22 February 2022

3M and 3R from Marsden Park and Oakhurst Campuses respectively, both presented at last week’s Assemblies. Their retelling of the story of Zacchaeus the tax collector and his experience with Jesus was unique but a reminder that we are all important to God no matter our position in life. God came to save us all and give us new life, and the Year 3 classes kindly reminded us of this wonderful fact.

We also had a magnificent turnout to the Marsden Park Campus RJ Community Connect evening with many of our families taking the time to check out the new building and reconnect with one another also. It was wonderful for me to be able to speak with parents face-to-face and explore the new facilities with them as we envision the move into Secondary with Year 7 in 2024.

Last Saturday we welcomed a record number of prospective parents and families to our Marsden Park Campus. Interest in our School continues to grow both at our Oakhurst and Marsden Park sites. If you have family or friends who are looking for a fabulous school for their children to attend, encourage them to visit our website, register for an Open Day or enrol online. We don’t want them to miss out on the RJ experience.

This coming week, families will begin to receive notification about enrolments for 2023. If you have children who are siblings to an RJ student and are wanting them to enter our School at Kindy or Year 7 in 2023, make sure you respond to our communication to you to secure their place. We are also taking enrolments for all years at Marsden Park for this year and 2023.

LEARN AN INSTRUMENT…AND OPEN A DOOR!

As we’ve bounded into the year, our new Director of Performing Arts (K-12), Mrs Inés Marrable and her team have commenced the drive for instrumental and vocal tuition across the entire school for those who would like to take up this opportunity. Click here if you want to register your child for music tuition in 2022. Students who have learned an instrument in the past are encouraged to sign up again and continue their tuition this year. In 2020 and 2021, music programs right across our country took a big hit with COVID and we are rebuilding this key aspect of learning in our school in 2022.

As a musician and singer myself, my childhood was full of music activity amidst my sporting and academic pursuits. At RJ, we are deliberately focussing on developing our instrumental music and vocal programs as there is much benefit to a child’s development and academic pursuits when they are engaged in music education, not just for one year, but multiple years.  

An extensive study was released in late June 2019* which found that students who studied music in Primary School and into High School were almost one year ahead of their non musically trained peers in their Maths, Science and English grades at the end of their schooling. This study is getting a lot of attention on social media because it has such a large sample size (over 112,000 participants), the factors it controlled for (such as socio-economic status) and the fact that it distinguishes between the types of music learning (singing and instrumental).

This large-scale study identified evidence of positive relationships between school music participation and High School exam scores in English, Mathematics, and Science using population-level educational records for over 110,000 students in British Columbia, Canada. There was also great correlation and impact in student engagement with students who were involved in singing throughout their schooling. Hence, this year we have embedded cohort singing sessions for our youngest learners in our K-2 curriculum. 

I would highly encourage you as parents and carers to seriously consider having your child learn an instrument this year. Click on the link above and register your child for this amazing opportunity and receive the relevant details from Mrs Marrable, an incredible musician herself. Or for more information email performingarts@rjas.nsw.edu.au

Like all learning, there will be highs and lows, but music learning encourages Executive Functioning Skills (the ability to plan, pay attention, strategise and manage emotions), Motivation-Related Characteristics (learning discipline, self-efficacy, and mastery-oriented learning experiences – basically all the characteristics we look for in an engaged student) and Social-Personal Development (bonding and the sense of team accomplishment). What an opportunity for your child!!

In the words of David from Psalm 150, 

Praise the Lord!

Praise him with trumpet sound;

praise him with lute and harp!

Praise him with tambourine and dance;

praise him with strings and pipe!

Praise him with sounding cymbals;

praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!

God Bless,

Mr Alan Dawson | Principal 

*Guhn, M., et al. (2019). A population-level analysis of associations between school music participation and academic achievement. Journal of Educational Psychology.

