Open Gate Magazine - Winter 2023

What's inside

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A New Era in Leadership: Welcome Erica Thomas

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A Vision for the Future: Our New Strategic Plan

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News

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Outstanding Student Achievements

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An Exceptional Boarding Experience

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Congratulations to the Class of 2022

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Our New Teaching and Learning

Framework

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Our New Student Wellbeing

Framework

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A Global Outlook

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Our Sacred Heart Educators

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Senior Play: Daisy Pulls if Off

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Fostering a Passion for STEM

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Supporting International Students

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Junior School Masterplan Update

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Learning from the Past

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Community and Alumnae

A New Era in Leadership: Welcome Erica Thomas

Change can bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy that can revitalise the entire learning community. But it’s also important that with that new leadership comes a respect and understanding of the values and ethos that make up a school.

At the start of Term 1, 2023, we welcomed Erica Thomas as the 7th Principal of Kincoppal-Rose Bay (since the amalgamation of Rose Bay Convent and Kincoppal Elizabeth Bay). In March we gathered as a whole school community for her inauguration which involved a special Mass and Ceremony. We were joined by many special guests including the Chair and representatives from Sophia Education Ministries, the KRB Board Chair and other Board members, as well as past KRB Principals and current ANZNET Principals who flew in for the event. As part of the Mass, our student choir sang a song entitled "Go on Advancing" which was written especially for the event by Father Christopher Wilcock sj, who has composed many beautiful pieces of music for our School.

We are fortunate to have welcomed both an opportunity for growth and a sense of familiarity with our new principal, Mrs Erica Thomas. She joined us in January 2023 after working as Head of School at Newcastle Grammar and prior to that at Queenwood School for Girls.

However, in the 2000s, she spent nine years at Kincoppal –Rose Bay, in the Head of History, Director of Boarding and Director of Teaching and Learning roles. In the 15 years since she left the school, she’s noticed some significant changes.

“The Jean Marie Flynn Year 12 Learning Hub now exists. Our Early Learning Centre and Sophie's Place were in their infancy when I left. The School is bigger too. Although boarding was always strong, it’s so much bigger now. And there's a much greater subject selection for the HSC,” she said.

However, there are many things that haven’t changed at all, like the feeling she gets from the students.

“What I loved about them was their energy, their incredible commitment to learning and often the humour that they brought into classrooms every day,” she said. There are even some familiar faces.

“Some of the staff are the same. Some girls that I taught are now parents at the School. That definitely makes me feel old!”

That so many former students send their children here highlights what Erica loves about KRB.

“I think that's one thing that was drawing me back to the School. That Sacred Heart culture… this real willingness to give back. And I believe that is the enduring part of the School. You've only got to walk down the main part of the corridor, past that amazing chapel and feel that something very special happens here. Everyone describes it to me,” she enthused.

Board Chair Dr Mark Sinclair says that, in Erica we have someone who will add to the rich legacy of the School: “I think Erica’s main focus has always been delivering the best possible outcomes in education, wrapped in the care that our educators can provide here. We welcome her home and, without a doubt, she will do a great job.”

One of Erica’s first tasks is to define the new KRB Strategic Plan. This vision is one of innovation and growth, but with an aim to make sure our School continues to be a place of nurturing and support. The plan is featured in more detail on the following pages. Erica is confident this new strategic vision for the School will nurture growth and empower every student to reach their potential.

Mrs Thomas is looking forward to getting to know the community well and working with them to deliver a well rounded, holistic education: “What a joy it is for me to be back in this environment and to do what I do. I loved it years ago and I’m loving it again,” she concluded.

"To me, Mrs Thomas is the embodiment of the philosophy of leading with the wisdom of the Sacred Heart,” Emma Kennedy, Head Girl 2022/2023

A Vision for the Future: Our New Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan 2023-2026 provides a solid road map to intentionally respond to the challenges facing schools today and into the future, by identifying some key focus areas.

The first focus area relates to our Sacred Heart charism; that distinct Sacred Heart ethos is the first and most important of the six pillars of the KRB Strategic Plan.

“This is about who we are as a School and how we live our mission. We know that an understanding of spirituality and an understanding of connectedness is so important to young people. That gives them a framework to lead and to manage their lives,” Principal Erica Thomas explained.

Intertwined in this is the importance of service, both within the School and in the wider community. “You're trying to merge these so that you get this understanding that in the end, you're not only just rewarding the person you're serving. It's about doing good and feeling good,” Erica explained.

The key focus area of global connectivity focusses on developing a global mindset which has become an important skill for students in today's interconnected world. Fortunately, there are many resources for KRB students to foster international connections.

“We're very lucky that we're connected with 150 Sacred Heart schools around the world. There are opportunities for students and staff to work on projects, do virtual conferencing and even go on exchanges across the world. We want to see that understanding and global perspective in our students,” Erica highlighted.

The third key focus area pertains to Teaching and Learning. Erica Thomas has introduced a common teaching and learning framework across the primary and secondary schools: “It’s a framework that provides deep learning experiences and ensures we’re using data effectively to track students and to inform our practice. The goal is also to help develop student agency so they become confident learners and know how to learn and problem solve. Artificial Intelligence is one area that students and teachers are working through. Although it was banned for the first half of the year, they will gradually allow access once staff learn how to use it effectively in the classroom: “It’s out there, so we need to get students to critique it, particularly at that upper secondary level,” Erica explained.

“In order to provide an enhanced learning framework for students, we also need to attract and keep the best and brightest teachers and the fourth key focus area explores staff recognition and reward. We are further developing our strong employee value proposition which ensures that we have good rewards for our staff, and that they feel as though they're part of something that's really important,” Erica stated.

Another pivotal part of the Strategic Plan is around enhancing the already powerful student wellbeing program that exists at KRB. “We’ve come up with an acronym called, SELF+. This stands for ‘Social Emotional Learning to Flourish. Students need really strong programs to help them negotiate how they interact with others and how they understand themselves. So when they leave, they have a sense of confidence and resilience; all of those things that will help them flourish,” she said.

This includes a language based on the positive education philosophies of Martin Seligman. “This framework ensures that there is one set of language from the moment students come into the School to the moment they leave. As part of our program, parents are also encouraged to join this wellbeing journey through a series of information nights: “These evenings are designed to provide advice for parents on how they might negotiate some of the ups and downs, particularly in adolescent years,” Erica explained.

The final key focus area is around sustainability, considering how to make sure we can continue our first-class educational offering well into the future. “This looks at how we ensure that we are making the best choices we can. It ensures we are building facilities that will really be useful, prominent and wonderful for the children of the future,” said Erica Thomas.

KINCOPPAL-ROSE BAY SCHOOL

LEADING AI EXPERT SPEAKS AT KRB

In June, KRB hosted Professor Toby Walsh, a leading Artificial Intelligence expert from UNSW, for a special presentation about AI and the future of education.

In his presentation, Professor Walsh gave the audience an optimistic view of the future, while recognising many of the challenges posed by AI, including the difficulty in detecting truth. Professor Walsh was keen to remind the audience that the human brain and being human can never be replaced by AI and, if we use it wisely, we can potentially change our world. The future of learning will be different, but AI also provides us with an opportunity to help craft what this might look like as we increasingly personalise learning for each child.

STAFF SPIRITUALITY DAY PUTS SACRED HEART GOAL INTO ACTION

The 2023 Sacred Heart Focus Goal is "A Social Awareness that Impels to Action."

At the Staff Spirituality Day in Term 2, staff were invited to embrace this goal and set an example of putting social awareness into action, as Sacred Heart educators.

Staff participated in several outreach activities including cleaning works at our local Parish, clearing rubbish at four local beaches and generously donating blood. Another group worked at the St Vincent de Paul Society Headquarters to prepare sandwiches and fruit salad packs for the Vinnies Night Patrol Van and also helped to sort donations. Back on site, staff groups worked to collate 600 Snack Packs for the Vinnies Night Patrol, while others created 16 children’s blankets for a women’s refuge.

FOUR YEAR 12 STUDENTS RECEIVE SACRAMENTS

On Pentecost Sunday, four Year 12 boarding students received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Congratulations to Holly Clarke, Charlotte Armstrong, Zara Fahey and Lilli Monie. Three of these girls also received their First Holy Communion at the same time. The four students were well supported by various family members, the Boarding community and Year 12 peers. This was a culmination of the wishes of the girls and the support of Mrs Fairthorne, Head of Sheldon House. Thank you to their sponsors, as well as Fr Christopher for his support and Bishop Terry Brady for presiding at the Confirmation.

KRB STUDENTS VOLUNTEER TO SHARE THEIR TALENTS WITH THE COMMUNITY

Alexander Kitto (Year 6) performed recently on the Tenor Saxophone at a Chinese Community Centre function. Alexander started learning the saxaphone in Year 4 as part of the Band Program. He has gone on to master the instrument and performs regularly in the community.

Holly Zaki (Year 7) is a regular volunteer at her local Parish, particularly in the area of Music Ministry. She has volunteered with some other parishioners and friends to participate in art classes and music performances for nearby nursing homes and has also been involved in the preparation of food for St Canice’s kitchen.

SENIOR SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY

In May we were delighted to welcome our Year 7, 2024 girls for our first ever Year 7 Senior School Discovery Day. Year 6 students from KRB and other schools had the opportunity to meet and get to know each other, participate in Technology, Music and Science Lessons in Senior School classrooms and play games. The girls enjoyed the opportunity to get to know other girls who will be joining them on the KRB journey next year and to experience a day in the life of a KRB Senior School student.

BREAKING DOWN THE 2023 FEDERAL BUDGET

Year 11 and 12 Economics students analysed the Commonwealth Government Budget to understand fiscal policy in action. At the KRB Budget Breakfast, students worked together to break down the components of the budget to assess the impacts on key groups in Australian society.

On Tuesday 16 May, Economics students attended a Budget Dinner hosted by St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill where guest speaker Mr Matthew Comyn, CEO of the Commonwealth Bank, gave his insights on the Budget. Working with boys from Joeys and girls from other schools, our students were able to engage with Economics on a theoretical, practical and social level. Group analysis is integral to the students’ ability to apply their knowledge to current economic news.

