If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to book and would like to tour the new Senior School building, a limited number of spots remain available on the following dates and times:

• Thursday, 21 August - 9.30am
• Saturday 23 August - 9.30am - FULLY BOOKED
• Tuesday, 26 August - 4.30pm
• Wednesday, 27 August - 11.30am
• Wednesday, 3 September - 2:00pm

Click on the link below for more information or to secure your spot.

As Principal Hartley mentioned in last week's newsletter, a warm and united community would not be possible without the active involvement of our parents/carers and the community. The College greatly appreciates 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

It was a great encouragement to join together with parents this week at our first RHAC Parents’ Prayer Network gathering.

Thank you to those parents who joined with staff to pray for the school community. We are planning to hold these gatherings each term. Our next gathering will be on Wednesday, 5th November from 8:30am until 9:15am. Keep an eye out for the reminder announcements in the newsletter closer to the date next term.

2025 Athletics Carnival

The Carnival was a real highlight of the year for students and teachers alike and it's a wonderful chance to come together as a College community outside the usual classroom routine. The day began with a chilly breeze and fog hanging over the 1500m race, but soon turned into perfect carnival weather. It was a joy to watch students give their all in the races, whether chasing first place or jogging alongside friends for fun. Out on the field, they put their PE skills to the test in the various events, showing both determination and great sportsmanship.

A huge thank you to our staff for their support, and to the Y ear 10 PASS students who played an essential role in making the day run so smoothly. Special thanks to Mr Mattiazzo (long jump) and Mr de Souza (shot put) your expertise was invaluable. We’re also so grateful to the parents who cheered from the sidelines, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

Our Student Leaders shone as they rallied their Houses, and the Year 6 students brought extra energy and spirit to their final Junior School carnival, especially with their enthusiastic races and dancing.

The results are in… congratulations to our winning House, Cuthbert ! Please see below for full results and Age Champions.

The HZSA Athletics Carnival will be held Monday 25th August at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre. We have 44 students representing the College and we wish you the best of luck!

Today, our Stage 3 Book Club students attended a very special gathering at the State Library of NSW. The CBCA announcement of the Book of the Year prizes for 2025 and the winning books from the Shadow Judging project student event, was held in the new auditorium and was attended by many schools from across NSW. We heard presentations from authors, CBCA representatives and also from a selection of primary school students.

Keela D (Year 5) was selected as our student speaker. She prepared and confidently delivered her review of our allocated novel in the Younger Reader Category – Aggie Flea Steals the Show written by Tania Ingram. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Keela on her excellent presentation today and also, Andrew G and Eli H (Year 6) and Aisha C (Year 5) for their creative responses which were shared at school. All of our students enjoyed the day and represented our College Core Values with their presentation, behaviour and respectful engagement in the activities of the day!

Well done, Evie R, Elise M, Lauren H, Henry D, Andrew G, Eli H, Keela D, Aisha C, Chloe A, Akira D, Mila S, Aarohi P, on all of your efforts.

On Monday 11 August, we had a special visit from adventure author and illustrator Dr Cameron Stelzer. Dr Cameron visited the College to run interactive workshops with our students in Years 3-6 cohorts with the aim to ignite a love for reading and writing and spark boundless creativity. Students took a behind-the-scenes look at creating an illustrated adventure novel series and how they could apply their own creative components. Students and teachers enjoyed a grand literacy adventure!

• "I loved the Author Visit from Dr.Cameron and I learnt a lot from him about being an author. We discovered all about Cameron’s book series called Platinum Pie Rats and we got to see a lot of his behind the scenes work on them. Dr Cameron showed us the original maps and notes from the series as well. I enjoyed this very much and would love to do it again!" Henry D (Year 5)
• "My favourite thing about the workshop was when we were writing the battle against a villain, especially since my character/hero had a sword made of pizza!!" Charlotte M (Year 5)

One of the wonderful ways to encourage writing is to have a ‘real’ audience and to have your work published. Our students in all grades were involved in writing and illustrating activities. Jasper M (Year 5) wrote a fantastic short piece in the 7-minute writing challenge. This activity had a strict time limit and a set of criteria including characters, setting, and a battle. Please take a moment to enjoy one of our budding author’s work.

