Term 2 is also a longer term than normal and you may be noticing your children needing more support from you. This can be the part of the term where students need to shift from intrinsic motivation to extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is where we are internally motivated to do something because we perceive it as enjoyable, interesting, worthwhile or rewarding. Extrinsic motivation is where we are externally motivated to do something via rewards or consequences. As you may already see from the above definitions, intrinsic motivation is far more effective for students as they have internalised the reason for doing something and need no external input. This is one of the reasons why it can be so hard to separate young people from technology. They are intrinsically motivated to utilise it because it is enjoyable and the technology itself, particularly social media and gaming, is designed to stimulate the reward centres of their brains further motivating them extrinsically.

So what can we as parents do to support our children when they lack motivation? The answer in part is teaching our students about positive habits, daily routines and disciplines. Whilst every family is different, there are some universal concepts that are helpful to teach every child. I have highlighted some suggestions below:

There are many more things that families could suggest have worked for them. Learning from others’ parenting successes and failures can be incredibly valuable also. That’s why doing schooling as a community adds so much to our students’ lives. Thank you for the work you are doing with them. They will benefit more from positive role modelling and healthy leadership also, so let’s partner in this together. Perhaps now is the time for a celebration or course correction at the end of Semester 1. Wishing you all a wonderful break and hopefully you have time to rest also.

Mr Scott Roby | Deputy Principal

The Problem with Re-Reading

When a learner re-reads their notes, it often feels productive. The words are familiar, the content flows easily, and they finish feeling confident. Research tells us this feeling can be misleading. The brain mistakes recognition for mastery, a phenomenon known as the fluency illusion (Dunlosky et al, 2013). Unfortunately, learners who consistently re-read tend to overestimate how well they know their material, and this overconfidence can lead to underperformance on assessments.

A study published in the journal Science found that students who re-read a text four times remembered significantly less one week later than students who read it once and then practised actively recalling what they had learned, even though the re-reading group felt more prepared (Karpicke & Roediger, 2008). This has implications for how we help our learners to study.

What the Research Recommends

Active recall, also called retrieval practice, means closing your notes and actively trying to reconstruct what you know from memory. Rather than passively reviewing information, the learner forces their brain to search for and rebuild knowledge (Cleary & Robinson, 2026). This effortful process is what creates durable, long-term memories. You may remember learning spellings as a youngster, “look, cover, write, check”. This process is similar to active recall.

Evidence from a range of sources and across decades of study shows that active recall consistently produces far stronger long-term retention than passive rereading. Crucially, this benefit holds across age groups, subject areas, and ability levels; it is one of the most equitable and high-leverage learning strategies available.

When we talk to learners about this process, many say it is harder than just copying notes and rereading them. Research shows that this learning challenge is also beneficial; in fact, this demanding practice creates longer-term retention by prompting the brain to form stronger connections, thereby improving retention of the facts they need to move into long-term memory.

What You Can Do at Home

You do not need to be a subject expert to support better study habits. Here are practical strategies that research shows make a real difference:

A Note on Feeling Productive

Remember one important thing to share with your child is that active recall will feel harder than re-reading, and they may initially feel less confident after a study session that involved genuine retrieval. This occurs because they have discovered what they do not yet know. This is not a sign that the strategy is not working; in fact, it is quite the opposite. Research shows that learner who use active recall consistently develop more accurate self-knowledge, close their gaps more effectively, and perform significantly better on delayed assessments like the HSC.

Mrs Julia Scrimshaw | Assistant Principal - Head of Academics

Sources

Cleary, A.M., Robinson, D.H. Why Growth Mindset Training Alone may not Improve Academic Outcomes: A Call for Research on Bundling Growth Mindset and Retrieval Practice Interventions. Educ Psychol Rev 38 , 93 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-026-10188-7

Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest , 14 (1), 4-58.

Karpicke, J. D, & Roediger, H. L, (2008)The Critical Importance of Retrieval for Learning. Science 319 ,966-968(2008).DOI: 10.1126/science.1152408

FIDGETS/TOYS

Please do not send in fidget toys to be used in class with your child. The students who require fidget tools are assessed by our staff and will be provided with small, discrete fidgets for learning. There is a difference between learning tools and toys. The latter often prove to be a classroom distraction. We appreciate your help with this.

SHOWCASE OF LEARNING

RJ Junior School will be hosting a Showcase of Learning on Tuesday 30 June starting at 3:45pm in the Junior School Courtyard. This will be a great opportunity for students in Years 3-6 to share what they have been learning during Semester 1. Student representatives will speak on a variety of different topics including persuasive arguments, diary entries and poetry. There will be a showcase of the fabulous Home Learning Projects that students have been completing. There will also be demonstrations and performances from some of our co-curricular groups. Different artworks and other work samples will be on display. This is a fantastic chance for family and friends to come and observe the incredible learning of our Year 3-6 students. Families of students who are chosen to speak at this event have been notified.

