot of travel and early mornings, but the students were supporting tired smiles. The mission team focussed on serving local communities including several primary schools, church services and a youth group. The staff reflected on genuine student engagement with the activities, our RJ students were humble, servant-hearted and that many students grew in confidence throughout the trip. They noted that the students’ faith was ignited by the experience, causing several students to think deeply about their own faith journey. They were also encouraged by the students’ ability to overcome challenges and support each other before thinking of themselves. Congratulations to our staff and students. What wonderful reflection to have in returning from inland northern NSW.

The remainder of our Senior School students returned to get straight into the groove of learning prior to the commencement of examinations and assessments. Year 12 HSC Examinations commenced on Thursday last week, Year 7 and 8 Examinations this week, and Year 9 and 10 Examinations will take place next week. Whilst we have taught our students the important distinction between learning mode and performance mode, it is important to remind them that even performances (good or not so good) can be utilised as learning moments. They can learn the valuable life lessons of the importance of preparation, still caring for yourself whilst under pressure, and focussing on doing their best, rather than being the best. Our students take a lot of their cues from us as parents, so we need to be reinforcing to them that whilst examinations are a measure of performance, that God sees them as much more than a mark on a page.

Junior School too have got back into the swing of things quickly with swimming and gymnastics starting this week. I have been encouraged to hear how effectively our students have been engaging with the programs and giving things a go. It has been interesting watching my own children as they have adopted various approaches to trying new things. Invariably my most courageous child has had the best outcomes as she has always been willing to step in and try things. Whilst every student will start with differing levels of confidence, encouraging them to have courage will always help them be brave in what they’re facing.

Sporting and Cultural Medallions

As a College community we value students making positive contributions to Life @ RJ. An ongoing tradition that continues to honour students making contributions to the College, is the awarding of medallions to students who have been involved in Sporting or Cultural activities throughout the year. This includes students who participate in various levels of representation in sporting and cultural areas.

The list of activities that will contribute towards these medallions is listed below, as well as the points that each activity contributes. Students who reach 60 points receive a Bronze Medallion, students who reach 80 points receive a Silver Medallion and students who reach 100 points receive a Gold Medallion. Points are accrued separately for each category, Sporting and Cultural, and students are eligible to receive a medallion in each category if they contribute to both the sporting and cultural aspects of schooling.

Co-curricular - Cultural Activity Points List

A list of students will be published in the next RJ Review who have qualified for the Sporting and Cultural Medallion Awards for 2025 (according to our data). Once these lists have been published, parents/carers and students will have the opportunity to query any perceived inaccuracies. Following this, the final list of Medallion winners will be presented at Presentation Day (10/12/25).

NB: In accumulating the number of points necessary to receive a medallion, the student needs to have been involved in any continuous activity for at least two-thirds of the time that the activity runs during the year.

Mr Scott Roby | Acting Principal 

As I write this article for the RJ Review this morning, I am aware of the number of our students who are currently taking examinations or tests: our Year 12 students in the HSC, our Stage 4 and 5 students who are sitting their yearlies, and our Junior school students who are completing end-of-semester assessments. I am also aware of the new beginnings for our Year 11 students, who are currently transitioning to become our Year 12 Cohort of 2026.

As a parent and grandparent, I know that as parents and carers, it will be on your mind how to support your children as we approach the end of what will seem to many a very long year. Here are my suggestions to help your young people really get the best out of Term 4. 

Healthy Eating: What children eat at school and home has a big impact on their learning and growth. Encourage your child to eat a variety of nutritious foods, including plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean proteins. Try to limit sugary snacks and drinks, particularly during assessment time when sustained concentration is needed. Packing a balanced lunch and encouraging healthy breakfast habits can make a big difference in maintaining steady energy levels throughout the day.

Physical Activity: Regular movement helps to reduce stress, improve focus, and support overall well-being. Try to encourage your child to get outside every day, such as playing sports, walking the dog, or even just kicking a ball around after school. Physical activity not only promotes fitness but also helps clear the mind, making it easier to settle into study or homelearning afterwards.

