8 March 2022

I recently took the opportunity to visit our Year 7’s on camp at Waterslea. While I was there, I was inspired by a cohort of young people who despite the weather, were enjoying connecting with one another and getting involved in the myriad of activities that they had been introduced to across the three days of their outdoor learning time. It was a privilege to sit and have a meal with them and share with them after their evening game time about being young people of courage. Those that wouldn’t let a peer be picked on by others, or shrink back from challenges in their learning. To have courage to take a stand when others chose not to. The next six year journey for this group of young people looks extremely promising!

I would like to thank our families from our Marsden Park Campus for their support and patience as we look to be able to re-open our Campus soon. The way in which families responded as we evacuated the site last Wednesday was very much appreciated. While we are fortunate that our actual site isn’t prone to flooding like other schools in our area, our consideration is always the access in and out of the site which, in wet times like these, poses the greatest risk with potential flooding of surrounding roads like we are seeing today. 

It has been a relatively sad time over the last couple of weeks as we have witnessed major conflict around the world with the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the rising flood waters and inundating rain here locally on the eastern seaboard. Alongside this, Australia has lost two of its sporting icons in Rod Marsh and Shane Warne, and many families have lost their homes and belongings through the floods.

A Scripture verse that has been on my mind over the last couple of weeks and one I think is appropriate to share with our School Community at this time is, “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:8).  

Our reassurance in times like these is that God is here and is with us. As we look to Him for comfort, we are reminded that He not only knows of our loss and pain now, but as we learn to trust Him, He will lead us to better days that are ahead. Let us be in prayer for the people of Ukraine and Russia and that peace will come, and also for those in our School community that are experiencing loss through the floods or angst at this time.

God Bless,

Mr Alan Dawson | Principal 

Whilst Mr Dawson has been in the Principal’s chair for a year now, due to COVID restrictions, we are only now able to hold this event to the manner in which it deserves. 

The service will be held in our Primary Courtyard (Oakhurst) allowing additional room for our students from Marsden Park and special guests to attend as we celebrate this occasion as a whole school. 

“And what does the Lord require of you? 

To act justly and to love mercy 

and to walk humbly with your God.” - Micah 6:8

Rev David Mears | School Council Chair

I’ll be presenting students with some ethical dilemmas on the day. It’s one thing to talk about courageous leadership, but it’s also knowing when and how to put this into action. Such leadership can have a ‘price’ attached, and we’ll explore what this means. One of the challenges that our society faces is the focus on ‘self’ over others, and if we are going to be courageous leaders, we need to consider whether ‘the good of the many outweighs the needs of the few – or the one’ (yes, I am quoting Star Trek!).

Parents are the source of a young person’s ethics – their way of thinking about what is right and wrong. As students grow older though, they can accept or reject those standards. As Christians, the Bible forms the basis of what we believe and how we should act towards one another. In difficult situations though, some people like to use this against Christians, to excuse their own behaviour. When challenged and held accountable for unlovely actions and words towards others, the response to the punishment has sometimes been “that’s not very loving”, totally avoiding what has brought us to that situation in the first place. God holds us all accountable for the choices we make, and while He offers forgiveness through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are still responsible for our actions and must face the consequences of them, not avoid and deflect responsibility onto others. In recent times Mr Maxwell and I have dealt with a number of issues where students have refused to speak up and tell the truth about their involvement, but it always comes out in the end. How much easier to take responsibility and work through some complex issues earlier, rather than later. We want to make school a better place for all concerned, not just some.

We have all been challenged by the weather these last few weeks and the disruption will continue for a while longer. We have families and staff who are in difficult situations with the floodwaters, and more rain exacerbates frustrations even further. I’ve been really impressed by the efforts of the Sports Captains and Mr Hyde, to keep running the lunchtime Fast Five Netball Competition, and students have become very competitive in wanting to score House points! General Knowledge is well underway for Stages 2-6, and I have just ordered the medallions for each Stage winner at the end of Terms 1, 2 and 3.  Study@thehub has returned, and it’s been lovely seeing parents back on site again. We can move forward from these times – we may need gumboots to get us through in the first instance, but we haven’t got to needing a boat or being rescued by the SES. Let’s look up instead of down at our feet, and see what blessings each new day brings. What are you grateful for?

