22 June 2021

Our last week of term brings with it some very exciting events. Our Secondary Athletics Carnival is being held tomorrow at the Blacktown International Sports Park and is shaping up to be a great day. The Secondary Heritage Festival will occur on Thursday with many of our students coming to School dressed in their national costume. It is a reminder to us all of the tapestry of cultures represented in our School community and the origins of our families which enrich our School culture. Thank you in advance to all our students who will proudly wear their nation's colours on this day and treat us to some of their cultural heritage as part of the Concert and Fashion Parade after lunch… yes lunch, where we also get to sample some cuisine from around the world. My plan is to taste test as many foods as I can, including lamb mince pies, nachos, butter chicken, various sweets…the list goes on!

I recently had the honour of hosting our Primary students who were the recipients of Principal’s Awards for morning tea. It was wonderful to hear of the great reports from the smaller people in our School and what they think are the positive aspects of life at RJ. Among the many aspects identified were friends, teachers, playtime and learning. All speak of the connections to belonging to our fantastic school. 

As we move into the mid-year holiday break, I trust each of our families will stay safe and continue to keep abreast of the NSW Health guidelines as we continually navigate the COVID outbreaks. If you are looking for a great activity for your Primary children to be a part of in Week 3 of the holidays, don’t forget the CRU Blast Camp that is taking place at the Oakhurst Anglican Church. The Assistant Leaders have been working with Mr Rowe to ensure that they are well prepared for the energy and excitement that our younger students bring to these days. Our Secondary students (as leaders) are usually present from 7am and often don’t leave until 6pm, so it is a very significant commitment of time and effort on their part to ensure that the CRU Blast Camp is such a memorable event in the School calendar. We are very grateful for their willingness to serve others in our community in this way. 

As the holidays approach, may you have a lovely break with family and continue to ‘trust in the Lord’ for all things.

God Bless,

Mr Alan Dawson
Principal 

Come Wednesday the focus shifts to the Secondary Athletics Carnival at Blacktown International Sports Park. Just a reminder that all students need to arrive for roll marking in the Hall at 8am. Age-group bands will be distributed and competitors in the 800m events will be the first to leave. Parents who attend must sign in at the venue. Students will rotate around events in age groups to maximise participation and competition. All students will return to School on the buses at the end of the day – there is no arrangement for early departures. 

Thursday sees the return of the Heritage Festival in all its colour and energy. Students may wear Heritage costume or colours but must wear enclosed shoes. Clothing must follow the School’s mufti day policy. 

In summary (from the Diary):

• Clothing must be clean, modest and not advertise inappropriate slogans, words or illustrations.
• Shoulders, chests and midriffs must be covered. Revealing clothing will not be permitted.
• Footwear must be closed in shoes (leather shoes for practical classes).

Students who do not comply with these standards will be required to go home and change.

No tight fitting clothing (including leggings, bike shorts or compression pants) or basic short shorts (clothing you'd wear to a gym). Hair must still be tied back (students are still at school) and jewellery rules are the same (because students are still at school). 

Students who are performing will be able to dress according to their Heritage clothing, but modesty rules still apply. This has already been discussed with them.

The students will come out in Period 4 for the Grand Final of the OzTag competition. We have a variety of food stalls planned and then the Concert will commence at 1:30pm. Students who are performing have received a note inviting two adult family members per family – tickets (which are free) must be booked through the Trybooking link in the letter they received. Any student who has not received their letter must see me ASAP, as bookings close at 10pm tonight. Entry is by ticket only. Numbers are restricted due to COVID regulations.

Our fundraising will support two charities whose work is focused on providing support for India, a country being ravaged by the effects of COVID-19. These are the Fellowship in Christ (a not for profit organisation connected with families from our school) and the Anglican Aid India Covid-19 Emergency Appeal (supporting Christian hospitals in India). These two hospitals have been designated COVID hospitals by the government. We received this information from Anglican Aid:

Herbertpur Christian Hospital currently has a total of 30 beds for COVID treatment and are working to bring that number up to 50. The hospital services an area with a population of 2 million people.

It is the only COVID hospital in a 20km radius.

Nav Jivan Hospital in Jharkhand State, North East India, is the only health facility with an ICU in a 150km radius. The state’s high COVID-19 death rate reflects the low capacity of the region’s healthcare systems to care for critical cases. The region has some of the highest levels of poverty in India.

