Principal's Report - 2018

PRINCIPAL’ S REPORT 2018

THANK YOU

KRB DROUGHT AWARENESS & FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

ABOVE KRB Drought Awareness & Fundraising Campaign: Boarders’ Raffle | Sports BBQ | 48 Hour Challenge

CONTENTS

4

From the Principal, Maureen Ryan

28

Junior School Leaders, Christian and Freya

8

From the Board Chair, Mark Sinclair

30

Director of Teaching & Learning, Nicola Dennis

COVER Director of Boarding, Anne-Maree Bennett and Head of Woodward House, Sarah Metcalfe with representatives from the Boarding School thanking the community

10

KRB Drought Awareness & Fundraising Campaign

32

Director of Boarding, Anne-Maree Bennett

16

Business Manager, John Dooley

34

Director of Students, Carrie Scanlan

18

Deputy Principal, Elizabeth Clark

36

Director of Mission, John Mooney

20

Head Girl (2017-2018), Lucy Roberts-Lovell

38

Director of Development, Mary Cook

22

Head Girl (2018-2019), Ella Cusack

42

Sacred Heart Mission, Sister Mary Shanahan RSCJ

24

Head of Junior School, Michelle Chaplin

44

President of Parents & Friends’ Association, Steve Caulfield

46

President of Sacré Coeur Association, Julie Ringler

2 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 3

Crossing frontiers speaks to us of doing something that evokes change, a quest for something new or different.

W

e have decided this year to produce this Principal’s Report in a very different way.

We have chosen a theme, ‘Crossing Frontiers’ and representatives from various areas of the community have responded to this theme.

Each has showcased how we have responded to a call that came from the General Chapter in 2016. This was made real in the celebration of St Rose Philippine Duchesne’s bicentennial and became our central theme in responding to the drought that is impacting so many of our Boarding families.

Crossing frontiers speaks to us of doing something that evokes change, a quest for something new or different. In crossing a frontier, it speaks of transformation. Sacred Heart education calls us to be transformative in nature and so we are very proud to share this report with you as we reflect upon and celebrate the 2018 school year.

In the General Chapter of 2016, the Society of the Sacred Heart provided us with four calls to respond to as we live out Mission in our schools.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL MAUREEN RYAN

1. to cross frontiers 2. to create silence 3. to be and act as one body and 4. to live more humanly Over the course of the year, the Society of the Sacred Heart has celebrated the Bicentennial celebration for St Rose Philippine Duchesne.

Philippine was born in 1769, she travelled from France to the United States of America in 1818 and she died in 1852.

Philippine was a woman of wisdom, a woman of courage and a woman of faith. She was known as the woman who prayed always. She had the determination to see a challenge and to respond with a sense of optimism and grit so it moved from a challenge to that of an opportunity.

4 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

She was committed to crossing frontiers.

Over this year we have been touched by the impact of the drought on so many of our Boarding families. As a School community, we decided that this was the frontier we wanted to cross together.

Many initiatives have been introduced to help raise money for a bursary for our boarding families who have been impacted. Some of these initiatives included the ‘buy a bale’ drive led by the students, whip cracking on the Noviceship lawn, beautiful cards created and sold by our Art students, donations were received. The school reviewed some of its costs and directed these funds into the bursary account and we led the 48 Hour Challenge where expenditure was matched or donations were provided.

In total, we have contributed $300,000 towards a bursary to help support our families.

This overwhelming support highlights what lies at the heart of our dynamic learning community. We are a community that feels the pain of others and responds in kind.

I am totally indebted to the community who have rallied to give their time, talents and generosity to help one area of our community who are hurting.

Madeleine Sophie said, “be humble, be simple and bring joy to others”. Our Sacred Heart tradition and spirit is alive and well at KRB. Much joy has been given to our families in need and much joy has been shared as we have come together as one body.

Like Philippine, who saw challenges as an opportunity for growth, we too have added so much value to our community this year and some new programs: All staff were asked to participate in a Culture Survey to ascertain where we can grow to be the best we can be. Culture starts with connections

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 5

and strong and overlapping interactions among all members of the community. These connections make us a dynamic community where all are valued and able to belong.

I have met with every staff member to help build relationships, one step at a time.

We hosted an outstanding International Sacred Heart conference with representatives from India, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Australia, United States of America and New Zealand.

We have considered ways of increasing our boarding value proposition by looking at opportunities to showcase events at the School via live streaming. As this facility grows and develops, our boarding families can have greater access to their daughter’s learning and living at KRB.

Sophia Education Ministries has been launched which will serve to ensure the Mission, governance and fiduciary responsibilities of our Sacred Heart schools are in accordance with our Sacred Heart philosophy.

We opened a new state-of-the-art learning facility in the Jean Marie Flynn Year 12 Learning Hub. This space will enable our young women to study in an environment that enables them to learn in different areas, reflecting how they learn best. It will help transition them to realise their potential as they learn from each other in a designated area that boosts collaborative learning and staff mentoring.

We celebrated a signed memorandum of understanding with Cranbrook School. This will enable our boys who seek a Year 7 enrolment at Cranbrook to be interviewed early in Year 5 and if accepted to Cranbrook, can complete their Year 6 studies here before transitioning to Cranbrook in Year 7.

We launched a new project, Growing Minds, which will effectively track the growth that is celebrated in each student from Year 5-8 in Mathematics and English. This helps celebrate and build upon student learning outcomes by highlighting the growth and levels of achievement throughout their KRB journey.

6 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

We have identified a need to streamline our communication by refining our learning platforms.

This will help build effective communication opportunities for staff and parents. This will be completed by Semester Two in 2019.

Finally, the greatest opportunity I have celebrated is due to each and every member of this community. I have been able to lead due to your overwhelming support and welcome. I am so very proud to lead this extraordinary community and I thank you for your feedback and support.

I commend the Leadership Team for their loyalty and support of me. I feel totally blessed to work alongside such professional and talented leaders.

I wish Michelle Chaplin, Head of the Junior School all the best as she leaves us at the end of the year.

I thank my EA, Michelle Lewis for all she has done to support me in my leadership and in my transition to KRB. To Mark Sinclair, Board Chair, and to all Directors

of the School Board, I offer my gratitude for your wise counsel. I thank you also for the faith you have in me in leading this school.

I thank Sister’s Mary Shanahan, Cec Amiet, and Diana Hayes who have had a regular presence in our school community this year. I too thank all RSCJ for your prayerful support of all members of our school. We really do walk shoulder to shoulder with you and it is a pleasure to share in this incredible ministry of education as we continue the Sacred Heart tradition that will transform the life experiences of so many young people.

