KRB News

Last week, we welcomed visitors from Sacred Heart schools across Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Japan to KRB for the annual Sacred Heart Schools Conference. The theme, Shaping Hearts and Minds, resonated strongly throughout the event, with workshops exploring student wellbeing, teaching and learning, spiritual formation, and Sacred Heart leadership. Our keynote speaker, Fr Frank Brennan SJ, addressed the conference, challenging educators to consider how they can safeguard human dignity, form young people in truth, and educate with hope in a time of rapid cultural and technological change. Year 11 students from KRB and our sister schools in Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland took part in Everyday Human Rights, a workshop led by alumna India de Vienne and her colleague Mmaskepe Sejoe. Over two days, the students reflected on these themes while also enjoying time in boarding and evening activities, including a trip to the theatre. I thank the KRB staff who organised and presented at the conference, it was another wonderful reminder of our shared mission and values and the benefits of our Sacred Heart international network.

One of the most tangible ways our students experience this network of schools is through exchanges. In the coming weeks, we will welcome visiting students from Sacred Heart schools across our region and internationally. Many of our own students are considering this pathway in the future, and it is wonderful to see connections between schools and students flourishing.

At the end of this week, we celebrate Sacred Heart Day, a much loved day in the school calendar. We begin the day with Mass, followed by the Notre Coeur House Music Festival, student-led stalls, and the 2026 Sacred Heart Dance. It is always a wonderful moment in the life of our school. So, get your red and white clothing and costumes ready, KRB!

Our Vivid installation has been a wonderful boost to our community and the local area, and we have enjoyed receiving positive feedback about the look and feel of KRB from both those within and beyond our community. Both Community Nights had a warm and joyous atmosphere, helped by the hot chocolate, popcorn, soup and nachos, and I thank all those who contributed to the successful organisation and delivery of this event. You can enjoy the lights from vantage points around the harbour for a few more days, and many members of our community have told me that catching the ferry into Rose Bay at night offers one of the most beautiful views of the school. As this period comes to an end, the question on everyone’s mind is, of course, will we light up again in 2027? Watch this space!

Congratulations to our Year 7–10 students who have completed their half-yearly examinations. Staff have been delighted by the improvements they are seeing in student work habits and study routines. We know we need to continue supporting study skills in our younger year groups. Ms Scanlan, our Head of Senior School, has run parent forums for Years 7–10 over the past week, and the Curriculum and Academic Team presented information to Year 12 parents in an online session last week. Thank you to the parents who have provided feedback.

Over the last two assemblies, students in Years 11 and 12 have received Academic Subject Awards, Growth in Learning Awards, and Principal’s Honours List Awards in recognition of their academic achievement. In our Junior School, Merit Awards and Principal’s Awards were also presented at assemblies.

You may have seen the video of our Senior Choir performing Les Promesses du Sacré Cœur as part of this year’s Annual Giving Appeal. Filmed in the Chapel, its themes of light, belonging and possibility continue to guide how we nurture each student.

Each year, we invite our community to consider supporting:

• The KRB Bursary Program, opening doors for students from diverse backgrounds.
• Our Masterplan Building Program, enhancing spaces for learning and growth.

Following the completion of the Hughes Centre, we are now progressing the redevelopment of the Junior School, beginning with 12 new classrooms. We are also advancing plans for the Senior School Science precinct and the refurbishment of the Stuart Centre near Chapel Square, supporting dynamic and collaborative learning across the school.

We appreciate your generosity in considering support for these initiatives. Please see the video below.

Congratulations to Grace Dougherty, Baylie Finley, Edwina Moran, Chiara Tully, Daisy Lynch and Genevieve Williamson, our 2026 ISDA Debating Champions.

This is the first time KRB has won a senior trophy in this prestigious competition since 2011.

Erica Thomas
Principal

KRB’s ISDA teams concluded a historic season with the Senior B team, Chiara, Baylie, Grace, Genevieve, Daisy, and Edwina, lifting the shield following a decisive Grand Final victory against Knox Grammar.

Our champions brought the Senior B shield back to KRB for the first time in 15 years, successfully arguing in favour of increasing access to Voluntary Assisted Dying. In an exceptionally high-quality debate, the team’s compelling utilitarian analysis, sophisticated modelling, and empathetic principles effectively dismantled Knox’s concerns regarding misuse. All three adjudicators unanimously awarded the debate to KRB.

