Volume 9 2025

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Justin Flaherty as the new Chair of the Rosebank College Board.


 

Mr Flaherty brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the values and vision of the College. We look forward to his leadership as we continue to grow and strengthen our mission.

We also extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Ms Tara McCarthy, who has served as Chair for the past nine years. Her dedication, wisdom and unwavering support have significantly shaped the direction and success of Rosebank College and we are deeply grateful for her extraordinary contribution.

Rosebank College welcomes Mr Flaherty to his new role and in acknowledging Ms McCarthy for her remarkable years of service.

Celebrating the Feast of St Benedict – A Living Legacy

Last week, we marked the Feast of St Benedict (Friday, 11 July), honouring the life and wisdom of the founder of Western monasticism and the patron of Rosebank’s spiritual tradition. St Benedict’s enduring legacy continues to shape our identity, values and way of life.

Born in Italy in the 5th century, Benedict responded to the chaos of his time by seeking a life of purpose, community and deep listening to God. His Rule is a guide for living in community with humility, balance and prayer and has stood the test of time, offering principles that are still profoundly relevant today.

At Rosebank, the Benedictine values of hospitality, stewardship, peace and community guide not only our actions but also our aspirations. We are called to be people who listen with “the ear of the heart,” who serve others generously and who seek to build a community where every individual is welcomed and valued.

Following our Feast Day Mass, we celebrated the commissioning of our new student leaders, a moving moment of blessing and commitment to servant leadership. The day continued with an uplifting PACE presentation, acknowledging the outstanding athletic contributions of our students. Communal outdoor activities then invited joy, connection and friendly competition, reminding us of the importance of recreation and shared experience. We closed the day with an inspiring Talent Show, where students shone on stage, courageously sharing their God-given gifts and celebrating the creativity that flourishes in the College.

As we reflect on this special day, we give thanks for the Good Samaritan Benedictine tradition that continues to animate our mission and learning. We recommit ourselves to Benedict’s vision of conversatio, a life of ongoing conversion, openness and growth.

Red Earth- Cape York Immersion

We send our warmest wishes to the students and staff participating in the Red Earth Cape York immersion experience who departed on Saturday. Over the nine days, as they journey across the two Homelands of Wurrey and Gambiir, we hope they embrace the spirit of dadirri- deep listening and respectful stillness. May this be a time of genuine encounter, of walking together with humility and openness and of courageous, honest conversations. We look forward to hearing the stories and insights they will bring back, shaped by connection to Country, culture and community.

Blessings for the Break

As the Rosebank community begins a well-earned three-week break, we turn to St Christopher, the patron saint of travellers. Tradition tells us that St Christopher carried a child, later revealed to be Christ, safely across a river, symbolising his role in guiding and protecting all who journey. As students, staff and families travel near and far over the holiday period, we ask for St Christopher’s intercession- may he watch over all members of our community, keeping them safe, restful and refreshed until we return.

St Christopher, protector of all who journey, watch over us in our coming and going. Guide our steps, guard our paths and bring us safely to our destinations. May our time away be filled with peace, renewal and gratitude.

Great results at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships

Congratulations to Jaden Kane (Year 8) and Dexter Wardle (Year 7) who both finished second at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships on Wednesday, 11 June. The boys will be joined by Alya Baraniak Year 7 (9th) in the NSWCCC Team to compete at the NSW All School Cross Country Championships on Tuesday, 22 July.  Well done also to Lola Farrugia (Year 7), Alex Rogerson (Year 8) and Olivia Rogerson (Year 9) who also represented Rosebank on the day.



Netball Umpiring Success

The Rosebank Netball Club umpires are continuing to improve their umpiring knowledge and skills through the Rosebank Netball Club Umpiring Program, where they participate in workshops, training sessions and umpiring games on Saturdays. The program allows students to learn a new skill of umpiring, whilst also helping the club and giving back to the community. Congratulations to the following students who were recently awarded their umpiring badge.


