Open Gate - Winter 2024

Winter Edition 2024

What's inside PAGE 4 Principal's Message PAGE 6 News PAGE 7 On the Road PAGE 8 Ignite Co-curricular Program PAGE 10 Legally Blonde The Musical PAGE 12 Outstanding Student Achievements PAGE 16 An Intellectual Tradition The example of our RSCJ PAGE 18 An Intellectual Tradition for Today PAGE 22 Exceptional Early Learning at KRB PAGE 24 Early Literacy and Numeracy PAGE 26 Sacred Heart Educators Leading the Way PAGE 28 New Work Experience Week PAGE 30 Archives - Ahead of Her Time Lucy MacMahon (RB 1918) PAGE 32 KRB Masterplan PAGE 34 Celebrating our Community PAGE 37 Our Alumnae Stories PAGE 39 Our Events PAGE 40 In Memoriam

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Principal's Message A Sacred Heart education at Kincoppal–Rose Bay School aims

In addition to the School Improvement Plan, we have sustained

to develop young people who can think critically and engage

a strong focus of renewal of our pursuit of excellence in

with the wider world, setting them up for long-term success.

the spirit of this Goal through a number of new academic

The 2024 Sacred Heart Goal, A Deep Respect for Intellectual

initiatives. The first Cambridge courses for Year 9 have

Values, is core to this aim. The Goal invites our community

commenced, beginning our pathway of offering a dual

to deepen our understanding of intellectual values and to

international credential to our students. When our students

consider how we can use our minds to better ourselves and

graduate from KRB, they are entering a highly globalised world

interact with the world to make a positive impact.

where many will study overseas. This credential, recognised worldwide, will help open a myriad of doors for them. Another

As a school we are clearly focused on what this Goal means

key 2024 initiative is the introduction of Honours Classes

from an academic perspective – however the Goal is relevant

in the Senior School that see selected students in these

to all parts of our lives, including our ability to think critically,

groupings undertake a differentiated curriculum. We want

to approach change, be creative and to understand who we

every student, no matter what class she is in, to be challenged

are as people and our impact on others. At KRB, we also bring

and we are already seeing great results! Formal examination

intellectual values to our mission and understanding of our

periods for Years 7 to 10 students have been introduced to

charism, as they help formulate our relationship with our Sacred

better prepare students to manage assessments in the later

Heart beliefs. Although we choose to focus on one goal each

years. Other significant changes include amending the Senior

year, we never see the goals in isolation as they are intertwined.

School timetable to ensure greater consistency of lesson

I see staff and students using intellectual values to participate

length, introducing specialist lessons for Kindergarten to

in service activities and empathise with the less fortunate; I

Year 4 in Visual Arts and STEM in Years 5 to 6, implementing

see these values applied as staff and students make informed

a changed Language Learning Model for our Junior School

and considered personal choices, in an atmosphere of wise

with French and Chinese becoming our focus languages, and

freedom; I see them in our personal relationships with God and

introducing Accelerated Religious Education for Year 10. Finally,

more broadly in informing the decisions we make as a School

another important broader initiative that impacts classroom

community from our various initiatives to our strategic direction.

learning is our new mobile phone usage policy. This has been

This Goal was chosen as our focus this year because we are

a resounding success as teachers report that students are

in the process of implementing the School Improvement Plan

engaging much more deeply in their learning and are more

- a two-year project which sees our School partner with the

focused in their lessons. The discipline of this approach is itself

Association of Independent Schools (AIS) School Improvement

an intellectual value.

Team, as we strive to empower every staff member and

For me, the focus on intellectual values is very much about

student to reach for academic excellence. This project

developing a mindset and this goes well beyond the classroom.

involves deep and rigorous work, including collecting extensive

The reinvigoration of our Co-curricular Program to consolidate,

amounts of data from HSC and NAPLAN results, as well as

streamline and expand offerings through the Ignite Program

examining other data sources such as student attendance,

reflects our commitment to intellectual values. The Program

subject selection and staff perspectives on learning and

presents so many opportunities for students to challenge

resourcing. This important undertaking is aimed at increasing

themselves to develop skills, extend themselves, explore their

the rigour of assessments to empower students to do the

talents and increase their focus and dedication. We have

best they can do in the classroom, in assessments and in their

introduced new opportunities such as co-curricular Art in the

approach to exams. It absolutely felt that the time was right

Senior School as we view creativity as an intellectual value. Our

to focus students and staff on intellectual values as we are all

expanded Debating Program includes new initiatives such as

working together on this academic success program. As the

House Debating, a rigorous challenge which encourages our

year has progressed, our staff have been working on improving

students to voice well-formed opinions on a range of issues.

assessment processes by reviewing structures, dispositions

With regard to Sport, we have introduced a new model for the

and context. We are moving towards a differentiated

Junior School and evaluated the expectations and structures

assessment model which sees every student undertake

for Sport in the Senior School because we see commitment,

supportive challenge – based on their ability.

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teamwork and training towards a goal as integral intellectual

As we embrace the chosen goal each year, we have long term vision, and we know that the work we do in unpacking the goal for our times will resonate beyond that year.

values. Our new Work Experience Program, which ran in Term 2, challenged our Year 10 students beyond the classroom. The students’ feedback was incredibly positive, and, for me, this really drove home just how valuable it is for our students to have real world experiences to apply their learning.

Our 2024 focus will continue to foster success at KRB well into

Underpinning all these initiatives is the importance of guiding

the future.

our students to understand that learning is hard, but all learning

I look at the many initiatives that came out of last year’s focus

opportunities are worth embracing. We want students to be

on Social Justice, such as the work with the St Vincent de Paul

dedicated to their learning, to gain insight into their unique

Vinnies Van and Staff Spirituality Day service opportunities.

learning dispositions, to know themselves and how they learn

Moving forward from 2024, the School Improvement Program

best and to be able to embrace lifelong learning. Fostering this

will continue as we work with AIS for the next two years as they

attitude to learning is fundamental to our task as educators,

assist with staff professional learning. Through both our new

even more so in our rapidly changing world where Artificial

and ongoing curricular and co-curricular programs, students

Intelligence (AI) is getting smarter and more prevalent. While

will continue to grow in their understanding of intellectual

there will be some amazing uses of AI that are indeed ethical,

values and be able to graduate from KRB confident in applying

students and staff will need to grapple with its power and the

their skills and knowledge as they negotiate the complexities

moral questions it raises. As a society we need to continue to

of the future. It is my hope that our commitment to intellectual

believe in the power of hard work and in the ability of our own

values and excellence – from fostering each child to do their

brains to find solutions. AI is going to challenge our humanity,

best, to ensuring the best strategic direction for our School -

and we will no doubt see some negative impacts on our

will be the long-term legacy of this busy but fruitful year.

world and capabilities. It is going to be incredibly important to

Erica Thomas

acknowledge the role of conscientous work and reflection in

Principal

guiding where we go in our lives and as a society.

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NEWS This is the third year where students have been invited to

NEW CANTEEN PROVIDERS AT KRB

join the conference; the first time was the 2022 conference held at KRB. The students attended some joint sessions

When students and staff returned in 2024, they found

with staff and some specifically for students around the

brand new food offerings available at our Café 135 on the

themes of ‘Leading Consciously with your Religious Beliefs’

Harbour Terrace! The Café is now under the management

and ‘Social Media' Presence and Purpose.’

of our new providers, Victoria and Roberto Fucci and features a wide range of nutritious options for students

“Building connections at the conference made me realise just how strong the Sacred Heart network is, and how important our Schools’ values goals are in shaping like minded, kind and caring students.” – Daisy Hodgson, Year 11

and staff, including an onsite sushi chef!

SACRED HEART SCHOOLS CONFERENCE In May, Principal, Erica Thomas attended the Sacred Heart School’s conference at Baradene in Auckland, New Zealand along with five KRB staff and four Year 11 students: Erica Smith, Maree Di Fore, Grace Doman and Daisy Hodgson. The students were involved in leadership sessions with other students from our sister schools, while our staff presented workshops. The theme of the conference, 'Social Media in the Light of Catholic/RSCJ Values', invited attendees to consider the challenges facing Sacred Heart educators and students.

Students and staff collaborated with staff and students

PRINCIPAL, ERICA THOMAS WITH THE OTHER SACRED HEART PRINCIPALS WHO ATTENDED: MR DANNY CRUMP (STUARTHOLME, BRISBANE), MRS SANDY PASLEY (BARADENE, AUCKLAND), MRS ADELINA MELIA-DOUVOS (SACRE COEUR, MELBOURNE), SISTER ANNE WACHTER RSCJ (SACRED HEART TOKYO), AND MRS MARYANNE CHANG (SACRED HEART SEOUL).

from Sacred Heart schools from our Province including New Zealand, Tokyo and South Korea and engaged in discussions about our shared mission.

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On the Road KRB is well known around Australia and beyond for its welcoming, close-knit boarding community. Since 1882, we have been proud to provide a safe and challenging environment that allows our boarders to build their confidence and skills and strive for academic excellence.

Over the years, KRB staff, students and families have been keen to embrace every opportunity to share our story and invite others to experience our community. KRB has been attending Boarding Schools Expos since the inaugural Boarding Expo was held 20 years ago in Dubbo. There are now four events held each year and in 2024, we visited Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Moree and Tamworth. Earlier this year, Principal, Erica Thomas, Director of Advancement & Community, Mary Cook and Director of Students, Carrie Scanlan, travelled to Singapore, Hong Kong and China to attend international expos.

This extensive reach is testament to the diversity of our past, present and future boarding communities.

Whilst the expos are an invaluable forum to meet with potential future families interested in learning more about KRB, they also provide an opportunity for staff to gain a deeper understanding of the communities our boarders call home. We also seek out opportunities to understand the lived experience of our boarders by attending events such as NSW and Federal Isolated Children’s Parents Association (ICPA) conferences in order to appreciate the challenges faced by remote rural families as they negotiate the myriad of hurdles to give their children the best education.

Often our attendance at an expo will be coupled with visits to nearby boarding family homes, farms and businesses, and involve KRB hosted events and gatherings that attract past, current and future students and their families.

Principal, Erica Thomas, says it's been a privilege to meet families in their own communities, whether that be in regional NSW or at an international destination: "Our families give up so much to send their children to Kincoppal-Rose Bay and it's important for them to know that they are part of a broader community that cares, wants the best for their child and wants partnership with them no matter where they live. Our visits 'on the road' is something very special that we do."

The many parents and alumnae who have, over the years, taken on significant roles as KRB Ambassadors reflect the sense of connection and belonging felt in our boarding community. Their presence at expos and in other support roles,

DUBBO ICPA 2024: KATE YABSLEY, GIRILAMBONE (KRB’88), MOTHER OF HILARY(KRB’19), PHOEBE(KRB’20), SOPHIE(KRB’23); KAREN RICARDO, WALGETT, MOTHER OF LILY(KRB’18), CHARLOTTE(KRB’22); SUE LANCASTER KRB BOARDING ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR; LAURA STALLEY, HILLSTON, ICPA FEDERAL COUNCIL, MOTHER OF FUTURE KRB BOARDERS.

their willingness to share experience and wisdom, and their passion for our School are a great asset to KRB boarding.

