Volume 3 2026
9.3.2026
From the Principal
From the Assistant Principal
Register Now For Our Open Day On Sunday, 3 May
Open Day Volunteers Needed
School Student Travel - Information for Parents and Students
From the Dean of Ministry
Learning News
PACE News
CAPA News
SRSC News
Book Now for Rosebank’s April Holiday Programs!
Pathways and Partnerships News
Have You Heard The Buzz?
Year 12 at "The Big Day In" at UTS
Years 7, 8 and 9 embark on SRC Training
Hayes Students Shine
Prefect Afternoon Tea at Ascham School
Staff Spotlight: Kim Ng
A Special Invitation to Our Alumni Generations Breakfast
Rosebank Class of ’69 Reunion – Save the Date!
Volunteer Opportunity: Archives Assistant
Free live webinar for Parents and Teens - The 3 Pillars to Flow
Rosebank Family Businesses
🔗Community Links
From the Principal
On Tuesday, 24 February we hosted our first Parent Engagement Gathering of the year. We were joined by Mr Dallas McInerney, CEO of CSNSW, Brendan Kerin, from the metropolitan local Aboriginal Land Council, Sr Elizabeth Delaney, representative of Good Samaritan Education, Mr Justin Flaherty Chair of the Rosebank Board, Ms Karen Gray, Deputy Chair of the Rosebank Board, Ms Maria Maher, Board Director, our parents, friends, staff and some of our wonderful students. 
Photos: Parent Engagement Gathering outside the Chapel and Birra Birra.
During the evening, we launched our new Vision for the next four years and recognised the great history that brought us here. Below, I’ve tried to capture the spirit of what we shared and celebrated that evening.
It was Archbishop Polding, Sydney's first Archbishop, who purchased the four-and-a-half-acre property at Five Dock, to serve as a convent and school for the Sisters of the Good Samaritan (then known as the Good Shepherd Sisters). He paid £1,530 for this country retreat, transferring ownership for a nominal sum of five shillings. He took the Sisters away from Pitt Street, where they had answered his call to support women who walked off ships, without skills, destitute and extremely vulnerable. Many of the Sisters died of disease, malnutrition and even exhaustion. They were mostly young girls, some teenagers who travelled a long way from home never to return. It was the sort of sacrifice we rarely seek or expect today.
Photos: Early photos of the Sisters around the Rosebank grounds
What would the Sisters say today as major developments climb up around us, and a metro that promises to bring even more change to the area? I’m certain when they came they did not have to navigate the traffic on Parramatta Road or the noise of planes overhead, but I think they would be proud that on this land we still find a place to be still, to be quiet, to seek the Benedictine pause, a place that values prayer, a place that calls out welcome, hospitality, communio and conversatio.
But not everything from the past can remain. Only two years ago we could have pointed to our fig tree - a place of shelter and the backdrop to countless memorable photographs - yet it was dying, had become unsafe and sadly had to be removed.
Photos: Memorable photographs of the sisters and students around the fig tree now the Birra Birra space
The Rosebank of today, this community, was determined to recreate this iconic space with a new area that celebrated our past but looked to the future. Birra Birra was born, a place that draws our community back to the earliest people, the Wangal people, Birra Birra is dharug for figtree. The ground is etched with the lines of branches, story poles have been created that connect us to our past, yet it is filled with new life, plants and flowers, and enriched by the sounds of our current students, as they gather and learn.
Photos: The newly opened Birra Birra space (2025)
Our Chapel was built over 147 years ago, a design that was reminiscent of a Benedictine chapel but one built with limited funds. It has been preserved with great affection and diligence, yet the interior tells another story; the past too, gave way to a modern functional place of prayer and worship. 
Photos: The Chapel then and now
Rosebank has never been burdened by its past, nor restricted or prevented from change by it. Rather, it has always been a place that listens carefully, attentive to the call of the future. And we must always look ahead. Over the years, this site has taken many forms — serving as a novitiate, a boarding school, a junior school, and an all-girls secondary school.
Today, Rosebank is proudly a Catholic, contemporary, coeducational College and in 2027, we will enter yet another chapter as we welcome year 5 students.
I often wonder what Mother Scholastica would say? I hope she would see that despite the changes in uniform, we are as ambitious for our students as she was, hardy against challenges, and like her, assessing what our students need, making the decisions that will get them the full life we all desire. Would she even recognise this place? I imagine the Chapel and the roses would orient her, then as she casts her eye around; she would be amazed at all the buildings. I have no doubt her eyes would widen if she were to see the boys, I would say to her, we too are empowering women but with men in the room, and we grow good men with women in the room. We don’t diminish boys here, we don’t lessen girls. We amplify and celebrate talent regardless, building collaboration for their future, lessons for life.
It wasn’t possible then, but it is now.
