8 February 2022

As we continue to grow as a School, we also welcome our new staff who joined us at the start of the year – Oakhurst Primary: Teacher – Mr Nelson Hunt Marsden Park Primary: Head of Primary – Mr Luke Sale, Teacher – Mrs Christine Bare, Miss Emma Dunn (Music Specialist), Mrs Kyra Kuitert, Mr Joshua Lamb, Mr David Robertson, Mr Paul Russell, Miss Courtney Garard, Mrs Natasha Hurst Secondary:  Director of Performing Arts (K-12) Mrs Inés Marrables, Teacher – Mr Luke Dibden, Miss Christine Hindeleh, Mrs Mary Reed Support Staff: Mrs Sara Muzzatti, Mrs Danielle Vittor, Mr Daniel Janman and Mrs Maddie Mercieca.  

Term 1 has started off strongly with our Staff completing some Professional Learning and preparation for the term during recent staff days with a focus on a hybrid learning model as we navigate the Omicron COVID-19 variant. Our students have all seemed to settle fairly quickly into their routines and practices across both of our Campuses as they prepare to embrace some new learning opportunities in 2022.

The Marsden Park Campus is looking wonderful with the new building now in operation for all our Year 1 to Year 6 classes. We are now just awaiting the instalment of the two new playground spaces to come online within the next couple of weeks to complete the new Primary Plaza and Pre-K to Year 2 play areas. The final installation of some more shade sails around the OSHC building will be completed during the Easter break.

The Paul Cockrem Senior Learning Centre is well underway on the Oakhurst Campus with an expected opening early in Term 2. In the meantime, staff and students are accessing the four modular classrooms installed on site near the artificial fields for Art lessons and general classes. We can’t wait to introduce our Senior students to this amazing new learning facility which has been designed with a focus on developing our students’ enterprise skills in order for them to be work-ready and life-ready as graduates of RJ.

As we commence the term, there may be several families who are feeling quite uncertain how the term will play out with the new COVID-19 Omicron variant around. I would encourage all our families to lean into our School motto – Trust in the Lord – and allow the truth of these words to illuminate our hearts and minds. Many times throughout the Bible, God exhorted His people to trust Him through a crisis or challenge. My own personal experience has been similar, that during difficult times I have felt to trust in God for the outcome. Let’s believe together and be determined to trust in the Lord for our families’ safety as we navigate another season of COVID.

If parents have not yet read my first couple of communications to families regarding RAT kits and changes to School activities for the initial five weeks of Term 1, please ensure you are aware of the protocols currently in place for both students and parents by referring to the Coronavirus link under Quick Links on the School website. It is vital that positive COVID test results be reported through the Service NSW App and to the School by a parent. If a student reports the positive case to one of their teachers, our staff then have to take additional time to verify this report with the student’s parent, and in some cases, this is difficult due to parents being back at work etc. 

In order to keep communication regular and open with families, we will be using the Newsfeed facility on the RJ App. If you have not yet downloaded our App to your mobile phone, please do so. The App is used for excursion approvals, community notifications, student timetables and school calendar, to name a few. Should we have any current COVID cases in our school community amongst staff or students, we will send out a daily notification through the Newsfeed. 

Yesterday, students and staff enjoyed the Primary Swimming Carnival (3-6) at the Mt Druitt Swimming Centre amidst sunshine and clouds. All of our Primary students were very enthusiastic as they cheered on their peers and showed great House spirit. Thank you to Mr Gavin Mitchell and our team of teachers and aides who helped make this event a fantastic day of competition.

Finally, 2022 represents our 25 year celebration as a Pre-K to 12 school delivering an affordable quality Christian education to families in Western Sydney. As we move through the year, we will be highlighting opportunities where we can celebrate this significant milestone in the life of our community. So please join us in our celebrations this year as we give glory to God for all He has done and is continuing to do through our School. 

