• Opening Night: Thursday 29th August (7pm)
• Friday 30th August (7pm)
• Saturday 31st August (2pm & 7pm)

We would like to thank our official sponsors so far for their generosity and for supporting our students, staff and community. Please support their business when you are out and about and help spread the word.

Sponsors wanted

Do you have, or know someone who has a business that would like to support RHAC Junior School students? Or are you a parent/carer, friend or family member of who would like to help your Junior School student aim for the stars?

You have the opportunity to sponsor the 2024 Junior School musical. This is an energetic production showcasing talents from students in Years 3 to 6. With your support, it is going to be amazing! It is also a chance for your business to advertise and connect with a large audience within the RHAC and wider communities.

Get in touch today to receive a copy of our musical sponsorship proposal [email protected] or call 8824 5844.

At the end of Term 1, students in Year 5 and 6 (and their siblings) were invited to participate in the trial. We have a small group of students who have joined. It is a delight to walk with these students, hear about their day and enjoy some exercise together. Two of the students are in Year 3 and, though younger, they are managing and enjoying the walk.

Mrs Coffill has given me permission to share her email with you:

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my previous feedback regarding the walking bus program and share an additional observation that further highlights its benefits.

As I mentioned before, the walking bus has been a tremendous time-saver for me and my family. My kids are getting home 35 minutes earlier than when they are using the school bus.

On Monday and Fridays when I use K block pickup (due to after school activities), I have noticed by the time I arrive at the school at 3:30pm and go through the K block pick-up process, we often encounter the walking bus at Tallawong station. This means that parents who are picking up their children from Tallawong are likely spending approximately 20 minutes less in the car. In my case, I am saving close to 40 minutes in total as I only need to drive for 5 minutes to Hills Showground Station, rather than a round trip from Baulkham Hills to Rouse Hill.

This time-saving aspect of the walking bus is incredibly valuable for busy parents like myself. It allows us to efficiently pick up our children without having to endure long commutes or deal with traffic congestion around the school.

Once again, I would like to express my appreciation for the implementation of the walking bus program and the positive impact it has had on my family life.

The trial has two more weeks to run. If you would like your Year 5 or 6 children and their siblings to participate, please read the information below and complete the expression of interest form.

If the trial is successful and we can get at least 20 students involved, we will continue the walking bus and open the opportunity to all Year 3 to 6 students and their younger siblings.

Scholastic Book Orders

All classes have now received the latest brochure. Orders for this edition close on Friday 17th May.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 are now well on their way to completing this year’s challenge. During library lessons, there is quite a buzz around reading from the list and entering completed books directly into the website. We have had some students who have already completed all twenty of the required books and are now working on creating reviews for our library.

CBCA Book of the Year Awards

The short list has now been published on the CBCA website and we will commence our Shadow Judging in Years 3-6 next week. We will be focussing on the Picture Book Category with all classes, and the Younger Readers category with our Monday Book Club.

Library Overdue Notices

The notices will be sent home in diaries next week, however, if you could check your home over the weekend for any stray books and return them to the library as soon as possible.

If you would like to perform, teach or lead a cultural activity, either by yourself or with a group of parents from the college community, please fill out a short form by clicking on the button below by Tuesday 14th May (Term 2, Week 3 ). After you have filled in this form, we will send you a document regarding volunteering at the school.

Please note that the activities will run for about 10 -20 minutes (10 minutes for K-3; 15-20 minutes for Years 4-6).

Some ideas:

• arts and crafts
• dance
• musical performance
• showing and explaining different cultural items
• story reading (read a book in your home language)
• games from around the world
• share information about culture
• teach words/phrases (e.g. hello, goodbye, numbers and basic conversation)

Thank you for your consideration of leading a cultural activity and/or performing in our Junior School Harmony Day event.

Ensemble timetable

The ensemble timetable, as well as information on each of the ensemble, can be found by following the link below.

Please note that anyone who is participating in our instrumental ensembles (not Choir), they are expected to have private music lessons in or outside of the College.