Ms Iris Nastasi
Principal
From the Assistant Principal
Students are now well and truly settled into the flow and routine of the school week. This includes before and after school requirements, where staff are on hand to provide assistance and supervision across the following locations:
Afternoon Dismissal & Bus Stops
Each afternoon from 3:10pm to approximately 3:40pm (2:40pm to 3:10pm on Thursdays), Rosebank College staff provide supervision at the following exit points for dismissal lines:
- Downside Corner Gate (corner Harris / Queens Roads)
- Car Park Gate (Harris Rd)
- Manquehue ‘Q-Block” Corner Gate (corner Harris and Parramatta Rd)
- Jamberoo Gate (Parramatta Rd)
Staff are also stationed at the bus stops on Harris Road, both directly across from the Rosebank carpark gates and further up the road towards the pedestrian crossing near Garfield St.
On-Site Supervision
Staff supervision is available on site before and after school at these times:
• 7:45am to 8:30am – SRSC (library)
• 8am to 8:30am – Palm Court, J-Courts, Undercroft, The Green and Q-Block foyer
• 3:10pm to 5pm – SRSC (library)
• 3:20pm to 6:30pm - Rosebank Academic Mentoring Program in Q-Block (paid tutoring)
General Office – Hours
The College General Office is staffed from 8am – 4pm (Tel – 9713 3100).
Rosebank Parent Power - We Need You!
Work is already underway preparing for the biggest event on the Rosebank calendar – Open Day! This year, Delaney and Dwyer House students will take the lead in showcasing the College, with the support of our incredible staff. We can’t do it alone however, so if you are able to volunteer for an hour or two in the Food Hall, helping to cook or serve at the BBQ, manning the Cake Stall, or donating a tasty treat, it would be greatly appreciated. The day is filled with fun and community spirt so join our team if you can. Help from parents across ALL House groups is welcome. Click here to let us know how you may be able to help, or contact parentengagement@rosebank.nsw.edu.au
Mr Paul Hardwick
Assistant Principal
Register Now For Our Open Day On Sunday, 3 May
Open Day 2026 will be held on Sunday, 3 May and we look forward to showcasing all that our College has to offer to past, present, and future members of the Rosebank family.
Here’s what you can expect from a Rosebank Open Day:
Student-led tours
Principal’s address
Interactive displays showcasing our Key Learning Areas
Engaging children's activities
Performances by our talented students
BBQ, cake stall, coffee cart and artisanal gelato
Historical and archival displays
A chance to meet our friendly teachers and key staff members
Face jewelz and tattoos, petting zoo, jumping castle and more!
Register for Open Day
Open Day Volunteers Needed
School Student Travel - Information for Parents and Students
School student travel information for parents and students
School travel passes
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply for a new card or update their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Opal card is expiring need to re-submit their details.
If a student has lost their School Opal card, they will need to apply for a replacement card. Note: a new card will not be issued if an existing School Opal card is updated online – you must submit a replacement application if a School Opal card is lost.
In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card.
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.
From the Dean of Ministry
Third Sunday of Lent
The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:5–42) sits beautifully within the Third Week of Lent, when the Church calls us to deeper self-examination and conversion. Jesus meets the woman at midday, the brightest, most exposed part of the day, just as Lent exposes our own thirsts and hidden places. He asks her for water, yet it is she who is truly thirsty. Beneath her daily routine lies a deeper longing for love, dignity and truth. In this season of purification, we too are invited to recognise our own wells, the places we keep returning to for satisfaction that never quite lasts, and to hear Christ say, “If you knew the gift of God…” Jesus does not condemn her, he gently names her truth and offers “living water,” the grace that alone satisfies the human heart.
This is one of my favourite Gospel stories because of the intentionality of Jesus. He chooses to travel through Samaria when he did not have to, most Jews would deliberately avoid that region. He arrives at the well at the hottest time of the day, the hour when he knows she will be there alone, after the other women have already drawn water in the cool of the morning. His encounter is not accidental, it is purposeful. He speaks not only to a Samaritan, crossing deep ethnic and religious hostility, but also to a woman, breaking social conventions of his time. And the setting itself is rich with meaning- the well is Jacob’s well, linking this moment to Jacob, the third patriarch of Judaism, whose story is woven into Israel’s identity. At the very place where generations had drawn physical water, Jesus now reveals himself as the source of living water. Water in Scripture symbolises life, cleansing, rebirth and covenant faithfulness. In the Third Week of Lent, when catechumens prepare for baptism and the Church reflects on purification, this symbolism is profound, Christ offers not simply refreshment, but transformation.
The Third Week of Lent often marks a shift from simply “giving things up” to allowing God to transform us from within. The Samaritan woman moves from misunderstanding to insight, from isolation to mission. At the well she stands alone, by the end of the passage she runs back to her town proclaiming, “Come and see.” Her encounter becomes evangelisation. Lent works in the same way - when we allow Christ to meet us honestly in our brokenness, we become witnesses to hope. Conversion is not about shame but about relationship, about allowing Jesus to sit beside us in our ordinary, even messy, lives.
