We spoke about the helpful strategies that they have collected along the way since Year 7 and many of them used the word ‘balance’ to describe the best way of handling stressful periods of time and working through challenging tasks. One student reflected on a session at their Year 11 retreat where they explored ways of using downtime to recharge their batteries and ready themselves for the tasks ahead.

Of course, it is not just Year 12 students who have important tasks to complete, or times of stress to manage. All of our students are actively encouraged to balance out their school work with activities that keep them fit, healthy and well-rested. Sports, casual exercise (like walking the dog) and socialising with friends are amongst the most popular ways that adolescents are spending their off-screen leisure time.

The Australian government’s Department of Health recommends a limit of two hours per day of recreational screen time outside of school hours.Excessive screen time can adversely impact our teens’ physical and mental health which is why the World Health Organisation recommends these guidelines:

• At least an average of 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, mostly aerobic, physical activity, across the week.
• Incorporate vigorous-intensity aerobic activities, as well as those that strengthen muscle and bone, at least 3 days a week.
• Limit the amount of time spent being sedentary, particularly the amount of recreational screen time.

As part of our holistic education principles - and thanks to Mr Luke Adams (Head of Student Opportunities) -  we offer students the opportunity to engage in a range of recreational activities during their scheduled Extra Curricular time, with the additional goal of inspiring students to take up something new outside of school.

RHAC’s High Expectations approach involves guiding students to reach their full potential - something which is enhanced by learning how to adopt a balanced approach, and an area in which our Year Advisors regularly support students during homeroom and in Year Group time.

Do keep your eye out on our social media pages below for posts sharing the wonderful extra curricular achievements of our Senior School students!

Have a great week.

The Learning Showcases also give us a good opportunity to speak with parents about different topics in our optional parent information session in the TLC (Tiered Learning Centre). These short presentations are designed to support parents as we partner together in education. Mrs Gray has presented on using technology wisely at home and at school (Years 5 and 6) and the benefits of routines (Years 3 and 4); Mrs Vlok is presenting on literacy learning using our InitiaLit program (Kindergarten to Year 2).

Of course, the main attraction is joining your children in their classrooms. There are many things we could do in the time that parents have in the classroom, but our choice is to teach a lesson just as it is taught every day. Our hope is that you will see elements of our 5 Key Teaching and Learning Principles that are the foundation of our approach to teaching and learning at RHAC. Most visible are explicit instruction, effective feedback, high expectations and relational teaching .

Teachers clearly outline what students will be learning, provide clear explanations and models, and check for student understanding in an interactive and well-paced manner. They have high expectations of all students, planning their lessons to challenge learning and using routines to support students and create a positive and safe learning environment. Our teachers are relational, they know their students and seek to be thoughtful, kind and encouraging. Teachers provide verbal and, where appropriate, written feedback to students to help them succeed in their learning. Perhaps more hidden is our emphasis on data informed practice. It is teachers’ continuous observations and occasional more formal testing that help them to determine where they need to repeat an instruction, provide a different way to understand something, work more closely with a smaller group of students, and provide additional challenge.

For the observant parent, these principles are in action in our Learning Showcases. But you might miss them, because one of the greatest joys of joining your child or grandchild in the classroom is just being with them. It is very special to see students giving up their seats for their parents, sharing whiteboards with them, working on a learning task; basically, being part of the joy of learning.

Thank you to the parents who could come to the Learning Showcases this term. We know that it is not always easy to come to events in the middle of the day and appreciate that it is not possible for everyone. We will be having another round of Learning Showcases during Book Week (17th – 23rd August) and look forward to welcoming you again.

And finally, I don’t want to ignore that next week, Year 3 and 5 students in the Junior School will be completing their NAPLAN assessments . This annual national event helps parents, teachers, school and governments to understand how students are developing their literacy and numeracy skills. Our students have practised the protocols of these assessments and we have reassured them that NAPLAN is just a snapshot of their learning. We know far more about them that what can be measured in NAPLAN. We want our students to do their best, but not to worry.

When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.

² Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. ³ So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

⁴ Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

⁵ “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) ⁶ When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

It’s worth stopping here for a moment to notice a couple of things. Firstly, Judas is leading a crowd that is made up of soldiers, officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They are an intimidating group who were carrying weapons and they expected trouble or at least resistance. Secondly, Jesus was not what they were expecting. Jesus knows what was going to happen and asks them who is it they wanted? They answered “Jesus of Nazareth”. Jesus responds with the words “I am (he)”. The Greek words used “ego eimi” or “I am” is the shorten form of God’s name as used in Exodus “I am who I am”. At this they fell backwards. It is evident that this was not the response they were expecting.