Sleep: Good sleep is one of the most powerful tools for learning and emotional health. Try to maintain consistent bedtimes, especially as exam stress can tempt older students to stay up late revising. Research shows that adequate rest improves memory and problem-solving skills, so it is essential to maintain a healthy balance between study and sleep. Limiting caffeine and avoiding screens before bed can also help create a calm bedtime routine.

Screen Time: Managing screen time can be a challenge, especially with the increased use of devices for online learning and social connection. Setting boundaries around recreational use can help young people maintain better focus and reduce fatigue. 

As we move through Term 4’s combination of exams, celebrations, and transitions, it presents a wonderful opportunity to help students finish the year well and feel positive about their achievements. Supporting them with healthy habits will not only aid their learning now but also lay a strong foundation for future success.

Mrs Julia Scrimshaw | Acting Deputy Principal

It has been good seeing the students in Summer uniform. Please make sure your children have sunhats every day – ready for those warm sunny days. A reminder that girls with hair length that touches the collar must have their hair pulled back with a hair tie and that boys’ haircuts should not be uneven in length or overly shaved.

Classes 1V and KP kicked off our new Assembly theme on Growing in God with high-cuteness levels and a great message in Weeks 1 and 2. We are looking forward to our other two Kindergarten presentations in coming weeks.

YEAR 5 YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM

At the end of last term, Year 5 students actively embraced the Young Leaders Program both here at the College and at home. Students completed set tasks relating to communication, organisation and teamwork, service, Christian development and physical endeavour, to achieve either Bronze, Silver or Gold level. Many fun lunchtime activities were held for the younger grades organised and run by our Year 5 students. Certificates will be presented during Morning Lines later this term. Students should be proud of their achievements. Great effort, Year 5! 😁 

JUNIOR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP 2026  

Last week I spoke with the Year 5 cohort about Junior School student leadership roles at RJ in 2026. Year 5 were required to submit their application forms in this week to apply for Junior School Captains and House Leadership positions next year. Applications will be reviewed based on student responses to application questions, effort and behaviour in class, as well as commitment to the Young Leaders Program. A number of students will then be selected to be interviewed for Junior School Captain positions. Interviews for these roles will be held during Week 4. 

House Leaders will be voted by students and supported by House Coordinator recommendation based on the students’ responses to application questions and involvement in House Meetings during Semester 1. 

Leadership positions will be finalised later in the term. Captains and House Leaders for the Junior School will be announced at the Year 6 Graduation Assembly on Friday 5 December. (Parents of Captains and Leaders will be advised prior to this event and invited to attend). 

MUSIC CONCERTS

Our Year 4 students have made great strides with their band tutorials this year as have Years 1 and 2 with Violin. We look forward to celebrating their achievements on Tuesday 4 November for Year 4 Band (College Hall) and Wednesday 5 November for Years 1-2 Strings (Courtyard). Both concerts are straight after school at 3:45 pm. 

SCHOOL UNIFORM

As students begin to return to school in the warmer weather, a reminder that all students require a hat (wide-brim or legionnaire) at school each day. Hats are essential for sun protection during PE and Sport activities and for playing in open air areas during recess and lunch. Students without a hat will be asked to remain in Pioneers Way during break times. 

Please ensure all uniform items are clearly labelled. We already have a large number of lost property items outside JS Reception that have no names on them 😕

TOYS ‘N TUCKER

Toys 'n' Tucker Anglicare Sydney provides a way for churches, schools, businesses and community groups to share the joy of Christmas and demonstrate God’s love by providing food and gifts for those who would otherwise go without. The Junior School will be collecting for this worthwhile cause. In 2025 Anglicare’s goal is to distribute 6500 food hampers and 5000 toy hampers to families in need this Christmas. There will be baskets in each classroom for donations of non-perishable food items and toys in good condition. The Anglicare van will collect our donations in Week 8 of term.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Ahead in Weeks 3 and 4 we have – 

