16 February 2021

Our RJ Day Assemblies were a timely reminder of the great things that God can do through our lives. We reflected on how Reverend Richard Johnson, the first Anglican minster who arrived with the First Fleet, contributed to not only the spiritual sphere of the first colony but also to the state of education and agriculture at the time. We also learned that as we allow God to use the gifts He has placed within our lives, we get to live out the dreams He has placed deep within us also.

It was unfortunate that the Parent Information Evenings which were planned for the start of the year, where families and staff could make connections, were not able to go ahead. Instead, our staff did a quick pivot and prepared informative videos so parents could still have access to important information as the year began. If you missed out on catching these for Primary K-6 and Stage 6, refer to the relevant links sent out by both Heads of Primary from Oakhurst and Marsden Park respectively and our Head of Secondary last week. The link to this week’s Stage 4 Information Video will be sent by Mrs Scrimshaw to Stage 4 families shortly. 

One of the highlights of the School year are our camps and there was no COVID virus going to stop them happening this year. Our Year 5 &6 students attended their camp at Teen Ranch at the start of last week. Judging from the huge grins on the faces I saw alighting the buses after the camp, I think our students were certainly happy campers. The Year 11 Study Camp was a huge success also as students got to travel to a most beautiful part of the coast – Stanwell Tops – where not all the sessions were serious. Our new Study Samurai study skills program was introduced to the students and is going to prove to be a valuable asset to our students as they move through the year towards the start of the HSC.

The last camp to depart for this term is the Year 7 Camp at Waterslea. I’m looking forward to spending some time down there with the students on Thursday evening this week as we compete in a Minute to Win It Battle!

All parents are cordially invited to the first P&F Association Meeting for the year, held in the Hall tonight at 7pm. It is the official forum for parents’ questions, opinions and ideas. Some new changes that we would like to Pilot over the next twelve months within the School will be shared. 

So, as we continue into the term, may I encourage you to place God in the forefront of your minds and hearts as you travel life’s journey. His promise to us is that He will be with us and even go ahead of us. As I close this week’s edition of the RJ Review, I leave you with these two verses of Scripture…

“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. 

“And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8.

Mr Alan Dawson
Principal (Acting)

Another issue that has arisen in Secondary is the inappropriate use of mobile phones. The Secondary Diary (p7 – Section 9:15) outlines the appropriate use of mobile phones, Apple watches and Smartwatches. Please note:

Students who are found to be using their Smart Watch/Apple watch to access their phone or who are found in the possession of their mobile phone in class or on the playground during school hours, will have the item confiscated for a specified period of time.

One week has been the traditional length of time. If a student is unable to leave the phone for a week, a redemption fine of $10 applies, which has been custom and practice since mobile phones were permitted at RJ in the early 2000s and students are frequently reminded of this. The fine increases by $5 for each ongoing infraction in a calendar year – we find that the first one is usually a sufficient deterrent. At the end of the year, all monies are donated to charity. In 2020, this was Anglicare.

I would ask parents to not put your child in a difficult position by messaging them at School. Anything you need to make them aware of, such as changed pickup arrangements in the afternoon, will be passed on by Student Reception. Likewise, it is an awkward conversation when students have texted parents to let them know they are not feeling well, and a parent arrives to collect them from Student Reception. Again, any student who is unwell should come straight to Student Reception, and staff will care for them and contact parents. Students are also reminded that they can’t be on campus using their phones as a camera to take photos of friends, even after the bell has rung at the end of the day. School is still school, and a phone is still just that in this situation. 

It was wonderful to have the Swimming Carnival (our first full event for three years) and see so many students actively involved. The Sports Captains did a great job organising the novelty events, under the watchful eye of Mr Sukkarieh. We are looking at further ways to promote House spirit and House points across both campuses, not just in the sporting arena but also in creative arts and academic fields. It will be another exciting year of close competition! 

Parent Resource - COVID-19 Bulletin: Keeping Families and Children Well 

Mrs Jenny Clay
Deputy Principal (Acting) 

3J left us with this wonderful verse from James 1:17 'Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.' 