(Click to enlarge photo)

This term in Peer Support, students have been building confidence, learning about their strengths, and having a lot of fun along the way. One of the favourite activities this week was the Caterpillar Game, which got everyone moving, laughing, and working as a team. It was a great reminder that we’re stronger when we support each other.

Each week, the Year 6 Student Leaders have explored what makes us unique—our strengths, talents, and the things we’re proud of. Sharing these in small groups has helped students feel more confident and connected. The Year 6 Student Leaders have also been practising communication skills —learning how to listen well, speak clearly, and encourage others. It’s been wonderful to see students stepping up, supporting their peers, and growing in self-belief.

Peer Support continues to be a space where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to be themselves.

Reflections by Ansh G (6J6)

Science Week was a blast—especially the outdoor Stage 3 exhibit on Monday, run by the amazing Senior School Head of Science, Mrs Denis-Smither! Three lucky people were chosen to create lava lamps. The lava lamps were mesmerising, with colourful blobs floating and swirling like magic in the sun rays. We learned about density and reactions while watching them glow.

Then under clear blue skies, we queued to explore super cool activities: Oobleck and bubbles. Oobleck was wildly messy—it looked like slime but acted like a solid when you touched it hard. We couldn’t stop poking and squeezing it. And the bubble station? Pure joy! We made giant bubbles and learned about surface tension. My friends and I even tried to trap bubbles inside bubbles.

It was awesome to see science come alive outside the classroom. Everyone was laughing, experimenting, and asking questions. We didn’t just learn—we experienced science. Thanks to Mrs D-S for making it so fun and unforgettable!

On 9th August, Year 4 student, Lisha G, gave her solo debut performance at the Rasika Dance Academy before an audience of over 400 people. Lisha was also recognised by City of Parramatta's Councillor, Sreeni Pillamari (Epping Ward) for her exceptional contribution to the Arts and Cultural landscape.

Lisha has been learning Indian Classical Dance – Bharatanatyam – since the age of five. Her talent was recognised by her teacher, Smt. Manjula Vishwanath, Director of Rasika Dance Academy, who provided her with a platform to showcase her skills.

"As her parents, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to RHAC, especially to her two most cherished teachers, Ms Newnes and Mrs Lawson, for their unwavering support over the past six months. Their encouragement has fostered a truly multicultural environment while instilling strong values in the students. Lisha has been inspired to balance her cultural pursuits with her academic responsibilities, ensuring that her schoolwork remains a priority." said proud parents, Ganesh and Lipi.

"We feel privileged to have such outstanding role models as her class teachers and to be part of a school community that offers such strong support. Lisha was also commended for her speech during the event, which we believe reflects the school’s excellent encouragement of public speaking skills."

Congratulations, Lisha!

You can check out Rasika Dance Academy's social media page for more photos or click here to view Lisha's speech (2:55:00)

(Story and photos submitted by and published with permission from Ganesh R & Lipi S)

ICAS Assessments begin in Week 3 for Junior School students whose parents have already registered them.

If you have registered your child for ICAS assessments, please ensure you child arrives promptly by 8:00am.

Assessments will begin at 8:00am in the H Block library on the following dates:

Please find below an updated Term 3 Calendar for Junior School.

Updates:

• JS Ethics Olympiad has moved from the 17th to the 19th of September.

In addition to the weekly updates, Senior School students have been emailed a calendar outlining all the representative sporting opportunities for Term 3.

Please note, students who nominate to trial for these teams should have extensive playing experience and in the case of AICES and CIS trials, students should be playing in a representative team outside of school at an association or state level. Some sports, such as cricket, require students to be involved in certain representative teams or academies for nominations to be accepted.

