These and so many more considerations will filter through our heads as we are processing feedback. As well as adding to that anything else we bring into the experience that is already going on for us.

It’s no small surprise then, that our students can find it hard to engage with feedback, particularly when it forces them to engage with something that is intrinsically true about themselves. This can lead them to believe, or reinforce, positive or negative messages about themselves. Yet feedback is incredibly valuable! It tells us when we’re on the right track, helps us to course correct and can allow us to improve something. But feedback also requires us to use critical thinking skills. Not all feedback has to be accepted and some feedback we need to engage with far more urgently.

As parents, we need to support our students in learning how to engage with feedback. Debrief with them to help them to effectively engage with correction from teachers, with social rejection, with poor or excellent academic results amongst many other things. One of the best gifts we can give them in these scenarios is to stay neutral whilst we listen and consider what they’re telling us, whilst trying to consider what may have been happening for this to take place. People mostly paint themselves as the heroes of their stories, but helping them to consider other people’s viewpoints in the same situation can give them a gift that many students are still developing in their young minds. In fact, many adults would benefit from growth in this area also.

We are placing an additional feedback load on our students at home and we would do well to consider that sometimes we will need to ‘circle back’ to the same conversation at a time when our students are better equipped (or cognitively able) to cope with it. The best results in our conversations with young people always happen when they are emotionally regulated and able to speak calmly and engage their critical thinking skills.

Student Injuries

Recently at school we have had a number of students attend school with significant injuries or medical conditions without any communication from home. The College is able to provide best care to our students and provide best support to our families when we are informed about any needs a student may have or any ongoing impact to their schooling. Kindly ensure that any medical certificates or other documentation that outlines restrictions for students is provided to the College prior to or on return to the campus. Providing any known information about estimated recovery times is also helpful so that we can ensure appropriate care is provided to the student throughout the duration of their injury, illness or other event that impacts their schooling.

Mr Scott Roby | Deputy Principal

What happens in the sleeping brain?

Sleep is far from being a passive activity. While we sleep and our bodies are stilled, our brains are doing some of their best work. During deep sleep, the brain consolidates the day’s learning, moving information from short-term memory to long-term memory. It also clears out waste products that have accumulated during the day, repairs cells and releases growth hormones. For our learners, this means that a good night’s sleep after a big day of learning should actually be part of their study regimen.

How much sleep do children need?

Sleep needs change as children grow.
• Junior School (ages 5-12) need approximately between 9 and 11 hours of sleep per night.
• Senior school students (ages 13-18) need between 8 and 10 hours of sleep per night.

We know that with busy lives, many of our students fall significantly short of these targets. Research shows that sleep-deprived learners have lower attention spans, reduced problem-solving ability, and weaker immune systems. At this time of year, as we enter cold and flu season, sleep is even more important. Not to mention the fact that over time, chronic poor sleep has also been linked to anxiety, low mood and difficulties with concentration.

The Teenage Sleep Trap

Many of our Senior School families will recognise that things change as their children enter adolescence. Biologically speaking, the circadian rhythm shifts during this period. Unfortunately, this shift is not conducive to the school day, meaning teenagers' bodies naturally want to fall asleep later but also consequently wake later. This is not laziness; it is actually neuroscience. So, when the school day starts, many of our teenage learners are running on a real sleep deficit. Being aware of this change can help us approach our late-night children with more empathy than frustration, so we can work out a solution.

Simple Habits that Make a Big Difference

The good news is that a few consistent habits can significantly improve the quality and quantity of our young people’s sleep.

The following habits may help:
• Keep a regular sleep schedule: the same bedtime and wake time, even on weekends, where possible.
• Create a wind-down routine: reading, a shower or quiet time signals to the brain that sleep is coming. We highly recommend no screens for at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
• Keep bedrooms cool, dark and quiet: no TV on in the background
• Encourage physical activity during the day – exercise improves sleep quality, but not too close to bedtime.

We understand that our families have busy schedules. Homelearning, sport, music, social commitments and for some of our older student’s part-time work can eat into time outside of school. However, sleep is not a luxury that can be sacrificed when things get hectic, for a growing brain, it is a non-negotiable requirement.