God Bless,

Mr Alan Dawson
Principal 

ENDING 2021

At the end of last year we had a number of events happen which we didn’t get to report on, but which deserve recognition for the outstanding service they delivered to our local and international community. Our new School Captains and Vice-Captains co-ordinated the Anglicare Toys ‘n Tucker collection, and on the last Monday of term, worked with a volunteer group of Year 12 students to pack nearly 50 boxes of goods, which were so generously donated by the families in our School. Anglicare was very grateful for the donations, which filled the back of the small bus! On the same day we had our Christmas Mufti in Secondary, with a “Nostalgia” theme and team dress-up competition followed by the long-awaited Colour Run! Congratulations go to Jade Rawlings for being the highest fundraiser once more. 

Primary students were able to raise money for Nepal through the Sugar Freezies Day, and the final amount to be donated from the Secondary Heritage Festival to Anglican Aid is $2583.69.

STARTING 2022

We have started 2022 with a high level of excitement. Our Student Leadership team have already demonstrated their planning skills with House Leaders across Primary and Secondary sections, leading the preparations for their respective Swimming Carnivals. Secondary leaders made it very clear at our RJ Day Assembly that Primary tokens can easily decide the Champion House, and at the end of last year Noah’s Sharks almost managed to topple David’s Rams. There was intense competition in the Secondary lunchtime House Mixed Netball games last Thursday and Friday, as everyone looks keen to get their House off to a strong start. The General Knowledge competition will start in Week 3 and medallions will again be awarded to each Stage Winner each term, at both Campuses.

UNIFORM AND PRESENTATION POLICY

At the end of last year there was some consternation expressed by parents about the School’s insistence on students adhering to the Uniform and Presentation Policy, and Secondary students being sent home when all other avenues had proven unsuccessful or it was a recurring infringement. Consistency was also a concern. We have started 2022 by following up jewellery and inappropriate haircuts or hairstyles sooner rather than later and all staff are expected to address uniform and presentation issues as they arise. However, I spent some time during the holidays thinking about the underlying issues and thought I would share them here.

School is a place where you represent your identity through your uniform and attitude towards wearing it. Independent and Catholic schools all have fairly strict uniform policies and it’s one way of identifying differences between schools. This is because uniform and presentation is something that’s easily controllable by an individual and parents, and schools want their students to be proud of the place they spend a lot of time in each day. Dressing well gives you an immediate feeling of satisfaction – a simple task is accomplished, just like making the bed. Responsibility has been given, and it can be accepted or rejected. It reminds me of the Bible verse, from Luke 16:10:

'Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.'

There’s a difference between not wearing uniform because of a wardrobe malfunction (torn trousers, broken zippers etc) and not wearing uniform because of a deliberate choice to do something outside the boundaries (e.g. getting extra piercings in the middle of term and expecting that a bandaid will be OK to cover it up). Therefore, how you (as a student) think about dressing yourself in the morning (which includes piercings and the way you style your hair) is how you ‘dress’ yourself for the rest of the day, and determines how staff ‘address’ a student during the day. 

Secondary students generally hope a teacher will ‘forget’ what they’ve observed, or when something is ‘not’ said, they take this as implied approval to continue pushing the boundaries. Where does the unwillingness to accept responsibility then stop? Wearing uniform is not about ‘individuality’ and self-expression – there’s an appropriate time and place for that (including the expression of one’s cultural identity). Uniform is about community – something we do together; a shared expression of who we are and the standards we expect. It also takes courage to decide to conform, and know when to stand up and stand out. 

We also can’t maintain our standards without parent support and involvement – which the vast majority of parents give over and over again. Sometimes parents are even more frustrated by the choices their children (especially teenagers) make – and sometimes ‘uniform’ is just an outward reflection of much deeper issues. We will work with parents on this, but we won’t excuse poor choices and compromise standards because some students just won’t comply. We also won’t go weeks without any observable change.