Photos LtoR: Club Umpiring Badge - Isadora Dy (Year 8), Isabella Franta (Year 8), Evie Hill (Year 9), Jessica Sacco (Year 8)


Photos LtoR: Association Umpiring Badge - Keighley Bentrup (Year 9), Alexis Edwards (Year 10) Charlize Meijer (Year 9), Sophie O’Driscoll (Year 9), Josie Willis (Year 10)

Duke of Ed Completions

Congratulations to the following Year 10 and Year 11 students who have recently completed their Bronze or Silver Duke of Ed Award. What a fantastic achievement!

Bronze Award: 

• Joseph Boutros
• Lara Como
• Oliver Costello 
• Patrick Coulton
• Timothy Della-Franca
• Amalie Gibbs
• Tijana Kalagurgevic
• Daniel Korompay
• Deanna Le
• Sam Parrenin
• Jacob Rawlings
• Callum Reeves
• Brianna Rodriguez Hernandez
• Redmond Tangye
• Kaylan Tran

Silver Award: Ignatius Larkin

Athletics Carnival

The College Athletics Carnival on Wednesday, 11 June, was a fantastic community day which saw great student attendance and fantastic participation by all. There was an abundance of House spirit, fun and colour matched with competitive Championship events and lots of fun and laughs in the House events. The cheers showcased each House and their creativity and colour with all students doing their best to support their House. Congratulations to Caulfield for winning the 2025 Athletics Carnival!

The All Age 100m Final was a standout moment of the carnival, featuring the top ten fastest girls and eleven fastest boys in the school (with eleven boys qualifying due to a tie for 10th place). Congratulations to the following students on qualifying for this prestigious event.

Girls All Age 100m Final: 
Bianka Pavela (Brady) - 1st
Amelie Wardle (Brady) - 2nd
Alexandra Akle (Caulfield) - 3rd
Raquel Boswell (Cassidy)
Dakota Hammond (Adamson)
Isabella Jenzen (Caulfield)
Tijana Kalagurgevic (McLaughlin)
Amia Kolman (O’Connor)
Elyse Lapi (O’Connor)
Lulu Roberts (Hayes)

Boys All Age 100m Final: 
Hugo Macri (Vaughan) - 1st
Bentley Newcombe (Delaney) - 2nd
Will McKiernan (McLaughlin) - 3rd
Oliver Bakowski (Hayes)
Enrico Coelho (Hayes)
Steven Costi (O’Connor)
Zak Lombardo (O’Connor)
Jett Mierisch (Dwyer)
Andreas Nicolis (Adamson)
Olek Szczerbicki (Delaney)
William Wendt (Caulfield)

The carnival saw some incredible results, with 11 records being broken. Congratulations to the following students who broke a record.

• Girls 13 Years 800m, New Record: 2:40.00, set by Ayla Baraniak (Brady)
• Girls 16 Years 800m, New Record: 2:52.00, set by Raquel Boswell (Cassidy)
• Girls 16 Years 1500m, New Record 5:45.62, set by Raquel Boswell (Cassidy)
• Boys 13 Years Discus, New Record 28.44m, set by Sergio Durate (Brady)
• Girls 17+ Years Discus, New Record 22.66m, set by Mikayla Duong (Hayes)
• Boys 14 Years 1500m, New Record 5:14.92, set by Owen Fitzpatrick (Vaughan)
• Boys 14 Years 800m, New Record 2:28.00, set by Jaden Kane (Caulfield)
• Girls 17+ Years 200m, New Record 26.67, set by Bianka Pavela (Brady)
• Boys 15 Years 1500m, New Record 5:21.72, set by Oliver Vardanega (McLaughlin)
• Girls 15 Years 100m, New Record 13.26, set by Amelie Wardle (Brady)
• Girls 13 Years 1500m, New Record 5:37.19, set by Lily Winoto (McLaughlin)

Congratulations to the following Age Champions and students who placed overall in their age and gender.

