Volume 5 2025

The whole community enjoyed the ‘dress up’ efforts of our Year 7 students for Character Day which rounded off a stimulating Literacy and Numeracy Week. With many staff also in costume, it certainly made for a College Assembly to remember, as Year 7 SRC students received their badges from popular characters straight out of The Incredibles, Minecraft and Harry Potter to name but a few. Commiserations to the always outstanding TAS department – who were robbed of the staff faculty win! 

It is hard to believe that three months of the year are behind us and Term 1 has come to an end. While most of us will be sharing the holiday break with our families, twenty-five of our students are packing their bags and are heading off for the experience of a lifetime, travelling to Central Australia on a Rosebank Red Earth Immersion. We wish them safe travels and look forward to hearing about this incredible journey on their return.



Term 2 Planning:

• Uniform Option – For the first two weeks of Term 2, students may wear either their full winter or summer uniform. This includes for Open Day on Sunday, 4 May. From Monday, 12 May, all students are to be in winter uniform per the guidelines in the Student Diary.
   
• Tuesday, 29 April – Term 2 Starts for Students.
   
• Friday, 2 May – ‘Jersey Day’ Fundraiser: Students and staff are asked to make a gold coin donation and attend school on this day wearing their favourite team jersey, kit or colours to support our student leaders who have joined together to raise funds for our 10 House charities. Well done to Vaughan House Captains, Sophie McEvoy and Nash Boswell for spearheading this initiative.
   
• Sunday, 4 May – Open Day: Parent volunteers are still able to sign up to help out in the Food Hall, or to donate a tasty treat for the Cake Stall - click here to let us know if you are able to help. Alternatively, contact the Communications and Engagement team directly for any additional information: events@rosebank.nsw.edu.au
   
• Friday, 9 May – Mother’s Day Breakfast and Mass: An invitation to this special celebration was sent last week. Guests may attend one or both events on this morning.
   
• Monday, 2 June – Whole School Photos: In the five weeks leading up to Photo Day, students will be reminded about grooming and uniform expectations. Blazers are compulsory on this day.
   
• Wednesday, 4 June – Parent Education Gathering: Save the date for the Term 2 PEG evening: ‘The Tech Diet for Parents’ presented by Brad Marshall and hosted by the Rosebank Pastoral team.
   
• Friday, 6 June – College Closed: Day in Lieu for Open Day.

Whatever your plans may be for the two weeks ahead, I wish our students and staff a safe and restful holiday break and a blessed Easter.

Holy Week

Holy Week is the most sacred time of the year for Christians, marking the final days of Jesus Christ’s earthly life, His passion, death, and glorious resurrection. It is a time of deep reflection, prayer, and renewal, inviting all the faithful to journey spiritually with Christ through His suffering and ultimate victory over sin and death. Beginning with Palm Sunday and culminating in Easter Sunday, Holy Week allows us to immerse ourselves in the profound love of God, made manifest through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our salvation.

As we enter this solemn week, let us take the opportunity to step away from the distractions of daily life and dedicate time to prayer and contemplation. Let us reflect on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, recognising that His suffering and resurrection brings us hope, redemption, and eternal life. Attending Holy Week liturgies such as the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, the veneration of the cross on Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil can deepen our spiritual connection and remind us of the boundless mercy of God. You can access the Archdiocesan Mass times here.

This is also a time for thanksgiving. Jesus’ selfless act of love calls us to respond with gratitude, not only in words but through acts of kindness, charity, and forgiveness. As we witness His love poured out for us, let us also extend that love to one another, strengthening our relationships with family, friends, and our community.

We encourage everyone to use this sacred time to grow in faith, spend quality time with loved ones, and open their hearts more fully to God’s grace. May this Holy Week be a time of renewal, drawing us closer to Christ and preparing our hearts for the joy of His resurrection.

Last Thursday, the College community came together in prayerful reflection for our Easter liturgy, honouring Mary’s Via Crucis- her journey alongside Christ in His Passion. As we contemplated her unwavering faith and sorrow, we were reminded of her profound strength and love, qualities that continue to inspire mothers everywhere. 



