Volume 10 2025

Welcome back to Term 3.

I would like to begin by sincerely thanking parents for their ongoing support. Your commitment has contributed greatly to the ever-increasing attendance at our community days. Benedict Day, in particular, was exceptional, with an outstanding level of student engagement across every aspect of the event.

Benedict Day is a powerful reminder of what we value as a community—the principles that underpin the Rosebank badge. It is a day where we recognise and celebrate leadership, a quality that is vital to our world and its future.

The day moves seamlessly from the reverence of Mass, an expression of our faith and unity, to the investiture of our leaders, a reflection of our culture and traditions, and finally to ‘Rosebank’s Got Talent’, a celebration of our character, spirit and sense of community. Each element is unique, yet together they capture the depth and richness of what it means to be part of this remarkable school.

Leadership is a privilege. And it has never been more critical in schools.

We only need to look at two very different, fairly recent processes in search of a leader, where the outcome delivered two very different Americans. Both born in America, both educated in America, both world leaders who will concurrently influence and lead. Both, will no doubt go down in history and yet the contrasts are stark, their value systems incompatible.

It reminds me that there are times in history when we recognise great leaders, but maybe not the pathway or the pipeline that led to such greatness. In this case, one was educated in a New York military academy, the other at St Augustine Seminary High School. A great premise for a piece of fiction, novel or film, but sadly it is our reality and one that is playing out across the world.

Both Americans are leaders elected in established processes, both have values, only one represents us.

Leadership from the heart is core to the Benedictine charism, the Good Samaritan hand, the Rosebank way. How our students lead and live will ultimately reflect our success as educators. HSC rankings are only one measure of a school's success. How you care has to be another. 

I thank and acknowledge the student leadership team of 2024/25 who deserve much credit for injecting so much spirit into Rosebank initiatives. I am very much looking forward to working with the new team who brilliantly led our Assembly last Friday. Our students inspire me and give me the hope and heart to lead Rosebank.

Thank you also to our Year 10 parents for engaging in good conversations around pathways and subject selections. It is important we get this right so that we can draw the strongest academic growth with the best wellbeing support.

We look forward to seeing many of you at our annual Trivia Night on Saturday, 23 August, guaranteed to make you laugh more than test your intellect. That is my excuse anyway!

Backstage Pass Excursion - Year 10 Elective Music 

On Tuesday, 22 July, our Year 10 Music students had the exciting opportunity to visit the Australian Institute of Music (AIM) for an immersive day of learning and inspiration. The excursion offered a unique glimpse into the world of contemporary music education and performance, guided by AIM alumni who are active contributors to the current music industry. The day began with a campus tour, giving students a feel for life at AIM and a behind-the-scenes look at its professional facilities. Students then participated in a Songwriting Workshop, where they explored creative processes and techniques of lyric writing and chord theory. After a short recess break on the rooftop overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, we engaged in a Performance Workshop, gaining some insight into musicianship and ensemble skills reading a standard Jazz chart.

This excursion was a great way to start the term and to engage with real-world industry expertise. Students thoroughly enjoyed the day, leaving with enthusiasm and a deeper understanding of some pathways available in music beyond the classroom. 

Don't miss our HSC Drama Showcase!

Congratulations to Alessandra Tsirigotis (Year 8, Brady) who achieved 1st place in Dance – Flamenco at the 2025 Ryde Eisteddfod on Sunday, 20 July.

This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to Alessandra’s dedication, skill and passion for the art of Flamenco. We are incredibly proud to see our students shining beyond the classroom and representing Rosebank with such talent and spirit.

Well done, Alessandra!

Welcome back to an action-packed Term 3.

InnovatED

Students participating in InnovatED have started work on their projects. This year there are a record number of participants and vying for a position in the annual InnovatED Showcase on Monday, 17 November. Save the date! Rosebank Students will have the opportunity to visit the Showcase throughout the school day, with families and other community members invited to attend from 3pm. Keep a watchful eye out for communications from the Showcase Student Organising Committee with the invitation and other details to follow.