KRB PARTICIPATES IN SENIOR ETHICS OLYMPIAD FOR THE FIRST TIME

On May 12, two KRB teams participated in the NSW Senior Ethics Olympiad for the first time. They gained valuable opportunities to draw informed conclusions and address complex issues with a nuanced understanding of multiple perspectives. The teams consisted of Senior Blue team members: Holly Dawson, Maggie Eisenhauer, Emily Pham, Florence Norfolk, Mia Perry, and Ally Heinemann; Senior Brown team members: Harriet Cassidy, Matilda Curran, Jessica Pitt, Harriet Raper and Zoe Tregarthen. We congratulate our Senior Blue Team for achieving overall fifth place. Both teams are to be commended for receiving an honourable mention from the judges for their respectful discourse, solid commentary and responses. In November last year our two teams of younger students also did very well. The KRB Green Team - Emily Bartlett, Lara Howard, Aemelia Ireland, Amelia Maher, Annabel Mills and Catherine Thorp achieved a place in the top 5, while the KRB Purple TeamPhilippa Brunker, JadeRose Duffy, Giselle Langley, Ava West and Zoe Zancanaro received an honourable mention from the judges for their respectful discourse, solid commentary and the way they listened and responded to the other teams' viewpoints.

VISIT FROM TAIWAN SACRED HEART SCHOOL STUDENTS

On Friday 2 June, we welcomed 28 girls to our School from a Sacred Heart school in Taiwan. It was a great experience for the students, where they learnt a lot about Taiwanese culture. Students participated in a series of workshops, which included school tours, language sharing and National Reconciliation Week activities.

FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOP

In late May, our Years 11 and 12 Boarding students attended a Financial Literacy seminar presented by Michelle Bowes from Money Queens. The workshop was also filmed by a crew from the Today Show and three boarders were interviewed. KRB was featured in a segment the following week about Financial Literacy in schools.

VISIT FROM NYC SACRED HEART SCHOOL STAFF MEMBER

KRB is part of a unique international network of 150+ Sacred Heart Schools in 41 countries. In Term 1, we were delighted to host a staff member from the Convent of the Sacred Heart School in New York City. Warren Perry is the Aquatics Director and Head Coach Varsity Swimming at the School and a coach of elite athletes. He was pleased to meet with our Principal, Erica Thomas, Hamid Mobarrez, the Head of KRB Swimming and our Heads of Sports. Warren commented on the real similarities between the Sacred Heart schools.

"Walking around KRB you see prominently the Sacred Heart Goals and St Madeleine Sophie Barat. This is the same in every Sacred Heart School. Though we have our unique cultures, the five goals provide unity across all the schools.” Warren visited Sydney to discuss ideas for exchange opportunities between KRB and the Convent of the Sacred Heart School in NYC.

‘ROOFTOP BEES’ VISITS OUR ELC

In Term 2, children from Sophie’s Place and Joigny participated in an incursion with Ren and John from ‘Rooftop Bees’. The children were captivated by Ren and John’s close-up interactive experience with the bees and had the opportunity to see into the usually hidden workings of an active hive, take part in a ‘waggle’ dance that bees do, learn about safety around bees, learn the different types of bees and their purpose, as well as taste honey from the local Sydney area. The children had the chance to pour their very own jar of honey to take home. Sophie’s Place students have been engaged in conceptual research into the subject ‘The Nature of Unseen Worlds; An Invitation to Visit the Hidden.’ This research has focused on observing the children’s engagement in the dance between the real and the imagined. Bees have become a protagonist in the children’s research into hidden worlds, as they explore the hidden workings of a beehive and the magical contrast between abstract and concrete ideas.

INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE SCHOOL

During the Winter break, KRB was privileged to host over 100 students from all over Australia and overseas at our campus, as part of the world-renowned University of Sydney Science School. Our harbourside campus provided a base for the students who travelled to Sydney University each day to attend the Science School workshops.

KRB BOARD MEMBER AWARDED NSW PREMIER'S COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

KRB Board Member and parent, Lorraine Tarabay, was presented by former member for Vaucluse, Gabrielle Upton, with a NSW Premier's Community Service Award. Gabrielle described Lorraine as a truly worthy recipient and a servant leader who leads by example: “She was a former Sydney and New York investment banker but chose to generously dedicate her time and skills to the community. Her service has been to global and local causes at the same time as Chair of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, on the Board of Global Women Leaders, providing pro-bono strategic advice to humanitarian aid agencies and as a member of the Venice Council for Australia's representation at the Venice Biennale, and the Tate Museum’s International Council. I can think of no worthier recipient of a NSW Premier’s Community Service Award!”

GIRLS CUT CURLS FOR CHARITY

In late May we held our annual KRB Girls Cut Curls Fundraiser. Year 12 girls volunteered to have their hair cut or sell goodies through the Bake Sale to raise funds to support the work of the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, a hospital dedicated to treating and researching cancer. By donating their hair to Sustainable Salons, the girls who had their hair cut have helped create wigs for those fighting cancer. Over $45,000 was raised through the initiative, which is a remarkable achievement.

SHARING IN HARMONY WEEK IN ELC

Harmony Week was marked in a variety of ways at KRB. In our ELC, children celebrated by wearing either the colour of Harmony Day (orange) or an item that was reflective of their cultural background. Parents were invited to cook and share a meal from their culture. The children embraced this rich learning opportunity with enthusiasm.

PLANTING TREES FOR THE QUEEN’S JUBILEE PROGRAM

In March we had the pleasure of welcoming Allegra Spender, Federal Member for Wentworth, for a special tree planting ceremony on Fernon Fields. This was to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth II reaching her Platinum Jubilee milestone in 2022. The planting of trees was funded through the Planting Trees for the Queen's Canopy Program which was made possible thanks to a grant from the Australian Government.

MARKING RECONCILIATION WEEK

Our community recognised National Reconciliation Week through a wide range of activities, aimed at providing each person with time to reflect on how they can use their voice to contribute to change in our community.

From creating a Sorry Day pole in the ELC to planting hands in our Sea of Hands installation in the Junior and Senior Schools, each participant had the opportunity to consider how we can live out this year’s theme to ‘Be a Voice for Generations’.

SACRED HEART DAY CELEBRATIONS

In June, the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart, we came together to celebrate our community and our rich traditions. The Procession of the Lanterns, held the night before Sacred Heart Day, sees our boarders process through the School Chapel singing hymns by candlelight. This beautiful centuryold tradition is shared with Sacred Heart Schools all over the world. Sacred Heart Day celebrations, held on Friday 16 June, commenced with a Mass in the MTC. This day is an annual highlight for all our community, with so many memories made as students embrace the many fun and creative activities taking place throughout the day.

HARVARD MODEL UNITED NATIONS

In Term 2, four Year 8 students participated in the Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) online competition. Over four days, Olivia Mackenzie, Kristen Cole, Michelle Davis and Kiu (Chloe) Lee, researched, wrote, and debated the viewpoints of their assigned countries - Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Germany. They negotiated resolutions for issues such as trade and development, the right to education, and population growth. Through analysing different perspectives, employing empathy, and developing their negotiation skills, the students were able to champion their countries' interests and work collaboratively to develop policies that would enact change.

A NEW EXPERIENCE FOR OUR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES

This year we have made significant changes to the prospective family experience. Our enrolment process is now fully online and prospective parents are given access to a personalised dashboard with all necessary information. Our Information Sessions have changed as well. The new Discovery Mornings in the Senior School now include a visit to classrooms in action, so our visitors are able to see the wonderful teaching and learning that happens at KRB.

Outstanding Student Achievements

Allegra McDonald (Year 11) was acknowledged at the Academic Excellence Awards Ceremony at the University of Sydney. Each year, all schools in NSW nominate one student at the end of Year 10 for this prestigious award, acknowledging their academic achievements.

In March, our Year 9 and 10 students competed in the University of Newcastle’s Science and Engineering Challenge. Their exceptional skills and teamwork resulted in them placing 1st in the Bridge Challenge, which was the hardest challenge of the day. Their bridge, which weighed less than 90g, was able to sustain 5kg of weight driven across it. They also placed 1st in the Flight Challenge, scoring a perfect 100 in all 3 components. In addition, they placed 2nd in the Helter Skelter Shelter and ElectraCITY challenges, as well as 3rd in Stringways. Their outstanding performance earned them 4th place overall, and they were the highest scoring all-female team. The team included Year 9 students Emily Bartlett, Brideah Cronin, JadeRose Duffy, Emilia Glynn and Antigone Helth and Year 10 students, Amelia Gopsha, Piper Cornell, Imogen Hood, Shiyue (Amelia) Hu, Poppy James, Sienna Johnson, Regan Madison, Milana Marsh, Rosie Meikle, Zara Melvey-Lester, Jessica Meyer, India O’Connor, Aleksia Park, Ariella Perkins, Mia Perry, Bridget Sharman, Edie Sonand, Ella Wilson, Chloe Woo, Chloe Yang and Annie Zhang.

Regan Madison (Year 10) was selected for the highly competitive UNSW Civil and Environmental Engineering Work Experience Program which she completed in Term 2. The program involved exploring a range of engineering projects from coastal and port infrastructure to road, transport and geotechnical engineering and included daily field trips to a range of engineering sites across Sydney.

The Year 10 Debating Team made it to the ISDA Grand Finals and were runners up. The team included Lucy Maher, Niamh Bowra, Charlotte Field, Ariella Perkins and Amelia Gopsha.

Charlotte Thorp (Year 11) received a Credit in 5th Grade AMEB Flute. This Semester Charlotte also placed first in the Preliminary Course of Music 1. Charlotte is ably taught by Ms Kate Proctor and is to be commended for this great result.

Holly Zaki (Year 7) achieved an A with Honours in her AMEB 5th Grade Violin examination. Fifth grade is for candidates who have reached a solid intermediate level, have consolidated their technique, and are able to master more complex rhythms and display coordination.

Brideah Cronin (Year 9) and Siena Taylor (Year 11) both won prizes in the Waverley Youth Art Competition 2023. Brideah’s artwork was entitled "Utopian Landscape" and Siena’s was "Where is this Story Going?"

