At KRB, our commitment to the wellbeing and formation of our students is at the heart of everything we do. For this reason, we are very pleased to be part of the Respectful Relationships pilot with Independent Schools NSW, an initiative that reflects both the values we hold as a school community and our responsibility to support students in navigating an increasingly complex world.
\nCentral to this work is the importance of listening to student voice. Our student’s experience social, cultural and digital pressures that are constantly evolving, and meaningful education in this area must begin with a genuine understanding of their lived experiences. When we create spaces where students feel safe to speak openly, we not only gain insight into the challenges they face, but we also affirm that their perspectives matter. This sense of being heard is foundational to trust, engagement and growth. In 2025, staff worked with groups of students and classes to listen to their voices and further understand some of the pressures they were facing. This work continues in 2026.
\nThe Respectful Relationships pilot supports us to build the capacity of our students in thoughtful and practical ways. It helps young people to recognise and understand the pressures that can arise in relationships, to respond appropriately and respectfully, and to develop the confidence to make decisions that protect their dignity and wellbeing. Learning how to say no, how to step away from situations that do not feel right, and how to seek support are essential skills for life — skills that empower our students to act with confidence, self-respect and agency.
\nImportantly, this work extends beyond our students. The staff training undertaken in 2025 was of an exceptionally high quality and provided valuable professional learning for our teachers. It also highlighted the ongoing need to continue building staff capacity in this area, ensuring that our teachers and staff feel confident, informed and supported in guiding conversations about respectful relationships with clarity, care and consistency through our SELF + wellbeing programs. We are grateful to be part of a program that supports schools to work together in addressing such an important area of student wellbeing.
\nI congratulate Independent Schools NSW on this important initiative and on their recognition through the LearnX international award. This acknowledgement highlights the significance of investing in respectful relationships education and the positive impact it can have on school communities like ours.
\nAt KRB, we are proud to be involved in this pilot again in 2026 and remain committed to nurturing confident, respectful and empowered children and teenagers who are equipped to make thoughtful choices and to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
","published-date":"2026-03-27T03:41:47Z"},{"name":"Social Cohesion: Living Our Sacred Heart Values in a Diverse World","slug":"social-cohesion-living-our-sacred-heart-values-in-a-diverse-world","post-summary":"As we begin this new school year, we are reminded that, with our Sacred Heart values, we are uniquely placed to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and divided world. At its heart, social cohesion is about how we live together – with respect, compassion, and a shared commitment to the common good -honouring … Continued ","post-body":"As we begin this new school year, we are reminded that, with our Sacred Heart values, we are uniquely placed to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and divided world.
\nAt its heart, social cohesion is about how we live together – with respect, compassion, and a shared commitment to the common good -honouring the dignity of every person within our community. As our students and staff returned to school last week, the events of December 14 at Bondi Beach sat heavily with us. In the days following the tragedy, we saw students asking thoughtful questions, checking in on one another, and seeking reassurance — prompting us, as a school community, to reflect on how we respond with care, compassion, and solidarity.
\nOur Sacred Heart tradition reminds us that each individual is created with inherent worth and is deserving of dignity and respect. Social cohesion begins with this belief. It asks us to look beyond difference and to recognise the humanity we share. Cultural, religious, social, and personal diversity are not challenges to be overcome, but gifts that enrich our community when embraced with openness and care. This year, we again welcome students of different faiths and cultural heritage. What a privilege it is to continue to build unity in a diverse community where we have the opportunity to strengthen the social fabric, ensuring that unity is built not on silence or sameness, but on fairness, mutual responsibility and respect.
\nFor many of our teenage girls, the holidays also saw restrictions on social media as the Federal Government’s social media delay came into law. This will, I hope, help young people build the skills needed to form positive relationships with each other and move away from the superficial. Central to social cohesion is the value of compassion. Many of us have seen how social media can, at times, reduce empathy and make it easier to dehumanise difference.
\nEducation plays a powerful role in shaping socially cohesive communities. A Sacred Heart education support young people as they learn to think critically, practise justice and engage respectfully with a complex world. By modelling dialogue, encouraging reflection, and nurturing respectful relationships, we help students grow into people who value both personal identity and collective responsibility. In 2026 at KRB, we will seek out specific opportunities for our students to actively engage with students of other faiths and backgrounds.