STAGE 3 CAMP         

Our Year 5 and 6 students enjoyed an activity-filled camp at Teen Ranch last week. It was a great time of attempting new things (challenge by choice), forming new friendships and enjoying God’s creation. Favourite activities included the Giant Swing, Tower Rock Climbing, Horse Riding, Canoeing and Pool Games. A special thank you to Mrs Bichescu, Mr Mitchell, Miss Parata, Mrs Horton and Mr Reed who accompanied the students to Teen Ranch.

LUNCHTIME GROUPS/CO-CURRICULAR            

Our Infants and Primary students at Oakhurst are being spoiled for choice with a number of co-curricular groups on offer most lunchtimes or before/after school. The Hive (Primary Library) is proving popular for various year groups rostered on during lunch throughout the week. Chess, Gardening Club, Footsteps, J-Crew, Bucket Drumming, Hot Shots Tennis and Debating are starting up and music groups including RJ Singers, Ricky J Dancers, Cantabile Choir, Dance Troupe and RJ Dancestars are getting into their lunchtime or before school groove. Some sport training and workshops are commencing in coming weeks as well. We are blessed to have such dedicated and enthusiastic staff who readily give their time and expertise to make Primary School at RJ such a rich experience.

SCHOOL SHOE REMINDER    

The Uniform Policy states that school shoes must be lace‐up, traditional black school‐style leather shoes without buckles or zippers. Kindergarten and Year 1 are permitted to wear School shoes with Velcro straps if required. The Mary-Jane Velcro style shoe that leaves a percentage of the top of the foot uncovered is not a suitable choice, as the foot is largely unprotected. Safe footwear is a necessity at School both in the classroom and playground. If your daughter currently has the Mary Jane shoe, we ask that these are replaced as soon as possible. Similarly, black joggers are not acceptable as school shoes and must be replaced with a traditional lace up school shoe style. 

PARENTS OF K-2 LITERACY INFORMATION EVENING  

On Tuesday 23 February at 6:30pm we will be holding a Literacy Information Evening in the Primary Courtyard for parents of students in Kindergarten to Year 2. This information session will explain the aspects of literacy and how they are approached here at RJ, with practical tips to consolidate literacy progress at home. We encourage parents to attend to better understand the importance of literacy acquisition, which lays the vital foundation of future learning. Email with further information to come.

COVID-SAFE PRACTICE AT RJ  

We are currently following the Australian School Library Association guidelines in sanitising books and worksheets that travel between home and School. This includes the quarantining of worksheets for a minimum of 24 hours plus hard cover library books and readers being wiped with disinfectant and left for one day before being shelved or redistributed. You may notice changes with homework due to these safety protocols.

RAINCOATS     

God has blessed us with some rainfall recently, so it is a timely reminder to make sure your child has a raincoat always folded away in their school bag.

STUDENT FORUM 

Congratulations to the following students from Years 4-6 who will represent RJ Oakhurst Primary on the Student Forum –   

• Year 4: Ridhima P and Aryan L        
• Year 5: Trinity C and Jabez T    
• Year 6: Sophie P and Lucas L                                                                                       

These students will receive their badges at Assembly this week.

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

We have had to make the tough decision to present Grandparents’ Day online this year due to the large numbers of family members that join us onsite for this special day each year. Each Grade will prepare their presentation and video links will be available via Seesaw on Friday 5 March. As we can’t travel the world at present – RJ are going to bring parts of the world to you! More details to come.

Have a safe and happy week.

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary - Oakhurst

CAFÉ LUNCH ORDERS AND MUNCH MONITOR

Munch Monitor is not available for our Marsden Park Campus as our lunch orders are sourced externally through a local café. K-6 lunch orders are sent to school in an envelope with the correct money on Thursday for Friday lunch delivery.  