I wish you all a very safe and holy Christmas shared with family, friends and loved ones. If you are travelling, I hope you return to us safely and I look forward to all 2019 will be for us.

In Corde Jesu Maureen Ryan Principal

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 7

To our Sacred Heart Educators who commit themselves daily to the care of our students, my heartfelt thanks.

FROM THE BOARD CHAIR MARK SINCLAIR

T

he process of reflecting on a year of dynamic change in a large, sophisticated organisation such as KRB is a daunting task. The School that my eldest daughter started at as a boarder in 1997, in purpose remains exactly the same, yet in many ways it is vastly different.

Expectations of parents, students, academic and support staff still align along familiar paths, yet the process of delivery is becoming more complex and demanding. I have stated publicly on numerous occasions that the decision that parents make to educate their precious sons and daughters in a certain educational facility remains a unique ‘rite of passage’ for all families.

As Chairman of the KRB Board, I am in a unique and privileged position to see how many moving parts make up and contribute to the success of this special place.

The 2017 HSC cohort returned such an outstanding academic result that KRB was recognised as the leading independent Catholic school in NSW. The work of our past Principal, Mrs Hilary Johnson-Croke, and her leadership over an extended tenure needs to be acknowledged. Her partnership with Board Chair, Bryan Curtin, produced an extended period of stability, enhanced academic achievement, a commitment to an overarching master-plan facility development and a broader engagement with the local community.

Bryan’s period as Board Chair saw in excess of $45M spent in capital works at the School. His tenure was marked with an enhanced Bursary program and creation of Board committees, which provided far greater oversight and sophistication especially in regards to financial management and governance. He led by example and the collegial and progressive nature of the Board and its meetings say much about Bryan as a human being.

He will have an enduring presence

8 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

at this School and his work cannot be understated.

enhance the KRB experience for our HSC students.

In January, our new Principal, Ms Maureen Ryan commenced in her role. Maureen’s appointment, after an extensive global search, was met with anticipation but her own unique belief in the value and quality of a Sacred Heart education would guide her from day one in her position. A significant tragedy confronted the School community in the first week of the New Year with the tragic death of Tamy Mobarrez and the injuries suffered

by Hamid and their son. Maureen, with great calmness and compassion, managed this tragedy on behalf of the KRB community and ensured that every possible support was engaged on the family’s behalf.

To the members of the Sacred Heart especially the Provincial, Sr Lynette Toohey and our RSCJ Board Director Sr Diana Hayes I both acknowledge and express my gratitude for their guidance and advice.

Throughout the year Maureen has displayed an outstanding level of leadership and motivation, engagement with all of the School’s stakeholders and a capacity to impart and live that special, educational charism that defines a Sacred Heart education. Maureen oversaw the opening of the Year 12 Learning Hub, named the ‘Jean Marie Flynn Year 12 Learning Hub’, which will further

To my fellow Board and Committee members I must record my own special thanks. Your personal belief in the value of what KRB does in such a unique way is both acknowledged and appreciated. To the staff that supports the Board and Committees including Michelle Lewis, Karen Dalrymple and the School’s Business Manager John Dooley, my personal appreciation is extended. To our Sacred Heart Educators who commit themselves daily to the care of our students, my heartfelt thanks.

May I take this opportunity on behalf of Judy and I to extend our warmest best wishes for the Christmas and holiday period and again acknowledge your involvement with KRB. Mark Sinclair Board Chair PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 9

KRB DROUGHT AWARENESS & FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN KRB Community Responds with Ingenuity and Compassion

O

ur heartfelt thanks to all who have supported the different initiatives organised in Terms 3 and 4, to raise awareness of the drought and to offer financial support for our country families.

Your generosity and enthusiasm have made all our efforts a success.

Your gifts are a celebration of the KRB spirit of care for each other, your support of each other in tough times and your desire to make a real difference.

It has been wonderful to see children from Kindergarten to Year 12, current and past parents, staff and alumnae coming together to help.

Over $300,000 has either been donated or contributed from: • The Appeal for Country Families which raised $127,000 • The 48 Hour Challenge which raised over $52,000 • School savings totalling over $96,000 • As well our boarders led by Sophie Barclay, Year 11 and Sophie Yabsley, Year 7 raised over $25,000 through a fantastic raffle.

Whatever area you have supported, and many have supported more than one initiative, we are deeply grateful.

Due to the support of so many, the School is now able to provide assistance to drought affected families, and can also offer more bursaries for the country families in 2019.

This assistance has been approved by the School Board.

Thank you to everyone who participated. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your support!

10 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 11

1

2

3

4

5

6

12 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

1. “If the result takes the pressure off one or more farming families or enables just one girl to complete her education then we’ve made a real difference.”

Angela & Andrew Noonan from ‘Toora’ Nevertire

4. “I will give up my dinner with my family and friends on that weekend to the value of $500.”

Tim Murphy, former parent & Chair of the Bursary Committee

2. “For the 48 Hour Challenge, I’d like to match the amount of money that I spend for my weekly groceries.”

Ella Hannon, Head Boarder

5. “I’m matching Tim Murphy with his pledge of $500 – who wants to match me?”

Maureen Ryan, Principal

3. “I’ll donate my pocket money to support the farmers.

I get pocket money for cleaning the car, doing the dishes and getting the water out of the fire pit.”

James Bustos-McNeil , Year 2 Red

6. Eliza Ball & Heather Morgan, Year 1 Red raised $300 from their garage sale.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 13

7

8

9

10

7. “The 48 Hour Challenge is a wonderful i nitiative and I will be donating the money I will be spending on Saturday afternoon out with friends.”

Sarah Metcalfe, Head of Woodward House/Senior Teacher 8. “Ashton and I will match what we spend on dinner together for our Wedding Anniversary.”

Tamie Waugh, Current KRB Parent “I will match the cost of my snow cone and gumball treat after Nippers on Sunday.”

Josie, Year 2 “I will wash Mum & Dad’s cars over the weekend and donate this money.”

Annabelle, Year 5

14 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

“I will match money spent being with friends at Bondi Beach on the weekend.”

Matilda, Year 7 9. “I have been driving a fair amount lately, trying to get my hours up as quickly as possible on my L’s.

Therefore, I have decided that for the 48 Hour challenge, I will donate $1 for each km I drive this weekend.”

Ella Cusack, Head Girl 10. “As a chocaholic and lover of the sugar hit, I am going to donate the money that I would spend on this obsession.”