With your support, Anglican Aid is sending Nav Jivan Hospital resources desperately needed to care for COVID-19 patients, including a larger ICU facility, a ventilator and an oxygen plant. The oxygen plant will allow the hospital to generate their own oxygen on-site, instead of relying on oxygen cylinders, which are in severe shortage.

Both hospitals are members of the Emmanuel Christian Hospital Association, serving anyone regardless of race, caste, creed, religion, or financial means.

We believe these two charities are very worthy causes, and parents are welcome to send any donations with their students on Thursday. 

Finally, as we head towards the holidays, may you be blessed and refreshed; may God be gracious to you and keep all you love safe and well, and may you have time to reflect on the greatness of our God as you enjoy the beauty and wonder of the world in which we live.

Mrs Jenny Clay
Deputy Principal (Acting) 

UNIFORM REMINDERS

• The School jacket is a compulsory part of the Winter Uniform and needs to be worn to and from School each day. 
• The School jumper can be worn without the jacket during the day at School but requires the jacket over it arriving and leaving School each day. 
• Girls need to have the Winter tie on their blouses when wearing either the tunic or long pants option. 
• Raincoats are recommended to have permanently folded up in your child’s bag.

PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS

• Kindergarten to Year 6 Student Reports were sent home last week. 
• K to Year 6 Parent/Teacher Interviews commenced last evening and continue this evening Tuesday 22 June from 3:30-8:00pm.  
• Parents are encouraged to bring the Student Report along to their Interview to discuss any matters of interest or concern. 

If you are unable to attend your scheduled interview it is courteous to email the Teacher and let them know.

K-2 MINI ATHLETICS

Our youngest athletes strutted their stuff last Friday in a rotation of fun activities cheered on by many parents. There was turbo javelin throwing, running races, hoop activities, bean bag tossing, tricky relays and more! Thank you to Mrs McCormick for her organisation of the afternoon and the K-2 Teachers who ran the events.

TOYS AT SCHOOL

A reminder that children do not need to bring toys to School – we have equipment available at Recess and Lunch; however, if your child wishes to bring a toy to School we ask that they bring one only and it must fit in the front pocket of the school bag (balls excepted – limit of 1 ball). There have been issues recently of toys being broken, lost or damaged which is the risk taken when things are brought from home.

JUNK FOOD

We are noticing a number of students before and after School, plus during Recess and Lunch, eating lollipops, chocolates, sweets and other high sugar-content foods. These foods only serve to give students a brief sugar rush followed by a slump, causing loss of concentration and irritability. Please consider the food you pack for your child’s snack breaks and lunch. It really makes a difference to their ability to attend to their studies during the day. Fresh fruit, salads, sandwiches, muesli bars, yoghurts, cheese/dips and crackers are great choices. Staff have been instructed to ask Primary students eating junk food before School to put the food away in their bags to take home.

YEAR 12 BUDDIES

Classes are looking forward to a visit from their Year 12 Buddies this week. This is a great initiative whereby Primary students have a connection with the eldest students at RJ as small groups of Year 12 come and spend a lesson in each class getting to know our K-6 students. 

WINTER WOOLIES MUFTI DAY FOR ANGLICARE

The Primary Student Forums at both Campuses are keen to hold a Winter Woolies Mufti Day to raise money and collect tins of food for Anglicare’s Take Love Winter Appeal. This day will be held on Monday 26 July which is Week 2 of next term. More information to come. 

HOLIDAY BREAK

• Term 2 ends this Friday 25 June.                                                                                                         
• Term 3 commences for students on Monday 19 July. Students continue to wear Winter uniform at the start of Term 3.

BREAD BAGS                       

We are still enrolled with Wonder Recycling Rewards to collect used plastic bread bags. Once a certain weight of plastic bread bags has been collected, our school qualifies for some play equipment. Please continue to send in any bread bags (minus crumbs!) with your child.

Enjoy the rest of your week - stay warm and well. 

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary - Oakhurst

ATHLETICS EVENTS

We had a beautifully sunny winter’s day to complete the Years 3-6 Athletics Carnival. It was great seeing students experience a range of events. K-2 students enjoyed lots of fun activities at their K-2 Athletics Carnival including turbo javelin, sack races, egg and spoon races and hurdles. We had five students from Years 3-6 progress to the Zone Athletics Carnival: Leah J, Hannah C, Edyn S, Serin B and Christian M. Well done to these students.

COMMUNITY CONNECTS EVENING

It was lovely to meet with parents at our last Community Connects Evening, eat cake and chocolate and respond to parent enquiries. These are great evenings to connect as a School community so be sure to look out for the next event next semester and plan to come along.  

