Term 3 has been a wonderful term of activities and events. Our fabulous production of Finding Nemo showcased the impressive performance skills of our Junior School students. After each of the shows, many audience members spoke glowingly of the production. I greatly appreciate the commitment parents of cast members gave to supporting their child to come to the rehearsals and perform in the shows. There were several Junior School teachers who invested a considerable amount of time and effort into making the production a success, and I thank them for all they did.
Our spring fair last Saturday was also a great success. Our P&F, so ably led by Mrs Pandey, and other parent helpers invested many hours in the lead up to the event and on the day. The P&F thought strategically about stalls, rides, food and music performances and worked with many stakeholders to make our school welcoming to people who live in Rouse Hill and Tallawong who are not connect with RHAC, as well as providing a great day for current members of our community. I also appreciate our staff who made substantial contributions to the day, particularly our Operations Coordinator, Mrs Taylor.
Next week we look forward to recognising and farewelling our current Year 12 students at their graduation service. They are a warm and united cohort who have studied hard and I wish them every success in their written exams next term. Term 3 has been particularly busy for Year 12. The HSC trial exams are rigorous because students are examined on all the work they have completed with limited time to revise. Students who produce major works have sent their work away to be marked and our music and drama students have already completed their final HSC performances in front of external markers.
Next week I will send RHAC families an email, providing them with:
- A Term 4 calendar of events – This is a new initiative following significant parent feedback. All known events will be published, providing parents with relevant information to help them plan for the term ahead. This is a static, rather than a live, document and therefore will not be updated. Parents will be notified separately about events that were not known when the calendar was published. This calendar is a trial. A short survey will be sent to parents towards the end of the year seeking their thoughts on the value of the term calendar.
- An updated uniform policy – RHAC is committed to a high standard of uniform. However, I want conversations in our community to be about learning, Christian character, achievement and opportunity, not about clothing. Therefore, we will send you a new document that will provide greater clarity on what is expected. It is important to note that there are no significant changes to what is required. There is a new section in the document explaining RHAC’s position on parental requests for religious exemptions to the school’s uniform expectations.
- A transport survey - Several RHAC staff members have worked hard to try and improve traffic flow in and around the school and consider how families can access more convenient bus services. I would greatly appreciate all RHAC families completing this survey, which will help us negotiate with bus companies to provide buses that better service your family’s needs.
Next term I will be on study leave. This is the first time in over 30 years as a teacher that I have taken a significant amount of time off during school term. I will visit many schools in the UK researching how they approach improving teacher professional practice. Mrs Bromley will do a fine job as the Acting Principal while I am away. I look forward to seeing everyone again in the final week of Term 4.
