26 October 2021

Speaking of playgrounds, we have some artist impressions of ‘the Plaza’, the forecourt area of the new Primary building which is set to open for the start of the new academic year. As part of the brand new two-storey building housing twelve classrooms and additional collaborative learning spaces, our Marsden Park students will have some long-awaited play equipment for our students to play on. The Plaza also provides additional open spaces for playing handball and a sail covered outdoor amphitheatre.

I had the privilege of showing our local Member of Parliament, Prue Car, around the Marsden Park Campus this week. She was most impressed with the wonderful plans we have for our Campus and pleased for the families from our LGA that will be welcomed to RJ in the future. They will have such a beautiful place of learning for their children as we grow.

Local MP Ms Car visiting Mr Dawson at MP Campus. 

Under current NSW Health guidelines, we are still unable to conduct ‘live’ Assemblies. So for the coming weeks both in Primary and Secondary, and across both Campuses, our Assemblies will continue to be virtual and held online. Our Heads of Section will send parents their respective link to the Assembly so that parents can connect with what is happening. Our weekly Primary updates will now cease as our Executive now revert to using the RJ Review for communication of events and other activities at the School.

During this term, I would ask all parents and families to be vigilant around ‘sickness’ in the home. In previous correspondence to RJ families, I provided guidelines for how the School will respond when students fall ill at School or turn up with cold or flu-like symptoms. In this current COVID climate, it is important that we continue to closely monitor staff and student sickness and respond quickly in order to keep all in our community safe. Please see the following information.

Students must stay away from school when experiencing even the mildest of COVID or Flu-like symptoms and seek testing. They should not return to the School until they receive a negative COVID result and are symptom free. Prior to returning to the School, students must send their negative COVID-19 result to the following staff member.

• For students in Years K-12 at the Oakhurst Campus: email result to Mrs Peita Champion pchampion@rjas.nsw.edu.au (Student Reception/First Aid Officer). 
• For students in PreK-6 at the Marsden Park Campus: email result to Mrs Kathy Du Toit kdutoit@rjas.nsw.edu.au (Campus Reception/Administration Officer). 

If a student or household member receives a positive COVID-19 result, please contact the School immediately as outlined in the attached Frequently Asked Questions information sheet.

What If - Q & A 

Let me leave you with this encouraging Scripture from Psalm 121:8, which has always been a blessing to me and my family.  

“The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore”.

Never forget that the Lord is constantly watching over us along our journey in life.

God Bless,

Mr Alan Dawson
Principal 

One of the challenges that the changed regulations has presented, is in getting information out to students during the day. At this point in time we cannot have a runner visit classrooms. Please remind your children (especially in Secondary) to pack everything they need before school, as we will not be able to deliver forgotten items to classrooms. The only exception will be lunches, because food must be pre-ordered from the Canteen and is not available for sale at recess or lunch. If there is a Welfare matter, we will certainly pass that information on, or if a child needs to leave early, we will organise that as well. Thanks in advance for your co-operation with this – it will save you a trip to school for things like pencil cases, laptops or textbooks. This can be managed in the classroom by the teacher. 

Our new School leadership team was announced via a Zoom webinar just over a week ago. Already our School Captains and Vice-Captains – Chesley S, Ethan B, Emilie W and Ethan K have been involved in welcoming students back to School and planning a Home Group activity for Tuesday. Mr Dawson and I will meet with the team on Wednesday at lunch time, although this will not include the Year 10 leaders, to avoid mixing cohorts. 

After December 1, there will be an easing of restrictions and so we have planned for the Fun Run to be held on 6 December, as a way of celebrating the end of the year and overcoming the challenges of lockdown. Students who have been engaged in fundraising are reminded they will need to order their prizes in November, so that they arrive before the end of the School year. 

Last Friday we were also able to meet with most Year 12 students in a pre-HSC meeting, to bring a disrupted Year 12 year to more of a “conclusion”. The locked down T-shirts were a special surprise, and quite a hit! The most touching moment was watching them read a special letter from parents – the love and care which was expressed in these letters was clearly evident, judging by the reactions on faces. Despite not being able to hold the Reflection Day, this time in itself was worthwhile, just to see their response and to reassure them that everything that we can control, is under control. We were able to prayerfully send them off to their HSC exams (starting 9 November) knowing that they are stronger and more resilient than even before lockdown. Many have already received University offers and are looking forward to life beyond school in 2021. We wish them all the best in this next stage of their lives.

