3 November 2020

To signpost the extraordinary celebrations during 2007 of 10 years’ growth and God’s amazing blessings, a landscaping feature, called ‘Pioneers Way’, signified the incredible journey and illustrated the unforgettable route shaped by many pioneers in RJ’s history thus far. The following words were penned in ‘Footsteps – A Celebration of 10 Years’ by Head of Primary, Peter Lack (deceased, 2012): “I have found RJAS a wonderful place to be. As I met students, parents and staff I discovered that there is an all-pervading sense of pride about who we are and what we stand for. The staff are passionate and are always going above and beyond in their pursuit of excellence in education. Most importantly, the School is unashamedly Christian. We know on whose strength our School stands and we know on whose strength our School will depend in the future. Joining a school on its 10th anniversary is very significant and a privilege. Now that the School is fully established from Kindergarten to Year 12, we look to the next 10 years, and what we can achieve in this new decade. I am confident that the efforts of the School’s pioneers have placed the School in a strategically sound position.”

From 2009, 3 streams began in Year 7, signalling significant expansion in the Secondary Section and the RJ tagline was extended to – ‘a place to belong and succeed’- encapsulating the deliberate focus of academically extending very capable students by commencing a graded selective class in each Year, 7-10. By 2010-2012 RJ had built a multi-purpose Hall, various specialist TAS and Creative/Performing Arts facilities, additional classrooms, better playground areas and a new administration building. By 2011, RJ’s wonderful annual Camp Program, commencing with the unique Year 4 Pyjamarama through to the Year 11 Study Camp and the Year 12 Reflection Retreat, had cemented fruitful sequential experiences for generations of students. In 2011, the memorable inaugural Secondary Heritage Festival became a defining feature of our School Community, celebrating our 35 different nationalities represented in RJ and the richly diverse mix of cultural backgrounds. 

Now, to the present. All of the new School Leaders have now been ‘badged’ at last Friday’s Secondary Assembly, inclusive of all the House Leaders as follows: Isaiah’s Eagles – Vice Captain – Junaid M, Leaders – Destinee D, Chesley S, Vanessa J, Jaeden A; Daniel’s Lions – Vice Captain – Danica C, Leaders – Shreya C, Priyanka G, Faith K, Rahand R; David’s Rams – Vice Captain – Christopher N, Leaders – Harmony M, Sammy Champion, Emilie W, Juaquin R; Noah’s Sharks – Vice Captain – Siitia Leauanae, Leaders – Rebecca A, Joserhin B, Emma T, Jimmy M.  All of the new Primary Leaders for 2021 will be announced at their respective Presentation Nights for each Campus.  

Further information is provided about the new ‘optional’ Uniform Items which will be available next year. The most important descriptor is ‘optional’, as these items, similar to a beanie or jumper, are not part of the mainline Uniform. They may be worn, in their respective seasons, but they are not compulsory. Please refer to the revised Uniform Policy. The introduction of these items stems from ongoing discussions over many years, mainly raised by successive Student Forums, concerning seasonal factors i.e. the extremes of Winter and Summer. That’s why the Primary and Secondary slacks for girls have been introduced. Practical concerns were also considered. To be blunt, all students should be able to participate in physical activities throughout the day. That’s why the Primary Skort for girls and the Secondary Shorts for boys have been introduced. When it comes to official School functions, optional items are not acceptable. I trust that the RJ Community will appreciate these inclusions for the purposes they’ve been introduced.

Photo: Primary Girls Skort 

As we rocket towards the conclusion of an interesting year, please be aware of approved procedures for the conduct of Camps, Excursions, Concerts, Orientations, special Assemblies and Graduations, Parents and Friends Association and Presentation Nights. Unfortunately, we’ve had to cancel the annual Carols/Fireworks event at Marsden Park Campus.

In all things, we seek to find God’s purpose. See the Bible verses below:

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

No matter how rose-coloured our glasses are, there’s nothing good about Covid-19, cancer, grief and death. As long as we live, people will attempt to reconcile God’s sovereignty with humanity’s suffering. But when we cannot comprehend why trials come and we struggle to imagine that anything good can come from them, we can rest in the security of God being in ultimate control, for those who trust in Him. 

