Volume 12 2025

On Friday, 15 August, Italy bursts into celebration for Ferragosto, a beloved national holiday that blends ancient Roman tradition, Catholic observance and modern summer fun. Ferragosto dates back to 23 BCE, when Emperor Augustus introduced the Feriae Augusti, a day of rest after weeks of agricultural labour. The Catholic Church later aligned the date with the Assumption of the Virgin Mary giving the holiday spiritual significance as well. The festival is synonymous with faith, leisure, food and travel. We have our own version here in Five Dock, which took place on Sunday, 17 August.

Rosebank celebrated this wonderful day by joining the City of Canada Bay for the local Ferragosto procession and blessing. I was delighted to join our group of Rosebank student leaders participating in this rich expression of faith and heritage. For many years, we have joined the celebrations through the talents of our Performing Arts students. This year, our gifted Music students showcased their skills with the Corelli Strings ensemble, a new group called Jazz and Toast, and the Gamma Radiation Rock Band—each adding to the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the day. I could not be prouder of these students.

When we are in community, we are at our best and in this spirit we are reminded that true leadership is rooted in service. Whether it is organising a community event, checking in on elderly neighbours or volunteering at local charities, Ferragosto encourages us to lead with empathy, generosity and purpose.

While we celebrate our Performing Arts students, I would like to congratulate both our Rosebank Concert Band and Wind Symphony who proudly took part in the Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival (ASBOF), held at the prestigious Verbrugghen Hall within the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. We were ecstatic to see that both groups of musicians earned a Silver award. 

Finally, It was a moment of great pride to witness Lauren Goldsmith (Year 12) receive the Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence. This is a prestigious honour presented annually, recognising outstanding faith, service and leadership within Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Sydney. Lauren is a most worthy recipient. Congratulations.

Behind all of these successes are our fabulous parents and carers who make all of this possible. It was wonderful to see so many of you at our HSC TAS, Visual Arts and Music Showcase last week and indeed at our Trivia Night. I have never seen so many Wiggles in one room!!

A Reflection for Creation

Today and every day at Rosebank, we gather on Wangal land, within the Eora Nation, Country cared for by the Wangal people for countless generations. We honour their custodianship and wisdom- Country as kin; care as obligation and gift. This is not only respectful acknowledgment; it is a doorway into the Church’s call to integral ecology, a way of seeing that holds together right relationship with God, self, neighbour and the earth as one fabric of grace. Pope Francis named this vision the heart of Laudato Si’ (#139), insisting that ecological concern and social justice are inseparable.

The late Pope Francis also urged that Indigenous peoples be “principal dialogue partners,” especially where land and water are concerned (#146). Their “ancestral wisdom” belongs at the centre of our discernment, not the margins. For us here, that means learning humbly from the Wangal, custodians of this Country, about reciprocity, limits and belonging. This is not optional sensitivity; it is a Gospel demand to hear both “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” 

Eight years after Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ Laudate Deum sharpened the urgency- the human causes of climate change are beyond reasonable doubt; the poor suffer first and worst; and conversion must become action that is concrete and communal (#5, 11). He called us to re-shape politics, economics and daily choices so that the common good, not profit or convenience, sets the pace.

This year, Pope Leo XIV echoes and advances that call in his 2025 Message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Framing this Season of Creation under the theme “Seeds of Peace and Hope,” he reminds us that the Spirit can turn deserts into gardens (Isaiah 32:15–18) and that environmental justice is not abstract but a moral duty born of faith. Strikingly, he warns that “God’s creation [must not] turn into a battleground for the control of vital resources.” He names the suffering of Indigenous communities as emblematic of the wider injustice and urges us to let integral ecology be “the right path to follow.” 

Here in Sydney’s Inner West, the traditional lands and waters of the Wangal clan of the Dharug/Eora peoples, we can live this path locally, honouring Country, listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices about caring for Country and aligning school life with stewardship that is prayerful, practical and communal. In Indigenous thinking, caring for Country is a reciprocal relationship, if we look after Country, Country looks after us, a wisdom increasingly recognised across Australia. 

