Volume 1 2026

A very big welcome to those who are new to our community this year and welcome back to those returning from a break. I hope the time away has allowed you to refresh and connect with loved ones as you celebrated Christmas and the New Year.

We have had a positive start to the year, beginning with our Opening Mass and Assembly where we welcomed new students, congratulated our SRC leaders and recognised the achievements of our Swimming Carnival.

Today, we acknowledged and celebrated our Year 12 2025 High Achievers and thanked them for their contribution to our ever-evolving learning culture. We congratulate ALL our 2025 Year 12 students for their outstanding results. They worked calmly and collaboratively across their courses, applied feedback and delivered highlights that have made us very proud. The results reflect this.

• 31 students gained an ATAR over 90 (29 in 2024).
• 90% of our subjects are above state average (87% in 2024).
• Two students placed in the top 10 in the state in Visual Arts.
• Two students placed in the top 10 over three Modern Greek courses.
• We have 107 Distinguished Achievers (84 in 2024).
• Three all-rounders (students attained a Band 6 in all 5 subjects).
• 170 Band 6 (154 in 2024).

Download the Class of 2025 HSC Report

I thank the graduates who joined us at our High Achievers Assembly today to inspire and encourage our current HSC cohort. Our Dux Sophia Ferrara, spoke powerfully about self belief, the lessons from failure and the importance of connection. One of her shared insights is: “I have learnt more from ranking 13/15th on a Maths exam in Year 12 than ‘succeeding’ without fault. This is because failure not only teaches you the mistakes you have made, but also the mindset that needs to be changed in order to succeed.”

As we know, the HSC is not an IQ test; it is a reflection of sustained effort, openness to feedback and a genuine drive to succeed.



2026 represents an exciting new beginning for Rosebank on multiple fronts. We begin this year by launching our new Strategic Plan: Being Fully Alive - our shared vision for faith, learning, wellbeing and community.  We invite you to explore these domains via our website linked here which includes;

• Our Strategic Plan launch video, introducing the vision and framework for 2026–2029.
• You CAN Ask That! a short video where frequently asked questions about the Strategic Plan are answered.
• The full Strategic Plan documentation and supporting materials.

Our Strategic Plan marks a defining moment in our story where Rosebank will enter a new chapter as a Year 5-12 College, extending our mission to nurture, educate and inspire young people at an even earlier, more formative stage.

Finally, I wanted to share with you this document, the Apostolic Letter, Drawing New Maps of Hope of Pope Leo XIV. As a Catholic contemporary College, this letter is particularly pertinent to our Rosebank and Benedictine context. I believe our Dean of Ministry, Mrs Camporeale has summed it up well when she writes;

Drawing New Maps of Hope presents education as one of the Church’s most urgent responses to a fractured and uncertain world. and this vision resonates deeply with the Benedictine call to live discernment through prayer and community. Pope Leo XIV warns that technological progress without discernment risks eroding human dignity, urging educators to form young people who can engage critically and ethically with digital life rather than be dominated by it Writing amid global conflict, social inequality, ecological crisis and rapid technological change, the Pope insists that education must be more than preparation for economic success, it is a formative journey that shapes the heart, conscience and capacity to listen. Echoing the Rule of St Benedict’s invitation to “listen with the ear of the heart,” the letter challenges educators to help young people pause, reflect and ask deeper questions: Who am I becoming? What kind of world am I helping to shape? Where is God present in the complexity of our time?

The letter calls schools to become communities of hope. This is core to us here as educators of your children and a major driver in our new Strategic Plan - Being Fully Alive. 

Welcome to the 2026 academic year at Rosebank. I hope all students and families enjoyed a safe and restful break and I look forward to working together to make this year a positive and successful one for every learner.

We are incredibly proud of the achievements of the Class of 2025 and their outstanding HSC results. It was a privilege for our community to celebrate their hard work, perseverance and success at today’s Assembly. Their accomplishments reflect not only their commitment, but also the support of families and the dedication of our staff.



