9 November 2021

Our Year 12 cohort commenced their postponed HSC examinations today with them all sitting the English papers. For these students, they have probably asked many times in the last few months if this day would ever eventuate. Having been through two COVID lockdown periods in the last 18 months across Year 11 and Year 12, this group of students have exhibited courage, resilience and fortitude in staying the path. Please join me in upholding them in prayer as they complete their exams over the next 4 weeks.

NSW Health and the NSW Government continue to ease restrictions around school protocols and the operational management of schools with respect to COVID-19. The School Executive continues to review these changes, whilst prioritising the welfare of students and staff, and note the following:  

• When a student displays COVID-19 symptoms during the day, only the affected student will be sent home. Siblings may remain on Campus.
• COVID-19 testing for students and staff who display COVID-19 symptoms are still required and must produce a negative test or a letter from their GP to return to School. As per our current guidelines, they must be symptom free before returning. 
• Fully vaccinated parents will be invited to attend some of our end of year events under certain conditions. 
• In addition to catering for lunch orders, the Oakhurst Campus Canteen will trial re-opening to Secondary students on designated days (refer to separate news article below).
• Current drop off and pick up arrangements have not changed and will continue as they are until the end of the term, noting that only Primary families should be using the Church drop off and pick up zone.

During Primary online Assembly time this week at Marsden Park and Oakhurst, it was great to see some of our younger students’ work displayed by the Heads of Primary. It is comforting to know that as we have returned to face-to-face learning, students have continued to grow in their learning and reconnect again with their peers. This has been evident in the number of Principal’s Awards I was privileged in announcing this week. 

Let’s keep up the great work and stay strong to the end!

God Bless,

Mr Alan Dawson
Principal 

Please remember that the restrictions in schools are easing as well, but not as quickly as some may like. Secondary students are still required to wear masks in indoor settings and when transitioning between lessons. Masks can be removed at designated break times outdoors and when eating or drinking. Our HSC students will have to contend with writing exams for extended periods of time with a mask on, so they are far more challenged in this respect than students in Years 7-11. I would encourage all students to be patient (as the vast majority are doing) and follow the rules – this will benefit everyone.

This also includes leaving the campus at the correct time and not mingling with other students. Most afternoons have been very good, but last Friday there were too many Secondary students huddled together over phones and not in the right location. Those who are waiting for Primary siblings at Oakhurst need to be on the hardcourt, and nowhere else. Those who don’t have siblings, need to leave the grounds. The early departure for Secondary is for the purpose of staggering the number of people leaving the grounds at the same time – please make sure you are where you need to be. 

FUN RUN

The time for ordering prizes has arrived! You have until 10 November to place your order. Well done to those who have been fundraising, even in these challenging times.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

The winners of General Knowledge in Term 3 have been announced in Secondary. They are:

Stage 4: 

• 1st place: Breyanna C - Eagles
• 2nd place: Kobe J - Eagles
• 3rd place: Jonathan T - Eagles 

Stage 5:

• 1st place: Navneet D - Lions
• 2nd place: Jessica R– Rams
• Equal 3rd place: Shanice C – Sharks & Krish S - Eagles

Stage 6: 

• 1st place: Rebecca A- Sharks
• 2nd place: Mark M - Sharks
• 3rd place: Bridie O- Lions

Congratulations everyone! The General Knowledge competition may have finished for the year, but keep reading the news and being aware of what is happening in our world. We are global citizens, and have a responsibility to care for the world in which we live, and “love our neighbour” in the best ways possible. God has blessed us in so many ways – let’s not take these blessings for granted.

Mrs Jenny Clay
Deputy Principal  

The Distance Learning Plan has officially finished with no more worksheet booklets being provided to families from this week.

A few reminders - 

• 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 until further notice.
• Please send a refillable water bottle to School with your child as the communal bubblers are currently not in operation. This is especially necessary on Sport days (Wednesdays Years 3-6).
• Wet weather is forecast for much of this week – please have a folded raincoat in your child’s bag or a small umbrella.

ASSEMBLY WEBINARS

Our Assembly webinars are now weekly each Friday and the link will be emailed to families on Thursdays. Starting time is 9:10am. Students receiving Principal’s Awards, Merit Awards and other accolades are congratulated and acknowledged during this time. Last week we enjoyed a day in the life of KS and some great reminders from Christian Living from 2J. This Friday will feature contributions from KJ and 1J.