David Thompson, Stage 3 Coordinator/Year 5 Teacher

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 15

FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER JOHN DOOLEY

K

RB’s support and operational staff continue to work skilfully and effectively to ensure every student can achieve their personal best. In 2018, the team delivered a number of projects and programs that enhanced and improved the schools facilities.

New Boarding staff accommodation for three staff and their families was completed in April. The accommodation is right next to the main Boarding House, so that the supervisors have immediate access to the students whenever required. Three prefabricated apartments made up of four modules were constructed in Victoria and road-trained to Sydney. In an extraordinary feat of engineering, the four major pieces were lifted by crane approximately 40 metres above Vaucluse Road, swung out across the grounds to above their final positions, then lowered 60 metres onto precisely constructed foundations. Creating onsite accommodation for Boarding staff is another example of KRB remaining true to its Vision ‘To provide a world class Sacred Heart education for our students in our iconic location’.

The Year 12 Learning Hub was opened in November and enjoyed by the Class of 2018 as they studied for their exams. The Hub offers a series of

16 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

spaces consisting of general learning areas, a multi-level amphitheatre, student common areas and facilities, meeting rooms, offices for staff and access to outdoor gardens. An internal refurbishment of the Year 9 Learning Space and the Library also commenced this year.

The IT team rolled out another suite of laptops or iPads to our students and continued to support the various learning programs that our students undertake.

The finance team continued to make it as easy as possible for parents to pay school fees by launching an automatic direct debit/credit charge facility.

Finally the risk and compliance area continues to ensure the school complies with the myriad of regulations that govern our sector in a pragmatic way.

John Dooley Business Manager

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 17

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL ELIZABETH CLARK

W

hole school professional learning has taken many different forms this year. Teachers have engaged in a combination of online learning opportunities, face-to-face delivery and workshops. Providing a safe school for our students has been a strong focus this year with staff engaged in courses in anaphylaxis and asthma management, First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, fire management and child protection.

From a curriculum focus, staff in the Junior and Senior Schools attended a seminar and workshop delivered by Association for Independent Schools consultant, Leanne Woodley focusing on Universal Design for Learning. These learning principles provide a structure that allows for effective differentiation within a classroom context. Following this presentation a cross-curricular and stages group of interested staff continued to refine their knowledge with a series of workshops in this area.

The School was privileged to host Dr Judith Locke for a whole staff seminar in August. She presented on the topic, ‘Why Parenting has Changed for Educators’ offering great insight into the demands of modern day life for families and how this impacts on the provision of effective academic care at KRB. Educators in our Early Learning Centre engaged in professional learning with consultant Niccy Buchan on the topic of nature kindergartens as their area of focus this year.

Working parties throughout the School have continued to engage in professional learning with external agencies in action based research projects. The Growing Minds and Elevate Exploring High Potential Learners were two significant projects involving staff throughout the School.

Changes in curricula across the School have prompted significant professional learning in areas such as Stage 1-3 Science and Technology and Stage 6 Mathematics and Science. The introduction of new courses at the HSC level such as Extension Science has also been a driver for professional engagement.

18 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

The School wishes to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all its staff. I would like to acknowledge the following staff who are leaving us at the end of 2018.

Andrea Arkstrom - Chemistry Teacher, Senior School Maureen Brian - Sacristan Michelle Chaplin - Head of Junior School Joanne Craig - English Teacher Senior School, Head of Sheldon House Billy Dixon - Student Services Officer, Senior School Hannah Falk - Junior School Teacher Dorothy Kass - Library Technician Damien Kowalcyzk - Sports Administrator Ellen Marlow - Religious Education Teacher, Senior School Sonia Munn - Head of Library (left at end of Term 3) Julian Noel - Database Administrator Maggie Swan - Acting Head of Library Asimakis Tsomis - HSIE Teacher Senior School Diane Wilson - Junior School Teacher Elizabeth Clark Deputy Principal

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 19

STUDENTS CROSSING FRONTIERS

FROM THE HEAD GIRL (2017-18) LUCY ROBERTS-LOVELL

‘T

o cross a frontier’ can mean many different things: in an academic sense, it can be the long and arduous journey that is the HSC. In a social sense, it is learning to forego individual boundaries to connect with others, overcoming our own fears and anxieties along the way. And for a community, it is coming together in a manner that embraces difference and diversity, forming a loving and caring environment of support. In all these ways, both physical and figurative, KRB has truly crossed frontiers this year.

For us Year 12 students, this year we have faced perhaps one of the most daunting challenges of our high school careers - the HSC. And while there have definitely been trials, tribulations and many tears along the way, the most important lesson we have learnt is that we are not alone on our journey. From setting up a resource sharing site for exchanging notes, to group study sessions during study week, the frontier of the HSC is one that we have faced as a united cohort. Support has also come from teachers and students, with Year 11 putting on a delicious post trials lunch for Year 12 that boosted our morale significantly. We also had the opportunity to use the wonderful study space of the new Year 12 Learning Hub as we battled out the last few weeks of HSC examinations.

Overcoming individual boundaries and learning to embrace vulnerability to meaningfully connect with others in the community is incredibly important in establishing a sense of belonging.

Events such as the Year 12 Retreat, which saw us writing letters to Year

7 Students and having candid conversations with our new Principal Maureen Ryan, definitely enabled this connection. Initiatives by the student leadership team such as the new vertical house pastoral groups - which combined girls from different years for activities every fortnight - allowed age gaps to be overcome and new friendships formed. For me, one of the highlights of my year as a leader was the opportunity to address the senior school at assemblies. During one of these speeches, I spoke of the importance of vulnerability in leadership, telling the story of my own journey at KRB. The support and acceptance my address was met with was amazing, and personally allowed me to connect with others who could empathise with my story.

Perhaps the most visible and important part of crossing frontiers is gathering together as a school community, united in a common goal. We have had this opportunity in various occasions throughout the

year; Opening Mass, the Inauguration of Ms Ryan and the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals. But my personal favourite of the year was Sacred Heart Day. A beautiful mass allowed many facets of our school to be celebrated, and the assembly - complete with House choral performances - demonstrated how students working together results in a wonderful final product. Finally, the fete saw all members to the school community - from the very youngest, up to the elderly - engage in an afternoon of fun and food in a way that truly showcased the ability of our community to cross boundaries by coming together. Overall, it has been the most amazing year on an individual, social and community level, and I am honoured to have been able to lead KRB as we crossed these frontiers together.