Last year Mr Dawson gave students the example from Admiral William McRaven’s Commencement Address in 2014, where he spoke about his training as a Navy Seal and how he learnt to make his bed every morning. He said, “It was a simple task…mundane at best…but the wisdom of this simple act has been proven many times over.” Accomplishing the first task of the day, gives impetus for the second, and then the third, and so on. “Making your bed…will reinforce the fact, that the simple things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you’ll never do the big things right.” Wearing uniform and being dressed appropriately, is in the grand scheme of life, a “little thing”. It’s controllable. It gives a sense of accomplishment. Get it right, and there will be much bigger things which will follow. 

I’m looking forward to those “big things” becoming a reality for our students!

Mrs Jenny Clay
Deputy Principal  

A special welcome to new teachers joining us at Oakhurst Primary in 2022 – Mr Nelson Hunt Year 6, Miss Dania Mourad Kindergarten and RFF, Mrs Meredith Hughes Year 2, Miss Araceli Llandos Year 2, Ms Sonali Jayawardena in Learning Support.

One of our teachers had a beautiful wedding during the holidays so has changed her surname - Miss Emmerson is now Mrs Holland. We congratulate her and Andrew on their marriage.

The School Executive have gone ahead with planning for events for Term 1 which were outlined in the Information note emailed out last week, however, please see the RJ Review, Seesaw notifications and School email correspondence for any changes to these programmed events.

The beginning of Term Parent Information note was uploaded to the RJ website at the start of the School year - https://www.rjas.nsw.edu.au/resources/general/   

EVENTS

The Swimming Carnival was held yesterday for Years 3-6. The students enjoyed participating in their House meetings last Friday in preparation for this event. A special thank you to Mr Mitchell for his organisation of our first Primary Swimming Carnival. We also celebrated the founding of our School last Friday on Richard Johnson Day with a combined webinar Assembly for Years 1-12 led by Mr Dawson.                                                                           

PRIMARY INFORMATION EVENING

This evening has been changed to a series of video links that will be emailed out next week. You will be able to click on the links pertinent to your child’s Stage group. Teachers have sent out additional class information that will assist in timetabling and packing the correct equipment for each day. Seesaw and Mathletics accounts for 2022 have now been rolled over. Check with your child’s classroom teacher or Mr Reed if there are any Seesaw or Mathletics issues. There will be Parent/Teacher Interviews later this term to discuss your child’s progress.                                                                                                   

UNIFORM

We have deliberately commenced the academic year with a strong emphasis on adherence to our School Uniform and Presentation policy. This can be viewed on the School website. In particular - jewellery, school shoe styles and hairstyles. Please make yourself familiar with RJ’s uniform expectations and make any uniform adjustments if reminders are sent home with your child.                                                                                                                 

MOBILE PHONES

Primary students who bring a mobile phone to School must hand it in at Primary Reception in the morning and collect it at the end of the school day. Primary students found using a mobile phone on School grounds will have it confiscated and parents will be notified to come in and collect the phone from Reception. The School does not accept any liability for lost or stolen phones brought to School. Smart watches with phone capabilities are not part of the School uniform and students wearing these will be issued with a uniform infringement note.                                                                                             

YEARS 5 AND 6 CAMP

Due to current restrictions and Government advice, the Oakhurst Stage 3 Camp has been modified to 2 Day Camps – on Wednesday 9 February for Year 5 and Thursday 10 February for Year 6. We understand the disappointment of this event not including an overnight stay but are confident that our students will still greatly benefit by attending this outdoor recreational experience and participating in the range of activities.                                                                      

DROP OFF AND PICK UP

We ask all parents to co-operate in the matter of punctuality regarding bringing and collecting their child/ren from School. No child should arrive at School before 8:00am or remain after 3:40pm.  

