20 October 2020

To the present. Term 3 ended well and we’ve had a good start to Term 4. On the final day of Term 3 we were able to conduct the important handover of student leadership. We conveyed appreciation to the outgoing senior leaders and we congratulated and badged the newly appointed leaders: School Captains - Matthew M and Liana N; Vice Captains - Samuel A and Bridie O; Service Captains - Jacob B and Alyssia B; Service Vice Captains - Connor M and Kate N; Chapel Captains - Jalé C and Hanniel S; Chapel Vice Captains - Erica H and Sarah R; Co-curricular Captains (Arts) - Kona P and Grace L; Co-curricular Vice Captains (Arts) - Lachlan Z and Elizabeth F; Co-curricular Captains (Sport) - Jake M and Stephanie F; Co-curricular Vice Captains (Sport) - Kayhan N and Manuella I; House Captains: Eagles - Farah H, Lions - Ire F, Rams - Nehaal K, Sharks - Daanish R. The School Executive was delighted with the calibre of student applicants. These students have commenced their duties. Also, the other Secondary House Leaders were elected last week and will be badged soon, with the Primary Leaders being announced at Presentation Nights.

Despite what was conveyed in the 15 September edition of RJ Review, the latest health guidelines have allowed for the resumption, with minor refinements, of several Primary Camps and an Excursion this week: Years 5/6 Camps at Teen Ranch; Year 4 Pyjamarama at Oakhurst Campus; and a Year 1 Excursion to Long Neck Lagoon. Other Camps, Excursions and Incursions will follow in coming weeks. For instance, Year 8 will enjoy a 2 day Camp at Warrambui Retreat near Canberra, Year 9’s Camp at the Colo River environs for 3 days will be exactly as normal (except for individual tents - not shared), and Year 10 will undertake the City Challenge over 2 days with exclusive use of Cockatoo Island. The Executive are really pleased that these fantastic experiences can still take place and we are extremely grateful to a number of staff who have made the hasty arrangements – well done!

Unfortunately, health guidelines do not allow for parents’ attendance yet, however we are preparing to live stream specific events to parents, starting with the Primary Book Week Parade at each Campus in Week 3. After the HSC Exams reduced modifications will probably apply. For instance, we are planning for the Year 12 postponed Graduation and Formal after the HSC to be undertaken in more relaxed parameters than previous health guidelines permitted. We continue to pray for our Year 12 students who have commenced their HSC Exams. Quite a number of them have already been successful with early entry offers from universities.

Several important projects, for replacing/installing equipment, occurred during the recent break: replacement of Oakhurst Primary air-conditioning in Block H for $180,000; replacement screen in the Oakhurst Primary Courtyard for $120,000; and installation of the Marsden Park COLA AV System, total cost of $210,000, to be completed in December/January. The first part i.e. sound system has been installed, for which we received a grant of $52,064 in the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program, thanks to support from Riverstone State Member, Kevin Conolly.

Based on feedback from our School Community, some additional Uniform options will be available from 2021. These include: Primary Girls – Skort, Top (not tucked-in), Trousers; Secondary Girls – Trousers; Secondary Boys – Shorts. These inclusions will provide increased flexibility for seasonal changes and for physical activities in the playground.

Let's flip back to 1996. When the field of applicants for the Foundation Principal's position was reduced to two candidates, we were both asked to present our vision for this new School. As part of my presentation to the ASC Board, I accentuated growth (individually and communally) being nourished by God and His Word, the Bible, just as a tree is nourished by a water source. The Bible verses below were the ones I used for the illustration:

"Blessed is the person who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. It is like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream." (Jeremiah 17:7,8a)

I also connected the concept of the tree with the selected School's namesake, Rev Richard Johnson, who preached under a tree on 3 February 1788. These were my ways of confirming my passion for Christian education and my intention to grow a School which would endeavour to promote, through words and personal example, a lifestyle of following and trusting in Jesus our Lord (our Number One!)