Lucy Roberts-Lovell Head Girl

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 21

STUDENTS CROSSING FRONTIERS

FROM THE HEAD GIRL (2018-19) ELLA CUSACK

I

n this bicentennial year, students at KRB have made a more conscious effort to ‘cross frontiers’ in day to day life. As a school we were led tremendously well by the newly graduated Class of 2018, so in applying for leadership as a Year 11 cohort we were slightly daunted at the prospect of attempting to do the same. The application of leadership was definitely an example of a challenge we had to embrace and navigate through. The experience taught resilience and determination but most importantly forced us to reflect upon how we want to be leaders, official positions aside.

To support the Year 12s facing the HSC, we came together as a year to lead initiatives such as Wellness Week. Our theme this year was ‘grit’, the KRB Kommandos guiding the KRB Kadets through daily challenges in the hopes of teaching new skills that could potentially be applied when facing future hurdles in the year to come. Next came Drought Week, a completely new and highly successful initiative ran by the boarding school in an effort to support our KRB rural community. To have full student body events with such high participation and enthusiasm really captures how together as a community we have embraced such challenges in 2018.

Another highlight for me personally had to be the introduction of the Class of 2019’s theme for leadership: ‘The inKRediBles’. This theme in embraces strengths and weaknesses and celebrates the diversity of our student body. Since receiving our red ribbons, as Year 12’s, we have strived to create an environment where everyone can discover what makes them incredible and challenge themselves to share it with the entire community. This ‘inKRediBle’ ethos was really seen in action, when 30 girls pledged to participate in the ‘KRB Girls Cut Curls’, Cancer Council fundraiser in Term 4. Superbly started and ran by Daisy Parmenter, and whole heartedly supported by our entire year group and the wider school community, this event, really summarised what it meant to be a KRB girl this year. Such displays of unconditional support and passion for the wellbeing of others, are the essence of St Philippine Duchesne’s mission, a mission that wasvery much present in the lives of all students in this bicentennial year at KRB.

Ella Cusack Head Girl 22 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 23

FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL MICHELLE CHAPLIN

2

018 has been a remarkable year for the Junior School as we have forged ahead crossing new frontiers and extending our journey of learning for the future, building on the foundation stones of our KRB Sacred Heart Education.

Parent Communication The crumpled up school note or school excursion permission letter that lives at the bottom of a student’s school bag next to the old vegemite sandwich and squashed banana is a thing of the past in the Junior School. In 2018, we introduced online permission slips and excursion notices. This has resulted in improved efficiency, quicker turnaround times and more time for teachers to focus on teaching and learning activities.

Student Feedback This year, the Junior School has been rethinking and transforming the way student feedback and academic reporting is done. The goal of focusing on student growth and mapping skills on a continuum rather than a static grade or mark is gaining more and more momentum.

Junior School Individualised Student Profiles (developed by Elevate project team) help guide teachers in selecting the most appropriate personalised learning tasks and methods of feedback, whilst student goal setting now places more emphasis on growth and enhancing a growth mindset rather than a standardised feedback

24 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

and reporting system. Regular feedback to parents each term, a three way conference in Term 3 and greater information around student work programs has increased our student to teacher to parent interactions and communications. The use of the ‘Seesaw App’ in K-2 has meant students can share in real time what they are doing with their parents!

Teachers crossing frontiers of professional learning Teachers from Kindergarten to Year 6 have been planning and implementing the ‘7 Steps to Writing Success’ program. Students have engaged in exciting writing opportunities where they have been refining their skills as lifelong communicators and developing a love of writing. The program isolates the skills of writing into seven key steps, from Sizzling Starts to Exciting Endings, giving students a strong understanding of the different aspects involved in composing quality texts.

During Semester 2, the focus of professional learning shifted to Mathematics curriculum and pedagogy. Teacher development was a product of current research from key players in education globally, including Peter Sullivan, Anita Chin and John Hattie. We set off with the goal of ensuring every Mathematics lesson provided a challenging, engaging and authentic learning experience that is rich in differentiation.

Students challenged to ‘have a go’ Students are constantly challenged to cross the frontiers of their own perceptions and limitations with their learning. They are regularly asked to not only acquire new knowledge and skills but are extended to applying them through using their problemsolving and cooperative work habits.

• Passion Projects (Year 2) • National History Challenge (Year 4) • Innovation Day (Year 6) • Field of Studies (Years 5 and 6) • Commonwealth Games Week/ NAIDOC Week – project based learning initiatives

These programs empower students to take charge of their own learning and build on their capabilities and competencies.

The Library and Science and Technology units were the basis for many STEM learning opportunities for our students this year, with; • ‘Design and Make’ tasks • GROK challenges • Robotics • Spheros • Solar cars • Coding • 3D printing

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 25

Kindergarten crosses new frontiers A stronger enquiry based approach in Kindergarten allowed KRB to connect more closely with the Reggio Emilia and Bush Schools philosophy whilst ensuring the students begin their formal year of schooling being taught literacy and mathematical skills.

Kindergarten students have embraced the inquiry approach to learning. They have integrated subjects to give real life meaning to learning and to follow their students’ curiosity and enthusiasm. This provides a good transition from the Reggio Emilio philosophy adopted in the Early Learning Centre. The students are in charge of their own learning and can find answers to questions which excite them.

26 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

In Term 1 the Kindergarten students entered the jungle classroom by ducking under the green leafy camouflage net, whilst watching out for slithering snakes, terrible tigers and scary spiders. The students became experts on an animal of their choice, asking questions and researching to find the answers. They scanned QR codes to independently find answers.

They recorded against a green screen, with lions chasing in the background.

They approached STEM challenges such as building a doorway tall enough for a giraffe and designing a town for wild cats and people to live together. They went on safari into the depths of the KRB jungle to explore.

During Term 2 Kindergarten investigated how they have grown and changed. First they built time travel machines, remembering the past, present and future buttons. Then they crossed new frontiers and travelled back in time to identify and sequence events in their lifetimes.

In Term 3 the students explored what makes the perfect playground, linking Science, materials and their properties; English – reading books on the environments, writing descriptions of the playground, persuasive writing to Mrs Chaplin, why we should have the perfect playground.

This approach to curriculum eases the students into the Junior School

creating a love of learning and school, that will set them up to be successful learners throughout their schooling.

Social Justice Initiatives The Sacred Heart focus goal for 2018 ‘A Social Awareness Which Impels to Action’ was put into practice by our enthusiastic Junior School students through numerous Social Justice initiatives. During Religious Education lessons, students learnt about many Social Justice issues, as well as generously contributing donations and helping others.

