Volume 16 2025

This week, I returned from leave having travelled to Ireland. Over the past thirty-seven years, I have made twenty-one trips to Ireland but the hardest one was last year when my mother passed away. Being part of Good Samaritan Education (GSE) provides principals with the opportunity to take renewal leave. This year, I chose to return to Ireland as a pilgrim. My itinerary included a retreat at Glendalough Hermitage Centre where I participated in guided walks, reflection and prayer, and a general immersion within the historic area of St Kevin’s Parish. I also visited Kylemore Abbey and the University of Notre Dame, staying within the Benedictine community and taking a guided Laudato Si Pilgrimage through Connemara. Following this experience, I traveled to Glenstall Abbey, for self-led reflection, following the monastic schedule. I then journeyed to the Clontarf area in Dublin to attend the Manresa Jesuit Centre of Spirituality Oasis Day. It was an exceptional experience and I am very grateful to both GSE and the College Board. I thank Mr Paul Hardwick who stepped in as Acting Principal in my absence. The College was certainly in capable hands.

The pilgrimage marks the end of my first five year appointment. I am very pleased to accept a second contract here at Rosebank, a community of which I am extremely proud. 

Teachers Guild Awards NSW 2025

On Friday, 31 October almost 500 educators attended the Teachers Guild Gala Dinner and Awards celebration at The William Inglis Hotel. Over 200 award recipients were honoured across all sectors of education. This prestigious annual event recognises and celebrates the dedication and professional contributions of exemplary educators across New South Wales.

These awards are a public acknowledgement of the extraordinary work teachers do every day. They celebrate the excellence, innovation and commitment that define our profession in an increasingly complex, multicultural and technological world.

In a remarkable show of professional expertise, thirteen Rosebank teachers (from across all Faculties) were honoured with the NSW Teachers’ Guild Special Recognition Award. Teachers are nominated by their colleagues, and further acknowledged by Rosebank as exemplary in their craft and care of students. We recognise the dedication and passion these teachers show in forming our students to take on challenges of critical thinking in a technological world and to live the Good Samaritan Benedictine charism every day.

The following teachers received awards.

• Tanya Whiticker - English
• Veronica Trainor - English, (Studies Coordinator)
• Ingrid Smolka - Science
• Jessica Holding - HSIE
• Maria Mollace  - HSIE
• Sara Maffei - Languages
• Annalisa Di Bella  - PDHPE
• Rosanna Algeri - Mathematics, (Assistant Dean of Administration)
• Marcel El-Hachem - Mathematics
• Maria Stojoski - RE
• Rhonda Goodenough - RE, (House Coordinator)
• Emily Marigilis - RE
• Kylie Carroll - RE, (Assistant Dean of  Learning)

On behalf of the entire College community, we extend heartfelt congratulations to our honoured staff.

We thank our parents, Board members and wider community for your ongoing support of our mission to deliver transformative education. Together, we celebrate the power of teaching and the people who make it extraordinary.

World Scholar's Cup - Yale University 

A huge congratulations to An Nguyen (Year 7), Alexandra Yeates (Year 8) and Andrew Yaw (Year 8) who are participating in the World Scholar’s Cup Tournament of Champions at Yale University this week - a self-initiated achievement that has truly inspired our community. As the first team from Rosebank to reach this prestigious competition, they ranked in the top three globally and highest among all Australian teams. We couldn't be more proud. 


Andrew, An and Alexandra at Central Station New York leaving for Yale University

Working alongside Ms Genevieve Darling, Communications and Engagement Manager, the students proactively reached out to local government members, community leaders and clubs for support. Their initiative led to a formal Community Service Recognition in the NSW Parliament by Mr Jason Yat-Sen Li MP, as well as endorsement letters from Ms Sally Sitou MP, Miss Stephanie Di Pasqua MP and the Rotary Club of Five Dock offering a $1,500 grant. 

Parliament Community Recognition Statement Video: Mr Jason Yat-Sen Li MP

These students' journey to Yale stands as a testament to the power of curiosity, collaboration and community spirit. They have not only represented Rosebank on the world stage, but have also embodied our values of excellence and service in action. We congratulate them on this extraordinary achievement and look forward to seeing how they continue to inspire others in the years ahead.

Social Justice Day

This Friday, 14 November, our College community will gather for Social Justice Day, a time to listen deeply, reflect and act. The day will begin with a whole school Liturgy of the Word and assembly, grounding us in prayer and the Benedictine call to listen with the ear of the heart. Throughout the day, students will participate in workshops exploring themes such as the wisdom and experiences of First Nations Peoples, asylum seekers and refugees, ethical consumerism, poverty and climate change. Guest speakers will share stories that challenge and inspire us to see the face of Christ in others and to use our voices and choices for good. Social Justice Day reminds us that faith without action is incomplete, that each of us is called to be a steward of justice, peace and compassion in our world.

