Summer 2023/2024 Edition
What's inside
PAGE 4
Principal’s Message
PAGE 6
Message from the Board Chair
PAGE 8
HSC Results
PAGE 10
Outstanding Student Achievements
PAGE 12
News
PAGE 13
Sacred Heart Educators
PAGE 14
Social Awareness
PAGE 16
From the Archives – Bowraville
Social Justice
PAGE 18
Artificial Intelligence
PAGE 20
Gifted Education
PAGE 22
Year 6 Boys
PAGE 24
Masterplan
PAGE 26
Celebrating our Community
PAGE 28
Supporting our Bursary Program
PAGE 30
Sacré Coeur Association
PAGE 31
Celebrating 100 Years
PAGE 32
Births/ Weddings/ Mentoring
PAGE 33
Alumnae Profiles
PAGE 35
Reunions
PAGE 37
In Memoriam
Principal's Message
The educational landscape is one that constantly changes, and it is an absolute privilege to lead Kincoppal-Rose Bay as we navigate a course to meet both current and future challenges. As I look back at 2023 and think about the year ahead, by far one of the dominant themes in education is the explosion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Though the concept itself is not new, its application to education became a focus last year, particularly with the proliferation of tools such as ChatGPT.
As a society, we began asking urgent questions around the nature of AI and how we responsibly manage the technology. As a staff and as individuals we grappled deeply and earnestly in our planning and professional learning — how can we use AI to enhance learning whilst preserving academic integrity and creativity? We hosted an evening in June 2023 where we invited UNSW’s leading AI thinker, Professor Toby Walsh, to speak to students, staff and families. With his guidance to facilitate a consistent approach, we developed an AI Guide for teachers which included examples of how teachers could use AI to enhance the student experience.
As educators we need to be cognisant that we are at the start of this technological ‘advance’ and the landscape in five years may well be very different to today. More importantly, what underpins
our sense of uncertainty and sometimes fear surrounding AI are our core beliefs about what it means to be human. AI raises important questions of what makes us unique as humans and how do we wisely navigate technology so that we don’t lose our humanity.
The challenges we face often highlight what’s important for us as humans. In these last years, the pandemic, the challenges of climate change and global conflict have all made us realise how deeply we need community and connection and how caring for others is core to what makes us human. We desire to make our lives meaningful, to understand the spiritual and ethical and search out others with similar values.
In our Sacred Heart context at KRB, our time-honoured tradition anchors us and inspires our response to the challenges of the day — as it has done over the centuries for Sacred Heart communities all over the world. Our charism has framed clear values which we hold dear.
No matter how the world changes, our Sacred Heart values have remained firm and have bound us together as communities. Such is the enduring nature of values and sense of meaning that they provide.
In 2023 our Focus Goal was A Social Awareness that Impels to Action. Seeking a sense of social justice is core to the Sacred Heart charism, which is essentially about making known the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Through this Goal, we invite students to deepen their understanding of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation. In doing so, we encourage them to act against oppression and injustice and to always think about humanity and how they can influence the future in a positve way.
Social justice is intertwined into who we are as a Sacred Heart community. It’s our strong emphasis on community, our bursary and scholarship programs, our Indigenous Student Program, our commitment to helping rural and regional families, our JPIC program and more. In this edition you will read about specific programs such as our Arnhem Land Immersion, our Bowraville program and others. As a result of our Focus Goal, there was a special emphasis on these programs and many more opportunities that were provided for students and staff to engage in social justice initiatives.
We are now well into the 2024 school year and our new Focus Goal of A Deep Respect for Intellectual Values. This is about imparting a love of learning and ensuring our students understand that learning involves many experiences beyond
the classroom and is a lifelong privilege. Once again, this is an example of how we can draw from our time-honoured tradition to respond to the challenges of our times and our context. How we manage the challenges of AI in education is largely around what sort of qualities we need in our approach and to strive for in our students — such as creativity and integrity.
At the end of the day, we want our students not to take the easy way out, but to understand that learning is hard. If they use technology, we want them to know how to ask the right questions. One thing all educators can agree on is that we don’t yet have all the answers in relation to AI. How we approach this unknown is very much informed by our deep respect for intellectual values. Janet Erskine Stuart called for educators and students to give serious attention to intellectual formation, to discipline heart and mind and learn the adaptability to judge and act rightly in new circumstances. Our way forward will no doubt be inspired by our values, our ability to use our hearts and minds, our sense of discernment and as a result, our humanity.
Message from the KRB Board Chair
KRB has been very fortunate to have its School Board led by Dr Mark Sinclair. After serving the KRB community as a Board Director for the past 10 years and Chair since May 2018, Dr Sinclair stepped down from his role as Board Chair at the end of 2023.
The KRB journey of Mark and his wife has spanned 27 years, with their eldest daughter beginning her education in 1997 and their youngest daughter graduating in 2012. KRB was very fortunate when Mark agreed to accept a role as Board Director in 2013 and later became Chair of the Governance Committee. His legal insights into effective governance were invaluable and he continued to use these insights as Board Chair.
“Board Members remain universally committed to the Sacred Heart way of educating young men and young women.”
Mark has overseen KRB at a time of extraordinary events and change during his tenure and has achieved an amazing amount.
Having been a parent of four boarders, his involvement with the boarders is one of the reasons that, as Board Chair, he has a great understanding of the emotional and financial challenges faced by those living in regional NSW and beyond.
Mark is a passionate advocate for a KRB education: “All my girls had an outstanding time there… it produces well-rounded, sophisticated women who have been given the opportunity to do their very best. And I think that's an extraordinary legacy,” he said.
It was the hope of contributing to this legacy, that spurred Mark to join the Board in 2013. When he was elected as chair in 2018, he felt he was able to see another dimension to the School which he hadn’t fully appreciated as a parent.
“A lot of it rests with the charism and the formation that underwrites everything. It's nothing about ‘front of church’ Catholicism. It's about a caring, pastoral, inquisitive education.”
When people ask him what it’s like to be Chair of a large secondary school board, Mark said it’s important to have a highly collegiate board with a shared agenda.
“Board Directors understand the importance of a Sacred Heart education especially with reference to the welfare of all our students and the mission of the School. They remain universally committed to the Sacred Heart way of educating young men and young women. Whatever we did was structured in such a way that was going to enhance and develop the School,” he explained.
Effective partnerships are similarly important.
“I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work with people where the sum of the parts was greater than the individuals,” he said.
“I think it's determined by the harmony between the Principal and the Board Chair.” For Mark, this has been even more critical, as he worked with three outstanding principals during his tenure.
“I was initially involved with Hilary Johnston-Croke at the end of her time at KRB. She left a wonderful legacy. And then I became Chair in the first year of Maureen Ryan’s principalship. I worked for five years with Maureen, and this has been a highlight of my professional career."
“I was then involved in leading the selection panel, which worked to find our current Principal, Erica Thomas. During 2023 we ensured that Maureen's legacy was well established, and also that Erica had plenty of clean air to implement her role as our leader of the community,” he said,
As Erica finished her first year as Principal, Mark felt it was the right time for renewal, so is leaving the position of Board Chair. Taking over from him this year is Linda Quatermass, a mother of three alumnae who graduated from KRB between 2010 and 2013. Linda was serving as the Deputy Chair of the Board and has been on the KRB Board since 2017. “I have no doubt whatsoever that Linda will do an extraordinary job in the role.”
"My involvement in this leadership role has been the most enjoyable, public facing role I've ever had,”
For Mark, his days at KRB aren’t over. He currently has one grandson attending the Junior School and a number of granddaughters who will become KRB students in the future. “We've got a touch point here already, but I’m sure it will develop further in the years to come,” he said.
Mark is humble about his contribution but hopes he has helped make a difference to the School.
“I think they've got the best out of me, and I'd hope that they have been enhanced by my momentary leadership.
“I think my involvement in this leadership role has been the most enjoyable, public facing role I've ever had,” he concluded.
HSC Results
Congratulations to all our HSC graduates of 2023. We had 97 students complete their Higher School Certificate, the end of schooling credential in NSW. Their achievements represented many stories of academic growth and personal bests. A key strength of this cohort was their commitment to achieving excellence in learning in a diverse range of areas. Some of the highlights included:
• KRB students performed above the State HSC Examination averages in 31 out of 34 courses.
• 62 of our Year 12 students and all our five accelerants were recognised as NESA Distinguished Achievers, achieving Band 6 results across 21 different courses.
• 38% of students achieved an ATAR over 90 and over two-thirds of our students achieved an ATAR over 80. This has enabled them to access a wide variety of post school options.
• A significant component of last year’s HSC was the number of students who received nominations for Visual Arts, Art Express, Drama, OnStage, Design & Technology and SHAPE. KRB received 25 nominations in these subjects. Every student who studied Drama was nominated.