The KRB and St. Catherine’s team made it all the way to the finals of the FIRST Robotics Competition in Wollongong and ended up as the 5th placed alliance. The team included year 12 students Phoebe Bugden, Melissa Calabro, Elise Courtney, Olivia Gabriel, Isabella Gilchrist Pretel, Jade Melvey-Lester, and Phoebe Oayda and Year 11 students Lucinda Adams, Zara Holt, Leica Kurnadi, Poppy Minchin, Aoibhe Morris, Emily Pham, Zoe Tregarthen, and Zara Melvey-Lester, from Year 10.

Our Chinese Debating Team won each of the three rounds of the 2023 NSW High School Chinese Debating League. They made it to the Grand Final and were runners up, a phenomenal achievement. Congratulations to Jiaqi Lisa Li (Year 12), Tiantian Agi Wang (Year 11), Yunshu Nicole Yang (Year 9), Jingyi Jenny Zhang (Year 9), Jiaxu Katie Liu (Year 9), Keyu Rosalie Liu, (Year 9) and Zimo Bella Xia (Year 9).

The Primary A ISDA Debating Team, consisting of Year 6 students Vera Febo, Lucy Gladstone, Emily Harris, Owen Jarrett and Angelina Peng, finished at the top of their pool at the end of the Preliminary Rounds, reaching the Semifinals. This is a feat that has not been achieved by a KRB primary team since 2018.

At the Junior Athletics Championships, Poppy O’Brien (Year 8) ran in the 3km event and came 4th in the State. In the 2km Steeplechase she came 1st in the State. She also finished 4th at the CIS championships, representing IGSA and KRB. Poppy was selected to represent the combined independent schools at the NSW All Schools Championships in Term 3.

Sharon Wu (Year 4) competed at the Equestrian NSW State Interschool Championships in Sydney. Despite this event being Sharon's first ever Interschool Equestrian Competition,

INDIA BEALE

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY WATER POLO IPSHA SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

HOLLY ZAKI

MILA HALL

ALLEGRA MCDONALD

YEAR 3 & 4 BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM

NORFOLK GOLF INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT

EVIE LANDMAN

RUBY TONELLI-SMITH

CHINESE DEBATING TEAM

IPSHA SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

AMELIE ZUZA TITO

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS CARNIVAL

CHARLOTTE THORP

IGSA SWIMMING CARNIVAL

NSWCIS CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

SENIOR BADMINTON TEAM

ROBOTICS

INDIGO BELL

FELISHA KWOK

SCIENCE & ENGINEERING CHALLENGE

SHARON WU

WAVERLEY YOUTH ART COMPETITION 2023

WHISTLER CUP FESTIVAL CANADA

NORTH WEST EQUESTRIAN EXPO

she performed exceptionally well, placing 6th in her 45cm Jumping Group.

Georgia Kirkby (Year 12), Violet Levy (Year 9), Lottie Ryan (Year 9), Polly Durning (Year 9) and Emma Austin (Year 7) competed in the North West Equestrian Expo. Georgia was named Champion of Medium Freestyle Dressage, and Emma won a ribbon in each class of the Gymkhana. Polly also came 2nd in Team Penning in a composite team.

Felisha Kwok (Year 7) won two Gold Medals and a Silver Medal as part of the Under 18 NSW Dragon Boat Junior Team at a competition in Albury.

Tiffany Gorman (Year 10) and Jessica Gorman (Year 8) represented Australia at the Whistler Cup Festival in Canada

Tiffany finished 14th in the Super G and 19th in the Giant Slalom events while Jessica finished 27th in Giant Slalom and 36th in Slalom events. They competed in the Rocky Mountain Championships which is a 20 series event across Colorado. Jessica qualified for the age championships in all her events and Tiffany won the U16 Super G event.

Our Senior Badminton Team was victorious in their Final in early April. Nina Geng (Year 11), Tiantian Wang (Year 11), Charlotte Fu (Year 11), Amelia Hu (Year 10) and Anabel Jiang (Year 10) have worked hard with their coach and improved their skills over the course of the competition.

Ella Tang (Year 12) represented Australia at the World Fencing Championships in Bulgaria. Her team finished 21st overall with Ella ranking in the top 100 fencers in the world.

Lucie Norburn (Year 11) represented the Southern Rebels Under 20 team in the National Touch Football League in Coffs Harbour. The team finished in 8th place.

Indigo Bell (Year 11) competed at the National Junior Classic Australian Basketball Championship. Her team is the first NSW female U18 team to ever win and bring the Gold back over the NSW border. Indigo is now the 2023 National Champion for both basketball and 3×3 Hustle.

Three KRB students were selected to represent IGSA in the U/16 team at the NSWCIS Basketball Championships. Indigo Bell (Year 11), Chloe Yang (Year 10) and Milana Marsh (Year 10) were

each integral to the team securing 3 wins out of 4 matches, achieving an impressive second place in the overall competition.

The Year 3 and 4 Boys Basketball Team competed against Newington, Knox, Grammar, Cranbrook and Scots in the Term 1 IPSHA Basketball Competition and went through the season undefeated!

The KRB 1 Basketball Team went undefeated throughout the whole of Term 2 and as a result, won the S02 IGSA Division.

Allegra McDonald (Year 11) represented NSW at the 2023 National Netball Championships in Darwin. Allegra played for the NSW 17U team and her team made the Grand Final and narrowly lost to Queensland by 2 points.

Ruby Daniel (Year 6), Imogen Tully (Year 5) and Sophie Jarrett (Year 5) were selected in Randwick’s Representative Netball Squad.

Our top Year 6 Netball Team, KRB 21, finished as minor premiers of the U12 Div 1 Randwick Netball Competition, winning 12 out of 13 games. They also went undefeated at the Netball Schools Cup in May. Team members included Ruby Daniel, Willow Flaxman, Lucy Gladstone, Valentina Heysen, Sofia Horder, Annabel Lynch, Angelina Peng, Talia Sanchez, Lillian Wenmohs and Amelie Zuza Tito.

Amelie Zuza Tito (Year 6) was one of 10 girls from across Sydney selected to represent the IPSHA Netball Team. Her team competed in the CIS Netball Championships and finished 3rd overall.

Three Year 6 Students – Lucinda Gladstone, Lillian Wenmohs and Millie Zuza Tito – represented the Sydney University Lions Water Polo Club in the State Cup held at Orange in March. They were undefeated throughout the weekend and won the Grand Final.

Matilda Waugh (Year 12) was selected to participate with the Australian U17 Water Polo Squad in an intense training camp in Europe. Annabelle Waugh in Year 10 has also been selected to represent Australia for her respective age group. Annabelle travelled to the USA to also take part in a training camp with her team before playing fixtures against USA U17 team. Matilda was also selected to represent IGSA Opens age group at the CIS Water Polo Championships.

“WHERE IS THE STORY GOING? BY SIENA TAYLOR (YEAR 11)

Over the Term 1 break, Hunter Kwan (Year 6) travelled to Vietnam to compete in the Norfolk Golf Invitational Tournament. Hunter came away with two prizes, including a new Titleist golf bag and a round of golf for 4 people at the New South Wales Golf Club. Hunter has been nominated to represent CIS at the NSWPSSA Golf Championships

At the IGSA Swimming Carnival, Annabelle Waugh (Year 10), Matilda Waugh (Year 12), Mila Hall (Year 8), Mia Davidson (Year 9), Georgia Sone (Year 10) and Ruby Tonelli-Smith (Year 12). were all finalists in their events.

Ruby Tonelli-Smith (Swim Captain, Year 12) represented KRB at the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships. Ruby came 1st in the 200m Butterfly and 2nd in the 100M Butterfly. As a result of her amazing performance, Ruby was selected to race at the National Championships in August at the Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. Ruby is also in the running for a leadership position at the event and may have the opportunity to captain the NSW team. She also represented KRB at the NSWCIS Championships where she came 1st in the 50m Butterfly, 2nd in the 100 Butterfly and 1st in the 200m Butterfly, breaking the record which had been set in 2013 by over a second.

Lillian Wenmohs (Year 6) represented the IPSHA Swim Team in the U12 50m Backstroke and 50m Freestyle at the NSWCIS Swimming Championships.

Two students broke records at this year’s Junior School Athletics Carnival. Billie Rollo (Year 5) set a new record in

the 10 years 200m sprint with a time of 31.06s, and Sebastian O’Connor (Year 6) set a new record in the 11 years 800m run with a time of 2mins 43.7s.

Three KRB swimmers, Mila Hall (Year 8), Georgia Sone (Year 10) and Maddie Sone, competed at the National Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast. Mila Hall made the Finals in 50m and 100m Freestyle and finished 12th in the country in her age group. Georgia also swam Personal Best times for both of her events – the 50m Freestyle and 100m Freestyle. Maddie competed in the 4 x 50 Freestyle Relay and the team finished 39th out of 60 relay teams.

Six KRB students competed at the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships as part of the North Bondi team. Evie Landman (Year 5) won a Gold Medal for Board Rescue. Lillian Wenmohs (Year 6) won a Gold Medal for Individual Board, Surf Team and the All-Age Board Relay as well as a Silver Medal in the U12 Board Relay. Lucy Gladstone (Year 6) won a Gold Medal for Surf Team and a Silver Medal for Board Relay.

Year 6 students Vera Febo, Lillian Wenmohs and Indigo Levy represented IPSHA in the NSWCIS Cross Country Championships. Vera finished 16th, Indigo 23rd and Lillian 20th in races that included almost 100 athletes from all over the state.

India Beale (Year 11) came first in her age group (16-19yrs) in the 1km Cole Classic Ocean Swim. This placed her 8th out of 863 females and 49th out of a total of 1791 race participants, many of whom were elite swimmers.

"UTOPIAN LANDSCAPE" BY BRIDEAH CRONIN (YEAR 9)

An Exceptional Boarding Experience

What makes an excellent boarding school? Is it opportunities for teaching and learning? Is it strong communication links with families and students? Is it innovation or a supportive home environment?

According to the 2023 Australian Education Awards, it’s all these things. We’re thrilled to announce that KRB has been declared as being up there with the best. We have recently been shortlisted as a finalist in the category of most Outstanding Boarding School in Australia.