Mother's Day

In this spirit, we look ahead to our Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfast, to be celebrated early in Term 2. This special occasion offers us the opportunity to give thanks for the mothers and mother figures in our lives, who, like Our Holy Mother, walk with us through the joys and challenges of life with boundless love and grace. We warmly invite all in our community to join us in this celebration of motherhood and faith.  

Wishing you a restful and blessed Easter.

Rosebank Makes a Splash at the SCS Swimming Championships!

Our talented Rosebank Swimmers recently made waves at the SCS Swimming Championships. Special congratulations to:

• Gabriel Park (Year 9) - 14 Years Age Champion and Male Swimmer of the Meet
• Adriano Sorrentino (Year 11) - Multi-Class 16+ Years Age Champion
• Max Munday (Year 10) - 2nd place 15 Years Age Championship

All three athletes not only secured top placings but also broke records along the way.

The Junior Boys 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay team took out 1st place and will progress to the NSWCCC Carnival. In a thrilling finish, the Boys 'All Age' 6 x 50m Freestyle Relay surged from behind to claim an impressive 3rd place in the final race of the night.

And in a historic first for Rosebank, the team was crowned SCS Swimming Champion School—finishing 1st out of 26 competing schools!

A massive thank you and congratulations to every member of this outstanding team of young swimmers. Your hard work, determination, and team spirit were nothing short of exceptional.

Rosebank Shines at the NSWCCC Swimming Championships!

This past week, ten incredible Rosebank students represented our College at the NSWCCC Swimming Championships—and they have done us proud!

The Junior Boys 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay team powered through the competition to win a silver medal, going head-to-head with the top Catholic sporting schools in the state.

A special shoutout to Max Munday (Year 10), who continues to impress with his athletic excellence—bringing home two silver medals and a bronze! His commitment and drive are a testament to the spirit of Rosebank sport.

Congratulations to all our swimmers on their outstanding efforts and sportsmanship at this elite level. We are so proud of you!



Max Munday is not just making waves in the pool—he is also a talented cross country runner and will be representing Rosebank as part of the Cross Country Team in Term 2. His versatility and dedication across multiple sports is truly impressive.

Meanwhile, Adriano Sorrentino once again delivered a powerhouse performance in the pool:

• Gold – 50m Butterfly (Multi-Class)
• Silver – 50m Breaststroke (Multi-Class)
• Silver – 100m Freestyle (Multi-Class)

Congratulations to both Max and Adriano for their ongoing commitment, strength, and success across their events. Rosebank is proud of you! 

Gabriel Park (Year 9) has once again proven he is a force to be reckoned with in the pool—earning standout results in his signature events. A true champion, Gabriel’s talent is matched by his humility and sportsmanship, making him an inspiration to his peers and a proud representative of Rosebank.

His incredible achievements include:

• Gold – 50m Freestyle
• Gold – 50m Backstroke
• Gold – 50m Butterfly
• Gold – 100m Freestyle
• Gold – 100m Backstroke
• Silver – 100m Butterfly

What a phenomenal effort from an outstanding young athlete. Well done, Gabriel! 

Jacob Wong (Year 10) also competed strongly as one of the younger members of the team and he did successfully advance to the NSW All School Championships, by coming 3rd place in 100 metre Backstroke. 

Making a Splash! Mia Colussi Shines at NSWCCC Diving Championships 

Congratulations to Mia Colussi (Year 7), who proudly represented Rosebank College at the NSWCCC Diving Championships—and what an outstanding performance she delivered!

• 1st Place – Under 12s Springboard (1m & 3m)
• 5th Place – Under 16s Open Platform (competing as the youngest diver in the field!)

Mia’s incredible results have earned her a spot in both the springboard and platform events at the upcoming NSW All Schools Diving Championships on Thursday, 22 May at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

With a beaming smile and unwavering determination, Mia showcased not only her talent but the results of her hard work and dedication in training. We are so proud of her achievements and the way she represented Rosebank College with pride and grace. 

Well done, Mia! We will be cheering you on in May! 


Rosebank Volleyball Teams Spike Their Way to Success at Santa Sabina

What an incredible season it has been for our Rosebank Club Volleyball teams. We could not be prouder of the effort, growth, and team spirit shown by every single player.