The focus this year across the Junior School has been on Refugees, indigenous communities, the drought and our own Helping Hearts fund.

From collecting school shoes to envelope donations the Junior School has been a hive of events and activities that not only raise money but awareness and grow our Cor Unum spirit.

KRB Junior School students demonstrated compassion and great Cor Unum spirit in helping those in the wider community and “crossing frontiers”.

“Preach by example of your lives rather than by words. Example is the very best sermon.”

St Philippine Duchesne Michelle Chaplin Head of Junior School

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 27

FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL LEADERS CHRISTIAN LANGLEY & FREYA MCKINLEY-ROWE

I

n Year 6 this year, we have crossed many frontiers both inside and outside of the school grounds. Year 6 have had many opportunities throughout the year, such as camp, visits from famous basketball players and so much more.

The students of Year 6 have proudly represented KRB outside of school in Saturday sport, IPSHA and leadership camp. We have been preparing for Senior School and are excited to explore our lives as teenagers.

Year 6 have also been taking big leaps in filling our leadership roles. These roles have challenged

I

t has been a great responsibility to have been voted Junior School Captain for 2018, and I have felt so proud of this achievement. This year has brought so many memories, learning curves and all-round fun. For a lot of us, our first experience at Barat Burn (Junior School) was a ‘KRB Information Morning’ – for me that was when I was four-years-old. We all loved our first experience so much, and we were all so excited to start at this beautiful school.

Fast forward to 2018…As I look around, some of my four-year-old friends are still KRB friends today. Others have moved on, and taken their Cor Unum spirit with them. Year 6 has been a year of crossing frontiers. But what does this even mean? To us, this can be defined as trying harder or going further than we normally do. We are encouraged to get outside of our comfort zone.

For example, we are not allowed to use rubbers in art. Can you believe that? This has taught us to have faith in ourselves and to be comfortable making mistakes. This will prepare us for life after KRB Junior School.

28 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

us and helped us to cross new personal frontiers with different committees preparing many special events at KRB. This year we have learnt many new skills, including having the will to reach out to others and strive to work as one team. For us, school is never boring, it’s never a chore, it is a place of fun and learning where everyone is accepted and encouraged to cross frontiers and enjoy themselves.

Christian Langley Junior School Captain

There are so many opportunities for us to cross frontiers at Barat Burn. Everything from maths challenges, poetry competitions, public speaking, swimming and athletics carnivals, musicals, coding, peer support, da Vinci, Field of Studies, Tournament of Minds, debating – the learning never ends.

We will also take some of the most amazing memories with us. Who could forget Lauren and Ava at camp dressed up in toilet paper as the Ugly Stepsisters, the Year 5 teachers’ dance moves in Bathurst, and day-to-day life in the Year 6 classroom? There are so many funny memories, I don’t know where to stop. KRB has taught me to always have a go and try your best. We have so many amazing opportunities, and it’s the most fun when you’re part of it.

Our Barat Burn journey has been filled with friendship, Cor Unum spirit, a love of learning and a desire to strive for excellence and we feel so lucky to be part of the KRB family.

Freya McKinley-Rowe Junior School Captain PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 29

CROSSING FRONTIERS IN TEACHING & LEARNING

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING NICOLA DENNIS

Growing Minds Project 2017-2018

K

incoppal-Rose Bay has been crossing significant frontiers as part of a two year School Based Research Project called ‘Growing Minds’, which has been supported and funded by the AISNSW. This project has sought to reform assessment and reporting of student achievement, and subsequently, learning and teaching pedagogy. Assessment and reporting have traditionally reported a student’s achievement against a set of standards and criteria at one, often unrelated, place in time. We want to move to a model of assessing and reporting an individual student’s growth in learning in terms of where they currently exist on a continuum of learning or ‘proficiency map’ (G Masters, ACER, 2016). In moving to this model, we need to have clear and consistent indicators as to where a student is placed in their personal learning continuum and where they need to go next; we need to develop and test a ‘proficiency map’ of what long-term progress looks like in a learning domain.

Our project has involved students in Years 5-8 and focused on Mathematics and English. The project team included teachers from Stage 3 in the Junior School, Mathematics and English teachers from the Senior School and members of the Leadership Team. Throughout this project we have been advised and guided by our mentors Frances Eveleigh and Chris Freeman from the Australian Council for Education Research. They have been an invaluable resource and support for the research project work.

As a result of this project, we have developed an assessment and reporting model that will allow us to identify, articulate, map and report student growth in learning, using a scale and learning progressions.

Curriculum This year there has been ongoing work by many faculties in both programming and implementing new syllabi.

New HSIE syllabus directions focus on global issues of significance; water scarcity, climate change and inequality.

Within the framework of social awareness students are learning about natural processes and human interactions that informs and enables them to make decisions based on facts. Classwork is well guided by Sacred Heart tradition.

It is based on inquiry that is knowledgeable, balanced and respectful. In the current world of disruptive technologies, the goal of respect for intellectual values and wise response is essential and most relevant. Students can link academic knowledge to current media discussion to discern fact and spin.

A new HSC course, Science Extension, has attracted a small group of girls. This course integrates aspects of philosophy, through investigating the history of ideas; further development of research and data analysis skills; and the critical evaluation of new ideas, discoveries and

30 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

current scientific research. They design and conduct their own scientific research, potentially with a university mentor, and produce a detailed scientific report that should be publishable in a scientific journal. This report will then be available to them for the first-ever online HSC examination next year.

The full implementation of the Year 5 and 6 Band Programs has given all students the opportunity to learn an instrument in a group situation as part of the Curriculum music studies.

This has been a very long term challenge that we have now navigated.

The inaugural two day Year 7 STEM Conference allowed students to develop a social awareness of environmental issues facing the world currently, and offered them practical solutions to address and combat these. Students were able to investigate wind turbines, load-bearing bars, how to mould thermoplastics and devise creative ways to recycle plastic bags. Being able to use the physical and intellectual resources from the Technology and Mathematics departments was a bonus, as it enabled the girls to construct better models for testing and appreciate that their outcomes depended on team work and disparate skills.

Some students designed the ‘Boomerang Bag’ creating opportunities to reduce plastic usage and waste. Through this learning, students have been impelled to action and as a result, Year 10 Design & Technology students prepared resources for young refugees in the Auburn Diversity Centre to make their own Boomerang Bags in Term 1. Year 7 and 10 Design & Technology students are also making an additional 150 Boomerang Bags in Term 4 to donate to the Christmas appeal.