• Mornings - Staff are on duty in the morning from 8:00am. Supervision between 8:00-8:15am will occur in the Primary Courtyard. From 8:15am students can move to play areas supervised by Primary teachers. The current COVID directive is no parents onsite, so please drop your children at the Dryden Ave gates or the main turnaround area. 
• Afternoons – Students can be picked up from the Grass area (enter via Jersey Rd gate), Dryden Ave, Church carpark or meet Secondary siblings on the Hardcourt. Students attending After School Care are escorted to the relevant Church buildings.

A reminder that the Dryden Ave pick up is the busiest one and is best for children who can access vehicles independently. We do not want parents exiting cars to assist children into seats as this substantially slows the pick-up process. Please use the Church carpark option if you need to assist your child into a vehicle.

Kindergarten children may be collected from the Courtyard area at 3:00pm in Week 2 if being picked-up by parents/carers. Enter via Jersey Rd gate or lower Dryden Ave gate.

COMMUNITY CONNECT EVENING

We would be delighted to spend time with you at our RJ Community Connect Night for the Oakhurst Campus on Tuesday 22 February. Join us at 7:00pm for light refreshments in the Hall and spend time sharing with other parents, and members of the RJ Executive (Mr Alan Dawson, Mr Brad Maxwell, Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg and Mrs Stephanie Ghali).

During the night, parents will be updated on relevant School matters including any topics of interest noted when registering.

Due to COVID restrictions, parents are required to be fully vaccinated, to bring a mask, and to not attend if they are unwell on the day.                   

The event will conclude by 8:15pm. 

Parents are required to pre-register at https://bit.ly/3Htqqnd (RSVP by Monday 21 Feb 4:00pm)                                                                                

ASSEMBLIES TERM 1

Our theme for Assemblies this term is Kindness. We will hold the Assemblies in the Hall each Friday at 9:10am with the Stage group of the presenting class in the Hall as the live audience. Other classes will view from their classrooms via Zoom. The weekly link will be sent out to families the day before.  Notifications of students receiving Principal’s Awards will also be emailed home.

We look forward to a healthy and happy Term 1!  

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary - Oakhurst

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL STUDENT DROP OFF AND COLLECTION

Our Campus continues to grow and one of the challenges of that growth is drop off and pick up routines each day. Thank you for your patience so far as we continue to refine the procedures to allow for a safe and quick pick up and drop off each day. A letter is being sent to families with reminders about how pick up and drop off should occur. I will also note the location and procedures of the Before and After School Student Drop Off and Collection. 

ASSEMBLY

In Primary Assemblies this term we will be looking at the theme of kindness and how as Christians we need to show God’s love and kindness to each other. We are moving towards a more blended model for Assembly with some students watching the Assembly in person and all other classes watching from their classrooms via Zoom. I am excited by the prospect of demonstrating and showcasing a range of excellent work and talent that is so evident in the Primary School. Parents are unable to attend Primary Assemblies currently due to Government COVID restrictions. A Zoom link will be sent to all families closer to the date. 

INITIALIT (Reading and Spelling) K-2

Children in Kindergarten to Year 2 will be ability grouped for instruction using the InitiaLit program. This grouping will allow students who need more 1-1 teacher attention and opportunity to share their learning in a smaller group environment with a qualified teacher. More capable learners will be able to access more advanced words and reading materials. These groups are fluid with regular assessment data determining the best group for your child. Groups will commence during the coming weeks.   

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

Primary students (K-6) will be participating in Jump Rope for Heart again this year. Skipping ropes will be busily turning over coming weeks during break times. We look forward to your support of this worthy cause. Further details will be provided in coming weeks by Mr Mitchell, Primary Sport Coordinator.

PRIMARY INFORMATION 2022 

Parent Information videos for Marsden Park families will be emailed to parents prior to the end of Week 3 in place of Parent Information Evenings. Teachers will send home class related information also on this day. 

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Ahead in Weeks 6 and 7, we have - 

• K-6 Webinar Assembly - Thursday 11 November 9:00 am (link to be emailed before the event)  

Mr Luke Sale
Head of Primary - Marsden Park

Term One is quite a busy term with many events on, ensure that you keep track on updates through the broadcasts sent via the School App.