A huge congratulations to the students who stepped up time and time again to fill in for other teams when needed—your selflessness and commitment truly embody the Rosebank spirit.

Congratulations to our medal-winning teams:

• Year 9 Division 1A – RBC 5 – Gold
• Year 9 Division 2C – RBC 6 – Gold
• Year 8 Division 2 – RBC 7 – Silver
• Year 10 Division 2B – RBC 4 – Silver

Well done to all our players for representing Rosebank with pride and passion. The future of volleyball at the College is looking bright!

Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

Congratulations to the following students who have recently completed their Bronze Duke of Ed Award, what a fantastic achievement!

• Sophia Catton
• Josh Cutcliffe
• Kaine Hillsley
• Sebastian Ignacio
• Jude Kalotheos
• Aleksandar Konakov
• Sofia Krombas
• Isaac Laing
• Olivia Locke
• Naoise Lynn-Black
• Archer McKenzie
• Lara Petrozzi
• Natalina Ristuccia
• Kisha Robinson
• Christian Vella
• Mila White
• Noah Zamfiris

Club Netball Season off to a Marching Start!

The Inner West Netball Association Winter Competition officially launched on Saturday, 5 April, with an action-packed opening round—and Rosebank was out in full force! A total of 19 Rosebank Club Netball teams hit the courts, competing across the junior, cadet, senior girls, and mixed divisions.

To celebrate both the season opener and the Association’s 60th anniversary, the traditional March Past was held—and what a moment it was! A huge thank you to the 104 students, alumni players, and coaches who proudly marched under the Rosebank banner. Your school spirit and unity earned us the March Past win—a fantastic way to start the season.

A special shoutout to our Year 12 leaders—Sophia Ferrara, Lauren Goldsmith, Dakota Hammond, and Sophie Raviolos—who led the club in the March Past. These amazing students have played for Rosebank Netball Club every year since Year 7, and their dedication is truly inspiring.

Wishing all our teams the very best as the season continues through Terms 2 and 3. 

Celebrating a Standout Term of Representative Sport

A huge congratulations to all our students for their incredible efforts and dedication to representative sport this term. From start to finish, our athletes have demonstrated exceptional commitment, teamwork, and resilience.

Their hard work and passion culminated in a strong showing at the SCS Conference 2 Semi and Grand Finals held on Thursday, 10 April.

Special congratulations to the following teams on their finals results:

• Junior Girls Touch Football – 3rd Place Overall
• Intermediate Girls Touch Football – 3rd Place Overall
• Senior Girls Touch Football – 3rd Place Overall
• Senior Girls Basketball – 2nd Place Overall
• Junior Boys Touch Football – 3rd Place Overall
• Intermediate Boys Touch Football – 2nd Place Overall
• Junior Boys Basketball – 4th Place Overall
• Senior Boys Basketball – 4th Place Overall

Well done to all teams for a fantastic season—you have done yourselves and Rosebank proud! 

A huge congratulations also to our Grand Final champions, who secured their spot in the Sydney Championships held last Thursday, 10 April. 

• Junior Girls Basketball: 1st Place
• Junior Girls Water Polo: 2nd Place Overall
• Intermediate Girls Water Polo: 2nd Place Overall
• Senior Boys Touch Football: 1st Place Overall
• Junior Boys Water Polo:  2nd Place Overall
• Intermediate Boys Water Polo: 1st Place Overall 
• Senior Boys Water Polo: 2nd Place Overall
   

AFL Success – Owen Fitzpatrick’s Selection
Congratulations to Owen Fitzpatrick (Year 9) on his selection in the Northern NSWCCC AFL team. His hard work and commitment to the sport have earned him a well-deserved place among the top AFL talents.

Rosebank Skills Development Program - Now Open for Expressions of Interest!

Students can now register their expression of interest for our 9-week training program held on the College grounds and take their skills to the next level!

For more details and to register, visit Ninko10. 

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting opportunity!

As Term 1 came to a close, we celebrated the success of our InspirED activities and are gearing up for an action-packed Term 2 filled with enriching experiences and big opportunities.