Winning one of the most prestigious and competitive debating competitions in the country is no small feat. This achievement is made even more special by the fact that several members of the Senior B team were first-time debaters. We are incredibly proud of our students and the intellect, determination, and teamwork they demonstrated throughout the season.

This success would not have been possible without the support of their coach, Charlotte, as well as Mrs Amanda Johnstone and Ms Ingrid Fung. We are also grateful to our debating community, parents, and guardians, who attended the Grand Final to support the team. The Senior A team welcomed our champions with beautiful bouquets and thunderous applause.

The Primary A ISDA team, Charlotte, Mia, Eloise, Christel, and Sebastian, also enjoyed an outstanding season, narrowly losing their Grand Final to MLC Burwood. Their debate focused on whether children should be allowed to miss school to attend protests. Reaching the Grand Final is an exceptional achievement, and we are immensely proud of the team’s efforts throughout the competition.

Following a historic season that saw seven KRB teams qualify for the Octo-finals, four teams progressed through to the Quarter-finals.

At the Quarter-finals on 15 May, the senior teams debated whether the Liberal–National Coalition should include One Nation. The Senior B team secured a convincing victory on the affirmative against St Ignatius’ College Riverview, successfully arguing that the Coalition would be more likely to gain votes by capitalising on the rise of right-wing populism through an alliance with One Nation. This win secured their place in the Semi-finals.

The Senior A team (Phillipa, Zara, Christina, Catherine, Veronica, and Lara) and the Year 10 team (Piper, Heidi, Holly, Sophia, and Grace) bowed out after two extremely close debates. We congratulate both teams on an exceptional season and the distinction with which they represented KRB.

While this marks the end of the Senior A team’s highly successful school debating careers, including Semi-final appearances in both Archdale and the Festival of Speech, we have no doubt they will continue to achieve great things as they complete their HSC studies.

The Senior B team joined the Primary A team (Mia, Charlotte, Christel, Sebastian, and Eloise) in the Semi-finals at Barker College. Both teams secured impressive victories against Barker, guaranteeing their place in the Grand Finals.

The Primary A team successfully argued for limiting the number of hours minors can work, demonstrating that young people are often exploited by corporations and that excessive work commitments can negatively impact their education.

The Senior B team won their debate opposing the introduction of ‘not proven’ verdicts in criminal cases. They argued that such verdicts would lead to a significant increase in retrials, placing further strain on the justice system. They also highlighted the lack of closure and the ongoing uncertainty experienced by both accused persons and victims when cases remain unresolved.

Congratulations to all of our debaters on an extraordinary season. Their commitment, courage, and intellectual rigour have made this one of the most successful years in KRB debating history.

The current Archdale season has been full of success for KRB debating.

In the opening partial round against MLC, the Junior team (Emily, Vera, Portia, Lucinda, and Harper) secured a clear win while debating against the government ceasing welfare payments to parents who refuse to vaccinate their children. The team presented an empathetic and persuasive case, highlighting the harms of withdrawing social services from vulnerable families.

The Year 10 team (Katia, Sophia, Heidi, Holly, and Grace) secured their second win against MLC in the space of a week, arguing against the motion, “That we regret the closure of Australian oil refineries.” They successfully demonstrated that the environmental benefits of closure outweighed the risks associated with global oil supply disruptions.

KRB then hosted Santa Sabina College on 19 May for a series of debates focused on sport and popular culture. The Year 7 team (Margot, Sophia, Jessie, Hannah, Arya, Nina, Claire, Vera, and Cecilia) and the Year 8 team (Nicole, Claire, Dora, Eliza, Ai-Ling, Sophie, Penelope, Isabella, Isabella, and Sibilla) both secured convincing victories.

The teams successfully argued in favour of banning child actors, highlighting the exploitative nature of the film and television industry, concerns surrounding children’s privacy, and the potential impacts on social and intellectual development. This clean sweep was particularly impressive given the large number of first-time KRB debaters competing in these divisions.

