12 October 2021

There is so much to be thankful for at this time and your children will no doubt be very keen to return to School to catch up with friends and to see their teachers in person. There is nothing quite like human interaction and it is time for us to venture out of our family bubbles with hope for a great future ahead for us all. While lockdown and the COVID season has been quite difficult for us all to navigate, I’m sure you have developed a greater appreciation for a range of things in life we may have taken for granted.   

Even though students haven’t been on Campus for their learning, things have continued to progress with our capital works projects. Our new Primary Building at Marsden Park has taken on great shape. The roof is on and the internal works are now progressing well as rooms are lined and taking shape. The external works will start to evolve into our Primary Plaza consisting of a small amphitheatre with playground equipment close by. Space between the new building and Block A will be landscaped with an additional play area for Pre-K to Year 2. It will be fantastic as we establish a signature building for the Primary Section!

While at Oakhurst, the long-awaited Paul Cockrem Senior Learning Centre is starting to rise from the ground. This building announces a new approach to our senior studies program into the future as we prepare our students to be confident, agile, reflective and engaged twenty-first century learners who are work-ready and life-ready when they graduate. I can’t wait to be able to walk you through the interior of this building and demonstrate how we will start to intentionally refocus student learning at RJ across the school.

I can appreciate that some of you may be a little nervous about the return with everything in society opening back up again after a very extended lockdown, but I can assure you, that as a school, we are doing our best to mitigate the risks around COVID-19 exposure as we follow the NSW Government regulations within our school operations. Your child’s safety is of paramount importance to us as always. 

As a School Community, our faith and hope is in God. Our School motto couldn’t be evermore pertinent at this time – Trust in the Lord! We need to lean into the hope He has for each one of us and shut out the voices of fear and doubt. I have referred to this Scripture before, 

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV), “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight”. 

As our children come back to school and society opens up once again in the face of COVID, we need to trust in the Lord.

God Bless,

Mr Alan Dawson
Principal 

One of the posters we have up around the school, says “Spread kindness not germs”. There will be lots of reminders about the need to maintain social distance, wearing a mask and good hand hygiene. We will also give further guidance about PE expectations, what you can and can’t do at recess and lunch, and how spaces will function once everyone returns and the HSC gets underway. However, let’s focus on the positive. Coming back to school means routines are re-established, there’s expectations to meet (like being in uniform, getting a haircut and being clean shaven) and friendships can be re-vitalised. One of the questions that was posed last week in a meeting I attended, was to put to students and staff “how am I a better person because of lockdown?” That’s a good question to ask and should provide fruitful discussion!

CHILD SAFETY

Earlier this year I was doing the Dryden Ave pickup duty on Thursday afternoons, and I was reminded how quickly younger children can put themselves in danger by their instinctive response to situations. They don’t “see” the whole situation and look to respond to their immediate need. With very young grandchildren as well, I know that we are constantly on the alert for potentially harmful situations. The NSW Police Legacy has just released the Child Safety Handbook, which I found to be a really helpful read. This is a comprehensive resource to assist parents and carers on a range of topics essential to child safety. 

The handbook includes key messages about COVID-19 safety and bush fire safety with Summer just around the corner (certainly on the weekend that was what I thought). The handbook also includes important information from various Government departments including NSW Ministry of Health, NSW Police Force, Fire and Rescue NSW, Rural Fire NSW, NSW Department of Family & Community Services, eSafety Commissioner and NSW Office of the Children's Guardian. It’s well worth following the link and keeping a copy handy. You can also download it as an app on your phone.

Link: https://issuu.com/associatedmediagroup/docs/cshb_2021_edition1_final?fr=sNjNiMzQyNjE4MTc

MEDALLIONS

Sadly, and simply because of the enforced COVID-19 breaks, the Executive have made the decision to cancel the awarding of Sporting and Cultural Medallions for 2021. There was insufficient opportunity for all students to accumulate points in their areas of strength across the year, and it would be unfair for some and not others to be awarded these prestigious elements which recognise a high degree of participation in School life. I’m looking forward to starting this afresh in 2022.

Mrs Jenny Clay
Deputy Principal  

We will be following strict Health Department protocols at School to minimise risk. Stage groups will be kept separate both inside and on the playground, hand sanitiser will be distributed upon entering classrooms throughout the day, ventilation with open doors and windows, to improve cross ventilation in classrooms. The wearing of face masks for Primary students is not mandatory but is strongly recommended at this time. Staff will be wearing face masks at all times.

The canteen will be operating for lunch orders from Monday 18 October only via Munch Monitor.

Please refer to the Term 4 Parent Information letter that was emailed last week for information about Term 4 events. The Parent Information letter is also available on the School website.   

I would like to add my welcome to Mr Luke Sale, the new Head of Primary at Marsden Park. I am very much looking forward to working with Mr Sale and wish him well in his new role. 

