As Term 3 draws to a close, we celebrate and congratulate our Year 12 students who graduated this week. This milestone marks not only the end of their school journey, but also the beginning of exciting new opportunities beyond the classroom. We are proud of the dedication, resilience, and growth they have shown throughout their time at our school, and we wish them every blessing as they complete their HSC exams and step into the next chapter of their lives.

We are reminded in Scripture of the potential and promise in our young people. As our wonderful College Captains, Sam and Tenisha, reflected in their Valedictory address: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). This verse speaks to the leadership, service, and courage our Year 12 students have already demonstrated and encourages them to continue serving as they move into the wider world.

A special thank you goes to our Student Leadership Team, who have guided their peers with energy, creativity, and commitment throughout the year. Their efforts in representing the student body, organising events, and supporting younger students have left a lasting impact on our school community.

I also want to acknowledge the tireless work of our Year 12 class and Homeroom teachers; with a special thanks to Mrs Anna Nolan (Head of Years 10-12), Mrs Edwina Patten (Year Advisor), and Mr Spiridion Fernando (Assistant Year Advisor) , whose care, guidance, and encouragement have been central to the success and wellbeing of this graduating class.

As part of this week’s graduation ceremony, Kindergarten enthusiastically performed Colin Buchanan’s song ‘Strong and Courageous’ for Year 12. This was incredibly moving, and allowed us time to pause and to reflect on the journey from Kindergarten through to Year 12, where we celebrate not only academic achievements but also the friendships formed, the challenges overcome, and the growth that comes from a whole-school experience. Our graduates now join a proud tradition of alumni who carry the values of our school into their communities and futures.

As we set this Class of 2025 out into the world, we recognise that the weeks leading up to final exams can be a time of pressure and anticipation. Parents and families play a vital role in supporting students during this season. Some simple but powerful ways to help include:

• Providing balance: Encourage regular breaks, exercise, and healthy meals to sustain both body and mind.
• Creating a calm environment: A quiet, supportive space at home can make study sessions more effective.
• Offering encouragement: Gentle reminders that effort matters as much as results can reduce stress and build confidence.
• Praying together: For families of faith, committing this time to prayer can provide comfort and peace.

We look forward to seeing these students back on campus in October, to complete their exams.

As we wrap up a wonderful Term 3 for Years 7-11, I wish you all a safe and enjoyable spring break.

I have recently read two reports about children’s use of digital devices: Digital Use and Risk: Online Platform Engagement Among Children Aged 10 to 15 by the Australian Government eSafety Commissioner, and How’s Life for Children in the Digital Age by the OECD. As we move towards a break from school when days are long and our children might negotiate for more screen time, these reports provide important insight as schools and families consider how their children use online platforms and the risks and benefits they may encounter.

Online platforms have become a central part of life for Australian children. The eSafety Commissioner’s report uses data from the Keeping Kids Safe Online survey and describes findings regarding the use of online platforms among 10 to 15 year olds in Australia. Not surprisingly, the survey found that 96% of children had used social media and 86% had played online video games .

Of particular concern is the 71% of children who reported being exposed to online harm , mainly on YouTube and TikTok, but also on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and through text messages. One in four children in the study had personally experienced online hate, where someone said or posted offensive or threatening things about them online; 15% had experienced it in the past 12 months.

The report notes that children use online platforms in different ways. Girls are more likely to use FaceTime, Messenger and text messages, while boys are more likely to have used voice or text chat in a video game or console. Older children are more likely to have used a range of communication platforms. In addition, girls are more likely than boys to report experiences of cyberbullying.

The OECD’s How’s Life for Children in the Digital Age reviewed international data to understand and monitor the wellbeing of children in the digital world. The report found that about 70% of children already have their own smartphone by age 10. Digital technologies provide great opportunities for learning, playing, connecting with friends and developing independence. However, excessive use can negatively impact children’s health, learning and wellbeing. Risks include reduced in-person social connection, exposure to harmful or idealised content, online abuse or bullying, sleep deprivation and decreased physical activity.

The report offers guidance for parents and carers:

• Set clear rules for device use and help children navigate the digital environment.
• Adjust guidelines as children grow—young children need more supervision, while older children benefit from open discussions and more autonomy.
• Reduce screen use in the evenings and keep devices out of bedrooms.
• Establish device-free zones and times, such as at the dinner table, and model healthy habits.

Across the College this week, there has been an air of occasion and excitement as our Year 12 students have reached their final week of formal schooling! As a parent of a graduating Year 12 student, it has been a particularly poignant time to reflect on the journey our students have been on and the myriad of people who have been involved in the growth and development of these precious young people. A particular joy of being a PreK to Year 12 school, is that teachers from across all the years have known these young people and poured time and care into so many of them as they have journeyed through their school years. It’s been very special for teachers who taught these students in Kindergarten to see them reach this significant milestone this week.