⁷ Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.

⁸ Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” ⁹ This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.

¹⁰ Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)

¹¹ Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

¹² Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him ¹³ and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. ¹⁴ Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.

Jesus does not resist the crowd but allows himself to be bound and led away. It is strange how the crowd came to take control of Jesus and yet, it is Jesus who is in control. As painful and hurtful as Judas’ betrayal is, it is his betrayal that ushers in the next stage in God’s greater plan of Grace.

As I reflect on God’s grace, the words of Joseph way back in Genesis come to mind as he himself had been betrayed.

Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

As Judas and the crowd intended to harm Jesus, but God had bigger plans in play and uses it for good.

Blessings.

Team

Opposition

Venue

Last week's results

Junior Girls Netball

William Clarke College NAVY

Kellyville Netball Courts

WIN 23-18

Intermediate Girls Netball GOLD

William Clarke College NAVY

Kellyville Netball Courts

WIN 26-10

Intermediate Girls Netball NAVY

Northholm Grammar RED

Kellyville Netball Courts

LOSS 6-10

Senior Girls Netball

Northholm Grammar

Kellyville Netball Courts

WIN 34-2

Junior Girls Futsal GOLD

Norwest Christian College

The Centre, Dural

-

Junior Girls Futsal NAVY

William Clarke College GOLD

The Centre, Dural

WIN 3-2

Junior Boys Football

Pacific Hills Christian School

Pacific Hills Christian School

DRAW 1-1

Intermediate Boys Football

BYE

-

-

Senior Boys Football

Redfield College

Redfield College

-

Junior Boys Basketball

Hills Grammar GREEN

Hills Grammar Indoor Court

BYE

Intermediate Boys Basketball

Redfield College 1

Redfield College Court 1

LOSS 30-51

HZSA Swimming Carnival

On Monday, we took a team of 29 students to the HZSA Swimming Carnival at Sydent Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. Despite a relatively small team, our students represented the College with great pride and achieved some amazing results to help the team finish 3rd overall.

A highlight of the day was our 15-16 Years Girls relay team who swam strongly in legs 1-3 to be sitting in 4th place in the race. Year 9 student Hanna L entered the water last and with plenty of work to do, began catching those in front of her overtaking 3rd and 2nd to finish in 2nd place. Well done to Zoe W, Flynn C, Darcie P-S and Hanna .

Congratulations to Amaya D and Jessica B who earned Age Champion Runners Up in the 17- and 18-Years Girls age groups respectively.

The following students below have qualified for the AICES Swimming Carnival on the 5th April . We wish them good luck!

• Jessica B
• Hanna L
• Flynn C
• Darcie P-S
• Amaya D
• Zoe W
• Cash D

HZSA Open Boys Tennis Championship

In Week 5, we had 4 students represent the College at the Open Boys HZSA Tennis Championship. Luka R, Siddharth S, Zac A , and Aiden A took on the best players from across the association. Both Luka and Siddharth made it through to the semi final with Luka progressing to the finals, narrowly being defeated to finish as the HZSA Runner Up.

Congratulations to all 4 boys for their great sportsmanship throughout the day.

Representative Selections

Congratulations to the following students who have all been selected in representative sporting teams so far this year:

