2 March 2021

I would also like to acknowledge the $13,641 grant from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership towards the upgrade of three drinking fountains and bottle refill stations at the Oakhurst Campus. We are always looking at how we can provide better hydration facilities for all of our students and with the support of Edmond Atalla MP with our application, we were able to secure this small grant.

As we still cannot have parents or grandparents on site for events during school hours, our Grandparents Days scheduled for this week at both the Marsden Park and Oakhurst Campuses, will be made available as a set of videos with links emailed out to families by the relevant Campus Head of Primary. These links can be forwarded to grandparents and other relatives for their viewing, so please look out for these by the end of the week.

It was great that we could host the K-2 Literacy Evenings last week. Our K-2 parents were able to enjoy our outdoor settings which provided for a limited number of seats for the event. Both nights were well attended and the presentations demonstrated how well we teach our research-based literacy program at RJ. Some great tips for supporting this teaching at home were prepared and provided to our parents.

By all counts, Year 7 Camp was a great success. Students enjoyed getting to know their peers a lot more closely as they engaged in a variety of fun-packed activities and crusader sessions together. When I arrived on Wednesday evening, the campsite was a buzz with excitement. That night, the program consisted of a range of Minute to Win It games full of small challenges to see which team could gain the most points by completing the challenging tasks set.

Our Open Days continue to be key promotional events that assist in attracting new families to RJ. If you have any extended family or friends who would be interested in sending their children to RJ in 2022 or future years, please let them know that they can enrol online on our website and also book in for an Open Day or tour of the School. Any tour enquiries can be made to Mrs Ghali our Operations Manager [email protected]  

On Friday of this week (March 5), tickets go on sale for our upcoming Secondary Musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This dynamic production is set to hit the RJ stage on Wednesday 24 March to Friday 26 March. This is the second time our School has produced a full length Broadway musical production with ‘live’ instrumental accompaniment and the move away from the use of backing tracks in performance. Our Performing Arts staff and students have been working hard to prepare the show since last October under some very restrictive COVID guidelines, but have managed to produce an extraordinary piece of musical theatre. Make sure you jump on line and purchase your tickets for this entertaining event. Details follow on the flyer at the end of this edition for details.

As I was sitting through the Primary Assembly presentations of 1M and 4J at Marsden Park and Oakhurst respectively in the last week, I was reminded about the desire God has to speak to us as His people. While these six and nine year olds portrayed the various ways through which God can speak to us, I also connected their message with the narrative of Joseph ‘the Dreamer’ in Genesis 37. God had given Joseph a dream about his future and how he would be some kind of leader and while this dream was tested through various situations Joseph endured, God was faithful to Joseph time and time again. Let’s never forget God’s faithfulness towards us as we move forward throughout 2021.

In our next edition, I will share some of the internal designs of our new Senior Learning Centre which we will hopefully commence construction on during the Easter break. 

Mr Alan Dawson
Principal (Acting)

Teaching and learning continues as normal, regardless of other activities, and I would ask parents to remember the processes we have in place for dealing with issues that arise. The first point of contact should always be the classroom teacher, because any enquiry will always begin there. Following that, the Curriculum Co-ordinator, Stage Co-ordinator (Primary) or Stage Welfare Co-ordinator (Secondary) should be contacted, depending on whether the matter is primarily academic or welfare related. We do have open lines of communication across the school, so no concern is treated lightly. However, I acknowledge that it may not be resolved to a parent’s immediate satisfaction, and the matter can be further discussed from there, with Heads of Section. 

I have been very impressed in recent weeks by the Secondary students in our School who have taken ownership of matters that have been discussed with them and resolved to move forward in a better way. This is about showing maturity and respect for the learning environment they share with others. In Primary it is not quite as easy, with our youngest minds still learning how to work and play co-operatively with others, every day, five days a week. I remember my own girls being so tired at the end of the day, let alone after a week! But patience, kindness, respect and care goes a long way. Our Year 6 buddies show just that with Kindergarten, and in Week 7 we’ll start to build connections between Year 12 and the Primary students who will be their buddies for the next three terms. 

Student Forum members have now received their badges (with the exception of Year 7, who will be inducted this Friday) and have met to start sharing ideas for 2021. The School Vice-Captains, Bridie and Samuel, will be meeting with both Primary Forums. The Marsden Park meeting will be conducted via Zoom on Fridays. The Secondary Student Leadership Training Day will now be held on 17 March at Quakers Hill Community Centre. This year we are planning to invite several “emerging leaders” in Years 10 and 11, to help prepare them for roles they might consider in 2022. I’m also looking forward to attending the Secondary Grip Leadership Conference with our Student Leadership Team at the end of March, while Mr Reed will take Primary students to a similar meeting a week earlier. Hopefully 2021 will give students many opportunities to practise their leadership skills in a wide range of settings.

