Volume 5 2026

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
• As part of National Family Reading Month in May, ‘Dogman’ will be making an appearance
• Face jewelz and tattoos, petting zoo, diamond art, jumping castle and more!

Join us at Open Day

The Easter Triduum is the most sacred period of the Christian liturgical year. The word Triduum comes from Latin meaning “three days.” It refers to the three-day celebration that commemorates the central events of the Christian faith - the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although it unfolds across several calendar days, the Triduum is understood as one continuous liturgy, beginning on the evening of Holy Thursday and concluding with Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday. These days celebrate what the Church calls the Paschal Mystery.

The Triduum begins on Holy Thursday evening with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which recalls Jesus’ final meal with his disciples before his arrest. During this liturgy the Church remembers the institution of the Eucharist, when Jesus gave his body and blood to the disciples, and the institution of the priesthood, commissioning the apostles to continue this sacred act. A central ritual is the washing of the feet, recalling how Jesus humbled himself to serve his disciples and teaching Christians the call to love and serve one another. At the end of the Mass, the altar is stripped and the Eucharist is taken to a place of repose, marking the beginning of a more solemn and reflective period of prayer.

After the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, many Catholics observe the long-standing devotion known as the Visitation of the Seven Churches. The faithful visit several churches or altars of repose to pray before the Blessed Sacrament, recalling Jesus asking his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane to “watch and pray” with him (Matthew 26:38). This tradition symbolically accompanies Christ through the events of the night of his arrest and invites believers to remain in prayer and solidarity with him during the beginning of his Passion.

On Good Friday, the Church commemorates the Passion and death of Jesus on the Cross. The liturgy is solemn and reflective, and Mass is not celebrated on this day. Instead, the Church gathers for the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord, which includes the proclamation of the Passion according to the Gospel of John, the Solemn Intercessions prayed for the whole world, and the Veneration of the Cross, where the faithful honour the instrument of Christ’s sacrifice. Holy Communion is distributed using hosts consecrated the previous evening. Good Friday invites Christians to reflect deeply on Christ’s suffering and the depth of God’s love revealed through the Cross.

During Holy Saturday, the Church waits quietly in prayer at the tomb of Christ. It is a day marked by silence and anticipation as believers reflect on the mystery of Jesus’ death and await the promise of new life.

After nightfall on Holy Saturday, the Church gathers for the Easter Vigil, the most important liturgy of the entire year. This celebration proclaims the Resurrection of Jesus, the victory of life over death. The Vigil begins with the Service of Light, where the Paschal Candle is lit as a symbol of Christ, the Light of the World. The Exsultet, the great Easter proclamation, is sung, followed by a series of scripture readings that recount the story of salvation. The liturgy then moves to the Liturgy of Baptism, where new members may be baptised and the faithful renew their baptismal promises, before concluding with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the first celebration of Easter.

The celebration continues on Easter Sunday, when the Church rejoices in the resurrection of Christ. The return of the joyful cry of Alleluia expresses the hope and new life that flow from the resurrection. Together, these days form the heart of the Christian faith, revealing the mystery of God’s love- through Christ’s suffering and death comes the promise of new life and salvation for the world.

Holy Week and Easter Mass Times:
● All Hallows Catholic Parish Five Dock
● St Mary's Cathedral
● Visitation of the 7 Churches
● Other- visit the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney

Easter Liturgy 2026
Our Easter Liturgy this year was a deeply moving and reflective celebration of faith, culture and reconciliation. We were honoured to begin with an Acknowledgement of Country offered by Brooke Prentis, a proud Waka Waka woman, Christian leader and advocate for reconciliation. Her words grounded our gathering in truth, respect and deep listening, inviting us to recognise the sacredness of the land and the enduring wisdom of Australia’s First Peoples.



From this powerful beginning, the liturgy led us into the Via Crucis Aborigena (Aboriginal Way of the Cross) by Richard Campbell. This profound series of reflections and artworks invites participants to encounter the Passion of Christ through an Aboriginal lens, connecting the suffering of Jesus with the historical and ongoing experiences of First Nations peoples. The original works, displayed in the Reconciliation Church at La Perouse, bring a unique and powerful depth to the Stations of the Cross, calling all who engage with them into a deeper awareness of justice, suffering and hope.

Together, this liturgical journey offered our community a rich and meaningful way to enter into the mystery of Easter, honouring both the story of Christ and the voices and experiences of the First Peoples of this land. We wish all members of the Rosebank community a sacred and joy-filled Easter, and a restful and renewing holiday break.