EXCURSIONS AND INCURSIONS

Students in Stage 1 have a Toys Incursion planned for this Thursday 24 June. Pre-K (Thursday students) and Kindergarten will enjoy a visit from Kindifarm at the start of Term 3, Thursday 22 July. Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) will travel to Rouse Hill House and Farm in Week 2, Tuesday 27 July.   

PRE-KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS PROGRESSING TO KINDERGARTEN

Students currently attending Pre-Kindergarten and continuing to Kindergarten at the Marsden Park Campus will complete their assessment session today or tomorrow, Wednesday 23 June. Pre-Kindergarten parents do not attend these sessions as they are already familiar with the School. Following the sessions, I will contact you if required to discuss any observations relevant to your child continuing to Kindergarten in 2022. If no additional discussion or planning is required for your child, you will receive your Kindergarten Enrolment Offer early in Term 3. These will be sent home with Pre-Kindergarten children. Assessment Sessions for students continuing to Kindergarten at the Oakhurst Campus were conducted by Oakhurst Primary staff this week. The same Enrolment process applies.    

PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS

K-6 Parent/Teacher Interviews conclude this evening. Pre-K Interviews continue tomorrow until 5:30pm. If you were unable to book an Interview but would like to speak with your child’s teacher about their progress, please contact the teacher directly via email or Reception on 8806-6300. 

STAFF FAREWELLS

Today we farewell Miss Tolomeo who is moving to a school much closer to home. While she will greatly miss RJ and her KC class she is excited to be able to enjoy two hours of more sleep each morning. 

Mrs Capel retires from teaching at the end of this week after more than 21 years of service to the RJ community across a variety of Primary classes. Mrs Capel has been a creative and caring teacher who has served and taught faithfully in our School, sharing of her time, gifts and talents. It has been a delight to work with both of these teachers over the years and we wish them all the best in the next stage of their journey.  

STUDENT FORUM FUNDRAISER AND MUFTI-DAY

Primary Student Forum have organised a Fundraiser and Mufti-Day to support the Anglicare Winter Appeal early in Term 3, Monday 26 July. A note with details will be emailed home before the end of the week.

WINTER SLEEPOUT

Several of our Year 6 students joined with Year 6 and Secondary students from the Oakhurst Campus for the Winter Sleepout last Friday 18 June. Well done to these students for sleeping out in the cold to increase their awareness of and to support homelessness. 

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

Feedback over the last year has been positive for the continuation of meetings online. Some of the feedback received suggests that not needing to come to School for these Interviews makes it easier for both parents to be involved. During the Stage 6 meetings earlier this term, we had many parents Zoom in from their workplaces or for one of our parents from New Zealand. These meetings are so helpful to get to know each other and get further feedback on student progress.

SECONDARY ATHLETICS CARNIVAL 

On Wednesday, we hold our Secondary Athletics Carnival. Students will head off to the Blacktown International Sports Park for a day of Athletics and House Spirit. As communicated previously, we ask that students arrive at School by 8am for an early departure.

HERITAGE FESTIVAL

The highlight of the week is undoubtedly going to be our Heritage Festival on Thursday. Students tastebuds will be delighted by a cornucopia of dishes from around the world from our Food Market. Tokens will be on sale during recess and lunch on Monday and Tuesday. Parents are reminded that should your child not wish to partake of the foods on sale, the canteen will be open as per usual. In the afternoon, our traditional Heritage Festival Performances will take place. Students have spent a significant amount of time rehearsing for Heritage Day. The afternoon will undoubtedly be as exciting and emotional as in previous years. Unfortunately, due to COVID restriction, we are unable to welcome everyone to the Concert this year. Performers families have received invitations for the event, but numbers will be limited and by ticket only. 

YEAR 12 WINTER BREAK

No doubt our Senior students will be looking forward to the Winter break. Though many will consider this as a holiday period, we cannot forget their necessity to use this time effectively for study. That being said, this time should certainly include a time that is free from school work when they can rest and refresh, spend meaningful time with friends and family, and generally give themselves time to start Term 3 energised and enthusiastic.