DROP OFF AND PICK UP PROCEDURES

Our morning and afternoon drop off and pick up procedures are now operating smoothly, and I thank parents for their participation in this process. Please note the following procedures ongoing:

• The carpark speed limit is 10 km/h. Do not exceed this speed.
• Be careful of other vehicles when backing into or out of car spaces.    
• Ensure you park within one car space only.
• Do not park over the pedestrian crossing when using Kiss and Drop. The crossing must remain clear for pedestrian access. 
• No overtaking other vehicles at any time. Single line continuous traffic flow only. 
• Morning drop-off – Pre-K and Kindergarten parents may continue to park their car and walk their child into the school or use the Kiss and Drop zone. Parents with students in Years 1-6 use the Kiss and Drop zone only. 

Thank you for your ongoing support to ensure our carpark remains safe for our students and families. 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE PRACTICES

Over the coming weeks, students will participate in both Evacuation and Lockdown drills to ensure students are aware of what to do in the event of an emergency. Your child may speak with you about these drills, but note they are only practice sessions. 

GRANDPARENTS’ DAYS – CHANGE OF FORMAT

Grandparents’ Days are special days for our students and grandparents. With COVID restrictions, we are unable to invite Grandparents onsite in 2021. Instead, we will be recording stage Items and uploading video files that can be shared with grandparents, regardless of where they are in Australia or the world. Students will also make a special gift for their grandparents. Videos will be available by Friday 5 March with parents emailed the relevant information to forward on to grandparents. Although a different format, I know grandparents will still thoroughly enjoy seeing the children perform, and for the first time ever, parents will also get to have a sneaky look at Grandparents Day special Items.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART – SKIPPING FUNDRAISER

K-6 students enjoyed a presentation this morning from Jump Rope for Heart as we prepare for our annual skipping fundraiser. Ropes are already busily turning in the COLA as students prepare to showcase their skipping skills. Notes and fundraising information will be sent home with students this week.  

K-2 PARENT LITERACY SESSION

Our Parent Literacy Session will be the first onsite parent session held since the start of COVID restrictions. At this point, we are able to hold this event in the COLA whilst adhering to COVID guidelines for schools. The K-2 Parent Literacy session will be held on Thursday 25 February at 6:30pm for parents who have pre-registered their attendance. During this evening Mrs Taylor and Mrs McLeod will explain the reading process, ways to support your child with their reading at home, as well as the InitiaLit reading and spelling program. The presentation is the same as previous years so parents of a child in Year 1 who attended last year do not need to attend, nor do parents of children in Year 2 who attended in 2019 or 2020. The InitiaLit program has been extended into Year 2 so parents may like to attend to learn more about this program. Information for parents to register will be sent home this week.

MARSDEN PARK CAMPUS OPEN DAY

An Open Day will be held for Pre-K to Year 6 2022 new enrolments at our Marsden Park Campus on Saturday 27 February between 9:00-11:00am, with sessions and tours at 9:00, 9:45 and 10:30am. Current RJ families do not attend these sessions as you are already familiar with our Campus. Registration is essential on the School’s website. https://enrol.rjas.nsw.edu.au/events 

STUDENT FORUM

Congratulations to our new Primary Student Forum representatives from our Marsden Park Campus – William C (4M), Edyn S (4P), Bronte S (5M) and Ben V (6M). These students, along with the Primary Captain, Isobel C (6M), will represent Marsden Park students at Student Forum meetings, where students raise and discuss matters of importance to the students in our School. 

STAGE 3 CAMP – TEEN RANCH

Stage 3 students had a wonderful time at Teen Ranch last week, participating in archery, pool games, rock climbing and giant swing. In the evening they enjoyed a bush walk and campfire. Thank you to Mrs Etherington for accompanying the students and helping them have such a wonderful camp experience.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

School shoe suppliers are promoting a range of shoes as school shoes, however, many of these shoes are do not adhere to the School Uniform and Presentation Policy. School shoes must be a traditional full foot leather school shoe (not a black jogger style), black lace-ups (K-6) or Velcro for (K-1). Velcro shoes with a cut out in the front (Mary Jane style) are not acceptable nor are shoes with a jogger type high-arched sole and face. Please see examples below of acceptable shoes, noting the sole and traditional school shoe style. If your child is wearing any other form of footwear they need to be changed in the next 2-3 weeks.     