College Colloquy 

There are two Colloquy opportunities planned for this term. Students from Year 9 and above can sign up to attend either or both of these events. The first is The AI Singularity, presented by Professor Toby Walsh at Newington College in the Old Boys Lecture Theatre on Thursday, 14 August. On the evening of Thursday, 4 September, the Wallace Wurth Lecture will be presented in The Science Theatre at UNSW. This year it features an address from Karen Hoang titled The Empire of AI. This will be followed by a panel discussion hosted by Angela Lavopierre, and including Joel Pearson and Mimi Zou. Both events are free and run from 6:30-8pm

Chess

This term sees the final chess competition for the year, the one-day Terrey Shaw Shield Challenge, offered by the NSW Junior Chess League and hosted at Shore School in North Sydney on Sunday, 14 September. This is a Swiss Perfect Competition with all ability levels welcome. Teams are being formed now and must be submitted soon. Any students interested in finding out more or joining a team, should attend the Chess Club in Q103 in Breaks 1 and 2 any Monday. 

Free-Thinkers Forum

The Free Thinkers Forum will be hosted at Rosebank College on Monday, 1 September, with nine schools from across Sydney bringing students, to enjoy a day of deep conversation sparked through speeches presented by one student from each school. This day provides an opportunity for senior students and mature Year 9 students to drive the conversation about what they see as important issues for them, their peers and their future. It is an entirely student-centred day, with teachers in attendance to listen and support. Rosebank students should contact Ms McArthur to find out more.

Meeting of Minds

There is also an opportunity for younger members of the College community to engage in collaborative inquiry with their peers from other schools. The College will take 10 interested students to a Philosophy in Schools NSW event, Meeting of Minds Day to be held at Newington College on Tuesday, 19 August. This is an introduction to philosophy and critical thinking, where students will work in small mixed groups to explore and discuss philosophical concepts, using thinking pumps and concept games to engage in thinking at a deeper level. Interested students should contact Ms McArthur immediately as places are limited.

World Scholar’s Cup

In May last term students were offered an opportunity to prepare to attend the Regional Round of the World Scholars Cup. At the time, only one student showed any interest in the opportunity, so the idea was packed away as a possibility for further promotion in 2026. However, much to my surprise, that interested student was not about to give up; showing much initiative and enthusiasm, she decided to register for the event and recruit her own team. The team completed all the preparations in their own time, negotiated travel arrangements with their parents and attended the event. Below are the reflections from this enterprising and talented team whose success surprised even themselves!

Student Reflections

Earlier last week, our team, Alexandra Yeates, Emily Park and I participated in the World Scholar's Cup, which was hosted by Regents Park Christian School. With hundreds of bright, enthusiastic students from over twelve schools, including Rosebank, the event was buzzing with energy.

Over two exciting days, we took part in challenging debates, collaborative writing, the Scholar’s Challenge and the Scholar’s Bowl. All while showcasing our creativity, critical thinking and teamwork.

Along the way, our team made many new friends. During events and breaks, we were given the chance to socialise and talk to students from different schools. In the end, we all cheered for each other – the sense of community and connection made the whole experience even more memorable.

Over the two days we had four events that benefited us in several ways. The collaborative writing was amazing – we were given three prompts and we divided the work between each teammate. This was a chance for us to try out different types of writing – from poems, to essays or diary entries. In the end, I placed 3rd for writing, receiving a gold medal.

Next was the Scholars Challenge. Before the event we were handed guiding questions from the World Scholar’s Cup curriculum to study and prepare to compete. We had to answer 120 brain-melting questions within the one hour time limit. Most of us did amazingly well, with Alexandra achieving five gold medals, topping the art and music chart. I received two gold and one silver medal. This challenge gave us a chance to practice our memory skills, to think critically and perform well under pressure.