It has been exciting to see many activities being planned and a sense of ‘normalcy’ returning to school. Let’s pray not only for ourselves, but the community at large, that the COVID virus will be suppressed and that the vaccination program will be smooth and successful. Let’s also remember to pray for the families in our School community who are finding life very tough at the moment, as they deal with ill-health, bereavement and family estrangement. Our God is full of mercy and compassion, and He uses us to show that wherever we can.

Mrs Jenny Clay
Deputy Principal (Acting) 

LITERACY EVENING  

Last Tuesday evening we held a Literacy Information Session for parents with children in K-2 with an encouraging number of attendees. It was great to welcome parents back onsite in a COVID-safe way. The elements of literacy were outlined along with teaching methods used at RJ and associated hints for parents to promote literacy development at home. A special thank you to Mrs McCormick and Mrs Jackson for their expertise on this night.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART 

Last week we had a visit from Jennifer, our Jump Rope for Heart Field Officer. She explained how the money currently being raised by our students will be used to assist medical advances into the field of heart disease – a major cause of death in Australia. Already over $1000 has been pledged from our RJ community. Our students have been practising and honing their skipping skills in PE lessons each week readying themselves for Jump Off Day on 1 April.

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

It’s almost here – the 2021 Virtual Oakhurst Primary Grandparents Day! This Friday 5 March links will be available on your child’s Seesaw account allowing you to view a Welcome video from the Primary Leaders and myself, plus a link to your child’s grade performance. Our theme this year is ‘RJ Bringing the World to You,’ as we know many of our extended families are overseas at present and travel is so limited. Looking forward to sharing this special day with a much-loved part of our School community.                                                                                          

BANDAGED BEAR DAY

This popular day will be held at Oakhurst on Tuesday 16 March with a House picnic for K-2 students plus fun bear-themed lunchtime activities for all grades to enjoy. Bandaged Bear Day supports the vital work of the Westmead Children’s Hospital. All students and teachers are encouraged to bring a bear to School for the day and wear a bandage. Notes with further details will come home this week.

MONEY AT SCHOOL

The canteen has informed us that a number of Stage 1 students have been bringing rather large note denominations to School. This presents problems with change, safety and over-purchasing. Please do not send more than $5 with your child to spend at the School canteen.

K-2 WATER FUN DAY

Our Stage 1 Water Fun Day has a new look this year and will be held on Wednesday 10 March at our Marsden Park Campus. We will be hiring fun water slides and setting up other water-based activities for the students to take part in. Check your emails in the coming days for further information and permission for your child to travel on the bus and participate.

SOCIAL MEDIA/CHAT SITES

We have had further issues at School arising from students being part of Chat and social media sites. I cannot urge parents strongly enough to monitor your child’s online activity. Social media sites require children to be 13 years and over – this includes TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Discord. RJ encourages parents to only allow their children access to these sites once they are in Secondary School.     

The following link contains useful advice and information for parents around online issues. https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents We would commend the section on Are they old enough? and Withstanding negative online experiences. Being informed and aware of your children’s online activity is key to keeping them safe.

The following links provide guidance for acting on instances where you are concerned cyber bullying may be occurring:

https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/cyberbullying

https://www.esafety.gov.au/report/cyberbullying

https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/discord 

Enjoy the rest of your week – here’s a lovely Bible verse to remind us of communicating with God.

'Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.' - Jeremiah 29:12

Have a safe and happy week.

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary - Oakhurst

BANDAGED BEAR DAY

Bandaged Bear Day will be held on Tuesday 16 March. Students in Years Pre-K to Year 2 participate in morning bear activities and are encouraged to bring ‘bear-themed' treats for Recess that day. All students (Pre-K to Year 6) bring along a gold coin donation, wear a bandage on their arm or leg and bring along a bear (bandaged of course). Due to the limited supply and difficulties we experienced last year receiving Bandaged Bear merchandise, this year we will be having Infant (Pre-K to Year 2) and Primary (3-6) lucky draws instead – with winners in both groups receiving a large (1st prize) or small (2nd prize) Bandaged Bear (purchased by the staff). Lunchtime bear activities will also be held. Students bring in money to participate in these activities. Unfortunately, parents are unable to join us for Bandaged Bear Day this year.