• Girls 12 Years Age Champion: Mia Colussi (Brady)
• Girls 12 Years 2nd Place: Riva Auti (McLaughlin)
• Girls 13 Years 3rd Place: Grace Carty (Delaney)
• Boys 12 Years Age Champion: Archie Bone (Dwyer)
• Boys 12 Years 2nd Place: Harper Koytz (McLaughlin) & Louis Lebourg (O’Connor)
• Girls 13 Years Age Champion: Lily Winoto (McLaughlin)
• Girls 13 Years 2nd Place: Amia Kolma (O’Connor)
• Girls 13 Years 3rd Place: Isadora Dy (Caulfield)
• Boys 13 Years Age Champion: Isaac O’Brien (Vaughan)
• Boys 13 Years 2nd Place: Lachlan Jaques (Hayes)
• Boys 13 Years 3rd Place: Alfie Brown (McLaughlin)
• Girls 14 Years Age Champion: Scarlett Hodder-Nabkey (Hayes)
• Girls 14 Years 2nd Place: Kiara Kavanagh (Cassidy)
• Girls 14 Years 3rd Place: Miranda Julius (Hayes)
• Boys 14 Years Age Champion: Bentley Luketic (Vaughan)
• Boys 14 Years 2nd Place: Oscar Sullivan (Caulfield)
• Boys 14 Years 3rd Place: Xavier Armstrong (Cassidy)
• Girls 15 Years Age Champion: Amelie Wardle (Brady)
• Girls 15 Years 2nd Place: Alexandra Akle (Caulfield) & Elyse Lapi (O’Connor)
• Boys 15 Years Age Champion: Peter Giannone (Adamson)
• Boys 15 Years 2nd Place: Sam Cassaniti (O’Connor)
• Boys 15 Years 3rd Place: Ace Sharma (Hayes)
• Girls 16 Years Age Champions: Raquel Boswell (Cassidy)
• Girls 16 Years 2nd Place: Shannon Donegan (Brady)
• Girls 16 Years 3rd Place: Katia Reichle (Caulfield)
• Boys 16 Years Age Champion: Archer McKenzie (O’Connor)
• Boys 16 Years 2nd Place: Harrison Hammond (Adamson)
• Boys 16 Years 3rd Place: Nathan Olivera (Adamson)
• Girls 17+ Years Age Champion: Bianka Pavela (Brady)
• Girls 17+ Years 2nd Place: Mikayla Duong (Hayes)
• Girls 17+ Years 3rd Place: Lulu Roberts (Hayes)
• Boys 17+ Years Age Champion: William Wendt (Caulfield)
• Boys 17+ Years 2nd Place: Olek Szczerbicki (Delaney)
• Boys 17+ Years 3rd Place: Ben Gilligan (Caufield) & Winston Parry (Hayes)

Impressive Catches

Students participating in the PACE program have been making waves—literally—as they take part in recreational fishing activities. Over the past few weeks, several groups have headed out to local wharfs and returned with some impressive catches.

Many students have demonstrated patience, skill, and enthusiasm during their fishing sessions. Among the fish caught, bream has been a popular and rewarding catch, with several students proudly catching many of them. Their success not only highlights their growing confidence but also shows how hands-on, outdoor activities can be both educational and enjoyable.

The students should be rewarded for their positive attitudes and teamwork, noting that fishing has helped build focus, resilience and a connection with nature. With more outings planned, excitement continues to build for what students might catch next.

As the term draws to a close students engaged with the InspirED opportunities have been very busy. 

Future Problem Solving

At the beginning of June our successful national winners of the Future Problem Solving - Community Problem Solving Division competed in the next stage of the competition, representing Rosebank College and Australia on the global stage at the five-day competition. Below are the reflections from the team.