Mrs Jenny Clay
Deputy Principal  

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

The 2022 Virtual Oakhurst Primary Grandparents' Day took place last Friday 4 March. Links were made available on your child’s Seesaw account and via email allowing you to view a welcome video from the Primary Leaders and myself, plus a link to your child’s grade performance. The videos can also be viewed below. Our theme this year was Kindness, flowing on from the Assembly theme this term. As one of our Primary Leaders said, ‘Grandparents are the kindest people in the world’. We continue to encourage throwing kindness around like confetti!

Video: Welcome from Mrs Shannon-Duhigg and the Primary Leaders

Video: Kindergarten

Video: Year 1

Video: Year 2

Video: Year 3

Video: Year 4

Video: Year 5

Video: Year 6

GRIP LEADERSHIP DAY

Yesterday, Mr Reed took a number of our Year 6 leaders to Olympic Park where they had the opportunity to join with other school leaders at the GRIP Leadership Day. The day included keynote speakers, interactive activities, discussions, leadership games and entertainment. Thank you, Mr Reed for accompanying our RJ Primary Leadership team.

LITERACY EVENING  

Tonight we are holding our Literacy Evening information session for parents with children in K-2. We have had a venue change for this event and will now be in the School Hall starting at 6:30pm. Please enter via the main gates on Hyatts Road. Parents need to have registered to attend. The elements of literacy will be outlined along with teaching methods used at RJ and associated hints for parents to promote literacy development at home. A special thank you to Mrs McCormick, Mrs Pinney, Mrs Wells and Mrs Roe for their input at this evening.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

Mr Mitchell has been busy organising our School’s Jump Rope For Heart program this term. Video links from the Heart Foundation have been played for the students explaining how the money currently being raised will be used to assist medical advances into the field of heart disease – a major cause of death in Australia. Already over $2000 has been pledged from our RJ community. Our students have been practising and honing their skipping skills in PE lessons each week readying themselves for Jump Off Day in Week 10. The big question is, will the teachers maintain their crown and win the ‘Miss a Loop’ competition this year or will a student team take it out in 2022?!

WEARING JOGGERS AT SCHOOL

A reminder that students only wear joggers to School on their allocated Sport day (Years 3-6 Wednesday). PE lessons with Mr Mitchell on other days throughout the week require joggers to be brought to School to get changed into, so school shoes are worn to and from School as normal. Black joggers cannot take the place of school shoes and uniform alerts will be sent home. See Mr Mitchell’s article for further clarification.

EARLY ARRIVALS AT SCHOOL

No Primary children should be at School before 8am. There is no supervision. From 8am Secondary teachers supervise students sitting quietly in the Canteen area until 8:15am when the Primary morning duty teachers come out. Prior to this, students cannot play. A great time to drop your child at School is from 8:15am when the play areas are open and children do not have to sit and wait.

1-2 SWIM FUN DAY

Our Stage 1 Swim Fun Day will be held on Wednesday 9 March at The Little Fishes Swimming Centre at Oakhurst. The students will be supervised in small groups while practising pre-swimming skills with noodles, kickboards and balls. A small water slide will add to the fun. Make sure you have sent online permission for your child to travel on the bus and participate. (Years 1 and 2 only). Kindergarten will enjoy some water-based activities on land during their normal Sports time this week.

BANDAGED BEAR DAY

This popular day will be held at Oakhurst on Tuesday 15 March with a Teddy Bears’ Picnic for K-2 students and their parents plus fun bear-themed lunchtime activities for all grades to enjoy. Bandaged Bear Day supports the vital work of the Westmead Children’s Hospital. All students and teachers are encouraged to bring a bear to School for the day and wear a bandage. Notes with further details will come home this week.

MONEY AT SCHOOL

Now that the Canteen has re-opened for over-the-counter purchases, a reminder not to send large note denominations with your child. It presents problems with change, safety and over-purchasing. Please do not send more than $5 with your child to spend at the School canteen.

RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS SEMINAR

On Wednesday 16 March from 7-8pm our School has organised a simultaneous online and in-person parent seminar with Rowena Thomas from Amazing Me. On this occasion we will host Rowena at Oakhurst. This helpful event 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, consent issues.

This seminar is subsidised by the School and will be available to parents for $10 per family. It will be suitable for parents of all age groups and you have the choice of attending in person at the Oakhurst School Hall, or viewing the seminar live online. Same costs apply. This is a parent only event – please do not bring students if attending in person. An email with attendance and payment links will be sent out this week. Please consider being part of this worthwhile parenting session.

BE KINDER DAY

On Friday 18 March we will be celebrating ‘Be Kinder Day’ and raising money for the Fly High Billie Foundation. We are asking Primary students to wear the colours of the rainbow – a different colour for each grade and bring in a gold coin for the mufti day. Be Kind activities such as card writing and pavement chalk decorating will be held throughout the day.