As we begin 2026, our learning theme is: “That each student breaks their personal world record.”

This theme is built on a simple belief - that achievement is not based on comparison to anyone else, but on the growth of the individual. Every student’s best looks different and success comes from striving to improve, setting goals and building the habits that lead to progress over time. Our staff are here to support, guide and nurture each student to become the best version of themselves, both academically and personally.

We look forward to welcoming parents and carers at our Parent Information Evening this Wednesday, 11 February, where we will share key information and outline how we can work together to support student learning throughout the year.

Learning Resources
All learning resources for each student are available through Exchange. We have listened carefully to student feedback requesting greater consistency in how Exchange is presented across subjects. In 2026, every class will include a Class Schedule that clearly outlines the topics covered in each lesson, as well as the homework required to be completed.

In addition, all students have access to ATOMI for their subjects. ATOMI is an online learning platform that provides explanatory videos and quizzes across all topic areas. Students can use ATOMI to revise content, get ahead with learning and prepare notes prior to upcoming lessons. With Exchange and ATOMI available to every student, no student should ever say they have no homework!

Mr Dorian Kipriotis
Dean of Learning
 

Key Learning Dates for Years 10, 11 and 12 in Term 1

• Monday, 16 March to Wednesday, 18 March - Year 12 Extended Library Hours
• Monday, 23 March to Wednesday, 1 April - Year 11 and 12 Assessment Block
• Tuesday, 31 March - Year 10 Allwell Testing
   

Assessment Schedules – Important Information for Years 10–12
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are reminded that all assessment tasks and due dates have now been published on the College Calendar and are also outlined in the Assessment Handbook. Students should regularly check both to ensure they are aware of upcoming tasks and expectations. The Years 10 and 11 Assessment Handbooks will be published on the Parent and Student Portals after the Parent Information Session. The Year 12 Assessment Handbook is already live.|

Please note that Years 11 and 12 students may have an assessment scheduled in Period 0. This means the task will take place before school, commencing at 7:30am. Students are expected to plan accordingly and arrive on time.

It is essential that students are mindful of this process and take responsibility for monitoring assessment dates, times and requirements.

Building a Strong Homework Rhythm in the Senior Years
As February settles in, the excitement of a new school year gives way to regular homework and study demands. Developing a strong homework rhythm early in the term is one of the most effective ways for students in Years 10–12 to stay organised, reduce stress and manage their workload with confidence.

A good homework rhythm is not about doing more work, it is about working smarter. Consistent routines help the brain switch into “study mode” more easily and make afternoons calmer and more productive.

Key strategies for building an effective homework rhythm include:

Set a regular homework time
Choosing a consistent start time each afternoon, after a snack, sport or short break, helps reduce procrastination. When the time is predictable, students don’t need to decide when to start; the routine does it for them.

Break the afternoon into manageable blocks
Dividing homework into smaller blocks makes tasks feel achievable. For example:

• Quick tasks (diary check, short exercises)
• Main homework or revision
• Longer-term tasks such as assignments or study notes

This structure prevents last-minute stress and overload.

Create a short pre-homework routine
Simple habits—putting phones away, preparing materials, or reviewing the diary signal to the brain that it’s time to focus. Even a two-minute ritual can make starting much easier.

Use short breaks to maintain focus
Working in 20–30 minute blocks with brief breaks helps students stay alert and avoid burnout. Stretching, moving, or changing subjects between blocks refreshes concentration far more effectively than screen time.

Finish with a quick reset for tomorrow
Taking one minute to tick off tasks, pack the school bag, and plan for the next day reduces morning stress and forgotten work. February is the ideal time to establish these habits. By creating a steady homework rhythm now, students set themselves up for a smoother, more organised, and more successful year ahead.