Director of Boarding, Anne-Maree Bennett, says, “We have been recognised as a School that is still meeting the needs of families and boarding students. We are one of the oldest girls boarding schools in NSW and, though we have been welcoming boarders since 1882, we are not a School that's resting on our laurels. We have a heritage site, but we must evolve our offerings and remain relevant to the world the girls live in, and to hone the skills and capacities our boarders need to navigate their world,” she explained.

Teenagers of today face unique challenges and Anne-Maree notes that as caregivers, it’s important to stay informed of the latest research and practices. “We talk a lot about the current research and what we can implement in the boarding space to mitigate or foster certain things that will be beneficial to the girls' growth,” she said.

An example of this was inspired by the consent petition that was circulated a few years ago by Chantal Contos, a student from another local school.

“We agreed that it was important to work on male/female friendships so we initiated a series of activities and have come to benefit from ongoing connections with the local boys' and girls' boarding schools that enable Kincoppal-Rose Bay boarders shared outings, visits and dinners. We wanted to empower the girls with the confidence and social skills to grow authentic relationships,” she said.

The boarding staff have also undertaken significant education around things like cyber safety and vaping to make sure the girls are informed and able to make good decisions, and staff are equipped to have robust and effective conversations with boarders on these issues.

“We don't pretend that they don't exist. We acknowledge the existence of all these sorts of risks and dangers, and try to talk about them constructively,” Anne Maree said.

Technology is one area where personal responsibility is key.

“We tend not to say that they're doing something wrong with their technology. We emphasise that without the constant distractions of technology, girls can benefit from uninterrupted study practices and routines and achieve optimal sleep hygiene. Our message is that a good night's sleep is really beneficial to brain growth and physical development,” Anne-Maree explained.

According to the girls, this approach makes it feel more like home. “I really love the way we go into the common rooms and watch movies together,” Year 8 student Hattie said.

It’s also important for the girls to feel comfortable enough to make mistakes and know they’ll be supported and not shamed.

According to Head of Woodward House, Sarah Metcalfe, it’s important to provide an environment where the girls (and families) feel known, understood and well-supported.

“Our philosophy is grounded in Positive Psychology. This means that we build positive relationships with all of our boarding families, recognise each girl’s accomplishments, great or small, offer opportunities for girls to find meaning and purpose, to enhance positive emotions, so that each girl can grow, through challenges and mistakes, to be the best version of herself. This is a journey which the girls, their families and boarding staff walk together,” she explained.

For Year 10 student Jo, this welcoming approach works. “The staff are really good like that. You can be really open with them. They've been here for a long time and they’ve gone through so many situations with girls that they know how to approach your problems and try to help,” she said.

There’s one thing that the award criteria doesn't mention: the relationships forged thanks to boarding. According to the girls, that’s the main thing they love about KRB boarding.

“They're like your sisters. And it just becomes so easy and natural. It's like your second home pretty much,” Year 12 student Molly concluded.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022 !

Congratulations to the Class of 2022. They achieved outstanding results despite the challenges they faced. They began the HSC in the longest lockdown this State had experienced. Many of the markers of transition into their senior years were lost because of restrictions and cancellations. We are so proud of the way they managed this time and, while we wish it could have been a smoother path, we encourage the whole cohort to take with them the confidence that they can overcome challenges that they may face in the future. Despite these very unique circumstances, this cohort still contributed strongly to the life of the School and for this they should be proud.

The median ATAR of the Class of 2022 was the equal highest the School has seen in the last 5 years and almost half of the cohort (48%) achieved an ATAR of 90 or over. The nine Allrounders completed a wide range of courses, displaying talents across many areas. A high proportion of the cohort chose extension subjects, embracing the challenges these presented. There were many nominations across a wide range of practical and creative arts subjects, which is a testament to this cohort’s ability to work independently and harness their talents. Their teachers and I are delighted that so many students achieved personal bests in their subject results: each student’s personal growth is the real story of their HSC journey. Congratulations once again!

Erica Thomas Principal

It is fantastic to celebrate success across a breadth of subject areas, with Band 6/E4 results achieved in 29 different courses. This demonstrates the diversity of our students’ success.

We continue to have outstanding results in all English courses, including one student, Annalisa Morcos, who achieved 13th place in the state in English Advanced. Our students excelled in the English Advanced course with 93% of students achieving results in the top two bands. In English Extension I, 94% of students achieved in the top two bands, and in the English Extension Il course, 80% of students achieved in the top two bands.

Additionally, Studies of Religion I and II, each with large cohorts, had over 70% students achieving in the top two

bands. Mathematics results were also consistent with 67% of Advanced students, 81% of Extension 1 and 100% of Extension 2 students achieving in the top two bands. In Drama, Lauren Whiting and Emily Chubb achieved 5th and 6th place respectively in the State and 100% of students achieved in the top two bands. We also achieved showcase and selection nominations for OnStage. Design and Technology also achieved showcase nominations, a First in State place and 87% of the cohort achieved in the top two bands. In Visual Arts, 93% of students achieved in the top two bands.

We also celebrate the outstanding HSIE results with 76% of Business Studies, 80% of Ancient History, 100% of Economics, 72% of Geography, 72% of Modern History, and 88% of Legal Studies students achieving in the top two bands.

In Languages, 100% of the Italian Beginners and Chinese and Literature cohorts achieved in the top two bands, whilst we also achieved First in Course in French Extension. Finally, we acknowledge the achievements in Chemistry with 64% achieving in the top two bands, Physics with 80% of students achieving in the top two bands, and PDHPE with 67% of students achieving in the top two bands.

Angela Thomas Director of Pedagogy Graduate Destinations for the Class of 2022

Law, Arts, Politics & Int’l Studies

Commerce / Business / Economics

Gap Year

Social Work, Nursing & Health

Pyscology & Criminology

Design & Architecture

Science, English & Maths

Communications & Media

Agriculture & Animal Science

Medical

Soaring Higher: Our new Teaching and Learning Framework

In line with our new Strategic Plan 2023-2026, KRB has recently launched a new Teaching and Learning framework.

The new framework articulates strategic priorities that embed excellence in learning from our youngest learners in our ELC right through to our senior students, so they are equipped as lifelong learners when they graduate from KRB.

Our framework sets out our vision for all teaching and learning, including the professional practice of our teachers and designing optimum learning experiences for our students.

The framework builds capacity in our teaching staff as a community of learners through purposeful, best-practice professional learning.

Data informed decision-making will shape our educational design and a genuine partnership between teachers and students will be fostered as they engage in rich learning experiences.

We encourage our learners to strive for academic excellence by growing student agency, so they own their learning, take supported risks and are outward looking. To achieve these aims at KRB, our pedagogy aims to develop in all our learners, five key learning attributes including:

• Critical and Creative Thinking

• Metacognition

• Active Citizenship

• Future-focused learners

• Communication and collaboration

These learner attributes provide us with an aspirational vision for future-focused learning that equips all students to develop the skills essential to meet the challenges of our rapidly evolving world. Rich learning is characterised by consistent, developmentally sequenced opportunities to build and apply critical and creative thinking processes. The explicit teaching of metacognitive skills allows students to become independent, self-regulating, life-long learners who make astute decisions and reflect critically. Our students communicate with purpose, collaborating meaningfully to build new ideas and engage in complex problem-solving initiatives. As a community of learners these attributes allow us to journey together as we re-imagine the future of learning with courage and confidence.

As a community of learners, our Learner Attributes allow us to journey together as we re-imagine the future of learning with courage and confidence.

“The higher we want to fly, the greater the risk, but that is the glorious part of it." Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ

DATA INFORMED PROFILING AND TRACKING

RICH TEACHING AND LEARNING EXPERIENCES

THE KRB TEACHING AND LEARNING FRAMEWORK

STUDENT AGENCY

• Learning Attributes

• Student Leadership

• Global Outlook

• Microcredentialling

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND CAPACITY BUILDING OF STAFF

• Performance Framework

• Professional Learning Plans

SELF +: Our new Student Wellbeing Framework

This year, we are excited to launch a new KRB ELC-12 Wellbeing Framework. Entitled SELF + (Social Emotional Learning to Flourish). The Framework has been uniquely developed to meet the needs of all KRB students as they progress through the school from our Early Learning Centre to Year 12. The new framework draws on contemporary research, and has a focus on the evidence-based concepts of Gratitude, Growth Mindset, Mindfulness and Resilience, as well as a strong emphasis on the identification of VIA (Values in Action) Character Strengths. The Framework is informed by Martin Seligman’s science of positive psychology and is underpinned by an understanding of our five Sacred Heart goals.

“Being optimistic and utilising strengths encourages positive student outcomes, success towards goals and a shared language for communicating the value in others.” - Carrie

Scanlan, Director of Students

Positive Education is a concept that informs the educational experience of all students at Kincoppal-Rose Bay and our new framework has embedded the key tenets of PERMA(H), components that are crucial to developing the wellbeing of students.

PERMA(H) encompasses six main elements that Seligman premised as critical for long term wellbeing and achieving a sense of ‘flourishing’:

1. Positive emotions: Feeling positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, interest, and hope. These positive emotions help build resilience, creativity and the ability to cope.

2. Engagement: Being fully absorbed in activities that use your skills but still challenge you.

3. (Positive) relationships: Having positive relationships.

4. Meaning/Mattering: Belonging to and serving something you believe is bigger than yourself.

5. Accomplishment: Pursuing success, winning, achievement, and mastery.

6. Health: Incorporating physical and mental health to establish habits that support positive health across one’s life span.

The E-12 continuum of Student Wellbeing, outlined as part of the Framework, articulates specific areas of focus that are appropriate for KRB's students, in an age and stage appropriate manner. ELC to Year 6 are focused on learning about self and others (with specific approaches for each stage) while Years 7 to 12 move towards understanding self and beyond.

As students work towards a state of flourishing, the “+” aspect of the Framework focuses on opportunities beyond the classroom. Concurrent to the continuum of Student Wellbeing, KRB students participate in a range of opportunities to supplement the development of skills and attributes, increasing their wellbeing and ensuring they are achieving their personal best in all domains.