Mrs Julia Scrimshaw | Assistant Principal - Head of Academics

COOLER WEATHER

The colder temperatures have finally arrived – especially in the mornings before school. Please make sure your child has their jacket every day - clearly labelled. The College beanie is also a good cold weather addition to the uniform. We are continuing to promote good hygiene at RJ with regular reminders to wash hands, cough into elbows and the use of hand sanitiser. Please keep your child at home if they have cold or flu symptoms or a high temperature as there is some sickness spreading at the moment. Students coming to school unwell will be required to be picked up and taken home.

KISS AND DROP IN MORNINGS

There are still a small number of parents coming down into the Junior School Courtyard of a morning. Please say goodbye to your child/ren up near the tables in Pioneers Way. We would prefer parents not to walk down into the Courtyard in the mornings to minimise separation issues and help students assimilate with their peers quicker.

HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME

A reminder that College attendance is crucial for your child’s continuing progress through the curriculum and development of knowledge and skills. We request that families please limit holidays during term time, remembering Class Teachers will not set work as it is rarely completed, and students regularly return with significant gaps in their learning. Please use the scheduled school holidays for trips away, if possible.

AFTER SCHOOL

Families are welcome to stay and chat in the College grounds after school until 4pm. However, parents are responsible for children’s safety at this time and they do need to be supervised. Please be aware of classes exiting buildings at bell time and keep small children out of the way of students heading to pick up areas from 3:20pm. Let’s work together to keep our RJ community safe.

COMING UP…

Enjoy your weekend

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg | Head of Junior School

Looking Forward

Week 8 begins with the King’s Birthday public holiday (Monday). In Week 9, key events include the Senior School Athletics Carnival, Soloists Concert and Winter Sleepout. Registrations for the sleepout have closed, with 180 students attending. Permission requests will be sent to parents and carers via the RJ App. Please note some students have been placed on a wait list for the event and will be advised if an opportunity emerges.

Our annual Heritage Festival will once again feature lunchtime food stalls. Parents and carers are warmly invited to assist with food preparation and service. Please contact the coordinating staff member via email if you can help, and speak with your child about their involvement.

Assessment Reminder

With many assessment tasks due in the coming weeks, students and families are encouraged to check CANVAS and Edumate regularly. Students are reminded to seek support early and not leave tasks until the due date (10pm submission for online tasks). Additional help is available in The Hub after school.

Our Values in Action - Courage and Excellence

Two of our core values, Courage and Excellence, continue to guide our Senior School community. Courage is shown in students who embrace challenges, ask questions, and learn from mistakes. Excellence is reflected in striving for personal best and ongoing improvement across all areas of school life. Together, these values build confidence, resilience, and character. We thank families for their ongoing partnership in supporting our students.

I hope that Joshua 1:9 will encourage all of us to move forward in confidence. When we are challenged, may we be strong and courageous,not afraid or discouraged, because God will be with us wherever we go.

Reminder

For any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s Home Group teacher as the first point of contact. Appointments with staff can be arranged through the College reception.

Brad Maxwell | Head of Senior School

NSW CIS Netball

Well done to Isla for her excellent performance at the CIS Netball trials. Isla represented the College with great effort and sportsmanship throughout the selection process.

CSSA State Cross Country

At the time of publication, our junior students were competing at the CSSA State Cross Country Championships. With muddy conditions and steady rain expected, it was sure to be a memorable day of determination and resilience.

We look forward to sharing photos and stories from the event in the next edition of the RJ Review, hopefully with all shoes still accounted for!

Stage 3 Football Gala Day

Our Stage 3 football teams travelled to Mamre Anglican on Wednesday for the Nepean Zone Football Gala Day. The boys team performed strongly throughout the day, winning all pool matches before falling in the final. Our girls team battled hard despite several players being unwell and produced some determined performances across their matches.

Although rain threatened to cancel the event, students returned to the College with smiles on their faces after an enjoyable day of football and teamwork. We pray for a speedy recovery for those students who competed while feeling under the weather.

Mr Gavin Mitchell | Director of Sport