7 February 2023

As a School, we are very excited about what 2023 will hold for all of our community both at our Oakhurst and our Marsden Park campuses.  The strength of growth across our School has been increasing over the last few years and we are looking forward to pushing ahead with new initiatives and plans to see both our campuses stand strong into the future.  We look forward to launching our School Strategic Plan 2023-2025: Growing Learners. Connecting Hearts, Building Community in the coming weeks to our RJ community and start to centre the focus of our school on key imperatives. Look out for your copy of this booklet coming your way soon.

If your family is new this year, we warmly invite you and your children to get involved in the life of our School. This will look different from family to family, but finding that point of connection in our community is important to lasting the journey. We will be encouraging your children whether in Kindy or Year 12 to embark on new learnings across the year in order for them to become better learners. They will become familiar with the learning language in our community and form greater understanding around their own learning journey. Our staff are committed to seeing your child grow as a learner this year.

New Deputy Principal

I particularly want to welcome our new Deputy Principal, Mr Scott Roby, who has joined us this year following the retirement of Mrs Jenny Clay at the end of last year. Mr Roby comes to us from William Carey Christian School as is a great addition to our executive leadership in the school. I would encourage our families to engage in getting to know Mr Roby as he commences with us as he will be a key point of contact along with other key members of staff whom you will engage with throughout the year.

Parent Ambassadors

A practical, yet exciting way for parents to serve within our School community is as a Year Group Parent Ambassador. This is a great opportunity to be a key connection point for other parents at RJ. For more information, please refer to the letter I sent to all parents earlier today. We would love for you to assist families navigate the RJ Way. Register your Expression of Interest before 9:00am Monday 13 February.

School Expectations

One of our points of difference here at RJ is the high expectations we have for our students with regards their behaviour and presentation. When parents enrol their children at RJ, they agree to abide by our School Uniform and Presentation Policy. This enables us as a School to focus on a student’s wellbeing and learning rather than continually address uniform issues that have been clearly stated at the beginning of the RJ journey. Please refer to Mr Roby’s article in this edition for more and a link to this policy. 

Jumping Right In

Term 1 is off to a flying start with many events and activities planned and underway already. Our Year 11 Information occurred last Wednesday evening. If you missed this, please contact Mr Maxwell, our Head of Secondary for follow up details. Our Year 7 Information Evening is on tomorrow night and will provide further information about approaching Year 7 studies and their Camp. Oakhurst Year 5 and 6 students head out on their camp tomorrow, Year 11 travel to Stanwell Tops on Thursday for Study Camp. Next week both our Primary and Secondary Swimming Carnivals are happening, and Marsden Park and Oakhurst campuses are hosting “Tell Us About Your Children” evenings in Primary.  

There’s never a dull moment at RJ, and the opportunities we provide your children are intentional as we encourage their development as confident, agile, reflective and engaged learners.  

We are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead and pray that as you join us on this journey, you will come to understand the grace and mercy of God that has been made available to all of us through His son, Jesus Christ.

God Bless

Mr Alan Dawson | Principal 

Meeting with the School Executive and Staff has been a real privilege and having now had the opportunity for two weeks with our students, I know I’ve come to the right place. Just like starting at a new school community, our students have a wonderful opportunity to start the new year with a renewed approach to who they want to be as young people and we have challenged them this year to be courageous learners. I can’t wait to learn with them about how all of our community can grow in understanding as we Build Learning Power together.

I would also like to take the time to welcome new students and staff who have joined RJ this year. I can empathise with how much new information you are processing and how you are adjusting to life at a new school. I have adopted the approach to consistently ask questions and check in with people to make sure I have understood how to tackle things effectively. Mr Dawson has also encouraged our new staff to do this. I would like to extend that encouragement to our students and families also so that we can help and support any needs that may arise or things that remain unknown. As I am a few weeks ahead of our new students and staff, I can assure you that it will settle and start feeling like home. I believe RJ is a wonderful place to be and we’d love to help you feel like you are welcome and belong as part of our community.

Finally I’d like to remind families about our School Uniform and Presentation Policy, download from the website HERE. We expect all members of our community to uphold a high standard of dress. I have found in my time in education that students with attention to detail in this area demonstrate readiness for learning, respect for themselves, respect for others and good manners. It is an expectation that all members of our community will meet these expectations and outwardly demonstrate a readiness to learn that is reflective of the attitude that they bring to the classroom also. If you are experiencing difficulties or require support with managing these expectations, please speak with the Wellbeing team to ask for help.