The Year 9 team (Yichen, Zara, Zoe, Tessa, Angelina, and Cici), who are the reigning champions, moved one step closer to defending their title with a decisive win against Santa Sabina. The Senior B team (Zara, Baylie, Chiara, Genevieve, Edwina, and Grace) also secured victory, arguing against the influence of health and wellness influencers.

KRB’s Archdale teams continued their winning form on 2 June, recording victories in seven of eight debates against St Vincent’s. The topic area for the round was “Government’s Role in Society.”

The Year 7A, Year 7B, and Year 8B teams claimed early wins by arguing that governments should prioritise housing investment in urban areas rather than building additional housing in rural Australia. The Year 7B team remains undefeated this season. The Year 9 and Junior teams also secured victories, successfully arguing that governments should adopt mitigation strategies rather than permanently relocating people from disaster-prone areas. Both the Year 10 and Senior teams recorded convincing wins on the negative side of the motion, “That Western liberal democracies should adopt a restrictive approach to free speech.”

We are incredibly proud of all our Archdale debaters for their commitment, growth, and outstanding achievements throughout the season.

This term, Year 11 and Year 12 Physics students visited UNSW to participate in a series of experiments led by members of the School of Physics.

Year 12 students investigated the production of emission spectra from sodium and mercury lamps. Using precise measurements of spectral line separation and their understanding of diffraction, they manually calculated the wavelengths of light emitted by each source. Year 11 students explored the phenomenon of resonance and the formation of standing waves. By producing harmonics on a string and measuring the distances between nodes and antinodes, they were able to calculate wave speed and deepen their understanding of wave behaviour.

Students greatly benefited from the expertise and guidance of UNSW Physics PhD students and tutors throughout the day. We also extend our thanks to Gabriela Zajic, Visiting Teaching Fellow, for facilitating this valuable learning experience.

Ms Madeleine Carr

The school chapel was filled with a deep sense of peace, reverence, and celebration as Year 2 students, alongside several Senior School students, received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. Surrounded by their families and teachers, the students participated in this important milestone in their faith journey.

The sacrament was celebrated in the presence of Fr Philip Watkins and Fr Daney from neighbouring parishes, who warmly guided the students through this sacred experience. Their gentle encouragement helped the children feel at ease, making the occasion both meaningful and memorable for all involved.

As part of the celebration, each student lit a candle to mark the occasion and reflect on God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy when we make mistakes and seek reconciliation. One of the most memorable aspects of the celebration was the students’ singing. Their voices rang out clearly and joyfully, filling the chapel with warmth, hope, and a spirit of celebration.

This special occasion will remain a cherished memory for the students and their families, marking an important step in their spiritual journey and strengthening their connection to their faith and the wider community.

Last Friday, our Year 3 and 4 students had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Kids Breaking Bread Project in partnership with students from Emanuel School. The morning focused on connection, cultural understanding, and community-building as students came together to share in a range of meaningful activities.

Following a warm welcome from Principal Erica Thomas, students participated in two rotations: working collaboratively to make bread and taking part in an outdoor KRB Amazing Race challenge. These shared experiences provided a natural platform for conversation, laughter, and the formation of new friendships.

At the heart of the Kids Breaking Bread Project is the belief that diversity is something to be celebrated, not simply learned about. Throughout the morning, our students embraced this wholeheartedly, demonstrating curiosity, openness, and respect as they worked alongside their peers from another school community. The act of making and sharing food together was particularly powerful, offering a tangible way for students to experience connection across cultures and backgrounds.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the parents from both schools who initiated this remarkable project, and to Allegra Spender for attending and showing her support for the important work both schools are doing to strengthen our wider community.

We are incredibly proud of the way our students represented KRB, showing kindness, inclusivity, and a genuine willingness to engage with others. Opportunities such as this play an important role in nurturing intercultural understanding and strengthening community, and we are grateful for our ongoing partnership with Emanuel School in bringing this experience to life.