Mrs Kylie Carroll
Assistant Dean of Learning (Senior School)

Year 8 Academic Assessment Services Testing
This year, for the first time, students in Year 8 will complete ability and achievement testing administered by Academic Assessment Services testing. The last time students completed these standardised tests, which are not formal school assessments, was in Year 6. The next time they will complete the tests is in Year 10. Combined with NAPLAN data, these tests provide valuable information to help the Learning Team track student academic growth. The data assists teachers and subject coordinators in determining whether students are achieving their potential. The outcome of these determinations is that programs can be modified to cater for the students that teachers have in their class.

Whilst students are not able to prepare for these tests, we encourage them to simply do their very best in them. Diverse Learners will be asked if they wish to receive special provisions from the Diverse Learning team.

Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN update
Each year the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is sat by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students will participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

NAPLAN will take place from Wednesday, 11 March to Monday, 23 March 2026.

NAPLAN is just one part of our school’s learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school, so the best preparation is their everyday classroom learning. Rosebank will also undertake activities to help students become familiar with the types of questions and tools available in the online tests.

The public demonstration site is available for you to see the format of the online tests.
Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website and the NAP website.
If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact Matthew Couani (mcouani@rosebank.nsw.edu.au)

Year 7 Laptop Rollout and Bootcamp


With much excitement students in Year 7 received their laptops last week. To support them through the use of this device they participated in a number of workshops including: File Management with Google Drive; Digital Ethics and Artificial Intelligence; and using Exchange and TASS. We are confident that the students now have the necessary basic skills to navigate the Year 7 digital landscape and have embraced the responsibility of utilising this powerful learning tool.

Mr Matthew Couani
Assistant Dean of Learning (Middle School)

Welcome back to an exciting new year in Careers at Rosebank! Our Pathways and Partnership team is here to support students in Years 10–12 as they discover future possibilities, make confident subject choices and prepare for life beyond school, helping every student take the next step with clarity and purpose.

Pathways and Partnerships Team

For any pathway questions or support, please contact our team at any time


Michael Ha                                                     
Pathways and Partnerships Coordinator                                          
📅 Available Monday to Friday                   
📧 mha@rosebank.nsw.edu.au

Michael specialises in Vocational Education and Training (VET), School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) and apprenticeships and traineeships. Michael works closely with industry and training providers to support practical, work-based pathways alongside the HSC. He also provides guidance on university and post-school pathways.


Angela Pavicic
Pathways and Partnerships Coordinator                                                              
📅 Available Wednesday to Friday                    
📧 apavicic@rosebank.nsw.edu.au

Angela brings extensive experience in career development and guidance. She offers expert support on university pathways, scholarships, UCAT preparation (the medical university admissions test) and a wide range of post-school options, helping students make informed decisions and confidently plan their futures.

Amanda Ivanac 
Pathways and Partnerships Assistant                                                           
📅 Available Monday to Wednesday                   
📧 aivanac@rosebank.nsw.edu.au

Amanda provides specialist guidance in TAFE and university pathways, Australian Defence Force (ADF) careers and post-school nursing pathways. She also supports students with planning and transitioning into a range of post-school education and training options.

All members of the Careers Team offer individualised careers advice to support students with university planning and post-school pathway decisions. We encourage all Year 12 students to make an appointment to discuss their options.


Careers by Year Group

The Rosebank Careers Program is structured to meet the developmental needs of students at each stage of their senior schooling. From building early awareness to supporting post-school transitions, targeted activities and guidance are provided to ensure students are informed, confident and prepared for their future pathways.

Year 10 – Building Foundations:
Year 10 students will commence Careers lessons focusing on self-awareness, future pathways, industry talks and preparing for Stage 6 subject selection. These lessons are essential in helping students make informed decisions about senior study options and future careers.

Year 11 – Exploring Opportunities:
Year 11 students will attend the Careers Expo at Homebush, providing direct access to universities, TAFE providers and industry representatives. This experience supports students in exploring a broad range of post-school pathways.