So today we ask for an ecological conversion, not as a trend, but as discipleship. In the Benedictine spirit of ora et labora, may our prayers become labour for the common home- less waste, wiser energy, restored habitats, just procurement and teaching that forms young people to be protectors of God’s handywork. This is how we honour Christ who reconciles “all things” and how we walk with the Wangal, whose cultural heritage reminds us what we should never have forgotten.

Prayer for Creation 

Creator and Giver of Life,
You shaped this land long before we came,
and entrusted it to the Wangal people of the Eora Nation,
who teach us to love Country with gratitude and care.

Pour out your Spirit upon us,
turn our deserts into gardens, our fear into hope,
our habits of waste into works of mercy.
Heal the wounds we have inflicted upon earth, sky and sea;
gather the groaning of all creation into Christ,
who reconciles all things by the blood of his Cross.

Grant us the wisdom of integral ecology,
that our worship may become justice,
our learning become service,
and our choices protect the poor, the small and the future.
Make us faithful seeds of peace and hope,
tillers and keepers of your common home,
until all creation sings your praise
in the communion of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence 2025

Rosebank College is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Lauren Goldsmith, who has been honoured with the prestigious Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence 2025. This award, one of the highest recognitions offered to students in the Archdiocese of Sydney, acknowledges not only academic commitment but also faith-filled leadership, service to others and dedication to the life of the Church.

The Archbishop’s Award is presented annually to a select group of students across Catholic schools who embody the values of faith, learning and service. To be chosen as a recipient places Lauren among a remarkable group of young leaders whose impact reaches well beyond their school community.

At the ceremony, fellow student, William Wendt, read a moving citation that captured the depth of Lauren’s contribution. The citation highlighted her commitment to social justice initiatives, leadership in liturgies, service to the wider community, role in student ministry dedication to charitable causes and advocacy for the College’s Benedictine values.

In acknowledging the award, Lauren stands as an example of the College motto Sursum Corda, - Lift Up Your Hearts, inspiring peers to live with generosity, courage and faith. 

Rosebank congratulates Lauren on this exceptional accomplishment, and we give thanks for the witness of a student whose life reflects the spirit of Christ at work in our community.

📅 Key UAC Dates

• Friday, 5 September 2025 – Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) applications close.
• Tuesday, 30 September 2025 – Early bird UAC application deadline. A payment of $215.00 will be charged for any applications from Wednesday, 1 October 2025
• Thursday, 6 November 2025 – Final date to add SRS preferences to your UAC application.
• Thursday, 13 November 2025 – First SRS offers released.
• Tuesday, 18 November 2025 – EAS applications close for December Round 2 offers.
• Thursday, 18 December 2025 – HSC results (from 6am) and ATAR release (from 9am).
  👉 Celebrate your achievements at the Rosebank HSC Brunch on this day!
• Tuesday, 23 December 2025 – First university offers based on ATARs released in December Round 2. For students who received SRS Conditional offers, these will be converted to unconditional offers.

Rosebank Netball Club Grand Finals

Grand Final day is here for our Club Netball teams competing in the Inner West Netball Association winter competition season. Rosebank have 5 teams playing in a Grand Final this year! A huge congratulations and best wishes to the following teams who will hit the court in the Grand Final on Saturday 6th September. Come along to Cintra Park, Concord as we turn the sidelines blue and gold and cheer for our teams!

U14 Parrots (Year 8) at 8:30am
U14 Bluebirds (Year 8) at 10:30am
U15 Kookaburras (Year 9) at 10:30am
Cadet Sandpipers (Year 11) at 12:30pm
Cadet Mixed Cranes (Year 8-11) at 4:30pm

Duke of Ed Completions

Congratulations to the following students who have recently completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. What a fantastic achievement!

• Francesa De Celis (Year 12)
• Isabella Maremonti (Year 12)
• Harrison Morgan (Year 10)
• Ivy Pike (Year 10)
• Steven Spliadisc (Year 10)
• Alexander Srdic (Year 10)

We are halfway through Term 3 and life has been very busy in the EnrichED space.