“I enjoyed making friends with kids from Emanuel School and sharing our traditions and what is different about our schools. I am excited to talk to my friends again, especially my pen pal from Year 3, who I was talking to last Friday. I think it’s important that we learn about different people and what they do at their school. For example, they speak Hebrew, they can write in Hebrew, and they eat challah every Friday. I learnt so much from participating in the Kids Breaking Bread Project. It was so much fun.” – Nyra, Year 4

“The part I enjoyed most about KBBP was making new friends and trying new things. I really liked making challah bread. I baked it at home, and it was amazing! I am excited for next year when we get to make the bread again. I am looking forward to seeing my friend Anna again in Term 4 and meeting more people from Emanuel School. I think it is important that we have these activities because we can learn about different cultures in our community and make new friends who do not go to our school.” – Colette, Year 3

“I enjoyed making the challah bread because I had never designed my own bread before. I cooked the bread at home, and it was so tasty. I am looking forward to making more new friends in Term 4. I met Miller and Noah this time, and I can’t wait to make more friends. I think it is important that we do things with different schools so we can meet new people, learn more about their school, and bond with them.” – Harper, Year 3

Mrs Caitlin Hayman
Deputy Head of Junior School, Wellbeing and Operations

This term, students in the Junior Robotics Club have been exploring how robots are built from a range of individual mechanisms, including drivetrains, lifting systems, and scoring attachments. Using a modified version of the current VEX IQ Competition challenge, Level Up, students have investigated different design approaches and applied their learning through hands-on construction and testing.

Each session begins with a review of previous learning before introducing a new mechanism, allowing students to progressively develop their understanding of robotics and engineering. Drawing on VEX Library resources and their own curiosity, students have designed, built, and refined a variety of solutions to meet specific challenges.

Throughout the term, students have developed valuable skills in design thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and resilience. These capabilities are increasingly important in both STEM fields and the wider workforce, helping students learn how to approach challenges creatively, work effectively with others, and continually improve their ideas through testing and refinement.

It has been fantastic to see students growing in confidence as young engineers and embracing the challenges of the design process.

This term, students in Prep to Year 2 are undertaking the unit Manipulative Skills, which focuses on developing skills that involve equipment such as balls and bats.

As part of this unit, our Prep students have been learning and practising a range of soccer skills, including dribbling, passing, and goal kicking. Through engaging, hands-on activities, students are building coordination, confidence, teamwork, and fundamental movement skills while having fun and staying active.

This term, students in Years 3–6 are undertaking the unit Sports Skills, which focuses on developing the fundamental skills required for a range of sports, including netball, basketball, soccer, AFL, touch football, volleyball, and T-ball.

As part of the unit, students have been practising key soccer skills such as dribbling, passing, and goal kicking. Here, students in Years 3, 4, and 5 can be seen building their confidence, coordination, teamwork, and game awareness through a variety of engaging activities and skill-based challenges.

This term, our Prep students have been exploring the concept of exploration. Recently, they received a letter from an explorer who was preparing for an expedition to the rainforest. This sparked their curiosity and inspired learning about rainforest environments, including the four layers of the rainforest, the animals that live there, and the people who depend on these unique ecosystems.

It was then time for Prep to become explorers themselves. Pulling on their gumboots, students set off on a rainforest adventure around our school grounds. Walking through Wild Time felt like stepping into a rainforest as students explored the different layers and discussed the animals that inhabit each one.

Along the way, students compared the features of Wild Time with those of a real rainforest, identifying similarities and differences while searching for insects and other wildlife living within our own school “rainforest”.

Experiences like these provide authentic, hands-on learning opportunities and remind us how fortunate we are to have such rich natural environments right on our doorstep. They allow students to immerse themselves in their learning, deepen their understanding of the natural world, and develop a meaningful connection with the environment around them.

Our Prep students have been busy strengthening their literacy skills through a range of engaging reading and writing experiences. We have continued to use the PreLit program to develop phonological awareness, extending students’ confidence in blending and segmenting sounds within words.

A highlight for many students has been receiving their very first reading books to take home. The excitement and pride on their faces as they selected and shared their books was wonderful to see. Regular reading at home provides valuable opportunities for children to practise the skills they are learning in class while building confidence and a love of reading.

Students have also enjoyed visiting our school library and borrowing books to take home. Choosing their own books encourages a lifelong love of reading and allows children to explore a wide range of stories and topics that spark their curiosity and interests.

As part of their literacy learning, Prep students have been using story mapping to help organise and sequence their ideas. By identifying key story elements such as characters, settings, and events, students are developing a deeper understanding of how stories are structured. Story maps have proven to be a valuable tool for supporting both reading comprehension and the development of students’ own writing.