The 2023 Dux of KRB was Lily Wood, who received an ATAR of 99.50 in the HSC. This is an outstanding result and reflects Lily’s commitment to learning. Lily is studying a Bachelor of Law and Science at Sydney University. Congratulations also to Elissa Hood, who achieved 6th in the State in Design and Technology.
These results reflect the fact that each member of the Class of 2023 followed their passions and interests, and embraced an attitude of lifelong learning. This will enable them to achieve so much in their future as they embark on a variety of courses and careers.
The characteristics of this group — their energy, humour, positive outlook and desire to build community while at School — will be ones they will carry into the future. They will continue to be strong influencers and compassionate young women who will no doubt be leaders of the future in many areas. The Class of 2023 had an amazing impact on students from our younger years. We also thank the families who supported them along their journey at KRB.
We wish our 2023 graduates every success in the coming years and look forward to hearing of their journeys, adventures and all the wonderful moments they will no doubt experience. Graduates, keep in mind Madeleine Sophie’s wise advice — to have “courage and confidence” in all you do.
HSC Excellence 2023 HIGHLIGHTS
KRB STUDENTS PERFORMED ABOVE THE NSW STATE HSC EXAMINATION AVERAGES IN
KRB’S TOP ATAR WAS OUT OF COURSES
99.50 38%
OF STUDENTS RECEIVED AN ATAR OVER 90 86 31 34 62 100% 100% 60% 2 THE MEDIAN ATAR WAS
KRB STUDENTS ACHIEVED BAND 6
ACROSS 21 DIFFERENT COURSES ACHIEVED A BAND 6
MATHEMATICS ACCELERANTS
25 Nominations for HSC Showcases including:
• Art Express (Visual Arts)
• OnStage (Drama)
• Shape (Design & Technology)
Every Drama Student was Nominated
OF STUDENTS ACHIEVED A BAND 5 OR 6
IN ANCIENT HISTORY, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY, DRAMA, MUSIC 1 & 2 AND ITALIAN BEGINNERS
HIGHEST BAND E4 EXTENSION 1
ENGLISH OF STUDENTS ACHIEVED
OF OUR HSC STUDENTS ACHIEVED A MARK OF 99 FOR ADVANCED MATHS COURSE
Outstanding Student Achievements, 2023
Our KRB team performed remarkably well at the Sydney Interschools Snowsport Championships, earning five individual Gold Medals, four Team Golds, one Team Silver, several top ten results and many personal bests. Every member of our team qualified to compete at the NSW State Championships.
Our Year 6 Netball Team (KJRB 21) won the Grand Final of the Sydney Metro Schools Cup
Ruby Tonelli-Smith (Year 12, 2023) competed at the Australian Swim Championships. She finished 6th in Australia for the 50m Butterfly (17-19 years) and won a Silver medal in the 100m and 200m Butterfly and Bronze in the relay.
Matilda Waugh (Year 12, 2023) and her sister Annabelle (Year 10, 2023) were selected for the State Water Polo squads.
Poppy O’Brien (Year 8, 2023) competed at the Australian Schools Cross-Country Championships
Felisha Kwok (Year 7, 2023) represented Australia in Dragon Boating in Thailand. Her team competed in nine races, securing two Silver and seven Bronze medals.
Allegra McDonald (Year 11, 2023) represented KRB and IGSA at the CIS Netball Championships. Her team finished 2nd in the tournament, and Allegra was selected for the CIS representative team in which she competed at the NSW All Schools Championships, where she was selected for the NSW All Schools Team.
Harriet McLachlan (Year 11, 2023) competed in the NSW ILCA State Championships coming 3rd overall and 1st woman. She competed in the Match Racing Women’s National Championships where her team finished 1st overall in the youth division. She also competed at the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers event.
KRB remained undefeated throughout the U/17s division of the Australian Schools Basketball Championships and won the Gold Medal Game.
At the IGSA Athletics Championships, Sarah Luey (Year 11, 2023) finished 1st overall in the 16 Years 100m Hurdles with a PB of 14.94 and became the IGSA Champion! Sarah also finished 3rd in the 16 Years Long Jump.
Year 7A and Year 8A Debating teams made it to the Quarter Finals of the Archdale Competition
Isabella McMahon (Year 11, 2023) was a finalist in the Art Gallery of NSW's prestigious 2023 Young Archie Competition. Bella's work was selected as one of 70 finalists out of 3,400 entries. Her work was exhibited at the Art Gallery of NSW.
Molly Smith (Year 12, 2023) was the 2023 KRB recipient of the prestigious Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence. As a Eucharistic Minister, reader and Altar Server, Molly was involved in all School Masses. She organised weekly prayer sessions and led many liturgies.
At the 2023 IGSA Festival of Speech, Ava West (Year 8, 2023) earned 5th place in the Senior Reading event.
Year 8 students performed well in the Australasian ProblemSolving Mathematical Olympiads. Giselle Langley received a Top 10% Achiever Award and the Highest Individual Scorer’s Award, while Mikhaela Dahdah, Poppy O’Brien and Chloe Zhu all attained a Top 25% Achiever Award.
In the Australian Mathematics Competition, 16 students achieved credits. Daisy Xu (Year 10, 2023) and Giselle Langley (Year 8, 2023) both achieved distinctions and Giselle was also awarded Best in School.
Catherine Maladina (Year 9, 2023) had her photograph selected to be exhibited as part of ‘Head On’ Photo Festival, Australia’s premier photography event and a world-leading arts festival.
Yasmine Khalil (Year 11, 2023) was selected to attend the NSW Schools Constitutional Convention at Parliament House. Yasmine wrote an essay in response to the question “Do we need to revise how we go about constitutional change?” as part of the selection process.
Choir Captain and HSC Music student Anneliese Hendriks (Year 11, 2023) was selected to participate in Bondi WAVE, a 12-week course teaching upper primary and high school bands how to write and arrange original music.
In the 2023 da Vinci Decathlon, our performance was exceptionally strong. There were 72 Year 7 teams and KRB placed 7th in Creative Producers, 7th in Science, 9th in Legacy and 12th in Codebreaking. In Year 8 there were 81 teams and we placed 14th in the Ideation discipline. Our Year 9 teams competed against 73 other teams and came 4th in Engineering and 7th in Science. Our Year 10 students competed against 72 other teams and came 3rd in Creative Producers, 12th in Art and Poetry, 13th in Ideation and 15th in Engineering. Our Year 11 English team came 3rd out of 63 teams.
Year 5 and Year 6 Tournament of Minds team achieved a Merit for its entry into the STEM challenge.
Junior School students excelled in the Speech and Drama cocurricular, with all achieving a distinction in the Trinity College London exams in Communication Skills
AVA WEST - 2023 IGSA FESTIVAL OF SPEECH
ANNELIESE HENDRIKS - BONDI WAVE
SYDNEY INTERSCHOOLS SNOWSPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS
HARRIET MCLACHLAN - NSW ILCA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
SARAH LUEY - IGSA ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
MATILDA WAUGH - STATE WATER POLO ANNABELLE WAUGH - STATE WATER POLO
ISABELLA MCMAHON - YOUNG ARCHIE COMPETITION
CATHERINE MALADINA - HEAD ON
FELISHA KWOK - DRAGON BOATING
ALLEGRA MCDONALD - CIS NETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
RUBY TONELLI-SMITH - AUSTRALIAN SWIM CHAMPIONSHIPS
YASMINE KHALIL - NSW SCHOOLS CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
MOLLY SMITH - ARCHBISHOP’S AWARD FOR STUDENT EXCELLENCE
GISELLE LANGLEY - AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION
NEWS
NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK
The Christmas holidays signalled the start of extensive building works focused on improving and modernising facilities, increasing office and classroom spaces and cleaning our vast and beautiful campus.
Students and staff returned in 2024 to new offices in the Junior School, significant upgrades of student and staff bathrooms and a new layout of Secondary staff and classroom areas. We also upgraded and refurbished our Fitness Centre, located in the Maureen Tudelope, Centre into a strength and conditioning facility, featuring state of the art equipment.
One very special project has been the restoration of the Grotto, transforming it into a beautiful spiritual place of reflection.
AI INSPIRES POWERFUL STUDENT INSIGHT
In an era where AI has become an integral part of our daily lives, students entering the 2023 UNSW Bragg Student Prize for Science Writing were challenged to explore how science and technology leverage and benefit from AI, as well as the best ways to navigate a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into our everyday lives.
Olivia Mackenzie (Year 8, 2023) accepted the opportunity to enter the competition with an essay entitled ‘The Enchanting Work of AI.’ Olivia skilfully crafted a narrative that took readers on an entertaining exploration of the ways in which we use and reap the benefits of AI. Her words painted a vivid picture of the enchanting possibilities AI presents to our world.
While Olivia’s entry demonstrated a keen understanding of the topic, it also showcased the creativity and ingenuity of young minds in tackling complex scientific subjects. We look forward to future editions of this competition, confident it will continue to inspire the voices of the next generation of science writers, researchers and leaders.