K-red, 1–orange, 2–yellow, 3–green, 4–blue, 5–indigo, 6-violet. 

DIARY DATES

• Tuesday 8 March - Literacy Information Evening K-2 - Parents only School Hall 6:30pm.
• Wednesday 9 March - Swim Fun Day - Years 1-2 online permission needed.
• Tuesday 15 March - Bandaged Bear Day - Students bring a bandaged toy and money for activities. K-2 parents can join for a morning tea picnic. 
• Wednesday 16 March - Respectful Relationships Seminar - Parents only. Online and in-person event 7-8pm. 
• Friday 18 March - Be Kinder Day - Dress in a rainbow colour mufti. Gold coin donation.  

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary - Oakhurst

There are many different ideas on how we can help children be more resilient. The mental health organisation Beyond Blue proposes that there are four zones for this development to take place:

1. The building, strengthening and promotion of supportive relationships. 
2. Focusing on autonomy and responsibility.
3. Focusing on managing emotions.
4. Creating opportunities for personal challenge.

Further down in this edition of The Way is information about the Respectful Relationships Seminar by Rowena Thomas. This seminar will cover strategies for developing students in some of these areas. If this is a topic that resonates with you, I would like to encourage you to be a part of this important community event. We hope as we move forward this week that this latest weather event will subside, and we will resume a more normal school schedule. Thank you for your patience with this.   

K-2 PARENT LITERACY EVENING INFORMATION 

This event being held on Wednesday 9 March has been changed from an on-Campus event to an Online Event via Zoom. The session will still run from 6:30pm to 7:30pm and it will be recorded.

Please use the following Zoom link: https://tascmeet.zoom.us/j/3029799994  

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY  

There is no doubt that grandparents are a special gift from God. I know in my own case the love, care and support they display to my own children is truly cherished. Grandparents’ Day celebrations this week look different from what they do normally. Please find attached video recordings of the performances to forward or share with your children’s grandparents. If you had any problems viewing the Grandparents’ Day videos, please contact the School.

Marsden Park Grandparents' Day videos  

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART  

We are continuing to do well in Jump Rope for Heart, keep up the good work. 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.  

RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS SEMINAR                                                                                              

On Wednesday 16 March from 7-8pm our School has organised a parent seminar. This time Rowena Thomas from Amazing Me will be presenting in person at Oakhurst. For Marsden Park families a Zoom registration link will soon be sent via email. 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.  

Mr Luke Sale
Head of Primary - Marsden Park

I have the pleasure in commending quite a number of students for their willingness to help others. I have also seen a great number of Tokens being issued to students across the first five weeks this term. A reflection of good decisions being made. Disappointingly I have had to speak to some students regarding their unwise decisions/behaviour due to the trouble they have caused others as well as themselves. While talking with some students Proverbs 13:20 came to mind, particularly when their unwise decision was made in the company of others or for their approval. “Walk with the wise and become wise, associate with the unwise and get into trouble” (NLT). 

YEAR 8, 9 AND 10 CAMPS

All permission notes have been issued and need to be returned to the school. Year 10 notes were due last week, with Year 9 due Friday 11 March and Year 8 Monday 14 March. Both Year 9 and 10 Camps have a paper RJ permission note and a consent form supplied by the companies we partner with for the camps. The consent form is emailed to parents once the online registration is complete. Both the RJ permission note and the consent form need to be returned to allow the students to attend the camp.

YEAR 10 CAREERS TESTING – TUESDAY 8 MARCH

Year 10 students undertook Careers Testing today in the Hall. These tests are administered by Academic Assessment Services, also known as ‘Allwell Testing’, who will provide feedback from the tests that will be shared with students later in the year.

RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS SEMINAR

On Wednesday 16 March from 7-8pm our School has organised a simultaneous online and in-person parent seminar with Rowena Thomas from Amazing Me for all parents K-12. On this occasion we will host Rowena at Oakhurst. This helpful event 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, consent issues.

This seminar is subsidised by the School and will be available to parents for $10 per family. It will be suitable for parents of all age groups and you have the choice of attending in person at the Oakhurst School Hall, or viewing the seminar live online. Same costs apply. This is a parent only event – please do not bring students if attending in person. An email with attendance and payment links will be sent out this week. Please consider being part of this worthwhile parenting session.