AFTERNOON PICKUPS

• Primary students have several options for pick up in the afternoons. Please make sure your child knows exactly where they need to be going each afternoon for their pick-up – a number of children are still unsure. 
• Church Carpark – this is not a drive through option. You are required to park your car, come over and get your child then help them into your vehicle. This is the best option for younger students who have trouble getting into the car unassisted. By using this option, you don’t stop the flow of traffic on Dryden which is appreciated.
• Main School turnaround – Primary students meet their Secondary siblings on the Hardcourt then go to the Turnaround to be picked up together.
• Playing Field – parents can access through the Jersey Road gate, wait at the cones on the nearest field for their child then exit back onto Jersey Road. Many families park over at Plumpton Marketplace and cross at the lights. Parents must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask.
• Dryden Avenue – this is our busiest pick-up point and is a drive through option. Students wait against the fence until they sight their family vehicle, then walk towards it. This option is for students that can access the car unassisted so the traffic is not held up by parents getting out of the car to put children into a vehicle.

Any students not picked up by 3:40pm will be taken to Main Reception and parents phoned.

BIRTHDAYS

We are happy to help celebrate your child’s birthday at School. A reminder that even prior to COVID, we did not accept lolly bags being sent in for the class - this is even more vital at present. Instead, please send in boxed store-bought cupcakes or doughnuts that the teacher will distribute using gloves and tongs or individually wrapped treats such as Freddo Frogs. Unfortunately, lolly bags will be sent home. Your cooperation is appreciated and will result in a happy time for your child to celebrate with their classmates.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Ahead in Weeks 6 and 7 we have – 

• Year 12 begin the HSC - Tuesday 9 November (please remember them in your prayers)
• K-6 Webinar Assembly - Friday 12 November 9:10am  (link to be emailed this week)
• House Meetings - Friday 19 November – wear House shirts

I love this time of year in Sydney, with the beautiful jacaranda trees in bloom.

Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. Song of Songs 2:12     

Stay safe and well, 

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary - Oakhurst

PRIMARY LEADERSHIP 2022  

Forms for the role of Primary Captain and House Leadership were handed out on Friday. Interviews for these roles will occur on Wednesday 24 November. In addition, a Primary House Captain and House Leaders for each House will be selected based on the students’ responses to application questions and involvement in House Meetings from Semester 1. The successful applicants for these positions will be announced towards the end of the year. 

PYJAMARAMA 

On Thursday 25 November, Year 4 will participate in the Pyjamarama incursion. This will be a fun day of games and activities for all Year 4 students. More details will come to students through a note sent home to families. 

ASSEMBLY

We had a great time at our Assembly on Thursday 4 November, particularly when participating in a dance with Miss Shannon-Duhigg. The photos included show the participation of students and how enjoyable they found it to dance along. 

FRUIT BREAK 

At RJ we want students to have healthy food habits. To support that aim, we have a fruit break time each day, where students can bring a piece of fruit. Please remember to pack this for your child. Please also remember that as the bubblers are not accessible at the moment, it is important to ensure that your child has a drink bottle.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Ahead in Weeks 6 and 7, we have - 

• K-6 Webinar Assembly - Thursday 11 November, 9am (link to be emailed before the event).     

Mr Luke Sale
Head of Primary - Marsden Park

We know they are well prepared for what lies ahead, and we pray that God will grant them calm hearts and confidence in knowing He holds each of them in His hands.

FEAR OF FAILING

I often hear students discuss failure as the worst thing that could happen to them! Most even fear the thought of it. The horror of failing a maths test or failing a writing task! It’s viewed in such a negative way.

The truth is that we are all failing some of the time, and we must change this mindset in our students.

Failure is not something to be fearful of.

Why?

Because failure is an important part of how we learn and grow.

Researchers have found that everything you’ve ever mastered in your life - from walking, to connecting with others, to caring for our wellbeing – relies on the three simple steps:

• Acting – You’ve experimented with different ways of thinking, feeling, behaving, and connecting to try and achieve your desired outcome.
• Assessing – You’ve reflected on what’s working, what’s not working, and how you can use what you’re learning to support your growth.
• Adjusting – You’ve applied your learning and continued adjusting your approach until you can master what matters most to you.

Over and over again, you’ve travelled this simple Learning Loop – often without even being conscious of the steps you were taking – until you’ve reached mastery.

To make travelling this learning loop less stressful – no matter what you’re tackling – studies suggest trying:

• A Learning Loop Check-In – When you’re assessing how you’re going, be sure of yourself: What went well? Where did I struggle? And, what did I learn? Most outcomes are short-lived, but the learning you gain from experience is what you will build on repeatedly.
• Control The Controllables – Make a list of what is inside your control and what is outside your control. For those inside your control, note the ones that matter most to you and identify the actions you want to focus your energy and effort. For those outside your control, acknowledge that your ability to influence these items is limited and do your best to make intelligent choices with the information you have right now.
• Healthy Distractions – Try to avoid recycling stress unnecessarily. If you find yourself stuck in an ineffective stress response, make a list of healthy distractions – playing music, learning something fun, trying a hobby or a sport, finding reasons to laugh, joyful connections, getting out into nature, etc. – and choose one to short-circuit your brain’s stress response.