Mr Paul Cockrem
Principal

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Secondary House Leaders and House Vice Captains have been voted for by staff and students this week following the House Meetings last Friday. These new leaders will be announced at the Stage Assembly next Friday 30 October. At this Assembly we will also induct all our newly appointed leaders for 2020-21 and present each student with their leadership badge.

Our Primary leadership interviews for student leadership roles in 2021 will be happening in the next few weeks across our Marsden Park and Oakhurst Campuses. I would encourage students to take the big step in putting themselves forward. Nothing is ever gained by shrinking back. While it is sometimes disappointing when we don’t receive a role we have really hoped for, the fact that we took the stretch to be a part of the process helps to build resilience in us and we learn to move forward beyond the disappointment.

SECONDARY MUSICAL FOR 2021

Rehearsals for next year’s Secondary Musical have now commenced this term. We are observing guidelines in relation to COVID-19 so we can continue preparing for an awesome production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in March 2021. We have a cast of around 40 Secondary students and auditions for some limited ‘children’s chorus’ roles will be announced for some limited Primary students. Dates and details for rehearsals and performances will be given to students to consider possible involvement in the Primary ‘children’s chorus’ as part of this major Secondary production. Secondary students wanting to be involved in the Tech Crew for the show should give their names to Mr Manaloto or Mr Derrington ASAP.

CO-CURRICULAR MEDALLION AWARDS UPDATE

This is a reminder that the School Executive met last term to review the impact that the COVID-19 Pandemic has had on the numerous co-curricular activities and events that our students would normally have become involved in throughout the year.

Due to the cancellation of the majority of these activities and competitions and the inequity for students to be able to access points towards the Medallions’ Awards, the School Executive have regretfully withdrawn the Co-curricular Medallion Awards from this year’s list of accolades in Presentation Night events for both Primary and Secondary sections.

Mr Alan Dawson
Deputy Principal

SUGARY FOODS AT SCHOOL

A reminder about providing healthy, nutritious snacks and food for your children at School. I have seen a number of students eating chocolate and lollies during Recess and Lunch. These high sugar-based foods provide little sustained nourishment. Instead they promote ‘sugar highs’ which hinder students' concentration as they cause a ‘slump’ once the sugar is digested. Too much sugar can affect your child’s mood, activity and hyperactivity levels, because their blood sugar is like a roller coaster; up and down all day long.

Sugary foods displace essential food groups, like protein, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains, they also deplete vitamins from the body during digestion, such as B-vitamins involved in glucose metabolism, while leaving teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay.

Try packing more fresh fruit, yoghurts with low sugar content, wholemeal sandwiches, crackers, cheese, hummus, pita bread, boiled eggs, carrot sticks and muesli bars. Read labels for ingredients and sugar content.

PRIMARY LEADERSHIP 2021

Students have submitted their application forms to apply for Primary Captain and House Leadership positions in 2021. 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 Primary Captain positions. Interviews for these roles will be held on Tuesday 27 October. House Leaders will be voted by students and supported by House Coordinator recommendations based on the students’ involvement in House Meetings and activities throughout 2020. Leadership positions will be finalised later in the term. Captains and House Leaders for the Oakhurst Campus will be announced at the Year 6 Graduation Assembly on Thursday 26 November (parents of Captains and Leaders will be advised prior to this event).

SCHOOL UNIFORM

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. Please ensure all Uniform Items are clearly labelled. Students without a hat will be asked to remain in the Primary Courtyard during break times.

SWIM SCHOOL AND GYMNASTICS LESSONS

Swim School lessons commenced this week for students in Years 1-3. A reminder that if your child forgets their swimmers, Reception staff will not be contacting parents. Students will watch the lesson that week from the side of the pool. Please ensure your child has their swimming requirements on their lesson day.  

Gymnastics lessons commenced last week for students in Years 4-6. It was great to see the students attempting gymnastic skills and encouraging one another. We have qualified gymnastic coaches assisting the students during these sessions.

Swimming and gymnastics lessons continue through to the end of Week 7.

YEAR 5 YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM

At the end of last term, Year 5 students actively embraced the Young Leaders Program. Students completed set tasks relating to communication, organisation and teamwork, service, Christian development and physical endeavour, to achieve either Bronze, Silver or Gold level. Certificates will be presented in Primary Assemblies in Week 4. Students should be proud of their achievements. Great effort, Year 5!