Mr Brad Maxwell 
Acting Head of Secondary 

Early this term, our Primary STEM team (Mr Reed, Mrs Oliver, Mr Lamb and Mrs Girgis) took part in their first two training days. They have returned to us enthused and excited about sharing STEM learning with the rest of the teaching team and the students in Primary. 

CSSA FOOTBALL TRIALS

Well done to Leroy B and Ryan H for playing well in their football trials to make the CSSA team. Unfortunately, neither boy made the team but by all accounts they played very well.

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

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

RJ students have done an amazing job so far undertaking skipping at home and at school. 82 students have registered to the online portal, logged 29 hours of skipping practise and raised $7,512! With 5 weeks remaining, this is incredible. The Heart Foundation are running a competition for students and parents to win a $300 Visa gift card. Whenever a student accumulates $40 on their portal page, they will receive 1 entry into the competition. Registered parents will receive an email about this from the Heart Foundation Officer.

SPORTS SHOES

For your child’s PE lessons each week, students are allowed to wear appropriate running shoes (not basketball shoes) for PE lessons. If they have a lesson prior to recess, they need to arrive at school in their school shoes and then before the bell they may change into their sports shoes. If they have a lesson after recess, they can change into their shoes at recess time. The expectation is that children are back in their school shoes prior to the end of the day.

SPORTING GROUPS

A few Tennis and Running groups were scheduled to commence at the Oakhurst campus this week. Due to the unfavourable weather conditions, these groups will commence next week. For some groups, there were limited spots. If your child signed up for a group and did not receive a place, this was specified on the general interest note. Your class teacher will be able to inform your child if they are in either the Tennis or Running groups. 

The groups commencing next week at the Oakhurst Campus are:

• Tuesday morning – Stage 3 Running Club
• Tuesday afternoon – Stage 3 Todd Woodbridge Cup Tennis
• Wednesday morning – Stage 2 Todd Woodbridge Cup Tennis
• Friday morning – Stage 2 Running Club

CLINICS

We will endeavour to commence clinics at both Campuses next term where the sports rotate each term. We will also look to recommence the Football clinics for both Campuses in Term 2 as well.

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Primary Sports Leader

Please refer to the RJ Performing Arts Program for detailed information regarding ensembles. Link 2022 RJAS Co-curricular Performing Arts Program

If you would like to receive a link to sign up for an ensemble, please contact performingarts@rjas.nsw.edu.au 

Mrs Inés Marrable
Director of Performing Arts K-12 

What is your favourite food?

My favourite food is Middle Eastern food. Specifically, I really like a mixed meat plate!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my spare time, I enjoy playing rugby union, reading autobiographies, listening to a good podcast and drinking coffee!

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

I commenced my role at Marsden Park in 2022. I am very excited to be a part of a Christian community which celebrates the unique value and ability of each student! 

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

I am really looking forward to helping my students find their love of learning. I believe learning is a gift from God, and I am excited to help my students see that. 

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

At the end of 2019, I travelled to Argentina with a friend. He and I were fortunate enough to visit Iguazu Falls. I will always remember how in awe of God’s creation I was in those moments. 

Why did you become a Christian?

I became a Christian because I realised that God truly loves me. For the first time, I understood that the sacrifice of the cross is truly an act of love, and that I can accept God’s love for me. 

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

Philippians 1:20 – This is my favourite verse because I believe that it holds the purpose to which I am called to love, which is to exalt God in all that I am. 

What is something you want to achieve?

I would like to run a marathon one day. I have run a half-marathon, and one day I would love to have a go at a full one!

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

I would like to meet Virat Kohli, because he could teach me how to play a cover drive in cricket. 

What is your favourite food?

Thai Food. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy going on bush walks and reading. 

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

January 2022. I am excited at the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and vibrant Christian school community. 

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

Seeing students develop into active learners and helping them grow in their knowledge and skills. 

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

Travelling from Sydney to Perth in an old Troop Carrier. Crossing the Nullarbor and being in awe of the landscape. 

Why did you become a Christian?

I became a Christian when I heard of the good news that Jesus saves us through His ultimate sacrifice. Once I learnt what Jesus had done for me, I wanted Him to be my Lord and Saviour. 

What is your favourite bible verse and why?

‘Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.’ 1 Peter 5:7. It’s a comfort that God hears our prayers and cares for us. 

What is something you want to achieve?

To run the City2Surf under two hours. 

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

I would like to meet Andy Griffiths, the Australian children’s book author. I would ask him about what inspired him to write his stories and how he creates the worlds in his novels.