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Ignite

Co-curricular Program Brand New KRB Tennis Program

The new KRB Tennis Program features elite coaches who offer private lessons, group lessons, Tildesley Shield training squads and team practice. Our Junior School students will have opportunities to compete in new tournaments against other schools, to better prepare them for competitive Senior School tennis. Tennis camps are available to all skill levels every school holidays.

“I am very excited to be revamping the Program to create a holistic and highly professional approach. Students will be fostered to achieve excellence through high expectations and access to resources and support,” said Brooke.

New Debating Opportunities

In 2024, KRB has entered teams across both the Junior and Senior campuses in the ISDA, ISPHA, SDC and Archdale Debating competitions. In addition to this, a new interhouse Debating Program was launched, taking place during lunchtimes in Term 2. The Primary A ISDA Debating team, of Sophie Jarrett, Lauren Vitalone, Penelope Neal, Ariella Kendell and Cecilia Chen, reached the Quarter Finals. The Senior Archdale Debating team of Daisy Hodgson, Lucy Maher and Ariella Perkins progressed to the finals round tie breaker debates and the Year 8A Archdale Debating team of Piper

This year, KRB launched a brand new Tennis Program. Our

Lawless, Sophia Nagorskaia, Holly Zaki and Ava Viviers reached

new Head of Tennis and alumna, Brooke Leavens, started

the Quarter Finals. Year 11 student, Lucy Maher, was invited by

playing national tennis at the age of ten. She went on to

the Archdale adjudicators to attend the IGSA representative

win the Tildesley Shield in Year 12 and was the first and only

debating trials, held at Monte Sant’ Angelo on 18 August. The

student from KRB to win the Singles event in history of the

nomination was based on Lucy's excellent performance over

Shield. Brooke also competed in the Junior Australian Open at Melbourne Park and ranked 7th in Australia. After leaving

the initial rounds of the competition.

KRB she received a tennis scholarship to Brigham Young

Head of Debating, Amanda Johnstone, said that commitment to

University (BYU), a NCAA Division 1 US College. She is currently

debating is rewarded through the development of the ability to

the Director of Leavens Tennis Academy and has extensive

think rationally, build logical arguments and view a wide range of

experience running tennis programs for schools.

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New Strength and Conditioning Fitness Centre

topics that affect our world with discernment and maturity; “These skills assist our students beyond debating as they are the same

This year the Fitness Centre in the MTC was refurbished into

skills that they need to write effective essays and reports and to

a strength and conditioning facility. Our Senior students are

manage the demands of the exam room."

thriving with the variety of individual exercise programs focused

Debating also builds empathy and makes students more aware of

on strength training and conditioning. They also have the

the world around them. Our students have argued motions such

opportunity to participate in group fitness classes including

as "That we should build more public housing in wealthy suburbs;"

pilates and yoga.

"That we should offer a wage to primary domestic caretakers" and

The gym is fitted out with new high-quality equipment from

"That schools should actively subvert gender roles."

Alphafit, and provides students with an experience comparable

By engaging with these issues, our debaters truly embrace the

to training at elite athletic facilities. The new layout has

2024 Sacred Heart Goal of A Deep Respect for Intellectual

improved the capacity of the gym which accommodates larger

Values.

numbers of students to participate in workouts.

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Legally Blonde The Musical

Kincoppal-Rose Bay was delighted to showcase Legally Blonde as our 2024 production.

The storyline centred around Elle Woods, as she navigated her way through Harvard Law School with style, discovering her self-worth and remaining true to herself. Principal, Erica Thomas, said the Legally Blonde performances brought real joy to audiences: “I congratulate all staff and students involved on the truly outstanding performances. With its key themes of empowerment, self-acceptance, and the importance of staying true to oneself when facing challenges, Legally Blonde not only delivered lots of laughs but was a fun and engaging way to consider this year’s Sacred Heart Goal of a Deep Respect for Intellectual Values, in today’s world.”

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Outstanding Student Achievements KRB competed in the Southern Cross Regional FIRST

The Primary A ISDA Debating Team, of Sophie Jarrett, Lauren

Robotics Competition. The Competition, known for

Vitalone, Penelope Neal, Ariella Kendell and Cecilia Chen,

its demanding tasks, themed this year’s challenge as

reached the Quarter Finals.

'CRESCENDO', encouraging teams to use their STEM

Year 5 singing student Azzuri Felix received a Highly Commended

capabilities to ingeniously design and program robots. The

award in the City of Sydney Eisteddfod, competing against 45

combined KRB and St Catherine’s team competed fiercely,

others in the 10 Years and Under Contemporary Vocal Performance

ranking 19th among 50 teams.

section. Azzuri performed an early Taylor Swift number, Our Song,

In the 2024 Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge, Year

showcasing her talent and dedication.

9 students Chantelle Wang and Chloe Zhu achieved a Credit

The artwork of 12 Barat Burn students including Georgie

while Mila Hall, Giselle Langley, Isabella Lee, Annabel Mills,

O’Shaughnessy (Kindergarten), Emma Zhang (Year 1), Lumina

Chiara Tully and Charlotte Zhang achieved Merits.

May (Year 2), Grace Wang (Year 3), Juliet Lacey (Year 3), Olivia

In the Ethics Olympiad, the KRB Year 6 team of Penelope Neal,

O’Neill (Year 3), May O’Neill (Year 4), Sophia Small (Year 5),

Chloe O’Neill, Piper Short, Cassidy Bowler, Athena Joannou and

Storm Williams (Year 5), Josephine Yuan (Year 5), Emily Oshiba

Ariella Kendell achieved a Gold Medal. The Year 5 team earned

(Year 6) and Sibilla Andrews (Year 6), were selected for the

an honourable mention.

IPSHA Virtual Art Show.

In May, two KRB teams participated in the NSW Senior Ethics

Year 9 students Annabel Mills and Claudia Sidoti won prizes

Olympiad for the first time. The Senior Blue Team, Lara

in the 2024 Waverley Youth Art Prize. The theme of this

Howard, Phoebe Giaouris, Emily Bartlett, Zara Sgambellone,

year’s prize was ‘Mysteries of the Deep’, inviting young artists

Jade Rose Duffy, Ivy Montgomery and Lucinda Hudson,

to create an artwork exploring the possibilities of underwater

comprised of Year 10 students, received an Honourable

worlds. Annabel received the Highly Commended award for the

Mention from the Judges.

Intermediate category (13-15 years) for her series of three mixed

In the Big Science Competition Angelina Peng (Year 7),

media artworks titled Changing Waters. Claudia received the Highly Commended award for the Senior category (16-18 years)

Annabel Mills (Year 9) and Emelia Glynn (Year 10) achieved a High Distinction. The following students achieved Distinction:

for her mixed media artwork titled Tea Time.

Year 7 students, Charlotte Gorman and Portia Salter, Year 8

In Term 1, KRB’s Year 6 Water Polo team won their Grand Final

students, Harriet Boyd, Piper Lawless and Sophia Nagorskaia,

in the Eastern Suburbs Schools Girls (ESSG) competition.

Year 9 student Chloe Zhu, and Year 10 student, JadeRose

Storm Williams and Sharon Wu (Year 5) participated in the NSW

Duffy, Scarlett Minchin and Chloe Wilson.

Interschools Equestrian at the Sydney International Equestrian

In the Senior School, six out of eight teams placed in the top

Centre at Horsley Park in the Term 1 holidays. Congratulations to

ten in their categories in the Da Vinci Decathlon. Year 7 Legacy

Storm and her horse Just Spirit who placed 3rd in her division

team placed 4th, Year 9 Art and Poetry placed 10th, Year 11

for Jumping.

Engineering placed 4th, Year 11 Creative Producers placed 5th

At the North West Equestrian Expo, Lily Timewell (Year 8)

and Year 11 Ideation and Codebreaking both placed 7th.

placed 1st in her age group for Combined Training, 2nd in the

The KRB Year 6 team of Lauren Vitalone, Sophie Jarrett, Emily

Height Class and 3rd in the Pairs event. Emma Austin (Year 8)

Oshiba, Penelope Johnson, Cordelia Yuan and Georgia Wilson

secured 3rd place in the Most Suitable Mount for Expo category

achieved 10th place in the Engineering category.

and 4th place in the Rider for the Gymkhana event.

In the Kangaroo San Frontieres Mathematics Competition,

Sophie Jarrett (Year 6) represented the IPSHA Netball team

Year 4 students Lomani Gresham and Louie Jun both achieved

at the CIS Championships with the team winning all nine of

a Distinction.

their games. Sophie was then selected to represent CIS at the

Charlotte Field (Year 11) was awarded an Academic Excellence

NSWPSSA Netball Championships.

Award 2023 by the University of Sydney. This event

Year 6 students, Sophia Jarrett and Imogen Tully were

acknowledges one student from each school in NSW who has

nominated to trial for the IPSHA Netball team in March. Both

excelled in their studies in Year 10.

students made it through to the final 16, and Sophie was selected in the squad.

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JEMIMA HUXLEY

U14 Hockey State Championships

INDIGO BELL

Basketball National Club Championships

SARAH LEUY

CHARLOTTE FIELD

ANGELINA PENG

ANNABEL MILLS

EMELIA GLYNN

SOPHIE JARRETT

ANNABELLE WAUGH

AVA PICKLUM

GEORGIA SONE

MILA HALL

Australian Athletics Championships

IPSHA Netball

Academic Execllence Award

The Big Science Competition

Coles Classic Swim Racing

Coles Classic Swim Racing

The Big Science Competition

Coles Classic Swim Racing

The Big Science Competition

Coles Classic Swim Racing

Year 5 students, Daisy Daniel, Isabelle Bryen, Lexi Findlay and

Tiffany Gorman (Year 11) qualified for the USA U18 Snowsports

Willow Dunlop were selected for the Randwick Representative

Championships. Tiffany competed as a foreign athlete in four

Netball team in their age group.

events: Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G and Downhill.

Four Senior Netball Teams from Years 7 to 10 represented

Poppy O’Brien (Year 9) competed in the Australian Athletics

KRB at the Regional Schools Cup Competition in May. All

Championships, running in the Under 15 2km steeplechase

teams had some wins throughout the day with the Year 7 Team

and finishing 3rd in the nation.

finishing 2nd in their pool.

Sarah Luey (Year 12) and Poppy O’Brien (Year 9) represented NSW

Jemima Huxley (Year 6) represented SEHA (South East Hockey

in the Australian National Athletics Championships in Adelaide.

Association) in the Under 14 Hockey State Championships

Poppy had a fantastic race in the Under 16 Steeplechase

in Wagga Wagga. Jemima scored two goals in their final pool

taking home the Bronze medal. In March, Sarah competed

match, enabling her team to qualify for the Quarter Finals.

in the NSW Junior Athletic Championships in the 100m

At the Sydney Interschools Snowsports Championships held

Hurdles finishing 3rd and securing her spot in the NSW team to

in the July Holidays, KRB students Arabella De Angelis (Year 4)

compete in Nationals, where she finished 7th in the Final.

placed 3rd in Alpine and Skier Cross, and 3rd in the Redlands

At the IGSA Cross Country Championships, Portia Salter

Cup Race. Jessica Gorman (Year 9) placed 1st in Alpine, 2nd in

(Year 7) Piper Sweeny (Year 8) and Poppy O’Brien (Year 9)

Skier Cross, and 3rd in the Scots Cup Race. Charlotte Gorman

were selected for the IGSA team to compete in the CIS

(Year 7) placed 1st in Alpine, 2nd in Skier Cross, and 3rd in

Championships. The KRB team was awarded the most

the Scots Cup Race. Skylar Heida (Year 8) placed 4th in Skier

improved trophy.