Nicola Dennis Director of Teaching & Learning PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 31

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF BOARDING ANNE-MAREE BENNETT

Our Boarding Community

T

his year, the NSW drought has highlighted the significant frontiers that a large proportion of our KRB community have had to cross, and the grit they have demonstrated in doing so.

The boarders’ social awareness was heightened by the plight of the KRB country families, and they responded with tremendous courage and determination to put awareness into action. What started as a raffle initiative grew into a momentous series of awareness and fundraising events that will have a lasting impact and legacy for the KRB community beyond 2019. The Boarders’ Drought Awareness Week was a wonderful way to share NSW country traditions and spirit with the day school students and staff. The boarders have come to understand that individual enterprise can mobilise a community, that age is no barrier to collective endeavours, and that passion and commitment can inspire others to action. Leadership isn’t always the domain of the elected leaders who wear a badge or the older girls in the group, the KRB Boarders know that those with great passion and cause can lead the way, and traverse new frontiers.

Social justice initiatives extended to the girls’ care for the environment.

This included our inaugural KRB waste audit, led by Nurse Jo Drummond and the Year 7 boarders, and the subsequent educational and effective waste management planning that came from the audit will benefit the whole school community. Additionally, boarders are undertaking to use less water, and to recycle plastic and paper, use disposable bamboo

32 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

instead of plastic cutlery and replace plastic bags and cups with sustainable alternatives.

Awareness of others also extended to peer relations in the boarding houses, working on building friendships with facilitator Joanna Kolowski, and on developing meaningful relations with male and female friends in a series of social events with Knox Grammar, Riverview, Kings, Kambala, St Catherine’s, Ascham, Scots and Cranbrook. Building community extends beyond KRB’s walls.

Hosting international students from sister schools in Vienna, Graz, Mexico City and Seattle has opened the girls to different cultural perspectives and opportunities. Country NSW visits and KRB gatherings in Dubbo, Warren, Griffith and Wagga Wagga, and

Boarding Schools Expos, attended by the Director of Boarding and Head of Admissions, enhanced our relations with current and prospective boarding families and communities.

Boarding In-Weekends and Boarder term time Masses, also helped to foster community and develop boarders’ leadership skills and spiritual life. Additionally, regular opportunities to visit the pool or gym, engage in espacio, yoga or meditation, go on a Sunday outing, or engage in Friday and Saturday night recreational activities, like baking and gift making, illuminated the importance of wellbeing for every boarder in our community.

Anne-Maree Bennett Director of Boarding PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 33

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS CARRIE SCANLAN

Educating Hearts and Minds

T

his year’s bicentennial year for Philippine Duchesne RSCJ has called us to cross frontiers in the way we educate and care for our Sacred Heart students. Central to Sacred Heart education is ensuring all students are cared for and wellsupported to achieve their best. At Kincoppal–Rose Bay we are focused on the whole student – educating both the Heart and the Mind as our motto Cor Unum suggests.

This year’s Academic Care focus has been on the development of grit and resilience. Influenced by American psychologist Angela Lee Duckworth, the KRB Pastoral Team have focused on increasing the persistence shown by our students. Reinforcing the importance of social networks for support, all students have participated in a range of presentations, workshops, activities and seminars to increase their awareness of the need for resilience and grit.

In August of 2018, we held a very successful Wellness Week, which promoted a sense of connection and well-being for our students from ELC-Year 12. Wellness Week is a crucial component of the Academic Care program at KRB, where student wellbeing becomes the focus. This year’s emphasis was on challenges and the importance of facing obstacles with determination and courage. The 2018-2019 Student Leadership Committee organise the week; devising activities to increase awareness around mental health and the importance of strong support networks when facing challenges. The week reinforces the importance of well-being and the need for a strong sense of purpose for each and every KRB student.

To better meet the needs of our parents and students, Dr Judith Locke was the speaker at the Academic Care Professional Development Day on 31 August. The focus of the day was to enhance staff’s understanding of the realities for young people in the 21st century, and to provide strategies for staff to best meet the needs of our students. Dr Locke was very impressed with what is already occurring at KRB, but also provided our staff with some clear strategies and guidelines of how to best support the students in our care.

Carrie Scanlan Director of Students

Our focus goal for 2018, ‘A social awareness which impels to action’ has enabled us to hold many awareness raising events, which assists to develop students as responsible individuals who are capable of contributing meaningfully to society.

The Student Leadership Committee has prioritised the importance of bonding our community through a range of activities in 2018. Vertical Pastoral was a new initiative in 2018 which saw students from all year groups come together for Pastoral to connect, engage and develop peer relations.

34 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 35

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION JOHN MOONEY

In response to the call of the General Chapter 2016, the school has made reflective silence (espacio) part of every mass and assembly.

Mission and New Frontiers

T

he Mission of the School has been developed in several areas in 2018.

As the year celebrated the Bicentenary of the landing of Sister Philippine Duchesne RSCJ in the USA, great emphasis was given to increasing the awareness of the heroic nature of this woman of wisdom and how much she can teach us about the love of the Sacred Heart.

There have been formal programs created by the Religious Education Department (Junior and Senior) to teach about Philippine; staff have had Formation to Mission on the work and vision of Philippine; and staff delivered a paper at the ANZNetwork Conference in New Zealand on the correspondence between Philippine and Madeleine Sophie Barat. A day of Service along with a video highlighting what the school (students, staff, alumnae and parents) does for Social Justice was a significant part of our celebration.

In response to the call of the General Chapter 2016, the School has made reflective silence

36 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

(espacio) part of every mass and assembly. It is also offered to students on a daily basis just before lunch. Students have been trained to lead the school in Espacio.

The School gained greater insight into the Mission and Vision of the Society of the Sacred Heart by hosting the ASIANZ Conference. This has challenged the school to become aware of its place within the Society located throughout Asia.

Further understanding of the nature and work of the Society was offered to staff on their Retreat day with a panel of RSCJ’s offering insight into their life and mission.

New student initiatives for Social Justice were realised. Students organised a group of student performing artists to entertain our Sisters of the Society living in aged care and, to a most impressive degree, students led the school into an awareness of the drought facing many of our farming families and raised much needed funds.

John Mooney Director of Mission PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 37

Development

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT MARY COOK

I

n 2018 the School continued to maintain connections with all members of the community. New parents met the Principal, Board members and Leadership Team members at one of two Principal’s Dinners and heard about the vision for the School. The Parents’ & Friends’ Association also welcomed new families to KRB at the Cocktail Party in February.