Our Year 6 students have recently completed a persuasive writing task centred on an authentic and engaging question: Should Year 6 students be allowed to visit Café 135 independently, like Senior School students?

Throughout the term, students worked diligently to develop their persuasive writing skills, focusing on structuring effective introductions, building strong arguments through PEEL paragraphs, and crafting compelling conclusions with clear calls to action. They explored key ideas such as responsibility, safety, independence, and real-world skills, while also considering potential concerns and how these could be addressed.

To culminate the task, students had the exciting opportunity to present their persuasive letters directly to Mrs Symes and Robbie from Café 135. Having a genuine audience added purpose and enthusiasm to the experience, with students confidently sharing their viewpoints and demonstrating thoughtful reasoning.

Their arguments were carefully constructed, and many students showed a strong understanding of how to support opinions with evidence and persuasive language.

Now, their fingers are crossed that their arguments were convincing enough!

The children have continued to enjoy the buddy program between our oldest and youngest students in the Junior School. This week’s session focused on developing gross motor and social skills through play.

Year 6J students guided their Kindergarten P buddies through playground obstacle courses, supported the development of coordination through climbing activities and games such as catch, and encouraged imaginative play by introducing a variety of activities that can be enjoyed in our outdoor play spaces.

The buddy program continues to provide valuable opportunities for students to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and strengthen connections across year groups. It is truly a highlight of the week for both our Kindergarten and Year 6 students.

Students in Book Club met weekly throughout Terms 1 and 2, encouraging one another to read and discuss books by R.A. Spratt, Kate Foster, Yxavel Magno Diño, Mick Elliott, and Dav Pilkey. It was a wonderful opportunity to explore works by both familiar and new authors, while discovering some new favourites along the way.

Alongside more than 1,500 students from across New South Wales, Book Club members celebrated their reading journey with an excursion to the Sydney Writers’ Festival. The five authors whose books we had been reading visited the festival, sharing insights into their writing processes and inspiring students with an even greater enthusiasm for reading and storytelling.

Although this Book Club has now drawn to a close, the reading continues. The KOALA (Kids’ Own Australian Literature Awards) Book Club meets every Monday at lunchtime for students in Years 3–6 who are keen to read the KOALA shortlisted novels alongside a community of like-minded readers.

For more information about joining the KOALA Book Club, please contact Wendy Balafoutis in the Library.

On Monday 1 June, Year 5 had the privilege of welcoming Alice from Pledge for the Planet as part of our Conceptual Unit on Coexistence in Sydney Harbour. Through an engaging and interactive presentation, Alice challenged students to think about the impact of waste on our waterways and the role we can all play in protecting the natural environments we love.

Students learned how litter can travel from our streets into stormwater drains and eventually into Sydney Harbour, affecting marine life and local ecosystems. They were surprised to discover how long common items such as plastic bottles and chip packets can take to break down and explored the growing problem of plastic pollution in our oceans.

Most importantly, Alice empowered students to see themselves as agents of change. Through the concept of environmental pledges, students brainstormed practical actions they could take to reduce waste and protect the places they play. By using mathematics to calculate the collective impact of small actions, students saw how individual choices can lead to significant environmental change when a community works together.

 “I’m excited to start my pledge of helping people understand how to protect our oceans.” – Ela

“My pledge is to use reusable containers and reduce the amount of plastic wrap in my lunches.” – Emilia

Inspired by Alice’s message, our Year 5 students have become “Pledgends” and will now put their environmental pledges into action. We look forward to tracking the positive impact of their efforts and continuing our learning about how people and the natural environment can coexist sustainably in Sydney Harbour.

The KRB Primary A ISDA Debating Team concluded an outstanding 2026 season with a remarkable appearance in the ISDA Grand Final—the first time in eight years that a KRB primary team has reached this stage of the competition.

Debating against MLC School on the topic, “That schools should not punish students for attending organised strikes,” the team argued the negative case with maturity, confidence, and impressive depth. Although the debate was ultimately awarded to MLC following a very close contest, the KRB team should be immensely proud of its achievement.

The team consisted of Mia Chapman, Eloise Pitt, Sebastian Shamiah, Christel Savva, and Charlotte Adler. Throughout the debate, students explored the balance between political expression and the importance of education, presenting thoughtful and well-reasoned arguments.