YEAR 5 YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM

At the end of last term, Year 5 students actively embraced the Young Leaders Program in its online Seesaw format. Students completed set tasks relating to communication, organisation and teamwork, service, Christian development and physical endeavour, to achieve either Bronze, Silver or Gold level. Certificates will be presented during a Primary Assembly later this term. Students should be proud of their achievements. Great effort, Year 5! 😁 

PRIMARY LEADERSHIP 2022  

Last week I led the Year 5 students in a combined Zoom with their teachers and Stage Co-ordinator to talk about Primary student leadership roles at RJ Oakhurst in 2022. Year 5 have until this Friday at 4pm to submit their application forms to apply for Primary Captain and House Leadership positions in 2022. Applications will be reviewed based on student responses to application questions, effort and behaviour in class and online, as well as commitment to the Young Leaders Program. A number of students will then be selected to be interviewed for Primary Captain positions. Interviews for these roles will be held on Tuesday 23 November. House Leaders will be voted by students and supported by House Coordinator recommendation based on the students’ responses to application questions and involvement in House Meetings during Semester 1. Leadership positions will be finalised later in the term. Captains and House Leaders for the Oakhurst Campus will be announced at the Year 6 Graduation Assembly on Thursday 2 December (parents of Captains and Leaders will be advised prior to this event). 

SCHOOL UNIFORM

As students begin to return to School in the warmer weather, a reminder that all students require a hat (wide-brim or legionnaire) at School each day. Hats are essential for sun protection during PE and Sport activities and for playing in open air areas during recess and lunch. Please ensure all Uniform items are clearly labelled. Students without a hat will be asked to remain in the Primary Courtyard during break times. 

STUDENTS ONSITE

We had around 25–30 students onsite throughout last term completing their DLP at School. On Wireless Wellbeing Wednesdays the students took part in cooking, games, gardening and art/craft activities. A special thank you to the supervising staff who organised and led on these days. 

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Ahead in Weeks 2 and 3 we have: 

• K-6 Webinar Assembly Friday 15 October at 9:15am (link to be emailed this week).
• Year 5 Leadership applications due Friday 15 October at 4pm.    
• Kindergarten and Year 1 return to Campus Monday 18 October, normal School hours apply. 

Stay safe and well, 

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary - Oakhurst

I am also eagerly anticipating the return of face-to-face learning for Pre-K, Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 from Monday 18 October. For other years we will still be offering care for children of essential workers and the same booking process will continue to be in place. 

I wanted to share an encouragement with you as we return to Campus. It is quite okay for both you and your child to be anxious or nervous about the return. Can I encourage you in your conversations with your children to be forward looking and positive about the return to school and the opportunities that it will provide. 

SCHOOL CANTEEN

The Marsden Park lunch order system and snacks will not be operating for the time being from Monday 18 October. We will keep you posted as the situation changes and when you are able to access snack days. 

In all other areas please refer to the Term 4 Parent Information letter that was emailed last week. The Parent Information letter is also available on the School website.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

As students begin to return to School in the warmer weather, a reminder that all students require a hat (wide-brim or legionnaire) at School each day. Hats are essential for sun protection during PE and Sport activities and for playing in open air areas during recess and lunch. Please ensure all Uniform items are clearly labelled. Students without a hat will be asked to remain in the Primary Courtyard during break times.

RJ SPOONVILLE!

Upon returning to School we thought that it would be a fun idea for students to create a wooden spoon character. For those students onsite they will be creating their character during Creative Arts this week. When students bring their spoon to class they will spend some time planting them just outside KM. If you are looking for more information please speak to your class teacher. The picture below gives some ideas.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Ahead in Weeks 2 and 3 we have: 

• K-6 Webinar Assembly Thursday 14 October at 11:00am (link to be emailed this week). 
• Year 5 Leadership applications due Friday 15 October at 4pm. 
• Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 to return to Campus Monday 18 October, normal School hours apply.

Mr Luke Sale
Head of Primary - Marsden Park

Over the weekend, I read an article from the UK about how people cope with the changes that getting "back to normal" may bring. The easing of lockdown has allowed us to get back to the people and things we love, but some may find this change challenging. You might be worried about the pace of the changes or what the future may bring.

Even positive change can lead to anxiety, and it can take time to readjust to things we have not done for a while. Your children may also feel anxious about this change, and it is essential to talk about these feelings.

Here are some of the things from the article that I thought could be helpful:

• Go at your own pace: It might be tempting to make lots of plans and say yes to everything now that things are opening up, but there's no need to rush.
• Make time to relax: Being able to see more of our friends and family and visit places that might have been closed until now is exciting, but it can also be a lot to take in all at once. Hence, it's important to find regular time for yourself and your family to relax too.
• Plan social occasions: Before socialising with others, talk about what you feel comfortable with.
• Talk as a family and decide how you will address this new normal.