Cross, 7th in Alpine, and 2nd in the Scots Cup Race. In team

In Term 1, the KRB team was crowned champions of the

results, Charlotte and Skylar came 2nd in Skier Cross, and they,

Eastern Suburbs Touch Football competition.

along with Portia Salter and Sasha Barrass (Year 7) came 2nd in

At the Touch Football State Cup, Year 12 students, Lucie

Alpine. Arabella De Angelis, Kyra Kadian (Year 4) achieved 5th

Norburn, Bella McMahon, Sophie St John, Manon Spinola

place in Skier Cross.

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YEAR 6 DA VINCI DECATHLON

IGSA CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

DA VINCI DECATHLON

IGSA SWIMMING JUNIORS RELAY

PORTIA SALTER

POPPY O'BRIEN

IGSA Cross Country Championships

IGSA Cross Country Championships

TOUCH FOOTBALL STATE CUP

and Year 11 student Lexi Lancaster, competed as part of the

results included Gold in All Age Board Relay, Silver in Under 13

Easts Touch Under 18 Girls team in the Grand Final. Harriet

Board Relay Gold in Under 13 Cameron Relay and 5th in Under

Boyd (Year 8) competed for Easts Touch Under 14 and Vera

13 Individual Board. Lily also was a state finalist in Board Relay,

Febo (Year 7) Easts Touch Under 12, while Milly Shannon (Year

Surf Swim and Iron Person. Lucy came 6th in the Board Relay,

7) competed for her hometown club in the Under 12 division.

8th in Iron Person and 10th in Surf Swim.

Lucie, Sophie, Lexi and Bella were all then selected to compete

KRB competed in the Queensland Surf Live Saving

for the Under 18 Southern Rebels representative side and Vera

Championships, along with over 150 students from Surf

made the Under 12 team.

Lifesaving clubs from all around the country. Lily Wenmohs

Ava Picklum (Year 12) was selected to represent her Rowing

(Year 7) competed in two individual events finishing 13th in the

Club, Glebe, at the Australian Rowing Championships.

Under 13 IronWomen and 2nd in the Individual Board Race.

In April, Felisha Kwok (Year 8) represented NSW in the

Lucy Gladstone (Year 7) made two individual finals and narrowly missed out on a third final by one place. Lucy finished 14th in

Australian Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Perth.

the Swim final and 12th in the 2km Swim final. Emily Maxwell

She won three gold medals, 1st in the mixed 500m, 1st in the

(Year 7) made it to the Under 13 Beach Sprint final where she

women's 500m and 1st in the women's 1km race.

finished 6th overall and 15th overall in the Beach Flags event.

Emily Maxwell (Year 7) won the State OzTag title with her

Mila Hall (Year 9) was selected to the Under 15 IGSA Netball

Souths representative side.

Team and from that trial was chosen to represent CIS schools

At the NSW State Surf Lifesaving Nippers, Emily Maxwell

in the NSW All Schools Championships. Allegra McDonald

(Year 7) came 6th in the Individual Flags, 2nd in the Under

(Year 12) was also selected for the IGSA Under 18 squad.

13 Girls Beach Relay and 1st in the Mixed beach Relay. Lily

Annabelle Waugh (Year 11) represented her club, UTS Balmain,

Wenmohs (Year 7) and Lucy Gladstone (Year 7) represented

in the Australian Water Polo League. She was selected to the

North Bondi, winning the State Championships. Lily’s individual

IGSA Under 18 Water Polo team and the CIS Water Polo Team.

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JUNIOR ETHICS OLYMPIAD

NORTH WEST EQUESTRIAN EXPO

NSW ALL SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS

SOUTHERN CROSS REGIONAL FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION

NSW SURF LIFESAVING NIPPERS

EMILY MAXWELL

FELISHA KWOK

CLAUDIA SIDOTI

99TH IGSA SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Oz Tag

2024 Waverley Youth Art Prize

Dragon Boat Racing Championships

Annabelle also represented Australia Under 18’s in the New

Indigo Bell (Year 12) represented IGSA in the CIS U19

Zealand Under 21 Club Championships. Annabelle and her team

Basketball Championships and was also selected to

finished 3rd and she was named team MVP for the competition.

represent CIS at the NSW All Schools. Indigo also competed in

Mila Hall (Year 9) and Georgia Sone (Year 11) swam in the

the 2024 National Club Championships with the North Sydney

Female Division of the Cole Classic Swim in the 1km race. Mila

Bears. Her team was the only one from NSW to win a medal.

finished 1st and Georgia 5th.

At the Tildesley Tennis Tournament in March, Olivia

Piper Sweeny (Year 8) Tessa Mitchelmore (Year 9), Mila Hall

Mackenzie (Year 9) reached the 4th round, Olivia Waite (Year 9) reached the 3rd round and the doubles pair of Violet Levy and

(Year 9) and Georgia Sone (Year 11) competed at the Junior

Zara Sgambellone (Year 10) also reached the 3rd round.

Swimming Nationals on the Gold Coast and achieved many personal bests.

KRB students competed in the NSW All Schools Championships after qualifying through the IGSA and CIS Championships. The Under 14 Freestyle Relay team included Year 7 students, Santana Tonelli-Smith, Lillian Wenmohs, Amelie Zuza Tito and Year 8 student, Piper Sweeny, finished 4th. Georgia Sone (Year 11) swam in the Under 16 100m Freestyle event, finishing 6th in the state. Elaine Hu (Year 7) finished 5th in the Under 12 50m Backstroke.

Twenty-one students competed at the 99th IGSA Swimming Championships in March. KRB placed well ahead of last year’s results, achieving 10th overall.

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An Intellectual Tradition The example of Our RSCJ

We are so lucky at KRB to be able to draw inspiration from a

of degrees in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and

long history of strong women who have given us incredible

Engineering Management from the Queensland University of

examples of how to live out the Sacred Heart Goals. Our

Technology.

Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (RSCJ), both in the

Being such an intellectual Order, many Sisters have gone on

past and today, have always shown a deep and authentic

to become educators at the primary, secondary and tertiary

commitment to intellectual values through their lives.

level with many teaching and leading in our Sacred Heart

When Sister Elizabeth Sneddon joined the Order in the 1960s,

Schools. When Sister Elizabeth Sneddon was on a Post-

whilst there was a uniformity of dress and order of the day, she

Doctoral Fellowship at Boston College, she was part of a

found there was huge freedom of thought: “The educational

group of American RSCJ who developed guidelines for RSCJ

philosophy of the Society has always valued individual thinking,

who were academics, based on the goal of a Deep Respect

placing understanding ahead of memorisation, and not readily

for Intellectual Values: “The guidelines encouraged critical

succumbing to fashionable ideologies. RSCJ value thinkers

thinking, wisdom, creativity, discernment, and integrity. It also

and ideas matter.” This arguably manifested in the Order,

encouraged them to consider the wider context of advancing

establishing not only schools but also university colleges -

human knowledge and sharing the fruits of their work

Sancta Sophia College, at Sydney University and Duchesne

generously,” said Sister Elizabeth Sneddon.

College, at the University of Queensland: “The founders of

“What stands by us in life is, after all, discipline of mind and heart, habits acquired, power of steady application, and such knowledge of first principles as will enable new knowledge and new experience of any kind to find its right place. By this adaptability of mind and habits, by the power of judging and acting rightly in new circumstances, the educated mind is distinguished from one that has been merely instructed how to move in a well-known and expected order of things.” - Mother Janet Erskine Stuart RSCJ

Sancta Sophia were determined that it should be an academic institution with a holistic approach to the development of its students,” said Sister Mary Shanahan.

The Society’s rule of enclosure did not stop the Sisters enrolling to study at university and when Sancta Sophia College opened in 1925, it became a base for many sisters to gain further studies. According to Sister Elizabeth Sneddon, in the early days the sisters used to walk in pairs across the campus to lectures - Sisters Margaret D’Ath and Dorothea Hewlett were one such pair. May Craig was an alumna of Rose Bay who became an RSCJ on her graduation from her BA at the University of Sydney in 1918. Mary Arnold graduated with an MA in the late 1920s and Mary Brennan RSCJ graduated from

Sister Mary Shanahan’s story, including her many

Sydney University and Sancta Sophia. Mary Brennan was a very

achievements, is a testament to the centrality of intellectual

gifted student in Arts and Theology and went on to study at

values to the Sacred Heart charism. Her career has

the Catholic University and Union Theological College in the

encompassed multiple leadership roles within the Society of

US. Though she was invited to continue on with a doctorate,

the Sacred Heart, at Sancta Sophia College and at Kincoppal-

she chose to use her knowledge to help the people in the

Rose Bay where she has been a Director of the School Board.

small town of Esk in Queensland: “Here Mary set up an office

She was Provincial of the Society in Australia and New Zealand

where she could help people to find where they could get

for five years and was called to Rome to be on the General

the help and finance they needed especially for their children.

Council for six years. Sister Mary Shanahan has served as both

RSCJ also helped with religion in the school as there were no

Vice Principal and Principal of Sancta Sophia College within

religious teachers in the area", said Sister Mary Shanahan.

the University of Sydney. When she was Principal of Duchesne College in 1970, she received an award from the American

Many other Sisters obtained their degrees before becoming

Association of University Women which gave her entry to

an RSCJ. Cecily Amiet obtained a Science degree from

Yale University. This followed her Masters in History from the

Queensland University. She taught Maths and Chemistry while

University of Sydney where her thesis was on the failure of the

continuing her study in Music as she was a gifted musician.

Benedictine Congregation to establish themselves in Australia.

Deasy Hartanto, who was professed in 2023, has a number

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After her Masters thesis was published, she decided to return

relationships as a means to help in the development of others,”

to Duchesne College to work with students on their growth

said Sister Mary Shanahan.

and wellbeing. Mary also spent a year at Oxford where she

Principal, Erica Thomas, says here at KRB Sister Mary Shanahan

developed her research and a year at Trinity College, Dublin

continues to make a profound impact and give an incredible

studying Theology.

example: “I see Mary at 96 years old coming into work at

In 2019, Sister Mary Shanahan was awarded a Medal (OAM)

KRB as a committed professional. This year she was invited

of the Order of Australia for her service to tertiary education,

onto a panel with Father Richard Leonard which shows she

and as a mentor of young students. In 2023, she was awarded

is still making a contribution to debates and discourse in the

the Honor of Croce Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by the Holy Father,

modern world. Her work today and in the past is an example

Pope Francis, for her distinguished services to the Church in

of using your intellect for the greater good, compassion and

the Archdiocese of Sydney and Australia. "The academic can

commitment to others. I see Sisters Dianna Hayes and Lynette

never stand alone and my work in both university colleges gave

Toohey heading to their General Chapter in Rome to consider

me the chance to live that A Deep Respect for Intellectual

the future of the Society. I know they will reflect on what it

Values by helping students to develop and accept themselves

will grow to look, how it relates to schools like KRB, the wider

while deepening their mind. With all of this I consider myself

network in Asia and beyond. The very concept of chapter – the

more as a follower of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat than an

reflection and discernment – is living out this goal in a culture

academic. She was a woman more interested in developing

of intellectual engagement.”