The adjudicators praised both teams for delivering an exceptionally close and high-quality debate.

Throughout the season, the Primary A team demonstrated tremendous growth in confidence, teamwork, critical thinking, and resilience. Their Grand Final appearance is a testament to their hard work, commitment, and sportsmanship.

A special thank you goes to coach Miss Lucy Maher (KRB Class of 2025), KRB Debating Coordinator Mr Ansh Singh, and the parents whose support contributed to the team’s success.

Congratulations to the Primary A ISDA Debating Team on an extraordinary season and historic Grand Final appearance.

Ingrid Fung
Junior School ISDA Debating Coordinator

The Kincoppal–Rose Bay IPSHA debating teams concluded the first half of their season last Friday with another series of engaging and thought-provoking debates.

The teams debated against St Catherine’s School on the topic, “That schools should prioritise teaching history over current affairs.”  KRB debating on the affirmative side, secured a convincing win by demonstrating the importance of studying history to understand the context and causes behind contemporary issues and current events.

The KRB Red team (Lomani, Stella, Mia, Isabella, and Abigail) celebrated their first win of the season against Waverley College. Debating on the affirmative side of the motion, “That governments should prioritise investing in public transport over building new roads,” the team presented a compelling case, highlighting the environmental benefits of public transport and its value as a long-term investment for communities.

The KRB Blue team (Nancy, Clara, Marcus, Sophie, and Amity) took adjudicators on a journey beyond Earth as they argued that “Space research is worth the money it costs” in their second-round debate against Kambala School. Their case explored the many benefits of space exploration, including advances in scientific knowledge, understanding planetary evolution, GPS and satellite technology, and monitoring potential asteroid threats.

This week, both teams will participate in a practice debate against one another on the topic, “That we should reduce the number of hours children can work.” As part of their preparation, students are collaboratively developing their persuasive writing and public speaking skills while constructing their team cases.

We congratulate all students on their efforts so far this season and wish them the very best for the debates ahead.

There has been much discussion recently about extinction, extinct animals, and how species come to disappear. To further challenge the children’s thinking, we introduced the concept of “unextinction”.

Unextinction often referred to as de-extinction or resurrection biology is a real and rapidly advancing field of science. Through developments in genetic engineering and cloning, bioscience companies are exploring ways to use gene editing to recreate hybrids of extinct species. Scientists are actively investigating the possibility of bringing back animals such as the woolly mammoth, the dodo, and the Tasmanian tiger (thylacine).

The Joigny children were encouraged to imagine what life might be like if extinction could be reversed. What would happen if dinosaurs roamed the Earth once again, or if woolly mammoths and sabre-toothed tigers were brought back to life?

“Extinct means they are not alive anymore. If they came unextinct, they would kill us and we would go extinct and they’d be alive. They’d break the school down. We could be friends with the plant-eater ones.” – Felix

“They’re all extinct, but if they came alive they would eat us. The plant-eaters are okay, but they are bigger than us and they could step on us and squash us. I want them to come back so we can see them. We can see them in the museum, but not the real ones. We need real ones so I can see them moving.” – Evelyn

“I don’t want dinosaurs alive because they would crash into everything. The plant-eaters are okay because they won’t eat meat. It would still be dangerous if the plant-eaters were alive because of all the spikes on them. It would not be good to have the pointy ones or the meat-eaters. Only the leaf-eaters with no spikes. My favourite is the pterodactyl. You know Jesus was first, then the dinosaurs.” – Mia

“If the dinosaurs were unextinct, they would eat us and we would go extinct. Even if it was just the plant-eaters, they might step on us and break everything around us. It’s not a good idea to bring them back.” – Rory

We are looking forward to the 2026 Chapel Concert featuring all Senior School Ensembles, the Orchestra, Senior Choir, Chamber Strings, String Quartet, Chamber Choir and members of the Year 11 Elective Music Class.

NSW State Netball Championships

Over the June long weekend, four KRB netballers proudly represented Randwick Netball Association at the 2026 NSW State Championships in Penrith.

Ruby Daniel, Sadie Eisenhauer, Darcy Ward (Year 9), and Harriet Boyd (Year 10) were key contributors to an outstanding campaign that saw their team finish runners-up in the Under 15 Division 1 competition. Competing against the best young netballers in the state, the team won an incredible 19 of their 20 matches.