The Rosebank Future Problem Solvers recently competed at the International Conference in Indiana, USA, placing 5th out of the 30 teams competing from twelve nations from around the world. We presented our project to the judges and discussed our Vaping Awareness concepts to other competitors, families, and competition executives. The Awards Ceremony was held on the last day of the competition, but the best part was the events and engagement activities we participated in between competition sessions.

 

Throughout the week we had four social events designed to help us meet over 2,000 students participating. The first was the scavenger hunt where we were sent around the campus trying to find buildings. It was really fun because we got to wave and talk to students from other countries as we competed. We also participated in a memento exchange. All students brought different souvenirs from our home countries and swapped with other teams. Our team collected quite a stash including keyrings, stickers, hats, pens, and even a number plate from Nebraska. The best thing by far was the disco. We met a group of students from Kentucky and Texas, enjoying talking and sharing experiences. Overall, we met with people from Kentucky, Texas, Iowa, California, Pennsylvania, Singapore, and New Zealand at various stages throughout the competition. 

This was such a rewarding experience and we all agree it was one of the best weeks of our lives. We can recommend any student looking for a challenge to get involved in Future Problem Solvers. We were lucky enough to go all the way to the Global Finals and make some great friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Maybe next year, we try to go one step further!!

By Jasmine T and Amelia M (Year 8), Sophie W, James D and Lauren B(Year 9)

Write a Book in a Day

On Saturday, 23 August, two teams of students from Year 7 to Year 10 will plan, draft, edit and illustrate a novel in twelve hours. 

Also, as part of the Write a Book in a Day activity, we will be fundraising for the Kid's Cancer Project. This is an independent national charity supporting research into childhood cancer. 


Please support us as we take up this worthwhile adventure. You can donate to either of our two teams using the links below: 

The Graviolis

Big Bikkies

By Lucie Fitzgerald (Year 7) and Alexandra Yeates (Year 8)

Ethical Explorations Day 

This annual event proceeded on Wednesday, 4 June, with 130 students from twelve Sydney schools joining 26 Rosebank College students in a day committed to exploring Ethics and Identity. This year Daniel Finlay and John Neil from The Ethics Centre, worked with the College to develop the resources and facilitate the three sessions for the day. We are appreciative of their active support as we all seek to encourage young people to engage with ethical principles and consider how they can be advocates and future leaders in their communities to support open, respectful dialogue and sound ethical decision making.

Below are the reflections of two students involved in the day. 

Ethical Explorations Day is an opportunity for students in Years 9, 10 and 11 interested in ethics, philosophy, or how to be the best person they can be to engage with like-minded peers. It gives students an opportunity to connect with others from different schools around the Sydney area who have similar interests or opinions.

 

I especially enjoyed the second activity this year, where students worked in smaller groups to rank criteria for making the best and most ethical decision. It was fascinating to observe how others approached the task and to consider how their perspectives might have been shaped by their own experiences. The activity also challenged me to critically evaluate different viewpoints, identify gaps in their reasoning and use those insights to strengthen and refine my own arguments.

The third activity was challenging, requiring us to put ourselves into different circumstances and discuss our reflections amongst the whole group of students present. The challenge of this was to imagine how you would respond in the moment, as the more you thought about it, the less accurate your response would be compared to if you were actually in that situation.

Ethical Explorations Day offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on yourself, the world around you and how the two are connected. It allowed me to view issues from others’ perspectives and consider how their views align or differ from my own. It is a meaningful and engaging experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about taking part.

By Lachlan Restifa (Year 10)

One of the most memorable parts of the day for me was Session Three. In this session, we all came together for a walking debate, where we explored our ethical viewpoints in response to various video prompts. One video focused on a group chat in which a boy was being cyberbullied for creating a channel, while his closest friend remained silent and did not step in to support him. We were then guided through a series of thought-provoking questions, asking whether being a bystander in that situation could be considered the ethical choice.