Staff Encounter Afternoon

This week, our staff community will pause from the busyness of the term to take part in an Afternoon of Encounter, a time of renewal, reflection and shared faith.

Staff have been invited to choose from four unique offerings, each providing a different pathway to encounter: Walk with Christ, Rest in Christ, Serve like Christ and See Like Christ. Whether walking together on a local Emmaus journey in quiet awareness of God’s presence in creation, praying with Scripture in stillness, baking with love for those who will be served through Vinnies’ Night Patrol or reflecting through an episode of The Chosen, each experience invites a personal meeting with Christ, in nature, in prayer, in service and in story.

At the heart of this afternoon is the belief that God meets us where we are, in the ordinary rhythms of our lives. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we too are called to recognise Christ walking beside us, in our colleagues, in the beauty of creation, in the Word and in the work of our hands. This sacred time offers an opportunity to be refreshed in spirit, to reconnect with one another and to rediscover the quiet presence of God at work in all things.

May this Afternoon of Encounter deepen our sense of community and remind us, in the words of St Benedict, that “our way of acting should be different from the world’s way,” a way marked by presence, peace and the desire to see, serve and listen as Christ did.

In the spirit of Benedictine hospitality, we also invite our community to share in a simple family activity of baking Christ’s Cookies using the recipe that will be shared during the staff Encounter afternoon:

Ingredients

• 500 g butter, representing the tenderness and care we show others
• ¾ cup (170g) caster sugar (superfine sugar), a reminder to sweeten the lives of others with kindness
• 395g sweetened condensed milk, symbolising the richness of God’s love poured out for all
• 5 cups (750 g) self-raising flour, as our actions help others rise with hope and dignity
• 600g (about 4 cups) chocolate chips, to bring joy and delight to those who receive them

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (fan-forced). Grease and line baking trays and set aside,  preparing our space as we prepare our hearts to serve.

2. Cream the room temperature butter and caster sugar together with handheld beaters or a stand mixer until light, creamy and fluffy, a symbol of how gentleness brings joy.

3. Add the condensed milk and beat through, reminding us that love binds all things together.

4. Add 1 cup of self-raising flour at a time, beating after each addition, until all 5 cups are mixed through, patience in service builds strength and unity.

5. Divide the cookie dough between bowls and flavour each however you would like, celebrating the uniqueness of each person we encounter.

6. Roll into teaspoon-sized balls and place onto the prepared baking trays. Press down lightly with a fork, small, humble actions made with love.

7. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool for 10 minutes on trays, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, take time to rest, reflect and give thanks. 

At a recent course, the presenter compared online safety to a swimming pool, particularly in light of the impending Social Media Ban. A pool must have a child-resistant barrier, self-closing and latching gates, and a non-climbable zone free of objects that could aid access. Similarly, young people need swimming lessons - and supervision - to stay safe in and around the water.

The proposed ban acts like a fence around social media: it restricts access to something that is enticing, potentially addictive, and, at times, dangerous. The “swimming lessons” represent the online safety education that schools and families strive to instil in young people, while adult supervision mirrors the vital role of parents, educators, and communities in guiding and protecting them in their digital environments.

The is a lot of misinformation surrounding the Social Media Ban. As 10 December draws near it is important to unpack the why and the what in order to support our young people. The ban is a delay in access, intended to reduce the exposure of harmful content (particularly through the algorithmic manipulation of content), and focus on wellbeing aiming to lessen the reliance on technology. The delay allows our young people to develop important digital, social and emotional skills before they face these risks. The facts are:

• Young people under 16 years old will not be able to create or hold accounts with the social media platforms of Facebook, Instagram, X, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.
• Under 16’s will still be able to see publicly available social media content that does not require a login.
• There is greater responsibility lying with the social media platforms.
• Social media platforms will use a range of technology including age-related and location signals to determine the age of the account holder. They have developed ways to detect and block workarounds.
• Platforms will also provide clear ways for people to report underage accounts, or to request a review if they have been age-restricted by mistake.

The timing of the ban is somewhat challenging, coinciding with the start of the Christmas holidays. Social connection is a vital protective factor in young people’s lives, and during the holidays, they miss the face-to-face contact that school days provide. With social media access also restricted, it is important that young people proactively talk with their friends and agree on alternative ways to stay connected and maintain their relationships.

It is important for parents to have open conversations about the social media delay with their children. Ask them about their concerns and worries, research the answers to questions together. If they have existing accounts, make sure you tell them to save any of the photos and videos they want to keep.

The social media delay is not about control; it is about care. It marks a starting line, a structural reset. While no solution is 100% effective, as we see with the pool analogy, young people will always find a way. That is why supervision of technology use remains essential to keeping them safe.

