It was very encouraging to see so many parents at our annual Welcome Evening recently. I trust that those who came were able to connect with staff and found the information shared valuable. My address to parents was wide ranging, and although I apologise for running over time, I trust that what I shared was informative and helpful.

During the evening, I shared some of the positive and encouraging feedback I have received from parents recently. Thank you for your words of affirmation. While reflecting on success is important, every school can improve. At times, school staff work earnestly and productively for the benefit of students, yet may overlook areas for improvement which parents may see more clearly. Therefore, parents completing a survey coordinated by imageseven, an independent marketing and communications firm, will be very helpful. Your valuable feedback will contribute to our work with imageseven, helping ensure that our marketing and communications continue to meet the needs of our school community. The survey was emailed to parents today, 20 February.

Successful organisations thrive when they have a clear sense of direction. Recently, the Executive Team and the RHAC Council recently approved our Strategic Intent for 2026 to 2030, which is posted on our website .

The strategic intent explains:

• RHAC’s five teaching and learning principles, which are the foundation for how teachers teach and how students learn.
• how the college intends to further support and improve student involvement in sport, music and extracurricular activities.
• our commitment to a culture of service.
• our commitment to students achieving academically, recognising that strong academic results give students more options and opportunities for their future after school.

At the Welcome Evening, I also introduced the Character Education project, led by our Head of Student Opportunities, Mr Luke Adams. This initiative is grounded on research from the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, which have found that intentional character education leads to:

• Improved student well-being
• Stronger relationships
• Better academic outcomes

We look forward to sharing more about this important project with parents in future editions of this newsletter in 2026.

I would like to conclude by returning to a topic that I have raised many times: reducing screen time. I have previously likened small screens (e.g. smartphones) to hot chips or chocolate. While smartphones can be helpful, they are inherently addictive for children and can be harmful. Therefore, parents and teachers need to work together to limit children's access to these devices and to view them just like hot chips or chocolate, i.e. a treat rather than a staple food.

At the Welcome Evening, I offered some practical tips for reducing their children’s screen time at home. Ultimately, parents decide when and how their children use devices outside of school hours. However, I trust that the tips I provided were helpful.

This week senior school enjoyed a guest speaker Matt Hall, the Youth Pastor from Rouse Hill Anglican Church. He gave a clear message about goals in life that also affect us as parents. As we guide our children through another season of school, activities, friendships, and achievements, it’s easy to let grades, performance, and future become the ultimate focus. These things matter, but they are not the highest goal.

In the letter to the Philippian Church, Paul the Apostle shares something striking in chapter 3:1–14. After listing his impressive credentials and accomplishments, he says that he considers them loss compared to the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus.” His greatest aim is clear: to know Jesus more fully and to press on toward Him and his resurrection as his ultimate prize.

What if our family’s definition of success began there?

Our children are watching what we celebrate. They notice what excites us, what stresses us, and what we talk about most at the dinner table. If our highest joy is found in knowing Jesus – through prayer, Scripture, worship, repentance, and daily trust – they will see that faith is not just a Sunday activity but the centre of life.

This doesn’t mean we ignore school goals. Instead, it reframes them. Good grades become an act of stewardship. Sports become a place to reflect Christlike character. Friendships become opportunities to love well. But none of these things define our worth, only Jesus does.

Paul writes about “pressing on.” Parenting requires that same posture. We won’t do this perfectly. There will be rushed mornings, missed devotions, and moments of frustration. Yet we keep pressing on, not toward a flawless family image, but toward deeper fellowship with Christ.

As this week unfolds, consider one simple question:

In our home, what would it look like if knowing Jesus was our highest goal?

May our children see in us a quiet but steady pursuit of Christ – one that shapes not only their school years, but their entire eternal lives.

Lord, may we grow in our relationship with you. Amen.

Last Thursday, our College Prefect team had the honour of attending the Annual Service for Prefects of Anglican Schools, held at St Andrew’s Cathedral. The commissioning service was hosted by the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, The Most Reverend Kanishka Raffel, who warmly welcomed student leaders from across Sydney.

Our Prefects took part in a meaningful service within the historic cathedral chapel, followed by morning tea and an opportunity to meet the Archbishop for a Q&A session. This time together allowed our students to reflect deeply on the responsibility and privilege of leadership within our College community.

As they step into their roles this year, our Prefects are reminded of the encouragement found in 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” The service provided a moment to pause and consider how they might lead with humility, integrity and service, qualities that lie at the heart of Christian leadership.

We extend our thanks to Mr Raphael Lambert, Year 12 Year Advisor, for accompanying the group and supporting our leaders as they continue to grow in their roles.

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected for the Hills Zone basketball teams over the past two weeks:

• Daisy Z
• Cayd D
• Kiara F
• Sukhmani K

These students will represent the College and the HZSA at the AICES Championships next month. We wish them all the very best as they compete at the next level.

Representative Sporting Nominations

In addition to the HZSA competition, Senior School students have received a Term 1 calendar outlining all additional representative sporting opportunities available this term. These pathways allow students to compete at higher levels, depending on their experience, skill level and involvement in the sport.

We’ve received several complaints about drivers turning right out of Gate 6 onto Cudgegong Rd. This is a left turn only exit and is clearly signposted. Please follow these directions for your safety and avoid holding up those in the queue behind you.

There was a real sense of joy around the Junior School this week as we officially opened our newly refreshed J Block playground. After weeks of watching the space transform, students were finally able to step onto the beautiful new stretch of green grass- lush, soft, and ready for play. The smiles said it all.

The playground has always been a special place for our students: a spot to stretch their legs, spark their imaginations, and build friendships. With the new surface and improvements, it now feels even more inviting. Classes have already been making the most of it, and the sound of laughter drifting across the space has been a lovely reminder of why these upgrades matter.

A huge thank you goes to our grounds team, whose hard work and attention to detail made this possible. They’ve spent countless hours preparing the soil, laying the turf, tending to every corner, and ensuring the area is safe, vibrant, and ready for students to enjoy. Their pride in the project is clear, and we’re incredibly grateful for the care they put into maintaining our school environment.

We look forward to many months of play, exploration and happy memories on our new green playground.

The P&F Association is at the heart of our school community. Every initiative we undertake, every event we run and every hour our committee members and volunteers give is dedicated to supporting our school and enhancing the experience of every child. All proceeds from our events go directly back into the school, helping to fund programs, resources and activities that benefit our students.

Our P&F is more than just fundraising - it’s about bringing families together, celebrating our school spirit and creating opportunities for connection and community. Whether it’s organizing a disco, running a stall or simply giving their time behind the scenes, our volunteers make a meaningful difference every day.

We have an exciting year ahead, with events designed to bring the community together while supporting our school:

Thank you to the many parents and carers who attended our Welcome Evening. It was wonderful to see families connecting with our staff and beginning the year with a strong sense of partnership.

We look forward to the year ahead and remain grateful for the ongoing support of our community.

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 .