We are almost halfway through Term 1, and it has been wonderful to see students and teachers settling into the rhythm of College life. It has also been a joy to welcome new parents who have joined our RHAC community. I have loved seeing so many of you at the swimming carnival, the welcome evening, and even in the car line as I call names each afternoon.

This week, we celebrated our Year 1 to Year 6 parent volunteers and welcomed those interested in supporting the Junior School this year. Next week, we look forward to hosting our special Kindergarten Parents’ Welcome Morning Tea, where our newest families will also hear about the many volunteering opportunities available.

I am genuinely thankful for the parents who volunteer in the Junior School. There are so many meaningful ways they contribute, including:

• Assisting with organisational tasks in the library
• Swapping reading books in our younger grades
• Accompanying students on excursions
• Sharing their expertise and experiences in classroom learning

At the morning tea, Mrs Stace reminded us that our children are always watching and learning from what we do. When they see adults modelling service and generosity, they are inspired to do the same. I love how naturally our students look for ways to help – tidying up without being asked, supporting younger peers, or assisting with lunch orders. Recently, some Senior School students even offered their time to help with Junior School sport during their lunch break.

Our teachers also dedicate so much of their time to creating extra opportunities for students. A team of teachers, led by Miss Vincent, has already spent many lunch breaks auditioning students for the musical. The overwhelming interest this year speaks not only to the exceptional quality of our productions, but also to how proactive, courageous and talented our students are. It is never easy to say no to students, and I am deeply grateful for the gracious and thoughtful way Miss Vincent navigated this process. I am also thankful for the teachers who lead CRU groups, those who coach and support our sports teams, and those who devote extra time to students who need additional help.

I am looking forward to the year ahead – a year where parents, teachers and students continue to serve, support and care for one another.

As we move further into the term, we reach a busy period of assessment across a range of subjects. Whether students are preparing analytical essays in English, completing practical investigations in Science, developing major works in TAS or Visual Arts, or revising for in-class tests, consistent home support makes a significant difference to both student achievement and wellbeing.

Creating the Right Environment

A calm, organised study space can greatly improve focus and productivity. You can assist your child by encouraging them to:

• Set up a dedicated study area free from distractions
• Develop a realistic study timetable that breaks tasks into manageable steps
• Prioritise tasks based on due dates and subject requirements
• Balance study time with rest, exercise, and sleep

Assessment preparation is not about last-minute cramming. We regularly note that students perform best when they plan ahead and work consistently over time.

Encouraging Independent Learning

While it can be tempting to step in and ‘fix’ drafts or provide answers, one of the most powerful forms of support is guiding your child to think independently.

These strategies help students develop resilience, confidence, and ownership of their learning:

• Ask open-ended questions about their ideas
• Prompt them to check marking criteria and teacher feedback
• Support them in contacting their teacher if clarification is needed

Managing Stress and Wellbeing

Assessment periods can be stressful, particularly for Senior School students balancing multiple subjects. Maintaining perspective is important as is reminding your child that:

• Effort and improvement matter
• One task does not define their overall ability
• Seeking help is a strength, not a weakness
  
  

Inspiration from Our HSC High Achievers

This week our school community had the pleasure of celebrating the outstanding achievements of our most recent Higher School Certificate cohort at our High Achievers Assembly. Seeing the success of last year’s students was a powerful reminder that sustained effort, positive habits, and strong home–school partnerships lead to excellent outcomes. We were privileged to have so many students return to attend this occasion, including our College Dux Amos Grace who was missing his first day of university to be with us.

Many of those students spoke about the importance of consistent routines, family encouragement, faith and trust in God’ plan for them, and maintaining balance throughout their senior years. Their achievements reflect not only their dedication, but also the unwavering support of their families.

Working Together

Assessment success is a shared journey. By providing structure, encouragement, and a calm presence at home, you are helping your child build skills that extend far beyond the classroom: time management, perseverance, critical thinking, and self-discipline.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Have a great week,

Leisa

Relationships can be messy, can’t they? Life gets busy, patience wears thin and words or deeds can often hurt those we love the most. It’s in times like these that the hope of forgiveness, a fresh start or a new beginning is something we long for! I wonder if you, like me, have experienced the relief and joy we feel when someone forgives us after a big mistake? Perhaps you broke something important, said something hurtful, or did something wrong, but instead of being punished, you were met with forgiveness and compassion. That’s an incredible gift, one that not only heals but also brings about a change in the way we live. “ Wiping the slate clean ” is such a gift isn’t it?

Last week, in our first Junior School chapel for year, we read from the Gospel of Luke and we met Zacchaeus, a man who made plenty of mistakes. He was a tax collector, and because of his dishonest practices, he was hated by many. He was exactly the sort of person whose bad reputation and behaviour meant the religious people of the day believed he had no right to be loved by God.

Zacchaeus had heard about Jesus and wanted to see Him. However, there was a problem, he was short and the crowd around Jesus was huge. Zacchaeus climbed up a sycamore tree to get a better view and what happened next was astonishing: Jesus stopped, looked up, and called Zacchaeus by name. " Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today ." This man was a sinful tax collector and hated by those in the crowd and yet Jesus knew him by name, stopped to speak with him and willingly chose to spend time with him.