There are a lot of resources available to explain things further. The following are
recommended:

• For young people: https://www.abc.net.au/btn/classroom/social-media-ban-q-a/105886788 
   
• Podcasts for parents: Happy Families – Justin Coulson
  The Ban that Could Save Our Kids' Childhood - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL6z1gfVwLw 
  Inside the New Social Media Ban - with Julie Inman Grant - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9pSZoqyQj0 
   
• Webinars for parents
  Esafety - https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions/webinars
   
• Other resources:
  ESafety - Social Media Age Restriction Hub - https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/socialmedia- age-restrictions-hub   
  Ctrl Shft – Parent and Carer Guide - https://www.safeonsocial.com/shop 
  
  Police NSW information slide:

On Monday, 21 October, Year 8 Science students enjoyed an exciting excursion to Taronga Zoo as part of their Nature’s Networks unit. The visit allowed students to explore real world examples of habitats, ecosystems and the dynamic relationships between living things.

Students participated in an engaging workshop and presentation run by Taronga Zoo keepers and scientists, focusing on how animals interact with their environments and the importance of maintaining balanced ecosystems. They investigated how different species adapt to their habitats and the roles they play within food webs.

Throughout the day, students completed their Zoo Booklet by observing a variety of animals and collecting information to support their studies on ecosystems and biodiversity. The excursion was a valuable opportunity to see classroom concepts brought to life, helping students make meaningful connections between science and the natural world.

On Friday, we officially launched our Middle School Musical, set to take the stage in June 2026! This exciting production will be open to all students who will be in Years 7–9 in 2026. The musical will be announced on Tuesday, 18 November and students will receive an audition pack with all the details they need to get involved.

To kick off the excitement, our CAPA Captains Molly Lucas and Erin Voukenas have created a launch video, which you can watch below. We can’t wait to see the creativity and enthusiasm our students bring to this production!

For Jenny Smith, graduating from Rosebank College in 1989 after completing Year 10 marked the beginning of a journey defined by faith, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to helping others. Today, Jenny is a passionate lived-experience mental health advocate, peer educator, and youth mentor whose work spans several respected organisations, including Lifeline, Raise Foundation, and Kookaburra Kids.


Jenny Smith, Year 7

Across these roles, Jenny supports both adults and young people to build resilience, develop confidence, and connect meaningfully with their communities. “I aim to empower individuals to recognise their own strengths and potential, to remind them that recovery, growth, and hope are possible, even after adversity,” she shared.

Her work also extends beyond mentoring. Jenny is a strong voice for lived experience leadership in mental health reform, contributing to advisory panels with One Door Mental Health, the Sydney Local Health District Lived Experience Advisory Panel, and the Suicide Prevention Australia Lived Experience Panel. In these positions, she helps ensure that the voices of people with lived experience are heard.

Jenny’s path to advocacy was shaped by both personal experiences and her early foundations at Rosebank. “My time at Rosebank was truly formative. It was a place that valued kindness, respect, and inclusion,” she reflected. “I made lifelong friendships with classmates who believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. Their encouragement taught me that setbacks don’t define you; they can become stepping stones toward growth and resilience.”

Faith played a central role in Jenny’s school life. She fondly recalls being part of the choir and participating in events such as the Opening School Mass, Ash Wednesday Paraliturgy, Reflection Days, and Feast Day celebrations. “Those experiences helped me see faith as something living and active, something that could guide not just what I believed, but how I lived and served others.”

After completing her HSC at a public school, Jenny began working in childcare, where she discovered her passion for supporting others. She later pursued a Bachelor of Education as a mature-age student, and while she chose not to complete the course, it became a pivotal experience that clarified her true calling - helping people learn, grow, and overcome challenges. Inspired by her own mental health journey and supporting loved ones, she transitioned into advocacy and peer education, combining lived experience with professional insight to drive change.

Jenny’s dedication was recognised in 2020, when she was named a Westfield Local Hero for her contributions to mental health advocacy and youth mentoring. Another career highlight was sharing her story at the launch of the first Central Eastern Sydney Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Regional Plan, which showcased the power of co-design between professionals and people with lived experience.

“Rosebank taught me that leadership isn’t about titles or recognition - it’s about using your voice and experiences to make life better for others,” Jenny said. “The values of compassion, service, and integrity that were woven into everyday life at Rosebank still guide my work today.”

Her advice for current students is both wise and encouraging: “Believe in yourself and trust that your path will unfold in its own time. Be kind to others and to yourself.”

Looking ahead, Jenny plans to continue her work in mental health advocacy, focusing on initiatives that elevate lived experience leadership and promote awareness in schools and communities. “The seeds of empathy, service, and resilience were first planted at Rosebank,” she said. “Those lessons continue to grow, shaping everything I do.”

Well done to Jenny on her inspiring journey and the incredible work she continues to do in support of mental health and community wellbeing.

Enrolment for our 2026 bus service to Gladesville, Putney and Newington areas is now open. 

To access details about the bus service and the application form, click here

Please note that submitting the form will add the student to a waitlist, and final enrolments will be confirmed in November 2025. Priority will be given to current users of the service and their siblings.