Acceptable earrings for girls are plain gold or silver studs or sleepers only. All other earrings are to be removed. No coloured stones, ‘diamond’ bling or shaped earrings are permitted. Examples of acceptable earrings (in either gold or silver):

No necklaces or bracelets may be worn. These items must be removed. 

ZONE SWIMMING

We wish the 7 qualifying students from our Marsden Park Campus all the best as they join with qualifying students from the Oakhurst Campus to represent RJ at the Primary Zone Swimming Carnival this Thursday 18 February. State Swimming will be held on Monday 8 March for students who qualify at the Zone Carnival. 

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

"My favourite activities about Teen Ranch camp were the giant swing, archery and making a campfire. The giant swing was scary but fun at the same time. When it was my turn to ride, I decided to go to the very top because it would not be fun if I went small. It was fun!" - Mia D

"We had chicken burgers for lunch which were very good. Then playtime, but after that, we went walking for an HOUR!!! I liked going to the campfire at the end of our walk. We had marshmallows, yummy marshmallows. Then we came back and had a sleep." - Christian M

"My favourite things I enjoyed at the Teen Ranch Camp were pool games and the giant swing. I loved the pool games because I got to have fun with my friends and play games. Some games I played were over and under and charades. I also loved the giant swing because I got to face my fears and help pull up my classmates on a rope." - Titilayo T

"I loved doing archery at camp. It was like a bow and arrow and we learned how to use them. Also, we learned the ‘golden rules’. We also had teams called the Watermelons, The Popcorns, The Gang Gang Sports and The Pineapples! There were four teams." - Roopan T

Mrs Carmen Etherington
Primary Teacher 

This Year we will be using the Study Samurai Library in Secondary. This excellent program was launched with our Year 11 students during their camp, but is available to all parents and students. Everyone will have access to the same resource and this will allow parents to really help their child/children by understanding the integrated approach we are taking to study. Additionally, I will be sharing a study tip of the month. I encourage you to print this off and share it with your child/children. This month’s tip relates to homework and can be accessed by clicking in the link below:

Why do we have to do Homework?

To access Study Samurai click on the link below to gain access:

Study Samurai Access

Our School’s subscription details are:

Username: [email protected]

Password: success21

The Study Samurai Library subscription allows access to 3 online resources:

• Study Samurai video lessons (75 short video lessons with quizzes)
• Study Skills Handbook (43 topics on study skills)
• Online Wellbeing Course (17 topics on wellbeing)

INFORMATION EVENINGS

Further to my previous communication it was with great disappointment that we needed to cancel all of the Secondary Information Evenings. These sessions have been replaced by video presentations that will provide parents with the information relevant to their child. I will shortly email Stage 4 parents with their presentation. Please do take the time to view these videos and should you require any further information, do not hesitate to contact me. 

MINIMUM STANDARDS TESTING

Students in Years 11 and 12 who are yet to complete the HSC Minimum Standards Testing criteria will undertake these tests in the next two weeks. Students have four opportunities in a calendar year to meet the standards. Year 10 students will complete the testing later this term in English and Maths classes. All testing is delivered online.

Mrs Julia Scrimshaw 
Acting Head of Secondary/Director of Studies 

LATE ARRIVALS

Students who arrive late to school need to sign in at Student Reception. Parents are required to provide a reason for the late arrival otherwise a demerit will be issued.

BRINGING TECHNOLOGY ON CAMPUS

• All phones and headphones must be put in lockers from the 8am bell onwards.
• No phones, headphones or laptops are to be used at break times.
• Students may use their laptop in the Hub to complete school work.
• If students use a SMARTWATCH to access the internet/phone it will be confiscated as if it was a mobile phone being used in class.

Finally, I hope and pray the Year 7 Camp this week will be a great experience. Thank you to all who will make this event a great one. Remember if you have any questions or concerns, please make contact with the School, do not leave the question unanswered.