NEW FERRY SERVICE
Beautiful summer weather has provided the perfect backdrop to the start of our new ferry service.
The ferry travels from Circular Quay via Cremorne Point to Watsons Bay in the morning with the same return route back in the afternoon. From Watsons Bay Pier, the KRB shuttle bus transports students and staff to both Kambala and KRB.
Principal Erica Thomas said it has been a very exciting new initiative for families and staff: "Aside from the convenience factor, we are putting into practice our commitment to taking opportunities to foster sustainability where possible, as this will be taking cars off our busy roads,” she said. “And what a beautiful way to commute to school, across our stunning, sparkling harbour!”
Our Sacred Heart Educators
Lisa Patterson Director of Studies
I commenced at the start of the school year as KRB’s Director of Studies. This new role allows the School to create the systems and structures to support excellence in teaching and learning. I will be supporting students and staff to achieve to their best in their various areas. My role is focused on the operational side of things from managing the timetable, the subject selection process, assessments, reporting systems and curriculum compliance.
I am particularly looking forward to supporting students to choose the best program of study for their strengths and future direction. I enjoy seeing students experience that lightbulb moment as they gain confidence in a task and see that they can do it.
Students today have so many choices and resources — helping them to navigate through this and develop skills of perseverance and resilience is our challenge as teachers. I’m excited to be joining the KRB community and look forward to working in an environment that allows students to learn best and flourish.
Louise Della Franca (Former) Head of Art
When I first joined KRB 17 years ago, there was minimal artwork on display. We created a specialised hanging system that now allows us to highlight the great work that goes on in the art classrooms. I just wanted students to have their artworks visible and I have particularly enjoyed showcasing the diversity of artworks and range of materials our students use.
I am also proud of our creation of the Artist of the Month award and the annual KRB HSC Art Exhibition, which is wonderful for staff, family and friends to enjoy and admire the range of artworks created by our students.
Another highlight for me has been the establishment of more permanent exhibits, such as the painted tunnel leading to the MTC that shows the important aspects of the Sacre Coeur society. It’s an image of Madeliene Sophie Barat and the Sisters who arrived from France, who founded the Society of the Sacred Heart and Kincoppal-Rose Bay.
Over the years, I have been privileged to see some of our students' display beyond the walls of KRB. There are quite a few students who have gone to the National Art School and are continuing to create their own works, which is wonderful. Many students have continued producing their artworks after finishing school for their own satisfaction. The pleasure and their love of creating art has benefited them in many ways. Former students have often said they feel that the Visual Arts subject provided the most therapeutic time for them in class.
I leave KRB with many cherished moments and memories and hope my legacy is that students continue to love art and how it makes them feel.
Social Awareness
Embarking on a new Strategic Plan, with a new Principal in 2023, our School sought to authentically continue to live out our Sacred Heart Mission - discovering the loving heart of Jesus and making it known to others through the 2023 Focus Goal, A Social Awareness that Impels to Action. For KRB, 2023 was a year of action as a Sacred Heart community. It was time to genuinely explore our core business and what makes us unique.
Reflection
A most successful outcome was the spread of activity across teaching and non-teaching departments, encompassing staff, students, alumnae and parents. We saw the level of engagement and measured this engagement both qualitatively as well as quantitatively.
Considering our experience in 2023, we identified areas for further development in the enactment of this Focus Goal. These included ensuring we continue to have a balanced and aligned mix of social justice activities throughout the year, with a distributed leadership model and that we build on meaningful relationships with external organisations, thus enhancing the benefit for each party.
Arnhem Land Immersion
A reflection on the recent Arnhem Land Immersion written by Year 10 participants, Milly Bowman and Ariella Perkins.
Our Arnhem Land Immersion began with 24 girls and four staff members boarding a plane to Nhulunbuy located in Northeast Arnhem Land. Upon arriving, we drove to our first campsite where we were welcomed by four Yolŋu women, who are the traditional owners of east Arnhem Land. To welcome us to their land, the women gave us a special healing and smoking ceremony which allowed us to feel safe and connected to their Country. Over the next two days, we spent time at the beautiful beaches, learned more about the history of Arnhem Land and its people, and began building our understanding of the kinship system. We even managed to fit in a swim at the local pool to cool off!
On the third day, we got back on the bus and drove to the homeland, Dhalinybuy, where we were welcomed into the large community. The parents and children kindly opened their hearts and ‘adopted’ us into their kinship system, their families. They taught us, having been adopted into the system, who our family members were, and the history of their culture. Whilst we stayed at Dhalinybuy, the community took us for a few day trips to the local waterfall, where we swam and played in the water with the children. They also took us into the bush where we searched for dye in the tree roots, and pandanus to weave. We were lucky
ARNHEM LAND IMMERSION 2023
enough to find and taste native honey (Guku) with the expert help of the community's elders.
Every night we did a dance (Bungu) around a fire, in which we were all painted with ochre on our foreheads and hairlines and wore our gifted skirts. The Yidaki (didgeridoo) was played, and we danced the song-lines of the homeland, learning dances that have been danced for thousands of years. Dances such as the water dance, cockatoo, morning fog and dog helped us connect to the community and land.
Having the opportunity to go to Arnhem Land was a once in a lifetime experience that changed our perspective. It opened our eyes to the wisdom of First Nations Australians, breaking down previously held stigmas, and allowing us to learn more about the issues they face. The knowledge which the community shared with the groups through conversations and lessons provided us with a glimpse into the richness of the language and culture that has been passed down over thousands of generations.
Learning the ways of life from the community of Dhalinybuy has also made us aware of the way we are inclusive and kind within our own lives. The people welcomed us with open arms and hearts into their communities and onto their sacred land. We hope to bring back the valuable lessons they taught us to continue to incorporate into our own Sacred Heart community, making our School just as welcoming and open as the Yolŋu were for us.
We would like to thank Culture College who ran the Immersion in partnership with KRB and our four staff members, Ms Jody Papandrea, Ms Gina Taranto, Ms Jessi Medina and Ms Sarah Daff for allowing us to participate in this amazing experience!
Bowraville
In September, 14 students and five teachers took time out of their school holidays to travel up to Bowraville, on the mid-north coast, and volunteer at St Mary's Primary School. Bowraville is a very small town with a population of just over 1,100 people, with
a relative population of Indigenous Australians, who taught and shared their knowledge with us.
Harriet Raper
We all had an amazing experience, getting to know the children and each other, through cooking, planning, and executing activities for their school holiday camp. I personally was able to take away many memories and skills I will be able to incorporate in my daily life. Being able to connect with the children in their environment, gave me the ability to look at life from a different perspective. Bowraville allowed me to obtain knowledge and opened my eyes to different lifestyles beyond my own, along with all the students who attended Bowraville. I will look back at our experience with many great memories.
Chiara Russo
We also spoke with elders Auntie Brenda and Ricky, where we learned more about their experience as Indigenous Australians. We were able to immerse ourselves in their culture through song and dance, which the St. Mary’s Primary School students had taught us themselves. Through this, we were able to share our stories and experiences. It helped to develop some great life skills, as well as connect with younger years and be role models for these children. It was an unforgettable experience like none we have had before.
Yanma
The First Nations Mural created for the Kincoppal-Rose Bay campus by artist Garry Purchase has been proudly welcomed by the community. Entitled Yanma, the mural encompasses many symbols of First Nations People and the Goals of The Sacred Heart, telling a story of journey and perseverance while moving forward with values the School instils in its community, and carrying them wherever they go. The mural can be seen on the driveway and walkway between BaratBurn and the Senior School.
BOWRAVILLE 2023
Bowraville Social Justice in Action
KRB has a long tradition of supporting good causes through fundraising, community awareness and social justice initiatives, founded in the very earliest days of both Rose Bay Convent and Kincoppal, Elizabeth Bay.
In September 1882, the Rose Bay School journal records that “a little offering of £5 collected among the children” was presented to His Grace, the Archbishop of Sydney (with a further £2 later given) to go towards the cost of the Altar of the Sacred Heart in the newly opened (although still unfinished) St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney.
During World War I and World War II, the pupils of both schools regularly took up collections and donated the value of their prizes to support the work of various charities, both in Australia and overseas. Within weeks of the declaration of war in 1914, the pupils at Kincoppal offered “bandages, pyjamas and other requisites for our soldiers [and] £5 to buy shirts and socks for them”.
Over the years, the pupils continued to support charities through fund raising and activities such as picnic days for children from orphanages in Sydney. The 1922 Rose Bay magazine "The Gleaner" included a write up about the School’s charitable activities and in 1933 the pupils hosted 54 children from St Martha’s Industrial Home, a training school for girls at Leichhardt, for a day of games and entertainment.