Year 12 – Post-School Transitions:
Year 12 students will receive targeted support with university, TAFE and ADF pathways, including industry presentations from NECA and Master Builders, and assistance with UAC and early entry applications.Year 12 Students will also receive fortnightly Careers Updates via email, outlining key dates such as university application deadlines, open days and expos.
 

Vocational Education and Training (VET) at Rosebank

In 2026, Rosebank offers the following VET courses, each leading to a nationally recognised qualification. As part of the course, students must complete a structured work placement, gaining hands-on, industry experience.

Business Services
Certificate III in Business: Focuses on workplace skills, customer service, administration and business operations.

Hospitality
Certificate II in Cookery: Develops skills in food preparation and cookery , hygiene practices and hospitality operations.

Information & Digital Technology
Certificate III in Information Technology:  Covers IT fundamentals, digital technologies, problem-solving and workplace IT skills.

Entertainment
Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services:  Provides hands-on experience in staging, lighting, sound and live event production.

Construction
Certificate II in Construction Pathways:  Introduces trade skills, tools, workplace safety and construction industry practices.

Sports Coaching
Certificate III in Sport Coaching:  Focuses on coaching techniques, fitness, communication and sports industry skills.

VET courses allow students to combine academic study with practical, industry based learning, providing clear pathways into employment, apprenticeships, traineeships and further education.

Benefits of VET Courses at school include:

• nationally recognised qualifications while completing the HSC.
• real-world, practical learning aligned to industry standards.
• structured work placement and industry exposure.
• development of employability skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving.
• clear pathways into apprenticeships, traineeships, TAFE, university or employment.
• increased student engagement through applied learning.
• improved post-school readiness and employment outcomes.

Rosebank proudly celebrates the achievements of our 2025 HSC students who completed a VET course. This includes a HSC All-Rounder who successfully completed VET Retail as part of their HSC program. The 2025 Hospitality classes achieved some outstanding results that were well above state average.

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs)

A number of Stage 6 students are currently undertaking School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) in areas including:

• Carpentry
• Plumbing
• Metal and Engineering
• Electrical
• Painting and decorating 
• Real Estate 

SBATs allow students to complete their HSC while working in paid employment and progressing towards a trade qualification. Benefits include real-world industry experience, strong employment outcomes and a smoother transition into full-time work or further training.

We are especially proud to celebrate two young women currently succeeding in trade pathways, highlighting the diverse opportunities available to all students.
 

Post School Opportunities                                                                       

Studying Science at Sydney - Wednesday 25 February
UNSW Medicine Information Evening - Wednesday 11 March
Study environmental engineering at the University of Sydney - Wednesday 11 March 
Why study Business with Sydney - Wednesday 18 March

Welcome to our new Rosebank families! We've created this handy brochure to support you in your first few weeks at Rosebank: https://bit.ly/RBCTips

St Patrick’s Mortlake Parish is offering two wonderful community outreach opportunities for our students in 2026, providing meaningful ways to serve the local community while also earning community service hours.

Young Volunteers Needed – St Patrick's Parish

Students in Year 9 and above are invited to join Fr Tom Stevens and the parish team to assist with a range of simple tasks, including basic maintenance, painting and gardening around the parish.

This is a great opportunity for students to:

• Give back to the local community
• Meet new people
• Gain valuable community service hours

Location: St Patrick’s Parish, 33 Gale Street, Mortlake
RSVP: Students should contact the Parish Office directly at: parish@stpatsmortlake.org.au

Parish Sausage Sizzle – Bunnings Ashfield

St Pat’s Mortlake will be running a Bunnings BBQ fundraiser and students in Year 10 and above are encouraged to get involved.

All proceeds raised will go directly towards the parish St Pat’s Day Festival Twilight Event.

Where: Bunnings Ashfield
When: Saturday, 21 February
Time: 8:00am – 4:00pm

Students who are interested in volunteering should contact the parish directly to register their availability.

These opportunities are a fantastic way for students to live out our values of service, connection and community engagement, while supporting the work of a local parish.