Finally, this Gospel reminds us that no barrier - cultural, religious, moral or personal, is too great for Christ to cross. Jews and Samaritans did not associate, yet Jesus initiates dialogue. In the Third Week of Lent, we are called to examine the barriers within our own hearts - prejudices, resentments, fears. The well becomes a symbol of prayer, a place of encounter where we draw deeply from God’s mercy. If we dare to remain there with him, acknowledging our thirst, we too will discover that Christ is not only asking something of us, he is offering us everything.
This icon, whose iconographer is unknown, depicts Jesus speaking with Photini at the well while the Twelve look on in surprise at his engagement with a Samaritan woman. Their dismay contrasts with Christ’s calm openness, highlighting his radical crossing of social boundaries. Photini, shown with her water jar, symbolises humanity’s thirst and the living water only Christ can give.
Project Compassion Update
As we continue our Lenten journey, our 2026 Project Compassion campaign, Unite Against Poverty, is gaining wonderful momentum across the College. Since being introduced to Sisila’s story from Tanzania at our Ash Wednesday Liturgy, students and staff have engaged generously with the call to support communities in need. While her daily life may look different to ours, the fundamental hopes for housing, education, health, nutrition and a strong sense of community are shared by all. Please enjoy another chapter of her story here. Over the past three weeks, our Rosebank community has raised $3,570.22, and with continued generosity throughout Lent, we can further strengthen our impact in supporting Caritas Australia’s work around the world.
St Patrick’s Day - Project Companion Fundraiser
Saint Patrick holds special significance within the Benedictine tradition because his life reflects the very heart of Benedictine spirituality, deep prayer, resilience in hardship, missionary courage and the building of strong Christian communities. Like Saint Benedict of Nursia, Patrick encountered God in solitude and allowed that encounter to shape a life of service, forgiveness and evangelisation, with Irish monasticism later flourishing under Benedictine influence. On Tuesday, 17 March we will celebrate his feast day with a Bacon and Egg Roll BBQ led by our Student leaders, both honouring this beautiful witness of faith and continuing our Project Compassion fundraising. Students can pre-order their roll of choice with the Social Justice Leaders from Monday, 9 March to Wednesday, 11 March during Breaks 1 and 2.
Mrs Sara Camporeale
Dean of Ministry
Learning News
Assessment Calendars
As we move further into the term, maintaining organisation and clarity around assessment tasks is essential for student success. This week during Home Room, all students were issued a hard copy of the Assessment Calendar. This calendar provides a comprehensive overview of upcoming tasks and key due dates across subjects, and serves as an additional reference point to help students plan, prioritise, and manage their time effectively.
While many students utilise digital platforms to track their learning, a physical copy can be a powerful visual reminder of what lies ahead. I encourage families to take a moment to review the calendar together and discuss upcoming tasks and preparation strategies. Placing the calendar in a visible location at home, such as on the fridge or near a study space, can prompt regular check-ins and help students stay proactive rather than reactive.
Strong organisation is one of the most important skills we can nurture in our young people, and small, consistent habits make a significant difference.
Study Skill Tip of the Week - Break Large Tasks Into Smaller Steps
One of the most effective ways to reduce stress and build momentum is to break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps using the Pomodoro method. Big assignments often feel overwhelming, but they become far more achievable when divided into clear actions.
For example:
- Instead of writing “Do English assignment,” list steps such as “read instructions,” “brainstorm ideas,” and “write introduction.”
- When studying, break the process into “review notes,” “create summaries,” “Quiz myself,” and “complete practice questions.”
Students can then enhance this approach by applying the Pomodoro Method, which structures focus and rest:
- Work in a focused block of 25 minutes.
- Take a short 5-minute break.
As students begin embarking on their assessments for the term, I wish them every success.
Families can access further strategies through the Study Skills Handbook:
www.studyskillshandbook.com.au
Username: rosebank
Password: 33achieve
Dorian Kipriotis
Dean of Learning
Year 12 Extended Library Hours – Assessment Block Preparation
To support our Year 12 students in their preparation for the upcoming Assessment Block, the SRSC will offer extended study hours from Monday, 16 March to Wednesday, 18 March. On each of these days, the library will remain open until 7:30pm and will be supervised by staff to provide a structured and supportive study environment.
In previous years, students have engaged very positively with these sessions and have appreciated both the dedicated study time and the opportunity to seek clarification from staff.
Students are reminded that once they leave the library, they must sign out and go directly home.
A Study Guide outlining suggested preparation for each subject has been provided to students to assist them in structuring their revision. We strongly encourage all Year 12 students to take advantage of this valuable opportunity as they prepare for their assessments.