One of the highlights next term will be our annual Ethical Explorations Day, where 150 students from 15 different schools will gather at Rosebank College to delve into thought-provoking ethical issues. We are also thrilled to announce a very special opportunity for nine of our students to attend a talk by internationally renowned British philosopher and author A.C. Grayling CBE FRSA FRSL—a truly rare and inspiring event!

This term, our Year 9 and 10 Da Vinci Decathlon teams took on the challenge at the regional competition held at Knox Grammar on Tuesday, 8 April. It was a day filled with fun, creativity, and tough competition. Congratulations to the Year 10 team, who secured third place in the Art and Poetry challenge!

A heartfelt thank you to Ms Ghebranios, Ms Kho, Ms Nandi, Mr Comninos, and Ms Turli for their support in preparing the students. We cannot wait to see our Year 7 and 8 teams rise to the challenge next term.

Over the past few weeks, our College Colloquy students have been deeply engaged with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), visiting the Ultimo studios to be part of two studio audiences. Below are student reflections on attending the filming of Q&A and the recording of the Minefield Podcast.

Q&A

On Monday, 31 March, a group of Rosebank students had the opportunity to attend a recording of Q&A at the ABC Studios in Ultimo. The episode focused on key topics leading up to the federal election, like housing, the cost of living, and energy options for Australia.

One of the best moments of the show was when Ms McArthur asked a question about nuclear power. She pointed out that the cost of storing nuclear waste often is not included when people argue that nuclear is a better energy option. It led to a serious discussion by the panel and brought up important points that are not always considered publicly in this debate.

Being there in person gave us a better understanding of how national conversations happen and showed us that asking the right questions really does make a difference.

The experience also gave us a glimpse into how a live audience interacts with the panel. It was exciting to see people from all walks of life asking questions and sharing their concerns, with the panellists offering their perspectives in real-time. It made us realise how important it is to stay informed and engaged with current issues, especially as the election approaches. Being part of the Q&A audience was an amazing experience that inspired all of us to think more critically about the issues that will shape our future.

Being part of the audience also gave us a sense of how live political discussions work; no editing and no sound bites! It was interesting to see how quickly the conversation shifted when different perspectives were shared, showing how important it is to have a variety of voices in these discussions. The experience made us realise that these debates are not just about policies, they are about real people and their concerns, which makes them all the more important. It was an experience we will definitely remember.

By Sophie O and Oliver H (Year 9)

Minefield

Recently, I had the opportunity, along with a group of fellow students, to be part of the live audience for a recording of the ABC podcast, The Minefield. As someone with a strong interest in philosophy and ethics, I found the experience both thought-provoking and engaging. The episode explored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, with the hosts sharing their concerns about its impact on creativity, while a guest expert offered a more optimistic perspective. One memorable metaphor likened AI to the evolution of musical instruments—just as Mozart pushed the limits of the tools he had; artists today use digital software to create music beyond traditional boundaries. But the question remains: does removing limitations enhance creativity, or diminish it? The discussion touched on how AI might help students work more efficiently, like a tutor guiding improvements, but also warned of a future where originality is lost in the name of convenience—echoing themes from novels like Fahrenheit 451. Overall, the experience challenged us to think deeply about how we use AI and reminded us of the importance of balance between innovation and human creativity. 

By Georgiana T (Year 8)
 

On Saturday, 5 April, I had the opportunity—alongside seven other students—to attend the live recording of an episode of the ABC podcast The Minefield at ABC Studios in Ultimo. Hosted by Waleed Aly (from The Project) and Scott Stephens (Editor of ABC Religion and Ethics), the episode explored a timely and thought-provoking topic: AI in Education.

The conversation featured a guest lecturer from UTS and offered a fascinating mix of philosophical depth and practical insight. What made the discussion particularly engaging was how broad and open-ended it was—the hosts did not limit themselves to surface-level questions. They explored not just the use of AI in classrooms, but also deeper questions about what education truly is, and how tools like AI might change the way we learn and grow.

The audience included students from various schools, many of whom are already engaging with AI tools in their studies. It was eye-opening to hear diverse perspectives on the potential benefits and drawbacks of using AI in an educational context.