On 25 May, RSCJ, current and past parents, Board members and alumnae were able to meet the new Principal, at her Inauguration Mass and Afternoon Tea. There were many other opportunities provided for families to connect with others in the KRB community in 2018. These included five family masses, followed by morning tea. Alumnae who are current parents also met together for a morning in March. The school held two well-attended functions for grandparents and special friends of Year 5 and 7 students and for ELC students.

Family The importance of mothers and the significant role they play in every child’s life was highlighted at the Junior School Mothers’ Day Breakfast and Celebration and the Senior School Mother Daughter Luncheon.

At the luncheon, parent Kate Gerathy and student Bella Lamaro spoke on the special relationship between mothers and daughters. Similar events were held for fathers, including the Junior School Fathers’ Day Breakfast and Celebration and the Senior School Father Daughter Dinner. At the dinner 15 Year 12 fathers were acknowledged for their association for ten or more years as day parents or six years as boarding fathers.

The Father Daughter Dinner in September was one of the first events where the families of Year 12 2018 students were acknowledged.

This was followed by the Year 12 Mothers’ Lunch in September, where

38 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

14 mothers were acknowledged for being day parents for ten years or more or boarding parents for six years or more. The Year 12 students were farewelled at the Vale Mass, Graduation Ceremony and Lunch in September. They, along with their families and friends, then celebrated their graduation from KRB at the Ball in November.

The Warren Regional Gathering in May was an opportunity to connect with regional families and to meet prospective families. Approximately 70 guests attended. As well, school representatives visited Beijing and Shanghai in September and met with current and prospective families.

Past students Past students have been involved in many areas and events this year. We were delighted that Edwina Pickles (1994) was guest speaker at the Student Leadership Inauguration Ceremony in July. Edwina was awarded the United Nations Association of Australia Media Peace Award for Best Photojournalism Award in 2015, for her photography taken inside the world’s largest refugee camp in Kenya, where she focused

on issues facing women and children.

At the ceremony, she spoke of the opportunities her KRB education had given her.

The Sacré Coeur Association High Tea was an opportunity for alumnae and past parents to meet the new Principal, who was interviewed by alumna, Jane King (1994). Many alumnae and friends also came to the Card Day, organised by the Sacré Coeur Association of NSW in July. As well, alumnae from the Rose Bay and Kincoppal classes of 1938 to 1968 attended ‘Sandwiches and Song’ in October, a joint function of the Development Office and the Sacré Coeur Association. The Sacré Coeur Association also organised a wonderful Spring Reunion Long Lunch at Orange, in September.

The Memorial Mass for relatives of deceased alumnae, staff and RSCJ was held in May. This Mass was a special opportunity for family and friends to come together to pray for deceased members of their families.

Kincoppal-Rose Bay supported a number of reunions of different year groups in 2018. The classes of 1968, 1988, 1993 and 1998 had a tour of PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 39

the School as part of their reunions and appreciated seeing the new developments that had taken place since their time at school.

Supporting KRB – Bursary Program & Indigenous Program Awareness of others and supporting each other have been key factors in the support the School has received for a number of programs. A number of our families are continuing to support the Sister Philomene Tiernan RSCJ Bursary. We are also very grateful to Denise Dunphy (Rose Bay, 1965) who has decided to donate a second bursary, the Dunphy Foundation Sister Philomene Tiernan RSCJ Bursary for a student beginning in 2019.

Alumnae, parents and friends also showed strong support for the 2018 Annual Giving Program and over $79,000 was raised for the Bursary and Indigenous Programs.

40 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

The annual KRB Rugby Lunch on 22 June at the Westin Hotel was attended by 400 guests, and another opportunity to support the Bursary Program. Vince Sorrenti was an outstanding MC and Olympic Sudoku player Mick Colliss gave entertaining reflections on competing in the Olympics Sudoku competition. $140,000 was raised for the KRB Bursary Fund.

Support for our country families who are struggling financially due to the drought was a major focus in 2018 and parents, alumnae, students and staff came together to raise awareness and financial support. The initiative by boarders Sophie Barclay, from Nyngan and Sophie Yablsey from Girilambalone started with a raffle, and developed into a strong fundraising drive to support country families who are experiencing extreme difficulty. The raffle raised over $25,000 and the Appeal for Country Families raised $127,000.

The campaign for the drought culminated in the 48 Hour Challenge on the weekend of 17 and 18 November, marking the bicentennial of Philippine Duchesne RSCJ, who founded the first Sacred Heart School in the USA. She faced enormous challenges in crossing these frontiers.

The KRB community was asked to match the monies spent that weekend with a donation to the 48 Hour Challenge or instead of spending that money, donate it to the Challenge.

Over $52,000 was raised.

These donations, combined with a contribution from the school of $90,000 has meant that over $300,000 has been raised. Due to the support of so many, the School is now able to provide assistance to drought affected families, and can also offer more bursaries for the country families in 2019.

Supporting KRB – Building Programs Many members of the KRB community have also supported the building programs. Over $2.8million has been donated towards the Jean Marie Flynn Year 12 Learning Hub by approximately 90 donors (as of November 2018). As well, over $29,000 was raised in the 2018 Annual Giving Program towards the Learning Hub. The Hub will be called the Jean Marie Flynn Year 12 Learning Hub, after Jean Marie Adams Flynn (Rose Bay, 1925). A very significant donation was made by Mr Tim Eakin, Executor and representative of the Estate of Vincent John Adams Flynn. The Year 12 Learning Hub is named to acknowledge Jean Marie Flynn, and to celebrate both excellence and achievement.

The Hub was opened on 23 November 2018 by Mr Bryan Curtin, former Board Chair of Kincoppal– Rose Bay School. The MC for the event was Ella Cusack, Head Girl 2018-2019. Former Principal Hilary Johnston-Croke read a Blessing which was followed by the Blessing of the Hub by Mons. Tony Doherty AM. Board Chair Dr Mark Sinclair responded to Mr Curtin’s speech and this was followed by the unveiling of the plaque by Mr Christopher Flynn, son of Jean Flynn. Mr Terry Mahady, consultant and former Board member, cut the ribbon and guests were then able to tour the Hub Funds also continue to be raised for the Junior School Masterplan.

Mary Cook Director of Development

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 41

FROM THE SACRED HEART MISSION SR MARY SHANAHAN RSCJ

Sacred Heart Mission

M

y role centres around mission which is the foundation of a Sacred Heart school. This brings me into contact with parents who choose to be part of prayer groups which enable them to continue to grow in their understanding of faith related.