BOOK WEEK CELEBRATION DAY

Finally, it’s happening! Week 3 on Friday 30 October. Notes went home last week and we can’t wait to see the students’ costumes. The Staff are busily getting their theme together which the children will enjoy on the day! We will provide a live stream of the Parade from the Hall. Stay tuned for links/instructions on how to access this – we will send a text or email a few days prior. Don’t forget to check your child’s wish-list after viewing the Scholastic Book Fair in The Hive on the day. You can decide if you would like to order any of the selection online on the following weekend. A special thanks to our wonderful Librarian, Mrs Peterson, for her organisation of our Book Fair and Book Week activities.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Ahead in Weeks 2 and 3 we have -

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; He who comes to me shall never hunger and he who believes in me shall never thirst." John 6:35                                                                                    
Stay well,

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary - Oakhurst

Photo: KindiFarm Incursion (gallery below)

ASSEMBLY

Students in KM commenced our new Assembly theme looking at the “I Am” statements of Jesus. They taught us how Jesus is the Light of the World and provided practical examples of how we can display traits that help us to live in the light that Jesus provides for us as His followers. KP will present an Item on Jesus as the Good Shepherd this Thursday 22 October. Parents are not able to attend Assemblies in Term 4; however, Class Items will be uploaded to See Saw for parents to view. There is no Assembly in Week 3 due to Book Week, and House Meetings replace Primary Assembly in Week 4. 

BOOK WEEK

BOYS HAIR CUTS

A number of boys have returned to Term 4 with a style known as an undercut where the hair on the sides and back is shaved to a number 1 or 2 and the hair on top is left long. Please note that this style of cut is not acceptable at RJ. There is to be no dramatic difference in length between the top and the sides and back of the hair. Students are also not permitted to have any lines or patterns shaved into their hair. Parents are asked to remedy this style as soon as possible so all hair styles are consistent with the School Uniform and Presentation Policy.

CHESS COMPETITION

A Chess competition will be held over the next 4 weeks for students in Years 2-6 with Mr Reed. Students registered for the competition last week with their first games commencing this week. I trust they will have lots of strategic fun competing against each other. 

INCURSIONS AND EXCURSIONS

Students in Year 2 are excited to learn how to draw their own cartoons in a workshop this Tuesday 20 October. We look forward to seeing some of their drawings. Students in Pre-Kindergarten (Tuesday) and Kindergarten will enjoy a visit from local fire officers with a fire truck on Tuesday 3 November. Year 2 will be visiting the Botanic Gardens on Friday 6 November for an excursion and Year 1 students will be travelling to Longneck Lagoon on Monday 9 November. Year 1 students will also enjoy a kaleidoscope incursion on Thursday 12 November.

PRIMARY LEADERSHIP 2021

Applications from students in Years 4 (for House Captain) and Year 5 (for Primary Captain and/or House Captain) are due in by this Friday 23 October. 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 Primary Captain positions. House Captains will be voted by students and supported by House Coordinator recommendations based on the students’ involvement in House Meetings and activities throughout 2020. Leaders for the Marsden Park Campus will be announced at the Marsden Park Presentation Night on Monday 30 November. Additional leadership positions at Marsden Park for new enrolments may be available early in 2021.

SWIM SCHOOL LESSONS

Swim School lessons commenced last week for students in Years 1-4. Please ensure your child has their swimming resources on their lesson day – Mondays (2M, 3/4M), Thursdays (1M, 1P).

A reminder that if your child forgets their swimmers, Reception staff will not be contacting parents. Students will watch the lesson that week from the side of the pool. Swimming lessons continue through to the end of Week 6 on assigned days. 

YEAR 5 YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM

Congratulations to students in Year 5 who participated in the Young Leaders Program (YLP). Students who achieved Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards as part of the Young Leaders Program will be presented with their Certificates at this week’s Assembly. The presentation will be recorded and uploaded to See Saw for parents to view.