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An Intellectual Tradition for Today For KRB Head of Research and Professional Practice, Trinity

students have been afforded hands-on experiences that

Hastie, the 2024 Sacred Heart Goal, A Deep Respect for

facilitate deeper understanding. Year 5 students are currently

Intellectual Values, is associated with epistemic virtue – our

constructing a solar oven designed to harness the sun's radiant

approach to knowledge is a value-laden proposition; “In order

energy in purposeful ways. Year 6 students have been delving

to fulfill the Mission of the Society and to discover the heart of

into fundamentals of the ‘living world’, with a particular focus

Jesus and make it known to others, as a School, our charism

on the domains of sustainable food and fibres. Students have

is a lens or prism through which we approach knowledge and

been engaged in eco-friendly practices such as creating

make moral and ethical judgements about the appropriate

sustainable dyes from various food sources and understanding

application of knowledge. This means that students must be

the purpose of sustainability, involving the repurposing of old

offered opportunities to engage in active discernment about

materials, transforming them into functional items such as bags

the moral and ethical implications of their use of knowledge,

whilst learning sewing and textile skills. These initiatives not

consideration of the competing truth-claims of different

only promote environmental consciousness but also nurture

knowledge systems and the ways in which learning is a dialogic

skills in innovation and resourcefulness among Year 6 learners,”

process of humanization and transformation.”

said Kelly Taylor. Beyond the classroom, our Ignite Co-curricular Program offers a myriad of opportunities for students to pursue

For KRB Director of Mission, Brennan Sharley, the Goal is

personal passions in STEM-aligned areas, including the Junior

essentially about understanding and valuing learning. “It’s about

and Senior Robotics Programs as well as Code Camp in the

a deep respect for learning (our own and others) and the belief

Junior School. This is in addition to various student clubs and

that it will lead to transformation and the betterment of society.

societies, including the lunchtime STEM Club and Maths Offline.

The RSCJ has always been about the mind and the heart, and the goals express this. We believe in this importance of

“Having A Deep Respect for Intellectual Values does relate to the pursuit of personal excellence however, more profoundly, it relates to an orientation towards knowledge as being transformative of human potential. It involves the unwavering pursuit of truth and justice, and a commitment to model truth-seeking in order to safeguard the integrity of information and to protect the human dignity of all.” – Trinity Hastie, KRB Head of Research and Professional Practice.

discernment - the head space that informs making that heart response genuine. We give space for discernment in Mission through things such as Espacio because the act of reflection is itself an intellectual value,” said Brennan.

Here at KRB we foster A Deep Respect for Intellectual Values throughout the curriculum and beyond the classroom in our relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. In 2023, we commenced the AIS Effective School Program, a project aimed at enhancing student outcomes, comprising both academic excellence and wellbeing, through adopting a high-level strategic approach to school improvement.

In keeping with A Deep Respect for Intellectual Values,

This Sacred Heart Goal has, over the years, fostered a

our approach to technology is mindful, with appropriate

tradition of innovation in teaching and learning at KRB.

technologies being meaningfully utilised to enhance teaching

“Our approach to STEM, for example, encourages our

and learning. One key example of this is our customised online

students to be experimental in their approach to knowledge,

interactive learning platform, Aspire. Trinity Hastie suggests that

promoting productive risk-taking in order to develop courage

with the implementation of Aspire in 2019, KRB began a journey

and confidence,” said Trinity Hastie. Currently within the

towards creating a robust, highly responsive and customisable

Year 5 curriculum, students are actively immersed in the

Learning Management System that would be reflective of our

principles of energy transfer, particularly delving into the

Sacred Heart approach to education and offer more robust

realm of light energy through practical applications involving

opportunities to include parents in our virtual environments:

circuits. According to TAS Teacher, Kelly Taylor, students are

“As an online environment, Aspire reflects our Deep Respect

investigating thermal energy, conducting experiments that

for Intellectual Values through extending the boundaries of

explore concepts of convection, conduction and radiation:

the traditional classroom to facilitate asynchronous learning

“Utilising simple resources such as food colouring and popcorn,

experiences, responding to individual learning interests and

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needs through the curation of resources and the availability

According to Trinity Hastie, our approach to technology at KRB

of multimodal and digital technologies to provide immersive

is one of the biggest challenges of today and into the future.

learning experiences,” said Trinity Hastie.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), focuses on the transformational possibilities within education but also the need to educate

When Janet Erskine Stuart was asked what success in

students about how to use AI ethically, transparently and in

education looks like, she replied “we bring up the children for

a manner that avoids the transmission of misinformation or

the future ... our education is not meant to turn the children out

detracts from the agency of students as learners.

small and finished but seriously begun on a wide basis.” A KRB education equips students to face the challenges of the future through the lens of a Deep Respect for Intellectual Values.

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AIS Effective Schools Since May 2023, a team of teachers and leaders from

Educator Attributes which have been ratified by our staff

KRB have been participating in the AIS Effective Schools

and outline our shared expectations of all involved in the

Service. This project aims to enhance student outcomes,

formation of students at KRB. We have also articulated

comprising both academic excellence and wellbeing,

a Vision for Learning which captures the purpose of our

through adopting a high-level strategic approach to school

shared investment in enhancing learning at KRB.

improvement. The team incorporates representatives from

KRB's Vision for Learning

Barat-Burn and the Senior School and has undertaken a rigorous, data-informed approach to the design of whole-

We educate hearts and minds through disciplined inquiry

school improvement initiatives.

and active engagement with the complexities of our wider world. We embrace productive struggle in the pursuit

The aims of the ESS process are to:

of personal excellence. We cultivate the intrinsic sense of wonder essential to learning in order for our students

• establish enabling conditions and enact effective

become discerning discoverers of justice and truth.

school improvement processes.

A range of potential improvement priorities has been

• engage teachers in cycles of improvement that lift

incorporated into an implementation plan, following

teaching and learning.

consultation with key stakeholders including our Values

• embed school-based change, using evidence-informed

and Culture Committee, Junior School Executive, Senior

decision making.

School Heads of Department and Wellbeing Teams.

Further consultation with additional stakeholders, including students and parents, will be incorporated into our ongoing evaluation processes.

The project is a valuable way for our School to ensure that we are intentional and rigorous in our processes of resource allocation, capacity building of staff and provision of rich and meaningful learning opportunities for students. Additionally, it builds leadership capacity, using a design thinking approach to complex problem-solving and assisting with prioritisation of School initiatives to allow us to work sustainably towards the fulfilment of an educational offering that allows all KRB students at to flourish.

Angela Thomas Director of Teaching and Learning

In collaboration with consultants from the AIS, the ESS team has gathered a broad range of baseline data to evaluate our current teaching and learning offerings. They have also conducted an audit of significant artefacts relating to our School Mission and Vision, to ensure values alignment and adherence to our Five Goals as well as the Sacred Heart Philosophy of Education.

As we have inquired deeply into our current context, we have also developed new artefacts to guide our future discernment. These have included our Sacred Heart

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Exceptional Early Learning at KRB What does the 2024 Focus Goal, A Deep Respect for Intellectual Values, look like in ELC?

An interview with Nicole Johnson, Head of Early Learning.

Why does the KRB Early Learning Centre (ELC) adopt the Reggio Emilia philosophy?

Our Image of the Child is reflected in the way we challenge children and question them. Staff develop what Carlina

The principles from Reggio Emilia align themselves well with

Rinaldi calls a pedagogy of listening - inviting thinking through

the Goals and Values of a Sacred Heart Education. At the

relevant and purposeful questions. Staff seek higher order

centre of both these is the child. The principles that come

thinking that involves creating and analysing, looking for the

from the Educational Project of Reggio Emilia are intertwined

unexpected as a way forward to learning. A Deep Respect for

and focussed on a strong Image of the Child. At the core of

Intellectual Values is reflected in all that happens in the ELC

Sacred Heart Education is Madeleine Sophie Barat’s passion

– the children work as complex problem solvers, as critical

for education, as articulated in her widely known quote; “For

thinkers analysing and inquiring, creativity and outside the box

the sake of one child, I would have founded the Society.” The

thinking and sharing of imaginative possibilities for answers.

philosophies from Reggio Emilia are not a package or a way

Staff and children communicate shared ideas and come

of teaching – they are a set of values, beliefs and principles

together to produce detailed and intricate ways of expressing

that were founded by parents’ strong passion for educating

those ideas.

children. They are based on their innate curiosities of the

How do the learning spaces in our ELC foster intellectual curiosity?

world and the belief that children are capable and competent, expressing themselves through 100 different languages in relation to materials and others.

Our learning environments are welcoming spaces, which reflect and enrich the lives and identities of children and

How has the Sacred Heart philosophy influenced the way our ELC has evolved?

families who participate in the setting and respond to their interests, needs and the intention behind the research

Our Early Learning educators aspire to teach children Catholic

happening each year. The indoor and outdoor environments

values based on the Sacred Heart Goals in a tolerant and

are used to inspire, captivate, engage and provoke children

inclusive manner. We aim to develop a strong sense of

to make choices and solve problems. We believe our

community, a sense of belonging, a sense of what it means

environments are like teachers — beckoning the children to

to live in Australia and positive citizenship in each child. We

explore, to learn, to imagine and to investigate. Our spaces

believe connections with the local and School community

invite exploration, they stir up questions and promote flow.

enhance learning opportunities which, in turn, promote

We provide contexts and materials that use nature, reused or

a sense of belonging and connectedness to the wider

found objects, rubbish, colour and light.

community. Sister Mary Shanahan RSCJ is a regular visitor, they love to enthusiastically share what they are learning with

Describe the teaching and learning that happens in our ELC?

her. The Sacred Heart Goals are the soul of the ELC. They

In being true to our Image of the Child, our contexts, research

and the children love to listen to her share her thoughts and

have allowed for the evolution of deep, intellectual learning

and provisions are created with a great deal of intention.

through research, debates and dialogue. They have helped

Staff come together to share robust dialogue about ways

create passionate advocates for social justice issues that are

forward for the children and the research they themselves

embedded in projects and everyday visits to the Wild. The

are engaged in. There is great emphasis placed upon

children constantly reflect on themselves as members of the

collaboration, creativity and development of conceptual

community, sharing their own unique understandings of God

understandings. Learning is viewed as a process of individual

and their own place in the world, growing in their knowledge

and group construction, whereby problems are identified and

of right and wrong, fairness and integrity.

the children share solutions as possibilities for understanding.

The curriculum is designed after listening to children, documenting their learning and embracing their potentialities and voices as valid contributors.

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Each year the subjects we choose, the concepts we feel

This year we are researching the concept of ‘Wild’. Because

are important and the research we wish to share alongside

of all our time spent in the wild we haven’t over the years truly

children, come to us by way of connections to something

sought an understanding from the children of what wild means.

that is currently being explored. In both centres the concept

The idea of a ‘wild heart’ has emerged as the centre of being

is the same but the children may take very different journeys

wild but also as the place of truth that makes our Wild Time

in growing their conceptual understanding. From the tasty

wild. We look forward to where the children might take us, as

delights of researching what food is all about in Sophie’s Place,

the year continues to unfold.

where the children created their own cookbook and developed

“In our ELC, never has one year been the same as another - so vast are the possibilities and the curiosities of children.” Nicole Johnson, Head of Early Learning.

a healthy understanding around nutrition, came the desire to design a further understanding and explore the concept of change, as food moves through the body. The research brought the children to create a giant digestive system where they could enter through a large mouth and walk their way through the process of digestion.