Praying for a fantastic 2023 for our whole community.

God bless

Mr Scott Roby
Deputy Principal  

It was great to see the smiles and hear the chatter and laughter of our Primary students as they returned to School. A special welcome to new families joining our Oakhurst Primary community this year. Our new Kindergarten classes have made a positive, settled start to ‘big school’ and I’m sure there were a number of weary little people by last Friday!

A special welcome to new teachers joining us at Oakhurst Primary in 2023

Ms Jenny Allen KA 
Miss Kelsey Stokes 1K
Miss Jordan Foster 2J
Mr Joshua Robertson - Learning Support

We are very grateful to Miss Araceli Llanos for stepping in to take 3R after a late withdrawal of a new staff member. 

You may have noticed the new class names this year with most classes having the letter of the teacher’s surname. Where two teachers shared the same first letter surname, we have used the first name letter for one class to avoid confusion.

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

Mr Hunt and his wife, Heather, had twins just a few weeks ago! A boy and girl – congratulations on their safe arrival.

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

PARENT INFORMATION FOR START OF YEAR

A series of video links will be emailed out this week outlining important information about each Primary Stage group with extra updates on Sport, Curriculum, Technology and Learning Support in 2023. Parents will be able to click on the links pertinent to your child’s Year/Stage level. Teachers have now sent out additional class information that will assist in timetabling and packing the correct equipment for each day. Seesaw and Mathletics accounts for 2023 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 in Week 4 to tell your child’s class teacher more about your child and find out how the first few weeks have been. Online interview bookings have been emailed out on Tuesday.

THINGS TO ASK YOUR CHILD AFTER SCHOOL

After a long day at school or being away, it can be tough for children to come back home and reconnect with their family.

Parents can create opportunities for connection to help children feel seen and heard when they get home.

You could ask them about their day, what they learned, or who they played with. This can help children feel like they have your full attention and that their experiences are valued.

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.

RJ DAY

We celebrated the founding of our School last Friday on Richard Johnson Day with a combined Assembly for Years 1-12 led by Mr Dawson and Student Leaders. Students enjoyed an ice block at lunchtime to celebrate RJ Day.        

HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME

A reminder that any leave outside School holiday time needs to be approved by the Principal and that teachers are not expected to provide work for students away on holidays during term time. The start of the School year is very important for setting routines and establishing connections. I would strongly encourage families to return from trips before the start of Term 1.

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

Our Stage 3 students head to Teen Ranch from Wednesday this week for an overnight (Yr 6 two nights) camp. This is a wonderful time for students to forge friendships, enjoy God’s creation and challenge themselves with a variety of activities including archery, canoeing, giant swing, horse riding, bush skills and a campfire.                                                                                                                      

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 near the canteen. From 8:15am students can move to play areas supervised by Primary teachers. 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, Turnaround 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 Turnaround 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 3 if being picked-up by parents/carers. Enter via 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 28 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 raised through questions.
The event will conclude by 8:15pm. 

COMING UP…

The Swimming Carnival Will be held in Week 4 for Years 3-6. The students will participate in their House meetings on Wednesday 15 February (all students wear House shirts) in preparation for this event on Friday 17 February. Mr Mitchell has sent out a survey asking you to indicate your child’s swimming length ability to assist us in preparation. Please let us know if your child can swim 50 metres, 25 metres, or will stay with novelty events in the shallow pool.   

We look forward to a happy Term 1!

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg
Head of Primary - Oakhurst

There has been the first days of Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten as well as many new families having started at RJ this year for the first time. We have made an adjustment to our schedule in 2023 with the addition of ‘Tell us about your child' evening. This parent/teacher session is structured so that you can share important information with the class teacher and also to facilitate good communication between the class teacher and parents.  

Welcome to our smallest RJ Students. Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten's first week video highlights!

An information note was sent home on Friday 3 February that outlines the schedule for your students and their learning throughout 2023. Please speak to your child’s class teacher if there are any further clarifications required. The Information note was also uploaded to the RJ website at the start of the School year. www.rjas.nsw.edu.au/resources/general/

As we have grown this year there is a need to briefly speak regarding the parking situation at the Marsden Park Campus. Can I please encourage parents who can reasonably delay their journey to please do so. My encouragement is to arrive closer to 3.15 pm. This will allow Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten families to pick up children and leave, allowing space for families that have children in Years 1-6.       