\nUltimately, social cohesion reflects our belief in community—one of the hallmarks of the Sacred Heart spirit. It reminds us that we are stronger together and that our differences, when held within a framework of respect and love, deepen rather than diminish us. By living out our Sacred Heart values each day, we contribute to communities that are compassionate, inclusive, and hopeful—communities where every person is known, valued, and able to flourish.
","published-date":"2026-02-04T05:20:39Z"},{"name":"Standing Up for Childhood","slug":"standing-up-for-childhood","post-summary":"As we move closer to the realization of the decision of the Australian Government to ban social media for adolescents and children under the age of 16, I am keen that all families engage in the discussions on this issue and take steps to support the ban. I am proud of the Government’s stand. The … Continued ","post-body":"As we move closer to the realization of the decision of the Australian Government to ban social media for adolescents and children under the age of 16, I am keen that all families engage in the discussions on this issue and take steps to support the ban. I am proud of the Government’s stand. The Sydney Morning Herald’s recent opinion piece, “As the world watches, Australia stands up for childhood”, captured the spirit of this moment beautifully. It reminded us that childhood is not a battleground for tech giants or algorithm- it is a sacred space for learning, growing, and being. And now, Australia has taken a bold step to protect it.
\nThis decision is not just about policy. It is about values. It is about recognising the mounting evidence that social media—while powerful in many ways—can also be deeply harmful to young people’s mental health, self-esteem, and development. It is about acknowledging that the digital world, with all its noise and pressure, is not designed with children in mind.
\nI think many of us would agree the line between childhood and adult hood has been blurred, but we also need to recognise that, as educators and parents, we are the stewards of childhood. We are the ones who must draw the line when the world becomes too loud, too fast, too intrusive. This ban is a collective stand for the wellbeing of our children.
\nAs a Sacred Heart School we often speak about the importance of nurturing the hearts and minds of our students. We have long championed digital literacy, respectful relationships, and mental health education and we will continue to do this. In 2025 when we asked parents to supply only a ‘dumb phone’ to children in Year 7 and younger, we wanted to take a stand and many parents supported us in this initiative.
\nChildhood is a gift to be preserved. When we stand together – as a school, as a community, and as a nation – we send a powerful message to our young people: you matter!
\nReference Article:
\nAs the world watches, Australia stands up for childhood
","published-date":"2025-10-29T03:19:04Z"},{"name":"Untitled – 2025-08-30","slug":"18443","post-summary":"Recent research highlights a troubling trend: reading and literacy rates are in decline across Australia. Over the past decade, educators have seen a noticeable shift in how students engage with text. Many are no longer reading widely or deeply, avoiding non-fiction and extended works that are essential for building research skills, comprehension, and critical understanding. … Continued ","post-body":"Recent research highlights a troubling trend: reading and literacy rates are in decline across Australia. Over the past decade, educators have seen a noticeable shift in how students engage with text. Many are no longer reading widely or deeply, avoiding non-fiction and extended works that are essential for building research skills, comprehension, and critical understanding.
\nThis is part of a broader cultural challenge. Today’s students often turn first to quick summaries, video platforms, or the top result on a search engine rather than working through a prescribed text. Tools like Wikipedia or even Artificial Intelligence are often used as shortcuts. While these can be helpful resources, relying on them exclusively can hinder the development of deeper analytical skills.
\nAnna Burkey, head of Australia Reads, has described this trend as a “ticking time bomb,” warning that without intervention, we could face significant social and economic consequences within the next 10 to 20 years. Declining literacy impacts not only comprehension and clear writing but also a student’s ability to think critically – skills that are essential in the workplace and in civic life.
\nThe Role of Schools
\nSchools are working hard to counter this decline through explicit literacy programs and initiatives such as Wide Reading and Drop Everything and Read. Teachers across all subjects recognise that literacy is not confined to English lessons alone, it underpins learning in every discipline. At KRB, we continue to teach reading and literacy skills explicitly and embed opportunities to strengthen these through both curricular and co-curricular programs.
\nThe Role of Families
\nHowever, schools cannot do this work in isolation. Children need to see reading modelled at home and experience a culture where books and stories are valued. In the busyness of family life, this can be difficult, but small habits, such as talking about books, setting aside time to read together, and letting children see parents reading for pleasure makes a profound difference.
\nThe Challenge of AI
\nAnother layer to this challenge is the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence as a “go-to” tool for information. While AI offers remarkable opportunities, it cannot replace the formative process of reading, reflecting, and writing in a student’s own words. Part of our responsibility as educators will be to teach students how to use these tools wisely and critically, without allowing them to erode foundational literacy skills.