Debating was one of the most thrilling parts of the competition. I placed thirteenth overall in debating and although neither of us were selected for the debate showcase, I was selected as a panelist; With the honour of judging and deciding the outcome of the final, high-stakes debates. Alexandra Yeates also shined, ranking in the top sixteen, showcasing her clarity, ability to persuade and teamwork throughout all rounds.

Together, we faced off against strong and experienced teams, from skilled public speakers to students capable of lightning-fast rebuttals. Despite the challenge, both of us proudly walked away with silver medals in debate, proving that courage, preparation and passion can take you far.

Last but not least was the Scholars Bowl. Although we did not place, it was a fun and motivating event. 

As a team, we discussed the answers with only fifteen seconds for each decision. We took turns holding the clicker to indicate our choice for the correct answer as quickly as we could. Every question challenged us, and the experience only made us stronger and more determined for next time.

The most lively, event of all was the awards ceremony – where watching our teammates and other students receive medals and trophies for their hard work. Our team received an epic number of awards. Alexandra Yeates placed tenth overall champion scholar, I was fifth and Emily Park received the Asimov Award. After all our hard work, we qualified for the global round and are heading to Christchurch, New Zealand in September.

By An Nguyen (Year 7)

The World Scholar's Cup was a busy but exciting two days filled with learning, writing, debating, creating new friendships and alpacas. Each event I participated in pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me learn tons of new things. At the end, I even performed a little solo piece at the Scholar's show, singing "Hero" by Mariah Carey. All the cheering from the crowd made this an incredible experience and was one of the highlights of the event for me. My team and I collected an epic number of awards. I ended up with a special award called the Asimov Award, which is a silver medal given to a scholar who successfully took the Scholar’s Challenge event at the World Scholar’s Cup. 

We put a lot of hard work and studying to make it to the Global Round, to be held in Christchurch, New Zealand. Overall, I loved this experience, I didn't just walk away with medals, I walked away with new friendships, memories, confidence and new fun facts about alpacas.

By Emily Park (Year 7)

I was also part of the team which competed in the World Scholar's Cup Regional Round in Sydney. There were four main components: The Scholar's Challenge which involves answering 120 questions in sixty minutes, the Scholar's Bowl which was like a giant quiz show, debating and collaborative writing. There was a lot to study in the curriculum, spanning over six subjects: Art and Music, Science, Social Studies, History, Literature and Media and Special Area. We only had a week to prepare, and we planned and managed this as a team in our own time. The Special Area changes annually and this year it was all about divinations and predictions. I especially enjoyed this section as it was very interesting to learn about how other cultures, religions or groups of people make decisions or prophecies.

I also enjoyed the debate rounds because after each of the three debate rounds, both sides would exchange constructive feedback with one another in order to improve for the future. I found this very helpful as it contributed to my progress in becoming a better debater. While there was a lot of study to get to this point, it was worthwhile and I would definitely do it again. 

By Alexandra Yeates (Year 8)

Ms Cheryl McArthur
cmcarthur@rosebank.nsw.edu.au

Calling all young entrepreneurs!

Does your child love crafting, baking or selling cool creations? Here is their chance to shine!

Thanks to a parent-led initiative kickstarted by Adam Brewer and supported by the City of Canada Bay, students are invited to take part in an exciting Kids Market Day!

👉 Showcase creativity
👉 Sell products
👉 Learn the basics of running a business

📅 Don’t miss this fun-filled day of innovation and enterprise.
🔗 Students can sign up now to bring their business idea to life! kidsmarketstallday@gmail.com 

We warmly invite all former students to save the date for the Rosebank Reunion on Saturday, 25 October 2025, from 4–6pm.

Regardless of when you graduated, you remain an important part of the Rosebank alumni community. The College encourages Class Reunion Representatives to consider hosting their own reunion dinners following the event.

Formal invitation and ticketing to follow.

For assistance, please download our Reunion Guide or contact Mrs Tina Carbone, Community Engagement Liaison at alumni@rosebank.nsw.edu.au