Mr Paul Cockrem
Principal

I have to admit, times have certainly changed since I had a young family, but for many of our School parents who are much younger than I, this is becoming a real parenting dilemma as they raise young families in an information and technology rich era. Questions such as: How much time should children spend on devices? Where and when should children use devices? Does device use reduce a child’s ability to communicate face-to-face with others? Who can access my child’s account online? – are relevant questions we need to consider when handing over a device to our children. 

There are real dangers for children and teenagers who have social media accounts. This particularly becomes even more serious when accounts have no filters or restrictions and move from being a ‘private’ account to being a ‘public’ account with open access to anyone around the world.

The eSafety Commissioner website is a good starting place for resources around device use for your family and I would encourage you to take a look at the research and what experts are offering by way of advice to families in this 21st Century tech-filled world. Here is the link: https://www.esafety.gov.au/

As we approach the end of the year and discussions around buying presents for Christmas may be starting to occur in some families, please consider your options if purchasing mobile phones or devices that will potentially have internet access for your child. 

Let’s stay alert so our children stay safe. 

Mr Alan Dawson
Deputy Principal

STAGE 3 CAMPS AND PYJAMARAMA

Term 4 started with a bang as the two Stage 3 Camps and Pyjamarama were held in the same week! Years 5 and 6 students were enthusiastic at finally getting to camp at Teen Ranch. God blessed them with good weather and the activities, food, campfire and fun was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Year 4 ended the week with their Pyjamarama evening, where a round robin of fun team games was run by a group of Secondary students followed by a delicious BBQ dinner. The slipper parade was a real highlight and most room groups managed some sleep. A massive thank you to the Staff who planned for and attended these overnight events and the parent helpers who attended.

BOOK WEEK CELEBRATION DAY

We were able to celebrate Book Week last Friday and the Staff went all out with their Curious Creatures Under the Sea theme! Captain Cockrem ran an organised ship, ably assisted by Lieutenant Dawson and not-so-ably by First Mate S-D. The students’ costumes were fantastic and the live streaming of the Parade allowed families to take part remotely. Classes took part in Book-related activities, a Treasure Hunt at lunch time, a secret reader on lines and the Book Fair up in the Hive. Thank you to Mrs Peterson for organising the different style of Book Fair this year. It was such a happy and colourful day.

EXCURSIONS AND INCURSIONS

Students in Kindergarten finally get to attend their first excursion this week, heading off to Featherdale Wildlife Park on Wednesday 4 November. Year 2 will take part in a Cartooning incursion on Tuesday 10 November. We hope the students enjoy these special activities.

MUSIC PERIPATETIC CONCERTS

Music Peripatetic Concerts will be held on Wednesday 11 November commencing at 6:30pm. 

KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION DAYS

Oakhurst Kindergarten Orientation Days will be held on Monday 17 November and Tuesday 18 November from 9:00-11:30am. At this stage parents will not attend, but an online question/information session will be arranged.

PRIMARY LEADERSHIP 2021

Well done to Year 5 students who applied and interviewed for Primary Leadership positions for 2021. The students did a wonderful job in the interviews and preparations are underway for the running of House games at this Friday’s House Meetings. 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 receive notification of their child’s appointment to a leadership position but should keep this a secret until the Year 6 Graduation Assembly.  

STUDENT ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

Parents are reminded to remain vigilant in overseeing their child’s/children’s online behaviour. In the increasingly technological world in which we live and with the incredible speed of new technologies and social networking sites it is important that parents are speaking regularly with their children and monitoring their use of technology. Primary-aged students should not have access to any social networking sites due to age restrictions on these sites. The content of shows on streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube can be most unsuitable for children, so please monitor your child’s viewing habits. We are increasingly needing to manage issues at School that have their basis in social media use. Please do not allow your child access to TikTok, or chat apps such as Discord. For essential reasons, Philippians 4:8 states, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is fair, whatever is pure, whatever is acceptable, whatever is commendable, if there is anything of excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—keep thinking about these things."

House Meetings this Friday 6 November  - students to wear House shirts

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary - Oakhurst

BOOK WEEK

We had all kinds of ‘Curious Creatures, Wild Minds’ join us as we ventured into Wonderland with the Primary staff for our fantastic Book Week celebrations in Week 3. While we missed the presence of parents during our Book Parade and Book Activities, we appreciate the work of our Tech Team who were able to livestream the Parade for parents to still enjoy. The children looked amazing on the day and we thank parents for their assistance in preparing costumes. We also thank Mrs Peterson for arranging the Book Fair and for the many parents who filled the children’s ‘wish lists’. Thank you to the Primary staff for their amazing costumes and decorating the COLA for our tea party. While Mr Cockrem thinks he was ‘High Top’, we all still think he was the Cheshire Cat. We will certainly miss his crazy antics next year, although not so sure we will miss his terrible dancing – ha ha! Thank you, Mr Cockrem, for always making our Book Parades so much fun!!   