REPORT TIME IS COMING

Reports will be published through the Parent Portal at the end of the year. Please, take the time now to ensure that your contact details are up to date so that you receive all communications in a timely manner.

CREATIVE KIDS VOUCHER

The NSW Government is helping kids get creative with the new Creative Kids program.

Parents and carers can apply for a voucher of up to $100 value per calendar year for each student aged 4.5 years to 18 years old enrolled in a school.

The voucher may be used with a registered activity provider. This will cover your child’s registration, participation and tuition costs for creative arts, speech, drama, dance, digital design, coding, and music lessons and activities.

The voucher can be used at any time during the calendar year it was issued. The program runs year-round so that kids can get creative at any time.

Mrs Julia Scrimshaw 
Acting Head of Secondary/Director of Studies 

COVID GUIDELINES

I would like to thank the students and families that make up the RJ Community, for their flexibility and willingness to follow the unique COVID guidelines set for schools in NSW. The need to wear masks, changes to the timetable, for some students moving lockers and for all students the need to be in separate areas on the playground is the new normal for a while. These are not the most enjoyable things to have to do but we are doing it well, again, thank you.

UNIFORM REMINDERS

Students need to continue to bring two masks each day, "one for their face and one for their pocket". It is essential that students have a spare mask to replace any masks that are lost or broken during the day. Additionally students should still be wearing the RJ Uniform well, wearing only RJ hats and jumpers and also only using RJ backpacks and sports bags. Additionally some students have been encouraged to visit the barber/hairdresser, when possible, to ensure their hairstyle complies with the School's expectations.

LATE ARRIVALS

A final reminder regarding students who arrive late to school. If a student arrives late to school parents are required to provide an explanation, just like a full days absence. Students who arrive late without a reason provided they will be issued a demerit that may see them receive a formal lunch detention. A parent note in the Student Diary or an SMS sent to the School are suitable methods of parents communicating the reason for a student arriving late to school.

I am looking forward to seeing the RJ Community ending 2021 together, celebrating what has been a very unexpected year. As always if you have any questions please contact the relevant staff as soon as possible. 

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

Samaritan’s Purse is a non-profit, Christian organisation providing emergency relief and development assistance to suffering people around the world. Samaritan’s Purse is meeting the physical needs of victims of war, famine, natural disaster, poverty and disease with the aim of demonstrating God’s love and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. The aid and assistance are given without regard to the race, creed, gender, religion, or ethnicity of the beneficiaries. Some of the additional projects that Samaritan’s Purse operates along with Operation Christmas Child are: Water, Sanitation & Hygiene; Health & Nutrition; Education & Vocational Training; People at Risk; Animals & Agriculture Livelihoods and Church Resourcing. 

All students in Stage 4, 5 and 6 have received a brochure that outlines the Operation Christmas Child Program and will be encouraged to contribute to the program by bringing in items for two of the categories each week. Operation Christmas Child is primarily run in Stage 4, but all students are encouraged to be involved. Special boxes to pack the gifts are available at School from Mr Rowe in the D Block staffroom. These boxes will be sent home with students in Stage 4 next week so that you can start collecting items from the list at the bottom of this article. The boxes are then distributed to children around the world. 

The process for collecting gifts to pack into a shoe box is as follows:

1. Choose whether your box will be for a boy or girl
2. Choose an age group 2-4, 5-9, 10-14
3. Fill the box with new gifts that fit into the following categories. We are asking that students bring in one item from two categories each week. 

While donations of whole boxes would be wonderful, you don’t have to fill a whole shoe box if that is not possible. Any donations of new items from the different categories would be greatly appreciated. 

We will be checking the boxes at School on either Friday 26 November or Monday 29 November. The boxes will then be delivered to the Samaritan’s Purse warehouse at Kings Park, near Blacktown. Please do not include the following: items that leak e.g. toothpaste, shampoo, bubbles, batteries etc; food or lollies of any kind – including vitamins etc; used or damaged items; breakable items e.g. glass mirrors; items that might scare a child e.g. toy guns, military figures; gambling related items e.g. playing cards, play money and dominoes and religious, racial or political items. 

Along with buying goods to go into the shoebox, any donations towards the cost of distributing the boxes around the world would be gratefully received. Samaritan’s Purse have suggested that $10.00 would help greatly towards distributing one box to a child.

Here is a proposed timetable of items to bring in.