This led to an in-depth discussion amongst everyone on where we stood on the issue. This was my favourite session as it allowed me to reaffirm my own personal morals and whether they prompted me to take ethical actions whilst also considering other possible actions raised by other students. I personally found these discussions insightful, and feel I have walked away from the day with a better understanding of who I am as a person and what I value. I highly recommend people to attend the day next year as it has been a highlight of my year so far.

By Allyra Dante (Year 10)

Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) 

A group of students from Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 have been preparing for the College to be represented in the state MUNA competition since the beginning of Term 1. In the first week of Term 2, Rosebank College was advised that they would represent Australia in the competition and were provided with the three resolutions to be debated on the day. After which the hard work began, with junior students from Years 7 and 8 supporting our three speakers; Rex Newman (Year 11), Kiera Yang (Year 9) and Imogen Yaw (Year 9).

We thank the Five Dock Rotary Club for their continued sponsorship of the College’s entry in this competition that combines elements of public speaking and debate, with diplomacy and a knowledge of the workings of the United Nations (UN) and an understanding of current events and geo-political positions of many member states of the UN. This year seventeen schools participated, representing a range of countries from all parts of the world. Below is a reflection from the student observer. 

The Model United Nations Assembly, hosted at the NSW parliament house was a place where future diplomats from across the state gathered and engaged in rigorous debate and refined policy formulation in an environment replete with educated individuals. Representing Australia, three students from Rosebank took part in this enriching experience, showcasing their skills in diplomacy, public speaking, and critical thinking.

The golden trio consisted of two Year 9 and a Year 11 student, who dedicated themselves to achieving excellence at the Model UN Assembly. Their presence elevated the discourse, merging youthful vigour with a seasoned acuity that both engaged and subtly amused their audience. “For my first time participating in Model UN, this has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my academic journey.” remarked one delegate, capturing the sense of wonder and excitement that defined the assembly. 

One of the most interesting sessions was the heated debate on the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. The exchange between the USA and Iranian delegations was a masterclass in diplomatic confrontation, as each side presented complex arguments with unwavering determination. They dissected policies, historical precedents and strategic imperatives with analytical precision, exposing the inherent contradictions in real-world international relations. 

As we reflect on the Rosebank team, each of us has developed new skills – a deep understanding of diplomacy, politics and knowledge that could lead to future opportunities in diplomacy and beyond. The halls of the NSW Parliament House may have echoed with debate today, but the lessons learned will stay with us for a lifetime. 

By An Nguyen (Year 7)

Chess Updates

Whilst chess coaching is available every term during PACE and Chess Club is offered in both breaks every Monday in Q103, Term 2 is the busiest term for Chess Competitions at the College. We are involved in the Metropolitan Secondary Schools Competition, the Sydney Catholic Schools Chess Conference and are planning for the one-day Terrey Shaw Memorial Shield Competition. Below is an update on all things Chess.



Lunchtime Club

This term the Chess Club has taken off with over thirty students turning up during both breaks every Monday, some to play social chess and some to receive some coaching from their more experienced peers. Games that are unfinished when the bell goes at the end of Break 1 remain set up ready to resume in Break 2. The Chess Club is not the quiet studious space you might expect, with lots of conversation and bantering as games are analysed and replayed to perfect openings, middle games and most challenging of all, how to finish off your opponent. All interested chess players from beginners to masters, are welcome to Q103, you can bring a friend or come along to see who is looking for a game. 

Metropolitan Secondary Schools Competition

The final round of this seven weeks of round-robin combination was completed on Friday, 20 June, with Rosebank’s four teams fighting to the last for a spot in the Term 3 knock-out rounds. Only first placed teams from the eight teams in each division go through to the knock-out rounds. The Rosebank Junior A Team; Rohan C, Oliver F, Dylan S, Liam R, Peter S and Richard I came a close second in their division.



