7 November 2025

It has been a great privilege to watch our students as they have learned and implemented the foundations of what it means to hone their skills. Not only did they demonstrate the focus required to put their full effort into your performance, but they also followed the direction of their ensemble leaders, listened carefully to one another to ensure they played in harmony, and some even bravely spoke live about of what they were learning and how they had reached this point in their creative journey.

The creative process is inherently beneficial for our students to engage with, regardless or whether they continue learning an instrument long term. From the way they are taught to carry and care for their instrument, to early techniques like how to hold a bow (violin) or correctly form an embouchure (wind instruments), students learn the value of doing things correctly from the beginning to build well laid foundations. The benefits of self-discipline, consistent practice and training are self-evident and many of us have experienced watching someone's talent or skill seemingly ‘spike’ since we last saw them. What we don’t see is the countless hours of practice behind the scenes. 

There is no shortcut or Hollywood montage for our improvement, and progress can sometimes feel like two steps forward and one step back. Sometimes our performance may not feel like it reflects our effort but hard work is rarely wasted. Like all things worth achieving, the resilience built through the process is part of the victory. As Romans 5:4 reminds us, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope is a gift we would want all our students to hold onto throughout life's challenges.

Sport and Cultural Medallion Awardees

Following on from the recent RJ Review article outlining the criteria for receiving a medallion and the contributing points from each activity, below is a link to the list of students who have achieved Sporting or Cultural Medallions for 2025. Students and their families who have any questions about the information are encouraged to contact the College so we can assist. Congratulations to all our 2025 Medallion Awardees!

2025 Medallion Awardees List

 Mr Scott Roby | Acting Principal 

As of 10 December 2025, young people under the age of 16 will no longer be able to create or maintain accounts on the most popular social media platforms. Services that the eSafety Commission has highlighted for age restrictions include Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Threads, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. Young people will still be able to access publicly available content, but will no longer be able to sign up for these services. Currently, online gaming and standalone messaging apps are among the types of services that will not be covered by these restrictions. This change is aimed at protecting the well-being of young Australians by limiting exposure to online risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content, and predatory behaviour.

What’s Changing?

• Social media companies are now legally required to prevent under-16s from using their platforms.
• The responsibility for enforcing the ban rests with the companies, not parents or students. No one under 16 will be penalised for having an account, but companies may face substantial fines for non-compliance.
• Parents cannot provide consent to override the minimum age rules.

How Is RJ Responding?

We recognise the impact these changes may have on students and families, and is committed to supporting everyone through this transition:

• Up-to-date Communication: We'll provide ongoing updates via the RJ Review, assemblies, and Broadcasts as new details emerge about the platforms involved and the impact on students.
• Wellbeing Support: Our wellbeing team are working on how we can support our students. Some students may feel unsettled or disconnected as they adjust to these changes. We encourage our students to reach out to their teachers, House leaders and Wellbeing leaders if they need support.
• Access to media for learning: Our learning platform, CANVAS, will not be impacted by these changes. Where staff have used videos from YouTube, we have implemented alternatives to ensure that students can still access the necessary resources.

Advice for Parents and Carers

We encourage all families to discuss these changes openly, review family digital use together, and establish healthy routines around screen time. For further information and resources, please visit the e-Safety Commissioner website or contact our wellbeing team.

Mrs Julia Scrimshaw | Acting Deputy Principal

Year 4 Pyjamarama took place last Friday evening through to Saturday morning. The students enjoyed a yummy BBQ dinner cooked by our amazing parent volunteers, team tabloid games, the traditional slipper parade in The Hive and a movie with popcorn before bedtime. A trip over the road to McDonalds for breakfast completed another successful Pyjamarama event. Special thanks to Mr Reed, Mrs Fiore, Mr Bardsley, Mrs Victoria and Mr Hunt.

Pyjamarama, as well as being a lot of fun for the students, is great preparation for the Year 5 and 6 camps held at Teen Ranch next year. Encouraging your children to be independent, to problem solve, and to overcome minor fears about sleeping away from home, all contribute to the success of these special events that students remember fondly from their Junior School years. Please make sure your children don’t miss these activities.

Swim school got off to a great start this week for K-2 plus Years 4 and 6 students at the nearby Little Fishes indoor pool centre. This will continue for the next 3 weeks. Please consider building on these learn-to-swim lessons by enrolling your child for further instruction over the summer break. Contact your local council-run pool to inquire about swimming lessons for children.                             

BUZZY BOOKS IS BACK!

Our ‘Buzzy Books’ initiative returned this week in The Hive. This engaging activity is aimed at our new Kindergarten enrolments for 2026 to promote a love of reading and help our newest students become familiar with their new ‘big school’. It will continue for the next three Tuesdays at 8:00am.

JUNIOR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP 2026

Well done to Year 5 students who applied and interviewed for Junior School Leadership positions for 2026. The students did a wonderful job in the interviews and we look forward to the speeches and running of House games at the upcoming House Meetings in Week 5. Captains and House Leaders will be announced at the Year 6 Graduation Assembly on Friday 5 December. Parents of Captains and Leaders will receive notification of their child’s appointment to a leadership position but should keep this information to themselves until the official announcement event.  

COURTYARD STRINGS CONCERT & YEAR 4 BAND CONCERT

Our Year 1 and 2 students have made fantastic progress over the course of the year with their violin lessons, along with our Year 4 students at their weekly band tutorials. Both concerts this week were well attended and a great showcase of our developing and growing instrumental program here at RJ. Well done to our up-and-coming musicians!