This tradition continued, and by the early 2000s, students at KRB were involved in a range of community service and awareness initiatives, including assisting staff and children at several inner city and local child care centres, working with Meals on Wheels and local nursing homes, assisting young
migrants learning English, and supporting staff and clients at a centre for disabled adults. The driving force behind these programs has long been the practical commitment to the Sacred Heart goals, in particular a "Social Awareness which Impels to Action".
In 2003, KRB’s Principal Mr Chris Faisandier responded to a request from Ms Clare Mellon, the Principal of St Mary’s Primary School in Bowraville to engage in a holiday project for the students of her school. The request had been made to Sydney Catholic Schools, and Mr Faisandier saw an opportunity to make a connection which would benefit both St Mary’s Bowraville and KRB. In a discussion paper titled "KincoppalRose Bay School & St Mary’s Bowraville Explorations in Collaboration", he made the astute observation that
“for adults and children alike the most effective way to learn is to do. The most effective way to learn about culture – ones own or that of another – is to experience it. This is to understand it from the inside, rather than to view it from the sidelines as observers.”
A proposal to establish a program where staff and possibly students and parents could travel to Bowraville and work with local staff and community was mooted, and over 60 staff attended a session to discuss the proposal. A call out was made for staff interested in participating in a program and nominations for committee members to refine and implement the proposal were invited. In late March to early April 2004, several members of the Committee, including our current Principal Erica Thomas (then Head of Boarding), Board Director
ROSE BAY GLEANER 1922 (OUR CHARITIES)
1933 SCHOOL NOTES
"Suddenly, one week a year seems hardly enough to devote to this incredible cause and I am determined to do something of impact for these amazing people."
Isabelle Ibrahim, Year 11 (2009)
Penny Sturrock, Sharryn Naylor (Head of Junior School) and Principal Chris Faisandier visited St Mary’s Bowraville to discuss with St Mary’s staff opportunities for collaboration.
One proposed activity was a teacher exchange, and in September 2004, two teachers from St Mary’s – Mr Wayne Ross and Mr Michael Jarrett – spent a week at KRB teaching staff and students about Indigenous language, art, craft and customs. From this first activity, KRB’s relationship with Bowraville has blossomed into an annual event. In July 2005, several KRB staff supported a Sport and Recreation Camp
at St Mary’s during the school holidays. Activities included rugby league and netball clinics, traditional games, fishing, surf lifesaving awareness, canoeing and a cultural talk with a local Elder. KRB staff also helped with the preparation of meals for the kids who attended the holiday program. The following year, five KRB students and two parents also accompanied a group of staff to Bowraville to deliver the holiday program. Since then, the program has become an important annual event for staff and students from both KRB and St Mary’s Bowraville, benefiting all those involved.
BOWRAVILLE 2006
BOWRAVILLE REFLECTION
BRIDGET (BOWRAVILLE)
YR 11 STUDENTS (BOWRAVILLE 2015)
ISABELLE IBRAHIM YR 11 (BOWRAVILLE 2009)
BOWRAVILLE THANK YOU
Artificial Intelligence
“No longer the esoteric stuff of science-fiction, with the advent of ChatGPT in late 2022, 2023 proved to be the year in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) began to profoundly re-shape the work of educationalists globally. It was yet another instance of rapid technological development outpacing policy and procedure, legislature and ethics: an additional disruptor in the wake of Covid-19 that promised to reshape our assumptions about the nature and value of learning (and teaching).
Inevitably, many teachers experienced a sense of existential uncertainty as they began to consider the implications of this new technology for their discipline and craft of teaching. If students will now be able to just plug a query into a website to create an essay, where might that leave individual thought and academic integrity? Would it be possible to distinguish between human and machine learning? What then might be the implications for educational assessment? How might this reshape the role and value of the teacher in future?
According to Kincoppal-Rose Bay Head of Research and Professional Practice, Trinity Hastie, “Whilst KRB teachers are committed to providing an education that equips our students for a complex and uncertain future, the rapidity with which AI has been democratised by platforms such as ChatGPT and Claude has necessitated rethinking of some of our core assumptions about how we educate to promote the skills and attributes that will be needed for the world of work and life beyond the school gates.”
Although it would be foolhardy to discount the vast array of challenges associated with AI in education, its advent has occasioned much excitement: “This is such an opportunity for inquiring really deeply into the ethical implications of knowledge
use and to have deep ethical discussions with our students about the value of their learning and what it means to create knowledge or build transferable skills. Or to consider the emergence of new skills for learning".
According to Head of Library and Information Services, Amanda Johnstone, it is essential for school leaders to be on the front foot in discussions with teachers and students about the way AI is going to be integrated at KRB.
“We saw an immediate need to address how we were going to either include or not include artificial intelligence as part of assessment tasks. We needed teachers to consider: What skills do we need to teach our students to learn how to use those resources responsibly?”
As a means of determining how this emergent technology would be likely to reshape academic integrity, time was spent in 2023 monitoring university policies and liaising with colleagues across a range of school sectors in similar roles.
They devised a range of opportunities to ensure the students understood the risks and responsibilities associated with using technology, for which safeguards and guidelines for appropriate usage had not yet been developed. This was particularly of concern for Senior students where NESA and HSC frameworks did not account for student use of Artificial Intelligence.
“We felt a sense of responsibility, as the educators, that we needed to make that risk visible to them, so that they could increase the nuance with which they might approach the use of that technology to ensure that they are producing original, credible work,” Trinity explained.
And whilst the media has consistently peddled an alarmist narrative about the risks of plagiarism, in practice monitoring the integrity of assessment has proven to reinforce what teachers have always understood about the value of deep knowledge of each student and their attributes as learners. Teachers continue to design and oversee research and inquiry-based assessments, monitoring processes of critical thinking and problem-solving skills that constitute rich learning.
Rather than using assessment policy punitively, AI has created the opportunity to enhance student awareness of academic honesty “We're not about accusing students or saying ‘that’s AI’. It’s about teaching them the skills and the confidence to back themselves. Our expectations in terms of assessment for our students is that we want them to be independent thinkers,” Amanda explained.
With the Australian Framework for Generative AI in Schools to be implemented from Term 1, 2024, teachers have been researching
and experimenting with how to effectively integrate AI into teaching and learning. There are plenty of examples. “(In the classroom), we demonstrate the tools. We can get students to design prompts, which we then feed into a Large Language Model, and we can discuss the results,” Trinity said. At home, subject to parental permission, students can use AI tools for research.
“They can check ChatGPT or other large language models for personalisation of learning. For example, they might use a prompt such as: ‘I didn’t quite understand [a concept], can you explain it to me as if I was five’.
“It’s a real opportunity for our students to go out into the world feeling prepared and very confident as life-long learners who wield technology powerfully and ethically to serve the greater good.” Head of Research and Professional Practice, Trinity Hastie
“A lot of students find it useful as a way in, a basic source of information with a very critical lens and being quite sceptical then checking it. Or in terms of generating outlines and plans. For instance: What would be a good outline for approaching a response to this particular question?” Amanda suggested.
For students doing complex maths, it can be very helpful for putting a mathematical problem in and helping them with the working out. However, students know there’s no point in getting AI to do their maths homework for them.
“Because at the end of the day, you need to do it in the (exam) room on your own. But it can be used as a companion along the
way if you haven't got to someone there to help you,” Amanda said. Trinity said it was also important to highlight that although ChatGPT was new, AI wasn’t. “Adaptive testing that we use in the classroom has involved AI for ages. And lots of the things that we do already use that technology (for instance using electronic assistants such as Siri or Alexa). I think normalising it and seeing it as part of something that to an extent, we're already familiar with, was an important component in our conversations with the students,” she continued.
The teachers have also embraced AI in their professional practice. “It's really good for idea generation. So as a teacher, if you've tried to teaching a concept in a particular way and it didn't quite hit the mark, you can ask ‘what are five ways that I could teach [a concept] to this class". Trinity explained.
As AI continues to evolve, so will KRB’s response. We will continue to innovate with our use of technology to enhance the rigour and relevance of learning to our students, informed by research and connectedness with a global community of educators who are testing the possibilities of new ways of learning and working together.
Trinity is hopeful for the future: "We feel optimistic that the effect of the disruption is going to lead to higher quality teaching and learning. It’s a real opportunity for our students to go out into the world feeling prepared and very confident as life-long learners who wield technology powerfully and ethically to serve the greater good.”
Gifted Education at KRB
For many children, a ‘gifted’ label comes as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s exciting to see their natural gifts being recognised and developed into talents. They can be extended and can see how far that gift can go while striving for their personal best.
However, some children may feel that being gifted could affect relationships with their peers, so they may be reluctant to transform these gifts to talents. They may feel the pressure of maladaptive perfectionism and its close cousin, procrastination.
Rachele Rugiero, Kincoppal-Rose Bay’s new Head of Gifted Education, is fully aware of these dilemmas. She is doing her best to make sure identification of giftedness enhances a student’s education and helps them go further.