COVID-19 MANAGEMENT PLAN

Thank you for the patience and understanding shown by students as we continue to ask Year Groups to keep in certain areas of the playground before school, during recess and at lunch. The requirement for Secondary students to wear masks while inside at school is still current. Please ensure that your child brings at least two masks each day, one to wear and one as a spare. Students will continue to use hand sanitiser as they enter a classroom. It is recommended that students bring their own sanitiser for use during break times.

RJ COMMUNITY CONNECT NIGHT

We would be delighted to spend time with you at our RJ Community Connect Night for the Oakhurst Campus on Tuesday 22 February.

Join us at 7:00pm for light refreshments in the Hall and spend time sharing with other parents, and members of the RJ Executive (Mr Alan Dawson, Mr Brad Maxwell, Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg and Mrs Stephanie Ghali). During the night, parents will be updated on relevant school matters including any topics of interest noted when registering. Due to COVID restrictions, parents are required to be fully vaccinated, to bring a mask, and to not attend if they are unwell on the day. The event will conclude by 8:15pm.

To register for the RJ Community Connect Night at Oakhurst please use the following link - https://bit.ly/3Htqqnd (RSVP by Monday 4:00pm 21 Feb)

YEAR 7 & 11 INFORMATION EVENINGS 

Information has already been sent to parents regarding the change to the Year 11 Information Evening being a recorded presentation that will be shared directly with parents after the Year 11 Study Days. The Year 7 Information Evening will be presented in the same way. It will not be held at the Oakhurst Campus this week. Links to the presentations will be sent through the School App. Updates regarding the remaining information evenings scheduled for later in this term will be provided closer to these events.

YEAR 11 STUDY DAYS

Year 11 Study Days will be held in Week 2 at The Tops and at the Oakhurst Campus. I look forward to our Year 11 students benefiting from the time spent in the various activities across both days.

YEAR 7 CAMP

Year 7 Camp will take place at the Waterslea Conference Centre on the Shoalhaven River in Week 4. The relevant notes and information has been sent home and needs to be completed and returned to school as soon as possible. Staff attending this camp are Mr Dibden and Mrs Rainer (the Stage 4 Welfare Leaders), along with Mr Sukkarieh, Mr Derrington, Mr Manaloto, Mr Keene, Mrs Cocks, Mrs Whittle and Miss Mahaffey.

YEARS 8-10 CAMPS

Camps for Years 8-10 are scheduled for Week 1 of Term 2, with the Year 12 Retreat planned for Term 3. Information regarding these events will be issued closer to the events.

TRAILBLAZER AWARDS 2021

Congratulations to Bridie O'Kelly who placed in the Top 50 2021 Trailblazer Awards, she has been recognised for her all round achievement and positive contributions to her local community during her HSC Year. Well done, Bridie. For more information regarding the Trailblazer Awards feel free to visit the following link: Click Here.

STATIONARY REQUIREMENTS 2022

Stationery Requirements for 2022 were published in December 2021 are available to download from the RJ Website, on the Essential Downloads page - Click Here - to download your copy.

ESAFETY COMMISSIONER 

The eSafety Commissioner provides free webinars to help inform and educate parents in the areas of internet safety, cyberbullying and helping your child develop healthy online habits. There are webinars throughout 2022, you can access their calendar via the following link - https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars. 

Finally, my hope and prayer for the staff, students and their family at RJ in 2022 is that they would succeed in their endeavours and they would do so in a way that reflects Micah 6:8 - 'To act justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with God'.

Mr Brad Maxwell 
Acting Head of Secondary 

We thank many of the teachers who volunteered to accompany the students on the various activities, giving up their own time and preparing and leaving lessons for the classes back at school.

Despite the constraints that COVID-19 placed on a number of activities that the students could participate in, there was a wide variety of different opportunities for the students to serve others. 