\nA Shared Responsibility
\nWe are at a tipping point. If we want young people to manage the complexities of their generation and the challenges of their time, we must ensure they can think thoughtfully, draw on research, and communicate effectively. This requires a shared commitment – from schools, families, and the wider community.
\nAt KRB, we will continue to provide opportunities for students to engage meaningfully with texts, while encouraging a love of reading as both a personal and academic pursuit. We invite families to partner with us in nurturing this culture. Together, we can model to current and future generations the importance of reading, and the enjoyment and learning that comes from holding a book.
\n","published-date":"2025-08-30T21:27:46Z"},{"name":"Expanding Horizons through the Boarding Experience","slug":"expanding-horizons-through-the-boarding-experience","post-summary":"In recent weeks, our staff have had the joy of travelling throughout regional New South Wales, attending expos, meeting with current and prospective families, and experiencing the communities and hometowns that shape so many of our boarders. These visits are a reminder of the deep connection between KRB and the families who entrust us with … Continued ","post-body":"
In recent weeks, our staff have had the joy of travelling throughout regional New South Wales, attending expos, meeting with current and prospective families, and experiencing the communities and hometowns that shape so many of our boarders. These visits are a reminder of the deep connection between KRB and the families who entrust us with their daughters’ education. Even amidst the challenges faced by many rural and regional areas, we have been struck by the warmth, generosity and spirit of the people we have met.
\nOur Director of Boarding, Mrs Danielle Fairthorne, recently spoke at the Sacred Heart Schools Conference in Brisbane about the importance of student voice in creating a culture of inclusion and excellence. Our boarding team, including experienced staff and health professionals, plays a vital role in supporting each of our 150 boarders. Whether managing individual needs or guiding broader routines such as mobile phone use or homework support, our staff are committed to ensuring that every student thrives, both in the boarding house and at school.
\nEach week, I see our boarders contributing meaningfully to every area of school life, from leadership and academics to sport and co-curricular activities. For many of our rural boarders, sport is a particularly strong source of connection, and they embrace the opportunities available to them with determination and joy. At present, around one quarter to one third of each secondary year level comprises boarders, with approximately 85 per cent coming from regional and rural areas. Their presence enriches our community in countless ways.
\nIn a recent open letter, Amanda Ferrari captured the spirit of relationships nurtured in boarding communities across the country. At KRB, we see how boarding fosters meaningful exchange between city and country. Rural students bring with them a grounded, authentic perspective that expands the horizons of their city peers, just as Sydney offers new experiences and pathways for students from more remote areas. This mutual learning is visible in our community events, including City Country weekends and our Country Immersion Program, and in the growing number of day students who spend time with friends in the regions, whether on farms or in small towns. A quiet but powerful advocacy for regional New South Wales is alive within our school.
\nAt the end of the school day on the last day of term, the father of one of our youngest international students was sitting patiently outside, waiting for his daughter to finish so he could accompany her home to Bangkok. Around him, there was the organised bustle of parents collecting their daughters for the holidays, yet his delight in seeing his Year 7 child was clear. A few weeks earlier, I had spoken to an older student about her journey home for the holidays, as I suspected it was the longest of any of our NSW regional boarders. Her trip was indeed the equivalent, in terms of time, to an international flight. We discussed the journeys of our younger international students and those from interstate. Her awareness of the community she lives in at school, and of the importance of the journey each student takes to and from Rose Bay, highlighted the connectedness of our community and the joy that the diversity of experiences brings to our school.
\nBoarding is a defining part of Kincoppal–Rose Bay. It reflects our values, our diversity and our belief in the potential of every student. We are proud of our boarders, of their resilience, their spirit and the journey they make to access a Sacred Heart education.
\nWe look forward to connecting with more families in the months ahead. If you would like to see where we are headed next, please visit our upcoming events and field days page.We would love to see you if you are in the area.
\nErica Thomas
\nPrincipal
Today on 27 June, we mark the Feast Day of the Sacred Heart. As a Sacred Heart community, we celebrate this Feast throughout this week with some of our most cherished annual events including Procession of the Lanterns and Sacred Heart Day.
\nAs we mark this important Feast, we do so in a world filled with turmoil. The complexity of the time we live in with challenges across all areas of life as we know it – international conflict and geopolitical shifts, climate crisis, social unrest, technological threats to humanity and social unrest- confront us daily.