The Gifted Education program at KRB is inclusive of all gifts, whether intellectual, sensomotor, or creative. Underpinned by Gagne’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent, a research-based framework supporting effective teaching and learning within a gifted education program, it considers both a student’s inherent abilities and their development into talent. The model shows how various factors can affect this developmental process. “A student who is recognised and given suitable adjustments to achieve can enhance their giftedness and build capacity to develop their talents,” Rachele explains.
It also describes the factors in a student’s life that can both help and hinder growth. “It's an empowering model for teachers, because they can see how their role can be a significant catalyst for that developmental process. Intrapersonal factors such as volition and motivation are also crucial factors,” she says.
Since Rachele joined KRB last year, she’s devoted many hours to building the program. The first step is identifying the gifted
children. Identification is multifaceted and uses both objective (ability testing and school-based assessment) and subjective (teacher nomination) data.
Once a student has been flagged through these methods, they will have an interview with Rachele. “In that interview, we learn about their learning preferences, their academic interests, the interests beyond school. Parents will also provide some input there as well.
“Gifted Education profiles are personalised documents written and shared with all the teachers. These profiles include recommendations for the ways in which teachers can respond to the needs of the students in their classroom. The purpose of identification is to respond to the needs of each of these students.” she says.
For students who have gifts in the areas of music or sport, it could mean the ways that the school can best support their education while they’re juggling multiple pressures.
“In addition to intellectual giftedness, we have some students who are elite athletes, we have some students who are musically talented, so it's about being able to support them and ensure that they're getting what they need.
For intellectually gifted students, their additional needs might mean the need for acceleration in their area of strength. All students are currently grouped in Year 7 to 10 for Mathematics with plans to expand the ability grouping structure for other subjects in 2024. In these classes, they will complete the course work at a faster pace with greater levels of challenge and complexity.
Year 9 student Emily has enjoyed the extra challenge.
“Before doing accelerated maths, I was finishing with half an hour to go. I'd be getting extension work, but it was just me and
maybe one or two other people. Whereas now it’s the entire coursework,” she says.
The gifted program also gives students other opportunities for enrichment, through external competitions such as the da Vinci Decathlon, a curriculum-based competition allowing students to collaborate and do extension work on topics including art, poetry, maths, ideation, engineering and code breaking.
“The challenge is off grade level. It provides the opportunity for divergent and creative thinking to solve problems,” Rachele explains.
Year 8 student Ava competed in the 2023 Festival of Speech where she received a place in her Reading final. “I was competing with Senior students. So it's not only meeting new people within your own year, but meeting people in different year levels when you’ve got that common interest,” she explains.
There are also plenty of Mathematics, Engineering, English and STEM based competitions to be a part of.
It’s not just the successes that are monitored. Gifted students can experience a range of challenges that can affect their schooling experience.
“A really important part of the program is to identify and respond to students at risk of underachievement. There are a range of reasons for underachievement – part of the gifted program is to continuously track a student’s progress, then meet with that student, and using Del Siegel’s Achievement Orientation Model (UCONN) as a basis, determine possible reasons and implement suitable interventions,” Rachele explains.
She’s also on the lookout for maladaptive perfectionism. “It's a fine line between ‘healthy' perfectionism and maladaptive perfectionism. Maladaptive perfectionism and procrastination can be contributing factors for underachievement.
“Another challenge is the ‘forced choice dilemma’, the belief held by some intellectually gifted students that they must choose between academic achievement and peer acceptance.” Rachele continues.
When these challenges are identified, the KRB academic team works together with the pastoral care and counselling teams and parents to provide holistic support.
For the students, the program has been invaluable.
“I had an awareness that I was maybe good at certain subjects. But the gifted program really reinforces that and extends you more than you thought you could be,” Year 8 student Giselle says.
“Before the program, most of the talents that were highlighted were sport or drama related. I knew I was good at schoolwork, but this has given us more opportunities,” she says.
Rachele says ultimately, it’s about giving KRB students the opportunity to strive to achieve their personal best.
“To go out into the world and use their gifts to make a difference. To be those ground-breaking scientists, innovators, designers, writers, advocates for world peace… whatever their path will be, the goal of this program is to inspire intrinsic curiosity, encourage further exploration and lifelong learning.”
Year 6 Boys 2023
At the end of 2023, we said farewell to our Year 6 boys who have made an outstanding contribution to the life of our Barat-Burn Junior School.
Many of the 2023 cohort of Year 6 boys have been with KRB since they were in the ELC. They, along with our Year 6 girls, are a testament to the quality education that happens in our Junior School.
Principal Erica Thomas said the co-educational learning environment at the primary level benefits both genders and helps all students thrive: “The girls who can be a little more anxious but also social, learn to relate really well to the boys - it normalises things.
“What I watch happen for the boys is that they love the competition with each other and with the girls. Girls are a little more mature so the girls help lift the boys in terms of maturity and build interest in things they wouldn’t normally be interested in,” she said.
“The energy the boys bring really adds something. They have made such a great contribution to things like band and I know they've thrived academically,” Erica said. This year many of them have achieved Distinctions and High Distinctions in the Australian Maths Trust Competition, MANSW Mathematical Investigations and ICAS. Their results in competitions such as da Vinci Decathlon and Maths Olympiad were impressive, often scoring in the top 10%. Two students received competitive scholarships to highly respected secondary schools.
Many are heading to boys’ schools around the eastern suburbs or north shore and are excited about the next step of their education. The boys have shared with us below the many things they enjoyed about their Sacred Heart Education at KRB, as well as what they’re looking forward to in high school and beyond.
What is your favourite thing about KRB?
“My favourite thing about KRB is the boys - we’re all good friends. There aren’t separate groups and not many arguments.”
– Sebastian
“I think it's easier to get to know all the different boys. It's easy to connect.” – Derek
“I like the opportunities we get. Like Boys Rec where all the boys got to play sport at lunchtime with Mr Millard.” – Ben
“I like how the sport is done, I like how you get to pick what you want to do.” – Louis
“I like how we get all these facilities like the swimming facilities in the MTC and using them for playing basketball, netball, a lot of different things. And I also like the boys sport too.” – Kailu
“I really like the enrichment program. It's like a good learning system and we get to try some new things.” – Sebastian
“I like how we have girls in our school because there's more socialising.” – Robert
“I loved camp. We went to Canberra at the end of Term 3. We saw old Parliament House and the new Parliament House as well as a museum of the history of Canberra.” – Henri
How do you think Kincoppal-Rose Bay is different to other schools?
“At my sister's school, because it's a big group she says that it's hard to get to know everyone. Here it's very easy to get to know each other. So that creates like a sense of belonging and friendship with almost everyone.” – Sebastian
“I like how the boys here are kinder and less rough.” – Thomas
“I think the teacher gets to know us better, and it's easier to know each other." – Derek
“I've been able to have so many opportunities, as well as like enrichment, there's lots of competitions we can do like Da Vinci, Tournament of the Mind, Maths Olympiad, all these things that you wouldn't be able to get at many other schools.” – Finley
“There’s this activity called Wild Time, where you can go down to the bush. That's not an opportunity that many other schools have and it’s just really fun.” – Alexander
How has KRB prepared you for high school?
“They’ve transitioned the type of homework we get. They’ve prepared homework, so it’s due on different days rather than just one large sheet with stuff you have to do.” – Henri
“When I started in Year 4, I didn’t have as much confidence. But because of all the opportunities, it allows you to build your confidence over time. And because you're such a big year group, you're able to make a lot of friends. And that has prepared me for high school.” – Owen
“The enrichment kids, they have to do a lot of work so the transition to the high school won’t be as hard because we already get a lot of homework.”– Moses
“Enrichment students have been given at least three tasks a week for a solid two years. So I think it's prepared lots of those students for what it's like to actually get real homework in high schools.” – Finley
“They put a lot in the day. So it burns a lot of energy and it toughens you up.” – Thomas
“I feel that Kincoppal-Rose Bay has really moulded us into being the best people that we can be. It's really preparing us for the later stages in life.” – Alexander
What are you looking forward to about high school?
“I would like to learn a lot about politics, about history and how we got here, and how to make each other better.” – Sebastian
“In high school, I'm really looking forward to all the opportunities, like the different sports and clubs and co-curricular activities.” – Ben
“I’m looking forward to more practical work in chemistry.” – Moses
“I’m looking forward to a wider variety to study.” – Kailu
“I'm excited for more options for sports I get to do. I’m also excited about learning things that I’ve chosen to learn. You pick your studies you’re interested in. I'd love to do that.” – Robert
“I'm excited and interested in going to Geography then going to Maths and going to English then Commerce and all these other subjects then eventually branch out in Year 10 and for the HSC.”
– Finley
“I'm really excited because they have a wider range of sports. They have fencing which I might take up. I'm really excited about the debating competition that they have because I did debating at Kincoppal-Rose Bay.” – Noah
What are you hoping for in the future?