One of our key points of difference here at KRB is our Coaching and Mentoring program. Research shows that mentoring plays a specific role in supporting Student Wellbeing. The building of our Christian community through the development of positive relationships between staff and students, where all students are encouraged and supported to be the best student they can be, is integral to student success; academic, social and emotional. These include; Wild Time, Outdoor Camps, Cocurricular Programs, Sport, Domestic and International Exchanges, Justice Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC) and Student Leadership. All of these components of education help to ensure the holistic, Catholic Sacred Heart education that our foundress St Madeleine Sophie Barat RSCJ envisioned.

“It is not to turn the children out small and finished but seriously begun on a wide basis. Therefore they must leave us with some self-knowledge, some energy, some purpose.” Janet Erskine Stuart RSCJ

SOCIAL FORGIVENESS, GRATITUDE, CORE VALUES, SELF CONTROL, KINDNESS AND CONNECTIONS

EMOTIONAL EMPATHY AND COMPASSION, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, MIND-BODY CONNECTION, CAREGIVING

EMOTIONAL

SOCIAL LEARNING FLOURISH

LEARNING

SELF-KNOWLEDGE, CURIOSITY AND INTEREST, GOAL ORIENTATION, MINDSETS, CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, DECISION MAKING

FLOURISH

POSITIVITY, CREATIVITY, FLOW, SENSE OF MEANING

LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK, PHYSICAL WELLBEING, RESILIENCE, MOTIVATION, GRIT AND PERSISTENCE

A Global Outlook

If we’ve learnt anything from the past few years, it’s that many of the issues we face don’t adhere to national borders. Concerns like climate change, inequality, sustainability and health equity are challenges for every society. It’s critical that we foster a generation of students who are not only aware of these issues but have a global mindset to create a better world.

This is why one our core goals at Kincoppal-Rose Bay is to increase these global competencies. We want our students to embrace global citizenship as a way of life.

With our international Sacred Heart network, finding that global connection is just a little bit easier. Our network of 150 schools in 41 countries gives our students an opportunity to not only learn about life overseas but live it themselves.

It starts in the junior years of the Senior School. Girls in Year 8 and 9 can do domestic exchanges to Melbourne, Brisbane or Auckland where they attend school and live with a family.

It’s like an entrée to doing an international exchange, according to Student Exchange Coordinator Murray Kerstens.

“It provides them with a bit of an insight into the exchange program, living in a different city and experiencing a different Sacred Heart School,” he explained.

In Year 9, girls can also join the Virtual Collaboration Program. This is a student-run network that runs online every fortnight. Girls collaborate with students in Asia, New Zealand and across Australia about a global issue they want to investigate.

Director of Global Education Sarah Daff explains:

“At the beginning of the program, students talk about what global issues they want to investigate. So that might be, gender equality. A high school will take on that topic and those students will devise an hour workshop on that topic".

“They might share some information about it, but they’ll also facilitate discussions about what that issue looks like in the different schools".

“They learn about global issues and also discuss how it presents in different countries,” she said.

The next step is to see those international differences for themselves. Every year, a selection of Year 10 and 11 students travel overseas and spend three weeks on exchange with another Sacred Heart family. Depending on interests and availability, they can stay with families in the USA, France, Spain, Japan, Austria, Italy or Germany.

When they return, often their host sister comes to visit them in Australia and attends Kincoppal-Rose Bay.

According to Murray Kerstens, the program is unique in many ways.

“It helps develop their cultural awareness, allows them to be global citizens and increases their appreciation of global issues. But they also stay within the safety of the Network, because we all have the same core values at each of the schools,” he explained.

This is exactly what Year 11 student Dimity experienced on her recent trip to Greenwich, Connecticut.

“It was really interesting to see that we have very different perspectives but they have the same core values. The Sacred Heart goals in their school are the same as ours. It’s like a global language,” she said.

However, Year 11 student Ava was surprised by how different she found living in New York.

“I thought it was going to be quite similar to how we work here. But when I went over there, I was so shocked at how different everything was,” she said.

According to Sarah, the goal of the exchange is for students to develop their cultural intelligence.

“The ability to work with people, to understand your own identity, understand how culture shapes your worldview, and to be able to move and work with people from cultures different to your own is significant.” she explained.

Language differences are obviously one challenge for the students who visit countries like Spain, France, Japan and Italy.

“For the students who go to places where English isn't the first language, they build those skills of ‘how do you communicate?’ as well as building independence and resilience,” Sarah said.

“We have very different perspectives but we have the same core values. The Sacred Heart goals in their school (Connecticut USA) are the same as ours. It’s like a global language!” Dimity, Year 11

Even for the students visiting America, they soon realised there were some differences they didn’t expect.

“I could make a joke and it'd be hilarious to Dim and I, but they would say ‘I don't know what you mean,” Sally said.

Regardless of the challenges, all the girls agree that the biggest highlight was forging new friendships on the other side of the world. As Sally explained: “Now we have a whole family across the other side of the world. It just gives you more opportunities and allows you to gain more confidence.”

A genuine sense of the global is really embedded in our Sacred Heart Charism, Sarah Daff explains. “From its earliest days, the Society of the Sacred Heart has valued internationality. An example of this is the International Society of the Sacred Heart's presence at the United Nations as a non-governmental organisation (NGO). Since 2003, the Society has been associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). This focus on being part of the international community is adopted and supported by Sacred Heart schools. Our exchange program, both in-person and virtual, is an example of schools living this out.”

Our Sacred Heart Educators

Theo Miliatos Director of Corporate Services

I commenced my role as Director of Corporate Services at KRB in May this year. One thing that has been immediately apparent to me is the friendliness of everyone at this school. I was drawn to KRB for its values and being here I can see they are lived out authentically. There is a strong sense of compassion and value placed on the importance of community. I look forward to becoming more involved in our community. My favourite KRB experience since I started was definitely Sacred Heart Day!

I was motivated to work in the schools sector as I wanted to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people through education.

My area of Corporate Services plays a key role in serving the School. It provides critical services to deliver positive outcomes for students, parents, staff and the community.

Brennan Sharpley Director of Mission

I commenced in January this year as Director of Mission. The KRB Leadership Team, RE Team and staff in general have warmly welcomed new colleagues like me into our Sacred Heart community. KRB students are unique in that they display a genuine openness to being involved and there is a strong sense of caring for everyone in the community. Staff and students have been enthusiastic supporters of Mission events including fundraising initiatives, liturgies such as Holy Week and School Masses as well as preparation for the KRB Bowraville Camp Program and Vinnies Night Patrol volunteer training and participation.

I feel that Mission enables our school community to be aware of our incredible Sacred Heart origins and our Catholic tradition, and the relevance of these today. The Founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart, St Madeleine Sophie Barat, wanted to create a Sacred Heart community that provided holistic, transformational education for young girls and boys. St Madeleine Sophie Barat particularly wanted young women to be well educated in mind and heart; she inspired the early Sisters in her community to have courage and confidence in carrying out this work, and today at KRB, that same focus is very much alive. I have had the privilege of seeing courageous, confident students in our Junior School and ELC, as well as strong young women using their unique position to work towards improving our world.

Theo Miliatos Director of Corporate Services

Brennan Sharpley Director of Mission

I began my KRB journey at the start of last year when I worked casually across Joigny and the primary school. I fell in love with the School then and have been in a full time position teaching Kindergarten since January. I have been teaching for the past nine years across both early years and primary settings.

I am very passionate about the formative years in a child’s learning journey and how their early experiences of school can shape their attitude towards learning for life.

I feel so lucky to be part of such a forward thinking and welcoming Sacred Heart School. I was blown away by the sense of community, not only among staff and students, but all the wonderful families of KRB.

Hayley Flowers

I commenced as Head of Drama at the start of the 2023 school year. The staff and students are so lovely, warm, and welcoming. I also love our Drama Department - it is such a mixed bag of specialist teachers ranging from physical theatre practitioners to dancers and professional improvisational actors. Collaborating with this team has been so immensely refreshing and rewarding. I am passionate about Drama as I believe it creates a cultural currency in schools that fosters community. It is within this community that students discover themselves, find their people, explore what they love through play and experience and explore different theatrical styles and conventions. Drama allows students to discover who they are and how to communicate and collaborate as 21st century learners.

KRB students are curious and have a keen eye for detail. In the Drama space in particular, the girls are deeply focused. They are hungry to achieve and succeed. So many girls are eager to pursue a career in the arts and that excites me.

Katy Franklin Kindergarten Teacher

Head of Drama

Katy Franklin Kindergarten Teacher

Hayley Flowers Head of Drama

Daisy Pulls it Off

This year’s Senior Play, "Daisy Pulls it Off", was performed to over 500 parents, friends, special guests and students over two nights in March in the Hughes Centre.

The play, which follows the journey of a new student at an early 20th century prestigious girls' boarding school, presented an engaging, satirical response to social issues such as privilege, bullying, sports, identity, family and friendship.

The spectacular production was directed by Edward Wightman, an esteemed director, actor and acting coach. Ed has directed a range of highly regarded productions from Moulin Rouge, The Musical! to Fawlty Towers Live and Billy Elliot, The Musical

Head of Drama Hayley Flowers praised the cast and crew for their dedication and skills.

“The students really are exceptional, talented young actors, creative designers and tech geniuses! The process itself was two months in the making. The cast and crew were involved in long after-hours auditions leading into the rehearsal process. Students have been trained on how to perform a straight theatre piece and have honed new collaboration and communication skills – all lifelong skills that the 21st century learner requires.”

Piper Cornell, who played the lead role of Daisy Meredith, said: “It’s been amazing to have the support of the entire community in diving into this task. This experience has certainly reinforced my holistic understanding of theatre, and is something that I will cherish into the future.”

Fostering a Passion for STEM

We know women are vastly underrepresented in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) professions.

The latest Australian Government STEM equity report shows women make up only 27% of the workforce across all STEM industries and 36% of enrolments in university STEM courses. However, the tide is turning. That’s in part due to the excellent work of passionate educators across the country who are hoping to change the face of STEM.

Educators like KRB’s Head of Science Charlotte Young and STEM and Robotics Coordinator Alexandra Pirschel.