CHESS COMPETITION

Students are thoroughly enjoying the Chess Competition. Congratulations to students who have progressed to Round 3 of the competition – Ben V, Joe C, Dana H and Alicia M. 

HOUSE MEETINGS

House Meetings will be held this Thursday 5 November. All students in K-6 are required to wear their House shirt with their Sport Uniform on this day.

INCURSIONS AND EXCURSIONS

We are on a run of incursions and excursions throughout Term 4 to make up for missed opportunities earlier in the year. Year 2 students enjoyed making some wonderful cartoons in their recent cartoon workshop, even characterising their teacher. Students in Pre-Kindergarten (Tuesday) and Kindergarten will enjoy a visit from local fire officers with a fire truck today while Year 2 will be visiting the Botanic Gardens this Friday 6 November. Students in Year 1 will be travelling to Longneck Lagoon next Monday 9 November and will participate in a kaleidoscope incursion on Thursday 12 November. An excursion and incursion for Kindergarten students are planned for later in the term. 

PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION DAYS

Marsden Park Pre-Kindergarten Orientation – an information session for parents only will be held on Monday 16 November from 9:00-10:00am in the COLA. 

Oakhurst Kindergarten Orientation Days will be held on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November from 9:00-11:30am. Pre-K students travel directly to and from the Oakhurst Campus with parents. Students who normally attend RickyJs on these days may return to Pre-Kindergarten after their Orientation morning. They may wear casual clothes to the Orientation Days or their RickyJ Uniform. If returning to Marsden Park Campus they should be in their RickyJ Uniform.

Marsden Park Kindergarten Orientation Days will be held on Thursday 19 November and Friday 20 November from 9:00am-11:30am. Students who normally attend Pre-Kindergarten on these days should wear their RickyJ Uniform as normal. Staff will assist them to and from Orientation morning activities.  

We look forward to meeting our new Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten children and their families on these days.

PRIMARY LEADERSHIP 2021

Students who applied for leadership positions for 2021 will participate in Captain Interviews today and House activities and speeches this Thursday 5 November. 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 are running well. Please ensure your child has their swimming resources on their lesson day – Mondays (2M, 3/4M), Thursdays (1M, 1P). Swimming lessons continue through to the end of Week 6 on assigned days.  

YEAR 5/6 CAMP

Students in 5/6M had a wonderful time at Teen Ranch in Week 2 participating in Horse Riding, Orienteering, Bush Skills and Canoeing. We are so thankful that in such a challenging year, the Stage 3 Camp was able to proceed, and students were able to have a great time learning new skills and enjoying company with one another. It was wonderful to see the students riding horses with such skill and encouraging and supporting one another across all activities. Thank you to Miss Tolomeo for attending the Camp throughout and caring so well for our students.  

YEAR 7 ORIENTATION DAY

Students in Year 6 will attend a Year 7 Orientation Day at the Oakhurst Campus on Thursday 19 November. Students need to arrange direct transportation to the Oakhurst Campus on this day. Students in Year 5 attend School as normal and will spend the day with their class teacher. 

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

A big thanks to Mr Rowe and his Crew Blast team for all their outstanding organisation for our games night. Year 4 loved every minute and were totally engrossed in each activity. Another big thank you to all our parent helpers who totally rose to the occasion to cook us a delicious dinner and then also help teachers walk students across the road to McDonalds the following morning.

It was a slightly bittersweet event, as it was Mr Cockrem’s final Pyjamarama with us. Year 4 presented him with a pair of homemade slippers to commemorate this special event that he has been a part of for so many years. Mr Cockrem’s enthusiasm and passion for Pyjamarama will definitely be very missed in the years to come.

After that we showed off our pyjamas and had a slipper parade. We then watched a movie and settled into our designated rooms for the night. The next morning, we woke up bright and early and set off in groups of 15 for a delicious breakfast at McDonalds. This will definitely be a memory that Year 4 will have for a long, long time.