Student

Team

Cameron Stewart

Liam G

Nicholas

Maple S

Kiara F

Billy M

Connor N

Nicholas S

Timothy D

Jayden D

Grace B-B

Ana D

Violet V

Taylor W

Lily S

Hollie W

Sienna W

Miranda M

CIS Open Boys Baseball

HZSA 16s Boys Basketball

HZSA 16s Boys Basketball

HZSA 16s Girls Basketball, AICES 16s Girls Basketball

HZSA 16s Girls Basketball

HZSA 15s Boys Touch Football

HZSA 15s Boys Touch Football

HZSA 15s Boys Touch Football

HZSA 18s Boys Touch Football

HZSA 18s Boys Touch Football

HZSA 15s Girls Touch Football

HZSA 15s Girls Touch Football

HZSA 15s Girls Touch Football

HZSA 15s Girls Touch Football

HZSA 18s Girls Touch Football

HZSA 18s Girls Touch Football

HZSA 18s Girls Touch Football

CIS Softball Trial Selection

Upcoming in Week 7

• Monday 11thMarch - HZSA 15s & Open Boys Touch Training 4pm at WCC
• Tuesday 12thMarch - HZSA Open Girls Touch Training 4pm at RHAC
• Tuesday 12thMarch - CIS U15 Boys Cricket nominations due to Mr Adams (see CIS website for nomination eligibility https://www.cis.nsw.edu.au/events/227988 )
• Thursday 14thMarch - CIS 15 Boys & Girls Volleyball nominations due to Mr Adams (see CIS website for nomination eligibility https://www.cis.nsw.edu.au/events/214916 )

Monday, 11th March

• Y6 National Portrait Gallery Zoom Incursion
• Y2 Learning Showcase - Parents/carers invited to attend
• Rep Sports

Tuesday, 12th March

• HZSA Netball and Football Trial Day

Wednesday, 13th March

• Stage 3 HZSA Afternoon Sport (select)

Thursday, 14th March

• Kindergarten Learning Showcase - Parents/carers invited to attend

Friday, 15th March

• Stage 2 HZSA Afternoon Sport (select)

Monday, 18th March

• N/A

Tuesday, 19th March

• Y4 Learning Showcase - Parents/carers invited to attend

Wednesday, 20th March

• Stage 3 HZSA Afternoon Sport (select)

Thursday, 21st March

• HZSA Touch Football Gala Day

Friday, 22nd March

• K-2 Fun Run - Parents/carers invited to attend

• Stage 2 HZSA Afternoon Sport (select)

Monday, 11th March

• Y10 Visual Design reading w/ Junior School
• Rep Sports

Tuesday, 12th March

• Rep Sports
• Y11 Study Afternoon

Wednesday, 13th March

• Y9-12 Excursion - Art Express Galley NSW
• Y7 NAPLAN
• Rep Sports

Thursday, 14th March

• Y7/Y9 NAPLAN
• Y11 Investigating Science Penrith Lakes Study

• Y12 VA Studio Time

• Rep Sports

Friday, 15th March

• Y7/Y9 NAPLAN

Monday, 18th March

• Rep Sports

Tuesday, 19th March

• Y10 STEM iFly Excursion
• Y11 Hospitality Barista Training
• Rep Sports

Wednesday, 20th March

• Y9 PASS Sports Tour SCG & Allianz Stadium
• Y9 SMASHED Incursion
• Rep Sports

Thursday, 21st March

• Y12 VA Studio Time
• Rep Sports

Friday, 22nd March

• Y11 Biology Long Reef Field Trip
• Various extra curricular

• Year 1 and 2 - 9:30am
• Kindergarten - 10:30am

There will be a parent race at the end of each session. If you would like to join, please wait until parents are called to the start line.

Important note:

• Please do not park in the K Block carpark until 9:15am.
• If you would like to volunteer to help on the morning please email [email protected]
• Parents are welcome to bring a chair to sit on to watch the races.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Vaccination dates:

• Monday, 19th February – Year 7
• Monday, 4th March – Year 10
• Tuesday, 9th April – Year 7 and 10 Vaccination catch-up (only for students who missed out)

A reminder to all families that there will be no formal classes for students on Wednesday 27 March - this is to be treated as a pupil free day.

• Monday, 25 March – Parent/Teacher evening for Senior School (Years 7-12) parents.
• Wednesday, 27 March – Parent/Teacher day and evening. This is a full day of meetings, which will stretch into the evening. All students (Pre-K to Year 12) will not come to school on this day.

Junior School students should not attend interviews with their parents/carers and it is kindly requested that you arrange supervision for your child/ren whilst you are attending your interview.

Senior School students, as part of the conversations, will be asked to provide an overview of their progress and the plans for the remainder of the course. As such, it is expected that students will be in attendance with their parents/carers for the interviews.

• RHAC’s vision, values and approach to learning
• uniform and stationery requirements
• lost property
• a map of the College
• managing student absences
• student illness and well-being (e.g. caring for students who are sick at school, school counselling and reporting student success)
• extra-curricular opportunities
• technology
• communication - flowcharts are provided to assist parents in knowing who to contact, an explanation on how to make a complaint
• parent involvement and the work of the RHAC P&F
• policies and procedures