CHRISTMAS TWILIGHT NATIVITY & PICNIC

Everyone is invited to enjoy a BYO picnic on Friday 28 November at 5:00pm in the JS Courtyard.  An ice cream van and a coffee/tea van will be onsite to complement your meal. Please plan to attend, bring a picnic dinner and blanket, and be entertained by our vibrant K-2 students as we celebrate Jesus’ birth together. Gates open at 4:45pm.

TOYS ‘N TUCKER

Thank you so much for already sending in donations for Anglicare’s Toys 'n' Tucker Christmas appeal. There are 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.

ABSENCES AND LEAVE DURING TERM TIME

A reminder that any leave taken during term time that is not sickness related, must be approved by our Principal, Mr Dawson. Teachers are not required to set work for students who take leave outside of school holiday periods. Please consider carefully before taking your children out of school, as catching up on missed content is not always easy.

We also have a number of families with concerning levels of high student absenteeism. School attendance is mandatory in NSW, and families whose children continue to miss school regularly will be ontacted by our Deputy Principal for medical certificates and/or explanations.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Ahead in Weeks 5 and 6 we have – 

• Gymnastics (Yrs 3 and 5 - Wed ) Swimming (Yrs K-2 plus Years 4 and 6 - Wed) students wear Sports uniform on these days (concludes Week 5)
• Remembrance Day Tuesday 11 November
• House Meetings Friday 14 November (students wear House shirts)
• Year 7 Orientation Days Thurs 13 November and 20 November (current Yr 6 students)
• Twilight Nativity Event Friday 28 November in JS Courtyard: 5:00pm start (BYO picnic dinner)

I love this time of year in Sydney, with the beautiful jacaranda trees blooming magnificently.
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. Song of Songs 2:12

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

The next event for them is the Year 12 Clearance Day on Wednesday, 12 November from 9:00am. Students will return College resources, clear their lockers, and officially sign out for the last time. We look forward to celebrating together at the Year 12 Formal on Friday, 14 November.

Recent Events

• Catch-up Exams: Students in Years 7–10 have been completing their end-of-year exams/assessments.

• Study Skills: Year 11 participated in Elevate-hosted sessions to strengthen study strategies.

• Cultural Engagement: Year 8 enjoyed an immersive Indonesian Day experience.

• Creative Excellence: Senior School students showcased their talents at the Ensembles Concert.

Upcoming Events

• Principal’s Cup 3v3 Basketball Competition
• House Meetings: Tuesday, 11 November – Senior School students to wear House shirts.
• Year 7 2026 Orientation Days
• Curators Collection – Visual Arts Exhibition: Tuesday, 18 November, 4:30pm in the Hall.
• Year 10 Service Week
• Christmas Service: Monday, 8 December
• End-of-Year Swim Day: Tuesday, 9 December
• Senior School Presentation Assembly: Wednesday, 10 December, 9:30am

Further details about the Swim Day and Presentation Assembly will be shared with parents/carers soon.

Supporting Students Through Social Challenges

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to work with students as they navigate and resolve challenging social situations. The words we choose to speak or share often shape the outcome for everyone involved.

I recently reflected on the principle found in Proverbs 12:18, which reminds us that wise words bring healing, while careless words can cause harm. It has been encouraging to see students striving to respond with wisdom, even in difficult circumstances.

Parents and carers, please encourage your child to reach out to a trusted staff member at the College if they need support with any social concerns. We are here to help.

College Uniform Update

Senior School staff have been working closely with students and families to maintain high standards of uniform presentation. We appreciate the support from parents/carers and are pleased to see improvements across the College.

Frequent reminders given to students:

• Female students: Skirts should reach the knee when standing; earrings must be plain sleepers or studs.

• Male students: A belt and grey socks are required; students should be clean-shaven and ensure shirts are tucked in before entering and leaving classrooms.

Thank you for helping us uphold these standards.

Parent/Carer Reminder

For questions about upcoming events, student wellbeing, or subject-specific concerns, please contact your child’s Home Group teacher as the first point of contact. To arrange a meeting with staff, please call the College reception.

As shared at the recent Senior School Assembly:

I encourage all students to seize every opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute positively to the RJ community throughout Term 4.

Mr Brad Maxwell | Head of Senior School

This year marked our largest team yet, with 26 students from Years 9 to 11 and five staff members who spent seven full days serving local communities, sharing the Gospel through church groups, and running Scripture presentations in schools across a vast area of the region.

The trip was a great success, with the team witnessing God’s work both within themselves and in the communities they visited. We are especially grateful to Paul and Erin Strahan for generously sharing their ministry with our students, and to the Anglican churches in Moree and Narrabri, as well as the Uniting Church in Narrabri, for providing facilities and accommodation for the team.

We thank God for His faithful provision and continue to pray for the ongoing Gospel work in Northwestern NSW.

Our Stage 2 girls’ team took out the top spot and will now advance to the CSSA State Basketball Gala Day in a few weeks. Congratulations to all our RJ players for their outstanding effort!

Swim and Gym

Week three of our Swim and Gym program has been a splash! Our youngest swimmers are showing growing confidence as they refine their strokes. Meanwhile, Year 3 and Year 5 students are thriving in their four-week intensive gymnastics program, guided by expert instructors.

Rope Skipping Competition

A selected group of RJ students recently showcased their skills at the second annual Rope Skipping Competition at Toongabbie Christian College. Competing across four events, many achieved remarkable results. We’re proud of their dedication throughout the year! The RJ Skipping Club has now wrapped up for 2025.

Mr Gavin Mitchell | Director of Sport