The Secondary Carnival was managed by Mr Hyde, in entirely different weather conditions. The water was warm and inviting, and students enthusiastically supported their Houses and those students who were representing them in the pool. Both carnivals were closely contested, and the combined results gave the win for 2022 to Noah’s Sharks, closely followed by David’s Rams, Daniel’s Lions and Isaiah’s Eagles. The House competition for 2022 is well and truly underway!

Planning is now underway for the Cross Country, to be held at the end of March. There’s plenty of time to start jogging the course at Hanna Reserve, building some endurance – it would be amazing to see even more competitors challenging each other to progress to the next level. We have every intention of re-introducing our Sporting and Cultural Medallions this year, and here is the perfect opportunity to be involved and collect more points towards that Bronze, Silver or Gold standard.

Taking the opportunity to be involved in a range of activities is a way to build connectedness and fosters wellbeing. Congratulations to all students in Primary who have taken the opportunity to audition for roles in the Primary Musical. I’m looking forward to seeing what our younger students bring to the stage, and I’m sure that it will be a very polished production.

Secondary students will have noticed that the content in the Diary has changed a little, and this year we have included the 5 Ways to Wellbeing:

• CONNECT - Talk and listen, be there, feel connected.
• BE ACTIVE - Do what you can, enjoy what you do, move your mood.
• TAKE NOTICE - Remember the simple things that give you joy.
• KEEP LEARNING - Embrace new experiences, see opportunities, surprise yourself!
• GIVE - Your time, your words, your presence.

We will be promoting this framework across the school and focussing on different aspects throughout the year. Wellbeing is a component of mental health and reflects the level of skills and strategies that students have in place to manage the normal stresses of life. It is important to build on these skills and strategies, because they enable students to cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and make a contribution to the community. We want to encourage students to focus on their strengths when challenges arise and draw from a pool of resources to enable them to flourish at school. 

It is important for student connectedness, for parents to be connected and involved with the school as well. I know that is limited to a certain extent at this time, but it was wonderful to see the number of families represented at the Community Connect evening at Marsden Park last week. We also have a number of upcoming events where we will be able to have parents back on site in the evening. Others will be shared via video presentations but watching these together with your child also helps to build a sense of community. I will admit that there were multiple bloopers in the short presentations I did, but I persisted! 

Year 7 will be at camp this week and I am sure it will be a memorable experience for them. Safety will be a high priority, but all students should be able to enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings and challenge themselves to make new friends and try different activities. I know Year 11 thoroughly enjoyed the physical activities they were able to experience at Stanwell Tops and learnt some new skills from the study sessions run by Mrs Scrimshaw. Stay connected and look for opportunities to be active! You will be surprised what a difference this makes to your sense of wellbeing.

Mrs Jenny Clay
Deputy Principal  

STAGE 3 CAMP

Our Year 5 and 6 students enjoyed activity-filled Day Camps at Teen Ranch in Week 2. It was a great time of attempting new things (challenge by choice), working as a team and enjoying God’s creation. The activities included the Giant Swing, Archery, Canoeing and eating lots of yummy food! A special thank you to Mrs Smith, Mr Newmarch, Miss Parata, Mr Hunt and Mr Mitchell who accompanied the students to Teen Ranch.

STUDENT FORUM 2022

Congratulations to the following students who have been chosen by their peers to represent the student body in our Primary Student Forum this year:       

• YEAR 4 - Orion D & Starlet Y
• YEAR 5 - Elijah A & Valentina F
• YEAR 6 - Jabez T & Alannah M

These students received their badges at last Friday’s Assembly.

LUNCHTIME GROUPS/CO-CURRICULAR

Our Infants and Primary students at Oakhurst are being spoiled for choice with a number of co-curricular groups on offer most lunchtimes or before/after school. The Hive (Primary Library) is proving popular for various year groups rostered on during lunch throughout the week. Chess, Gardening Club, Footsteps, J-Crew, Hot Shots Tennis, Art club, Lego Club and Debating are starting up and music groups including RJ Singers, Ricky J Dancers, Cantabile Choir, Dance Troupe, Bucket Drumming and RJ Dancestars are beginning to get into their lunchtime or before school groove. Some sport training and workshops are commencing in coming weeks as well. We are blessed to have such dedicated and enthusiastic staff who readily give their time and expertise to make Primary School at RJ such a rich experience.