The following are some tips for how students can plan and use this study time effectively:

• The school timetable divides student's time up equally by their subjects. Why not follow the School timetable as a revision timetable? There is no need for students to worry about giving equal time to each subject, and research suggests that breaks are an essential part of effective study.
• Students should ensure that they know and understand the requirements of their course. The syllabus documents should be used to start/finalise polished notes for all topics completed. Students are also encouraged to access the Study Samurai library to top up their study note-making skills.
• Reviewing feedback on assessments and reattempting components that did not go so well is another helpful activity that students can complete.
• Some staff will be providing revision/study sessions during the second week of the break. When attending these sessions, students should come ready to work. 
• Research shows that it is essential to practise answering past paper questions. Marking criteria and past papers are available through the NESA website. Staff are also happy to provide feedback to students who wish to share responses.

CHECKING THE STUDENTS ONLINE WEBSITE

Lastly, students are reminded to check their details on their Students Online account. 

CLASS CHANGES

Due to the dynamic nature of learning, there will be some class changes at the start of Term 3. I will inform parents by email if their child is affected.

Mrs Julia Scrimshaw 
Acting Head of Secondary/Director of Studies 

Students must still have their books for Friday, however, they can take home textbooks and workbooks from their other classes. Lockers must be emptied, no books or food left in them, and locked over the holiday break. Time will be given during period 6 on Friday 25 June for a final check to be done in Home Groups.

I do hope that all students and their families have a refreshing and enjoyable break over the next three weeks. Looking forward to seeing everyone back for Term 3 on Monday 19 July.

Mr Brad Maxwell 
Director of Secondary Welfare/Assistant Director of Studies  

We were also joined by past RJ students who shared their testimonies, their words of wisdom during a Q&A session and their musical talents during worship. It was a beautiful time, filled with God’s presence, where the girls were really encouraged, were able to ask questions, speak openly and doors started to open. 

One student took the time to send an email after we finished the night, writing: “I just wanted to say a big thank you for taking the time to plan and run tonight! I really really really enjoyed it, it was such an inspiring and fun night and I learnt so much more about my self-worth and who I am in Jesus.” - How wonderful that we get the opportunity here at RJ to help our students to find and grow in Christ. 

A big thank you to our past RJ students Ria S, Caitlin B, Jess L, Bethany S, Elizabeth I and Hannah D for coming to help run the night.

Miss Peterson, Mrs Rainer, Mrs Abdala, Mrs Viatos, Mrs Whittle and Miss Mahaffey
Secondary Teachers 

On the day, our RJ students had the valuable opportunity to walk around and explore the many universities and colleges which they may like to attend after the completion of school. They had the chance to discover new university degrees, understand more about scholarship opportunities, attend HSC study lectures and even receive some amazing freebies. While the whole day was spent exploring study and career opportunities, the smiles on our students' faces demonstrated their commitment towards finding that perfect career for them after they leave school. Such a wonderful day wouldn’t have been possible without our wonderful Year 12 students and their Home Group teachers. Thank you to all involved on the day and I hope that Year 12 have learnt that there are many amazing opportunities available to them.

Mrs Voula Viatos  
Careers Advisor  

Sleeping rough provides a very real connection to the reason why Youth Off The Streets is in desperate need of the funds that the students have raised. All funds raised will contribute to supporting the lives of the 47,000 young people who are facing the challenge of homelessness, neglect and abuse, drug and alcohol dependency and exclusion from school. At the moment, the students have raised over $1700. If you would like to contribute to Youth Off the Streets, please send your donations in an envelope to School. All assistance is greatly appreciated.

It was a great night, wonderfully organised by our fantastic Student Service Learning Team led by our Service Captains- Kate N, Connor M, Alyssia B and Jacob B. Kate, Connor, Alyssia and Jacob were ably supported by Liana N, Erica H, Joshua J, Hanniel S, Jalé C, Elizabeth F, Emma C, Matthew M, Lauryn R, Maxene R, Jaidwyn J and Annabelle R. The student team organised a terrific night of information and fun, with the students participating in a variety of fun activities, leading up to a final challenge. We are also thankful to Miss Peterson for sharing about Youth Homelessness and the work begun by Father Chris Reilly and also to Miss Mahaffey for sharing with us a Christian perspective on poverty, how Jesus cared for others and how He wants to us to do the same.

We are also very thankful to the teachers who supported the evening, either by braving the elements and sleeping out with the students, providing soup, fruit or slice for dinner or by helping with setting up and running the activities. My thanks to Miss Mahaffey, Mr Rontale, Mrs Rainer, Mr Glazebrook, Miss Peterson, Mr Millard, Mr Reed, Mr Bunsell, Miss Adams, Miss Paul, Mr Maxwell, Mr and Mrs Clay, Mrs Cocks, Miss Roediger, Mrs Robertson and Mrs McCormick. A big thank you also to Mr Pereira and the Year 12 Hospitality class for cooking several of the delicious soups and baking the bread for the students to enjoy.  