Year 10 Allwell Assessment – Monday, 31 March
A reminder to parents and students that the Year 10 Allwell Assessment will take place on Monday, 31 March.
The Allwell Assessment provides the College with valuable information about students’ current skills in areas such as Mathematics, Reading, Spelling and Writing, as well as reasoning ability. This data supports teachers in planning targeted learning experiences and ensuring students are appropriately supported and challenged. The data is also pivotal in informing the subject selection process held in Term 2 and 3.
Students are asked to ensure they:
- Bring a fully charged laptop.
- Arrive on time.
- Approach the assessment with their best effort.
Further details are available in the letter the Learning team sent to families. If you have any questions, please contact the College.
Ms Kylie Carroll
Assistant Dean of Learning
(Senior School)
Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN final reminders and schedule
NAPLAN begins this Wednesday for Years 7 and 9. Over the coming days, students can complete practice questions on the Locked Down Browser to familiarise themselves with the format of the various exams. Students were shown how to do this during a year-group meeting on Friday, 6 March. In the meeting they were reminded to bring into each exam their fully-charged laptop, a pen and pencil. They were also reminded to only bring wired earphones into the exams, not earpods or wireless earphones.
The schedule for NAPLAN is provided below:
Mr Matthew Couani
Assistant Dean of Learning
(Middle School)
PACE News
Outstanding efforts from our Representative Sport teams
Our Representative Sport teams continue to demonstrate outstanding commitment and dedication as they progress through the season.
Students have shown a strong work ethic at training, consistently turning up ready to improve and support one another. Their focus has been on refining skills and strengthening combinations. This consistent effort is translating into confident and cohesive performances on game day.
It has been particularly pleasing to see students apply feedback, communicate effectively under pressure and demonstrate resilience in challenging moments. Across all teams, there is a clear sense of shared purpose and pride in representing the College.
With finals just two weeks away, our teams are focused and determined to finish the season strongly.
We congratulate all students involved in Representative Sport and wish them every success as they build towards the finals series.
Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Conference 2 Swimming Championships
Last Tuesday evening, Rosebank College sent thirty-three students to the SCS Conference 2 Swimming Championships.
On a record night for Rosebank swimmers, our boys did a clean sweep of all awards. Our girls also competed with true Rosebank pride.
School Awards
Junior Boys 12-13 and 14 years Champion School: Rosebank College
Intermediate Boys 15 and 16 years Champion School: Rosebank College
Senior Boys 17+ years Champion School: Rosebank College
Overall Boys Champion School: Rosebank College
Overall Boys Community Champion School: Rosebank College
Individual Events - New Records
Gabriel Park (Year 10, Vaughan) Boys 15years
- 50m Freestyle New Record - 26.07
- 50m Butterfly New Record - 27.63
- 100m Backstroke New Record 1.04.60
- 50m Backstroke New Record - 29.74
Xavier Warren (Year 8, O'Connor) Boys 14 Years
- 100m Butterfly New Record - 1.11.87
Age Champions
- 12 - 13 years Girls - Sian Lim (Year 7, McLaughlin)
- 15 years Boys - Gabriel Park (Year 10, Vaughan)
- 17+ years Boys - Jacob Wong (Year 11, Delaney)
- Multi Class Boys - Adriano Sorrentino (Year 12, Adamson)
We now look forward to our top swimmers competing at the SCS Swimming Sydney Championships.
PACE Department
CAPA News
Announcing Rosebank’s First-Ever Middle School Musical: Frozen Jr!
Rosebank College is thrilled to launch its first-ever Middle School Musical, proudly presenting Disney’s Frozen Jr this June. This milestone production marks an exciting new chapter for Performing Arts at Rosebank, giving our Years 7–9 students a dedicated platform to shine on stage.
With rehearsals now well underway, the cast and crew are bringing the magic of Arendelle to life through song, storytelling and ensemble work.
Performance Dates
Join us for one or all of the following performances:
- Friday, 19 June – 7pm
- Saturday, 20 June – 2pm
- Saturday, 20 June – 7pm
Tickets will be on sale next week, and families are encouraged to secure seats early to support our talented young performers.
We are proud to announce the full cast list.
Rosebank Celebrates Four Students Selected for ARTEXPRESS 2026
We are delighted to announce that four of our 2025 HSC Visual Arts students have been selected for exhibition in ARTEXPRESS 2026, a remarkable achievement that reflects their creativity, commitment and artistic vision.
A special congratulations goes to Alissa Biasi (Class of 2025), whose work “(She Is) Diluted by the Blueprint” is currently on display at the Hazelhurst Arts Centre, following its official opening on Saturday, 21 February. We also acknowledge the guidance of her HSC Visual Arts teacher, Ms Sally Donnelly, whose support helped bring this work to life.
In addition to Alissa’s success, Rosebank is further represented by three students across NSW and regional galleries:
- Ryan Maniaty – “Phenomenological Inquisition”, exhibited at the Western Plains Cultural Centre, Dubbo.