PARENTS OF K-2 LITERACY INFORMATION EVENING

On Tuesday 8 March at 6:30pm we will be holding a Literacy Information Evening in the Primary Courtyard for parents of students in Kindergarten to Year 2. This information session will explain the aspects of literacy and how they are approached here at RJ, with practical tips to consolidate literacy progress at home. We encourage parents to attend to better understand the importance of literacy acquisition, which lays the vital foundation of future learning. An email with further information is to come soon. 

RAINCOATS

God has blessed us with some rainfall recently, so it is a timely reminder to make sure your child has a raincoat always folded away in their school bag.

SMARTWATCHES

A reminder that any form of Smartwatch is not part of our School Uniform and students will be asked to remove these and take them home. This includes Space Talk watches. From our Uniform policy - A watch or plain fitness tracker is permitted (no fluoro colours). Primary students can wear a small plain watch.

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

We have had to make the tough decision to present Grandparents’ Day online again this year due to the large numbers of family members that join us onsite for this special day. Each Grade will prepare their presentation and video links will be available via Seesaw on Friday 4 March. This will replace our normal Primary Assembly that day. The Primary classes will shower their Grandparents with virtual kindness! More details to come.

GRIP LEADERSHIP DAY

Our Primary Leaders will have the opportunity to join with other school leaders at the GRIP Leadership Day on Monday 7 March. Mr Reed will accompany the students to Olympic Park for this worthwhile training day that includes main presentations, interactive activities, discussions, leadership games and entertainment.

STAGE 1 SWIM FUN DAY

This year we are holding a Swim Fun Day for Years 1-2 on Wednesday 9 March at the Little Fishes Indoor Pool Centre at Oakhurst. Each grade will have an hour of supervised pre-swimming skills activities plus a small water slide to enjoy. We really want to encourage our young students to overcome any fear of swimming and enjoy being in the water. In Mr Mitchell’s article you will see mention of the NSW Government ‘First Lap’ initiative, which families can access via the Service NSW app. We strongly encourage our RJ families to take up this offer and commence swimming lessons for your child/ren as soon as possible.

RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS SEMINAR

On Wednesday 16 March from 7-8pm our School has organised an online parent seminar with Rowena Thomas from Amazing Me. This helpful online training will assist parents in promoting the following in your children -                                                                                         

• Respect of their own bodies, boundaries and feelings plus those of others.
• Understanding that everyone is different but we are all valuable with our needs, wants and opinions.
• The ability to make wise, healthy, kind and safe choices about their bodies and relationships.

This seminar is subsidised by the School and will be available to families for $10. Further details with payment options to come.

Have a safe and happy week.

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary - Oakhurst

Monday 7 February saw Years 3-6 competing in the Primary Swimming Carnival, and although a little wet and windy, was a wonderful day for all. After results had been tallied, we sent a team to the Zone Swimming Carnival where both Marsden Park and Oakhurst swimmers competed for our School. Mr Mitchell has put together a detailed story about the Zone Carnival so be sure to look out for that in the Sports Report. Years 5 and 6 had a wonderful time at Teen Ranch on Friday 11 February. An article about their experiences can be found in this Primary section of the RJ Review. 

CANTEEN 

While we have had to adhere to COVID restrictions at the Canteen so far this year, I am pleased to announce that we are going to be able to offer lunch orders to students in the coming weeks. I would love to hear from any parent who may be able to volunteer their time on either Tuesday or Thursday mornings to assist with the collection and delivery of lunch orders to the café.  

PRIMARY INFORMATION 2022  

Parent Information videos have now been sent out to Marsden Park families. The videos contain helpful information about how the School runs and an overview of the developmental milestones in each age category. An accompanying letter was sent home via email for families to read. If you have any questions, please contact Reception.  

RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS SEMINAR 

On Wednesday 16 March from 7-8pm our School has organised an online parent seminar with Rowena Thomas from Amazing Me. This helpful online training will assist parents in promoting the following in their children -                                                                                          

• Respect of their own bodies, boundaries, and feelings plus those of others. 
• Understanding that everyone is different, but we are all valuable with our needs, wants and opinions. 
• The ability to make wise, healthy, kind, and safe choices about their bodies and relationships. 

This seminar is subsidised by the school and will be available to families for $10. Further details with payment options to come. 

STAGE 1 SWIM FUN DAY 

This year we are holding a Swim Fun Day for Years 1-2 on Wednesday 9 March at the Little Fishes Indoor Pool Centre at Oakhurst. Each grade will have an hour of supervised pre-swimming skills activities plus a small water slide to enjoy. We really want to encourage our young students to overcome any fear of swimming they may have and enjoy being in the water. In Mr Mitchell’s article, you will see mention of the NSW Government’s ‘First Lap’ initiative, which families can access via the Service NSW app. We strongly encourage our RJ families to take up this offer and commence swimming lessons for your child/ren as soon as possible. 

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, the time to do so 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 a note home to families from Mr Mitchell, Primary Sport Coordinator. 

WHAT’S COMING UP? 

• Stage 1 Swim Fun Day - Wednesday 9 March 
• Respectful Relationships Seminar – Wednesday 16 March  

Mr Luke Sale
Head of Primary - Marsden Park

"What I liked at camp was the food! But for real, I liked the big swing. It was scary, but it wasn’t that bad." - Marlena

"I liked the giant swing the most because it was so fun and I tried new things." - Adalyn

"I liked the big swing and spending time with my friends." - Valentina

"What I liked most at camp was when I went first for the giant swing and everyone started cheering for me." - Shubhi 

"I liked the giant swing, canoeing and the food." - Connor 

"Canoeing was my favourite because I had to work with a group." - Elijah 

"I liked the giant swing because it was really fun when you get to the top and when you swing." - Jacob B

Mr Newmarch & Mrs Smith 
Year 5 Oakhurst Teachers 

“It was a Friday, the 10th of February, and it was probably the most exciting day in the whole of February!” - Hayden D, 5/6P

“The three activities were canoeing, the big swing and archery. We had all our stuff so we got in our swimmers and went down. It was so fun doing games and almost tipping over sometimes.” - Hayden S, 5/6P

“On the camp day I loved the archery because I mostly hit all my arrows on the target.” - Ravnoor, 5M

“The giant swing was next. Yes, a giant swing! We were harnessed by our legs and waist. Our class would pull a rope which would ascend us to the top. Once we shouted “Stop!”, you’ll pull a string which will launch you down. I felt like I was flying!” - Joyce, 5/6P

“Finally I really liked canoeing because I ended up overcoming small fears and my overall experience was great!" - Keely, 5M

Mr Robertson & Mrs Hurst 
Years 5/6 Marsden Park Teachers 

"I liked the giant swing because I went right up to the top and it was fun!" - Nathan

"Canoeing was fun because we saw a spider and then we screamed and capsized!" - Trinity 

"My favourite thing was archery because it was nice to try a new thing." - Zach

"I liked the giant swing because when I went to the top, there was a lot of adrenaline and excitement!" - Irine

"I liked canoeing because we got to get wet on such a hot day." - Noah

"The giant swing was the best because I got to go all the way up and we challenged each other to have no hands and eyes wide open the whole time." - Rebecca

Miss Parata & Mr Hunt
Year 6 Oakhurst Teachers 

A reminder regarding the change rooms. Under the current Government guidelines students are not able to access change rooms on campus. Students will need to wear the RJ sport uniform on days that they have a PDHPE or PASS practical lesson. Please ensure a pair of black leather school shoes are packed on days when students have a prac lesson for Science or Technology subjects. Additionally, students will need to continue to be separated by cohort while on the playground and wear masks while inside classrooms, as the elements of the State Government COVID management plan have not changed. I am concerned with the number of students who struggle to wear their mask properly in the classroom and others who often fail to have a spare mask with them. The wearing of masks and consistent use of hand sanitiser are great steps in looking out for people in the RJ Community.

