From the Principal
Secondary students recently excelled in two significant occasions: a selected group of 18 vocalists from Years 8-12 absolutely shined at the AusAca(Australian A Capella Awards) Finals in Melbourne – special thanks to Mrs Robertson for her wonderful tutelage and Mr Dawson for escorting the team; and the Secondary ‘Talkfest’ Public Speaking Finals, involving students from across Stages 4-6 inspiringly presenting their opinions on the theme “Change the World” – special thanks to Mrs Sicard and other English staff for facilitating a splendid program.
The recent R U OK? Mufti event was very successful, with tremendous participation from all students and staff at both Campuses. It was a poignant focus, given the crucial need for sharing the support of others’ wellbeing, as well as creating an accepting atmosphere in which any individual feels comfortable to reveal their need for help. Well done to our Student Forum who, together with guidance from staff, actively enabled this initiative. We are thankful to Mr Dawson and Mr Reed in particular for their leadership of the Student Forum, across our School community.
During a wonderful Secondary Chapel on Friday, there was a complementary message, presented by Miss Peterson, which happened to reinforce the goal of the R U OK? Program. During the message the following Bible verses were shared:
“Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint about someone else, just like the Lord Jesus has forgiven you.” Colossians 3:13
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. One kind word can completely turn somebody’s life around.” Proverbs 16:24
Caring, supportive relationships can make an enormous difference. Let’s show others, by our words and actions, that we want to make a positive difference in their lives.
Friday night’s Year 4 Pyjamarama was fantastic and much enjoyed by the students from both Campuses. There were Year 8 students selected as ‘Çabin Leaders’ and Years 9-11 students ran various games, under the guidance of Mr Rowe, as well as parents who prepared the BBQ meal. We are very grateful for their generous assistance. Various Year 4 children remarked during the games that this was ‘the best ever’ experience for them. We also express our sincere thanks to the staff team of Mrs Wells, Mrs Fiore, Mrs McLeod and Mr Reed, who stayed overnight, and Mrs Taylor and Mrs McCormick for their help with preparations and supervision. A great time was had by all!
As we soon farewell Year 12 at their Graduation Assembly, many Year 11 students have responded by nominating for leadership roles. From those who nominated for School Captaincy, ten were selected after the first round of Interviews to meet with the School Executive. The Executive was most encouraged by the students’ outstanding enthusiasm, servant-heartedness and genuine commitment to the ethos of the Christian community here at RJ. From this group, the next Captains and Vice Captains will be chosen. Aiding this process has been the feedback expressed by staff about all the Year 11 nominees, as well as the involvement of the current Captains and Vice Captains in expressing their views. This comprehensive process will shortly culminate in the new appointments being announced at the upcoming formal handover ceremony.
This Saturday is a ‘red letter day’ in our School’s calendar – Fete/Open Day! It will be an enormous event. Previous Fetes have been wonderful occasions, not only bringing our School community together but welcoming many first-time visitors to RJ. May I ask for two crucial responses from each family: (1) helpers are needed – please respond to the P&F Assoc requests – just indicate how much time – any amount will be great; (2) go online now to order Ride bands www.trybooking.com/BBFLQ – unlimited rides at discounted price! Thank you in advance for your involvement.
To complement the recent announcement of Mrs Narelle Taylor accepting the full-time role of Head of Primary at the Marsden Park Campus, I am now able to announce the appointment of our new Head of Primary for the Oakhurst Campus, Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg, who will commence in this Executive position from the beginning of 2020. Mrs Shannon-Duhigg is currently Deputy Head of the Junior School at PLC Croyden and, previous to that, was Deputy Head at Danebank, a fellow Corporation school. Mrs Shannon-Duhigg is presently completing a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy. She has developed a wealth of experience in Primary education, demonstrates an absolute passion for teaching and constantly seeks to ensure the wholistic progress of every child. She has an active faith in Jesus Christ, which motivates her to contribute her God-given talents for the sake of others. These characteristics were confirmed by her present and former supervisors and the decision of the interviewing panel was strongly unanimous. I am delighted to share this news with the School community. We will endeavour to find helpful ways of publicly introducing Mrs Shannon-Duhigg to the RJ community prior to the end of the year.
Mr Paul Cockrem
Principal