Their mission is to show students the variety of STEM and how it can be relevant in their lives, now and in the future.

“It's just helping raise that awareness around what the future holds,” Charlotte explained.

“And really trying to break down the stereotype that engineering and coding is for boys,” Alexandra continued.

One way they’re hoping to engage students is with the new curriculum coming in over the next few years. They’ve seen the draft and are pleased to see it looks more concept-based. This helps students see the purpose of what they’re learning and keeps them engaged and focused. That’s particularly important in the early years of high school when an interest in STEM often drops off.

“We see in our Junior School, a lot of the Years 5 and 6 are really keen to get involved with STEM activities. And because

they are the eldest of their domain, they have that confidence to just give it a go and see how it turns out,” Alexandra said.

When they get to Year 7 and 8, they often lose that confidence. They want to sit back more and don’t put their hand up as much.

The big question is how you turn that around. Charlotte said one way is to give the girls permission to fail. “Science is about building resilience. Often the girls come in, and they all want 100%. They want to get top marks and they're afraid to fail.

“We all know that in domains like STEM, the magic happens when you make mistakes. You learn and you redesign things,” she said.

This chance to experiment and be creative is the focus of the dedicated STEM Days that are organised throughout the year. External providers come in to provide workshops in things like virtual reality, 3D printing, robotics and even Lego design.

“We provide lots of creative experiences so the girls can dip their toes in and see if this might be something they'd like to pursue,” Alexandra explained.

It seems like this approach is having the desired effect. “I think everyone in my year really enjoys STEM, whether or not science is their favourite subject. They love all those STEM days and other opportunities. At the Year 9 and 10 STEM Day, everybody came in chanting ‘Women in STEM’ into the auditorium!” Year 10 student Zara said.

For the students who want more, there are plenty of cocurricular activities offered. As an example, at the Nexgen Codecamp last term they designed, coded and 3D printed a robotic arm which they could control with a Nintendo controller. In STEM Club, Captains Elise and Jenny plan experiments for the younger students.

“We’re trying to get the younger years to learn to follow the method. They will also sometimes come up with the method to solve a problem, so it’s learning more logical thinking,” Jenny explained.

Of course, a career in STEM isn’t for everyone; but the skills of problem solving, critical thinking and creativity will be invaluable in whatever field these students end up in.

“We're hoping for them to find those skills within themselves and explore that in whichever way they want,” Alexandra said.

The teachers want to equip the girls with the scientific skills they need to get through life. “So even those girls who won’t go on to work in STEM based fields can watch something on Instagram or Tiktok and know that it's fake. We want them to question things and then make informed decisions."

The Robotics program at KRB is expanding. We now have Junior Robotics for Years 5 to 8 students and Senior Robotics for Years 9 – 12 students. Other opportunities include external workshops and work placements which are all encouraged by the School.

“I think KRB really wants us to know about all the opportunities available. We have people come in and speak to us about careers in STEM. There's so many opportunities that get put up by Mrs Valencia (the Career Education Advisor) and Miss Young,” Courtney said.

This approach is closely linked with the School’s Sacred Heart philosophy which focuses on personalised education and equipping each student individually with what they need to thrive into the future. “We always remember the important words of St Madeleine Sophie Barat, founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart, who said that she would have founded her Society ‘For the sake of one child’,” Charlotte stated.

“We provide lots of creative experiences so the girls can dip their toes in and see if this might be something they'd like to pursue,” Alexandra Pirschel, STEM and Robotics Coordinator

Supporting International Students

Not many of us look back at the home learning periods of 2020 and 2021 with fondness. For most students, it was a few months at a time before they could re-join the classroom. But spare a thought for current Year 12 student Jenny, who spent an entire two years remote learning back at home in China while the borders were closed.

“I hadn’t seen my friends for so long. I remember some of my teachers were holding the laptop around in the classroom so everyone could say hi to me,” Jenny remembered.

Now that borders are open, it has been wonderful to see the international student group growing again at KRB.

Ms Shelley Bartley is KRB’s Head of EAL/D (English as an additional language/dialect). She said international students give a unique flavour to the School.

“It brings a global outlook to everybody and helps us to understand the world better. The fact it's on the increase again, just enriches the fabric of the community,” she said.

One highlight on the calendar is the Cultural Diversity Week, where there is a big assembly with cultural performances and a multicultural lunch. And of course, the traditional K-pop dance performance.

According to Mandarin teacher and International Students Advisor Mrs Yin Yang, the Cultural Diversity Committee has grown to be one of the biggest student committees.

“They like the atmosphere and the fact that the School is becoming more diverse,” she said.

The local girls are also curious about learning more.

“It's very interesting to see that more local girls, country girls and boarders are interested in this and wanting to mingle with international students to celebrate diversity,” she said.

International students help enrich classroom discussion too, however, it can be difficult for them when English isn’t their first language.

Which is why the EAL/D Department is so important. Staff like Shelley support both the students and their teachers to traverse the language divide.

“Sometimes that means I'm going into the classroom and supporting within a lesson. Other times I'm withdrawing a small cluster or facilitating a one-on-one session.

“For example, Year 10 students are reading Macbeth. I took that (international student) group out and we did an overview where we got the girls sourcing materials in their first language, so they could understand Macbeth first in Chinese and then apply that to their reading,” she explained.

“Wherever the student is, they can learn and they can access the curriculum. But sometimes we just need to modify it a little,” she said.

"Current linguistics research recommends students first understand the content in their own language. It means what they’re learning in their second or third language makes more sense to them.

“International students thrive in an environment like KRB. You get this real flourishing here of the girls who are just able to be themselves. They're creative, critical thinkers and they're able to explore that side of themselves here,” Shelley Bartley, Head of EAL/D

“I might say to students, next week in Biology, you're learning about the reproductive system. I want you to find a resource in your first language about that. So then when your teacher talks about it next week, you feel empowered."

“That's teaching them a skill for life. They go into a situation being prepared and trying to look ahead,” she explained.

2021 KRB graduate and international student Hanke agreed that she always felt supported and empowered by all her teachers.

“This is shown from the very small details like purposefully putting on subtitles when playing a Youtube video in class to help nonnative speakers to better understand the content."

“Or the consistent effort made by different teaching staff to provide international students with extra English support sessions once per week after school, all the way through to Year 12,” she said.

For Jenny, the most memorable aspect of her KRB education is the cocurricular activities.

“In China, we just focus on studying. But here there's so many activities going on, like the Sacred Heart Day, and the JPIC Program. It’s a whole new thing for me,” she said. Shelley agreed international students thrive in an environment like KRB.

“You get this real flourishing here of the girls who are just able to be themselves. They're creative, critical thinkers and they're able to explore that side of themselves here,” she said.

Junior School Masterplan

KRB is undertaking a 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.

“It's an exciting time for me to be leading the School as we implement a new Strategic Plan under the headings of Mission, Teaching and Learning, Global Connections, Student Wellbeing, Staffing and Sustainability for our students from Sophie’s Place right through to Year 12. The KRB Masterplan, spanning 14 projects across the Junior and Senior School, will assist us in achieving these goals," said Principal Erica Thomas.

The Junior School Masterplan focuses on learners who are mobile, global, digital and visual and the facilities we are building will reflect these characteristics. These new facilities bring the outside in and create a space where the children’s curiosity and creativity will be fostered.

A special family ceremony to acknowledge the wonderful generosity of Edward and Jamie Malouf to the KRB Junior School Masterplan was held on Monday 19 June. Members of the O’Neil and Malouf families gathered at KRB to see the plaque made in honour of Deborah Mary O’Neil Malouf, alumna of Kincoppal (1968), mother to Justin, Edward, Philip and James and grandmother to Molly, Grace, Poppy, Heidi, John, Zoe, Olivia, Annabelle, Jack, Jemima and Philip. It was wonderful to have Laurie O’Neil, father to Deborah, present on this very special occasion.

"Students will leave Barat-Burn with a hunger for learning and a sense of their place in their learning development.” Erica Thomas, Principal

Deborah Mary O'Neil Malouf

Stage One

A drop off and pick up road from Vaucluse Rd to the Junior School and an elevated footbridge.

Completed: December 2022

Stage Two

Year 5 & 6 Learning Space & Vertical

Circulation Hub.

“This space is a really flexible area; you can use it for everything.” (Kailu)

Stage Three

Assembly Hall, General Learning Areas and Outdoor Rooftop area.

“These spaces provide opportunity for collaboration between all year groups.” (Emma)

Stage Four

Outdoor Learning Space overlooking the Harbour, where learning can take place in a natural environment.

“It would be nice to be on the rooftop because it’s nice and peaceful and you have a beautiful view, You could grow lots of good stuff like vegetables and plants.” (Fox)

Stage Five

Early Learning Centre.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HEARING ABOUT THESE DEVELOPMENTS, PLEASE CONTACT:

Learning from the Past - the Kincoppal-Rose Bay School Archives

Kincoppal-Rose Bay School has a long and rich history dating back to 1882, of which it is justifiably proud. Much of that history is captured in the School’s Archives. Located in The Villa, a heritage-listed building at the bottom of the Junior School driveway, the Archives contain a rich collection of historical material that documents the history of our School.

School archives and records are valuable resources for staff and students alike and also play a vital role in fostering the ongoing involvement of the school community and alumnae. They help us to learn from the past, to understand the present and to plan for the future.

The School’s first Archivist was Sr Margaret McKay RSCJ. Sr McKay was a passionate advocate for Archives, and a driving force behind the establishment of the School Archives. Her appointment was approved by the School Council in October 1984. For many years the Archives were located in an area in the North Wing of the Main Building of the Senior campus, which proved unsatisfactory in terms of storage, security and access. Following several years of negotiations and planning, the Archives were relocated to The Villa in 2009, where there are storage and work rooms and a display room which can also accommodate class visits.