Mr Brad Maxwell
Director of Welfare/Assistant Director of Studies  

Our roles mostly include:

• In-class support
• Support with assessments (mostly to get started and accountability)
• Reading assessments – YARC (York Assessment of Reading Comprehension)
• 1:1 remedial reading
• IPs (Independent Plans)/ITPs (Independent Transition Plans) 
• Disability Provisions for examinations and in-class assessment tasks
• Learning Centre (B9) and Study@The Hub

However, if you do have any concerns, please consult with your child’s subject teacher in the first instance and they will ascertain what help may be required.

If you would like further information about any other Learning Support matter, please feel free to contact me at the school or email [email protected].

STUDY@THE HUB 

Students are invited to make use of both the lunch time and afternoon sessions. Students can attend and work on their homework, assessment tasks or revise their past work. Students do not need to book in, just turn up with a willingness to work. Staff are available to assist and give guidance. The lunch time sessions are on Monday, Thursday and Friday during the second half of lunch in Seminar Room 5. The afternoon sessions run from 3:30 – 4:30 every day in The Hub. Please note that this is for Secondary students only and usual school expectations apply.

Have a great year,     

Mrs Kerrie Lyons
Learning Support Co-ordinator (7-12) 

Looking ahead into 2021, we are hoping to regroup and keep pursuing the Award over the year. This week I will be meeting with students who are current participants in the Award and encouraging them to work towards the level they want to achieve this year. Many are at different stages and we are hoping we can have students presented with their DofE Award on Presentation Night.

If you have a child who is Year 9 and you or they are interested in knowing more about the Award, then they can come and see me during school breaks or you can go to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award website at dukeofed.com.au and see what the Award involves. Our upcoming Year 9 Camp in Term 2 will enable students to complete the Practice Journey which is part of the Adventurous Journeys section in the Award. As a School and as the Coordinator, we aim to let students experience all kinds of achievement and this is a highly recognised way of pursuing this.  

Mr Chris Bemrose 
Secondary Teacher 

We acknowledge many of the teachers who volunteered to accompany the students on various activities, giving up their own time. 

Despite the constraints that COVID-19 placed on a number of activities that the students could participate in, there was a wide variety of different opportunities for the students to serve others. 

The activities included: Packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child at Samaritans Purse, packing Christmas Hampers at Foodbank and Hands and Feet (a local charity), cooking for a local preschool, sewing and woodwork for Operation Christmas Child, garden maintenance at RJAS, maintenance at Olson Reserve, assisting in the Primary classrooms at the Oakhurst and Marsden Park Campuses, Graffiti Removal, Bike Maintenance and helping in the Hub and IT departments.

A special thank you to the parents who donated bikes for the Bike Maintenance project. We delivered 11 bikes to Bikes4Life, a charity that repairs and prepares bikes to be sent to many parts of Australia and the World, including Cambodia and Africa.

We are very proud of the students’ efforts, as they were fine ambassadors for the School, their families and themselves. Well done Year 10.

Mr Stewart Rowe
Service Learning Co-ordinator 

AFL PAUL KELLY CUP TRIALS

This week trials will commence for the Paul Kelly Cup. We will be fielding a boys’ team only this year as we didn’t have enough interested girls. Once a team has been chosen, training will commence on Tuesday after school for those who are able to attend.

BASKETBALL AFTERSCHOOL CLINIC

A Basketball Afterschool Clinic will run for four Monday afternoon sessions at the Oakhurst Campus, commencing in Week 6. There are limited places available to students in Years 2-6 for students from both the Oakhurst and Marsden Park Campus. 

This clinic will only have 20 places. Details will be found on the RJ App towards the end of the week. You must first secure your position on the TryBooking website. Once positions are secure, an electronic permission will be required after entries close. Hurry, this is a limited clinic and no other places will be granted.

CSSA APP

One way to keep up to date with everything CSSA related is to download the CSSA app. This is fantastic to have for up to date information regarding wet weather, location details, team meetings and training sessions.

CIS also have an equivalent app that you can download.