Throughout the tournament, all four athletes displayed exceptional skill, determination, and resilience. Ruby’s composure and game awareness, Harriet’s relentless work rate and defensive pressure, Sadie’s creativity and ability to influence crucial moments, and Darcy’s consistency and commitment to her teammates were instrumental in the team’s success.

Beyond their performances on court, the girls represented KRB with professionalism, humility, and sportsmanship, demonstrating the values we strive to develop in all our student-athletes.

To compete at this level and achieve such an outstanding result is a testament to the countless hours of training, dedication, and passion these athletes bring to the sport. Their futures in netball are incredibly bright, and we could not be prouder of their achievements.

In addition, Brianna Tier represented Randwick in the Open Division, leading by example and embodying the standards she sets as a coach. Brianna and her team delivered a strong performance, finishing fifth overall. Congratulations to Brianna on an excellent achievement.

NSW All Schools Netball

Next week, Year 9 student Sadie Eisenhauer will represent the CIS U15 Netball team at the NSW All Schools Netball Championships. This is a fantastic achievement, and we wish Sadie every success in the upcoming competition.

UTS Sparks Academy Success

Sophie and Harriet delivered outstanding performances as members of the UTS Sparks Academy in their recent match against the GWS Fury Academy. Both students showcased impressive skill, composure, and teamwork on the court. Following their strong performances, the girls will travel to Canberra in August to compete against other leading academies, providing another exciting opportunity to develop their game at a high level.

Australian Swim Trials

This week, the 2026 Australian Swim Trials are taking place at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC), serving as the selection event for the Australian Commonwealth Games team set to compete in Glasgow later this year.

KRB is proud to have two students competing at this prestigious event, with Santana Tonelli-Smith and Mia Hoo racing against some of the nation’s top swimmers. This is a valuable opportunity for both athletes to gain experience at the highest level of competition. We wish Santana and Mia the very best as they take on this exciting challenge.

Figure Skating

Year 9 student Matilda Mills has made a determined start to the figure skating season, recently competing at Hollins in a highly competitive international field. In her first event of the season, Matilda placed 15th against competitors from Australia, Asia, and New Zealand. While there is always room for improvement, the result marks an important step in what promises to be a busy and exciting season ahead.

With approximately 15 competitions still to come, Matilda remains focused on continued growth and building stronger performances throughout the year.

Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence

KRB is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of two students, Mia Hoo and Azzuri Felix, at the 2025–26 Sydney Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence. Both girls were recognised for their exceptional performances throughout the season, with Azzuri named U12 Sydney Surf Life Saving Athlete of the Year and Mia awarded U14 Sydney Surf Life Saving Athlete of the Year.

These prestigious honours are a testament to their dedication, skill, and commitment to surf life saving. Congratulations to Mia and Azzuri on this remarkable achievement.

Rugby 7s

This weekend, 20 students from Years 7–9 will travel to Frensham to represent KRB at the Staniforth Shield 7s Gala Day, competing against schools from across New South Wales. We are incredibly proud of your dedication and positive attitude at every training session and are excited to see you take the field. We wish you all the very best as you compete with confidence, pride, and enthusiasm.

Yoga at KRB

KRB is excited to continue expanding its Senior School co-curricular program with the introduction of Yoga, commencing in Term 3.

Sessions will run on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 7.00–7.45am, providing students with a valuable opportunity to begin their day with focus and balance.

Yoga offers a range of benefits for senior students, including improved flexibility, strength, recovery, and overall wellbeing. As students navigate the growing demands of academic life, Yoga can play an important role in managing stress, enhancing concentration, and promoting a sense of calm and resilience.

This addition reflects KRB’s ongoing commitment to supporting the holistic wellbeing of our students. Please keep an eye out for the Aspire post for registration details.

“Shaping Hearts and Minds” was the theme of the 2026 Sacred Heart Conference, and we were privileged to have Fr Richard Leonard SJ celebrate Mass to mark the beginning of this special gathering.

Our KRB Staff Choir led the music, transporting us across time and place and helping to create a memorable occasion for representative students and staff from ANZ Sacred Heart schools, as well as visiting Religious of the Sacred Heart (rscj) sisters and leaders from Sacred Heart schools in Korea and Japan.