The activities included: Packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child at Samaritans Purse, packing Christmas Hampers at Foodbank, cooking for a local preschool and two aged care facilities, Zooming Christmas carols to the Aged Care Facilities, sewing bags for a charity serving women who had suffered from cancer, making wooden toys for Operation Christmas Child, making gifts and games for aged care facilities and the preschools, and helping in the Hub and IT departments.

The School would like to thank all the Year 10 students and the teachers involved for making Service Week such a positive time. I heard lots of wonderful feedback from Centre Co-ordinators, and from staff, about the tremendous attitude and effort shown by the students as they participated so willingly in the activities in which they were involved. The School is very proud of the students’ efforts, as they were fine ambassadors for RJ, their families and themselves. Well done Year 10.

Also, towards the end of the year, students in Stage 4 supported by students from Stage 5 and 6 took part in Operation Christmas Child. It was exciting to see over 180 boxes taken to Samaritans Purse for distribution to children around the world, many of whom had never received a gift before. Thank you everyone for your compassion and generosity.

Mr Stewart Rowe
Director of Service Learning/Ministry

A valuable resource for families is The Office of the eSafety Commissioner. Please click here for their eSafety Education 2022 Parent/Carer Webinar schedule and click here to register. 

GET A GREAT START TO LEARNING

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. 

Starting Your Day On A Positive Note

1. QUIET TIME: Start every morning with a period of purposeful silence. If this is new to you, start with just a few minutes sitting in silence. Close your eyes, relax your body, and focus on your breath. Count as you slowly breathe in and count as you breathe out. 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. You may say to yourself as you get ready for school, “My mind’s ability to learn and remember is increasing every day”. Or “I am getting better and better at staying focused in class”. Direct your mind to think in a positive and focused way. 
3. VISUALISE: Picture in your mind what you want to experience in your day, what you need to do and the person you need to be. 
4. READ: Spend a few minutes reading something inspiring that develops you personally.
5. EXERCISE: Exercise or even stretching helps you lift your mood and boosts not just your physical, but also your mental state.
6. MUSIC: Listening to upbeat music that makes you feel good is also a great way to start your day well. 

What else can you add to this list? 

Score Your Mornings: 1 = Your mornings are not great  10 = Your mornings are really positive. 

Give yourself a number. Now ask yourself, “What’s one small simple thing that could move me up one number?” 

You can learn more about this at studysamurailibrary.com in the WELLBEING MODULE - Topic 4: Starting Your Day For Success 

Our school’s login details are 

USERNAME: RJ@studysamurai.com 

PASSWORD: success21 

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

We look forward to another year of participating in Jump Rope for Heart and raising money for the Heart Foundation. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, we will not have a Jump Rope for Heart Officer come to our two Campuses to promote the program. Teachers will play a video teaching students why we skip to help the Heart Foundation. Our Jump Off program runs until the end of Term 1 which will culminate in our Jump Off Day at each Campus.

SPORTING CLUBS AT OAKHURST

We are endeavouring to commence some new sporting clubs, to be run either before or after school, at the Oakhurst Campus this year. Stage 2 will have the opportunity of continuing to train throughout the year in anticipation of the Todd Woodbridge Cup. We are also looking to establish a running club to improve cardiovascular fitness which will also be a great place to prepare for Cross Countries and Athletics Carnivals. Places will be limited in these clubs. More information regarding these will come out shortly. 

SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

It was great to see so many students have a go in the 50m events and novelties in the 25m pool yesterday. While we did have some showers throughout the course of the day, spirits were high and the cheering competition was fantastic. If you have an Active Kids Voucher that you haven’t used, I would highly recommend using this for swimming lessons for your children. 

ZONE AND CIS STATE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

We look forward to the upcoming Zone Swimming Carnival on Thursday 17 February at Glenbrook. Unfortunately there are no spectators at this event. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, RJ is now hosting the event and if you are able to come and serve in an official capacity and you have your WWCC on file at the school, contact Mr Mitchell at gmitchell@rjas.nsw.edu.au. We wish our competitors the best of luck and we hope that they can set some new personal best times. Just a reminder that the bus will depart from the front of the Oakhurst Campus at 7:30am.