“I want to do something in the arts. Music or sketching or something along the lines of that.” – Thomas
“I want to get good enough grades so I can get a decent job.” –Kailu
“I hope to study overseas one day, so I'm I think it will be instrumental in providing me with the opportunities I need later throughout my life.” – Alexander
“I kind of want to be an engineer.” – Henri
“I want to do something with Maths. My dad's an accountant. So I want to be one of those as well.” – Owen
“I probably want to be a cricket player or an AFL player.” – Ollie KRB wishes the Year 6, 2023 boys, cohort the very best of luck as they embark on their high school journey in the coming year. They have made a great impression on our community, growing into kind, intelligent and strong men who strive to make the world a better place. We know their future is bright as they have been so well prepared by their Sacred Heart education at KRB.
Kincoppal-Rose Bay Masterplan
Much work has been done on KRB’s long-term Masterplan, which will offer benefits to every student at the School. The Masterplan has been approved as a State Significant Development Application by the NSW Government.
We have had very positive feedback about the new access road from Vaucluse Rd and are now finalising all the plans for Stage 2, the Years 5 and 6 Learning Space.
As well, we are delighted to announce the refurbishment of the Hughes Centre, to be transformed into a Performing Arts Centre in 2024.
HUGHES CENTRE
The Hughes Centre project will refurbish the existing auditorium, stage and gallery into a contemporary learning environment, focusing on the performing arts. It will consist of
• Three general learning areas, two of which will open into a theatre with retractable seating or a theatre in the round
• A state-of-the-art lecture theatre
• Music equipment and storage facilities, which can also be used as a dressing room and a staff collaboration area
If you are interested in hearing about these Junior or Senior School developments, please contact:
Mary Cook Director of Advancement
T: 9388 6024
E: cookm@krb.nsw.edu.au
& Community
Celebrating our Community 2023
FATHERS & SIGNIFICANT FATHER FIGURES
Two community celebrations were held in 2023 to celebrate Father’s Day in September. Over 200 fathers, relatives and carers enjoyed breakfast with the Junior School children, then had the opportunity to visit the children’s learning spaces.
The Senior School Father Daughter Dinner was a very special evening with over 650 attending including a record number of Year 12 fathers, at what is seen as a favourite event for them. Thanks to John O’Rourke, father of Edie, who was an outstanding MC.
SANDWICHES & SONG
Over 100 alumnae from the Rose Bay, Kincoppal and KRB classes of 1938 to 1973 attended Sandwiches & Song in October, beginning with Morning Tea which was followed by a liturgy in the Chapel and then lunch. The guests enjoyed a beautiful performance by the Junior School Choir.
Guest speaker, Vanessa Gorman (KRB, 1978), spoke movingly on the impact that her Sacred Heart education had had on her, her mother and her sisters, and more recently on her daughter Frankie, the second recipient of the Mary Shanahan RSCJ OAM Scholarship. Vanessa strongly encouraged the guests present to support the Bursary Program, noting the difference that it had made to Frankie, who completed her Higher School Certificate in 2023.
It was also a special opportunity for the grandchildren of attendees to come to the MTC to visit their grandmothers
Supporting our Bursary Program
KRB
LONG LUNCH 2023
The KRB Bursary Long Lunch was held on Friday 4 August at the Hyatt Regency Hotel with over 500 parents, alumnae and past parents from country NSW and Sydney, business companies associated with the School and a number of members of staff in attendance. Vince Sorrenti did a fabulous job as MC and Brad Blaze, Speed Painter, provided wonderful entertainment and three great paintings to sell! It was also good to have great piano playing by Scot Finnie, The Piano Man.
Parent and alumna Kate Yabsley (Ryan, KRB 1988) from Nyngan spoke movingly of her time as a KRB parent of three daughters. She explained how each day she and her children would travel more than 50 kilometres each way to get to primary school. “In times of flood, we would have to cross the creek by boat, we would slip and slide through kilometres of mud after rain. And during the drought and short winter days, there were endless amounts of kangaroos, emus and feral pigs to deal with on our road.”
The decision that Kate and Bruce made to send their three daughters to KRB was not an easy one and required much sacrifice. “We have done this though, as we believe education, opportunities and friendships are the greatest gifts we can give our children. We didn’t send our daughters to KRB for the prestige of a private Sydney school, we sent them for equality in education and we didn’t want them to be disadvantaged by distance.”
Kate also emphasised the importance of the friendships that each of her daughters and she and her husband Bruce had developed over many years. “Everyone has a friend during each stage of their life, but it's your school friends that are in all stages of your life.”
Kate’s final words were about the impact that the Bursary Program had on her family.
“From 2017 to 2020 we experienced the harshest and longest drought on record. We had no income for three years and had our three daughters all boarding at the KRB. As a family, we cut back on everything we could. All families of boarders who were impacted by the drought were able to apply for increased financial support. The generosity was incredible, and it allowed us and many other drought-affected families the security to complete our children's education. KRB really is about community and spirit. Bursaries can be game changers when deciding to send our children to boarding school. None of us expect a free education by any means, however, a little bit of assistance is so graciously appreciated.
If you can, please give generously in support of today to enable more country boarders the same experience we’ve had.”
Her encouragement and the incredible generosity of so many present as well as all those who sponsored the Lunch, donated prizes and participated in the event, enabled the School to raise over $235,000.
If you would like to find out more about the Bursary Program or are interested in making a Bequest to the School, please contact:
Mary Cook Director of Advancement & Community
T: 02 9388 6024
E: cookm@krb.nsw.edu.au
Sacré Coeur Association
PRESIDENT’S REPORT, ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, 3 DECEMBER 2023
The SCA has had a fantastic and productive year. We been able to carry out so many of our traditional events and acts of service, and have introduced many new ideas, concepts, events and connections which have modernised the committee, engaged our younger alumnae and allowed us to work with the School on community and social justice issues.
The School also held the first ever Alumnae weekend which included three reunions of the classes of 1993, 2003 and 2018. These alumnae were delighted to be able to tour the School and take in the developments.
We were able to catch up with the outgoing Year 12 Class of 2023 for lunch at the end of Term 3. This was a wonderful opportunity to wish the girls well for their upcoming exams and to reassure them that despite leaving school, they will never leave our Sacred Heart family.
A highlight of the year would have to have been Sandwiches & Song that the School and Association hosted in October. With over 100 attendees the day was full of friendship and lots of storytelling. Our guests enjoyed the vocal talents of the Junior School Choir led by the Head of Music, Mr Mark Stubley.
2023 has seen membership to the SCA change from enrolment on leaving KRB to enrolment on entering KRB. This change ensures that every child who is educated at KRB can be a member of our SCA family, regardless if their stay at the School was for a long or short time.
2023 also saw the SCA co-host two hugely successful barbecues with the Year 12 Leadership and Mission Teams. The first held at the beginning of the year raised money that was donated to the Red Cross for the victims of the Turkiye Earthquake and the second supported the Steptember campaign, to raise money for Cerebral Palsy. More than $10,000 was raised and donated for these two worthy causes.
For me, the greatest achievement this year for the SCA has been the establishment and allocation of the first SCA Bursary, a means tested three year bursary for a relative of a Sacred Heart alumnae who would not otherwise be able to receive a Sacred Heart education. I thank every committee member past and present for their hard work in the establishment of the SCA Bursary – a gift that will change the lives of many young women into the future.
To support our philanthropic endeavours, the SCA has launched a range of merchandise, including umbrellas, tote bags, bangles, tea towels, caps and visors. We have been selling these at many school events and they are proving to be hugely popular. We look to further expand our range of merchandise and platforms for selling in the new year.
I would like to thank outgoing SCA committee member Shauna Laverty for her years of hard work and commitment to the committee and in her two years as secretary. Shauna has been a great support to me in my role as President.
Since her appointment as KRB Principal, Erica Thomas has shared our vision to make constructive, positive change in how we operate. I thank her for valuable and ongoing support. I would also like to thank Deputy Principal Elizabeth Clark, Director of Advancement & Community Mary Cook, Alumnae Relations Coordinator Victoria Dalton, Director of Mission Brennan Sharpley and the KRB staff for their continued support of the SCA.
After six years, one as an ordinary member, two as vice president and three as president I hand the baton over the exceptionally capable and equally passionate Josephine Giaouris. I feel grateful to have been able to lead a group of such capable, compassionate women who share my same love for the School and its value and legacy.
Thank you
Georgina Senes (Gale, 1994)
KRB would like to thank Georgina Senes for her leadership of the Sacre Coeur Association for the past three years. The School has greatly appreciated Georgina’s wonderful commitment to the Association and her desire to ensure that alumnae of all ages – from the youngest in the Class of 2023 to the older members – are included and cared for in the best way possible. Georgina has been involved in so many areas of KRB’s school life and the School is very grateful for the support she has given, both to the Association and to KRB.