- Isabella Oakes – “Dime Con Quien Andas, Y Te Diré Quién Eres”, exhibited at Maitland Regional Art Gallery.
- Hayley Steinwall – “Plight of a Migrant”, exhibited at Broken Hill City Art Gallery.
We congratulate all four students on this extraordinary recognition and celebrate their contribution to Rosebank’s strong tradition of excellence in the creative arts.
Inspired by ENCORE at the Sydney Opera House
On Monday, 2 March, our Year 11 and 12 Music students were treated to an unforgettable afternoon at the Sydney Opera House as they attended ENCORE, the annual showcase of outstanding HSC Music performances and compositions. The experience proved to be both inspiring and entertaining, offering students a glimpse into the exceptional creativity and skill demonstrated by their peers from across the state.
The program featured a fantastic variety of musical works, ranging from virtuosic performances to imaginative original compositions. Students were captivated by the diversity of styles, including classical, contemporary, jazz, music theatre, rock and music of different cultures, and the ways performers communicated their musical ideas.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was the vibrant atmosphere in the concert hall. The audience was fully engaged and energised, responding enthusiastically to each performer. The confidence and passion on stage were matched by the audience’s applause and excitement.
Going to Encore is an experience that celebrates exceptional talent as well as motivating our senior musicians as they continue preparing for their own performance and composition assessments. It was an invaluable reminder of the possibilities that hard work, creativity, and musical expression can bring.
Overall, it was a memorable and uplifting excursion, one that left our students buzzing with ideas and motivation.
CAPA Department
SRSC News
Have you been paying attention?
Picture this: a peaceful place where everyone speaks in whispers, or doesn’t speak at all because their noses are stuck in a book..or they are studiously typing or writing, catching up on homework, while cardigan-wearing, bespectacled librarians shush people, even though they’re already being quiet… Sounds like an average library, right?
Wrong! If you visit the SRSC during Break 2 on Fridays, bring your laptop, maybe earplugs, and definitely your competitive streak. Mrs Lucas (SRSC Lead) has started running a weekly ‘Have you been paying attention?’ Kahoot for House points and prizes - and it has been an absolute hoot!
Photo: The inaugural ‘Have you been paying attention?’ Kahoot in Week 4
Photo: Week 5’s Kahoot almost doubled in size - I wonder how many competitors we’ll have in Week 6?
Each week’s Kahoot challenge has ten multiple choice questions about current events, either in the news, or about things happening at school. Just by completing the ten questions, you earn a House point. Students placing first, second and third each week receive bonus House points and also get to choose a small prize.
Here are two example questions from Week 5:
Punch The Monkey was given what plushie animal as a companion?
a) gorilla
b) orangutan
c) chimpanzee
d) meerkat
Which Grammy‑winning artist is performing this weekend at ENGIE Stadium in Sydney?
a) Ed Sheeran
b) Bad Bunny
c) Billie Eilish
d) Bruno Mars
Currently, O’Connor is miles ahead of everyone on the leaderboard, while Hayes needs some serious representation in coming weeks to regain some dignity.
Ms Monika Gyi
Library Technician
Book Now for Rosebank’s April Holiday Programs!
We are delighted to welcome families back for another vibrant season of Rosebank’s Holiday Programs, running from Thursday, 7 April to Friday, 17 April 2026.
Our April lineup is packed with creative, active and inclusive experiences designed for children aged 5 to 12. It is a fantastic opportunity for your child to build friendships, grow in confidence and enjoy the dynamic spirit of Rosebank College.
What’s Happening This April?
⚽🎨💃 Taste Tester Day (NEW!)
Not sure which program to book? Our Taste Tester Day is a one-day Adventure Arts + Multi-Sport experience and a great way to sample our 2026 program offerings before families lock in their Week 1 or Week 2 bookings.
The day is a blend of outdoor fun and creative exploration, with part of the day spent in active, outdoor sessions and the second half focused on crafts and adventure-based activities.
🎨 Adventure Arts
Let imaginations run wild! In this hands-on, nature-inspired art session, kids will paint, build and sculpt using natural materials. It’s the perfect messy, magical day for curious creatives.
💃 Dance Workshop
A fun, inclusive dance experience that encourages self-expression and confidence. Whether new to dance or already in love with movement, children will enjoy a joyful day of rhythm, creativity and connection.
⚽ Our Signature Sports Line-Up: Specialised Sports: Football
Two-day programs focusing on skills development, team play, and game understanding — all led by expert coaches and based on NSW curriculum frameworks.
⚽🎾Multi-Sport Program
This high-energy, three-day program is packed with exciting games and team-building activities across a variety of sports. Perfect for kids who love to stay active and try new things!
✅ How to Register
Spaces are limited and in high demand, especially for our new and specialised workshops. Register early to avoid disappointment by clicking here and creating your account.