Red Earth Immersion Central Australia
We wish our twenty-three students and their two accompanying teachers, Alex Packard and Ingrid Smolka every blessing as they head to Central Australia for the Red Earth Immersion from Tuesday, 7 to Wednesday, 15 April 2026. May this journey be one of deep learning, connection and growth, as they encounter the rich cultures, stories and wisdom of the First Nations communities they will visit on their Homelands. We pray that they travel safely, listen deeply and respectfully, and return enriched, inspired and more deeply connected to our shared humanity.



Ignite Conference 2026
Ignite Conference Sydney is a dynamic four-day national Catholic conference taking place from Thursday, 9 July to Sunday, 12 July 2026 at the Broken Bay Cathedral Precinct in Waitara. Designed for high school students, young adults, educators and leaders, the conference offers an engaging program of keynote speakers, workshops, live music, worship and the sacraments, creating a powerful experience of faith and community. Registration is now open via the official website, with tickets from $335 and additional options available for children and partial attendance. Costs generally include meals from Friday to Sunday. To secure your place or find further details, visit Ignite Conference Registration.

School holidays = sorted! 🙌

Our Holiday Program is packed with fun for ages 5–12 - and it’s open to everyone! 

Programs are running from Tuesday, 7 April - Friday, 17 April and limited spots are available. 

👉 Further information about our Holiday Programs, including how to register can be viewed on our website.

If you have any questions please contact us directly at holidaycamps@rosebank.nsw.edu.au

Making Smarter Subject Choices: Why Labour Market Information Matters
As Year 10 students in Term 2 start thinking about subject selection for senior school, it’s important to look beyond interests and consider where those choices might lead in the future.

While passion and enjoyment are key factors, Labour Market Information (LMI) provides valuable insights into real-world career opportunities helping students make informed, confident decisions about their pathways.

What is LMI?
LMI refers to data about jobs and industries, including:

• Employment opportunities.
• Salary expectations.
• Industry growth trends.
• Skills in demand.

This information helps students understand not just what they enjoy, but how their subject choices can connect to future careers.

Why It Matters for Subject Selection
Many students choose subjects based on personal interests, what their friends are choosing and perceived difficulty. 

While these are important, they only tell part of the story. Labour market data adds another layer, helping students see the bigger picture of employment opportunities and future demand.

For example, there is currently strong demand for digital and technology skills, yet relatively few students are choosing related subjects. This gap highlights how important it is to align subject choices with emerging career opportunities.

Term 2 Focus: Year 10 Subject Selection
In Term 2, Year 10 students will be focusing on subject selection as part of their career development program. During this time, students will engage in activities that explore career pathways, investigate industries, and examine future job trends.

LMI will play a key role in this process, supporting students to make informed and strategic decisions about their senior subjects. This knowledge will be invaluable in helping students understand how their choices today can influence their opportunities after school.

Balancing Passion with Practicality
Using LMI doesn’t mean students should avoid subjects they love. Instead, it helps them:

• Understand potential career outcomes.
• Explore alternative pathways.
• Keep multiple options open.

The goal is balance. Choosing subjects that reflect both interests and future possibilities.

Tools and resources for students and families:

• Labour Market Insights for occupation profiles and growth data.                                   
• Your Career for qualification and training information.
• Jobs and Skills Australia for detailed career information.

📅 View Upcoming Pathways and Partnerships Opportunities Here

Pathways and Partnerships Team
For any pathway questions or support, please contact our team at any time:


Michael Ha                                                     
Pathways and Partnerships Coordinator (Acting)                                  
📅 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.
 

Henry Yates On His U14 Nationals Softball Championship Experience


"I was recently picked up in the draft to play for South Australia which required me to spend a week in Canberra, training and competing against other state teams.

This was my first Nationals Competition and I'm really happy with how I went. I mainly played 3rd base and batted as a DH (Designated Hitter). I got opponents out multiple times while fielding and had multiple great hits while batting. I also had the highest batting average in my team at between 0.500 - 0.750 the whole tournament.

The Nationals was a big step for my career in both baseball and softball; it helped me understand what skill level I was at and how much effort I needed to put in to make it further. My goal in life is to become a baseball player in the MLB. That's why I train every day and push myself to the limits.