I shared the following verse with Secondary Staff last week from Colossians 2:6-7 as both an encouragement and a challenge. “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness”. A challenge that Christians should strive to continue to follow God with the same level of enthusiasm and joy they had when they first knew of God’s love for them, and an encouragement that this would see them remain strong and thankful in every circumstance. It is my hope and prayer that this would be the case for all members of the RJ community as we continue to navigate through unusual and often unexpected events as we live through the impacts of COVID-19.

Remember that if you have any questions please contact your child’s Home Group teacher as soon as you can. This type of communication will be of great help to the parent, student and staff at RJ.

Mr Brad Maxwell 
Acting Head of Secondary 

Thursday was an action-packed day, with students travelling to the Tops Conference Centre, Stanwell Tops. During the day, students undertook activities that aimed to create connectedness within their Home Group. From high ropes to archery, cart racing and more, the activities were challenging but rewarding. 

Friday was a more serious focus with students unpacking life as a senior student at RJ. Mrs Scrimshaw took students through Study Samurai, which is a program our students work through that covers modules such as study skills, time management, mindset and many more. Mr Millard was able to unpack the “5 Ways To Wellbeing” and give practical tools as to how to incorporate connecting, being active, keep learning, be aware and helping others as part of our wellbeing. 

Overall, the revised Study Days were a great success that provided opportunity to mingle, laugh and enjoy the new challenge set before our Year 11 students. Many thanks to the Year 11 students, Mr Rowe, Mrs Reed, Mrs Statheos and Mr Murthen for their involvement across both days. 

Mr Steve Millard 
Stage 6 Welfare Leader   

ZONE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Well done to the following swimmers who progressed through to the Zone Carnival - Amelia B, Mark B, Hannah C, John C, Ivy C, Joe C, Reuben C, Xyza D, Evie D, Paityn E, Sofia F, Sienna F, Elijah G, Ruby H, Sienna H, Alexis-Jae L, Ryan H, Samara I, Hetavi J, Leah J, Jack K, Tristan L, Kingston M, Braxton R, Harwin S, Isaac S, Rebecca S, Jakob T, Madina T and Nate T.  

It was fantastic to see our Zone Swimming Carnival Team compete to the best of their ability last Thursday at Glenbrook. Twenty of our swimmers were able to better their times from the School Swimming Carnival which is an outstanding achievement. There were some outstanding reductions in times including the following: Elijah G taking 9 seconds off his 50m Freestyle time, Evie D taking 8 seconds off her 50m Freestyle time, Hetavi J taking 8 seconds off her 50m Backstroke time, Alexis-Jae L taking 7 seconds off her 50m Backstroke time, and the biggest improvement of the day going to Sienna F for taking a whopping 14 seconds off her 50m Freestyle time.

A special mention must go to Hannah C for improving her times from School level to Zone level in all 50m disciplines. A final congratulations must go to Paityn E on becoming the Under 12 Age Champion in a tight battle.

The following students will now advance to CSSA Primary State Swimming on Monday 7 March:

• Hannah C – 50m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke and 50m Butterfly
• John C - 50m Backstroke
• Paityn E – 100m Freestyle, 50m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly
• Leah J – 50m Freestyle
• Alexis-Jae L – 50m Backstroke
• Nate T – 50m Breaststroke

In previous years, there have been 3 relay teams in each relay that have qualified for CSSA Primary State as part of Nepean Zone but due to COVID restrictions, their times are being compared against other Zones to see who qualifies for the CIS Swimming Carnival (the next level of competition). 