\nCore to this week’s activities is celebrating the legacy of our life-giving charism, that originated in post-revolutionary France and was brought to this school 144 years ago. The week presents many opportunities to live out our charism and our Five Goals of Sacred Heart Education which encourage us to be the best versions of ourselves in all that we do. Procession of the Lanterns and Sacred Heart Day are much-loved community events, welcoming students, staff and families. They are examples of our commitment to the goal of Building of Community as a Christian Value. What a joy it is to be in a School where we celebrate who we are, together! These events have been an anchor in a changing world – linking students and their families across generations through wonderful, shared experiences. Our student-led community activities on Sacred Heart Day, which this year raised money for four different charities, demonstrate A Social Awareness Which Impels to Action. Lastly, at the Sacred Heart Day Mass, we reflected on what it means to be a child of the Sacred Heart and to have a Personal and Active Faith in God, our 2025 Focus Goal.
\nThe events of this week make us truly grateful for the balance of a Sacred Heart education which gives us room to grow and be nurtured by a strong value set and sense of purpose. In a Sacred Heart school, values act as a compass in a spinning world, enabling us to navigate wisely, take action and reflect on our role in making a positive impact on those around us.
\nErica Thomas
\nPrincipal
After watching successful school swimming carnivals for many years and enjoying the House Spirit, the friendly competition and athletic excellence, I was saddened to read about the demise of school carnivals. To me, carnivals have always helped to build school spirit and culture and are formative in the rhythm of the school year. I have always been of the view that the child who just ‘gives it a go’ often gets as much out of the carnival as the one who breaks a record.
\nThe demise of carnivals has been happening for a while. There are many reasons for this that will vary across schools in different geographical and social demographic areas and include the cost and difficulty of pool hire. Sadly, the ‘safety net’ that once existed through the school carnivals is disappearing.
\nThe article linked below reports that the trend in drownings is going in the wrong direction. Even before the horror of the Easter school holidays, by March this year there had been a 14% increase on the five-year average. In a country surrounded by water, where most of the population live on the coast, what an awful place to find ourselves.
\nSwimming lessons were slow to recover after the pandemic as centres struggled to find coaches and meet the demand. Some children never learnt to swim. Two national surveys from the Royal Lifesaving Society found, alarmingly, that “the children who left primary school without adequate swimming and water safety skills were not improving in high school. That’s when the risk of drowning increases as young people swim with friends and away from supervision.”
\nIn contrast, I watch an outstanding Learn to Swim and Squad Program at KRB Swimming that caters for a range of swimmers and outstanding staff who build a supportive culture for all. I see our students participating at very high levels in both primary and secondary swimming carnivals. In Term 1, I was proud of the number of our students involved in swimming at both State and National level as well as the students who were involved in surf carnivals through their local clubs through to the National level.
\nI would hope that, as a society, we are able to do more in the coming years to improve access to swimming lessons and create generations who are aware of the dangers but who are able to participate and enjoy all our beautiful environment offers.
\nAustralian school swimming carnivals could soon be thing of the past
","published-date":"2025-05-02T06:07:59Z"},{"name":"A Personal and Active Faith in God","slug":"a-personal-and-active-faith-in-god","post-summary":"For over 200 years, the Religious of the Society of the Sacred Heart have lived the vision of Madeleine Sophie Barat and have been beacons of faith in action. As we celebrate the centenary year of this remarkable woman and her enduring legacy, we hope that 2025 presents an opportunity for spiritual growth for all … Continued ","post-body":"For over 200 years, the Religious of the Society of the Sacred Heart have lived the vision of Madeleine Sophie Barat and have been beacons of faith in action.
\nAs we celebrate the centenary year of this remarkable woman and her enduring legacy, we hope that 2025 presents an opportunity for spiritual growth for all members of our community, inspired by our chosen Sacred Heart Focus Goal, A Personal and Active Faith in God.
\nOver the course of the year, we will be unpacking this Goal with our staff and students. At the heart of Sacred Heart spirituality is the impetus to discover and make known the Heart of Jesus. It’s that contemplative discovery which is about developing a personal relationship with God. From this relationship comes an Active Faith which is both relational and transformative – focused on strong fostering relationships and transforming our lives and the world around us.
