From the Acting Principal

Welcome Message from the Acting Principal

From the Acting Principal

We were certainly blessed at last week’s Swimming Carnival for Years 3-12. The sun shone bright and the students in attendance did our School proud. Students from our Marsden Park Campus joined us for the event which was outstanding with our largest student numbers in attendance than any previous year. While we were unable to have parents at the Carnival during that particular week due to the then COVID restrictions around the event, there was no lack of House Spirit. All four Houses were in fine spirit and looking to give their best. We owe a huge thanks to Mr Hyde and Mr Mitchell and their staff teams for the wonderful organisation of the day. Judging from the size of the day and the ever-increasing numbers at Marsden Park, I’m sure it won’t be too long before we will need to provide separate events for Years 3-6 and Years 7-12 in the future. 

Principal's Awards

Congratulations to the following students for receiving Principal's Awards at recent Assemblies:

From the Deputy Principal

Mrs Jenny Clay, Deputy Principal

From the Acting Deputy Principal

Negotiating rules in changing situations and settings can sometimes be tricky, especially when rules apply to one person, but not necessarily the person they sit beside. Students in Secondary are required to comply with the Public Health Orders regarding travel on buses and the wearing of masks. Whilst the Order is mandated for students over 12, we know that some students in Year 7 are not yet 12 years old. However, we have asked that all students in Years 7-12, unless they have a medical exemption, comply with this ruling. Teachers also have a list of students with medical conditions that will allow them an exemption from this Order. Consequently, teachers will address any issues with members of the public who may enquire. For your interest, the most recent bulletin from NSW Health is also attached to this edition of the RJ Review.

Primary Matters

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg, Head of Junior School

From the Head of Primary - Oakhurst

ASSEMBLIES

Our Primary Assemblies commenced last Friday in the Hall with a wonderful presentation from 3J as we began our ‘Getting to Know God’ series for Term 1. Some big questions were posed such as, Who is God? Who created God? How can we find out more about God? I was very impressed with Starlet’s impersonation of me – especially the glasses for reading! Mr Dawson also presented the first of our Principal’s Awards for the year and our 2021 Primary Captains, Hope and Josh, did a great job leading.

Mrs Narelle Taylor, Head of Diverse Learning (P-12)

From the Head of Primary - Marsden Park

ASSEMBLY & HOUSE MEETINGS

House Meetings replaced Primary Assembly in Week 1. It was great to see our new House Captains organising activities with their House and students enjoying special House time together. In Week 2, the School Vice-Captains and Secondary House Captains, along with Mr Dawson and Mrs Clay, attended the Marsden Park Campus for a special RJ Day Assembly where the students learnt more about the Rev Richard Johnson and 2M presented an Item helping us to learn who God is. After the Assembly, our Marsden Park Primary Leaders and Secondary Leaders met to discuss House matters and provide leadership tips. The students had a great time together. This week, 3/4P will be teaching us what God is like with 1M presenting an item in Week 5.  

5/6M Camp at Teen Ranch

Last Tuesday 5/6M travelled in style on a luxurious air-conditioned coach to the Teen Ranch campsite. What a spectacular campsite it was, surrounded by astonishingly beautiful trees, mountains and the Nepean River. Some of the students in 5/6M have written about their adventures below. 

Secondary Segments

Mrs Julia Scrimshaw, Head of Academics, Learning and Innovation (P-12)

From the Acting Head of Secondary

Last week Year 11 completed their Study camp. I always think of this short time away as a time for them to think and prepare, but also a time to strengthen relationships. The activities at camp are a mixture of academic, collaboration and team building. Students always seem to return to school with more purpose and a better understanding of the strong friendships they have formed. 

Mr Brad Maxwell - Head of Senior School

From the Director of Welfare

The term is moving very quickly, it is already Week 4, so it would be a great time for some reminders for students and their families regarding late arrivals and bringing technology on Campus.

Welcome to Learning Support 2021

We would like to say welcome to all RJ students and their families and to let you know how we can help in 2021. A Learning Support Teacher is responsible for each stage. They are Mrs Kerrie Lyons (7-12 Learning Support Coordinator, Stage 4 and 6) and Mrs Annette Sicard (Stage 5 and 6). These teachers are very ably assisted by Mrs Deb Rowe, Mrs Heather Robertson and Mrs Lisa Buisson our teacher aides who will be working with students from Years 7-12. 

Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was significantly impacted in 2020 with many places being closed for activities to be completed and even National Parks being closed to hikes. Obviously, this has had a major impact on students being able to complete the different sections of their Award so far. I want to give credit to some students who patiently persevered through this time and managed to complete some of their sections.

Year 10 2020 Service Week Review

Last year, students in Year 10 participated in Service Week where they volunteered and served others in varying locations and activities. At RJ, we highly encourage students to be involved in activities that meet the needs of other people. We know that Jesus served us and God has blessed us with so much. This was an opportunity to be a blessing to others. 

Sports Reports

Mr Gavin Mitchell - Junior School Sports Leader

Primary Sport Report

Welcome back to another year of Primary Sport. We look forward to all the Carnivals, Gala Days, WSCS competition in Terms 2 and 3, as well as a whole range of new initiatives which are outlined below.

 

Music Notes

Co-Curricular Music Program 2021

I’d like to extend to everyone a warm welcome to 2021. This year promises to be another very busy, yet exciting one for the Co-Curricular Music Program at RJAS.

Meet the Staff

Carmen Etherington - Marsden Park Primary Teacher

Get to know RJ's Marsden Park Primary Teacher, Mrs Carmen Etherington:

Alison Cocks - Secondary Teacher

Get to know RJ's Secondary Teacher, Mrs Alison Cocks:

Annemarie Le Roux - Receptionist

Annemarie Le Roux - Oakhurst Receptionist

Get to know RJ's new Receptionist, Mrs Annemarie Le Roux: