Regular readers of the RHAC newsletter would be aware that our 2025 focus is on relational teaching. There are some obvious ways that children can build warm and meaningful relationships at school, such as free play at recess and lunchtime, group sporting activities and classroom interactions.
However, people could be excused for not realising that the creative and performing arts contribute to building a strong and united Christian learning community, which is part of the College's vision.
It is true that some artworks are produced by a single person working alone. Some people may go to the theatre to watch a play and enjoy the experience, although not connect with anyone.
However, when there is widespread involvement in a school play or musical, for example, every cast member benefits from the relationships that are formed when children work together to produce the show.
I wouldn't rate myself as a talented singer or actor. However, I do recall being given a small part in a school production when I was in primary school. Having the opportunity to interact and contribute undoubtedly helped me to connect with and better understand children who were different to me. It also helped me to perceive others and how to relate positively to them, perhaps in a way that I wouldn't have learned through playground activities.
Therefore, I am very thankful to God for the recent opportunities students have had to participate in organised creative and performing arts activities. Following on from the Senior School production of Mary Poppins , there have been several opportunities for students to sing and dance to an audience in the Junior School. Dr Chalwell and Mrs Vlok have shared how keen and enthusiastic the children were and how impressed they were by the productions.
The College vision is to be a united Christian learning community committed to taking opportunities, serving and achieving.
A warm and united community would not be possible without the active involvement of our parents. I greatly appreciate the selfless work of our P&F, who are currently organising the annual Father's Day breakfast and stall. The arrangements for this great community activity are:
- Father's Day Stall (K-6): Wednesday, 3 September
- Father's Day Breakfast (PreK-Year 12): Friday, 5 September
A couple of weeks ago in the newsletter, I mentioned that a new leadership role at RHAC will be introduced from the beginning of next year. The Head of Professional Practice will support the work already being done to develop and refine the classroom practice of teachers.
There were many highly qualified applicants. Following a careful and thorough interview process, Mrs Bromley, Dr Chalwell, and I agreed that Mrs Stephanie Brown would be an ideal fit for the position. Mrs Brown happily accepted our offer and will join our community at the beginning of next year. Mrs Brown was formerly an English teacher at RHAC and has been the Head of English at William Clarke College for the last few years. I have every confidence that Mrs Brown will make a great contribution to our community, and that students will benefit from her wisdom and hard work.