Celebrating 100 Years
Shirley O’Shea MBE
In 2023, we celebrated the 100th birthday of Shirley O’Shea (McAllister, K, 1938) MBE, our oldest living alumna, with an afternoon tea at Kincoppal-Rose Bay.
Many memories were shared from Shirley’s school days at Kincoppal. Archivist Tracy Bradford presented Shirley with mementos and copies of some of the school magazines printed at the time Shirley was at school.
Shirley was born in Sydney in 1923 and has lived in Sydney for most of her life. She grew up within a medical family and married the late Dr Desmond O’Shea, an obstetrician. Shirley has always been actively involved in Sydney’s cultural and charitable life, earning an MBE for her philanthropic work in 1974. She is very passionate about Art and has been a member of the Art Gallery Society of New South Wales since the Art Gallery’s members organisation commenced in 1953. She is its longest-serving member.
Shirley was delighted to share the photos and letter that she received from King Charles and Queen Camilla to commemorate this special milestone. Shirley also received a letter from the Governor General of Australia, David Hurley.
Happy 100th Birthday, Shirley O’Shea MBE!
Congratulations to Madeleine Gaze (O'Brien, 2011) and Carter Gaze on the birth of Mackenzie Jean Gaze on 12 September 2023.
Births Weddings
Congratulations to the following Alumnae who were married in the Kincoppal-Rose Bay School Chapel in 2023.
Amber O’Keefe (2000) and Daniel Southwell-Keely, 23 September 2023
Mentoring
The KRB Connect Mentoring program is operational with responses analysed from potential Mentors and Mentees and connections made for many participants. Applications have been received from healthcare workers, architects, lawyers, property managers, technology and strategy consultants, taxation advisors, accountants, small business owners and primary school teachers.
The mentoring program continues to be promoted through social media and alumnae communications. The intention is to grow the program with specific attention focusing on growing the mentee base. Currently, we have an abundance of wonderful Alumnae in the Legal, Medical, Marketing and Public Relations, Consulting and Technology fields
Madeleine Fernon (2011), currently working as a Primary School Teacher, joined the program to seek assistance on how to deliver high quality education to all her students. Madeleine was matched with Lisa Mauric (2004) who has also taught at Catholic Primary schools and now owns her own educational facility. Both candidates completed the same degree at the same university. Madeleine is currently studying a Certificate of Gifted Education at UNSW which coincidentally, Lisa also completed earlier in her career. Madeleine and Lisa have met several times and Madeleine has found Lisa’s knowledge, advice and experience a great help in guiding her with her educational and employment choices.
Please contact Alumnae Relations Coordinator, Victoria Dalton at daltonvi@krb.nsw.edu.au if you would like to be a part of the KRB Connect Mentoring program.
Carolyn Lim (2009) and Anthony Ho, 5 August 2023
Alumnae Profiles
EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE
Alixandra Kupcik, 2002
Alix is currently living in Los Angeles where she works as an actress, singer, voiceover artist, writer and producer. She commenced her education at KRB in Year 9 and studied Elective Music to HSC Level.
After graduating from KRB, Alix attended the Academy of Film, Theatre and Television in Sydney and then moved to New York City to pursue her dreams of acting, singing and performing. She spent a a summer at The Actors Studio in NYC and then pursued a career in Cabaret where she spent the next five years singing in venues in Sydney, Melbourne and New York with two productions of her own shows, New York a State of Mind and Reflections. She went on to curate a series of stage productions, including Orpheus and the Sydney premiere of John Patrick Shanley's Academy Award-winning play, The Big Funk
In 2016, Alix moved to Beverley Hills, California where she recently launched her business, LA Connect. LA Connect focuses on connecting talent, businesses and startup brands (with a particular focus on Australian brands) and talent new to Los Angeles.
Alix was excited to recently be chosen to appear in the 2023 Mailchimp global commercial campaign which can currently be found on billboards, online platforms and television screens across the globe.
SAILING PROWESS
Caroline Boyd (Aders), 1995
Caroline Boyd was awarded the Barranjoey Pin at a ceremony at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron in September 2023.
The Barranjoey Pin is designed to acknowledge the legacy and history of Olympic and Paralympic class sailing in Australia. Every athlete who has represented Australia at either an Olympic Class World Sailing Championship, International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU) Women’s World Championship, Olympic Games or Paralympic Games prior to 2006 and achieved a Top 10 performance receives a uniquely numbered pin to commemorate their achievement.
Caroline’s love of sailing began as a child where she sailed small dinghies (Flying Elevens) at the Vaucluse Amateur 12ft Sailing Club. After school, whilst studying at Sydney University, Caroline joined the Sydney Uni Women's Sailing Club, where she became the President of the Sailing Committee and sailed in intervarsity competitions. After leaving university, Caroline began sailing Ynglings, which for a brief time became an Olympic class.
She was later selected for the Australian Yngling class team which spent three years campaigning for the 2004 Olympics; travelling throughout Europe competing every year on the Olympic class circuit (and back home in Australia each summer). During that time, Caroline was an NSWIS and AIS Scholarship holder, was twice nominated for Australian Female Sailor of the Year, and won state and national titles, as well as placing at many European and World Championship events. Her best international results were 1st at the 2002 Pre-Olympics Test Event in Athens, Greece, 2nd at the 2003 Hyeres Olympic Classes Race week in France, 9th at the 2003 Open World Championships and 7th at the 2004 Yngling Open World Championships. Caroline now works as a Communications Manager with a NSW Government agency. Her two sisters also attended KRB; Anne-Maree (1988) now a consultant anaesthetist in Victoria and Elizabeth (1989) the Gallery Curator at the Mudgee Arts Precinct.
Alumnae Profiles
EXPERIENCE IN DEFENCE
Lara Bartos (2022)
After graduating from KRB I joined the Air Force as part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year Program. I spent my first few months doing Basic Military Training in Wagga Wagga. The course includes fitness, discipline, military knowledge, weaponry and field craft. With 5.00am wake ups everyday, marching everywhere, getting yelled at by instructors and having to measure my sheets while making my bed every morning, it was certainly not easy! My all-time-low was one night when we were "out field," we had been sand-bagging until 2.00am and I had to be up for guard duty soon, so my pit-mate and I decided not to put up our hootchie (tarp to cover us while we slept). I was awoken an hour later by intense thunder and lightning and torrential rain. My clothes and my sleeping bag were drenched, I was freezing cold, and my buddy and I tried to set up our hootchie in the dark without rope. Fortunately, experiences like that are few and the resilience you build is invaluable.
After I graduated Recruits, I went to and enlisted as Air Force Security. My employment training involved activities such as combat first aid, self-defence, patrol and guard, pistol shooting, advanced assault-rifle training and knowledge of Air Force assets and rules of engagement. After graduating, I posted to 27 Squadron at RAAF Base Townsville where I spent the remainder of my year. I operated as part of 27SQN Security Flight, which involved being the first responders on base and securing defence assets. During my time, I participated in military exercises, including Exercise Black Dagger and Exercise Global Dexterity. I went to go to the extremely remote RAAF Base Scherger located on the Cape York peninsula.
Overall, I have had an amazing time doing the ADF Gap Year. The aspect I love most about defence is the community; no matter where you are or how different the people are, it is so easy to meet and create connections with people.
In 2024, I am becoming a reservist, moving to Canberra and studying a double degree of economics and security studies at ANU. I look forward to pursuing a more academic pathway but am grateful for everything I’ve experienced and will continue to experience through the Air Force.
EXCELLENCE IN MBA
Sowan Hong (2008)
Congratulations to Sowan who has recently been awarded the Said Prize at the University of Oxford, UK, awarded to the student with the best academic results amongst the 350+ cohort. Sowan completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2021 and graduated with Distinction.
After graduating from KRB in 2008, Sowan attended the Australian National University (ANU) where she completed a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Finance with a High Distinction.
Sowan is currently working in Jordan as an investment professional at a Private Equity firm, Federated Hermes GPE, as part of the European investment and portfolio management team. Sowan also worked as a Risk Consultant at KPMG across Sydney, London and Edinburgh offices, and as a senior Internal Auditor and Finance Manager at Legal and General Investment Management. She also worked as a Head of Finance for a healthcare start-up during her MBA.
Now in London, Sowan has offered to mentor any of our alumnae working there or in Private Equity who would like advice regarding MBA studies. Please advise Victoria Dalton, Alumnae Relations Coordinator if you would like more information.
Reunions
Class of 1957
The Classes of 1956 and 1957 recently joined together for two celebrations to celebrate their 65 and 66 year reunions. The first event was at the home of Bettena Henty and the second, the next day tat Sandwiches and Song. It was wonderful for so many alumnae to be able to get together, with many travelling interstate to join in on the festivities! Thank you to Bettena Henty (Madden), Penny Reardon (Boys) and Kate Perkins (Hayes) for their organization and hospitality.