Last Saturday, fifteen students from Years 7-10 participated in ‘Write a Book in a Day’, an activity that combines raising funds for research into childhood cancer with writing, illustrating, editing and publishing books for children who are in hospital receiving treatment. Many thanks to English teacher Ms Tanya Whiticker for coaching the students and to the team of teachers who supported us throughout the day, popping in for a few hours to help with writer’s block, listen to read-alouds and make editing suggestions. It was a massive team effort that resulted in two books, signed copies of which will be available in the SRSC later this year. 

On Thursday, 14 August, College Colloquy students had the opportunity to attend the first of two events focused on the philosophy and future of artificial intelligence. This was an engaging evening at Newington College, with Professor Toby Walsh. So much so that three students chose to write reflections on their experience. This Thursday, 4 September there is another Colloquy event, The Empire of AI which is this year’s Wallace Wurth Lecture at UNSW. The panel led by Karen Hao, will take a more critical approach to considering the use of AI in the future.

Over the past fortnight, Year 7 and 8 students also had the opportunity to dip their toes into philosophical waters, attending the annual Meeting of Minds Day offered by Philosophy in Schools NSW (PiNS) and hosted by the Critical Thinking and Ethics Centre at Newington College. As always, this was a cognitively demanding day as students looked at elements of identity including memory and change through the use of philosophical thought experiments, Community of Inquiry and goggles that turn the world upside down. A reflection from one of the students involved is also below.

InnovatED Update


Right now there are 37 projects underway, with almost 60 students participating in InnovatED for 2025. The students are diligently working on their projects for the Showcase to be held in the SRSC on Monday, 17 November. Meanwhile the Showcase Committee is ready to reveal something big. 

Many people may have seen the posters around the school introducing … Fossil Frenzy!! This game will reveal the four categories for the InnovatED Showcase and their respective mascots. Students are invited to dig up the dinosaur bones concealed around the College take them to the Diverse Learning office to receive a prize.

In addition to Fossil Frenzy, the InnovatED committee are busy creating a website to introduce all the students' projects. When launched, the website will provide information about each project and its creator. A link to the website will be posted in the College Newsletter and via the Daily Notices so make sure to stay updated. Let’s work together to uncover something big!

The Showcase Organising Committee - Joon Kim and Annika Meidling (Year 10) and Faye Lim and Kiera Yang (Year 9)

Meeting of Minds Day

On Tuesday, 19 August, nine Rosebank students, had the opportunity to attend Newington College, where we took part in Meeting of Minds. The day was about knowledge of our minds and bodies and was full of critical and creative thinking. The day was split into 3 sessions, Embodied Knowledge, Mind and Body, and Identity, with each session being different and engaging but linked through the concept of change. 

Session 1 was about muscle memory and how we can try to reprogram our brains. We tested our theories by wearing goggles that turned everything upside down. With these goggles we attempted simple tasks like drawing a dog, capping a marker, and high-fiving each other. What seemed easy became surprisingly difficult, showing how much we rely on unconscious physical habits.

Session 2, led by the Newington Headmaster Mr Parker, was about mind over matter, or matter over mind. 

Does having a good mindset matter or is it all about muscle memory.? We answered more questions which were similar, and it expanded on what we already knew about our minds and body. 

Session 3 was a bit different to the others because it was a discussion led by us, the students. It was about change, impact and identity. At what point is something classified as something else?  Is change subjective or objective? And are you the same person 30 years later, both physically and mentally? These were some of the many questions we tackled in our discussion. 

Overall, it was a thought-provoking and enjoyable day that challenged my assumptions and deepened my understanding of how knowledge, identity, and the body are connected.

By Ella Robinson (Year 7)

College Colloquy: The AI Singularity

On Thursday, 14 August, seven students from Rosebank College attended Professor Toby Walsh’s seminar on Artificial Intelligence, its applications, issues and ethical concerns. He discussed three types of intelligence: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). Professor Walsh explained that the development of higher-order intelligence may come from turning AI upon itself — creating exponentially more advanced systems through recursive improvement.

While this is a major leap in technology, Professor Walsh expressed concern about the potential risks of ASI, particularly its misuse in warfare. He highlighted that most weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear bombs, were only regulated after causing significant harm. He argued that ASI must be regulated before it has the chance to do damage, due to its immense power and unpredictability.