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 2 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.

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

• Hills Zone Sports Association (HZSA)
• Association of Independent Co-Educational Schools (AICES)

• Combined Independent Schools (CIS)

Do you want to improve your child' s results and their understanding of their coursework? If so, this is a great opportunity to receive guided advice and support.

Faculties in the Senior School conduct weekly opt-in study and support sessions for students to attend as they require.

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 timetable below.

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE!!!

Our annual Father’s Day Breakfast will be held on Friday, 5 September! We will enjoy a delicious freshly cooked BBQ breakfast before school and have the opportunity to spend time with the amazing dads, granddads, and special father figures in our RHAC community.

Please secure your tickets early as spaces are limited.

• The breakfast will be held in the D space courtyard (behind Gate 1 clock tower).
• Limited onsite and street parking available.
• Breakfast is from 7.15 am to 8.30 am
• Vegetarian options available
• Ticket sale will close Monday, 1 September

BOOK YOUR TICKETS below.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already completed the volunteer registration form - we truly appreciate your support!

We're still looking for more helping hands, so if you haven’t signed up yet and would like to get involved, now is the perfect time. Your time and effort can make a big difference!

REGISTER below.

Our next Pre-Loved Uniform Sale will be held on Thursday, 28 August — a great opportunity to pick up quality school uniforms for Junior and Senior School at prices starting at $10.00 while supporting sustainability.

We are looking for volunteers to help with setup, running the stall, and pack down. If you’re available to lend a hand, please register your interest via the link below. Thank you for your support!

• Wide variety of Junior and Senior School items
• Excellent condition, all quality checked
• Prices from $10.00
• All proceeds go back to the College
• EFTPOS or cash payment only

REGISTER below.

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 $10.00 by clicking the TryBooking 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.

Did you know you can purchase College umbrellas?

The P&F is excited to offer College-branded umbrellas for sale! These stylish and practical umbrellas are perfect for keeping dry during school drop-offs, weekend sports, and everyday use. Priced affordably, all proceeds from umbrella sales will go directly back to the College to support student programs, resources, and community initiatives. Your purchase not only keeps you covered – it helps make a meaningful difference at our school.

Available in large or small size. Please note, small umbrellas are available for students from Year 3.

The P&F exists to foster community, connection and contribution amongst College families, and the broader College community. We exist to generate a sense of community involvement amongst the College and to contribute back to the College through social activities, community events and fundraisers.

As the saying goes: many hands make light work. If you’ve been considering how you can get involved, this is your opportunity. All parents/carers are welcome to attend, regardless of your involvement in the committee.

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.

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

Kind regards,
Mrs Sneha Pandey
President – RHAC P&F Association
[email protected]

A reminder to all families to download the Rouse Hill Anglican College mobile app which has been designed to connect and enhance our community's College experience.

Over the coming weeks, we will be updating the way we communicate certain information to families, with the aim of reducing the number of emails you receive and to ensure you don't miss any updates. More details will be shared soon.

The mobile app links directly links to:

• Edumate Parent Portal
• Absences
• College Calendar
• Your child's timetable and events (incl. permission notes)
• Clipboard
• Academic and Wellbeing Reports

• Parent and Carer Handbook

• Weekly newsletter

• College Shop (Valour)
• Munch Monitor
• Announcements (coming soon)

Please bookmark the new College Shop website so that you can order uniforms easily. If this is your first time visiting the new uniform shop you will need to create a new login and password and read the full user guide below.

The Terms Dates 2026 calendar can be downloaded from the:

• RHAC website
• Parent and Carer Handbook
• College mobile app

Join our vibrant, dynamic, and caring team in a welcoming, friendly, and professional environment.

RHAC welcomes applications from qualified candidates for both teaching and non-teaching positions. Click below to view our current vacancies.