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Early Literacy and Numeracy Early literacy and numeracy have undergone a renaissance in

In 2024, the program moved into Year 3, where students were

recent years, and some of the first things to go were learning

introduced to a program called SpellEx. It aims to extend their

and memorisation. KRB has embraced this shift and our

understanding of words, what words mean, and how and why

Kindergarten to Year 2 students are already benefitting from

they’re written.

scientifically backed, evidence-based methods to help them

Building a Love of Mathematics

learn. The results speak for themselves.

For Numeracy, there has been a similar transition.

The Science of Reading

“We’re moving away from an approach which was more

Previous reading instruction in Australia often relied heavily on

based on teaching mathematical concepts that focused on

language memorisation. It emphasised exposure to literature

procedures and formulas. Connections in Mathematics are

and context rather than explicit phonics instruction. These

essential as they reveal the interrelatedness between different

methods left many readers without the foundational skills to

concepts, allowing students to see how mathematical ideas

decode words and unlock the magic of reading.

build upon and interact with each other to form a cohesive

Enter the MultiLit program - short for Making Up Lost Time In

understanding of the subject," Luke said.

Literacy. A research team from Macquarie University has been

Instead, the fresh approach to Mathematics, prioritising a

researching and refining this program since 1990. The K-2

conceptional understanding, helps students understand how

InitiaLit program focusing on the cognitive processes involved

and why Maths exists.

with reading, landed at KRB in 2020.

“We really want them to enjoy and love Mathematics. We’ve

According to Deputy Head of Junior School: Teaching and

tried to ensure that they see that it’s interesting, it can be quite

Learning, Luke Duncan, the program starts with what the

beautiful, it can be real,” he said.

student already knows and gives them opportunities to add

Luke doesn’t want to hear any child say ‘I’m bad at Maths’. "So

more knowledge and move onto the next level.

often, children lose their confidence in their early years, either

“It’s a really great program that helps students connect letters

by being graded into a low class or not grasping a concept.

with sounds, and then it’s quite a sequential way of introducing

They don’t realise that understanding Maths is fluid, and can

vocabulary to enrich them,” he explained.

depend on the effort you put in."

The class readers are different too.

“We take a growth mindset approach to Mathematics. We want

“The previous model used a lot of memorisation. Students were

students to improve their productive disposition and see Maths

given books with lots of words, and that the hope was they’d

as worthwhile. They believe they can do Maths, they can do any

know some words and then others they’d slowly learn. But they

level, but they have to put in the effort,” he explained.

didn’t have the skills to understand a new word,” he explained.

KRB’s approach to teaching early numeracy makes sure every

The new readers, called ‘decodables’, are designed differently.

student can access the problem but is also challenged.

“Decodables are books that only use the sounds that the

“We call them low floor high ceiling tasks. This means every

students have learned, and then they progress as they’re

student has an access point, but when you talk about high

learning those,” he said.

ceiling, it’s the opportunity for them to really excel,” he said.

The results have been phenomenal.

How that works is by giving a core question to the class that has enabling prompts and extending prompts.

“I have taught Year 2 for the past four years. I was able to see the previous program and the results, and then the change

“An enabling prompt might pose the question in a way that

that came in. It was a dramatic improvement in terms of their

reduces the complexity so that it’s accessible for students to

writing and their reading,” he said.

get to that point first, before they step to the next point. We try to encourage that in a fluid way so students can access

“I was blown away by how much their writing and reading had

that when they need to, but they might not at other stages,”

improved. They’re able to decode words when they’re reading,

Luke explained.

and then they’ve got the skills and the strategies to do it,” Luke continued.

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“On the other side is the extending prompt, so if they’re ready

“Trying to find opportunities to see Maths in action such as

for the challenge, they can do that,” he continued.

engaging with algorithms to make robots (in the STEAM lab).

"The benefit of that is everyone’s working on similar content.

Even with art, you’re looking at your drawing and measuring to

You can have conversations with the class that everyone can

make that real world connection,” Luke said.

take part in."

In 2022, the new K-2 Maths syllabus was integrated and the

Although prioritising conceptual understanding is crucial

Years 3–6 syllabus was introduced last year, and impact is already evident: “We’re just seeing great results and we’re

in modern Mathematics education, direct instruction

hoping to keep extending that through,” said Luke.

still holds a vital place in our classrooms, particularly for foundational numeracy skills: “While memorisation of formulas

Connections in Mathematics are essential as they reveal the interrelatedness between different concepts, allowing students to see how mathematical ideas build upon and interact with each other to form a cohesive understanding of the subject – Luke Duncan, Deputy Head of Junior School: Teaching and Learning.

and timetables may not foster a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, it provides students with a necessary toolkit to tackle more complex problems. Direct instruction ensures that students have a solid grasp of essential arithmetic operations, which serves as a scaffold for higher-level thinking.

By mastering basic skills through direct instruction, students gain confidence in their abilities and are better equipped to engage with and appreciate the deeper mathematical concepts presented in our curriculum. This balanced approach, combining direct instruction with conceptual learning, ensures that all students have the opportunity to succeed and develop a genuine love for Mathematics,” Luke explained.

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Sacred Heart Educators Leading the Way Intellischool' during which she shared KRB’s current approach to using data visualisations to enhance teacher understanding of the impact of their practice upon student outcomes.

Helen Yip, KRB Head of Visual Arts, was invited to present a professional learning workshop at the National Visual Art Education Conference, held at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, in January. Her workshop, titled ‘Embodied Lenses: Investigating the Body as Site’, addressed the conference theme of ‘repositioning’ through engaging delegates with exciting research into contemporary artistic practices in

KRB is blessed to have both teaching and non teaching staff

performance art, film, installation and wearable art.

who genuinely lead the way in embracing and modelling A Deep Respect for Intellectual Values.

KRB's Hosts Boarding Schools Conference

Our staff not only are highly passionate and accomplished in their respective areas, they strive to improve and extend

Late last year, KRB hosted a much-anticipated Boarding

themselves at every opportunity. Our staff are recognised

Schools Conference in the Year 12 Learning Hub. We

by being invited to present at conferences, submit articles

were thrilled to welcome many colleagues from Armidale,

for specialist publications and being nominated for and

Bathurst, Canberra and Tamworth as well as staff from

receiving awards.

schools from across Greater Sydney. With a program designed to inspire, challenge, and broaden perspectives,

In June KRB Teacher Librarians Amanda Johnstone, Michael

the sessions provided insightful discussions, collaborative

Lukins and Rachel Pennay attended the AISNSW Teacher

learning, and networking opportunities. The conference

Librarian Conference. The conference, titled ‘Optimising

was an opportunity to explore the latest trends, share

Learning - Harnessing Technology in the School Library,’

experiences, and gain valuable insights that will undoubtedly

focused on the transformative impact of generative AI on the

further enrich our approach to boarding education.

information landscape and school libraries.

At the same conference, Head of Library and Information Services ELC-12, Amanda Johnstone, presented the guidelines the School has developed for AI use in assessment tasks.

Amanda highlighted the innovative work teachers are doing to create rigorous learning experiences that challenge students to be active, informed technology users. This collaborative effort involves classroom teachers, teacher librarians and specialist teachers. The presentation featured the work of Science Teachers Sally Parker and Rachele Rugiero, who are teaching students to evaluate the usefulness and reliability of information from generative AI sources.

Earlier this year, Trinity Hastie, George Wheeler, David Brookes, and Luke Duncan attended the Schoolbox Meetup in Melbourne. This was a valuable strategic opportunity to futureproof our digital ecosystem and drive innovation in teaching and learning, assessment and wellbeing initiatives across our campuses. In alignment with this Meetup’s focus on innovative approaches to educational data, Trinity presented at a session entitled 'Getting the Most Out of your Educational Data with

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Award-Winning Staff

engaging style as a Music teacher. Ms Fairthorne was lauded for fostering interest in her subject and Ms Carreira for her

This year, the efforts and talents of many KRB staff members

unwavering passion for early years education.”

have been recognised through nominations for various awards.

Danielle Fairthorne, Head of Sheldon House and Head of

Leanne Valencia, Student Opportunity and Career Education

Religious Education was nominated for Head of Department of

Advisor, was recently recognised as a Finalist for her

the Year in the 2024 Australian Education Awards. Her genuine

outstanding contribution to Vocational Education and

care for students and staff, coupled with her ability to drive

Training Work Placements through the office of The Youth

change, makes her an exemplary candidate for the Head of

Partnership. Leanne’s focus on equipping KRB students

Department of the Year award.

with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing world, delivers outstanding opportunities for Senior

KRB Mathematics teacher, Nancy Lin, was offered a Research

students. Six KRB teachers were this year nominated as

Scholarship by the Australian Mathematical Science Institute

part of the Australia’s Best Teachers campaign, celebrating

(AMSI) after achieving academic success in her Bachelor’s

their dedication and commitment to teaching. Principal,

degree in Pure Mathematics at UNSW Sydney. Nancy was also

Erica Thomas, described Katy Franklin, Zarena Williams,

awarded the 2023 Women in Mathematics and Statistics Prize

Grace Bird, Mark Stubley, Amanda Carreira and Danielle

for the best performance by a female in a Pure Mathematics

Fairthorne as exemplary educators, who not only excel in

course by UNSW. During the summer school holidays, Nancy

delivering content but also nurture character development

attended AMSI’s three-day conference at the University of

in their students: “Ms Franklin was praised for innovative

Melbourne to present her project to scholarly peers from

teaching methods, Ms Williams for engaging parents in the

various universities across Australia. Her research topic 'The

learning process, Ms Bird for instilling a passion for English

spectra of Toeplitz operators on Hardy-Hilbert spaces' is in a

in students and Mr Stubley for his multifaceted role and

field of pure mathematics called functional analysis.

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New Work Experience Week

During National Careers Week in May, our Year 10 students

On the Monday of Work Experience Week, Year 10 visited

immersed themselves into work experience opportunities across

University of New South Wales and had the chance to immerse

a range of industries, including fashion and the world of business.

themselves in a variety of workshops, each designed to provide

Our students gained first-hand insights into these industries,

a glimpse into potential career paths and inspire their future

providing them with some direction into their future professions.

academic and professional endeavours. The worksop included; Media, Business, Science, Medicine & Health, Politics, Law and

Leanne Valencia, Student Opportunity & Career Education

Justice, Engineering and Civil Engineering.

Advisor, said the opportunity to shadow a professional provided the students with incredible insights as well as valuable

On Tuesday to Thursday, students participated in Work

experience in the work environment; “In addition to cultivating

Experience, joining a range of workplaces from hospitals to

curiosity, encouraging greater self-reflection and creating

design businesses, veterinary clinics, advertising companies, law

opportunities for conversation, we also hope this will assist with

firms, museums and art galleries, early childhood institutions and

subject selection and future course and career exploration.”

schools as well as sporting organisations and media.