Also located in The Villa are the Provincial Archives. This collection is located upstairs from the School Archives and contains the records of the ANZ Province of the Society of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (RSCJ). For much of the School’s first 100 years, it was administered by the RSCJ, and its records comprised a large part of the Provincial Archives. In 1981, during the course of researching "Living Stones", the history of Rose Bay School, published for its Centenary, Sr Leila Barlow RSCJ identified an “urgent need to have documents professionally preserved, classified and made available for consultation”. Three years later, a Committee comprising Sr Anne McGrath, the School Principal, and Sisters McKay,

Barlow, Carroll and Barnao proposed the appointment of the first School Archivist, resulting in the separation of the School records from the Provincial Archives. Since that time, the two Archives have operated as separate entities. Naturally, there is some overlap between the two collections, and the Archivists have a close working relationship.

In recent years, students from the ELC through to the senior years have visited the School Archives as part of their studies. Accompanied by their teachers, a visit to the Archives gives the students a chance to see things from our School’s past, including old photos showing how the campus has changed, uniforms from the past, samples of class work and historical objects. Some of the students have family connections with the School, with mums, aunties and grandmothers having attended the School, so they often have a particular interest in KRB’s history.

In 1994, Sr McKay wrote an assignment as part of her university studies looking at issues and strategies around designing the School Archives. She conducted a survey of staff to ascertain their thoughts on the value and role of School Archives. One respondent wrote “School archives are a vital school resource. Their collection, preservation, organisation and use are of utmost importance to a school. There needs to be a delicate balance between careful preservation and accessibility by all those doing research (including students).” Almost 30 years on, this statement still rings true.

Community

PARENTS' & FRIENDS' ASSOCIATION

On Saturday 25 February the Parents’ & Friends' Association hosted a wonderful cocktail party for over 350 guests on the Harbour Terrace with a stunning sunset backdrop. The event was a chance for parents to connect with other parents in their Year Group and beyond. A very special thanks to the P&F Executive, Class and Year Representatives for providing this opportunity. Parent Representatives of all Year Groups have also organised events for their year groups to maintain a strong sense of community.

The P&F Executive also organised a Sustainable Second Hand Uniform Sale this year. Motivated by the desire to decrease textile wastage, parents were encouraged to donate old uniforms and purchase a pre-worn uniform for the Winter season. The sale was a huge success and we thank in particular Jennifer Smyth, President, Rachael Scharrer and members of the P&F Executive for their assistance.

CELEBRATING GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS

Over 120 visitors attended the Year 6 and 7 Grandparents' Morning on 6 March and enjoyed a special Liturgy, classroom experiences and a tour of the School. Students from Kindergarten to Year 5 welcomed their grandparents and special friends to a Morning Tea on 4 April. Each visitor spent time in the Junior School Learning Spaces with the children and participated in some of the childrens' learning experiences.

The ELC Grandparents' & Special Friends' Morning in May was also a special occasion, with a performance by the ELC children, a Morning Tea and a visit to the Joigny Centre.

FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS

The important relationship between fathers and daughters was highlighted at an event for fathers from the Senior School on 19 May. This was an initiative of parent Greg Tonner, who has been working with the KRB staff to foster and support fathers and their relationship with their daughters and to increase the opportunities for greater interaction between fathers, their daughters and the School. Principal Erica Thomas spoke about this important relationship, and this was followed by an opportunity for fathers to ask questions of a panel of Erica, Carrie Scanlan, Director of Students and Niamh Tomlinson (KRB, 2018). Greg Tonner concluded the evening with a discussion with fathers about future opportunities to foster connections.

CELEBRATING MOTHERS AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT WOMEN

KRB celebrated the special relationship between mothers, significant women and children at the Mother’s Day events in Term 2. Over 700 students and mothers/relatives came together at the beautiful ATC venue for lunch on 7 May.

The MTC was filled with Junior School and ELC students and their mothers on Friday 12 May with a concert performed by the different Year Groups. That was followed by Morning Tea on Fernon Fields, where we were blessed with glorious sunshine.

CONNECTING WITH BOARDING FAMILIES

It is wonderful to see the strong connections that our boarding families have with each other, former boarding families and alumnae and parents of day students. The year began with a Boarders’ Welcome Barbecue attended by boarding families, families involved in the City Country Scheme and staff.

A Boarding Gathering was held in April at the home of Emma Huggett and Bill Crawford, parents of Amelia (KRB, 2014), Clementine (KRB, 2018) and Violet (Year 8). Forty guests including alumnae, current and past parents from Gurley, Moree, Tamworth, Edgeroi, Mendooran, Mungindi and Narrabri attended as well as Erica Thomas, Anne-Maree Bennett, Director of Boarding and Sue Lancaster, Boarding Engagement Coordinator. Many thanks to Emma and Bill for hosting this function.

A wonderful country weekend organised by the P&F Boarder Representative Group was held on the weekend of 26 May. Over 80 guests, from both Sydney and country NSW, enjoyed drinks at the home of Kelly and Shaun Lane on the Friday evening and this was followed by lunch at Food I Am at Springvale the next day. It was great to see current parents, alumnae, past parents, prospective parents and so many friends of KRB enjoying each other’s company in this beautiful region. We sincerely thank the parents who hosted this weekend through opening their home or arranging venues. Thank you to Phoebe Bull, Kelly Lane, Emma Lane, Prue Francis and Katie Last for organising the weekend.

Sacré Coeur Association

WELCOME EVENING

In February, the Sacré Coeur Association hosted an evening celebration to officially welcome the students from the Classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 to the Association. This event enabled our most recent graduates the opportunity to reconnect with their classmates before they begin their University Degrees, their first full time jobs or gap years. Most importantly, the girls learnt about the function of the SCA as a connecting KRB group, beyond school, providing social, networking and mentoring opportunities. We appreciate the commitment of the Sacré Coeur Association, led by President, Georgina Senes in ensuring our alumnae are well connected to KRB.

MEMORIAL MASS

The annual Sacré Coeur Association Memorial Mass was held on Sunday, 28 May. We remembered all our alumnae, alumnae family members and RSCJ’s who have passed away since our last Memorial Mass was held in July 2022. A specially prepared scroll containing each deceased person’s name was placed on the altar whilst the congregation prayed for the recently deceased. After the Mass, Morning Tea was served in the Hughes Centre. This gave everyone the opportunity to reflect on the special relationships they have with one another and Kincoppal-Rose Bay.

CARD DAY

On Monday 19 June we welcomed over 60 guests to KincoppalRose Bay for the annual Sacré Coeur Association Card Day. Alumnae, current and past parents and friends enjoyed a Morning Tea and were welcomed by Principal Erica Thomas and President of the Sacré Coeur Association, Georgina Senes. Following card play, a delicious lunch was served before the guests then continued playing cards throughout the afternoon. They also participated in a Raffle with items donated by the Sacré Coeur Association. All monies raised through the Raffle were directed to the new SCA NSW Bursary.

Reunions

CLASS OF 1997

The Class of 1997 held their 25 (+ 1) year reunion on 11 February. A tour of the School was followed by champagne and canapes on the Harbour Terrace. Afterwards, the alumnae reconvened at the Golden Sheaf in Double Bay for dinner.

CLASS OF 1973

The Class of 1973 held their 50 year reunion on 24 March. They celebrated with a special Mass in the KRB Chapel followed by a luncheon at Royal Sydney Golf Club.

CLASS OF 1988

The Class of 1988 held their 35 year reunion on 1 April. A Mass was held at KRB to celebrate the reunion and to remember recently deceased classmate Louise Rémond. Afterwards, the class gathered at the Bellevue Hotel for Lunch.

CLASS OF 2013

The Class of 2013 held their 10 year reunion at KRB on 25 March. Many travelled from regional NSW and all were impressed at the additions to the School since their Graduation.

CLASS OF 1968

Recently the Class of 1968 gathered together for a small reunion at the Queen Mary Club in Hobart, Tasmania. This reunion was in celebration of 55 years since Graduation!

Upcoming Reunions

Reunions that have been organised on the Alumnae Weekend to be held at KRB on Saturday, 7 October are as follows:

CLASS OF 1993 30 YEAR REUNION

Organisers: Pippa Baker and Claudia McInerney

CLASS OF 2003 20 YEAR REUNION

Organiser: Sophie Moran

CLASS OF 2018 5 YEAR REUNION

Organisers: Georgia Strain, Niamh Tomlinson

Weddings

We congratulate the Alumnae pictured below who have recently had their wedding in the Kincoppal-Rose Bay Chapel.

Rachel Prothero (1997) married Adam Kennedy on Saturday, 5 November, 2022. Rachel had both her sisters Kathryn (2001) and Edwina (2008) as her bridesmaids.

Eloise Warren (2008) married Luke Tregurtha on Saturday, 26 November 2022. Eloise’s three bridesmaids all attended KRB - Belinda Melvey (2008) Maddison Keogh (2008) and Grace Warren (2010).

Olivia Sinclair married James (Jimmy) Spadaro on 29 December 2022. Olivia’s bridesmaids were her three sisters Alexandra Kirwan (2002), Dominica Jenkins (2004) and Isabella Sinclair (2012) as well as friends Lucy Meagher and Laura Thorburn.

Alexandra (Ally) Powell (2014) married Blake Dale on Saturday, 25 February 2023. Ally’s three bridesmaids were all friends from KRB; Annabelle McCaffrey (Powell, 2012), Madeleine Clunies-Ross (2014) and Nicola Ryan (2014).

Elizabeth Foley (2008) married Jack Feeney on Saturday, 25 March 2023. Elizabeth’s two sisters Jane (2001) and Sarah (2003) attended as bridesmaids on the day.

Jessica Adler (2010) married Matthew Keeley on Saturday, 15 April 2023. Jessica’s sister, Diana Adler (2007) was Jessica’s Maid of Honour.

Alumnae Stories

Charlotte McGrory (KRB, 2017)

Charlotte McGrory (KRB, 2017) was recently awarded the title of Bourke Young Woman of 2023

Charlotte is a Kindergarten teacher at the local Catholic School and is enthusiastically involved in the school, parish and local community.

Graduating from KRB in 2017, Charlotte spent her final two years as a boarder. It was during this time that she developed an understanding of and love for rural life and community.

After graduating, Charlotte completed a degree in Primary Education at the University of Notre Dame and, as part of her teaching degree, she was assigned a rural placement in Bourke. Once

Sophie Scott (KRB, 1985)

Sophie Scott (KRB, 1985) was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours List for service to the broadcast media and to community health.