\nOur 2025 Goal presents us with an invitation to be part of the Sacred Heart Journey. It encompasses opportunities to hear more of our Kincoppal-Rose Bay story, the stories of our Society of the Sacred Heart founder, St Madeleine Sophie Barat and the journey of the RSCJ who courageously started our community here in Sydney. Hearing and reminding ourselves of the stories and traditions that have been at the centre of a Sacred Heart education, inspires us to lead lives of purpose and meaning. As Madeleine Sophie wrote: “What is the good of teaching various subjects, of wasting time in learning them, if at the same time we cannot teach children the words of life and touch their hearts and their consciences?”
\nAs we focus on our 2025 Goal, we are reminded of finding balance in all aspects of our lives as we grow in our understanding of our humanity and the relationships we have with ourselves, with others and with God.
\nErica Thomas
\nPrincipal
I recently watched Join or Die on Netflix, a documentary that examines social scientist, Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone theory. The key messages resonated with me and set me thinking more and more about Putnam’s theory that declining civic engagement has created a civic crisis. Putnam focuses on the decline of democratic and civic thinking in America and the subsequent decline of social capital and belief in and respect for government.
\nSocial capital refers to the connections among individuals’ social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them. Putnam distinguishes between two types of social capital: bonding capital – networks that are inward looking and tend to reinforce exclusive identities, such a country clubs; and those that are bridging – outward looking, that bring diverse groups together. From these two areas, there is a decline in most types of ‘belonging’. Putnam gives many examples from Church attendance to the significant decline in those belonging to civic service clubs such as Rotary. Many of us would be able to think of similar patterns here in Australia.
\nDriving into local areas and country towns, we used to see evidence everywhere of civic connection points – particularly in road signage – however this is now rare. How did we get to a point where individualism has become more important than community and where lives have become solitary and insular rather than ones where we belong? Putnam points to the impact of television and home entertainment. Of course, today we would also add, the internet and false communities through social media are framing individualism and breaking down civic structures.
\nAt Kincoppal-Rose Bay, one of our Five Goals – Building Community as a Christian Value – asks us to consider how, as a microcosm of the larger world, the School community becomes a place where staff, students, parents and alumnae can be made aware of the power of love to transform society. It acknowledges that in our fractured world, a Sacred Heart Community is seen as a living tradition, where a sense of belonging to a greater whole gives meaning and purpose.
\nBeing part of our Sacred Heart Community is both bonding and bridging – what a gift for our students who, through their education, are given an opportunity to be forces of good in our world. Our already strong opportunities for volunteerism, our promotion of inclusivity and the fostering of civic responsibility and trust, are just a few ways we continue to build a more positive and connected future.
\nErica Thomas
\nPrincipal
Julia Baird’s recent article about ‘grace’ reminds us all that in today’s world, where anger, division and conflict often dominate our lives, and social media and the internet encourage antisocial behaviours and extremist viewpoints, simple values need to remain core to the basis of our interactions. For the sake of future generations, we need to move to a better place where instead of hate, our world leaders model grace and humility and encourage others to become compassionate, empathetic and respectful individuals.
\nSo what is grace? As the article states, grace is: “The unassuming, undemanding and often quiet insistence on seeing the humanity in other people, especially enemies, of giving people the benefit of the doubt, a second chance, a shot at redemption, even when it is undeserved.”
\nGrace, in its essence, is about showing kindness and understanding, even in challenging situations. In a time of harsh online interactions, when world leaders seem so lacking in the ability to value grace, to show empathy and to model respect and kindness, more of us need to stand up for these core values.
\nAs the world watches the final months of the US election campaign, it will be interesting to see whether this higher moral ground at the Democratic Convention can be sustained and a calmer, more civil debate between the two major parties occurs. If they can achieve this, there will be reason to celebrate.
\nAt this point in our history, we have created generations who are divided, who speak quickly of ‘hate’, slowly of ‘love’ and find confirmation of their biases in mainstream media and their internet feed. My hope is that the world becomes more united and future generations learn grace from our current generations, rather than harsh and unforgiving online interactions.
\nAs parents and teachers, modelling grace and humility can help children and young people navigate the complexities of our time. We need to teach the value of compassion and the importance of understanding that we can disagree without becoming enemies and we can live lives of purpose, exhibiting humility and bridging divide. These traits foster an environment of continuous learning and growth, which is essential for personal development, and they encourage open communication and trust which are vital for positive relationships and a meaningful life.
\nThank you to Julia Baird on such a beautifully constructed opinion piece — I wish there were more voices in this space.
\nErica Thomas
\nPrincipal