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On the final day of the week, students shared their highlights

and professions that interested them: “The week provided an

and experiences with each other and then participated in a

opportunity to explore career areas and university life and also

resume writing and interview skills workshop.

helped students develop their communication, problem-solving, and time management skills, which are all foundation skills for

Principal, Erica Thomas, extended a special thanks to our KRB

their future academic and professional lives,” said Mrs Valencia.

parents and alumnae who assisted with work placements, making this important week possible; “Work Experience Week is a pivotal step for our Year 10 students in their journey towards higher education and work.”

The inaugural Careers and Work Experience week enabled our Year 10 students to apply classroom knowledge in realworld settings, as well as explore areas of different industries

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Archives

Ahead of her Time - Lucy MacMahon (RB 1918)

In February 1915, a 14 year old student from Cootamundra

She undertook her residency at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

walked through the gates of Rose Bay School of the Sacred

in Sydney. After her graduation, Lucy worked at the Canterbury

Heart, on the next step in her academic journey. Born on 21 May

District Memorial Hospital until 1932, when she moved to

1901, Lucy Gertrude MacMahon was the fourth of eight children

Lewisham Hospital. Prior to her departure for England in

– three boys and five girls – of Thomas MacMahon, solicitor of

February 1938, Lucy was honorary anaesthetist at St Vincent’s

Cootamundra, and his wife Mary Ellen (nee O’Donnell).

Hospital, Sydney. By all accounts, Lucy remained in England until after the Second World War, and on her return to Sydney

Lucy completed her Leaving Certificate at Rose Bay in 1918.

returned to St Vincent’s Hospital. She also worked with two of

In her final year at school, she received the Prize for Science

her brothers, Eddie and Joe, who were both surgeons, and at

Subjects and a Certificate for Good Conduct and Diligence

Lewisham Hospital.

(1918 Rose Bay Annual Distribution of Prizes booklet). Lucy’s Leaving Certificate results included Honours in English, First

Lucy was admitted as a Fellow of the Faculty of Anaesthetists

Class passes in Modern History and Music, Second Class

of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (the forerunner

passes in Mathematics I and II, and a Pass in French (Leaving

to the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists) in

Certificate Examinations, Freeman’s Journal 30 January 1919

1952, on the same date as Dr Florence Marjorie Hughes, who

p16). Excellence in Music was nothing new to Lucy, who

had graduated MBBS from the University of Melbourne in 1922,

successfully passed several examinations of the Associated

two years before Lucy graduated MB (Bachelor of Medicine)

Board of the Royal Academy of Music while studying under

ChM (Masters in Surgery) from the University of Sydney.

Miss Constance McDonald in her hometown of Cootamundra

Information from the Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic

(Cootamundra Herald, 16 October 1914).

History suggests the two women were working in the area of anaesthetics contemporaneously but is not definitive enough

Lucy was also an accomplished tennis player, teaming up

to say whether they were the 'first'. What is clear is that Lucy

with Loretto Morrissey to win the Doubles Championships at

was one of Australia’s earliest female anaesthetists.

a tournament at Double Bay in December of her final year at Rose Bay (Rose Bay School Journal, December 1918).

Away from her professional life, Lucy had a thriving social life attending balls, weddings and parties throughout the 1920s

Lucy matriculated to the University of Sydney, where she

and 1930s. She was a regular visitor to Melbourne, where one

studied Medicine and won an Exhibition (a form of scholarship)

of her sisters lived, and where her mother came from.

to the University. The Student Registers for both Rose Bay and Kincoppal, Elizabeth Bay schools suggest that while she wasn’t

It seems clear that Lucy’s family environment was one which

the first Sacred Heart student to matriculate to the University of

encouraged learning, personal excellence and service to

Sydney, Lucy was the first to be accepted to study Medicine.

the community. Many of the functions Lucy attended were fundraising events for hospitals and social clubs. Two of her

In 1924, Lucy graduated from the University of Sydney with a

brothers were surgeons, the third a highly regarded barrister

Bachelor of Medicine (MB) and Masters in Surgery (ChM).

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whose death at an early age was much lamented by all who

While the Society’s name changed, its focus on education

knew him. Two of her sisters married doctors, while another

with an emphasis on the whole person has never wavered.

sister Dora, (RB 1925), was a doctor and great supporter of

The Rose Bay School Prospectus of 1911 noted that “special

Sancta Sophia College, within the University of Sydney. The

care is given to the training of the heart and the formation

family connection with Rose Bay continued with Dora’s daughter,

of character”, a focus which continues to be reflected in the

Ann Bye AM (RB 1968) whose life has also been one of service.

philosophy that is a characteristic of a Sacred Heart education as expressed in the Five Goals:

The values instilled in Lucy and her siblings converge with the educational philosophy of the Religious of the Society of the

Sacred Heart education is framed by the assumption that

Sacred Heart of Jesus. Since 1882, when the Five Foundresses,

education is a developmental process that lays the foundation

led by Mother Febronie Vercruysse, opened the Society’s first

for the students to become integral persons, people who

school in Australia at Rose Bay, our School has been a place for

live lives of integrity. In the lives of alumnae such as Lucy

the education of hearts and minds, to produce young women

MacMahon, her sister Dora and niece Ann, we see the

and men of integrity and compassion.

manifestation of this educational philosophy.

A constant refrain through the years has been one of fidelity to the educational philosophy of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat – the Society’s founder – with its insistence on the personalised care of each student to achieve their potential. Perhaps the Society’s first official name – the 'Religious of Christian

i

Teaching' – neatly describes its raison d'être.

ii

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GEOFFREY KAYE MUSEUM OF ANAESTHETIC HISTORY WEBSITE (HTTPS://WWW.GEOFFREYKAYEMUSEUM.ORG.AU/FELLOWS/HOME/LUCY-GERTRUDE-MACMAHON/) HTTPS://WWW.SACREDHEARTUSC.EDUCATION

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KRB Masterplan

Our Recent Achievements: 1. State Approval: In 2021, our Masterplan received State Significant Development approval, marking a significant milestone. This endorsement underscores the importance of our vision for enhancing educational facilities.

2. Improved Access, Stage 1 Junior School: A new road connecting Vaucluse Road to the Junior School entrance was opened in 2023. This improvement has alleviated traffic congestion and has received positive feedback from parents.

Next Steps: 1. The Hughes Centre: To ensure successful implementation of the Masterplan, we will commence the next phase by transforming the Hughes Centre, located in the Senior School,

2. Junior School Stage 2: Work on the Junior School will

into a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre. The Hughes

involve a transformation of all learning and additional spaces on

Centre project will refurbish the existing auditorium, stage and

the Junior School campus.

gallery into a contemporary learning environment, focusing on

We aim to create an environment where every child can thrive,

the performing arts. It will consist of

learn, and achieve their personal best.

• Three general learning areas, two of which will open into a

If you are interested in hearing about these Junior or Senior

theatre with retractable seating or a theatre in the round

School developments, please contact:

• A state-of-the-art lecture theatre

Mary Cook

• Music equipment and storage facilities, which can also be

Director of Advancement & Community

used as a dressing room and a staff collaboration area.

T: 9388 6024

This additional space will ensure that KRB is well prepared to

E: cookm@krb.nsw.edu.au

begin work on the Junior School, by maximising space in the Senior School, to be used by both Junior and Senior students as needed.

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Celebrating our Community 2024 KRB IN CHINA, HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE

Our international alumnae were excited to discuss ways that they could connect with each other in their countries and are planning programs to implement greater collaboration.

Visits to other schools also provided many ideas as to how different schools in Asia were responding to the complexities of educating young people in their countries.

KRB IN MUDGEE

The visit to Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore by Principal Erica Thomas, Director of Students, Carrie Scanlan and Director of Advancement & Community, Mary Cook was a wonderful opportunity to meet past, current and future members of the

Over 120 boarding and day parents enjoyed a wonderful

KRB community.

weekend in Mudgee in June, including a private tour of the

School expos in Shanghai and Hong Kong were well

Mudgee Regional Art Gallery, welcome drinks at Kelly’s Irish

attended by many prospective families who were looking for

Pub and lunch and the Bligh Picnic Races on Saturday.

an environment where their child would be encouraged to

Special thanks to Scott and Lizzy Galloway, Phoebe Bull and Prue

achieve their best and be well supported, both in the day and

Hannon for their efforts in organising such a memorable weekend.

boarding school.

CELEBRATING GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS

A number of current and future parents and alumnae attended the functions held in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore.

The three Grandparents & Special Friends Mornings for our

Erica Thomas provided details about the KRB Strategic

Kindergarten to Year 6 students, Year 7 students and our

Plan for 2023-2026, the SELF+ Wellbeing Program and the

Joigny children enabled many visitors to come to KRB and

ways that the School is enhancing excellence in teaching

spend time with the students. The visitors to the K-6 morning

and learning, including Honours classes and the Cambridge

visited the classrooms, saw some of the students’ learning

International course, which has begun in Year 9. The fact that

experiences and participated in various activities.

KRB is connected to 150 schools across 40 different countries

Over 100 visitors attended the Year 7 Grandparents & Special

enables students to embrace global citizenship as a way of

Friends Morning in May. Year 7 students were very proud to

life. Those present were very interested to hear about the

show their visitors around the School, following a Liturgy for

ways the school is building global competencies, through the Reconciliation Action Plan, Exchange Programs and the Virtual

the visitors.

Collaboration Programs.

The Joigny children also enjoyed performing for their visitors

Many families commented on the warmth of the Sacred Heart

during the Grandparents Morning in May. This was followed by a visit to the Joigny Centre to see the exciting activities in

charism, the strength of our traditions, and our strong desire as

which the children are involved.

a School to connect globally.

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A record number of over 800 guests attended the Senior School Mother Daughter Dinner on Saturday 17 May. Head Girl Holly Dawson was an outstanding MC, and Year 12 Debating Captain Maggie Eisenhauer read a wonderful poem about her three years as a KRB student.

We were delighted to hear a speech by Georgia McCristal (Garling, 1988), alumna and a mother of five daughters, Claudia (2013) Eliza (2016) Antonia (2017) Mia (2020) and Camilla (2024) all of whom attended KRB. Georgia’s journey at KRB began with her mother attending Rose Bay Convent and later Kincoppal from 1952 to 1963. Georgia spoke movingly of her long involvement at KRB and the impact the School has had on her and her family: "As I stand here on the eve of Mother's Day, surrounded not just by families some of whom I have known since my childhood but also by generations of memories, I can't help but think of the role this remarkable School has played in our lives.

What has stood out for me is the School’s commitment to fostering not only academic excellence but also spiritual and moral integrity. These are the values that scaffold our lives, creating individuals who are not only scholars but stewards of their communities. KRB has been a nurturing ground for building character, resilience, and respect for one another."

CONNECTING WITH NEW FAMILIES AND INTERNATIONAL PARENTS

CELEBRATING MOTHERS AND MOTHER FIGURES

The Principal’s Dinners held in in Term 1 and 2 were wonderful opportunities to welcome the newest members of the KRB community and to share details about the Strategic Plan 2023 - 2026.

Our Mother’s Day events were an opportunity to honour the

We also connected with some of our international families over

incredible mothers and mother figures in our community and

morning tea in May. Principal, Erica Thomas, shared updates

show our appreciation for all that they do.

on a number of learning and co-curricular opportunities at KRB and parents also provided their insights and suggestions for

Over 400 parents and carers of the Junior School students

enrichment and ongoing collaboration.

began the Mother’s Day celebrations with a visit to classrooms and participating in activities planned by the students. This was followed by a morning tea with time to spend with mothers and special friends.