There are two groups of parents, one meeting in the morning and the other in the evening to ensure that there is a possibility of finding a suitable time for those who are interested. Each group develops differently but in both each person is committed to developing both heart and mind which is characteristic of Sacred Heart philosophy of education. The books on which the reflection is based vary from being specifically theological /scriptural such as Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time by Marcus Borg or Falling Upwards by Richard Rohr, a spiritual guide for getting older. The discussions can move to issues which touch their immediate lives. A third group which began when the members were KRB parents has continued for the past eighteen years and as past parents they maintain a strong link

42 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

with the school as parents and even grandparents of students.

My involvement with students is through membership of the Mission committee and the occasional visit to the Junior School (Barat Burn); sharing in the weekly prayer of the Eucharistic ministers and when possible visiting the students at the Early Learning Centre. With the majority of the students my ministry is mainly through presence, smiling as we pass in the corridors, attending Assembly and any presentations such as drama performances and choir concerts.

As a member of the Mission Committee I meet weekly with the Director of Mission and look at ways of carrying out decisions made at the committee. In this way I contribute to the development of Sacred Heart spirituality in the life of the school and to a deepening of the philosophy of education which was left us by Madeleine Sophie and which has been deepened by successive generations of Sacred Heart educators.

Sister Mary Shanahan RSCJ PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 43

FROM THE PRESIDENT OF PARENTS & FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION STEVE CAULFIELD

Parents & Friends’ Helping to Shape KRB

T

he KRB Parents & Friends’ Association (P&F) began in 1971 as a result of both schools coming together to form KRB as we know it today. The association since that time has worked to promote and foster the interests of the School, the students, the teaching staff, administration, School Board and parents/carers in a cooperation to achieve common ends.

These beginnings and ensuing years have seen the P&F cross its own frontiers in bringing together the communities of both schools and now the communities of day and boarding families to allow each to understand their specific needs.

The P&F with the help of the wider KRB community, has raised funds to help the school with equipment and facilities. In the last few years this has allowed the school to receive a new bus, the outfitting of Café 135 and recently the upgrade of the sound system in the chapel. These initiatives as well as many others have allowed the school and its community to continue growing.

The P&F likes to provide and encourage opportunities for parents/guardians and friends of the School to meet socially and to become better acquainted with the goals of a Sacred Heart education. It does this in many forms,

44 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

especially the Welcome Cocktail Party, held in Term 1, to welcome all the new parents/guardians along with the current ones to an enjoyable evening in the school grounds. This happened so well in 2018 with a balmy night, a spectacular venue along with a crowd of approximately 400 setting the scene for new frontiers. The new parents/guardians began their journey in the KRB community and the current ones joined to welcome our Principal.

The P&F is always providing forums to offer opportunities for parents/guardians and school representatives to discuss matters, in an atmosphere of cooperation, relating to the education and development of students. This allows all parties to have productive discussions and foster a better understanding of each other’s needs.

The KRB P&F will continue to cross its own frontiers as well as assist the school in crossing theirs, to allow this wonderful school to continue its path and objectives.

Steve Caulfield President P&F

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 45

FROM THE PRESIDENT OF SACRÉ COEUR ASSOCIATION JULIE RINGLER

Sacré Coeur Association

F

ostering the spirit of Cor Unum, a sense of belonging and strong community beyond the school gates is the aim of the Sacré Coeur Association, KRB’s alumnae association.

In 2018, the SCA has been inspired by St Philippine Duchesne to ‘cross frontiers’.

The first frontier is connection. How can we connect with alumnae spanning 80 years? From the recently graduated Class of 2018 to our cherished alumnae from 1938?

Social media (Facebook and Instagram) is providing unprecedented opportunities for alumnae to engage and connect in real time with the SCA, KRB and each other wherever they are in the world.

The second frontier is engagement. What are programs and events that will engage a broader range of alumnae, especially our younger alumnae?

In 2018, events and initiatives continued to be an important way we build a welcoming, connected, inclusive and caring community.

• At High Tea on the Harbour Terrace we welcomed KRB Principal Maureen Ryan.

RSCJs, alumnae, past and current parents and students attended including nine past Presidents of the SCA and two former World Presidents.

• We were excited to welcome our youngest alumnae, the Class of 2018, to the SCA at a Morning Tea in their honour. We told them this is a community to which they will always belong.

• It was a privilege to welcome back to KRB some of our oldest alumnae (those who left school 50 years or more) at Sandwiches and Song. They enjoyed Morning Tea with granddaughters and nieces, a beautiful Liturgy in the Chapel, performances by the incredibly talented Year 11 soloists and speaking with student leaders over lunch.

We thank these alumnae for generously supporting the SCA Raffle for KRB’s Drought Appeal.

champagne and chicken sandwiches!) for alumnae, past parents, current grandparents and friends of KRB. Profits from the day were donated to the KRB Bursary Fund.

• We loved travelling to the Central West for the Spring Reunion Long Lunch to gather with country alumnae and past parents from across NSW and across generations, many who are enduring the drought.

• At the Memorial Mass, we celebrated and gave thanks for the lives of those in Sacred Heart family who have died, especially in the last year. Each one of them was remembered as important to KRB’s 136 year history.

• SHE4SHE was the SCA initiative in support of the Sacred Heart Global Service Day in September. Thanks to the generosity of many in the Sacred Heart community (including Sancta Sophia College residents), the Jesuit Refugee Service in Parramatta now has assured continuous supply of feminine hygiene products for refugee girls and women for the foreseeable future.

During the weeks before Christmas, the SCA Committee will be visiting the Sisters of the Sacred Heart in care and in community. We will convey to them the deep appreciation and affection of many generations of Sacred Heart children.

As the year draws to a close, I would like to thank our great Committee for their wonderful commitment, Principal Maureen Ryan and Director of Development Mary Cook and everyone in the KRB community for your ongoing support.

In 2019 we are excited to collaborate with KRB P&F and past parents to host events of interest to alumnae, current and past parents. We hope you will join us. We also aim to create opportunities for younger alumnae to connect in their professional lives.

With best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas to you and your families.

Julie Ringler (Ingram ’80) Sacré Coeur Association

• The Card Day was also a great day of companionship and competition (as well as 46 PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2018 47

A Catholic Independent ELC–12 School New South Head Road Rose Bay NSW 2029 T: +61 2 9388 6000 F: +61 2 9388 6001 ww.krb.nsw.edu.au CRICOS PROVIDER CODE 02268M ABN 47 003 942 603