Class of 1970
The Kincoppal Class of 1970 finally got together for a high tea at the home of Michelle Feehan at the end of 2022. The 1970 class was augmented significantly in Year 7 (1965) with many girls arriving from Rose Bay, due to a decision that all the girls at Rose Bay would have to become boarders from Year 7. The group remembered their fabulous teachers Mrs Fox, Mrs Bourke, Mrs Radziminski, Ms Barbarian, Mrs Guy as well as Sr Hayes, Sr Kenny, Sr Hore, Sr Kennedy and many more. They reminisced about rounders on the point, the Sickroom at the door to the Flat roof and Sr Hayes borrowing a student’s car to drive ill students to their homes!
Alumnae travelled from Queensland, Melbourne, Berrima and the Central Coast. They saluted those who were unable to join them for the festivities and remembered those in their group who had passed away; Patricia Anthony, Kerry Bourke (Barrett) and Robin Pearce.
Class of 1983
There was a great turnout for the Class of 1983 who gathered for lunch at the 18 Footers in Double Bay in June 2023 for their 40 year reunion. Many travelled from regional NSW, and several alumnae travelled interstate from Brisbane and Melbourne. It was a fabulous day, with lots of happy memories shared.
Thank you to Gerri Coy for organizing this event.
Class of 1993
On Saturday 7 October, as part of our Alumnae Weekend, KRB welcomed the Class of 1993 back to Kincoppal-Rose Bay for their 30 year school reunion. Alumnae travelled from regional areas of NSW to attend the school tour and enjoyed refreshments on the Harbour Terrace afterwards.
Many of this group were impressed with the addition of the Maureen Tudehope Centre, the Jean Marie Flynn Year 12 Learning Hub, the conversion of the Sheldon Swimming Pool into the Dunphy Foundation Outdoor Learning Space and the landscaped area for educational and recreational activities and learning.
Thank you to the organisers Pip Baker (Whalen) and Claudia McInerney (Killian).
Class of 2018
The Class of 2018 returned to school on the Alumnae Weekend to celebrate their five year reunion. It was wonderful to welcome back nearly 50 students from this year group. The School tour brought back lots of great memories and the students especially enjoyed visiting the Year 12 Hub which they used for study in their final term at school.
After refreshments on the Harbour Terrace, the Class regrouped at the Royal Hotel in Paddington.
Thank you to organiser Georgia Strain for coordinating this event.
Class of 2003
Our inaugural Alumnae weekend continued on Saturday 7 October as we welcomed the Class of 2003 back to Kincoppal-Rose Bay for their 20 year reunion.
A large group enjoyed a tour of the School before moving to the Harbour Terrace for refreshments. Many attended from rural NSW and interstate with one alumna managing to coordinate the reunion with a trip home from London to visit family. The 2003 year group then continued its reunion celebrations at the Lord Dudley Hotel in Paddington.
Huge thanks to the organisers, Sophie Moran, Pip Simmons, Rebecca Page and Katherine Williams.
Class of 1998
The Class of 1998 gathered together for dinner and drinks at the Royal Oak on 23 October to celebrate 25 years since graduation from KRB.
Class of 1986
Fifty members of the Class of 1986 finally got together to celebrate their 35 year (+ two) school reunion on Sunday 3 December. It was fabulous to have international guest Jo-Ann Chin (Foung) attend from Papua New Guinea. We also welcomed several alumnae from interstate and regional NSW. It was wonderful to hear from Dr Piera Kohout (Taylor) and Annabel Dominguez who spoke to the group after the lunch, sharing stories about the paths their lives have taken since leaving KRB. We would like to thank the Class of 1986 who have made donations, in the lead up to their reunion, to the Mary Shanahan RSCJ OAM Scholarship, the Indigenous Fund and the KRB Bursary program. These donations provide an opportunity for students whose families are in need of financial assistance to experience a KRB education.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Larissa Malouf (Hopkins) for her organisation, kindness and generosity in hosting the reunion.
Thank you to Justine Chubb (Lum), Victoria Dalton (Ryan), and Jane Lamming (Simons) for organizing the event.
In Memoriam
Patricia Margaret COYLE RSCJ AO
BSc(Med), FANZCA,FRCA, Dip.Med.Trop (Antwerp), Dip.
Pastoral Theology (Montreal)
27 October 1927 – 3 October 2023
Excerpt from Eulogy
Patricia was born in Sydney as the only daughter to Charles Coyle and Hazel (née Bayliss) on 27 October 1929. In 1952 she matriculated to University having studied privately whilst working as a laboratory technician. Patricia then enrolled at Sydney University Medical School, living in Sancta Sophia College, and graduated BSc (Med) Hons 1959 and MBBS in 1960. She did her Internship at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), and in 1961 she entered the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, professing in Rome in July 1969. In 1969-70 Patricia studied for her Diploma of Pastoral Theology at the University of Montreal, Canada and then began training as an anaesthetist in Auckland and Sydney to enable her to carry out missionary medical work in Africa for the Society.
In 1981 she moved to Kampala, Uganda, as Consultant Anaesthetist Mission Hospitals 1983-84, and then Senior Lecturer in Anaesthesia at Makerere University 1985-89 where she established the Diploma of Anaesthesia and degree of Master of Medicine (Anaesthetics). When the post-graduate degrees were established Patricia retired leaving, the first graduates she had trained in charge of anaesthesia. More missionary work followed in 1992-93 at Red Cross Hospitals on the Thai-Cambodian border (Khao-I-Dang) and in Quetta,
Pakistan, after which she returned to Sydney with some VMO sessions at RPAH and a Staff Specialist position at the United Dental Hospital Sydney. Later she worked as a part-time Medical Officer in Emergency Medicine at RPAH, Balmain and Sydney Hospitals. In 1997 she returned to Northern Uganda for a 6 months term as an anaesthetist, and later a brief cameo as an MSF anaesthetist in East Timor (November 1999 to January 2000).
During her “retirement years” she made return visits to lecture and run courses in anaesthesia in Kampala and Nairobi, where she was revered for her excellent teaching and her expertise in paediatric and obstetric anaesthesia, particularly in relatively primitive conditions.
Following her experience of wars in both Africa and Asia, Patricia became a passionate opponent of land mines, joining the Campaign to Ban Landmines (CBL), as she had seen all too often the appalling destruction these mines had inflicted often on innocent civilians who had inadvertently walked into a mined area, resulting in devastating injuries
Patricia’s experience in Africa made her an expert in Third World anaesthesia for which she was recognised by the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain & Ireland with the Pask Certificate of Honour (1984), and Fellowship of the FARCS by election (1988) which later became FRCA. She also became an editor for WFSA Electronic Publishing, and as an invited contributor to both the WFSA and the Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics (Oxford) courses on “Difficult Anaesthesia”.
Patricia was an extremely humble person who never pushed herself forward, and often had to be coaxed to contribute her experience to clinical discussions, which when she did were invariably succinct and completely relevant contributions. Sadly her last years were marred by dementia. She will be remembered by all who knew her professionally as an excellent anaesthetist who devoted the major part of her professional life to missionary and anaesthetic work in the developing world.
In the 2001 Australian Queen's Birthday Honours List Patricia was awarded an AO for service to the community, particularly humanitarian aid overseas, as a medical practitioner in the field of anaesthesia, and through the Catholic Church.
In Memoriam
We remember those members of our community who have died since our last publication. We keep them and their families in our thoughts and prayers.
Alumnae
Frances (Frannie) Fisher (Fowler, RB 1968)
Jan Carroll (RB 1957)
Dr Bernadette Schedvin (Marshall, RB 1957)
Alys Anne Powell (Duncan, RB 1950)
Mary May Kellow (Gillespie (RB 1949)
Marianne Desmond (Ryan, K 1979)
Dorothy Payten (K 1948)
Susan Holdsworth (Hughes, RB 1956)
Geraldine Hynek (Dwyer, K 1955)
Mary Bayldon (RB 1959)
Pam Suttor (RB 1955 & 1956)
Marianne Payten (RB 1960)
Nola Rowe (RB 1944)
Frances McClemens (McMahon, RB 1953)
Karen Prichard (K 1972)
Josephine Brakey (2019)
Marguerite Flipo (K 1945)
Family
Suzanne Smith
Roger Arundell
Philip Last
Vincent O'Connor
Maggie Tynan
John Macken
Susannah (Pookie) Last
Professor Michael O’Rourke AM
Lawrence Coy
Victoria Stephens
Morna Shanahan
Professor Nabeel Ibrahim
RSCJ
Patricia Margaret Coyle RSCJ AO
Gretchen Kelly RSCJ
Margaret D’Ath RSCJ
Please continue to advise Victoria Dalton (daltonvi@krb.nsw. edu.au) of any members of our community who have died, who you wish to be acknowledged in our KRB publications and to be remembered at our annual Memorial Mass.