 
We hope that all students can participate in the Operation Christmas Child project and we will be able to send many shoe boxes to help other children around the world celebrate this special time of the year. 

Mr Stewart Rowe
Director of Service Learning/Ministry

There are a variety of different opportunities for the students to serve others and these activities are outlined in a letter that all Year 10 students will be receiving later this week. In general, students will come to School at the normal times and will leave for their different activities after Home Group. The students will return to school in time to catch their bus or be collected. However, there are several activities where students will need to be at school before 8am. Students will be informed of particular travel times when they receive their venues for the week.

If students are going outside the School, they will need to bring their own food and drink for the day. Students will wear full Sports Uniform for the activities. This includes correct shoes, socks and school hat. We are looking forward to a week filled with many opportunities for our students to serve others. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on 9677 2455 or by email – srowe@rjas.nsw.edu.au 

BIKES WANTED FOR THE YEAR 10 SERVICE WEEK – BIKE PROJECT

One of the activities that has been suggested is a push bike project where old, serviceable push bikes are cleaned up and minor repairs made. The bikes will then be donated to an organisation that distributes the bikes to children and adults who cannot afford to buy a bike. The bikes are distributed both inside Australia and overseas.

Any push bike can be donated as long as it only needs a general clean up and minor repairs e.g. tyres, handle grips, chains, brake blocks, seat and minor paint repairs etc. If you are not sure if your old bike requires too much in the way of repairs, please contact me.   

If you have an old bike, either children’s, BMX or adult bike that you would be happy to donate to our Service Week Bike Project, please send an email to Mr Rowe - srowe@rjas.nsw.edu.au. I will be in contact with you once we had determined if we have enough donated bikes to proceed with the activity. We will need to know about the number of bikes available by Wednesday of this week. Thank you for considering our request.  

Mr Stewart Rowe
Director of Service Learning/Ministry

Due to changes in the co-curricular activities affected by COVID-19 this year, we are offering this experience as a complimentary activity to all Secondary students. The School will cover the full cost of transportation and day entry at Cables Wake Park for each student. Optional items will be at an extra cost to students (e.g. meal combos and wake/knee boarding).

There are a few things that you will need to do before the day to ensure your child/children will be able to participate:

1. Go to the RJAS App or Edumate and give permission to attend the event.
2. Download the Cables Wake & Aqua Park Waiver form. Complete the form and return this to your child/children’s Home Group teacher.
3. Go to the TryBooking site to register the various activities and meal options that you would like for each child. Link below. 

There are a few options to choose for each student and these are as follows:

1. Spectator Only – No cost to attend. However, they will have no access to water activities. This category will have access to the non-water activities (e.g. Jumping Pillow, Basketball court and Volleyball court).
2. Aqua Park – The School will cover the cost for each student for this activity. They will have access to 2 x 1 hour session on the Aqua Park throughout the day. They will also have access to the non-water activities (e.g. Jumping Pillow, Basketball court and Volleyball court).
3. Wake or Knee Boarding – This is an optional activity for those who would like a more challenging experience. This will be an additional cost of $15.00 for a 1 hour session on the lake. If you choose this optional you can still nominate to participate on the Aqua Park as well.

MEAL COMBOS

Meal Combos will also be available for pre-order. Pre-ordering meal combos ensures that individuals are not waiting in canteen lines for an extended period of time. All combos come with hot chips and a 250ml drink (soft drink or water). It is suggested that people do the pre-order for the day if they are intending to purchase food. Bringing a packed lunch is also an acceptable option if we follow the expectations of the venue by not bringing in any fast food.

Please register using the TryBooking link: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=831533&

Mr David Hyde 
Secondary Sports Co-ordinator 

Join us for an online showcase featuring the private music tuition students.  

DATES:

• Wednesday 10 November, 6pm (Week 6)
• Wednesday 17 November, 6pm (Week 7)

To access the live stream, scan the QR code on the poster, or visit this link: https://sway.office.com/XgHHBL0rX6b1NaNT?ref=Link.

Available only for 48 hours.

Parents collecting Secondary students only can access the Secondary turnaround after 3:05pm. Parents collecting Secondary and Primary students can access the Secondary turnaround after 3:25pm to facilitate the smooth movement of vehicles. If you arrive too early to collect your child, you will be asked to leave the turnaround, returning at the appropriate time.

Alternatively Dryden Avenue can be utilised for both Primary and Secondary collection. Primary parents can access Jersey Road Gate to collect their children from the sports field.

Thank you for your cooperation.

At this stage, the Canteen will not be open to Primary to minimise student movement on the grounds and the amount of cash handling.

Lunch orders can still be submitted via MunchMonitor for Primary and Secondary students.

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.