The response from Zacchaeus was life-changing! Zacchaeus immediately obeys Jesus, calls Him “Lord” and promises to give half of his wealth to the poor and repay anyone he had wronged four times the amount. Jesus, seeing the change in his heart, declared, " Today salvation has come to this house ." Jesus tells Him that “ the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. ”

We start reading the story and it looks like it is Zacchaeus doing the seeking for Jesus. But, as the story progresses, we realise that the real seeker in the story is Jesus! He knew Zacchaeus by name and he was one of the “lost” Jesus came to seek and to save. At that moment, Jesus offered Zacchaeus forgiveness and a chance for a new beginning.

As we reflect on this story, may we be reminded of the powerful gift of forgiveness that Jesus offers to us all. In Him, we can find forgiveness and a new beginning with God. This new beginning is one that is offered to all who will trust in Jesus and it is a new beginning that changes our lives for eternity! This story is also a reminder that no one is beyond rescuing, and that, just as Zacchaeus’ life was changed, ours can be, too, through the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10

Parent–Teacher Interviews for Prep to Year 12 will take place across the following dates. We encourage all families to mark these in your calendars.

Whole School Interview Day

(Including Pre‑Kindergarten 3‑Day Program)
Tuesday, 21 April 2026
9:00am – 8:00pm

Pre‑Kindergarten (2‑Day Program) Interviews

Thursday, 23 April 2026
9:00am – 5:00pm

Senior School Interview Evening

Tuesday, 28 April 2026
4:15pm – 8:00pm

More information, including booking instructions, will be emailed to all parents in the coming weeks.

Years 9 to 12 Visual Arts elective students had a fabulous day in the city exploring the Art Gallery of NSW. We explored both buildings, North and South. The students gained valuable knowledge of famous artworks up close, explored the beautifully curated spaces and viewed some of the best HSC artworks from 2025, helping to inspire their artmaking.

The students’ behaviour was exceptional. We are very proud of each and every one, and I am grateful to my fabulous team of Visual Arts teachers who did all that was possible to ensure the students had a wonderful day.

Last Tuesday, we were delighted to welcome back many of our graduates for our High Achievers Assembly. It was a special moment in the life of the College where we pause to recognise hard work, character and perseverance.

Students were acknowledged for:

• Achieving Band 6 results
• Receiving nominations for major work showcase events
• Attaining an ATAR over 90

Although a few students were unable to join us due to their new university commitments, we were proud to celebrate every achievement as a community.

A heartfelt congratulations to Mr Dominic Darmudi, recognised on the NSW All Rounders List for achieving five Band 6 results and Mr Amos Grace, our 2025 Dux, who achieved the highest ATAR in the cohort and shared thoughtful reflections on his Year 12 journey. Amos now begins an exciting path in medical science.

We are incredibly proud of all our 2025 graduates. Their achievements reflect not only academic excellence but the character, care and courage they have shown throughout their schooling. We look forward to seeing how they continue to serve, grow and contribute beyond the College.

Stage 3 was buzzing with excitement this week as students kicked off their competitive sport rotations for the term. From the first whistle, it was clear that our teams were eager, motivated and ready to give their best. The atmosphere was full of friendly rivalry, teamwork and plenty of cheering as students went head‑to‑head in a range of sports.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was how smoothly each rotation ran. This was made possible thanks to the wonderful support of a group of Year 8 students, who generously volunteered their own lunch break to help referee, and ensure the games flowed efficiently. Their leadership and enthusiasm made a noticeable difference and were greatly appreciated by students and staff alike.

It was a fantastic start to the season and we look forward to seeing Stage 3 continue to develop their skills, sportsmanship and teamwork over the coming weeks.

This week, I had the pleasure of attending the Volunteers’ Morning Tea and it was truly a heartwarming reminder of the incredible spirit within our school community.

Volunteering at our school is such a meaningful and enriching experience whether it’s covering books, preparing materials for arts and crafts, assisting at excursions or offering a helping hand wherever it’s needed. Each contribution, no matter how small it may seem, makes a tangible difference to our students and staff.

A sincere thank you to Dr Chalwell, Mrs Stace and Mrs Vlok for hosting such a beautiful morning tea. The spread was thoughtfully prepared and it was wonderful to see such a lovely turnout of parents eager to be involved and support our school. The sense of community and shared purpose in the room was truly special.

As we look ahead, this is a Spring Fair year, which means there will be many exciting opportunities to get involved. The P&F will need all the help we can get to make this much-loved event a success.

We warmly invite anyone interested in joining the P&F to reach out via [email protected] and to attend our upcoming AGM on 11 March at 7.00pm. Even if you’re unable to commit on a regular basis, any time you can offer - when available - is greatly appreciated.

Every contribution counts and we would love to welcome more members of our community to be part of this rewarding journey together. We look forward to seeing many new and familiar faces involved in the year ahead.

Warmest wishes,

Sneha Pandey

President, RHAC P&F

Thank you to the wonderful parents who joined us at the Parent Volunteer Morning Tea for families on Thursday this week. Dr Chalwell, Mrs Stace and Mrs Vlok met with parents to share the many ways volunteers contribute – whether in the classroom, library, excursions or through practical support behind the scenes.

The event was also an opportunity to thank those who have generously volunteered in the past. The room was filled with a wonderful sense of community as parents connected, asked questions and explored how they might be involved in the year ahead.

We are grateful for every parent who offers their time and look forward to partnering together to create a warm and supportive environment for our students in 2026.

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 .