Another key issue he raised is that AI cannot be punished or held accountable. It lacks emotion, hesitation, or moral judgment unless these traits are specifically programmed into AI. Professor Walsh also explored the concept of consciousness, questioning whether artificial systems could ever possess it or if AI will always remain deterministic and non-sentient and therefore unwavering in its decisions. 

We learned a lot from Professor Walsh, as he provided valuable insight into the future of AI and the ethical challenges it will present now and for my generation, later.

By Tyson Hickey (Year 9)

On Thursday, 14 August, myself, Ms McArthur, six other students and an alumna had the pleasure of attending a lecture, ‘The AI Singularity’ presented by Professor Toby Walsh, at Newington College in Stanmore. Professor Walsh is the Chief Scientist at the AI Institute of UNSW, and is a Laureate fellow, and professor of artificial intelligence at UNSW. 

Professor Walsh delved into the possible evolutions in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology such as AI becoming as smart as humans or even smarter than us as part of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). He explained how an ASI could improve upon itself just as we do, creating a snowball effect, leading to ASI far surpassing the human mind. 

In the creative realm where we as humans flourish, Professor Walsh discussed how AI cannot deeply connect with us as it does not encounter the same experiences, emotions or free will, which are inherent in human made art. However, Professor Walsh also argued the point that AI may become conscious just like humans without us knowing as consciousness is the least understood thing about the person.

Professor Walsh consequently outlined the possible negatives of AI going forward such as in the workplace with new AI advancements appearing overnight, challenging our adaptability speed, placing many people out of jobs. Professor Walsh described the national security risks of AI, including AI not being able to be held accountable for war crimes and experiencing no empathy to limit its destructive power. AI is also highly difficult to regulate as it is accessible by anyone, consequently, placing weapons of mass devastation into the hands of state and non-state actors alike.

However, the positives of AI were not overlooked, including the ability of AI in creating well-thought out solutions to sustainability issues, which researchers hadn’t previously considered and providing us with the resources to gain a deeper understanding of our own humanity. 

Towards the end of the evening the audience was able to ask questions. I asked if AI could be beneficial for national security, with Walsh answering that it is already being used to defend against cyber-attacks. 

By Winston Parry (Year 12)

On Thursday, 14 August, a group of Rosebank students attended The AI Singularity event presented by Toby Walsh and hosted at Newington College. This event allowed students, as well as the general public to confront the world of AI through the insight of an expert, focusing on how these programmed machines may have the capacity to outsmart their human creators. What made this event particularly engaging was the discussion of many modern-day concerns about AI, such as the extent to which we can determine it is consciousness; the potential transformations in warfare with the introduction of weapons powered with AI; and the future impacts on the global economy. Toby Walsh highlighted how while AI holds a momentous window of opportunity but also raises both ethical and social questions. He highlighted that humans possess unique qualities, such as creativity and emotional depth, that cannot easily be programmed into a machine. Yet, with humanity long regarded as the most intelligent force on Earth, the emergence of a higher intelligence through AI could bring about profound changes and reforms in our world. For some in the audience, the lecture sparked a wave of curiosity and debate as to how AI may challenge our understanding of intelligence, transformations to our daily lives and how our future may be reshaped. Overall, this event illustrated how the growing influence of AI can empower individuals through opportunities to learn from masters such as Toby Walsh.

By Mariella Lee (Year 9)

Write a Book in a Day

At the ‘Write a Book in a Day’ event, our challenge was to create a children’s book for young patients in hospital. My team, The Graviolis—Ryan, Indigo, Lucie, Alexandria, Ethan, Robert and I—received our randomly generated parameters at 8am. From there, we set about building characters, shaping a story arc and writing our book over the course of the day.

Our story followed a failed gymnast searching for a new opportunity. On her way to a job interview by taxi, she faced a series of mishaps and met unusual characters—including a talking echidna—before finally arriving at her destination with everything turning out well in the end.

The toughest part of the day was starting school on a Saturday—six days in a row! But we pushed through, fuelled by teamwork (and pizza for dinner) and managed to finish just before the deadline. It was a long day, but such a rewarding and fun experience.

