O holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and ever pining
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

This thrill of hope shines brightly at our school in myriad ways through our wonderful students. From our youngest Pre-K students to our graduating students preparing to meet the world as adults, RHAC students have displayed their character, care and courage through Christ, in both their words and actions.

Our future is one filled with hope for the generations to come, because of our students’ commitment to caring for others, taking up opportunities, stretching their abilities and thinking insightfully and creatively. In these last weeks of the year when we are weary and looking forward to a Summer break, our students are still busy shining the hope of Jesus. Watching the Junior School students perform in the Dance showcases, the Kindergarten and Year 5 students bring the Nativity story to us, the care students showed each other during Grade-Up Day; seeing Senior School students serve in their local community, working for Operation Christmas Child, and preparing for a trip of service to Vietnam, are all reminders of the hope we have.

The teaching and specialist staff who work with your children are so influential in growing these capabilities and we would like to acknowledge their consistency, commitment and care throughout the year. We often celebrate the big events, but this care is just as pronounced in the quiet conversations, the carefully planned lessons and the motivation to always help our students excel.

As this school year comes to an end, we would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your support as we started in our new roles this year. The encouragement and positive feedback that we have had from our staff, students and families has been generous and gratefully received. We hope to continue to build a ‘whole College’ sense of community at RHAC in the coming years.

Have a relaxing break this summer and enjoy time together. In the Bible’s words from Romans 15, May the hope of God fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him… (And may) the God of peace be with you all, Amen.

We look forward to seeing you all for another year of learning in 2024.

Micah 6:8 And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

My prayer for our students is that firstly, that they may know Jesus but also that they may know the heart of God as described in these verses and would develop a heart that desires to seek to love and serve others.

Please pray for our trip too 4 - 13th December.

With Christmas just around the corner I also wanted to share this passage with you.

Matthew 1:20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ²³ “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

As we look forward to celebrating Christmas, take a moment and be thankful for he is Immanuel “God with us”

For Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

My hope is that you all would have a wonderful Christmas break and a happy and safe New Year.

Monday, 4th December

• Years 3-6 Presentation Day
• K-2 Presentation Day

Please refer to separate email for details. Families were advised this week if their child will be receiving an award.

Tuesday, 5th December

• N/A

Wednesday, 6th December

• Last day of Term 4
• Junior School Fun Day
• Junior School Pool Day (Stage 3)

Please refer to separate emails/permission notes regarding these events.

Monday, 4th December

• Global Education Service Trip - select students leave for Vietnam

Tuesday, 5th December

• Senior School Presentation Day - refer to separate email for details

Wednesday, 6th December

• Last day of Term 4
• Senior School Picnic Day (Clontarf Beach)

I express eternal gratitude to all the parents/carers who contributed, whether in big or small ways, to various P&F events this year. Connecting and collaborating with like-minded individuals through these events is a wonderful opportunity. If you ever thought about getting involved but hesitated, I strongly encourage you to reach out. There are numerous ways to contribute to our College community and ensure the best opportunities for our children. The accomplishments of the P&F wouldn't be possible without the hard work and dedication of our exceptional P&F Executive Team, who volunteer their time toward our shared mission of fostering community, connection, and contribution. A heartfelt thank you to the committee for their unwavering support, guidance, and counsel throughout the year.

While fundraising might be the more visible aspect, there's a lot that happens behind the scenes. From deploying funds raised to negotiating grants with governments and councils, collaborating with local businesses and community groups, to coordinating with the College teams. These efforts ensure our dollars go as far as possible to enhance the College community and enrich our children's lives.

For some parents/carers, this might be the last RHAC newsletter you read. We wish you and your children all the best in the future, whether they are moving to another school, heading to college or university, or entering the workforce. These are significant moments to cherish, and we thank you for being part of our RHAC community. As we bid farewell to some, we look forward to welcoming many new families in 2024. I encourage you to connect with as many parents/carers and families as you can; some of our closest family friends have been made here at RHAC.

A special thank you to the College Executive Team and staff for their collaboration and support throughout the year. Our connection with the College is, in my opinion, stronger than ever, and that makes everything so much smoother.

As we all take a break for the busy Christmas holidays, I hope you and your family find time to cherish each other, relax, and remember the true reason of the season.

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

• 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

The battle against cancer is a cause of immense significance, and this event plays a pivotal role in raising crucial funds to support the Cancer Council in its mission to fund research, offer patient support, and provide carer information, and counselling services, among other essential initiatives. In 2023, our dedicated Hills community contributed over $300,000 to this important cause.

Relay For Life is not just an event; it's a 24-hour experience filled with exciting activities, entertainment, a strong sense of community, and a profound sense of hope. This event holds great significance for those who are currently facing cancer, have triumphed over it, or are embarking on their journey to recovery.

I hope that you will join us. This year we are going in harder and finishing stronger!

Early bird registration applies until 17 December.