Download App

CSSA AND CIS TRIALS

At various stages of the year, there will be trials in various sports at CSSA level and CIS level (higher level) for representative teams. Notification of trials will be found in the RJ Review every fortnight as well as being found on the CSSA and CIS apps. 

If your child is playing in a representative team in their chosen sport, this is the standard required to try out for these types of teams. Anyone interested in trialling needs to inform Mr Mitchell via email ([email protected]) by the cut-off date listed in the RJ Review for potential entry. The cut off dates are earlier than the CSSA and CIS dates as we need to process these applications.

CSSA EVENTS – COMING UP

• Zone Swimming Carnival (Event Date – Thursday 18 February)
• Primary Boys Soccer Trials cut off - Wednesday 17 February (Event Date – Friday 5 March)
• CSSA State Swimming Carnival (Event Date – Monday 8 March)

CIS EVENTS – COMING UP

• Primary Boys AFL Trials cut off - Wednesday 17 February (Event Date – Thursday 4 March)

GALA DAYS – COMING UP

• AFL Paul Kelly Cup (Event Date – TBC). Trials will commence soon for Stage 3 boys and girls from both Campuses.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

We look forward to another year of participating in Jump Rope for Heart and raising money for the Heart Foundation. Our launch for this fundraiser will take place this week when the Jump Rope for Heart representative comes to visit our two Campuses on Tuesday and Wednesday morning of this week. Our Jump Off program runs until the end of Term 1 which will culminate in our Jump Off Day at each Campus.

SOCCER CLINIC

The soccer clinics held last year will continue in 2021. The Years 1-2 clinic will take place on Thursday mornings and a 3-6 clinic on Friday afternoons at the Oakhurst Campus. The clinics will run for the duration for the year and there is no need to commit to the year. Each term there will be an option to participate and there will be limited places available for these clinics. 

Due to the timing of the Years 1-2 clinic, this clinic will only be available to Oakhurst students as the finish time is close to morning bell times. The Years 3-6 clinic will be open to both Oakhurst and Marsden Park students.

Just a reminder for those students who have already registered for the Friday clinic, students are to be picked up from the Dryden Avenue Gates at 4:40pm.The registration time for these events has now closed.

TENNIS

Tennis training for the Hot Shots program will commence this Wednesday at the Oakhurst Campus. Students from Years 3-4 will train each Wednesday morning and a squad will be chosen at the end of the term to then become our Todd Woodbridge Cup Team later on in the year.

At present, this is only offered to Oakhurst students due to the timing of the training before school. We look forward to running this program in the future at our Marsden Park Campus.

ZONE AND CIS STATE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

We look forward to the allowed upcoming Zone Swimming Carnival this Thursday at Glenbrook. Unfortunately, there are no spectators at this event. We wish all of our competitors the best of luck and we hope they can set some new personal best times. Just a reminder that the bus will depart from the front of the Oakhurst Campus at 7:30am.

Students who finish with one of the top three times in an individual event or in one of the team relays will qualify for the CIS Swimming Carnival. Unfortunately, due to current restrictions at the Blacktown Aquatic Centre, parents are not allowed to attend.

TRAINING

Training for various Gala Days will take place on Tuesday afternoons throughout the course of the year. While these training sessions are not compulsory, it will be good to have our students come together for these sessions to develop their teamwork. In Term 1, AFL will be the main focus with Paul Kelly Cup training. Training sessions will be from 3:40-4:40pm. Most of these sessions will be with Mr Mitchell. 

We will also hold training for our soccer teams on Wednesday afternoons from 3:40-4:40pm at the Oakhurst Campus. As there are more opportunities for soccer Gala Days throughout the course of the year, we are holding a dedicated day for training. This will be open to our Open Girls’ team, Stage 2 and Stage 3 Boys’ teams. We will hold trials at lunches over the next couple of weeks for these teams. The teams selected will be the teams chosen for the different soccer Gala Days entered in 2021 (excluding WSCS soccer). While this is not compulsory, it would be beneficial for the students to train together to build their teamwork. When teams have been selected, electronic permissions will go home.