Honestly, I probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for my parents pushing and helping me strive to achieve my full potential. Tournaments like these ones are the ones that open your eyes the most to how much you can truly achieve when you set your mind on goals. Nationals, for me, was one of the biggest and hardest tournaments yet. This was not just for me, but for everyone with the effort and dedication that was put into it.

I would also like to make a special mention to one of the other NSW kids, Cohen, whose dad passed away during the tournament. To honour him, all the NSW players and officials stood for a minute's silence to show team support to him and his family and to honour and thank a great man.

Overall, despite the sad event, I was pleased with how myself and the team played. I came away with a lot of new friends and a better understanding of the sport".

Henry Yeates - Year 7, McLaughlin House

*Henry was also selected in the NSW invitational team that recently played in an international tournament against Japan and NZ. McLaughlin House is proud of Henry and his achievements in this sport!
 

Matthew Kim-Aghnatios (Year 12) attends training camp with the Lebanese Under-20 National Football Team 


McLaughlin House also celebrates the outstanding achievement of Matthew Kim-Aghnatios, who was invited last year to attend a training camp with the Lebanese Under-20 National Football Team. This opportunity recognised Matthew’s commitment to football and provided him with a chance to test himself against the demands of elite international competition.

Reaching the camp was a challenge in itself, with around 20 hours of travel each way to get to the camp. Once there, Matthew trained four times per week, demonstrating impressive discipline and resilience. Some sessions required up to 2.5 hours of travel just to reach the training fields, highlighting the dedication expected at this level of the game. One of the most memorable experiences was the very first training session, held in the mountains at approximately 1,200 metres above sea level. Training at altitude proved both physically demanding and eye-opening, providing a clear insight into how environmental conditions can significantly impact athletic performance.

The camp brought together a truly global group of players, with participants travelling from the United States, Canada, Germany, Portugal, France, across the Middle East and from Lebanon itself. This diverse and highly competitive environment challenged Matthew to adapt quickly, both on and off the field, and allowed him to learn from teammates with a wide range of footballing backgrounds. As part of the program, Matthew also had the opportunity to play in a match against a First Grade men’s team from Lebanon’s top national division, an experience that tested his skills against older, physically stronger opponents.

Unfortunately, Matthew was unable to extend his stay due to the demands of his Year 11 Preliminary Examinations and HSC commitments last year. Despite this, he describes the experience as incredibly rewarding, offering not only significant football development but also valuable cultural and personal growth opportunities. McLaughlin House congratulates Matthew on this impressive achievement and commends the dedication he has shown in balancing elite sporting opportunities with his academic responsibilities.

On Monday, 23 March, eleven Rosebank students attended the Halogen National Young Leaders Day at the International Convention Centre Sydney. The event brought together young leaders from across the state and provided a highly engaging program focused on leadership development, featuring speakers such as Catherine Laga'aia (actress set to play Moana in the upcoming Disney live-action film), Nick Hudson (Founder of The Push-Up Challenge), and Jacqui Bell (ultramarathon runner), who shared powerful real-world insights and experiences. Students were given the valuable opportunity to hear directly from and interact with presenters, gaining practical leadership strategies alongside broader life lessons around resilience, purpose, and personal growth. The experience was widely regarded as invaluable, fostering confidence, motivation and a deeper understanding of effective leadership beyond the classroom.

Below is a student reflection from Violetta Clarke (Year 10 SRC Vaughan) and Leila Woods - (Year 10 SRC Brady):

“Throughout the day, we had the opportunity to listen to many inspirational leaders who shared their life experiences, challenges, and what they have learnt from them. In between presentations, we also watched short videos of students around Australia making a difference in their school community. The four speakers were Nick Hudson, founder of the Push Up Challenge, Jacqui Bell, the youngest person in the world to run an ultra marathon on all seven continents, Maddison O’Grady-Lee, the 2025 NSW Young Australian of the Year, and Catherine Laga’aia who is playing Moana in the live action movie coming out in the middle of this year! All these speakers were so inspiring with our favourite one liners being, “You can either be your biggest motivator or worst enemy” from Jacqui Bell, and “Try and be a little better than yesterday” from Catherine Laga’aia. These presentations taught us a lot about what it means to be a leader, especially the importance of persevering through challenges and developing resilience and mental strength. They also highlighted the importance of learning from failure, remaining humble and kind, and embracing new opportunities, even if they are outside our comfort zone. Overall, we had an amazing day, and if you get the opportunity to go as well, we highly recommend accepting!” 

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.