Private Music Lessons

If you would like to sign up for private music lessons, please read the information on Private Music Tuition Brochure which includes the application form.

If you have any questions or issues with this, please contact Mrs Neralie Want [email protected]

Ensemble Fees

We will be running over 20 ensembles at the College again this year. To cover some of the cost of hiring external conductors, accompanists, new music, performance events and other related costs, students will be subject to ensemble fees. The fees will be added to the school account and will be charged twice per year. This will occur at the end of Term 1 and end of Term 2.

It is important to note that the fee structure is set at $75.00 per student per semester, equating to $37.50 per term. This fixed rate remains consistent irrespective of the number of ensembles a student chooses to participate in. Our intention behind this approach is to encourage students to engage in multiple ensembles.

For families that have more than one child participating in ensembles, the sibling discount will apply for second child and any subsequent children, at a rate of $50.00 per child, per semester ($25.00 per term).

These charges apply to all students participating in instrumental and vocal ensembles, with the exception of the Stage 1 Choir.

In the past, we've raised enough money to build 10-11 houses - that's 10-11 families with safe and secure homes they can call their own!

• When: Friday, 31st May 2024
• Where: College Auditorium
• Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm

So come on, let's dance, groove, and boogie for a cause. There will be loads of goodies to purchase, prizes to be won, and photos to be taken!Together, we can raise the roof and build futures for families in need. See you on the dance floor!

Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to access subject teachers and support and assistance for work or assessments that are currently completing. Students do not need to book a place but should arrive to the listed rooms at the times included in the below grid.

Nomination Guidelines

• All nominations should come from the student interested in trialing.
• Students MUST email all nominations to the Head of Student Opportunities [email protected] AT LEAST 3 days before the nomination date. Late nominations will not be accepted. Students who do not nominate will be turned away from any trial they attend.

Nominations need to include the following information:

• Name:
• Event:
• Date of birth:
• Year Group:
• Parents email:
• Playing positions (1st and 2nd preference):
• Playing/representative experience (only include information from the past 2 years):

Once the nomination has been completed and accepted, further information about the trial will be sent to students and their nominated parent email address.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.

If you are currently learning an instrument or like to sing, it is not too late for you to join an ensemble. Please email Mr Tyler Barnes [email protected]

Please see the ensemble timetable below for the rehearsal times, as well as information on each of the ensembles that are offered at the College.

Private Music Lessons

If you would like to sign up for private music lessons, please read the information on Private Music Tuition Brochure which includes the application form.

Also, if you have signed up for Instrumental Hire, you should have received your instrument on your first private lesson or at your first ensemble rehearsal. Again, if you have any questions or issues with this, please contact Mrs Neralie Want [email protected]

Ensemble Fees

We will be running over 20 ensembles at the College again this year. To cover some of the cost of hiring external conductors, accompanists, new music, performance events and other related costs, students will be subject to ensemble fees. The fees will be added to the school account and will be charged twice per year. This will occur at the end of Term 1 and end of Term 2.

It is important to note that the fee structure is set at $75.00 per student per semester, equating to $37.50 per term. This fixed rate remains consistent irrespective of the number of ensembles a student chooses to participate in. Our intention behind this approach is to encourage students to engage in multiple ensembles.

For families that have more than one child participating in ensembles, the sibling discount will apply for second child and any subsequent children, at a rate of $50.00 per child, per semester ($25.00 per term).

These charges apply to all students participating in instrumental and vocal ensembles (with the exception of the Stage 1 Choir in the Junior School).

Thank you and I look forward to a wonderful year of music making with your children this year.

• Fundraising Goal: $16,000
• Fundraising Total: $8,007.50
• Registered Team Members: 38
• Registered Guests: 23
• Fundraiser of the Week: Caitlyn D - $1,320. Congratulations, Caitlyn!

Mrs Bromley’s Bestie for the Day was won yesterday for $301.00. Thank you Katie B ! We trust you will enjoy your morning tea, McDonald’s lunch in the Boardroom with three friends, and having the day off homework!