2023 INFORMATION 

Campus School Hours  

Pre-Kindergarten 8.45 am until 3.00 pm 

Kindergarten 8.45 am until 3.05 pm 

Year 1 - 6 8.45 am until 3.10 pm 

Uniform  

All students K-6 wear their House Shirt and Sports Uniform on Wednesday 15 February for House Meetings.
Students in Years 3-6 wear their House Shirt and Sports Uniform to the Primary Swimming Carnival on Friday 17 February.
Students in Years 3-6 wear their Sports Uniform to School each Wednesday from Week 2 for Sport.
K-2 Sport days will be advised by teachers in an information note. 

Canteen – There are currently no canteen facilities at the Marsden Park Campus. Therefore, students are required to bring lunch to school every day.  However, a local Cafe has partnered with us to provide a limited lunch service on Fridays. This year, lunch orders will be online only - Tarns RJ Cafe - to assist both the Cafe and to remove the dependence on a parent volunteer. Please save this link to your browser. Lunch orders must be placed before 10:00am on the Thursday for Friday lunch. Individual orders must be placed per student with the student name AND class, indicated in the notes section when checking out your 'cart'. This will commence in Week 3.  

Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival 

Students in Years 3-6 will participate with Oakhurst students at the Primary Swimming Carnival on Friday 17 February at the Mt Druitt Swimming Centre. Notes will follow shortly which will outline travel options to and from the venue. This allows for accurate roll marking and supervision of students. Students will be able to purchase a swimming cap for the Swimming Carnival from Reception between 15 and 16 February or on the day at the Carnival. Caps cost $4. Students receive extra House points for wearing House caps at the Carnival. 

Mr Mitchell has sent families in Years 3-6 an email that the included the following link. https://forms.office.com/r/BLZEt0MaLY  

Please fill out this short survey to inform me of your child's swimming ability. If you have a query, please contact Mr Mitchell.  

Year 6 Tee Shirt Design 

Year 6 families, we have been busy this week choosing our latest design for the Year 6 shirt. Now that the design has been chosen the shirt will be arriving hopefully sometime this term.   

Term 1 Events

Please see an overview of Term 1 events below. Dates will be confirmed in the note to families across the course of the Term.

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Housekeeping  

• Contact Details: From time to time, phone and contact details can change. If that is the case, please contact the school if you changed any contact details i.e. mobile numbers, email addresses or home addresses, please contact the school via email on [email protected] or the Parent Portal. 
• Absences: please email the absences email address:  [email protected] or SMS 0438 657 339 
• Student Medication: Students are not to have any form of mediation in their school bags be it anti-histamine, Panadol, ointments etc. Only Asthma Puffers and diabetic medication are the exception. All other medication is to be brought to the office for safe keeping and a permission form filled in which can be found on our website under resources.   
• After school care arrangements: If you have arranged after school care, please remind your child before dropping them to school. Please call the office to ensure the message is not missed in an emergency.  

Mr Luke Sale
Head of Primary - Marsden Park

The first few days of the school year involves a fair amount of organising and settling into new routines, both at home and at school. By the time you read this article all Secondary students would have received their timetable, locker, combination lock and student diary.

Both parents and students are reminded of the following:

• Students are to write in their diaries each lesson every day.

• Diaries are to be read and signed by parents each week.

• Students are to use the lockers allocated to them and the combination lock supplied by the school.

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Secondary Events

• The term has started well with the Year 11 Information Evening taking place last week and the Year 11 Study Camp taking place this week on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 February.
• The Year 7 Information Evening takes place this week on Wednesday 8 February at 6:30pm in the Hall (Week 3).
• The combined Year 8, 9 and 10 Information Evening takes place on Tuesday 21 February, 6:30pm in the Hall (Week 5).

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Uniform Reminder

Students have been reminded of the uniform expectations, with some students needing to address their hair – either needing a haircut or returning their hair to a single natural colour. Another area that some students struggle with is that of jewellery. Please see the following that is taken from the School Uniform and Presentation Policy – highlighting what is expected of our students.