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Class of 1963 60 Year Reunion

Class of 1968 55 Year Reunion

After much planning, the Rose Bay Class of '63 chose Bowral

In November 2023 the Kincoppal class of 1968 shared a

for their 60 Year Reunion, a popular choice given many still

wonderful 55 Year Reunion at the Kirribilli Yacht Squadron.

live in rural NSW. With 17 attendees, the class enjoyed lunch

They travelled from country New South Wales, Queensland

at a local restaurant, followed by reminiscing and laughter at

and Rosemay “Bud” Johnson flew in from Seattle, USA. There

Loretto Long’s home. They fondly remembered classmates

was much laughter and wonderful reminiscing about shared

who had passed away or who could not attend.

experiences including the formation of the School newsletter, “Kincoppal Echoes,” singing Mamas and Papas’ songs in the common room and sneaking paddle pops back to School in our suspenders!

Our placemats on the day depicted scenes of school life including drama productions of Candy Pink and Christ in the Concrete City for the annual Genesian school festival, produced

by Mrs May Puzey. They chatted about many of the Sisters who were such an integral part of their education and felt grateful that 'the bonds of our Cor Unum' are still strong for us today.

They also remembered our classmates who have passed away; Debbie Malouf, Virginia Hill, Michelle Dorsen and Janis Lander.

Class of 1964 60 Year Reunion

They look forward to our 60th Reunion in 2028.

The Rose Bay Class of 1964 recently celebrated their 60 Year Reunion. Twenty alumnae gathered for a luncheon at the Royal Sydney Golf Club, including many who had travelled from regional areas, interstate and from overseas. Trish Johnson (Bradford), who travelled from Texas, presented the group with a special book she had collated of School memories and photos, updates on people’s lives and musings over the years.

A quote in Trish’s book which resonated with the group was “You can go through life and make new friends every year, every month practically, but there was never any substitute for

Class of 1977 45 Year Reunion

those friendships of childhood that survive into adult years.

The KRB Class of 1977 held its 45 Year Reunion in the Drawing

Those are the ones in which we are bound to one another

Room of the Royal Sydney Golf Club. Thirty-six classmates

with hoops of steel”. Alexander McCall Smith (The No 1 Ladies’

from regional NSW, Brisbane and Sydney came to an evening

Detective Agency)

of drinks and canapes to catch up on missed news, stories, hugs and laughs.

Six candles were lit throughout the evening to remember those classmates who had passed away. A brunch was held the following morning at Lisa and John Ballhausen’s home with 22 classmates and some partners enjoying a few more hours of catching up.

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Our Alumnae Stories Gabrielle Ebsworth

In 2021, Gaby was the recipient of the Telstra Health’s inaugural Brilliant Women in Digital Health Award for work as co-founder and clinician of the First Nations Dermatology Service at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Gaby is also the Chair of the Aboriginal Leadership Group (ALG) at the Melbourne Academic Centre for Health (MACH).

The ALG advisory committee is responsible in ensuring the continued focus on furthering culturally safe healthcare and health research pertaining to Victorian Aboriginal communities.

Kyra Alday

On International Women’s Day this year, alumna, Gabrielle (Gaby) Ebsworth hosted the fifth Future Women and First Nations Breakfast and discussion Panel in Sydney, which reflected on the invaluable contributions of First Nations women to our society. The line-up of speakers featured remarkable First Nations voices sharing their stories and insights, including Tanya Hosch, Mundanara Bayles, Rachael Sarra, Jarin Baigent and Alicia Veasey.

After graduating from Kincoppal-Rose Bay in 2017, Kyra

Gaby, a proud Wangkumara and Barkindji woman from

completed a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics and a

Narromine, NSW, was thrilled at the attendance of a number of

Bachelor of Arts (History) with a minor in Psychology at UNSW.

KRB students and staff, reflecting that “Attending KRB on an AIE

At UNSW, Kyra was the Executive President of the UNSW

Foundation Scholarship truly changed my life and I’m so proud

Mechatronics Society where she managed operations and

to be able to connect, support and share these experiences with

an executive team for the University’s Engineering School

the Indigenous girls at KRB today."

Student Society. This involved recruiting a team of directors

Gaby graduated from KRB in 2015 and attended the University

and subcommittee to facilitate large-scale events, workshops

of Melbourne to study Politics and Sociology. She changed her

and projects as well as establishing and maintaining faculty,

degree to focus on Neuroscience in order to pursue a career in

industry and student society links for collaboration. Kyra was

public health.

also the President of the UNSW French Society and President of the Musical Theatre Society. She also served as a UNSW

Gaby is currently working as a Project Lead - Indigenous

Engineering Student Ambassador for four years where

Health at the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine

she guided aspiring engineers, sharing her knowledge and

(ACEM). Previously, Gaby has worked as a consultant to help

experiences to help them navigate their academic journeys.

provide culturally safe dermatology training for GP registrars.

She has also worked as a lecturer and tutor at the University of

As Project Manager of her final year of Mechatronic Engineering

Melbourne in the Department of Medicine, Dentistry and Health

thesis, Kyra and her team built a prototype machine to automate

Sciences and as an Indigenous Research and Engagement Co-

the installation and deployment of Klemmfix for Transport for

ordinator at the Australian Stroke Alliance.

NSW. They were awarded the Best Undergraduate Final Year

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Thesis Award 2023 from UNSW's School of Mechanical and

Music/Arts (UNSW). She then moved to Germany where she

Manufacturing Engineering.

studied a Masters of Opera (Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt Weimar) and was a member of the Thüringen Opera Studio.

In her professional role as a Graduate Software Engineer at Quantium, Kyra applies her technical skills to solve complex

In 2019, Maia performed the role of Pamina in Die Zauberflöte

problems in software development in the Cloud Platform space.

in the Oper Oder-Spree festival and Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel in a return appearance with the Jenaer Philharmonie.

Kyra plans to design and build machines and robots that

Other roles included: Susanna and Barbarina in Le Nozze di

automate processes, challenging and extending the limits of

Figaro; Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Mademoiselle Silberklang

human capabilities.

in Der Schauspieldirektor; and Amy in Little Women. Her

“As someone who is working in engineering, I am already at

latest operatic engagement was in the role of Une Italienne

the frontier of development, the newest ideas and the latest

in Pinchgut’s production of Charpentier’s Medée at the City

creations. I want to work in the space industry and be really in

Recital Hall in Sydney in December 2022.

the frontier of innovation.”

Maia has been the recipient of numerous awards in her

Kyra has joined the KRB Connect Mentoring Program and

operatic career including the MTO German-Australian Opera

believes her diverse skill set in Arts and STEM enables her to

Grant, Helpmann Family Foundation Scholarship, Opera

provide a broad range of insight and perspective in these two

and Arts Support Group, NSW Wagner Society, and Joan

different worlds.

Sutherland and Richard Bonynge Foundation. Most recently, she was awarded a position in Opera Queensland’s 2023

Soprano Maia Andrews

Young Artist Program where she most performed in their production of Sunset Opera and covered the role of Fiordiligi in the new production of Così Fan Tutte. In addition, Maia was awarded the Johnson Memorial scholarship by Opera Australia.

In 2022, Maia was the soloist for Mozart’s Mass in C and Schubert’s Mass in G with the UNSW Collegium Music Choir and Orchestra, Bach’s Magnificat in D BWV 243 with the Phoenix Choir Blackheath and Bach’s Cantata BWV 140 with St Andrew’s Cathedral. She also toured the Women of the Pietà with Pinchgut Opera and performed in Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle with the Phoenix Choir Blackheath.

Recently, KRB music elective students from Years 9 to 12 were thrilled to attend Opera Australia’s performance of La Traviata where Maia appeared in the chorus.

Maia is currently staring as Mimi in Opera Australia’s production of Puccini’s La Boheme, which commenced its National Tour throughout regional NSW, Victoria and Tasmania in July 2024.

Maia has worked in the field of classical and opera music for many years and has captivated audiences all over the world with her stage presence and performances. Before relocating back to Sydney during the COVID-19 pandemic, Maia performed in the title role in Grigori Frid’s Das Tagebuch der Anne Frank at Theater Altenburg Gera in 2020, and in 2020-2021 as a soloist in a wide range of repertoire for operatic gala concerts, including recordings for the Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk.

She graduated from KRB in 2007. She was the first recipient of the Ian Duncan Choral Scholarship. She completed a Diploma of Opera (Sydney Conservatorium of Music) and a Bachelor of

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Weddings Congratulations to the following alumnae who were married in the Kincoppal-Rose Bay School Chapel in 2023 and early 2024.

Caspar Hawke (2008) and Angeline Hartono 28 May 2023

Charlotte Murphy (2015) and Dylan Seeto 18 November 2023

Krystle McWillams (2009) and Nicholas Honey 30 September 2023

Sarah Smith (2013) and James Marchinton 3 February 2024 39

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Our Events SCA Memorial Mass the University of Notre Dame. JJ has also studied at the Conservatoire á Rayonnement Régional de Toulouse (France) before completing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance from the University of Houston, Texas USA. Here he wrote his thesis on The Great Toulousain Dynasty, the Puget family of organ builders. Despite not having seen it, JJ included the organ in the KRB Chapel as one of the five significant instruments the Puget family built.

JJ presented a lecture on his studies of the Puget organ encompassing the history, evolution and legacy of Théodore Puget, followed by a recital where he exhibited the full musical capacity of the organ. The concert program included works by Bach, Widor, Louis Verne and one of JJ Mitchell’s own compositions.

Thank you to Ann Henderson (Lynch, K 1958), President of the Chapel Society who organised this wonderful event. Donations were gratefully received by the Sacré Coeur Association for the Sacre Coeur Association Bursary.

On Sunday 26 May we welcomed over 100 alumnae and family

SCA Drinks for the Classes of 2023, 2022 & 2021

to the KRB Chapel for the annual Sacré Coeur Association Memorial Mass and Luncheon, hosted by the Sacré Coeur Association. The Mass was celebrated by Fr Martin Maunsell B Th. Josie Ryan was soloist and was accompanied by organist, Kurt Ison.

We gave thanks and remembered and prayed for our loved ones who have passed away throughout the year.

Puget Organ Recital

The Sacré Coeur Association (SCA) hosted a gathering for alumnae from the Classes of 2021, 2022 and 2023 in April. The event was held at the Royal Oak, Double Bay and were delighted to see the girls from the three recently graduated year groups.

It was wonderful to hear all about the activities the girls have On Sunday 14 July the Chapel Society and the Sacré Coeur

been involved in since leaving KRB, including travels, studies and

Association of NSW welcomed over 100 guests including

employment opportunities.

alumnae, past parents and members of the wider community

This annual event is key on the SCA Calendar, bringing

to the KRB Chapel for an Organ Recital by Dr John Joseph

together our newest alumnae to share experiences and

(JJ) Mitchell. Living in Virginia, USA, this was JJ’s first visit to

collaborate on life after KRB.

Australia and his only recital with a program to showcase the special features of our historic organ.