Each team was also required to raise at least $210 in support of The Kids’ Cancer Project, which funds research into childhood cancer. The book we produced will be shared with children in hospitals to brighten their day.

By Thomas Roberts (Year 7)

Last term in PACE, we prepared for Write a Book in a Day by practising our writing and teamwork skills. On the day of the event, we worked together to produce a complete book in just 12 hours. The task was both challenging and enjoyable, requiring us to be creative, organised and collaborative. Despite the pressure of the time limit, we managed to successfully finish our story. An important part of this project was raising money for children with cancer, which gave the experience a deeper purpose. Knowing that our efforts would support others made the challenge even more meaningful. The process not only allowed us to strengthen our skills but also reminded us of the importance of helping those in need. Being part of a team with a shared goal created a positive and rewarding atmosphere. Through this opportunity, we learned the value of perseverance, creativity, and cooperation. 

By Oliver Hogan (Year 9)

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

As part of their Year 11 Earth and Environmental Science studies, students are required to complete fieldwork activities that put classroom concepts into practice. On Monday, 18 August, the Year 11 class travelled to Bantry Bay in Frenchs Forest for a hands-on day of learning.

Throughout the excursion, students applied their knowledge from Modules 1 and 4 of the course. They explored the timeline of geological history, studied the geological map of Greater Sydney and carried out soil analysis by testing particle shape, size, texture and pH across different samples. Students also conducted a transect survey to identify invasive plant species in the area and examined local water management processes, including the stormwater catchment system and the Gross Pollutant Trap.

The day concluded with water quality testing, where students measured the turbidity, conductivity, and pH of various water sources. In addition to their scientific investigations, students experienced the challenges of hiking up and down steep cliffs, rewarded with spectacular views over Bantry Bay.

This excursion not only deepened students’ understanding of key course concepts but also highlighted the importance of fieldwork in connecting classroom learning with real-world environmental issues.

Two students from the class have also shared their reflections on the day:

On Monday, 18 August my class went on an excursion to Bantry Bay and engaged in multiple aspects of field work such as recording the pH level of soil and creek water, examining different rock types in the Sydney basin, and studying the geosphere of Bantry Bay. 

In groups we identified how human influence has impacted the chemical properties of the soil in this area and the human impacts on water. We visited two creeks and gathered water quality results by observing the weed species present, measuring the turbidity of the water, the pH and the conductivity. 

We then identified any animal species present in the creek which helped us determine the level of diversity and pollution level, as the species present are a reflection of the pollution level as every species has a different tolerance of pollution. 

Overall, this excursion significantly contributed to our in-class learning as we got to put our classroom skills into action in real natural environments while gathering our own results and research making it a fun adventure and a hands-on experience.

By Siena Mazzeo
 

On Monday, 18 August, my Earth and Environmental Science class visited Bantry Bay to study water quality testing methods and the local ecosystem. Some of the activities included measuring water turbidity and conductivity, identifying animal and plant species, and recording detailed observations of the creek environment.

At the very beginning of the excursion we were assigned into groups to complete activities to measure turbidity, a turbidity metre was used and filled to the top with water, then observed by looking down through the metre. The aim was to try and see the three waved lines at the bottom, if they could not be seen, we would gradually empty the tube bit by bit until the pattern of all three lines could be seen clearly on the bottom. The clearer the water was, the less the turbidity was. We recorded the level in (NTU) marked on the side of the turbidity meter. 

To measure the conductivity, a handheld conductivity meter was used. We filled up creek water in a jar and measured the ionic content (measured in microsiemens) by submerging the tip of the conductivity meter and pressing the ON button. This helped us assess the creeks water quality or pollution or natural mineral content. We then identified some animals and weed species.

We spent five minutes carefully searching in the water for aquatic fauna by picking up rocks and looking through plants. We were required to search carefully, as these aquatic organisms are very small. We then identified the aquatic animals using the identification chart and recorded their name in a table. Lastly, we carefully released any caught animals back into the water where they were found. 

Overall, it was really fun to go on this excursion with our teacher, Miss Danaskos and spend the day together as a class.

By Renae Gryllis (Year 11)