Courage can look very different from one person to the next, because courageous actions are contextualised by what it is that we find challenging. This week, I have witnessed many examples of students demonstrating their bravery and fortitude in their school environment. I saw academic courage in a student who freely admitted that he was struggling with a new concept in class. Through sharing this vulnerability, he was able to access assistance as well as gaining the knowledge that asking questions directly assists in our learning. At the Senior School assembly this week, we watched the social courage of two Year 7 students who performed a wonderful cultural dance honouring their heritage - this small act of bravery could potentially inspire many others to have the courage to share their gifts and subsequently enrich the lives of others.

There are many synonyms for courage: mettle, resolution, grit and tenacity, to name a few. There are also many opportunities where we can demonstrate these qualities and have the courage to speak up, to speak out and to act. Having courage to share sensitive or difficult ideas can be challenging for our teens, but experts recommend providing the opportunity and space to do so, even if the offer is left open. Perhaps the dinner-table conversation this week could focus on these ideas using the tried and true prompt ‘What would you do if you knew you could not fail?.

Have a lovely long weekend.

This week, there were several special opportunities for students to join in the activities that make our community such a special place. At each of these events, students showed their character, care and courage as they performed, competed and shared time together.

On Tuesday, Harmony Day captured the diversity and inclusiveness of our College community. Students participated in several cultural activities in their classrooms. We finished with a special time of students and their families joining together in the cultural walk.

After school on Tuesday, I crept into the back of the Shrek musical rehearsal and enjoyed watching the cast preparing for their performances in August. It was lovely to see the enthusiasm and creativity of the students.

A number of students participated in the Anglican Schools Corporation Choral Festival on Thursday. At this amazing event, choirs from 8 different schools performed. The day ended with a combined choir where the eight schools’ choirs squeezed onto the stage and sang together in a grand finale.

Students also ran in the CIS Cross Country and participated in HillsZone sport, representing their College with pride.

Many parents joined us as their children sang and prayed in Chapel this week.

As wonderful as these events are, there are also quieter, often unseen moments that also contribute to our special community. For example, this week I welcomed the second delegation of students who came to me to talk about a concern they had. I was impressed by the respectful way they talked with me about their concerns and the solutions they offered. I also continue to enjoy the conversations I have with students who walk with me to the Metro after school. This week, I was particularly impressed by a young student who talked with me in such a mature way, asking me how my day was and following up my answer with a thoughtful response.

Last weekend, I also had the pleasure of working with staff from Early Stage 1 to welcome 60 prospective students to our Pre-K Discovery morning. It is a privilege to be part of the very beginning of the educational journey of these children as they experience a taste of what being part of Pre-K would be like.

We are so blessed by the Junior School community, and I am thankful for the wonderful staff in the Junior School. Our dedicated teachers are committed to ensuring that students have an excellent experience at school. Our students are challenged in their classrooms to diligently apply themselves to their learning, and they are encouraged to try new things. It is wonderful to see students taking the many opportunities, learning how to communicate appropriately and caring for one another.

This is the chapter where Jesus is sent a message to say his friend Lazarus is sick and rather than hurrying to his friend, he remains where he is for two more days and Lazarus dies. Lazarus’ sisters are Mary and Martha and they are mourning their brother, but when Jesus arrives, they are upset and frustrated that Jesus had not come any earlier to heal their brother. It is in this setting that Jesus gives us our 4th ‘I am” statement.

John 11 is a must read.

Some observations as you read the passage.

• Jesus delays his journey for two days knowing Lazarus would die (vs 1-15)
• Martha goes out to see Jesus and confronts Jesus about his delay. Martha is honest before Jesus about how she is feeling (vs 21)
• Jesus uses this as a moment of teaching and boldly proclaims I am the resurrection and the life (vs 25-26). This passage gives Christians both hope and assurance if we put our trust in Jesus Christ alone.
• Mary follows her sisters foot steps and confronts Jesus as well with her feelings (vs 32)Jesus is moved deeply (vs 35). Death was not part of the original creation. Sin has brought death into the world. Jesus knows it is for this reason he has come, to conquer death and deal with our sin.
• When Jesus asks for the stone to be moved, Martha raises an objection due to the odour but Jesus responds “Did I not tell you that if you believe , you will see the glory of God?” (vs 40). Our world tells us that seeing is believing, but notice Jesus reverses this. Belief comes first and that enables you to see.

Questions to think through: What do I believe and where do I get my hope from?

Blessings.

HZSA Sport Week 6

This week saw our final games of the semester 1 HZSA sporting season. It has been an overwhelmingly successful season for our teams with not only success on the field but lots of great moments that have reminded us of what sport is all about. Congratulations to all of our teams and coaches for another fantastic season!

Team

Final Placing

Last week's result

Junior Girls Netball

Intermediate Girls Netball GOLD

Intermediate Girls Netball NAVY

Senior Girls Netball

Junior Girls Futsal GOLD

Junior Girls Futsal NAVY

Junio Boys Football

Intermediate Boys Football

Senior Boys Football

Junior Boys Basketball

Intermediate Boys Basketball

2nd

1st

4th

4th

5th

7th

3rd

2nd

1st

9th

6th

LOSS 11-28

WIN 29-14

LOSS 11-12

LOSS 10-40

WIN 4-2

-

-

LOSS 0(3) – 0(1)

WIN 5-0

-

-

Congratulations to our Senior Boys Football and Intermediate Girls Netball GOLD teams who both pulled off convincing grand final wins to earn HZSA Champions. Our Junior Girls Netball team and Intermediate Boys Football team also played in grand finals last week and are both HZSA Runners Up. Our Intermediate boys had a very close game going down in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw in regular and extra time.

With our competitions now over, it is time to return uniforms that have been borrowed. Please see the schedule below for when students should bring in their jerseys, singlets and netball dresses – emails have sent to teams with further details.

• Tuesday (Recess): Junior Girls Futsal - Junior, Inter and Senior Boys Football (except those playing in Bill Turner Teams).
• Wednesday (Recess): Junior and Inter Basketball Teams
• Thursday (Recess): All Netball Teams

Senior Boys Football

Thank you to one of our RHAC parents for sending us these photos of our boys in action.

AICES and CIS Cross Country

Last week, we had a team of 25 students head back to the Sydney International Equestrian Centre to represent HZSA at the AICES Cross Country. We again saw some excellent running over a challenging course with a number of great results including Ana D and Amelie P-S with top 10 finishes and our 12 years boys’ team (Lucas M, Zeki O, Mokshith R and Levi S) finishing 2nd in the team’s event. Their results helped HZSA to a 3rd place finish overall.

The following students qualified for the CIS Cross Country and competed yesterday (results to come):

• Asher C
• Ana D
• Lucas M
• Zeki O
• Amelie P-S
• Mokshith R K
• Levi S

Knockout Football Competitions

We had a huge week of football at the College hosting three knockout games over three days.

We started with our Open Boys teams taking on St Augustine’s College on Wednesday in Round 3 of the CIS Plate Knockout. After an early penalty goal, it was a back-and-forth affair for most of the game with plenty of opportunities both ways. Our opposition capitalised on some late opportunities, and we were unable to close the gap with a 0-3 loss to end our run in this competition.

It was a different story for both our boys and girls Bill Turner teams. We had a double header at RHAC on Friday with our girls up first taking on Santa Sophia College. It never looked I doubt with goals coming early and then consistently throughout the game on their way to an 8-1 win and a spot in the area final against the same opponent we faced last year, Blaxland High School.

The second game saw our boys take on Quakers Hill High School in their first game of the competition after a bye in the first round. The team looked comfortable throughout the match, never letting the opposition even get a shot on goal with a 2-0 win. They will now face Rouse Hill High School in their next match at RHAC.

Finally, a big thank you to all of the staff and students who came up to support our teams. The atmosphere was electric and provided a huge boost to our teams. It was great to see so much College support and pride!

Monday, 10th June

• Public Holiday - King's Birthday

Tuesday, 11th June

• N/A

Wednesday, 12th June

• N/A

Thursday, 13th June

• N/A

Friday, 14th June

• N/A

Monday, 17th June

• N/A

Tuesday, 18th June

• Y5/Y6 Amazing Me online student-parent seminar

Wednesday, 19th June

• N/A

Thursday, 20th June

• N/A

Friday, 21st June

• Kindergarten Excursion - Calmsley Hill Farm

Monday, 10th June

• Public Holiday - King's Birthday

Tuesday, 11th June

• Y7 Maths Olympiad
• Y8 Subject Selection
• Y11 Chemistry ANSTO Excursion
• Y11 Study

Wednesday, 12th June

• Y10 PDM Vivid Sydney Photography Excursion
• Y7 2025 Engagement Night
• Y7 Maths Olympiad (selected students)
• Y12 Study Afternoon
• Y11 HSC Minimum Standards Testing Catch-up
• Y11 VET Hospitality Work Placement

Thursday, 13th June

• Y11 VET Hospitality Work Placement
• Y12 VA Studio Time

Friday, 14th June

• Y11 VET Hospitality Work Placement

• Rep Sports
• Various extra curricular

Monday, 17th June

• Y10-12 Parent & Student Study Afternoon - Dr Prue Salter

Tuesday, 18th June

• Y11 Performance Night

Wednesday, 19th June

• Y7/Y8 Interactive Drumming Workshop
• Y9/Y10 Arabian Drumming Workshop
• Y12 100 Days Left of School
• Y12 Study Afternoon

Thursday, 20th June

• Y12 Geography Taronga Zoo Tourism Excursion
• Y12 VA Studio Time

Friday, 21st June

• N/A

• Date: Monday, 17th June 2024
• Time: 4:00pm – 5:30pm
• Location: College Auditorium
• Cost: Free
• Attendance: Parents/carers and their child

During this session, Dr. Salter will be sharing her invaluable insights and practical tips, and delve into effective study techniques, time management strategies, and ways to foster a positive learning environment at home.

With her wealth of experience and evidence-based approach, Dr. Salter aims to empower parents with the tools to help your child thrive academically, achieve improved results, develop effective study habits and to achieve their personal best.

This is a valuable opportunity for any parent who wants to equip their child to thrive, especially during their HSC years. We encourage you to mark your calendars and join us for what promises to be an enriching and insightful evening.

Seating is limited. Please click on the invitation below to RSVP by Thursday, 13th June to secure your spot.

We look forward to seeing you there.

• RHAC’s vision, values and approach to learning
• uniform and stationery requirements
• lost property
• a map of the College
• managing student absences
• student illness and well-being (e.g. caring for students who are sick at school, school counselling and reporting student success)
• extra-curricular opportunities
• technology
• communication - flowcharts are provided to assist parents in knowing who to contact, an explanation on how to make a complaint
• parent involvement and the work of the RHAC P&F
• policies and procedures