Volume 18 2024

There is always a great deal of discussion around the importance of being responsible, resilient and accountable. But as we strive to improve those ‘big ticket’ areas of our character, we often forget what is most important – kindness. If we all made a conscious decision each and every day, to be kind and show genuine kindness beyond token acts, we would start to see and understand the incredible power of kindness and the long-lasting change it can make in our families, our friendship groups and our school community. Last week was World Kindness Day (13 November). Below is a reflection which our Dean of Pastoral Care, Ms Belinda Clark, shared with her students, which is a reminder to all of us about the tremendous power of kindness, not only for the person who receives it, but for the person that
extends it.

The Circus

Once when I was a teenager, my father and I were standing in line to buy tickets for the circus. Finally, there was only one family between us and the ticket counter. This family made a big impression on me. There were eight children, all probably under the age of 12. You could tell they didn’t have a lot of money. Their clothes were not expensive, but they were clean. The children were well-behaved, all of them standing in line. One could sense they had never been to the circus before. It promised to be a highlight of their young lives.

The ticket lady asked the father how many tickets he wanted. He proudly responded, “Please let me buy eight children’s tickets and two adult tickets so I can take my family to the circus.”

The ticket lady quoted the price.

The father leaned a little closer and asked, “How much did you say?”
The ticket lady again quoted the price. The man didn’t have enough money.
How was he supposed to turn and tell his eight kids that he didn’t have enough money to take them to the circus?

Seeing what was going on, my dad put his hand into his pocket, pulled out a $20 bill and dropped it on the ground. My father reached down, picked up the bill, tapped the man on the shoulder and said, “Excuse me, sir, this fell out of your pocket.”

The man knew what was going on. He wasn’t begging for a handout but certainly appreciated the help in a desperate, heartbreaking, embarrassing situation. He looked straight into my dad’s eyes, took my dad’s hand in both of his, squeezed tightly onto the $20 bill, and with his lip quivering, he replied, “Thank you, thank you, sir. This really means a lot to me and my family.”

My father and I went back to our car and drove home. We didn’t go to the circus that night, but we didn’t go without.

- The 2nd Chicken Soup for the Soul, Dan Clark

We look forward to talking to our Year 11 students and their parents at the LPMs tomorrow evening and the Year 10 students and parents next week on Monday, 25 November. I am also looking forward to reconnecting with our Year 9 parents at the upcoming social evening on Friday, 22 November and welcoming our Year 7 families to the Semester Two Arts Day on Wednesday, 27 November. Until then – be kind.

On Friday, 15 November, our College came together for our annual Social Justice Day. This year, we looked at Ethics and Fair Trade with our keynote speaker, Jon Dee, addressing the College assembly on ethical consumerism.

Students and staff alike were challenged with the question ‘what is one thing I can change in my life to demonstrate that I care for others?’

Within the classrooms, students participated in various workshops, hearing from a range of presenters who shared their experiences and desires for a more equitable society. Students had the opportunity to get active whilst making snack packs to support St Vincent de Paul’s night patrol vans – with over 2,200 snack packs being made across a number of workshops led by the House Social Justice Leaders.

Furthermore, thanks to the massive response to our ‘socktober’ donation request on social media, students were able to make footballs by upcycling old socks and clothes – helping develop a greater understanding that the world game is about who you play it with, not the equipment you have.

It is evident on days like this that our Benedictine values run deep within the College community, as we listen to the messages of others, develop a greater understanding of the challenges faced around the world and are challenged ourselves to not just be hearers but active in our response.

The true challenge starts today. What will we do with this opportunity, and how may we seek to serve the least in the kingdom?

Year 8 Lino Printing

Semester 2 Year 8 students have been studying the artmaking techniques of lino printing with a focus on flora and fauna. Last week, students in 8 Visual Arts O completed their carvings and set about inking and printing their works.

Congratulations ARTEXPRESS Nominees

Last week the College received five nominations for ARTEXPRESS, NESA's showcase exhibition of Higher School Certificate Visual Arts Examination artworks from across New South Wales. Congratulations go to Clara Noh, Grace Lin, Isabella Todaro, Madelaine Newman and Lola Tesoriero for this amazing achievement.

Independent Dance Festival



On Thursday, 31 October, the Stage 5 elective Dance class participated in the Independent Dance Festival. The class auditioned back in Term 1 of this year, and our students were successful in their selection to be part of the festival. The festival was held at Inaburra School, Bangor, and I know they would all agree that the day and evening were such amazing experiences. The day consisted of tech runs and workshops, a full show run and dinner, followed by the show, which started at 7:30pm. We look forward to hopefully being part of the festival again next year.

Schools Reconciliation Challenge 2024 - Learning from Legacy: Healing Our Country

On 8 November, Rosebank College received the excellent news that Year 7 student Jasmine Taylor won the Schools Reconciliation Writing Challenge 2024. Jasmine wrote a poem titled “Glow of Unity” that communicated a vision of what a reconciled Australia would look like.

There were over 500 entries from schools across NSW and the ACT in both the written and artmaking categories. Finalist schools will receive certificates and prize packs, while all participating schools will be provided with Certificates of Participation.

From 1 December, Reconciliation NSW will release the 2024 Schools Reconciliation Challenge Digital Awards Ceremony, which can be viewed online.

I would like to congratulate Jasmine on her efforts and her dedication to the Schools Reconciliation Challenge.

Ms Simone Small

Rosebank's Annual Music Soiree

On Monday, 6 November, CAPA Music hosted its annual Music Soiree, an event dedicated to showcasing the skill and commitment of students in the Private Tuition Program. Students from Years 7 to 12 performed for an audience of family, friends, and staff, offering a look at the progress they’ve made over the past year.

The evening featured a variety of performances, each reflecting the students’ hard work and musical development. The audience showed their support, providing a warm atmosphere that allowed the students to feel encouraged as they shared their talents.

More than just a performance, the Music Soiree fosters a sense of community among the students. They supported each other’s efforts, taking pride in both their own achievements and those of their peers. This annual event offers students a meaningful opportunity to reflect on their growth and connect through their shared passion for music.

If you are interested in having private music lessons in 2025 or would like more information on our Private Tuition Program. Please visit the link here. 

Last week, Year 7 students attended the Chau Chak Museum at Sydney University and the Penrith Regatta Centre. 

For this, half the grade attended the Chau Chak Museum at Sydney University as part of their history unit. They explored the wonders of the ancient world with tours around the Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome exhibits. Students were broken into their ConnectED classes and had an interactive experience where they were able to interact with artefacts and learn what they were used for or what they depicted. 

As part of their Geography and English unit, the other half of Year 7 attended the Penrith Regatta Centre, where they collected and tested water samples and were taught about sustainability and water usage. Additionally, students explored an English unit on poetry where teachers led a sensory imagery poetry writing activity. We hope they enjoyed their eye-opening experiences!

School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6:30am and 7:00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.