JJ studied at Westminster Choir College and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sacred Music and then completed his Masters of Sacred Music in Organ Performance from

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In Memoriam Vale - Edwina Considine

so they could get to know each other and practise English

02 May 1962 - 12 May 2024

conversation. Elenie was well-travelled, an avid reader and had many memories of former students of diverse nationalities who

Edwina Considine nee Kennedy (KRB

have been enriched by her teaching capabilities and devotion

1979) had a long involvement with and

to their needs.

commitment to KRB. She was a KRB student from Year 5 to Year 12, a staff

Vale - Gretchen Mary Kelly RSCJ

member in the Development Office

05 May 1928 - 24 January 2024

2000 to 2007, parent of Georgina Considine (KRB 2014),

Gretchen Mary Kelly RSCJ was born

and a Sacre Coeur Association Committee member whose

in Melbourne in 1928. Her father was a

knowledge of and affection for so many of the RSCJs and

general practitioner and surgeon and her

older alumnae were invaluable.

mother a trained nurse. The family lived in

At school, Edwina had friendships across different groups

Wangaratta, Victoria.

in her year, including many boarders. These friendships

Gretchen's primary education was with the Brigidine Sisters and

lasted her whole life. Edwina loved planning a social function,

her secondary education was at Sacré Coeur in Melbourne. She

getting people together, and she applied this enthusiasm into

entered the noviceship at Rose Bay in February 1946 and made

instigating and organising many of the Class of 1979 reunions.

her First Vows in August 1948.

Edwina’s working life was spent mainly in administration in

In 1955, Gretchen made her Final Vows in Rome. Following that,

various organisations including American Express, Wedgewood

she lived in the RSCJ Community of Sancta Sophia College,

and various family businesses. She was a superb networker and

Sydney University and graduated with a BA majoring in English

her role as Alumnae & Events Manager at KRB made full use of

and History. Then, whilst teaching at Rose Bay and Stuartholme,

her talent for communication and event planning. Travel was a

she undertook part-time study and gained a BA (Honours)

major passion in Edwina’s life and she regularly travelled to visit

and an MA in English Literature. Gretchen’s qualifications and

friends in Europe, the UK, Hawaii, Hong Kong and Singapore.

experience prepared her for a new undertaking in 1968-1970,

Edwina was a devoted daughter to her late parents Ronald and

lecturing in education at Loreto Hall Teacher Training College in

Veronica, a proud mother of Georgina and a wonderful sister to

Auckland New Zealand.

Stephanie.

In 1970, Gretchen was appointed Mistress General (Principal)

Edwina passed away from complications following back surgery.

at Kincoppal, Elizabeth Bay. She later worked in other areas;

There was a huge turnout, including many from the Class of

building a Religion Program for State Schools in Brisbane, 1976-

1979 and other KRB year groups at the celebration of her life

1984, working with an ecumenical group of collaborators, and

held at Royal Sydney Golf Club. They came to honour and

in Catholic Adult Education publications in Sydney 1985-1995,

remember “our dear, funny, smart and generous friend."

where she worked with Monsignor Tony Doherty.

Vale - Elenie Diacopoulos

When her health made it time to move to Karlaminda she

29 October 1943 - 14 January 2024

worked with stroke victims, and helped those who were disabled and in need. Gretchen moved to St Joseph’s Nursing

Elenie's daughter Rhea (Moppy)

Home at Kensington in 2014 where she died peacefully on 24

graduated in the KRB Class of 1990.

January, 2024. An extract from the eulogy written and read at

Elenie taught at the Junior School at

Gretchen's funeral by Lynette Toohey RSCJ.

KRB for over 25 years and retired at the

‘A highly intelligent woman, with great wit, humour and irony,

end of 2019.

suffering fools with subtle forbearance, spiritually astute… In

She taught many 'English as a second

her gentleness and her friendship, I found a person of great

language' (ESL) and newly-arrived overseas students who

empathy and gentle guidance…. Her friendship was authentic

had very little English or none at all. Elenie loved working with

and simple. She understood and defended her strengths and

these students and was highly regarded by the families. She

could smile at her limitations. Without fanfare she touched the

often organised coffee mornings for the mothers to meet

lives of others.’

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Vale - Jane Burns AM

After Vatican II Joy trained as a teacher in Loreto Hall Training

04 May 1932 - 17 April 2024

College in Auckland. After her graduation, she worked some years in Island Bay, Wellington at St Madeleine Sophie’s

Jane Burns AM was the Founding

school then moved to Sadleir in Sydney, where she taught

Director and long time CEO of the

Kindergarten students at a parish primary school.

peak body for crafts in Australia, the Crafts Council of Australia. Jane was

When Joy left Sadleir, she joined the community at Kerever

also a founding member of the Arts

Park which had become a Spirituality and Educational Centre.

Law Centre of Australia, the National

She made an impression on the groups that stayed there by

Association for the Visual Arts, the National Arts Industry

her joyful presence

Training Council (now known as Create Australia), and the

The joy and love that Joy gave to her students she gave to her

Australian Academy of Design, Stuart Gallery and Studios and

friends. One RSCJ who had lived with Joy for many years in

the Australian Costume and Textile Society.

many different situations and who claimed her as a close and

Jane was born in Crookwell, NSW and was a graduate of the

trusted friend, shared that Joy ‘had the capacity to celebrate

Rose Bay Class of 1950. She received prizes for excellence in

the happiness of others, and was able to celebrate with them.'

French and awards for singing. In her final year at school, Jane

An extract from eulogy by Mary Shanahan RSCJ.

was a Blue Ribbon recipient and was a member of the Children

Vale - Margaret D’Ath RSCJ

of Mary Congregation.

30 June 1924 - 03 February 2024

Jane was the Founding Director of the Crafts Council of

Margaret and her twin sister Joan were born in Levin, New

Australia (later renamed Craft Australia) from 1971 to 1992. The

Zealand. At an early age Margaret and her five sisters were

Craft Enquiry of 1973, initiated by the Australian Government,

sent to Sacré Coeur, Island Bay, New Zealand.

and Jane's submissions to this enquiry paved the way for the formation of the Crafts Board at the Australia Council (now

When she left school, Margaret enrolled for war-work in

Creative Australia), which formed in 1993 to represent craft

the Customs Department in Wellington. In 1942, Japanese

equally alongside visual arts, dance and literature. Jane was

submarines lurked in Sydney Harbour but she was allowed to

involved in the first bids for government funding for the crafts,

go by flying boat to Rose Bay and took to religious life in the

Australia's involvement in the World Crafts Council and its Asian

Melbourne Noviceship. After completing an Arts degree at

Zone office, and the first national conferences and Crafts Expo's.

Sydney University and going to 'Probation' in Rome in 1951, she began ten very happy years in secondary schools of Kincoppal,

From 1992 to 1996, Jane worked in a consultancy capacity with

Baradene and Island Bay, teaching Religion, History, Maths and

the Visual Arts/Craft Board, to help develop a higher profile for

Languages. Margaret also taught singing, staged operettas and

Australian crafts, and managed the itineraries of international

loved playing the organ in the Chapel.

collector groups’ visits. Jane was also involved in taking Australian craft abroad, ensuring representation in international

From 1961 to 1969 Margaret was a lecturer at Loreto Hall

events all over the world

Teachers College, teaching adult students mainly from other religious Orders. Two years on the staff of Christ College in

In 1988, Jane was awarded the Order of Australia for her

Melbourne followed, in a much broader co-educational context.

services to the crafts and in 1992, she received the Australia

Margaret also worked as a Primary Schools Advisor, touring the

Council's Visual Arts/Craft Board Emeritus Medal and became

Auckland Diocese from the Hokianga to Taumarunui.

an Honorary Member of the World Crafts Council.

In the mid-Seventies, the post-Vatican II 'changes' began in

Vale - Joy Belt RSCJ

the Church and the Society and Margaret spent five unsettled

13 September 1933 - 03 April 2024

years partly doing further studies at Melbourne University and

Joy by name. Joy by nature. Joy

partly being 'renewed' by roaming alone through Israel and

began her life in Auckland, New

Europe, based in RSCJ communities. For two years, she taught

Zealand where she was born the

at Woldingham, a sister school in England. On her return to

third child of Roy and Dorothy Belt.

New Zealand in 1982, Margaret worked for eight years in the

She entered the Society of the

Catholic Education Office in Wellington, then for eight years

Sacred Heart as a Coadjutrix Sister in

in Christchurch, where the NCRS and other Adult Education

Remuera, Auckland in 1953.

programs took her driving all over the South Island.

42

After being in charge at Baradene, from 1999 to 2001, Margaret

We remember those members of our community who

joined the 'Westie' community at Massey and spent seven

have recently died and keep them and their families in our

years combining parish activities there with ten years as a

thoughts and prayers.

Defender of the Bond in the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal.

Alumnae

Vale - Maria Josepha Hsu RSCJ

Sueanne Dewar (King, RB 1971) on 17 June 2023

15 April 1920 - 22 June 2024

Caroline Morgan (1979) on 7 July 2023

Maria Josepha was born in Haimen,

Robyn Burton (K 1956) on 4 October 2023

Kiangsu, China.

Nicole Pietsch (Ireland, 1989) on 10 March 2024

In 1939 when she was 18, she followed her sister, Patricia, and entered

Jane Burns AM (RB 1950) on 17 April 2024 Ann Ryan (Oxenham, K 1948) on 28 April 2024

the Society of the Sacred Heart in

Suzanne (Suzie) Fagan (1980) on 22 April 2024

Shanghai. Patricia and Maria Josepha

Edwina Considine (Kennedy, 1979) on 11 May 2024

were the first Chinese woman to enter the Society.

Carol Jones (Dillon, RB 1964) on 3 June 2024

In 1948, with the rise of the communist regime, the RSCJ

Caroline Crilly (Fothergill, S) on 21 June 2024

moved away from China. The Sisters were scattered

Jane Farah (Kennedy, 1981) on 24 June 2024

throughout Asia and Maria Josepha was sent to Japan.

Angela Kenny (Dureau, K 1960) on 7 July 2024

In 1959 she came to Sydney, bringing with her the gift of

Mary Kelly (McGrath, RB 1948) on 28 June 2024

internationality, with the richness of her Chinese culture and her

Angela Kenny (Dureau, K 1960) on 7 July 2024

life experiences in Japan.

Frances (Betty) Remond (Moran, RB 1945) on 17 July 2024

Maria Josepha was a very bright person and had an incredible

Family and Friends

memory, as she entertained many of us with stories from her early childhood. She had a reverence for all things spiritual and it showed in her fidelity to prayer, and in the way she related to each person. She was always thoughtful and she was a very loyal friend, with friends within and outside of the Society.

Lucy Tyler on 9 September 2023 Nicholas Curulli on 14 August 2023 Michael Duncan on 2 January 2024 Veronica Kennedy on 3 January 2024 Elenie Diacopoulos on 14 January 2024 Geoffrey Hughes on 2 February 2024 Victoria (Vicki) Stephens on 5 February 2024 Ruth Tarlinton on 2 March 2024 Paul Remond on 11 March 2024 Rosalie David on 22 March 2024 Victor Romanov on 3 April 2024 Donna Marshall on 11 May 2024 Ronald Perry on 11 June 2024

RSCJ Gretchen Kelly on 24 January 2024 Margaret D’Ath on 5 February 2024 Joy Belt on 3 April 2024 Maria Josepha Hsu on 22 June 2024 Please advise Victoria Dalton (daltonvi@krb.nsw.edu.au) of any members of our KRB community who have died and who you wish to be acknowledged in our KRB publications and be remembered at the annual Memorial Mass.

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