CAFÉ LUNCH ORDERS (K-6)

Please note that Café orders cannot be made via Munch Monitor. Orders are cash only – exact money. The café has requested that parents order only items listed on the menu (available on the School website) and pay using larger coins only rather than in 5 or 10 cent coins. 

CARPARK REMINDER

Parents are reminded that the carpark is single file only. Please do not overtake any other vehicle in the carpark at any time. Children may be exiting or entering the vehicle from both sides of the car. Safety in our carpark is paramount at all times. 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE PRACTICES

Over the past 2 weeks we have rehearsed our emergency evacuation and lockdown procedures. The students did a great job moving quickly to assigned locations and following the directions of their teachers. While we pray we never need to execute these practices due to a genuine emergency, it is reassuring to know how quickly and safely our Campus can respond if needed. 

GRANDPARENTS’ DAYS – ONLINE VIDEOS ONLY

A reminder that due to COVID restrictions and grandparent safety, we will not be hosting live Grandparents Days in 2021. In place, parents will receive an email this Friday 5 March with video links to share with Grandparents so they can watch the performances. Children will also bring home on this day gifts they prepared for their grandparents. 

INCURSION

Students in Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4) will enjoy a Claymation incursion on Friday 12 March. As part of their learning, they will plan and create clay figure movies. 

K-2 PARENT LITERACY SESSION

Thank you to parents who attended the K-2 Parent Literacy Session. I trust you found this session informative and helpful. Parents are encouraged to speak with their child’s teacher if they have any concerns about their child’s literacy development or reading progress. 

K-2 WATER FUN DAY 

The previous K-2 Swim Fun Day has been changed to a K-2 Water Fun Day and will be held on School grounds on Wednesday 10 March. The previous arrangement saw children spending large amounts of time on the side of the pool (to ensure adequate and safe supervision), rather than in it. When cooler temperatures, this was unpleasant for the children. Our new Water Fun Day will be a lot more active and a lot more fun! We will have 3 water slides as well as some other fun games and activities. Further details will follow from Mrs McLeod shortly.

MARSDEN PARK CAMPUS OPEN DAY AND ENROLMENT FOR 2022

We had a large number of visitors at our Open Day on Saturday. It was great to welcome them to our Campus and share in their excitement as they prepare for their children to start school or start a new school as they move into the Marsden Park community. All parents are reminded that sibling applications need to be submitted early to ensure a place for your child. 

NAPLAN – YEARS 3 AND 5

Students in Years 3 and 5 will participate in NAPLAN testing in Reading, Language Conventions, Writing and Numeracy. A NAPLAN Omnibus (mixed questions across Reading, Language Conventions and Numeracy) Practice Test will be held a few weeks prior to the official testing. NAPLAN Online Testing will be held from 10 May to 21 May, with Primary testing planned for Monday 10, Tuesday 11, Thursday 13 and Friday 14 May. Please note these dates and ensure your child’s attendance at School for this testing.   

PREMIERS READING CHALLENGE

Our librarian, Mrs Peterson, introduced the Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) to students in library lessons last week. The PRC runs from 1 March – 20 August. Students in Years K-2 automatically complete the challenge with their classroom teacher. Students from Years 3-6 complete the challenge independently, recording their books on the list in the middle of Block A. Students in Years 3-6 read 15 books nominated as PRC books, as well as 5 of their own choice. All students in Years 3-6 are encouraged to participate. Certificates are awarded for participation. 

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Primary students in Years 1-6 are currently presenting their speeches in class as part of Term 1 Public Speaking. Primary Public Speaking Finals will be held on Wednesday 31 March at the Marsden Park Campus for students who qualify as finalists. Each of the finalists will receive a Certificate of Participation and constructive feedback about their speech. Parents of qualifying students will be informed by note and invited to attend the finals (dependent on COVID restrictions at the time).

SWIMMING EVENTS - YEARS 3-6

Well done to our Campus team of swimmers who recently represented RJ at the Zone Swimming Carnival. From this Carnival, 2 of our students, Hannah C and Leah J, progressed to the State Carnival. We wish the girls well as they compete next Monday 8 March.