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Primary Sports Co-ordinator 

What is your favourite food?

Anything Thai.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Walking my dog Lucy, reading a good book and watching movies with my family.

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

2021! RJ’s mission statement, “to provide a dynamic, caring Christian educational community, founded on the Lordship of Jesus Christ, to foster learning excellence” excites me!

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

Seeing my students develop as active participants and risk takers in their own learning.

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

Swimming at Mollymook beach with my family and a pod of dolphins too! So thrilling and magical! It felt like a dream! 

Why did you become a Christian?

I responded to the very real calling from God to stop trying to control my life and completely turn my will and my life over to Jesus Christ at the age of 15.

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

Isaiah 40:29-31 “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

This is the scripture that the Holy Spirit used to bring me to Christ. 

What is something you want to achieve?

I’d love to one day be able to run 5km.

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

Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom. Her dedication and commitment to serving as the longest reigning monarch is inspiring! 

What is your favourite food?

Any homemade food. Preferably made by someone other than me!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Visiting friends and family, going to the city, walking and reading, watching the Australian Ballet (pre-COVID!)

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

2021. To contribute to a dynamic and diverse School community. 

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

Getting to know students and assisting students in their knowledge and understanding.

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

The privilege of visiting the MET, Museum in New York. Then visiting the next day, and then the day after that…

Why did you become a Christian?

I became a Christian because God in His grace gives forgiveness, perfect peace, everlasting love and eternal life.

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

My favourite Bible passage is Luke 18:9-14. Jesus gives his listeners a radical example of how in God’s mercy, the humble are exalted. 

What is something you want to achieve?

One day I would like to restore and drive a 1959 Jaguar Mark 2.

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

I would like to meet Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany. She leads the world’s fourth largest economy. 

What is your favourite food?

This week it is Filipino Pancit, next week it could be Albondigas – I can’t pick favourites I love all food. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

We have two bird aviaries in the backyard, filled with Budgies, Finches and a Cockatiel that whistles the Addams Family tune. I enjoy watching the babies grow and develop. 

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

January 2021 – I believe it was in God’s plan for me to work at RJ. I’ve been a member of the community as a parent for so long and I know how fabulous the School is. 

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

I will enjoy being the ‘First Impression’, the first face people will see when they visit the Main Reception. I enjoy meeting new people. 

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

When I was younger I worked for Club Med on Lindeman Island in the Whitsundays QLD. I was on the Reception team but also was involved with theatre shows, games night etc. It was a lot of fun. 

Why did you become a Christian?

I was baptised as an infant into the Catholic faith believing that we choose to be faith filled Christians every day of our lives through our words and deeds. I try to become the best version of myself by living my Christian faith. 

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

Psalm 23. It reminds me that God is our protector and our guidance no matter how difficult life can get He gives us hope. 

What is something you want to achieve?

A tricep push up! No matter how hard I try I just can’t seem to get it right.  

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

J.K Rowling. Not only because I think a conversation with the creator of the wizarding world would be interesting but to hear her talk about her charitable organisations in which she tries to overcome poverty and social inequality. It would be very inspiring! 

BEGINNER GUITAR PROGRAM: GROOVY GUITARS/ROOKIE GUITARS

Our multi-tiered Primary Beginner Guitar Program (Groovy Guitars) and Secondary Beginner Guitar Program (Rookie Guitars), expertly led by Mr Juan Bogaz, are continuing this year. 

BEGINNER CONCERT BAND PROGRAM

Please see the attached link below for the Information/Permission note. All Beginner Concert Band Program group tutorials will also commence in Week 6. Information regarding the Beginner Concert Band tutorial groups will be published in the next RJ Review (Week 6).  