One moment that really resonated with me was when Scott Stephens remarked, “Sometimes the conditions are too ideal,” suggesting that challenges and struggles are essential for real growth—a powerful reminder of the value in facing difficulties head-on in the learning process.

Overall, the experience was incredibly rewarding. I left with a richer understanding of both the promise and the complexity of AI in education—an issue that’s becoming more relevant every day.

By Moses L (Year 10)

Year 12 Industrial Technology Timber Students Building Impressive Projects

Our two Year 12 Industrial Technology Timber classes are hard at work constructing their major projects, demonstrating outstanding craftsmanship and dedication. Students are creating a range of high-quality furniture pieces, including dining tables, entertainment units and much more. They are busy applying the skills they have developed during their time in the Rosebank TAS workshops. Each project reflects creativity, precision, and countless hours of effort. As they move closer to completion, students are refining their designs and overcoming challenges along the way. Their hard work will be celebrated at the end-of-year showcase, where the school community can admire their impressive achievements.

Tech at Rosebank

Year 7 Technology 

Year 7 students have been programming Micro:bits to create hybrid digital-physical games. They use sensors, circuits, and sound while programming Python/Blockly to develop an integrated interactive experience.


Photo: LtoR - Year 7 Technology Students: Inaya S, Sasha F and Victoria C 

Year 9 and Year 10 Computer Technology - Software Development

CompTech students are fully engaged in their software development projects, applying programming, problem-solving, and user experience design to build their game code. They have explored advanced techniques using Python, JavaScript, and GDScript.


Photo: Year 9 Computer Technology Students: Allegra S, Alessandro S and Joshua L

These projects challenge students to think critically, work collaboratively, and create functional to create their software solutions—mirroring industry practices.

By engaging in these projects, our students are not just learning ICT skills, they are successfully setting themselves up for a possible career in IT. Look out for more information on the HSC Elective course Enterprise Computing and VET Information and Digital Technology offered at Rosebank in Years 11 and 12. 

Possible Follow-on Tertiary courses: Computer Science and IT: Software Engineering, Game Development, Computing Science, AI, TAFE Cert 4 Information Technology, Cybersecurity and many more.

Coding in PACE

In the Fabulous Invention PACE activity our students have been using the Spike Primes to code several model robotic units. Year 7 students: Flynn Attard and Riva Auti and Year 8 Student: Liam Richards have been working on their robotic designs with the Spike Prime Robots. We have used code to develop functions and fun ideas to bring the robots to life. 

Year 9 and 10 Textiles Technology – Creative Cushions

It is wonderful to see the passion of Year 9 and 10 Textiles students who have created impressive cushion covers inspired by their culture, personality, or interests. Students experimented with a variety of fabric decoration techniques such as applique, reverse applique, hand and machine embroidery, patchwork, and trim attachment, and chose two techniques to create their individual designs. 



They developed construction skills including seams and seam finishes, gathering techniques, and zipper insertion that will provide a foundation for exciting textile projects to come. The students should be very proud of how far they have come in just one term, and we look forward to seeing their future accomplishments.

As part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing student leadership, a group of Year 10 and 11 students recently had the opportunity to attend one of the most anticipated youth leadership events of the year—the Halogen Young Leaders Day.

Held at the ICC Sydney, this event brings together students from across the state to hear from influential Australians who have demonstrated resilience, courage, and leadership in their respective fields. Below is a reflection written by Charlotte C (Year 11).

On Monday, 24 March, eleven Year 10 and 11 students had the privilege of attending the annual Halogen Young Leaders Day, in which we travelled to the ICC Sydney to listen to four highly accomplished Australian individuals. Speakers included Chris Minns (NSW Premier), Catherine Laga'aia (Actress, Moana from the unreleased live remake), Emma McKeon (Australian Olympic swimmer) and Nikhil Autar (cancer survivor and doctor). Each speaker provided unique and significant lessons which can be applied in our roles as leaders and also in our day to day lives, emphasising the need for resilience and humility. In addition to the lectures from the speakers, there was time provided to ask questions and opportunities to meet other schools who travelled multiple hours to attend. On behalf of all of the group, we took this opportunity and left feeling full of wisdom and knowledge, all enriching our leadership journey. 

By Charlotte C (Year 11)