Staff continue to support students both academically and emotionally, as they have done throughout the locked down period. If your son or daughter found it difficult to engage with online learning, please encourage them to talk to a staff member and be honest about their struggles. We have Welfare staff who can help and Mrs Daniels and her team are keen to assist with learning where possible. No-one is going to fill missing ‘gaps’ in just a few weeks. It will take time but working together we can make great progress. Learning and wellbeing is not a journey anyone needs to walk on their own.

Next issue I will reveal the General Knowledge winners for Term 3 – these will be announced at the next Secondary Assembly. 

Mrs Jenny Clay
Deputy Principal  

Watch for tiredness in your children as they resume normal School hours which they may have become unaccustomed to during lockdown. Early, regular bedtimes are recommended to assist Primary aged children. The Australian Department of Health recommends between 9 and 11 hours of uninterrupted sleep for children aged up to 13 years.

A reminder that the Canteen is currently only operating for lunch orders via Munch Monitor. Please do not send money with your child to purchase food at recess or lunchtime.

Please send a refillable water bottle to School with your child as the communal bubblers are currently not in operation.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

All students should be in Summer Uniform. Sports Uniform can be worn on the allocated sports day for your child’s Year group. Please remove all nail polish and check that only School appropriate jewellery is worn (refer to the Uniform policy on the School website). 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. 

SAFETY AT SCHOOL

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, and the use of ceiling fans will be increased 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 indoors. Any child presenting with COVID-like symptoms will be sent home and will be required to have a COVID test and present a negative result before returning to School.

BEFORE SCHOOL

No Primary students should be onsite before 8:00am. Children arriving between 8:00am and 8:15am should go to the Primary Courtyard for initial supervision. This is a change from the Canteen space which was the previous area. This system is currently in place while we endeavour to keep Stage groups across Primary and Secondary separate and will remain until further notice.

DISTANCE LEARNING STATISTICS

Mr Reed, our resident tech guru in Primary, has compiled some interesting stats from the DLP online period. We thought you might be as amazed as we were!

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Ahead in Weeks 4 and 5 we have:

• K-6 Webinar Assembly - Friday 29 October 9:15am (link to be emailed this week)

Stay safe and well, 

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary - Oakhurst

As students return to school, please be assured that we hold each of your children in our minds. We are working hard to ensure that effective instruction takes place in classrooms and online, all the while helping our students navigate a changing environment. We are working hard to plan tasks that will engage your children academically and emotionally. We are working hard to support your children as they finish their year of schooling.

One thing we do know is that Term 4 will look different from Term 3. Please be patient as we prepare for these differences, always knowing that your children are at the forefront of our plans. We will be letting you know details about events during Term 4 regarding operations and instruction. Until then, we pray for the wellbeing of our School community.

PRIMARY LEADERSHIP 2022  

This coming week we will be receiving nominations from students who want to apply for Leadership positions. Interviews for these roles will be held on Wednesday 24 November. These interviews will also involve the new School Vice Captains, Emilie W and Ethan K. House Leaders will be voted for by students and staff, supported by House Coordinator recommendation. This recommendation will be based on the students’ responses to application questions and their involvement in House Meetings in Semester 1. Leadership positions will be finalised later in the term. The successful applicants will be announced at the end of the year. 

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

This week has seen many students come back on-site. It has been really satisfying spending some time in the playground and seeing students creatively play. Shown here are a couple of younger students participating in some fun block building. The second picture also shows some of our younger students making and describing 3-D objects out of play dough. 

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Ahead in Weeks 4 and 5 we have:

• K-6 Webinar Assembly - Thursday 28 October 9:00am  (link to be emailed this week)         

Mr Luke Sale
Head of Primary - Marsden Park

We created our own measuring device calibrated to multiples of 100mL with an empty water bottle. We used a measuring container to measure out 100mL of water and gradually fill up our bottles, labelling the water level each time until it reached full capacity. 

We also investigated the volume of a range of objects by comparing displaced water levels in clear containers. We even compared who has the greater volume out of two well-known video game figurines – Mario and Yoshi! Yoshi was the winner, taking up more space in the water than Mario. Stage 2 was very excited to learn these practical skills in measurement and share their discoveries through the screen with their peers. 

“This was the best lesson ever!” – Leah J, 3/4P.