TERM 1 PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Term 1 Parent/Teacher Interviews will be held on Monday 22 March and Tuesday 23 March (times and format to be confirmed). These interviews are held on request by the teacher for any student they have academic, social, physical or emotional concerns about. This will be indicated on the note sent home. If the teacher does not indicate that they would like to meet/speak with you, they are pleased with your child’s progress to date and you do not need to make an interview unless you have a concern about your child’s progress. Notes with booking information will be emailed to parents in Week 7. Interviews for all students are held at the end of Term 2 after the Semester 1 Report has been sent home.    

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

The School is always a hive of activity. Last week, we welcomed families in for COVID safe tours of our School and many seem impressed by how quiet our Campus is. At RJ, our students are settled and engaged in their work. As we toured the Secondary section and peered through windows, it was clear that students were hard at work and engaged in their learning. 

It may seem a long time until 2022, but we are currently starting to plan how we will help our Year 10 students transition into their Senior Studies. On Tuesday 9 March, Year 10 students will complete Allwell testing. The data from these tests will be used in a variety of ways to improve the curriculum within the School, assess individual learning needs and to assist with subject selection pathways in Year 11.

After the testing day, parents will be provided with a written report summarising their child’s results when they are returned to school. We hope this will be received before the Easter break. There is no course material to study prior to the tests. It is a measurement, similar to NAPLAN, to give the school a picture of how students are progressing during Stage 5.  

Finally, my thoughts turn to our class of 2020. Many of our 2020 Alumni will be starting University this week. As older siblings in our families, it is great to see them moving on in their lives. Like our new Year 7 students, they will be coming to grips with assessments in the near future, but I feel they will be well prepared for the challenges ahead.  

Mrs Julia Scrimshaw 
Acting Head of Secondary/Director of Studies 

UNIFORM REMINDER

Any teaching space that is a practical room or Science lab requires students to wear full leather black school shoes. A number of students are not wearing the correct shoes or are not bringing the appropriate shoes to change into when in Sports Uniform.

STUDENT LOCKERS

Thank you to all students who are continuing to use their lockers and locks well. They are accessing their lockers before and after school and during break times and they are leaving the locker locked. It is important that students do not access their lockers in between lessons as it slows them down and can cause them to be late for their lessons.

STUDY SAMURAI

Students in Years 7-10 are able to access Study Samurai - a great online resource for both students and parents. Students will be working through developing study habits and improving assessment preparation, with the option of looking at other sections within Study Samurai's resources in their own time.

Mr Brad Maxwell
Director of Welfare/Assistant Director of Studies  

Mrs Scrimshaw and Mr Millard led these helpful sessions, encouraging students to be deliberate in how they respond to the challenges of the senior years. To balance the work students were also challenged with outdoor activities. 'Survivor' was a set of challenges working together in teams to solve the problems. The high ropes course provided a personal challenge for students to overcome their fears and complete the course. Archery provided the challenge of accuracy and focus. There was a great deal of satisfaction in hitting the target, which was not as easy as it seems. The study skills introduced at the Camp will continue throughout the Term as Year 11 delve deeper on Tuesday afternoons into the skills that will help them become more effective. 

Mr Gary Clay
Mathematics & ICT Co-ordinator  

BASKETBALL CLINIC

The basketball clinic commences on Monday 8 March at the Oakhurst Campus. Due to how quickly the event sold out on TryBooking, I will endeavour to ensure it is run as a full-term program in 2022 under the Aussie Hoops brand.

CIS PRIMARY GIRLS SOCCER TRIALS

If there are any girls who play in a SAP program and are interested in trialling for the CIS Team, please let Mr Mitchell know by Wednesday 3 March. 

CSSA SOCCER TRIALS

Just a reminder that the CSSA Soccer Trials for the 5 SAP boys is this Friday. This is just a reminder that you are to make your way to and from the venue with your child. While the event commences at 8:30am, it would be beneficial to arrive slightly earlier to allow your child to warm up and register. If your child makes it to the final selection game, expect to finish by 2:30pm. If they are not as fortunate, it may mean an earlier departure.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

Jump Rope for Heart is well underway and it’s great to see so many children out in the playground skipping with smiles on their faces. RJ has already raised $6,750 between our two Campuses, which is an amazing job! 

It’s not long until our Jump Off Day on Thursday 1 April, so keep on practicing those tricks! Don’t forget to share your online fundraising page with friends and family to raise money for a great cause! Still need to sign up online? It’s easy just follow this link and enter your details.

www.jumprope.org.au/parents

STATE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

The State Swimming Carnival is on Monday 8 March. Just a reminder for those involved to meet Mr Mitchell by 8:40am in the Church Carpark at the Oakhurst Campus. We wish all of our swimmers the best of luck and we pray they set some new personal best times.