FLANNIES AND FOOD!

Each year RJ Junior School students enjoy a Mufti Day and fundraiser to help less fortunate families during the winter season. This year our theme will be Flannies and Food. Students are asked to dress in a flannelette shirt or similar (not pyjamas). Each student is asked to bring a can/carton of non-perishable food and a gold coin donation for Anglicare's Take Love Winter Appeal. Students should wear warm pants such as tracksuit pants and closed-in shoes on the day. This will be held on Thursday 2 July.

REPORTS AND PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Report distribution will online – Fri 3 July (Week 11) We will send electronic copies out to families uploaded to Edumate. Please contact your child’s Class Teacher if you require a printed version and are unable to organise this from home. Instructions on how to access online Reports will be emailed to you.

Parent/Teacher interviews – Thurs 30 July and Tues 4 August (Term 3 - Weeks 1 and 2)
Online bookings for interviews will be emailed early next week.

Have a restful mid-year break.

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg | Head of Junior School

HICES Maths Challenge

For the second time this year, RJ proudly hosted the HICES Maths Challenge, welcoming more than 160 students and staff from a range of independent schools. The event provided an excellent opportunity for students to challenge their mathematical thinking in a competitive and collaborative environment.

Thank you to Mr Jenner, our Mathematics Faculty Leader, for coordinating the event. We also acknowledge the valuable assistance provided by our Year 11 student volunteers and Mr Dibden throughout the day.

Annual Winter Sleep Out

Last Friday evening, a large number of students and staff participated in the College's annual Winter Sleep Out. While temperatures were milder than in previous years, the cool conditions in the early morning still offered participants a meaningful glimpse into the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the organisation and success of the event. Through their efforts, the College was able to raise funds for Youth Off The Streets while providing students with a unique opportunity to engage in service and develop a deeper understanding of the needs of others.

Heritage Day

Our annual Heritage Day will be held in Week 11 on Thursday 3 July . This much-anticipated event is a wonderful celebration of the rich cultural diversity within our College community.

Thank you to the many families who are supporting the day through contributions of food for the cultural food stalls and clothing or costumes for the Heritage Parade. Your involvement helps make this event a memorable and meaningful experience for our students.

Parents and carers have been sent a link to reserve up to two tickets per student for the Heritage Festival Concert. As seating in the Hall is limited, we encourage families to secure their tickets as soon as possible. Please refer to the broadcast distributed on 25 June for booking details.

Expectations around photos and videos

To protect the privacy and wellbeing of all students, photography and videography of RJ students is not permitted on campus, during excursions, while attending camps, or when students are wearing the College uniform. Further information can be found in sections 9.16 and 9.17 of the Student Diary .

At official College events, designated staff members are responsible for taking photographs and videos. Students are expected not to participate in or facilitate the taking of photos or videos by their peers.

In addition, photos or videos featuring RJ students in uniform or participating in College activities must not be shared through digital channels, including AirDrop, messaging services or social media platforms. These expectations are in place to safeguard student privacy and protect the reputation of both our students and the College.

We appreciate the ongoing support of parents and carers in reinforcing these important expectations.

End of Term Two

The final day of Term 2 is Friday 3 July , next week.

Senior School students are required to attend all scheduled school days in Week 11. Prior to the holiday break, students should ensure their lockers are emptied and secured. Time will be allocated on the final day of term to assist students with this process.

To avoid carrying an excessively heavy bag on the last day, students are encouraged to gradually take home belongings over the final few days of term.

We thank families for their continued partnership throughout Term 2 and pray that everyone has a safe, restful and enjoyable break.

Brad Maxwell | Head of Senior School

Athletics Carnival

It was an absolutely outstanding day at the recent Junior School Athletics Carnival, with perfect weather setting the stage for a memorable event. Several records were broken across the day, and the level of enthusiasm, especially the house chanting, was exceptional. It was wonderful to see students giving their best effort in both track and field events. A big thank you to our parent volunteers for their support in ensuring the day ran smoothly. The Junior School team for the Nepean Zone Carnival (early Term 3) will be announced shortly.

CIS Rugby Union Trials

Lyon P and Koinonia P competed strongly at the recent CIS Rugby Union trials.
Congratulations to Lyon P , who was selected in the CIS Squad for the NSW PSSA Primary Boys Rugby Union Championships, which is an excellent achievement.

K–2 Athletics Carnival

Our Kindergarten students will have their first taste of athletics this afternoon at the K–2 Carnival. We are sure they will enjoy a fun and active introduction to the sport. Years 1 and 2 will no doubt build on the excitement and set a great example for our youngest competitors!

Mr Gavin Mitchell | Director of Sport