Further information about our Holiday Programs can be viewed on our website.
If you have any questions or would like to register after the early cut-off, please contact us directly at holidaycamps@rosebank.nsw.edu.au
Pathways and Partnerships News
Year 10 Work Experience Program 2026
Featured Video: Rosebank students reflect on their work experience
Explore. Experience. Excel.
Year 10 Work Experience at Rosebank gives students the chance to connect school learning with real-world careers. It’s a hands-on way to discover interests, develop skills and prepare for the workplace.
📌 Note: A detailed letter with full instructions will be sent to all parents and carers later this term.
📅 When & What:
- Dates: Monday, 19 – Friday, 23 October 2026 (Week 2, Term 4)
- Duration: 5 full days of unpaid work experience
🎯 Benefits:
Work Experience helps students to:
- Experience a career of interest firsthand.
- Explore suitability for future occupations.
- Develop confidence, independence, and professional skills.
- Gain insight into the diversity of career options.
- Make informed decisions about future pathways.
💡 Career Lessons & Support
In the upcoming career lessons in Weeks 7 & 8, students will cover:
- The benefits of Work Experience.
- How to source placements.
- How to contact an employer professionally.
Tip: Personal contact builds confidence, maturity and independence!
📍 Where & How
- Students source their own placements (not with parents/relatives)
- Employers prefer personal contact – in person or by phone
- Letter of introduction & contact guide available on Exchange
🛡️ Insurance
- All students are legally required to be insured during work experience
- A Certificate of Currency is available on Exchange and will also be provided to employers
⏰ Deadline
- All placements must be arranged by Friday, 24 July 2026
- Support is available during Term 3 Academic Support Program for students needing assistance
⚠️ Special Requirements
- Construction: White Card + steel-capped boots (face-to-face training required).
- Working with animals: Additional Catholic Schools NSW approval required.
- Car travel: Documented in Section 3 of learning record.
- Immunisation: Provide current statement from Services NSW.
- Overnight/Interstate placements: Parental & Principal approval required.
📣 Specialist Program — NSW Police (Burwood Command)
Burwood Police Area Command offers a unique annual Work Experience Program for Rosebank students interested in policing. Over five days, participants rotate through real NSW Police units including media, highway patrol, forensics, dog & mounted units, Water Police, and more plus visits to the Goulburn Police Academy and Police Driver Training Centre, giving them firsthand insight into police work. Students also have opportunities to observe court proceedings and meet serving officers. Students who are interested need to complete an EOI for selection.
🔗 Resources & Support
- Work experience contacts and guides are on the Pathways & Partnerships course on Rosebank Exchange
- Contacts:
- Michael Ha (Pathways and Partnerships Coordinator) – mha@rosebank.nsw.edu.au
- Amanda Ivanac (Pathways and Partnerships Assistant) – aivanac@rosebank.nsw.edu.au (Mon–Wed)
📌 Where to Start Guide
Year 10 students, during their upcoming career lessons in Weeks 7 and 8, will be given the following guide to support their progress, including how to approach and arrange work.
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
📅 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.
Mrs Amanda Ivanac
Pathways and Partnerships Assistant
Have You Heard The Buzz?
On Wednesday, 18 February, the College was buzzing with excitement as we welcomed a native Australian stingless beehive to our school grounds as part of our ongoing Sustaina-BEE-lity project.
Our Sustainability Leaders, along with a number of interested students, attended a special incursion led by Sydney Stingless Bees. Students watched a presentation about Australia’s native stingless bees, specifically Tetragonula carbonaria. They learned that these tiny, gentle bees adapted to Australian conditions, and are essential in maintaining biodiversity and supporting healthy ecosystems.
Following the presentation, students had the opportunity to assist with the installation of the hive on College grounds. It was a meaningful, hands-on learning experience that brought sustainability and environmental stewardship to life.
In coming weeks, the Sustainability Team will be transforming the area into a bee-friendly habitat, planting native flowers and pollinator-attracting plants to support our new hive.
The day was filled with curiosity, teamwork and plenty of smiles. Rosebank is officially buzzing, and this is just the beginning of our Sustaina-BEE-lity transformation.
Mrs Amelia Lombardo
Student Leadership Patron - Sustainability, Science and Maths Teacher
Year 12 at "The Big Day In" at UTS
On Tuesday, 3 March, our Year 12 Enterprise Computing students attended "The Big Day In", an IT careers conference held at the University of Technology Sydney. The event, run by the ACS Foundation, brings together high school and university students to explore the wide range of study and career pathways available in STEM and digital technologies. Students heard from industry-leading organisations including Wisetech Global, Westpac, Canstar, ADF Careers, Adobe, and many others, each sharing insights into innovation, cybersecurity, software engineering, and the growing demand for tech‑skilled graduates.