Mrs Anita Wells & Miss Alison Scott  
Year 4 Teachers 

The 'Surviving Year 12' video is now on Canvas for our new Year 12 students to view. Parents can view the video here - Video link

Congratulations to all Secondary Leaders who have been appointed and were badged last Friday! It was encouraging to see so many students step forward to take on various roles and responsibilities, and exciting to hear at the first Assembly, what plans are already in place for Service Learning and Sport. We have all been challenged to participate in Operation Christmas Child (not just an exclusive Stage 4 activity) and learning the skills of European Handball should make Thursday lunchtimes look fast and furious!

It has been very encouraging as well to see so many students in Years 8-10, seize the opportunity to participate in a camp experience after all the cancellations that have happened this year. While the experiences may differ slightly to previous years, and safety is of the utmost importance, the opportunity to be involved is something to be truly appreciated. Some of the changed activities, we will actually embed in the camps for future years.

Upon their return from the Urban Challenge, Year 10 students will also receive notification of the Year 11 Study Camp in 2021 at Stanwell Tops. This Camp takes place very early in the term, and therefore planning has to be done now. All forms need to be completed and returned to Mrs Scrimshaw by 27 November. 

Mrs Jenny Clay
Assistant Principal/Head of Secondary

I have spoken with a number of students across the last two terms regarding the need for them to make wise choices when using of phones and social media, focusing on looking after themselves and their friends. Some students have found out that sharing information within a “private” group does not prevent the information becoming “public” and is shared outside of the private group. I am keen to see all members of the School Community uphold the ethos and values of RJ in all our interactions, especially through the use of social media.

USE OF PHONES

Students are permitted to bring phones to School, however they are to be stored in the student’s locker throughout the School day. Phones are not permitted in the classroom nor are they to be taken to Sport. Parents who wish to contact their child may ring the School who will either pass on a message or organise the student to access the phone at Student Reception. 

UNIFORM

Students are required to wear hats during break times when they are out in the sun. Students who do not wear hats will be required to stay under cover and they will not be permitted to play on the Sports Field.

Changeable weather does not permit changeable Uniform. Students are expected to wear the full Summer Uniform, with the School jumper on cooler days this term. The sports jacket or any hoodie is not permitted to be worn with the Summer Uniform. Students who wear the incorrect Uniform will be issued a demerit, non-uniform Items will need to be stored in their locker or possibly confiscated until the end of the day.

Mr Brad Maxwell
Director of Welfare

We are currently unable to have parents on site, so parents can either drop off their children at the School gate on Hyatts Road, or alternatively drop off in the School turnaround (only 2 min max). 

• 8:30am Student introductions in the Hall. Please note laptops are not required on Orientation Day.
• 9:00am Two Testing Sessions, through to lunch; the results assist Staff to plan for learning needs and for class placements in Year 7 2021.
• 12:30pm Lunch – Students are asked to bring a packed lunch, however, lunch may be purchased from the School Canteen.
• 1:30pm Home Groups and Year 7 Introduction. 
• 2:15pm Team building activities.
• 2:45pm Pick up at School gate on Hyatts Road or drive into School turnaround. NB. Please ensure your child knows which option. (RJ Year 6 students may finish as normal at 3.20pm.)

Year 6 students are to wear their current Summer School Uniform and bring a writing pad/pen and their own Morning Tea and Lunch in a small bag.

PARENT INFORMATION SESSION - ONLINE

We will hold our Parent Information Session via Zoom from 5:30pm, which will also include the BYOD segment and time for questions. Please find the link below:

Parent Information Session Zoom Link

Mrs Julia Scrimshaw
Director of Studies

Students in Stage 4 have received a special box, brochure and letter 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. 

Something to Love: Teddy bear, Doll, Soft toy, Soccer ball and Small pump

Something for Hygiene: Soap and face washer, Toothbrush, Hairbrush, Comb, Scrunchies and Hair-clips

Something to help with Learning: Exercise books, Pens/Pencils, Pencil case, Colouring pencils, Sharpener, Erasers, Chalk

Something to Wear: T-shirt, Polo shirt, Shorts, Skirt, Beanie, Sandals, Thongs

Something to play with: Tennis ball, Toy Cars, Skipping rope, Marbles, Musical instruments, Yo-yo, Slinky, Finger puppets, Wind-up torch

Something Special: Carry bag, Sunglasses, Bangles, Stickers, Necklaces, Craft kits, Personal note, Photo of yourself

We will be having a celebration and checking the boxes at School next week on Tuesday 10 November. 