SCS Chess Conference

On Wednesday, 11 June, Rosebank College entered four teams into the Sydney Catholic Schools Chess Conference 2, held between ten schools at Marist College Eastwood. We placed 4th in the Intermediate Division and 2nd, 4th and 6th in the Junior Division with Marist College proving the slightly better team in every result. The junior team of Oliver F, Dylan S and Mason L will move into the final of the SCS competition to be held at the College on Monday, 30 June. 



Terrey Shaw Shield

The Terrey Shaw Shield is a one day competition hosted by the NSW Junior Chess League, held in honour of Terrey Shaw, an International Master and an Australian Representative in nine Chess Olympiads, winning a gold medal in 1972. The competition will be held on Sunday, 17 September, hosted by Shore School in North Sydney. This is a big tournament with a variety of skill levels but because it operates as a Swiss tournament after the first round, computer-generated, successive rounds pair teams with teams of a similar skill level, ensuring engaging but challenging games for everyone. This is a great opportunity for inexperienced players to learn more about competitive chess in a supportive atmosphere. Chess players of all skill levels are invited to express interest in competing by contacting Ms McA via the email below or during Chess Club on a Monday.

Innovated 2025 Launch: A Call to Action!

Rosebank College is thrilled to announce the return of Innovated for 2025, launching in Term 3! This exciting opportunity invites students to explore any interest, passion, or big idea they want to develop into a project. Using PACE time in Term 3, students have the freedom to create something meaningful that reflects their personal interests.

The best part? All completed projects will be showcased in Term 4, and standout entries will have the chance to win prizes!

This year’s theme is “The world is changed by your actions, not your opinions”.

If you’re ready to make your mark, reach out to Ms McA via email or drop by the Diverse Learning Office in O’Block to pitch your idea. Don’t forget you must sign up through TASS to secure your spot.

Don’t just talk about change, create it.

Joon K & Annika M (Year 10) and Faye L & Kiera Y (Year 9)
A message from your InnovatED Student Organising Committee 

Cheryl McArthur
Gifted Education and iThink Teacher, EnrichED Program Facilitator
cmcarthur@rosebank.nsw.edu.au

This term, our Senior and Intermediate Theatresports Teams took to the stage in a high-pressure, high-energy competition against schools from across Sydney and the Hunter region. In an elimination-style format, where only the top teams progress, both Rosebank teams showcased creativity, humour and quick thinking.

The Senior Team, Arabella, Kevin, Olivia and Isabella —performed with flair at William Clarke College, conjuring bold characters with impressive accents and placing them in delightfully absurd scenarios. Despite their commitment and comedic timing, they narrowly missed out on progressing beyond the heats.



The Intermediate Team, Charlotte, Charlie, Sidnee, Daniel and Moses, faced intense competition at Tara Anglican School, advancing through four challenging rounds. Their strong teamwork and cleverly improvised scenes saw them earn a place in the Semi Finals at Sydney Boys High School, where they took 1st place and progressed to the prestigious Grand Final.



The Grand Final was held at the renowned Enmore Theatre, a stage that has hosted some of Australia’s most celebrated performers. For our students, stepping onto this iconic stage was a rare and exhilarating privilege. From waiting in the same dressing rooms as comedy and theatre greats to performing under the lights of such a historic venue, the experience was both inspiring and unforgettable. With the support of their spirited Rosebank cheer squad—decked out in sweatbands and full of energy—the team delivered a confident and entertaining performance, finishing in an impressive equal 5th place.

Both teams grew immensely in confidence, creativity and stage presence throughout the season. Their dedication, collaboration and courage were a true credit to themselves and the College and they represented Rosebank with enthusiasm and pride.

Canterbury Boys High Prefect Afternoon Tea

Last Wednesday, June 18, Matthew, Sophie and I attended the Canterbury Boys PAT. This was a great opportunity for us to meet other leaders among our year group and listen to the different ways that they are active in their school community.



We participated in several enjoyable activities, including an intense and competitive game of Musical Chairs. It was a fantastic opportunity to explore various leadership styles and connect with students from many different schools.

By Krystal Georgellis (Year 12)

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.