Our students were also selected to serve as Student Ambassadors for the event, and they were widely praised for performing their responsibilities with professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the day. Through the program, speakers and exhibitors offered practical advice, real‑world experiences, and inspirational stories that highlighted the rapidly evolving tech landscape. The experience left our students energised and well‑informed about the exciting possibilities awaiting them in the world of IT and enterprise computing.
Mr Mark Zilich
House Coordinator - McLaughlin
Years 7, 8 and 9 embark on SRC Training
On Tuesday, March 3, Ms Deguara (Student Leadership Facilitator) and Ms Neylan (Assistant Dean of Pastoral Care - Middle School) guided a leadership session for SRC representatives from Years 7, 8, and 9. Students participated in activities that improved their ability to work in teams, increased their self-assurance as leaders, and helped them plan the initiatives they want to support this year within the College community. Representatives had a fantastic opportunity to sharpen their leadership skills and learn about the upcoming year.
Year 8, O'connor SRC representative Halena Lattouf shares her reflection of the day:
At the beginning of the session, we discussed the roles and responsibilities of SRC members, as well as the key qualities of great leaders. We reflected on historical leaders and important role models in our world, which helped guide our conversation. Through this discussion, we developed a much clearer understanding of the qualities we believe are essential for strong leadership and what we hope to achieve together throughout the year.
Following this, we explored what Rosebank’s Mission and Vision mean. Using the booklet we were given, we discussed how the College empowers students to reach our full potential through leadership and encourages us to lead by following the teachings of Jesus. This helped us reflect on what we should strive for as a group to truly support and strengthen our College community.
We were also given the opportunity to watch a short video that encouraged us to embrace our strengths rather than focus on our weaknesses. Ms Nelyan then guided us through a personality test to help identify our strengths and the type of leader we are as individuals. Students opened their laptops and began answering questions to discover whether they were a planner, feeler, thinker or doer. Some students were surprised by their results, while others weren’t - but excitement, shock and laughs definitely filled the room!
For our final activity, we split into our year groups and spent time discussing and writing down initiatives, as well as any concerns we had for our peers. This gave us the opportunity to show leadership, demonstrate responsibility and reinforce our commitment to representing our year groups.
On behalf of the Years 7, 8 and 9 SRCs, I sincerely appreciate the effort Ms Deguara and Ms Neylan put into organising such a valuable experience and creating an environment where we could develop our leadership skills. I am honoured to be a representative and voice for my House, year group and College community.
Halena Lattouf
O’Connor Year 8 SRC
Hayes Students Shine
Good Luck Harvey.....
Hayes House's very own Harvey Challinor (Year 10) has been selected to represent NSW at the Australian Junior Track Championships in Brisbane this month. He placed 8th in Australia (3rd NSW rider) in the Australian Junior Track Series, which was a national velodrome event over three separate weekends in three states (Sydney, Perth, Adelaide).
He and his team mate also placed 6th nationally and 2nd in NSW in the U17 Men's Madison event (a high-speed, tactical track cycling relay race featuring teams of two riders who alternate in and out of the race). He also received two silver medals at NSW State Championships in the Keirin and Teams Pursuit. Harvey will compete for a second season in road cycling in Europe over June-August this year. He will be based in Belgium and is hoping to be selected for an U19 European team for 2027.
We wish Harvey all the best of luck, Rosebank is behind you.
A force to be reckoned with......
Harvey's big sister Abby Challinor (Year 11) placed 2nd in the Walley Cup 2026 figure skating competition held in Warsaw, Poland at the beginning of January. First place was Poland with a 0.11 point difference ahead of Abby and third was Switzerland 3 points behind. Abby spent five weeks training in Poland with international coaches during the holidays and had a fantastic experience. With such a huge sporting commitment, training early mornings and afternoons most days of the week, Abby has also gone on to complete three law university subjects last year at the University of New England (UNE), achieving a High Distinction and Credit. We are incredibly proud of you Abby.
Hayes House definitely has some talented students.
Mrs Karen Henry
Hayes House Coordinator, Dance Teacher
Prefect Afternoon Tea at Ascham School
On Thursday, 5 March, Noah and I had the great pleasure of attending the Ascham School Prefect Afternoon Tea. The afternoon included a series of ice breaker questions, team spirit through trivia and making connections with students outside of Rosebank. 
Throughout the afternoon, we had the pleasure of listening to guest speaker, Ruby Riethmuller, CEO of Womn-Kind who has received international and national recognition for her work in Mental Health Advocacy. Her main message was to 'not wait until you are comfortable to be a leader' telling us her greatest lesson was to learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable. This provided us with a great insight on what leadership looks like outside of school. During our breaks, we bonded with leaders from other schools, providing us different perspectives on how leadership works in our schools. This gave us a chance to take on advice from other students which we can implement in our College community. The afternoon finished with a game of dodgeball which tested our teamwork which was a fun way to end the afternoon. Noah and I are super grateful for the opportunity given to us to learn, listen and have fun with the Ascham School Community.
