Sometimes education can feel very complex and serious. Schools talk about teaching and learning principles, visions, values, expectations, feedback, etc. These words are valuable because they directly influence what we do and how we do it. However, it is important that schools are committed to warm personal relationships and creative expression.
I want the RHAC community to be full of love, laughter and enjoyment. I want our graduates, for many years after they leave RHAC, to look back on the people they met, the fun times they had and the friendships they formed.
Two wonderful events this term will help to form these long-term memories.
As this newsletter is published, the Junior School musical is in full flight. The many hours of rehearsals and preparation have resulted in a spectacular production, which I trust audiences have thoroughly enjoyed.
The RHAC Spring Fair is only a week away! Some exceptionally generous, hardworking and talented parents, along with RHAC staff, have worked tirelessly to make this once-every-two-years event a fantastic community experience. Please come and enjoy the day. Sample some food. Enjoy the company of others. Perhaps buy some products and go on a ride. While I might struggle to fit onto the seat of some rides, I am sure that many young people (and some who are young at heart) will love the adrenaline rush! Please buy a ride wristband in advance. Flyers have been sent home to show you how to do this.
As I said at the beginning of this article, visions, values and learning principles directly influence our students’ lives. They are the foundations for how we treat each other and how our students learn. Therefore, it is important that I periodically remind our community of our key guiding statements.
RHAC is committed to our five teaching and learning principles:
- Explicit instruction: Our teachers clearly outline what students will be learning, explain new content and concepts, and check that students understand what they are learning.
- High expectations: The College has a strong reputation for high standards of student behaviour and for expecting students to complete all set tasks to the best of their ability.
- Relational teaching: Teachers are committed to being firm, consistent and kind.
- Data-informed practice: Teachers rely on academic results and notes about student achievement to help students achieve to the best of their academic ability.
- Effective feedback: Students receive practical advice on how they can improve the academic work they produce.
These five principles are designed to achieve the RHAC vision of being a united Christian learning community committed to taking opportunities, serving and achieving.
The vision we are pursuing, and the principles we adopt to make the vision a reality, have strong biblical values as their foundation. RHAC’s current strategic intent document, which is on our website, says that our values guide and shape how members of our community treat each other. A current strategy for the College is to consider whether our values are the most appropriate words to shape our culture in the future.
During 2026, RHAC’s Head of Student Opportunities, Mr Luke Adams, has led a team of more than 20 staff to consider character education and values at RHAC. They are very enthusiastic about not just considering key words that explain our values, but also how these words are reflected in all areas of College life.
At our annual parent evening next February, we look forward to launching the character education project and sharing how our plans will help to shape the Christian values, attitudes and character of our students for the rest of their lives.
