So why are these principles so important to us all? There are so many adages about running: “Begin with the end in mind”, “Make sure you start well”, “Keep pushing when you feel like you’re at maximum speed” and so many more. “Finish well” requires us to be mindful of our present circumstances, it requires us to consider how we want to end and it is likely to require us to make adjustments to move from what we are currently doing to what we need to be doing to end well.

For our Year 12 students this might be ensuring they stay focussed in classes, maintaining positive behaviours and being role models to our younger students and redoubling their efforts as they prepare for the HSC Examinations. For our younger students it might be about how they bounce back or press on from assessment results or develop resilience and perseverance as they deal with relationship challenges. Whatever the challenge or life moment that lies before us, the intentional focus is what really makes a difference.

This focus on finishing well can prove relevant to our students in so many life situations. When finishing a job at a workplace before moving on to your next role, when finishing a course of study or even finalising training to prepare for a role, the same principles apply. Consider your legacy and how you want to be remembered, consider what you would ask of others in the same situation and look for the opportunity to demonstrate who you are at your best.

The way you finish is what leaves a lasting memory with people about who you are and what you stand for. It might just be the memory that people hold of you as a summary of what they remember about you. Finishing well gives us all the opportunity to leave our best impression with people of who we are.

We wish all our graduating students well in completing their studies and preparing for their HSC Examinations. We know that God has a bright future in store for all of them and we wish them every success in moving towards their future.

Mr Scott Roby | Deputy Principal

KINDERGARTEN AND STAGE 1 GRANDPARENTS’ DAY 🍰
Our final Grandparents’ Welcome Day for the year will be held next Wednesday 23 September for Grandparents of students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2. This is a great time of connection, smiles and sharing, as well as a delicious scones morning tea! Our youngest students love sharing their school experiences and talents with their Grandparents. Starting at 9:30am in the College Hall.

LATE SIGN-INS 🕔
A reminder if your child arrives late (after 8:50am) you need to accompany them to JS Reception to sign them in. Students who arrive late and are unaccompanied are listed as an unexplained absence. Please prioritise being on time for the start of the school day, it helps your child have a more settled morning!

STUDENTS RETURNING AFTER SERIOUS INJURY/ILLNESS 😷
If your child has undergone a stint in hospital, had an operation or time off with a serious illness, or has mobility issues, please inform the Class Teacher, our JS Admin team or our College Nurse when your child is planning to return to school so we can put into place any adjustments required for a smooth transition back to the College. Any Doctor or Specialist notes advising ongoing care are also vital for our First Aid team.

YEAR 12 GRADUATION 🎓
Our Year 12 students commemorate their end of studies at RJ on Friday 25 September. If you have K-6 siblings of Year 12 students and you wish to take them with you after the Graduation service, please contact our Junior School Admin team to advise that your children will be leaving early that day. This will provide ease of signing out and collecting from class. K-6 students do not attend the Graduation service – please pick up after the Walk of Acclamation following the service.

LOST JACKET ALERT! 🥼
We have a plethora of missing jackets currently adorning Lost Property out the front of JS Reception. Please come and have a look or ask your child to check if they are missing either a Sports or Winter jacket.

DATES
Term 3 finishes on Friday 25 September.
Term 4 commences on Tuesday 13 October.
All students return in Summer uniform. Please check tunic lengths for girls and if boys are getting haircuts, mention to the barber/stylist that your son attends an Independent School – they should know the suitability requirements.

Enjoy your weekend and the upcoming break,

Mrs Karen Shannon-Duhigg | Head of Junior School 

R U OK? Day

Thank you to our Student Voice Representatives for leading activities and presentations across the Senior School in recognition of R U OK? Day. It was wonderful to see so many students wearing a touch of yellow with their mufti attire to show their support for this important initiative.

Student Voice would also like to thank the College community for its generosity. Through gold coin donations and bandana sales, close to $800 was raised. These funds will be donated to a charity chosen by Student Voice later in the year.

We hope all students feel equipped to engage in meaningful wellbeing conversations when needed by remembering the ALEC approach:

Ask

Listen

Encourage action

Check in

Further information and wellbeing resources can be found on the R U OK? website.

College Uniform Reminder

Since the start of Week 7 students are to wear the College summer uniform. This means students in Years 7 to 10 are no longer required to wear their blazer or College tie/scarf. Students in Years 11 and 12 are to continue wearing their ties or scarves.

Please note that all Senior School students are required to wear the full College uniform on Friday 25 September, including blazers and ties/scarves, in recognition of the significance of the Year 12 Graduation Assembly.

As the weather becomes warmer, students are reminded to wear their RJ sports cap whenever they are outdoors, not just the sports field.

Holiday Break

With the holiday break fast approaching, this is an opportune time for families to discuss responsible social media use. We encourage parents and carers to check in with their children about their online activities and to support healthy habits during the break.

I also encourage students to take advantage of the warmer weather by spending time outdoors, connecting with friends in person, pursuing hobbies, trying something new and enjoying a healthy balance away from screens.

Upcoming Events

Thursday 24 September

Leadership Induction Service and Leadership Handover

Staff vs Year 12 Students Game

Friday 25 September (Last Day of Term)

Year 12 Breakfast

Year 12 Graduation Assembly

Senior School Locker Clean-Out

Holiday Break Commences (3:10pm onwards)

As the term draws to a close, I pray that students, families and staff are able to enjoy a refreshing and restorative holiday break. The words of Exodus 33:14 "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" serve as a timely reminder that amidst the 'busyness' of school life and the activities of the holidays, we can find confidence and peace in God's unchanging character and presence.

Reminders

Term 4 commences for students on Tuesday 13 October.

Year 11 students are asked to finalise their Year 12 2027 Jersey orders as soon as possible. Once all orders and payments have been received, the College can proceed with the production process.

Year 12 students are reminded to purchase their tickets for the Year 12 Formal. Ticket sales close on Friday 25 September.

Parents and carers are reminded that their child's Crew Leader should be the first point of contact for questions regarding upcoming events, student wellbeing, or general school matters. If you wish to arrange a meeting with a staff member, please contact the College Reception to schedule an appointment.