William McNamara
College Captain
Staff Spotlight: Kim Ng
Position at the College: Community Engagement Liaison ( Thursday and Fridays)
Start Date: January 2026
Where I’ve come from: Prior to joining Rosebank, I worked at the Office of a Member of Parliament as a Community Engagement Officer and also served as President of the Sydney Host Lions Club, coordinating a variety of community events and fundraising initiatives.
First thing I noticed about Rosebank College: The warm and welcoming culture among the staff made an immediate impression on me.
Rosebank in 3 words: Inclusive, Vibrant, Purposeful.
Best thing about my role: Building relationships with families and supporting meaningful connections between parents, staff and the broader College community.
Favourite book to recommend: The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku. It is the true story of a Holocaust survivor who shares his message: life is a gift, and happiness is a choice. His story is inspiring and reminds us to appreciate every day.
A Special Invitation to Our Alumni Generations Breakfast
We are excited to invite our alumni parents and grandparents to a special event celebrating the generations of families who have been part of the Rosebank community. If you are the parent or grandparent of a current student and have your own connection to the College as an alumni, we would love for you to join us for the Generations Breakfast on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, at 7:30am.
The breakfast will be held at the College on the Downside Rooftop Terrace, where you'll have the chance to reconnect with familiar faces, meet the College Principal and Assistant Principal, chat with long-standing staff members, explore a specially curated archival display, and enjoy a delicious breakfast.
We look forward to celebrating with our alumni parents and grandparents who have helped shape the legacy of Rosebank.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, 24 March. We can’t wait to see you there!
Mrs Tina Carbone
Community Engagement Liaison
Rosebank Class of ’69 Reunion – Save the Date!
We’re delighted to share that the Class of 1969 will be holding their next reunion in May 2026.
Since 2019, members of the Class of ’69 have been reconnecting and reminiscing at regular gatherings, and these reunions are now held bi-annually. Their next reunion details are:
Date: Saturday, 23 May 2026
Time: 12pm onwards
Venue: The Little Snail Restaurant, 3/50 Murray Street, Pyrmont
Cost: Set menu – $50 per person
If you are a member of the Class of 1969, you are warmly invited to attend.
RSVP by Friday, 8 May to:
Sue West (Gooley) – 0432 112 294
Margie Gartner (McKeon) – 0438 731 545
Maree Pitt (McMahon) – 0417 403 889
Volunteer Opportunity: Archives Assistant
Preserving Rosebank’s History
In 2026, a dedicated team of volunteers will continue the important work of preserving and digitising the history of Rosebank. Meeting each Tuesday, the team continues to make significant progress across several projects:
- Digitising Student Records: Decades of handwritten school rolls are being transferred into digital storage, with completion expected in early 2026.
- Scanning Historical Photographs: Hundreds of archival images are being digitally preserved, ensuring the College’s visual history remains secure for generations to come.
- Cataloguing Exhibition Pieces: Large-format exhibition images have been refiled and digitised for easier access and safekeeping.
- Sharing Stories: The popular Interviews with the College Archivist “From The Archives” series continues to grow, offering fascinating insights into Rosebank’s past.
- Building Accessible Records: A printed index of archive holdings now complements the College’s digital catalogue.
The Archives team’s commitment ensures Rosebank’s rich heritage remains accessible and protected. The College welcomes new volunteers who can contribute even a few hours each month - no prior experience is needed and training is provided.
If you’re interested in joining the Archives team, please contact the Communications and Engagement team via email: communications@rosebank.nsw.edu.au for more information.
Mr Robert Beazley
Archivist (Former piano student at Rosebank)
Free live webinar for Parents and Teens - The 3 Pillars to Flow
Parents and students who have attended this session in the past leave inspired and motivated - walking away with practical tools they can use immediately to improve mindset, motivation and study performance. Suitable for students in Years 5–12 (and their parents).
Watch this 48-second video of John speaking at Rosebank College last year.
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 7 - 8pm (Sydney time)
Location: Online via Zoom (limited spots)
During this engaging session, you and your teen will learn:
1.) Mindset Mastery – simple habits to boost confidence and self-belief
2.) Self-Motivation & Career Clarity – how to stay driven and get clear about future career
3.) Study Smarter, Not Harder – strategies to perform at your best without the stress
This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from John George from InFlow Education – an experienced educator, life coach and author of Teenage Zen. His methods have helped countless teens feel more confident, focused, and ready to succeed.
Rosebank Family Businesses
We're proud to support our Rosebank Family Businesses – an initiative that brings our community together by promoting locally owned businesses run by Rosebank families. It's a great way to connect, support one another, and shop local.
If you own a business, we invite you to add it to the list and become part of our growing network.
🔗Community Links
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