• KA Assembly: Friday 31 October  9:10am
• Year 4 Pyjamarama: Friday 31 October – Saturday 01 November
• KB Assembly: Friday 7 November  9:10am  
• Junior School Band Concert: Tuesday 4 November 3:45pm College Hall (Year 4 students)
• Junior School Strings Concert: Wednesday 5 November 3:45pm JS Courtyard (Years 1-2)
• Gymnastics (Yrs 3 and 5 Wednesday from week 2 – Oct 22 ) Swimming (Yrs K-2 plus Years 4 and 6 Wednesday from week 2 – Oct 22) students wear Sports uniform on these days. This continues on Wednesdays for four weeks finishing on Wed 12 Nov.

Enjoy your weekend, 
Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg | Head of Junior School

Year 11 Learning Conferences

It was wonderful to meet so many students and parents/carers during the recent Year 11 Learning Conferences. We hope these conversations help reflect on Year 11 achievements and set a positive tone for the HSC year ahead.

Exams for Years 7–10

Years 7 and 8 have just finished their formal exam period, and Years 9 and 10 will begin theirs on Monday, 27 October.

Upcoming Events – Term 4

The next six weeks are packed with activities, especially for Year 10. Parents/carers will receive permission notes and details for events such as Service Week, 1980’s Day, and Your Choicez. Information about the end-of-year swim day will be shared with all Senior School families soon.

College Uniform Reminder

Hats: With spring here, students must wear the RJ sports cap whenever they are outside during recess and lunch, and during outdoor sport and PDHPE practicals. Sun safety is essential—please remind your child to wear their cap, remove jumpers, and apply sunscreen. Your support in this is greatly appreciated.

Uniform: We’ve increased uniform checks and communication regarding students not meeting College expectations. Thank you to families who have addressed concerns promptly. Students who continue to wear incorrect uniform may be sent home to rectify issues, which often relate to haircuts or fake eyelashes/nails.

• Male students who need to shave will be directed to Senior School Student Reception.
• RJ skirts must be knee-length. Students will be asked to unroll waistbands or, in some cases, have hems adjusted.
• Incorrect jewellery will need to be removed; some items may be held at Student Reception until the end of the day.

We want students to wear the correct uniform consistently and with pride. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Respect and Care – Technology Use

Social media can sometimes encourage anonymous posts, which are acts of cowardice and not reflective of our RJ values. Comments made online should meet the same standard as face-to-face conversations. A helpful guide is: Would you say this in person? Better still, apply the principle from Matthew 7:12: Treat others as you would like to be treated.

If students come across harmful content online—such as sexually explicit material or graphic violence—they should speak to a trusted adult straight away. Concerns can also be reported directly to the platform, to the eSafety Commissioner at https://www.esafety.gov.au/report, or, in some cases, to local police.

Reminder

If you have questions about upcoming events, your child’s wellbeing, or subject-specific matters, please contact their Home Group teacher first. To arrange a meeting with a staff member, call the College via main reception.

With only 33 school days left, we encourage students to make the most of every opportunity to learn and contribute positively to the RJ community.

Mr Brad Maxwell | Head of Senior School

🏃‍♀️ NSWPSSA Athletics

Congratulations to Abuk for reaching the final stage of the athletics carnival calendar – the NSWPSSA Carnival! 🌟 She has already competed at the school, zone, CSSA, and CIS levels to earn her place. While she didn’t secure a medal, RJ may have discovered a future high jump champion! 🥇✨

🏊 Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons have commenced this week at Little Fishes for students in Kindergarten to Year 2, Year 4, and Year 6. It’s been wonderful to see our students displaying such confidence in the water. 🌊😊

🐬 Swimming Squad

A select group of students has resumed training with the RJ Swimming Squad in preparation for the 2026 swimming carnival season. 🏆 Sessions will begin at SGAC on Monday. Let’s go team! 💙💦

🤸‍♀️ Gymnastics Lessons

Year 3 and Year 5 students have started their 4-week specialised gymnastics program with Moving Bodies. By all accounts, they had a swinging time!

Mr Gavin Mitchell | Director of Sport