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.

Because of the Secondary Camps being held this week, the return date for boxes has been extended till Monday 9 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

The schedule for returning textbooks is as follows:

• Year 10 - Friday 20 November
• Year 7 - Wednesday 25 November
• Year 7 - Thursday 26 November
• Year 9 - Friday 27 November 

SUMMER READING

Loans for Summer Reading will begin on Tuesday 1 December, once all books are returned.

Don’t forget that we have our eBook platform Wheelers, which has eBooks as well as audiobooks.

Enjoy some reading over the Summer holidays, or maybe listen to your favourite book. 

Find the ePlatform at https://rjas.wheelers.co/, via the library catalogue (Oliver) link from the RJ Learning tab of the Portals section on the school website, or from the Library course on Canvas. Log in using your school network username and password.

Watch this short video for some tips on downloading your audiobook using the ePlatform mobile app for offline listening to save your personal data use - https://youtu.be/xaeJadKUTrg

If you need some help or would like a demonstration as to how the eBook platform works, come to The Hub at lunchtime.

Happy reading…

Mrs Pam Shaw
Secondary Librarian 

There are a variety of different opportunities for the students to serve others and these activities are outlined in a letter that all Year 10 students will be receiving later this week. In general, students will come to School at the normal times and will leave for their different activities after Home Group. The students will return to School in time to catch their bus or be collected. However, there are several activities where students will need to be at School before 8.00am. Students will be informed of particular travel times when they receive their venues for the week.

If students are going outside the School, they will need to bring their own food and drink for the day. Students will wear full Sports Uniform for the activities. This includes correct shoes, socks and School hat. We are looking forward to a week filled with many opportunities for our students to serve others. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at School on 9677 2455 or by email – [email protected] 

Mr Stewart Rowe
Director of Service Learning/Ministry 

Any pushbike can be donated as long as it only needs a general clean up and minor repairs eg 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 - [email protected]. I will be in contact with you once we had determined if we have enough donated bikes to proceed with the activity. We will need to know about the number of bikes available by Wednesday of this week. Thank you for considering our request.  

Mr Stewart Rowe
Service Learning (7-12)

The Year 4 Pyjamarama had Year 8 students (Jaidwyn J, Bethany A, Annabelle R, Kaitlin G, Hilton N, Daniel R, Logan N and Rafael R) participate as student leaders and Secondary students (Erica H, Liana N, Alyssia B, Hanniel S, Connor M, Grace H, Kate N, Joshua J, Elizabeth F, Isabelle F and Matthew M) from the Service Team run activities during the evening. 

The students demonstrated excellent skills, being proactive and enthusiastic, completing the tasks for which they were given very responsibly. They were very supportive of the teachers and helped the Year 4 students have a great time. All the students were congratulated on their efforts during the evening and overnight. 

Thank you to the Primary teachers for their support and guidance of the Secondary students at these events. 

Mr Stewart Rowe
Director of Service Learning/Ministry

• Water Safety
• Ice Skating
• Rock Climbing
• Flipout
• Boxercise & Fitness
• St Marys Indoor Sports

Years 9&10 have completed their Water Safety classes. In these sessions our students were able to learn different rescue techniques and basic safety around water. We will be continuing these opportunities for Years 7&8 from Week 5 until the end of Term 4.

END OF YEAR SWIM DAY

This year, Secondary Students will be attending Cables Wake & Aqua Park. Due to the interruptions this year, the School Executive have decided to offer this experience to all Secondary students at no cost. This means that students will not have to pay for transport or entry to the venue. At this venue students will have access to the Aqua Park, Basketball Court, Volleyball Court and Jumping Pillow. As an option, students may be registered for an opportunity to try Wakeboarding or Knee-boarding.

All students will need to be registered through the RJAS App by Thursday 12 November. This event is classed as a regular School day. No alternate supervision is offered for those who choose not to attend. For all students attending a waiver form for each child will be required to be brought back to their Home Group Teacher.

Where: Cables Wake & Aqua Park

When: Wednesday 2 December 

Time: Meet at School for 8:30am

Mr David Hyde
Secondary Sports Coordinator 

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 ([email protected]) 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.