YEAR 5/6 CAMP

We are so excited to report that the Year 5/6 Camp is able to proceed as a 2 day camp this week, just when we were ready to accept that even with our best efforts in working with Teen Ranch that it was not going to eventuate in 2020. God is good and paved the way for our Camp to proceed and Year 5/6 students are very excited to be heading off today. Please pray for safety and a great time of fellowship for our very patient students.    

Mrs Narelle Taylor
Assistant Principal/Head of Primary - Marsden Park

Plans are also well underway for the Year 12 Graduation and Formal on 13 November. The Hall is set to be transformed, and Mrs Ghali has been doing an amazing job sourcing decorations and lighting to make this a special event. It will be exciting to enjoy this time together, after all the challenges that 2020 has brought!

One change that parents will notice this year, is that we will not be distributing Footprints at Presentation Night. The main reason for this is due to so many events being pushed back to later in the year, after our usual cut off date for articles. Consequently, we have delayed the publication time frame and look forward to the yearbook distribution happening at the start of 2021. We still have many things to celebrate!

It’s been wonderful to know that Years 8-10 are still able to enjoy their camp experiences, albeit within a modified setting, especially Year 10. Continue to pray for safety for all as they move about various locations, and for our community’s wellbeing as a whole. Having family in Melbourne, we know how the challenges of strict lockdown arrangements have affected them, and we just want to make sure that our students set an example to others in the way they carefully interact with the community at large, following guidelines and being mindful of the needs of others.

Years 7 and 8 have their Yearly Examinations this week, with Years 9 and 10 the following week. Please make sure you follow your teacher’s advice on what is required for these examinations. This will definitely be a new experience for Year 7, as they have not experienced any major group testing this year, with NAPLAN being cancelled. Mrs Scrimshaw is overseeing all these examinations, so any questions can be directed to her.

Our new Year 12s have also started well, and the delivery of the Surviving Year 12 Night will be through CANVAS. Students will be taken through the Policies and Procedures booklet in Home Groups this week, so that all are aware of the expectations. Copies of NESA’s procedures will also be distributed.

Term 4 rushes towards a quick end, with so many different activities. Take time to stop, breathe, and be thankful for all that God has given us.

Mrs Jenny Clay
Assistant Principal/Head of Secondary

Samaritan’s Purse is a non-profit, Christian organisation providing emergency relief and development assistance to suffering people around the world. Samaritan’s Purse is meeting the physical needs of victims of war, famine, natural disaster, poverty and disease with the aim of demonstrating God’s love and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. The aid and assistance are given without regard to the race, creed, gender, religion, or ethnicity of the beneficiaries. Some of the additional projects that Samaritan’s Purse operates along with Operation Christmas Child are: Water, Sanitation & Hygiene; Health & Nutrition; Education & Vocational Training; People at Risk; Animals & Agriculture Livelihoods and Church Resourcing

Students in Stage 4 will be receiving a special box and a brochure that outlines the Operation Christmas Child Program. It is primarily run in Stage 4, but all students are encouraged to be involved. Special boxes to pack the gifts are available at School from Mr Rowe in the D Block staffroom. The boxes are then distributed to children around the world.

The process for collecting gifts to pack into a shoe box is as follows:

• 1. Choose whether your box will be for a boy or girl
• 2. Choose an age group 2-4, 5-9, 10-14
• 3. Fill the box with new gifts that fit into the following categories. We are asking that students bring in one item from two categories each week.

We will be packing the boxes at School during the week of Monday 9 November to Friday 13 November. The boxes will then be delivered to the Samaritan’s Purse warehouse at Kings Park, near Blacktown. Please do not include the following: items that leak e.g. toothpaste, shampoo, bubbles, batteries etc; food or lollies of any kind – including vitamins etc; used or damaged items; breakable items e.g. glass mirrors; items that might scare a child e.g. toy guns, military figures; gambling related items e.g. playing cards, play money and dominoes and religious, racial or political items. 

Along with buying goods to go into the shoebox, any donations towards the cost of distributing the boxes around the world would be gratefully received. Samaritan’s Purse have suggested that $10.00 would help greatly towards distributing one box to a child.