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Primary Sports Co-ordinator 

The year started with the RJAS 3-12 Swimming Carnival. The 2021 event was the highest attended Swimming Carnival in our history. It was amazing to see all the students in their House shirts and competing in a range of events. From the competitive events, we have 33 Secondary students moving on to the CSSA Zone Swimming Carnival tomorrow (Wednesday 3 March).

The next big event for RJ will be the Years 3-12 Cross Country held at Hanna Reserve on Wednesday 31 March. Due to current restrictions, no spectators/parents are allowed to attend the event. This year with the changes, the top 4 students will need to go to a Zone Cross Country for the chance to attend the CSSA State Cross Country. 

UPCOMING CIS TRIALS OR EVENTS

• Nominations for CIS Open Boys Volleyball Trials

UPCOMING CSSA TRIALS OR EVENTS

• CSSA Opens Boys and Girls Football Trials (Nominations by Friday 5 March)
• CSSA 16’s Boys Football Trials (Nominations by Friday 5 March)
• CSSA Touch Football Nominations for CIS Touch Football

SCHOOL AND REPRESENTATIVE SPORT

Term 1 has seen a new structure for our Secondary Sports program. We have had each year group (Years 8-10) rotating through two sports. Year 7 are now in full swing with their Swim Program. The RJ Basketball teams have completed two rounds of games against the local Christian Schools and all teams have competed at a high standard.

Next term, we will be following a similar Secondary Sports Program to Term 1. The change will be Year 7 will be rotating through two sports or representing RJ in Representative Sports. The sports that students can nominate for to represent RJ are:

• Soccer
• Netball

Mr David Hyde
Secondary Sports Co-ordinator 

What is your favourite food?

Watermelon.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love going to Crossfit and running long distances. I recently have found a new hobby of indoor plants and succulents!                                                     

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

I love RJ because of the supportive, Christian environment and came to this School in 2021 as I support the ethos and values of this School community. 

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

Supporting students as they grow academically, spiritually and socially. I will also enjoy working alongside wonderful Christian staff. 

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

Swimming with Whale Sharks in Ningaloo Reef was incredible (and slightly terrifying!)

Why did you become a Christian?

God’s grace and sacrificial love through Jesus is too good to turn down.

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

Romans 8:38 is my favourite verse because it reminds me of God’s constant love.

What is something you want to achieve?

I would love to run a marathon or complete an Ironman one day!

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

Jacinta Arden because she is a fierce and powerful leader who I would learn much from.

What is your favourite food?

One of my favourite foods is Curry.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Baking.

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

I commenced as a Casual Teacher in February 2019. Faith and teaching, excellence and encouragement are qualities at RJ that I value in education and wished to be a part of. I will be in a part-time position for 2021. 

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

Opportunity. Each day presents new opportunities to build on yesterday’s successes to reach tomorrow’s goals, which is equally motivating and exciting. 

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

Being on top of Table Mountain South Africa on New Year’s Eve was an exhilarating experience. 

Why did you become a Christian?

I came to know God when I was 27. God revealed himself to me through giving me His spirit, and through that allowed me to see Him for who He is, which profoundly changed me. I know that God is sovereign. 

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

I have many favourite bible verses, one of them is Romans 8:38-39 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The assurance in this verse reminds me that whatever happens nothing can separate me from the love of God. 

What is something you want to achieve?

Learn to play the guitar. 

What is your favourite food?

Dark Chocolate.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love looking after my vegetable patch. I also like creating new projects with my craft and quilting. 

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

The reason for joining RJ is to have the opportunity to be part of Christian education in Western Sydney. 

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

I welcome the new challenge of supporting Secondary students.

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

Backpacking for two years was a wonderful opportunity to experience different cultures and see beautiful places. 

Why did you become a Christian?

I grew up in a Christian home and was blessed to learn early on that Jesus is my Lord and Saviour. 

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

“Nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God.” (Romans 8:39), because we can never ‘lose’ God’s eternal love. 

What is something you want to achieve?

My goal is to always support students’ skill development towards independent learning. 

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

Corrie Ten Boom, because of the strength of her faith and forgiveness through extreme adversity. 

It is most important that parents both drive safely and respect the homes and property of our neighbours. Also, please also don’t arrive at the ‘No Parking’ collection zone until after the bell has gone and respect the ‘No Stopping’ zones.

Thank you for your mindfulness going forward.