Students who finish with one of the top three times in an individual event or in one of the team relays will qualify for the CSSA State Swimming Carnival. Unfortunately, due to current restrictions at the Blacktown Aquatic Centre, parents are not allowed to attend.

CSSA APP

One way to keep up to date with everything CSSA related is to download the CSSA app. This is fantastic to have for up to date information regarding wet weather, location details, team meetings and training sessions.

CSSA AND CIS TRIALS

At various stages of the year, there will be trials in various sports at CSSA level and CIS level (higher level) for representative teams. Notification of trials will be found in the RJ Review every fortnight as well as being found on the CSSA and CIS apps. 

If your child is playing in a representative team in their chosen sport, this is the standard required to try out for these types of teams. Anyone interested in trialing needs to inform Mr Mitchell via email (gmitchell@rjas.nsw.edu.au) by the cut-off date listed in the RJ Review for potential entry. My cut off dates are earlier than the CSSA and CIS dates as I need to process these applications.

CSSA EVENTS – COMING UP

• Zone Swimming Carnival (Event Date – Thursday 17 February)
• Primary Boys Soccer Trials cut off - Thursday 18 February (Event Date – Friday 4 March)
• Must be playing in Skills Acquisition Program (SAP) to be considered
• CSSA State Swimming Carnival (Event Date – Monday 7 March)

CIS EVENTS – COMING UP

• Primary Boys AFL Trials cut off - Wednesday 17 February (Event Date – Thursday 4 March)
• Must be playing in Western Sydney or Sydney Harbour Division 1 Under 11s or 12s to be considered 

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Primary Sports Leader

The first big event for Secondary Sport is the RJAS Years 7-12 Swimming Carnival. It will be held at Mount Druitt Pool on Wednesday 16 February. Students will be required to come to school and be transported to the venue and will return to school. At this time, there will be no parents/carers or visitors to this event to ensure we are following our COVID-19 protocols for this event. While we cannot guarantee that there will be no risk of COVID-19 exposure, we can minimise that risk by having these types of safety measures in place. All information has been sent via the RJAS App and everyone should be able to access this to give the consent for their child/ren.

With the current measures in place, the Secondary Sports Program (Tuesday Sport) has started Term 1 with the same as we finished in Term 4. The stages (4 & 5) are participating in a variety of sports and games at different venues. Year 7 is completing a Learn to Swim (LTS) program at Stanhope Pool. Year 8 are over at our Marsden Park Campus participating in a range of games and activities. Years 9 & 10 are doing the same format down at Hanna Reserve. This is still a great opportunity for students to get out and have some physical activity and social interaction.

With CIS and CSSA still going ahead with all of their planned events for the year, this will give our RJ students the opportunity to test themselves against other students from around the zones or state. I will continually update the students on which events or trials are coming up. At RJ, we would still like to keep the sporting pathways open, while still understanding the risks of exposure. We hope that this year brings many opportunities for our RJ community to shine in the sporting area and be recognised for these gifts that have been given to them.

Mr David Hyde
Secondary Sports Co-ordinator 

What is your favourite food?

I love a great paella, especially a seafood one! Also garlic prawns. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My home life is very important to me. I am a passionate sewer and love working with all kinds of design, fabric and colour. 

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

January 2022. I am coming to the school to work in the area of performing arts. 

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

I will enjoy engaging students in performing arts opportunities. Music, dance and drama across all year groups is an exciting way to engage students. 

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

A few years ago my husband and I spent eight weeks in Kazakhstan. It was during the northern hemisphere winter months, a memorable experience.   

Why did you become a Christian?

I became a Christian when I moved from attending church and hearing about God to reading the Bible myself and having a relationship with Jesus. 