Jewellery

Girls:

• A plain flat ring (one only) is permitted. Necklaces or bangles are not permitted.

• Earrings are to be plain gold or silver stud/small sleeper earrings only (one per ear lobe). No other piercings permitted.

• Make‐up, eyelash tinting, or acrylic nails or any other nail products are not permitted. Only clear nail polish may be used.

Boys

• No jewellery of any description is permitted.

• No tattoos (permanent or temporary) are permitted

Additional information for Year 11-12 Girls

• Light make‐up may be used (e.g. no bright or heavy eye shadow/eye liner).

• A simple, fine chain (with only one small, appropriate symbol attached) worn beneath the Uniform is permitted. (NB. A chain may need to be removed for practical subjects/activities.)

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I do look forward to meeting parents of students in Secondary across the upcoming information evenings.

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Remember if you any questions please contact your child's Home Group teacher as soon as possible.

Looking forward to a great year at RJ in 2023.

-

Mr Brad Maxwell 
Head of Secondary 

It is a program that seeks to encourage young people to step out of their comfort zones and try new experiences and opportunities. We have been operating the Award at Richard Johnson Anglican School for several years and have seen students achieve the Bronze, Silver and Gold level of this Award.

If you are in Year 9 and you have turned 14 years old, and you are interested in knowing more about the Award then you can contact Mr Bemrose [email protected] or talk to me in person about this opportunity. You can also go to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award website at www.dukeofed.com.au and see what the Award involves. This would be a great place to discuss with your parents what is involved.

We aim to let students experience all kinds of achievement and this is highly recognised way of pursuing this.  

Mr Bemrose
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Leader at RJAS

Tasked with working in small teams, these young designers were led by Mr. Zamora to bring their creativity, innovation, and teamwork skills to the forefront. The goal? Build the tallest structure with the marshmallow on top in just 15 minutes with only masking tape, string, and 20 sticks of spaghetti. 

The results were impressive, with students learning valuable lessons about teamwork, communication, and the design process. Teams attempted to place the marshmallow on top at the last minute, assuming it was light, quickly discovered that it was much heavier than expected, leading to many structures collapsing. This challenge taught the students the importance of prototyping and iteration in the design process.

But the students didn't just learn about the design process. They also discovered things about themselves and their teammates. Good communication, effective planning, and problem-solving skills were all essential to success, demonstrating that the Marshmallow Challenge was not just a fun experience, but a hands-on application of the concepts they will be exploring in class.

The challenge highlighted the importance of learning by doing and how practical experiences can support and deepen the understanding of theoretical concepts. Experiences like this are critical to the growth and development of design and technology students and it's clear that these young designers are well on their way to becoming confident and skilled problem-solvers, willing to tackle the real-world challenges that lie ahead.

Swimming Carnival

As noted in the final edition of the RJ Review in 2022, there are a few changes that have come from our governing body, CSSA, in 2023 that you need to be aware of pertaining to swimming:

• To fall in line with CIS sport (8, 9 and 10 year old) breaststroke and backstroke will no longer be individual age events at zone level and up in 2023. This will mean that these events will be a junior division (similar to butterfly presently). While this will mean a junior division for our 2023 Primary Swimming Carnival, CSSA will still keep age records for the individual age events.

• Swimming – those swimmers who compete in the Zone swimming carnival in the 100m freestyle and 200IM will only qualify for CSSA State if they are in the top 20 times across all CSSA zones for those individual events. 

• Swimming – the CSSA State Carnival will be moving to SOPAC at Homebush as we have outgrown the venue at Blacktown. Unfortunately, this will mean a twilight carnival for our students. This event is scheduled to commence at 4pm and conclude around 8pm.

Due to these changes, we will follow suit with our school swimming carnival. Thus, we will create a junior division (8,9 and 10 year olds) for breaststroke and backstroke and the top two swimmers will move onto the Zone Carnival. I will still keep records though for the individual age groups.

Please note that there are quite a few students with outstanding information relating to events they are entering for the swimming carnival. If you haven’t completed this link which was sent via email and is on the RJ App, please complete it ASAP https://forms.office.com/r/BLZEt0MaLY 

Mr Mitchell will contact parents who have nominated to assist as a parent volunteer for the swimming carnival. If you haven’t had your WWCC cleared with the school, unfortunately you are unable to assist on the day. Thank you to those parents who offered to support our students on the day.