Sophie is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, author and Adjunct Associate Professor lecturing in Science Communication at Notre Dame University. In addition to holding positions on a number of Health and Academic boards, Sophie's mission is to empower people to become the architect of their own health and wellbeing, by bringing evidencebased information to audiences around the world.

For more than two decades, Sophie has worked as an award winning National Medical Reporter for the ABC. She has won numerous awards for excellence in medical and health journalism and has authored two books. Sophie is an ambassador for Bowel Cancer Australia, Pain Australia and is a reviewer for the British Medical Journal.

Charlotte had completed her degree, she was contacted by the Principal who offered her a permanent role at the School. Charlotte is particularly passionate about improving outback and indigenous education outcomes.

Outside of the classroom, Charlotte plays rugby and is very involved in many aspects of her local community including at her local Catholic Church where she is a reader and a singer.

In her own words, Charlotte says that she loves the strong sense of community in Bourke, the people, the lifestyle and the proximity to nature. Her friends and colleagues have become a second family who are very supportive and inclusive.

After a long and prestigious career in journalism, Sophie has recently embarked on a new chapter in her life focusing on mental health and communication. Sophie’s aim is to teach people around the world how to prevent and manage burnout, reduce stress and communicate with impact. She is now focused on sharing the most up-to-date and valuable research in neuroscience, mental health and well-being through live webinars, workshops, self-managed courses, and videos which she shares through her website and social media channels.

Sophie Scott

Sophie says she is honoured to receive the Order of Australia Medal on behalf of all the patients whose stories she has told over the last two decades.

"Public interest journalism is so important to protect patients and ensure we all get the healthcare we deserve”.

Deasy Hartanto RSCJ professes her First Vows

On Saturday 25 March, Deasy Hartanto professed her First Vows in the Society of the Sacred Heart Chapel at Kincoppal-Rose Bay. Bishop Terry Brady D.D. presided over this special ceremony with Father Christopher Slattery pp as the Concelebrant. Deasy’s vows were received by the ANZ Provinical, Lynette Toohey RSCJ.

Deasy grew up as the eldest of three children in Surabaya, Indonesia and attended Christian Primary and Secondary schools in Surabaya run by Ursuline Sisters, a religious order dedicated to the education of women. Upon completion of Senior School, Deasy attended the Institute of Technology (ITS) and commenced a Bachelor of Engineering.

Deasy wanted to study overseas and moved to Brisbane in 2005 where she began a Masters of Engineering (Management) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Whilst studying, Deasy worked part-time as a carer for the Cerebral Palsy League of Qld (CCPL).

Upon completion of this course, Deasy then studied a Masters of Engineering Science which then allowed her to apply for permanent residency and work in the area of hydrology and water supply. She worked as a Graduate Engineer for Sun Water and, after five years, moved to the Queensland Water Commission where she worked as a Water Supply Modeler.

In 2014, Deasy was introduced to Kathleen Muirhead RSCJ (A Member of the Australia and New Zealand Province) who was appointed by Lynette Toohey RSCJ to be Deasy’s guide and mentor. In the ensuing months, Deasy regularly dined and

met with the Sisters at Stuartholme and learnt more about St Madeleine Sophie Barat, St Rose Philippine Duchesne and Janet Erskine Stuart.

In 2018, Deasy was accepted to live in a community in Sydney and afterwards, she formally entered as a candidate in a ceremony at Claremont Cottage to learn more about being a Religious of the Sacred Heart.

In December 2020, Deasy joined the Sacred Heart International Novitiate Community in Chicago where she worked in a soup kitchen helping marginalised people. During the second year of the novitiate, Deasy worked at St Elizabeth Elementary School as a Maths Tutor. She also studied at the Chicago Theological Union (CTU) and enrolled in the Intercongregational Noviceship program with other novices from the Dominican and Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

After this period of formation, Deasy returned to her Sacred Heart Community in Australia and began volunteering at the Barat Burn library at Kincoppal-Rose Bay, as a Learning Assistant at Joigny (Barat Burn) and as a Lifestyle Officer at the St Vincent Aged Care Facility in Edgecliff.

Deasy’s father and brother travelled from Indonesia and her sister attended her First Vows in the Kincoppal-Rose Bay Chapel. Her mother was unable to attend due to ill health however, she was able to follow the ceremony online.

Deasy will now enter a period of six further years of discernment before taking her final vows.

Sister Mary Shanahan RSCJ OAM awarded a Papal Honour

On Friday 26 May, Sister Mary Shanahan RSCJ OAM, was awarded the Honour of Croce Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for her distinguished services to the Church in the Archdiocese of Sydney and Australia.

The Papal Honour was presented to Sister Shanahan at Sancta Sophia College by His Grace the Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher OP. Archbishop Fisher was effusive in his praise of her work, acknowledging the immense impact that she has had on the Church. Archdiocesan Chancellor Chris Meney, former students of Sancta Sophia College, KRB community members and other dignitaries also joined Archbishop Fisher in recognising Sister Shanahan’s contribution.

Sister Shanahan, born in 1927, made her final profession in the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1954 and was awarded a Bachelor and Master of Arts from the University of Sydney. She also completed further studies at Yale and Oxford University, and in 1992 was awarded a Master of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) from the University of Sydney.

Her nomination was put forward by former KRB Principal Maureen Ryan, Fiona Hastings, the current principal of Sancta Sophia College, Fr Edmund Campion SJ and Sister Lynette Toohey RSCJ.

Photo Credit: Talin Roche SubZero Photography

In Memoriam

Vale Sister Margaret McKay

Sister Margaret McKay RSCJ passed away on Wednesday 1 February, 2023.

Known as "Keeper of the Memories", Margaret McKay or Marg as she was known, grew up on a sheep station in Warren, Western NSW, where her early schooling was by correspondence until she became a boarder at Rose Bay in 1940. On leaving school, she returned to the family property until she entered the Noviceship of the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1954. Her early years as a Religious were spent looking after the financial matters of the schools as Bursar.

After the changes of Vatican II, she enrolled at Macquarie University, graduating with a BA Dip Ed and subsequently taught at Braybrook in Melbourne, returning to Kincoppal-Rose Bay in 1982 to teach English, History and Religion, while studying parttime for a Diploma of Religious Education.

In 1984, following Rose Bay’s Centenary, after she had coordinated the many items of memorabilia which had been donated, she was asked to become the School Archivist and gathered around her an enthusiastic group of students to form an Archives Committee. She began this role using as her Archives area - a narrow pantry-like section in Claremont House, and finishing officially ensconced in the refurbished Villa, now home to both the School and Provincial Archives. Her role spanned nearly 30 years.

Many members of the KRB Community will remember the magnificent exhibition she staged, ably assisted by the Provincial Archivist, Sister Marie Kennedy RSCJ, for the celebration of 125 years of Sacred Heart education at Kincoppal-Rose Bay in 2007.

Being a boarder from country NSW, Marg had a special love for the boarders. Her annual “Westies’ Lunch” was a special event enjoyed by both Marg and the boarders from Dubbo, Warren and surrounding areas.

In 1998, Marg was asked to take over the role of RSCJ Liaison with the Alumnae. She kept communication open between alumnae and the RSCJ, attending Alumnae Association Committee Meetings and Country Group luncheons, helping to organise Liturgies and keeping alumnae up to date with various Society news.

Marg was much loved and appreciated by the alumnae. She had an amazing memory of and interest in people and was a font of knowledge. She considered it to be "a great privilege to work with a succession of wonderful Presidents of the Association and their equally wonderful Committees over 19 years.”

In Memoriam

We remember those members of our community who have recently died and keep them and their families in our thoughts and prayers.

Alumnae

Patricia Barnett (Clarke, K 1954) on 14 May 2022

Anna Grahame (RB, 1967) on 22 December 2022

Carolyn Baz (K, 1961) on 11 January 2023

Janet (Jan) Madigan (McAlary, RB 1951) on 30 January 2023

Barbara Currie (Dalton, RB 1948) on 9 March 2023

Eva Curran (Carroll, RB 1958) on 27 March 2023

Susan Walker (RB 1954) on 1 April 2023

Helen Harvey (O'Reilly, RB 1950) on 16 April 2023

Barbara Burke (Hall, K 1950) on 10 May 2023

Monica Sirianni (2003) on 12 May 2023

Frances Droulers (Murphy, RB 1949) on 22 June 2023

Family

Rex Porter on 7 December 2022

Francis Walsh on 31 December 2022

Leonard Boyd on 21 January 2023

Peter Bradfield on 25 January 2023

Charles Dalglish on 3 February 2023

Pamela Walsh on 16 February 2023

Max Garling on 18 February 2023

Graham (Bill) Millard on 20 March 2023

Jon Otway North on 7 April 2023

Philomena O'Neil on 13 April 2023

James O'Neil on 13 April 2023

John Toohey OAM on 14 May 2023

Terence (Terry) Fish on 9 June 2023

Dr Barrie Lum on 10 June 2023

Robert Blann on 23 June 2023

RSCJ

Margaret McKay RSCJ on 1 February 2023

Alene Doherty RSCJ on 13 April 2023

Dorothea Hewlett RSCJ on 19 June 2023 (Baradene)

Patricia Garcia de Quevedo RSCJ on 20 June 2023 (former Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart)

Please continue to advise Victoria Dalton (daltonv@krb.nsw. edu.au) Alumnae Relations Coordinator, of any members of our community who have died and whose name you would like to acknowledge in our KRB publications and our annual Memorial Mass.

RIP Sue d’Apice 14 July 1958 – 20 March 2022

After the Memorial Mass, held on Sunday, 28 May, the Class of 1976 gathered on Fernon Fields to remember their dear friend and classmate Sue d’Apice. The alumnae were joined by Sue’s daughter, Camilla (2009) and Sue’s sisters Patricia d’Apice OAM and Anne Greathead.

A bench donated by the Class of 1976, with a memorial plaque to Sue, was presented to the School. Sue was a highly respected Sports Teacher and Head of Sports at SCEGGS Darlinghurst for many years. Her bench will be permanently located at Fernon Fields in memory of her love for and dedication to sport and fitness.