Proverbs 22:6 says “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” In this part of the Bible, we are given insights into how to live life God’s way. The writer of the Proverbs instructs those entrusted with the care of children, to ‘start them off on the way they should go’. Whether as parents or teachers, our task is to set our children on the right path for life. This involves a myriad of moments and lessons, both spoken and unspoken, as our young children are taught and shown the way to live life well. Through the years, we teach countless lessons in how to act, how to relate to others, how to function in a school, how to put others’ needs above our own, how to access the information we need, how to forgive, how to rejoice, how to encourage, how to see ourselves and our place in this world. And, here at RHAC, our prayer is that the students will learn the most important lesson of all – that they have been created with purpose by the God who made them, to know Him and love Him as they are introduced to Jesus and as they grow in their understanding and knowledge of Him.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul writes: “ ² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” ( Colossians 2:2-3)

As parents, carers and teachers, our prayer is that our young people will leave school, not just with a head full of information, but with a heart that knows Christ – the One in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. To know Him is to know Life. To know Him is to be set on the path of Truth and the only Way to peace with God and everlasting life with Him.

As we start our children off on the way they should go, may we always be seeking to point them to Jesus so that when they are older, they will follow Him as their Lord and Saviour, loving and serving Him for all their days.

RHAC Parents' Prayer Network

Just a reminder that you are most welcome to join us next term, Wednesday, 5 November from 8.30am-9.15am in the Common Room (enter via the College main reception) for our second Parents’ Prayer Network gathering.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel to contact Mrs Karin Stace [email protected].

Year 12 Textiles and Design, Design and Technology, and Industrial Technology students are to be congratulated on the outstanding standard of their Major Design Projects. Over the past 12 months, students have demonstrated commitment, creativity and technical skill in bringing their concepts to life.

Textiles and Design students carefully sewed, embroidered and constructed garments and textile items, applying advanced techniques with precision and creativity. Design and Technology students showcased innovative thinking as they researched, prototyped, and refined designs that responded to real-world needs, blending function with aesthetics. Industrial Technology students impressed with their craftsmanship, producing finely crafted timber pieces and engineered projects, using professional processes such as joinery, turning, finishing and detailing to achieve high-quality results.

These works represent the culmination of a year’s worth of problem-solving, skill development and perseverance, and each piece is a testament to the students’ ability to design, create and refine at an exceptional standard.

Congratulations, Year 12!

Information correct as of the time of publication based on information provided by various departments.

For more information or to see events your child is involved in, including rep sport and extra curricular music, please check the Calendar or Events tab on the College App (available from Apple App Store or Google Play ) or Edumate Parent Portal.

Information correct as of the time of publication based on information provided by various departments.

For more information or to see events your child is involved in, including rep sport and extra curricular music, please check the Calendar or Events tab on the College App (available from Apple App Store or Google Play ) or Edumate Parent Portal.

Holiday Reading

Students have had the opportunity this week to borrow an extra book for holiday reading. We would like to encourage families to continue regular reading over the break. It is a wonderful way to while away some hours in the sunshine, journey into an adventure or learning some new facts.

🚨Overdue Notices & Damaged Books🚨

Thank you to all the families who have hunted down missing and overdue books. So many have been returned this week and we are very appreciative.

A small number of books are still missing and although we know, that unfortunately accidents do happen over the past few weeks we have had a few books returned that have been damaged whilst on a home visit. Water damage, baby or pet chews, food spills are sometimes unavoidable, however, when these incidents involve our library books, and a repair is not an option, or the book is not able to be located, we will need to issue a replacement request.

This can be done in two ways:

1. A new copy of the book is purchased by the family and sent in to the College. No fees will be charged. OR
2. An invoice for the cost of replacing the book and an administration fee will be issued to the family, then the College will purchase the replacement book.

Spring School holidays: the perfect time to read a good book.

Don’t forget to borrow a book from the Senior School Library for the holidays. If you are not sure which book to borrow, ask one of the Senior School Librarians for a recommendation. We are more than happy to help.

Rouse Hill Anglican College offers a range of scholarships each year for entry into Year 7, Year 9 and Year 11. Students currently enrolled in Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9 are eligible to apply. Scholarships are awarded on merit and are granted at the principal’s discretion. Applications for Scholarship are open to both current and future students of the College for the following awards:

• Academic
• Music/Creative/Performing Arts
• All Rounder - nominating at least two focus areas

Applications for scholarships 2027 opened on Monday, 22 September and closes at midnight on Sunday, 8 February 2026. The College will not accept late applications or consider incomplete applications after that time.

The application must include a hand written submission by the student.

Applicants applying for an Academic scholarship or Allrounder scholarship with an academic focus area are also required to register and complete the ACER Cooperative Scholarship Test.

Applications available at: https://www.rhac.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/scholarships/

As Term 3 wraps up, the entire P&F team would like to wish our wonderful RHAC teachers and staff a well-deserved, restful break with their families.

To all our parents and children, we hope the holidays offer a special chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy some quality time together. Thank you for your continued support this term - we are truly grateful and feel blessed to be part of such a supportive school community.

We look forward to seeing you in Term 4 for our final event of the year: Term 4 Junior School Disco, Friday 14 November! It’s set to be a fun celebration to close out the year.

The RHAC Parent and Carer Handbook is designed to provide families with information about the daily operation of the school including:

• Vision, values and approach to learning
• Uniform and stationery requirements by class/year group

• Communication - flowcharts are provided to assist parents in knowing who to contact, an explanation on how to make a complaint

• College map
• Managing student absences
• Managing student illness and wellbeing (e.g. caring for students who are sick at school, school counselling and reporting student success)
• Extra curricular opportunities
• Technology requirements
• Parent involvement and RHAC P&F Association
• College policies and procedures...and much more.

The handbook can also be access via the 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.