YEAR 12 2021

We are pleased to offer students in our Year 12 2021 cohort the opportunity to attend revision and study sessions in school in the next two weeks. Students and parents should pay close attention to the email and COVID safe information provided last week.

YEAR 11 PARENT/TEACHER MEETINGS AND SURVIVING YEAR 12 INFORMATION 

Year 11 students and parents will be attending Parent-Teacher meetings on Wednesday this week; these sessions will be held via ZOOM. Parents will be sent a link to the Surviving Year 12 Information Video on Friday this week.

STAGE 4 AND 5 END OF YEAR ASSESSMENT TASKS

Students in Years 7 to 10 will be completing their End of Year Assessment activities next week. Mr Maxwell has provided the schedule for these sessions via email. 

Mrs Julia Scrimshaw 
Acting Head of Secondary/Director of Studies 

 I encourage all members of the RJ community to reflect on areas of personal growth during DLP:

• What am I able to do better now because of the experience of DLP?
• What new skills did I develop?
• How was I able to encourage and keep in contact with my friends/family?

Looking forward I would then ask the following questions:

• What am I looking forward to about moving away from DLP?
• How can I continue to use the new skills or areas of personal growth in the future?

Rather than hold on to the challenges of the last term it would be great to acknowledge the positive changes and implement them as we return to a post lockdown way of life. 

A number of Secondary students attended an Information and Q&A session regarding COVID-19 and vaccines run by Western Sydney Health. Below is a link to a website with responses to some of the questions asked during the session. You will need to open the individual video clips on the page.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIwtY3Nn1CCeOWAcFCbcw_A

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

What did you during your work experience? 

My work experience was about the basics of video game production. Things such as environment creation, character modelling and character animation.

What did you learn? 

Even though it was only a week long, I managed to learn so many skills and gain more confidence in creation software such as Unity and Maya. I learnt the basics of adding physics to objects and landscape elements as well as the process of importing externally modelled characters into Unity. I also learnt the full process of character creation, from modelling all the way to rigging and animation. My instructor also ran through theory components which allowed me to better understand certain tools and the polishing process in both Maya and Unity.

How will this help you in Multimedia? 

This experience will definitely help me in class as I have gained a deeper understanding of the two softwares and now possess skills that were not taught within class time. I think the most valuable thing I’ve discovered during my time at AIE, is just how broad the multimedia industry is. I never would have thought I would enjoy making games as I personally don’t play many, but this experience has taught me to always challenge myself with new mediums within the subject as I might discover something I really enjoy.

Above: Game environment designed in Unity.

Above: Floating Low-Poly Island designed in Maya. 

Year 11 is the first cohort to engage in the new Industrial Technology Multimedia course at RJ. It has been fantastic to see the growth of skills and enthusiasm in this subject area. Well done, Chesley!  

Mrs Vivian Abdala
Secondary Visual Arts Teacher 

What is your favourite food?

Depends on the season - currently, anything warm like butter chicken, pasta dishes or South African pancakes on a rainy day.   

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Reading novels, watching TV series and movies, visiting/exploring new places, baking, horse riding and painting.

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

Term 3, 2021. In part to be closer to my extended family in Sydney, but also to continue my journey as a Kindergarten teacher, which I am really passionate about.  

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

Helping students learn, grow and reach their potential. Working alongside the RJ staff, contributing to the RJ community and being able to work in a Christian-based environment. 

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

When I went on a hot air balloon trip with my mum in Stellenbosch, South Africa. It was such a serene, breathtaking experience! It made me think of Bette Midler's song, "From a Distance" and it will probably be one of the highlights of my life. 

Why did you become a Christian?

I have always been a Christian as long as I can remember. I believe Christianity gives you a purpose, hope, strength and the knowledge that whatever lies ahead, God will be there, right by your side. 

What is your favourite bible verse?

Hebrews 13:5: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 

What is something you want to achieve?

There are too many, I have a 'bucket' list! Academically, I would still like to study further and obtain my Masters degree.  

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

With COVID, it is probably a long way off, but to be able to visit my mum and sister in South Africa. Virtual calls are just not the same. 

What is your favourite food?

Coffee is a food, right?   

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Cooking, reading, playing with our pets (1 parrot, 2 dogs, 9 chickens 😊)

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

July 2021. I was looking for a permanent leadership position in a Christ-centred learning community. 

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

The people! So much of teaching and learning support is about relationships. I love seeing students flourish!

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

Becoming a Christian – pouring rain on a beach in the middle of the night, just me and God. It was powerful.  

Why did you become a Christian?

I recognised that I needed rescuing, and that a relationship with Jesus was all I would ever need to be safe and loved. 

What is your favourite bible verse?

Psalm 91:4 “He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge.” I love the imagery and the juxtaposition of softness and strength. 

What is something you want to achieve?

Toilet training my new puppy successfully! 

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

The RJ students….because remote learning is preventing that right now.