As eloquent as ever, Fr Richard reminded us of the significance of St Madeleine Sophie Barat and her enduring educational vision:

“She believed education should form the whole person – intellect, character, spirituality, imagination and compassion. For Madeleine Sophie, education was never simply about academic achievement. She wanted young women to develop wisdom as well as knowledge, kindness as well as confidence, and faith as well as intellectual curiosity. She believed that the mind should be enlightened by truth, and the heart formed by love.”

Fr Frank Brennan SJ invited local and international conference delegates to reflect on the vocation of teaching and our shared commitment to Sacred Heart education during a time of rapid cultural and technological change.

Drawing on Pope Leo XIV’s vision of Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity) and the pastoral legacy of Pope Francis, Fr Frank explored how we can maintain the joy and hope of the Francis era while remaining faithful to the emerging vision of Pope Leo. Delegates were challenged to consider how educators can safeguard human dignity, form young people in truth and freedom, and educate with hope, compassion, and courage in an increasingly secular world.

One of our Sacred Heart Day charities for 2026 will be the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. This initiative will include fundraising activities on Sacred Heart Day, as well as the collection of Snack Pack items over the coming weeks.

KRB has supported this initiative in previous years, with donated items used by staff volunteers to create Snack Packs for people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage who are supported through St Vincent de Paul services. Please refer to today’s Aspire post for further information and details of requested donations.

Thank you to our most recent Night Patrol volunteers: Lilla, Millie, Ciara, and Grace, as well as Mr Markovic, Mr Tonner, and Mr Harley.

Our Year 12 volunteers now have just three shifts remaining before the new Year 11 Night Patrol team commences next term. We thank our Year 12 students for their outstanding commitment and service throughout the year. You have done a wonderful job.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of KRB Girls Cut Curls, an initiative founded in 2016 by sisters Lara and Daisy Parmenter that has raised awareness and funds for cancer research for a decade.

This year’s Year 12 students are supporting The Tie Dye Project, raising funds for sarcoma research and clinical trials. Sarcoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that predominantly affects young people aged 14–24. On 18 June, our Year 12 students will cut their hair to raise awareness for those affected by cancer, with all donated hair used to create wigs for people undergoing treatment.

Our goal is to raise $50,000 and we need your help to get there. CLICK HERE to donate.

Every contribution, big or small, will help fund vital research and support young people facing sarcoma. Please donate today and help us make a difference.

Our theme for Annual Giving this year is “Because of you, the Promise Continues.”

When our students sing Les Promesses du Sacré Cœur, they give voice to a promise that has shaped Kincoppal–Rose Bay School for generations. Recorded in the Chapel earlier this year, its themes of light, belonging and possibility continue to guide how we nurture each student. That promise is lived through opportunity. With your generosity, bursaries and scholarships open doors for students whose families may be experiencing difficulty. Enriched learning spaces foster curiosity, confidence and compassion.

We invite you to consider making a tax-deductible donation to Kincoppal-Rose Bay School. Your gift can help to:

• Provide bursaries and scholarships for girls of talent and commitment
• Enhance learning spaces for academic, spiritual and personal growth

All donations truly make a difference. Thank you for your support.

Please click here to donate.

Now is a great time, before end of term, to book your tickets for the Long Lunch on 14 August, an event that promises to be filled with fantastic entertainment and unforgettable moments.

You don’t have to take a whole table – we can seat you with friends.

Hosted by acclaimed Australian journalist and television presenter Samantha Armytage and joined by Michael “Wippa” Wipfli from Nova, the event promises lively conversation, fabulous entertainment, and a wonderful selection of prizes. All funds raised will support the KRB Bursary Fund, helping to provide life-changing educational opportunities for young women.

Tables of Ten: $2200 (includes GST).

Click here for a table of ten guests. Includes complimentary bottle of Moet & Chandon.

Individual, small group bookings or tables of 12: $220 each (includes GST).

Click here to register. We are happy to seat you with friends.

Order Moet & Chandon Champagne prior to the event on the booking form. Cost: $120.00

Moet & Chandon Champagne purchased at the event will cost $140.00

Enquiries: events@krb.nsw.edu.au

Looking forward to seeing you there!