Stage 2 has embraced opportunities to learn in creative and innovative ways over the course of Distance Learning and we look forward to even more wonderful learning experiences as we return to School. 

Miss Seto, Mrs Kaleeny and Mrs Blok
Stage 2 Teachers  

YEAR GROUP SEPARATION

When at School, students should generally stay in their relevant Year group/Stages and not mix with other Year groups where possible. To assist this occurring, Year group stages have been designated a specific area daily. The updated roster for the students has been altered and can be found below:

HAT WEARING

Students are reminded that they need to wear a hat when outdoors. Since we need to separate student groups throughout the day, we ask that all students arrive with a hat and sunscreen. As the hotter months approach, we do not want the joy of being outside in the sunshine being spoilt by sunburn. Please, also ensure that your child brings a water bottle to school. Our bubblers are currently unavailable, but bottle fillers can be used to top up water bottles.

SHARING FOOD

Students should not be sharing food or water bottles. Please remind your child that shared food should not be occurring due to the current health advice. 

This months Study Samurai Tip for Success

STARTING YOUR DAY FOR SUCCESS

No one knows what tomorrow will bring.

We can’t control every event or circumstance we experience and respond to each day. However, the happiest most successful people on the planet Design their Day!

Why The Morning Is So Important

Your mornings are the most important part of the day.

Say YES to your day. Create positive routines and habits in your mornings.

The way you start your day has a massive impact on how you experience the rest of the day.

When you wake up tired and exhausted, when your mornings are rushed and chaotic, when you say NO to your day, your day goes from “bad to worse”!

Start your day with the direction and experience you desire. Focus on that direction and don’t engage in things that take you away from that.

5 Tips To Get You Out Of Bed And Awake In The Mornings

1. Set your intention when your head hits the pillow to get the quality of sleep you need.
2. Move the alarm to the other side of the room so you need to get out of bed to stop it.
3. Brush your teeth.
4. Drink water and hydrate.
5. Dress or shower.

5 Tips To Start Your Day On A Positive Note

1. Silence: Start every morning with a period of purposeful silence. If this is new to you start with 3 to 5 minutes of sitting in silence. Close your eyes, relax your body, and focus on your breath. It’s one of the best ways to reduce stress.
2. Affirmations: create new positive stories or affirmations about what you want and more importantly who you are!
3. Visualise: what you want to experience in your day, what you need to do and the person you need to be.
4. Exercise: helps you lift your mood, boosts not just your physical but also your mental state.
5. Read: something inspiring, that develops you personally.

Mrs Julia Scrimshaw 
Acting Head of Secondary/Director of Studies 

It has been pleasing to see so many students striving to meet the guidelines set for schools in NSW, particularly in the wearing of masks inside classrooms and moving to their designated areas during break times. While there are many changes to our ‘normal’ daily routine we are still able to continue to build the community at RJ. 

A couple of quick reminders regarding what is expected of students during Term 4:

• From next week students will be expected to be following the school expectations regarding hairstyles/haircuts. A number of students will need to have their haircut in the next few days.
• Only access lockers when needed, striving to minimise the number of times lockers are accessed during break times.
• Move quickly to your designated area during break times.
• Wear a face mask when collecting pre-ordered food from the Canteen.
• Wear the sports hat during break times. 
• The sharing of food and drink between students is not permitted due to the current health regulations. 
• Leave the School grounds as quickly as possible at the end of the day to avoid large gatherings of students. 

The ongoing support and understanding from all in the RJ Community is appreciated. If families have any questions please contact the School as soon as possible. 

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

https://www.rjas.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/travel-parking-information/

Please contact Mrs Stephanie Ghali, Operations Manager, if you require any further information – sghali@rjas.nsw.edu.au

Pedestrian gates will be open as usual.

Please organise an alternate drop off/collection point for your child/ren. This could include the church car park (temporary measure), Dryden Ave, or Plumpton shops.

Oakhurst:

• Davinia Torchia
• Pauline Eugenio
• Leonie Vawdrey

MP:

• Kylie Taylor
• Simba Marekera
• Samira Dhannani

Students who change address, school, campus location, or who have repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should renew or update their details before the end of term 4. School Opal card holders will have the changes applied to their existing card.

If a student’s distance eligibility has changed based on their grade the system will automatically update their entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, they will receive an expiry notification via email.

Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition that is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.

Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their Student Opal card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2022.