A big thank you must go out to all our lovely RJ parent volunteers who were able to assist me in ensuring the Carnival ran smoothly. Your service to our school is very much appreciated. Also, well done to Noah F, Georgia T, Jonathan P and Jackson B for their service as student volunteers.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

It is fantastic to see so many of our K-6 students jumping rope at recess and lunch this year already. In less than one week of our program officially opening for sponsorship, the RJ community has raised over $2,500. It is great to see some of our students logging their skipping hours that they are doing at home. 

To celebrate 40 years of Jump Rope for Heart, this year the Heart Foundation have extra prizes (for parents!) to be won. For every $40 you raise, you’ll go in the draw to win one of three, $300 VISA Gift Cards. There are three to be won each term.

CIS TRIALS

As mentioned in the first RJ Review, CIS (Combined Independent Schools) is the sporting pathway after CSSA level of competition. There are some upcoming Trials this term in several sports but your child must be of a high standard to be considered for trialling at this level. Please contact Mr Mitchell at gmitchell@rjas.nsw.edu.au if you would like to discuss Trials in these sports:

• Girls Football – girls must be playing in a SAP program to be considered for trials. Nominations close Tuesday 1 March. 
• Girls Touch Football – any U12 girls playing in the U12 Penrith Draft Cup competition would be considered OR if they have played in the Junior State Cup. Nominations close Friday 11 March. 
• Boys Touch Football– any U12 boys playing in the U12 Penrith Draft Cup competition would be considered OR if they have played in the Junior State Cup. Nominations close Friday 11 March. 

FIRST LAP LEARN TO SWIM

While we are still in swimming season, it would be fantastic to see current Kindergarten and Year 1 parents take advantage of the NSW Government’s First Lap Learn To Swim voucher. The First Lap voucher program provides a $100 voucher for parents, guardians and carers of children aged 3-6 years who are not enrolled in school, towards the cost of swimming lessons.

The program has also been made available for children in Kindergarten in 2021 or who are starting Kindergarten in 2022.

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-first-lap-learn-swim-voucher

ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHER

The NSW Government is helping kids get active with the Active Kids program.

The Active Kids program provides two $100 vouchers for parents, guardians and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sport and active recreation costs each year.

Voucher 1 is valid January to December and Voucher 2 is valid July to December.

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-active-kids-voucher 

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Primary Sports Leader

The RJAS Zone Swimming Team will be finalised by Friday 25 February. The Nepean Zone Swimming Carnival will be held on Thursday 3 March at Mt Druitt Swimming Centre. Students who are successful at this level will have the opportunity to attend the CSSA Secondary State Swimming Carnival on Tuesday 29 March. 

Our RJAS Swimming Age Champions will be recognised at our next Assembly and place ribbons will be distributed through the Home Group folders.

UPCOMING TRIALS AND GALA DAYS

Students at RJAS who play sports outside of school at a high level are encouraged to test themselves in the pathways of representation. In our School we are in the Christian Schools Sports Association (CSSA) and Combined Independent Schools (CIS). This pathway allows students to try and gain a place to the NSW All Schools and further to Sports Australia. It is a great way for our athletes at RJAS to be recognised for their sporting gifts and talents.

These are the upcoming opportunities for RJAS students:

• CSSA Secondary State Volleyball Gala Day.
• Individual nominations for CSSA Soccer (Boys and Girls) to trial for the team that will play in the CIS trials.
• Nepean Zone Touch Football trials for the CSSA Secondary State Touch Football Gala Day.
• Nominations for the RJAS Basketball squads to play in the Nepean Zone Basketball Gala Day.

All nomination need to be finalised by Friday 25 February.

Mr David Hyde
Secondary Sports Co-ordinator 

What is your favourite food?

Honey butter toast with bananas.  

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Gardening, cooking and making candles. 

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

I joined RJ at the beginning of 2022. I have come to work at this School because I love Jesus and I love seeing students learn. I want all the students I meet to know Him. 