Morning Tea with Dr Chalwell is up to a bid of $200.00. Bidding ends on 13th May . Bids must be sent in writing (email or otherwise) to Junior School Admin or the class teacher with the student’s name, name of a friend to join the morning tea, and bid of commitment.

The Relay Ralph colouring in competition closes on 13th May , so get colouring on the weekend. There is a family pass to Taronga Zoo to be won!

I am looking forward to meeting with some of our team at lunchtime today to go over the logistics and requirements for the weekend, and the fun activities that will be taking place at the event.

We are sincerely grateful for the generous donations made by our friends at Coca Cola, Chriss Family IGA Rouse Hill and Baker's Delight Rouse Hill Town Centre Thank you for your support, the great majority of funds raised at the Sausage Sizzle will go directly to Cancer Council NSW.

Mrs Debbie Elliott
RHAC Community Team Captain

What is Blanket & Beanie about?

The Blanket and Beanie campaign is a month-long drive that encourages individuals and families from colleges across the Hills District to donate blankets, beanies, scarves and other winter essentials to distribute to those living on the streets this winter. The goal we are trying to achieve is to give back to the community, and help those who are unable to help themselves.

The appeal first started at Pennant Hills High School in 2016, collecting over 200 donations. Over the years, it grew across schools and into various suburbs, helping more and more each year. In 2023, the appeal operated in a total of 14 schools, and collected over 3,000 donations for the homeless.

This year, the appeal runs from May 6-31.

How can the community help?

Donations for the Blanket and Beanie Appeal can be dropped off at the College Main Reception between now and 31st May. You can help by donating new, clean and quality clothing items (blankets, beanies, scarves, men's pants and jumpers) and sanitary items. Look out for the Blanket and Beanie box located inside the reception area.

If you would like more information, click on the link below or email the College.

Thank you,
Charlize S.
Year 12 College Captain

What is ICAS?

ICAS is an online academic competition that is designed to assess students’ higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee and Digital Technologies. Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals.

How to participate in ICAS

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:

1. Read about ICAS subjects and prices here
2. Read the terms and conditions here
3. Go to Parent Portal to purchase tests here
   
4. Enter our school’s access code – NNB002
5. Enter your child’s details, select the tests you would like to purchase, then proceed to payment.

Please note that the ICAS tests shown for selection are at the school’s discretion.

After payment is made via the Parent Payment System, you will receive an order confirmation email, please keep this for your records. The Parent Payment System and registrations for ICAS 2024 will close on Monday the 29th of July. ICAS will be held in Term 3 from the 5th - 30th of August.

College Shop Hours (eff. 26/10/23)

Uniform fittings are by appointment only. Over-the-counter sales are available throughout.

For holiday hours (eg. term holidays, Easter, Christmas/New Year), please check for notices under College News of the newsletter.

2024 Trading Hours

Normal trading hours resume week commencing 05/02.

• Monday – Wednesday: 8:00am - 12:00pm
• Thursday – 12:30pm - 5:30pm
• Friday: CLOSED

College Shop Contact Details
[email protected]
Ph: 8814 3518

This year, we're excited to announce the Spring Fair, a major fundraising event in the 2024 calendar. We welcome your support in planning and participating throughout the year as many hands make light work. Businesses interested in sponsorship or supplying goods or services are encouraged to reach out.

Family Support Meals

From time to time, fellow families at the College are hit by unforeseen stresses (physical, emotional, financial, etc.). The RHAC P&F, through your support, facilitates a way for those families to access quality meals in their time of need to simply ease a bit of the pain during difficult times.

You can help by donating a store-bought meal, or by donating as little as $10 by clicking the link below which would be greatly appreciated. If you can provide a store-bought meal for the freezer, slices / banana breads / muffins (lunch box fillers) and desserts are also most welcome and may be dropped off with Mrs Sharon D’Agostino at the College main reception.

Get Involved

To get involved in the P&F, contact us at the email below.

Warm regards,
Matt Perry
President – RHAC P&F Association
[email protected]