Finally, a huge thank you to all our wonderful students for their support of this event, showing their commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who face the struggles of homelessness and disadvantage. The behaviour of the students was excellent at all times during the evening and it was great to see the students across all years working together and encouraging each other during the activities. In particular, a shout out to the forty wonderful Year 12 students who attended the evening. Well done, everyone.

Mr Stewart Rowe 
Director of Service Learning (7-12)  

FOOTBALL CLINICS

Please check your emails for registrations for Term 3 Football Clinics for both Campuses. These should appear by the end of the week or early in Term 3. The Clinics will commence in Week 2 of Term 3 for both Campuses.  

METRO CUP QUALIFIER 

Due to the rain, our Metro Cup Football qualifier was postponed to early in Term 3. The revised date has been set for Tuesday 20 July. If our Junior and Senior boys’ teams are successful, they will go on to qualify for the State Finals in Term 3.

NSW PSSA RUGBY LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Tonga F recently represented the CIS Primary Rugby League team at the NSW PSSA Rugby League Championships. Tonga’s team made it to the semi finals of the competition which was held in Tamworth. Well done Tonga on going so far in the competition and making the CIS team.

WSCS TRIALS

Trials have been postponed this Wednesday due to Blacktown Council closing the fields. Trials for Girls’ Football, Mixed Oz Tag and Boys’ AFL will take place on the first Wednesday of Term 3. Students who are chosen will compete in our RJ teams in the WSCS competition to take place in Term 3.

ZONE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

It was fantastic to see our students compete in the Zone Athletics Carnival at Blacktown International Sports Park. We are still awaiting the results but are fairly confident a good number of students will represent our Nepean Zone at the twilight carnival at the CSSA State Athletics Carnival, which will be held at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre on Friday 20 August.

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Primary Sports Co-ordinator 

In a close game the 14’s Netball team went down by two goals with the final score against The Lakes Christian College being 15-13. This was a great effort by all our students in the team. In the 15’s Boys Soccer it was another close game. With three minutes to go, Jackson M scored the goal to break a nil all deadlock. The boys were able to hold on to win the game and secure a place in the CSSA State Soccer Gala Day next term. Congratulations to the team and Mr Keene (Coach) for this achievement. 

The representative sports on offer for Term 3 are Boys Rugby League (14’s and 16’s), Mixed Volleyball (15’s and Opens) and Girls Opens Softball. Nominations have closed and the teams will be finalised in the first week of sport in Term 3.

UPCOMING EVENTS

RJ’s Secondary Athletics Carnival will be on tomorrow (Wednesday 23 June) at the Blacktown International Sports Park Athletics Centre. We are looking forward to having all Secondary students attending to compete in a range of events across the day. All students will be transported from the Oakhurst Campus over to the venue and returned at the conclusion of the Carnival. Please ensure that all students have face masks for the bus travel as per the NSW Health guidelines and the email that Mr Dawson sent to the RJ Community. Parent spectators are welcome but are required to remain in the grandstand or tiered seating around the outside of the track. More information will be coming on the RJ App or through Edumate.

Mr David Hyde
Secondary Sports Co-ordinator 

What is your favourite food?

Ramen, sushi, sashimi, any Japanese cuisine!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Spending time with my family, like playing dress-up with my daughter and playing chess with my son, or spontaneous travel with my husband.

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

May 2021. To contribute and make a positive impact in a Godly environment. 

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

I will enjoy getting to know all the staff and school community. 

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

Staying in a traditional farmhouse in Shirakawago, Japan. I experienced living like a local, having authentic homemade meals and even wore a kimono. 

Why did you become a Christian?

I grew up in a Christian family, so I have known Jesus since I was a child. I knew He died for my sin and I could ask Him for anything, but I didn’t know what it meant until I was 25 years old. This is where I learned what it meant to follow and surrender to Jesus completely.  

What is your favourite bible verse?

Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

What is something you want to achieve?

I enjoy learning new skills. I have learned photography, sewing, CPR and Photoshop. For now, I am learning the Japanese language and playing bass. 

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

My parents in Indonesia. I haven’t seen them for two years because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. 

For a great week of fun and activities for your child go to: https://crudaycamps.com.au/cru-blast click on Register and then follow the links.

If you have any difficulties registering please ring CRU on 02 9874 8933 or email Mr Rowe at school.