Parents are welcome to attend this event but should remain home if sick or have tested positive to Covid.

Zone Swimming Carnival

We look forward to the upcoming Zone Swimming Carnival on Thursday 23rd  February at Glenbrook. At present I have no information if spectators are able to attend this event. By the time of the next RJ Review, our Primary Swimming Team for the Zone Carnival will be known.

Jump Rope For Heart

We look forward to another year of participating in Jump Rope for Heart and raising money for the Heart Foundation. It was very exciting to be the number one fundraising school in the nation for Term 1 in 2022. Our program will officially launch this week and we should receive flyers that students will take home. All other information including a PDF of the flyer is found on the RJ App. Feel free to register now at  https://www.jumprope.org.au/parents . 

Our Jump Off program runs until the end of Term 1 which will culminate in our Jump Off Day at each Campus. The Jump Off Day for Marsden Park will be on Monday 3 April and on Wednesday 5 April for the Oakhurst Campus. Happy skipping!

Football (soccer) Clinic

The football clinics held last year will continue in 2023. The clinics will run for the duration for the year and there is no need to commit to the year. Each term there will be an option to participate and there will be limited places available for these clinics. Please ensure that you register by the closing date for registrations as noted in emails, the RJ App or via the RJ Review. Due to processing times, there will be no exceptions for late entries.

The Oakhurst sessions are on Thursday mornings for Years 1-2 and Friday afternoon for Years 3-6. The Marsden Park sessions are on Monday afternoons for both the Year 1-2 and Year 3-6 groups. Please ensure that your child has suitable footwear but most importantly, ensure they have shin pads and football socks. 

If your child is attending afterschool care for any of these sessions, please notify afterschool care and let Mr Mitchell know via [email protected] 

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 trialling needs to inform Mr Mitchell via email ([email protected])  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 – Term 1

• Zone Swimming Carnival (Event Date – Thursday 23rd February)

• Primary Boys and Girls Tennis Trials cut off -Friday 10 February (Event Date – Monday 27th   February)

• Primary Boys Football Trials cut off - Monday 13 February (Event Date – Friday 3rd  March)
- Must be playing in Skills Acquisition Program (SAP) to be considered.

• Primary Boys and Girls  Basketball Trials cut off - Monday 20 February (Event Date – Friday 10th  March)
- Must be playing in Waratah Junior League to be considered (e.g. play for Penrith Panthers or Hills Hornets)

• CSSA Primary Girls Netball Trials cut off Monday 13 March (Event Date – Monday 3rd  April)
- Must be playing in a Division 1 Under 11s or 12s team to be considered.

• CSSA State Swimming Carnival (Event Date – Monday 7th  March)

CIS Events – Term 1

• Primary Girls Football (soccer) Trials cut off – Friday 11  February (Event Date – Friday  4th  March)
- Must be playing in Skills Acquisition Program (SAP) to be considered.

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.

Download the CSSA Mobile App:

iPhone User: Download Here

Android User: Download Here

Mr Gavin Mitchell
Primary Sports Leader

What is your favourite food? 
Hamburger and chips

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? 
Playing basketball, touch football, snowboarding, board games

When and why did you come to work at this School? 
At the start of 2023. I'm excited to serve the RJ community and work with a quality Executive staff team. 

What do you think you will enjoy about your role in the School? 
Serving the staff and students of RJ. Having the opportunity to grow and develop individuals and contribute to ongoing improvement of the community.

Describe a wonderful experience you’ve had which you’ll never forget. 
A full powder day snowboarding in Japan while it was still snowing. It is hard to explain how incredible this bucket list experience was.

Why did you become a Christian? 
I was raised in a Christian family by incredible parents who encouraged me to work out my salvation and make a commitment for myself. Life with Jesus is life to the fullest. 

What is your favourite bible verse and why? 
Romans 8:38-39. It is incredibly comforting to know that nothing can separate us from God's love.

What is something you want to achieve? 
I want to grow and develop leaders in the school and serve the community to the best of my ability.  
I want to make Christ known through my words, but even more so, my actions. 

If you could meet any person in the world at the moment who would it be and why? 
Stephen Curry. It would be a pleasure to meet someone at the top of their game in the NBA and still be a faithful believer.