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

Getting to meet a new group of amazing students and getting to teach and work together with wonderful teachers who also love God. 

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

During my first year of teaching Kindergarten, I had a Kindy student whose family didn’t believe in Jesus. They came to me and told me that she wanted a Bible after our morning devotion time. She said she wanted one because she didn’t have one at home. I gave her a Bible and later, her grandma told me that they read it every night. I think I will treasure this experience forever. 

Why did you become a Christian?

I became a Christian because God showed me that I cannot live without Him and because I want to love God and share His love with others. 

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

‘I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.’ (Psalm 34:4). I like this verse because it reminds me that I can always rely on God. 

What is something you want to achieve?

I want to learn AUSLAN!

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

I want to meet Lisa Chan, she is the wife of an American pastor, Francis Chan. I recently got married and I want to learn from her how I can be a loving Christian wife. 

What is your favourite food?

Caramello chocolate. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy playing with my kids, going to the gym, playing board games, playing video games and watching anime. 

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

At the start of 2022, I joined the community at RJAS to impact the lives of adolescents for God’s glory and purposes. 

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

I enjoy helping students grow, develop, and learn. I look forward to building relationships and revealing the beauty of learning and mathematics. 

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

When I was in university, I helped a student with some tutoring and at one stage, they understood the concept for the first time. They realised and said, “Ahhh. Is that all it is?” I strive to help students understand like this. 

Why did you become a Christian?

I am a Christian because God is so good, compassionate, and loving while I am awful, lost and broken without Him. 

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

'The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord' (Romans 6:23). This verse summarises the gospel. I remind myself of this good news!

What is something you want to achieve?

I look forward to teaching STEM and Mathematics and I want to pass on my passion for these subjects. I want students to be excited to come to class. 

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

Probably Jon Favreau. He is a director who has been heavily involved with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and has revamped a new Star Wars era with Disney. He is brilliantly talented and creative, and I’d like to see what makes him ‘tick’. 

What is your favourite food?

Definitely my mum’s lasagna.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love to be with friends and family, and to be outdoors enjoying God’s creation. 

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

I saw this job advertised during the COVID lockdown last year. After having worked in a couple of Anglican Schools previously, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to work at a school which is founded on and shaped by the Christian faith. 

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

I am very excited to be able to get to know the students, staff and families in my role as a Music teacher. I am also looking forward to sharing in making music with students in class and in ensembles! 

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

It was Christmas morning 2005. After we’d opened a letter left above the fireplace, my siblings and I raced outside to our garage to find a tiny black and white border collie puppy we later named Molly. It was such a wonderful experience holding this little bundle of joy – one we had campaigned for and anticipated for so long! 

Why did you become a Christian?

I became a Christian because I kept on failing at loving God and loving people around me. Knowing Christ means I am freed from all my failings. As one of God’s children I know I am forgiven and loved by Him. 

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

1 Peter 1:3-4 reminds me of God’s great mercy and unfailing love for His people. It reminds me of the assurance we have of being saved and united with our Father in heaven. 

What is something you want to achieve?

I would love to do an overnight hiking trek like the Milford Sound track in New Zealand or the Overland Track in Tasmania. 

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

I would meet my Grandfather’s mother, Martha Williams. She was a faithful Christian, a wonderful mum to my Grandpa and a great pianist. 

In the interim, the School will onforward these bulk boxes of 5 kits in the following manner depending on supply: Years 7&8 initially, then progressing from Year 6 downwards to Pre-K, then progressing from Year 12 downwards to Year 9. In time, the RAHT kit allocation will be topped up to the required 8. For clarity, you may have a child that will receive part or all of their RAHT kit allocation before their sibling receives their allocation.

Families who have not collected their student’s RAHT allocation for the first four weeks, will have until Friday 25 February to collect them from Main Reception. After this time, they will no longer be held for your child and redistributed.

If you have any queries, please contact Mrs Ghali, Head of Enterprise & Culture, sghali@rjas.nsw.edu.au