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

Psalm 23. Knowing that the Lord is my Shepherd, that He is with me in all situations and that I can dwell in His rest and peace forever. 

What is something you want to achieve?

I always desire to achieve excellence in all I put my mind and hands to. I am passionate about being creative and see excellence as a constant goal. 

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

I have just read 'The Faith of Queen Elizabeth' by Dudley Delffs. As a child I wanted to meet the Queen and if I could ask her about her faith journey that would be of great interest to me. 

What is your favourite food?

Lasagna and pasta. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Sport, family and planning my classroom themes/ideas. 

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

Starting in 2022 I have always enjoyed working in Christian schools and have heard so many great things about RJAS. When the opportunity came knocking I couldn't refuse. 

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

Inspiring students to love learning. 

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

Turning many students from struggling readers into developing fluency and confidence in their ability to read by themselves and with their peers.

Why did you become a Christian?

I grew up as a Christian and always attended church at a young age. I would say I became a born again Christian when I started making connections with Jesus' teachings and how they positively influenced my life and society in general.   

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

James 1:19 'Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. For one's anger does not please the righteousness of God.' One that has stayed close to me as I've grown up. 

What is something you want to achieve?

Gain my experienced teaching accreditation and receive opportunities to lead Primary school agendas (leadership). Continually look for new and innovative ways to engage diverse students in 21st century learning. 

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

I don't need to meet any person other than Heather and Telisha (wife and daughter). They are my rock and strength that give me great joy when I see them. Meeting famous or specific people doesn't compare to them.  

What is your favourite food?

My favourite food is Prawn Hargow. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love spending time with my family and friends, laughing and enjoying each others company. 

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

I have heard many wonderful things about RJAS and feel extremely blessed to be joining the RJ family in 2022. 

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

I will enjoy being a part of and contributing to the supportive and caring ethos of RJAS and embracing all of the opportunities that will arise in my new role.  

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

My husband and I have been blessed with two beautiful children and welcoming them into the world was the most wonderful and cherished moments that I will never forget. 

Why did you become a Christian?

I am on a personal journey of faith, which I am loving and embracing with an open heart and mind. 

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

Philippians 4:6-7. I love these verses as they reassure me that no matter how difficult or challenging a situation is, God is right beside me, guiding me down the right path.  

What is something you want to achieve?

I would like to achieve a safe, supportive and caring classroom where every student feels confident to express their love of learning.  

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

I would like to meet David Attenborough because he loves this beautiful world that God has created for us and expresses how we need to look after it for our future generations. 

• Marsden Park Campus – Tuesday 15 February - 7:00pm – 8:15pm - https://bit.ly/3ulzV4b (RSVP by Monday 4:00pm 14 Feb)
• Oakhurst Campus –  Tuesday 22 February - 7:00pm – 8:15pm - https://bit.ly/3Htqqnd  (RSVP by Monday 4:00pm 21 Feb)

(Please note that we have moved the MP Campus event earlier than initially planned as our preference is for our current families to enjoy having a tour of the new facilities before the Open Day on Saturday 19 February.)

Due to Covid restrictions, parents must be fully vaccinated, bring a mask, and not attend if they are unwell on the day.

If you currently have extenuating financial circumstances, please contact Mrs Stephanie Ghali, Head of Enterprise & Culture, sghali@rjas.nsw.edu.au as soon as possible.

If you haven’t already, please do so. Please go into the "To Do" section and follow the prompts to provide online permission before Friday 11 February. (Please ignore the September date noted when you open the event as the date is simply a placeholder and allows new families who join RJ during the year to be linked to the same note/event.)

If you have issues logging into Edumate online or downloading the RJ App, please contact Mrs Stephanie Ghali, Head of Enterprise & Culture – sghali@rjas.nsw.edu.au, and she will be pleased to assist you. Click here to access the Edumate & RJ App Handbook for more information.

Edumate & RJ App Handbook