It is still not too late to secure a place in the Band Program. If your child would like to audition for the Beginner Concert Band Program, please complete and return the Beginner Instrumental Recruitment permission form to Student Reception - 2021 Primary Beginner Instrumental Program

Group tuition is offered in the following instruments:

• Flute
• Oboe
• Clarinet
• Alto Saxophone
• Tenor Saxophone
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Drumkit

Our 3-tiered Concert Band Program group tutorials and rehearsals recommence in Week 5. For parents of 2020 Band Program students – if you do not wish your child to continue this year in the program please let me know (if you haven’t already) in writing by the end of Week 4, or I will assume that your child is continuing throughout 2021.

RJAS STRINGS PROGRAM

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to Mrs Dimity Statheos, our new Secondary Music Teacher and Strings Tutor, who will be taking over the running of our Strings Program from Mrs Hales, who left at the end of 2020. Due to the hectic nature of last year’s final weeks, it has taken a bit of extra time in the setting up of this year’s program. Auditions for entry to the program will be held for Primary students later this week. This year, we will again have 5 Ensembles: 

• Novello Strings (Primary Beginners) 
• Stringendo (Primary Intermediate)
• Primo Strings (Secondary Beginners)
• Secondo Strings (Secondary Continuers)
• Paganini (Top-tier Secondary String Ensemble)

Group tuition is now available on Violin, Viola and Cello. All continuing Strings Program tutorials and rehearsal will commence in Week 5.

If your child is new to the school, and would like to audition for the Strings Program, please complete and return the Beginner Instrumental Recruitment permission form to Student Reception - 2021 Secondary Co-Curricular Beginner Music

PRIVATE LESSONS

Some of our tutors have already commenced Private lessons. There are, however, many vacancies on all instruments. For your information, the Private Tuition form is included in this newsletter. Please return the permission form 2021 Private Music Tuition Parent Letter Oakhurst to Mrs Robertson via email if you would like your child to have private lessons. 

2021 TECH TEAM

The Tech Team has begun the year in full swing, with the 3-12 RJ Day Assembly in Week 2, and Secondary Chapel in Week 3. Mr Manaloto continues as Technical Team Director, ably supported by Mr Hughes and Mr Burgess. The RJ Tech Team is a voluntary team of students of Years 7-12 who work with staff to provide technical production services for events each week. These services include lighting, sound mixing, video camera operation, vision mixing, multimedia and slideshow presentation, setup of band, sound and other stage equipment, post-production and more. 

This is a unique group for RJ in that it brings together students of all ages and experience levels to achieve impressively professional work. Every Friday morning before school, these students assemble and test equipment in preparation for Assemblies and Chapel services. Some students enjoy the Tech Team as it is a way to serve others. Some enjoy the technical aspects. Some find leading a technical section, while under the pressure of an event, exhilarating. Some find the Tech Team is an artistic outlet. Others find the systematic processes calming. Together, all members gain a sense of belonging, and a greater respect for others through being involved, realising that everyone has something to offer. 

CHAPEL MUSIC TEAM

Due to Musical rehearsals on a Friday afternoon after school continuing until the end of Term 1, the Secondary Chapel Music Team will commence rehearsals at the start of Term 2. We are still seeking to further expand the Chapel Music Team and would love more musicians and singers who have a desire to minister to and serve the School in this valuable way to be involved. More information regarding the Chapel Music Team closer to the commencement of Term 2.

SOULSTICE!  

Our Secondary Vocal Ensemble, Soulstice! directed by Mr Manaloto is an auditioned group comprised of students from Years 7-12 which meets to rehearse on a Wednesday afternoon from 3:30pm - 4:30pm. Soulstice is looking forward to preparing for a variety of performance opportunities throughout 2021, such as the TASC Choral Festival in Term 2, School Assemblies, Chapels, our annual Term 3 Ensembles Extravaganza and Secondary Presentation Night. 

MASTER TIMETABLE

Here is the 2021 Co-Curricular Music Program Master timetable for your child’s tutorial and Ensemble day/time. It is a good idea to print off a copy to put on the fridge door! Co-Curricular Music Program Master Timetable

If you would like to enquire further about our extensive Co-Curricular Music Program or Private Tuition lessons for your child, please email me at: [email protected]

Mrs Narelle Robertson
Music Co-ordinator