Please return the box by Friday 6 November. If you are unable to fill a full shoebox but could contribute a gift or two, please send them to School and they will be delivered to Mr Rowe and used to fill boxes when they are packed. If you have any questions, please contact Mr Rowe.

Mr Stewart Rowe
Director of Service Learning/Ministry

Mr Hughes presented an interesting and engaging talk which included excerpts from current and past Science Fiction films. He discussed the differences between Hard and Soft Science Fiction and provided examples of texts that were considered in each category.

The role of technology in Science Fiction was also explored and connections were made with examples of modern technology today that have been inspired by Science Fiction composers of the past. The talk concluded with a discussion of where God is in the universe and the perspectives of Science Fiction authors as they grapple with this question. 

Students were given insights into what makes a good Science Fiction narrative and were inspired not only to explore the Science Fiction genre further in class this Term but to experiment in their writing and create their own Science Fiction stories.

Mrs Annette Sicard
Secondary Teacher

One of the activities that has been suggested is a pushbike project where old, serviceable push bikes are cleaned up and minor repairs made. The bikes will then be donated to an organisation that distributes the bikes to children and adults who cannot afford to buy a bike. The bikes are distributed both inside Australia and overseas.

Any pushbike can be donated as long as it only needs a general clean up and minor repairs e.g. tyres, handle grips, chains, brake blocks, seat and minor paint repairs etc. If you are not sure if your old bike requires too much in the way of repairs, please contact me at School.  

If you have an old bike, either children’s, BMX or adult bike that you would be happy to donate to our Service Week Bike Project, please send an email to Mr Rowe - srowe@rjas.nsw.edu.au. I will be in contact with you once we had determined if we have enough donated bikes to proceed with the activity. Thank you for considering our request.  

Mr Stewart Rowe
Service Learning (7-12)

What is your favourite food?

Lasagna or Ramen.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Spending time with my family and going to the gym.

When and why did you come to work at this School?

Recently moving to Western Sydney in June 2020, a position was available at Richard Johnson. After doing some research I felt that teaching at the School will be a great fit for my professional career as well as my personal core values.

What do you think you will enjoy about your role in the School?

Being a part of developing not only great academic students but also students with the moral considerations and obligations we all hold as individuals within the community we share and contribute to.

Describe a wonderful experience you’ve had which you will never forget.

Living in South America with my wife and son for 18 months.

Why did you become a Christian?

In all honesty, I cannot say for sure at what moment I went from Non-Christian to Christian. I cannot pinpoint a moment when I knew that I “crossed over from death to life,” as Jesus says (John 5:24). It was more like a series of on-going moments that I think have continually brought me closer to the point where I understand what being a real follower of Jesus means, and truly committing my life to it.

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

Corinthians 13:4-5: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." This is my favourite verse as it has guided me to be the best partner I can be.

What is something you want to achieve?

I have a passion for traveling. I have been very fortunate to have traveled to most of Europe, South America, America and Asia. I would love to travel through Africa in the near future to do a safari with my wife and son.

If you could meet any person in the world at the moment who would it be and why?

Even though she passed away in 2014, I would have loved to have met Maya Angelou. She is my favourite poet whose words have always stuck with me. A couple of my favourite quotes are "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" and "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude".

Please return the completed Application together with a copy of an application for a new Student Opal Card or a copy of an existing Student Opal Card (excluding Pre-K) to Mrs Stephanie Ghali, Operations Manager, before Friday 6 November. Applications can either be sent by email (sghali@rjas.nsw.edu.au) or dropped off at either Campus. 

You will be advised in the following week if your Application has been successful for some or all of the days required.

Please contact Mrs Ghali, if you have any questions.

Students who have changed school/campus, changed address, repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should re-apply or update their details.

Where there is a change of distance eligibility based on a student’s grade, the system will automatically update a student’s entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, applicants will receive an expiry notification via email.

Applications need to be submitted before 3 December 2020.

New cards will be sent to the nominated postal address in January 2021.