Newsletter Term 2 Week 4/5

From the Senior Executive

It has been another busy couple of weeks for our school. Firstly, 156 Year 7 students went to The Great Aussie Bush Camp in Tea Gardens. The students enjoyed abseiling, raft building, group 'zombie apocalypse' challenges, commando night and much more. It was great to see friendships being made and students pushing themselves in the challenges and activities. A big thank you to the Year Advisors Georgia Bowd and Adele Flack for all their hard work in making memories for Year 7 and the staff who volunteered their time to ensure a good time was had by all.

The Careers Market Day was a massive success with Years 10, 11 and 12 having the opportunity to talk face-to-face with over 17 universities and training schools, local businesses, employment agencies, business organisations, and GAP and Volunteering programs. Some of our ex-students also attended to share their experiences and answer questions about life after high school. Thank you to our dedicated Careers Advisor Gina Lockton and Ric Kent and the Year 11 Work Studies class who organised this highly valuable experience for our students, helping them to find a path towards their future goals.

We say goodbye to our Student Support Officer Henry Teofilo. Henry has been working with some of our students during the last two years, helping them to navigate challenging circumstances and connect them with community support. He will be very much missed by both staff and students and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours.

As I am sitting here writing this report, I can hear the talented student cast singing in the hall, learning their harmonies for 'We Go Together' from the musical 'Grease', with teachers Maria Alonzo and Olivia Little staying back to supervise and support. It is through the hard work, dedication and generosity of our staff that creates these experiences and lasting memories for our Rose Bay Secondary College student community, and they all deserve to be given much, much thanks.

Yr 7 Camp

This week Year 7 went to Great Aussie Bush Camp. This was a lovely few days away, where students made many memories; met new friends and consolidated old ones. Mrs Flack, Miss Bowd and all accompanying staff were proud of the way Year 7 represented RBSC and thank Year 7 for the enjoyed and memorable experience. 

Year 7 Fortnightly Communication

Dear Year 7 Parents and Carers, 

We are all very excited about Camp happening at the beginning of Week 5 this Term. A reminder that Students are to be dropped off to the School gate at 6:45am. Any students not attending camp can attend School at the usual time as they will be participating in usual school programs over the three days. We are asking that parents please check all student bags/items that are being brought to Camp before dropping off on Monday morning. Random bag searches will take place before students are allowed on buses. Please check the ‘Camp Guidelines and Rules’ document already sent home.  

Year 7 Teamwork Project  

Our vision for this project over the past three weeks has been to foster kindness, maturity, focus and teamwork in every Roll Call group. The students have participated in practical challenges that have forced them out of their comfort zone and has been extremely successful in bringing the classes closer together. We are so proud of the improvements we have seen over the past two weeks in classes and the playground.   

 Social Media 

Rose Bay Secondary College is committed to being a safe school both in the playground, classroom, at co-curricular events and when our students engage on social media. The College appreciates the value of social media for students as a fun and effective way of communicating with their peers. We are also aware that it’s much easier to say negative things behind a computer than face to face with someone. The negative message on social media can be read over and over causing further anxiety for the student who received it. 

The use of social media has strict guidelines about when students can start with Snapchat for instance being 13 years of age. The experts advise that the longer students stay off social media, the better for that individual. Our experience at Rose Bay Secondary College most certainly endorses the delay in registering for social media for as long as possible as the most inappropriate use of social media is found to be committed by students in Years 7 and 8. This is despite the fact that students are often reminded of their rights and responsibilities in using social media. At RBSC we work closely with  ySafe with students and parents receiving timely talks on how best to use social media during Semester One. More information about Snapchat 

Homework 

The commencement of High School can be daunting in many ways for students and their parents with the navigation of homework often being the one that can cause some stress. At Rose Bay Secondary College there is an expectation that Year 7 students will spend between 30 minutes to one hour of homework a night. This is only a suggested time frame. It is suggested that homework should take the following form; 

1. Complete any set homework issued on the day
2. Review notes and ensure content on the day has been understood
3. Use study aids such as Excel Mathematics/English texts to compliment work being studied in class
4. Work on assignments. To assist with this there is an Assessment Planner on the RBSC website. https://rosebay-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/assessment-planners/year-7.html
5. Read a novel

The College also has the Homework Centre every Monday and Wednesday 3.30 – 5.00pm in the RBSC Library. The Homework Centre provides free tuition for students, with teachers and recent high achieving graduates returning as tutors. 

N.B. Please note that the Fortnightly Year 7 newsletter will be placed into this school Newsletter every B Week. 

IEF News

Last Friday, IEF H and IEF R participated in the Bella program held at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Prior to their visit, students meticulously planned their trip using google maps, and trip planner. On the day of the excursion, they used Trip View to forecast where the bus was and used their opal card to board and get off the bus. Students connected with the ferry at Watsons Bay and arrived at Circular Quay. 

 At Circular Quay IEF H and R enjoyed their recess on the grassy area out of the front of the MCA. Students entered the MCA and were greeted by the Bella learning team. The team escorted them to an art room with a view overlooking the Opera House. The students were introduced to everyone and given an overview of the day’s program. Then they proceeded to the gallery where they engaged in examining and responding to various installations. One activity was based on Milŋiyawuy an Indigenous artwork by Naminapu Maymuru-White which comprises of different barks of varying size in an interlocking arrangement on the wall. An, ‘expansive depiction of the night sky that conveys a sense of shifting depth and distance, pointing to the infinite realm of the celestial,’ (MCA) Students connected with this artwork by listening to the details of the artist and imagining a moment when they had gazed at the night sky.

 As they explored the gallery, they completed an artwork together. Each student followed the same instructions but interpreted them uniquely, resulting in distinctive art pieces. After the gallery visit, the students returned to the art room and created additional artworks. They worked collaboratively on a large black piece of paper and with silver and white crayons, using their entire bodies to bring it to life, resembling the night sky. After, they crafted a sculptural artwork of their own. The trip was a great opportunity for students to explore, create and engage with contemporary art, increasing their cultural understanding and developing their navigational skills.

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IEM caught the 324 bus from Rose Bay to Dawes Point to explore the native bush land at the Barangaroo Reserve. Our aim is to get to know and explore Gadigal land. 

YEAR 12 HSC - Important Dates

NESA has released the due dates for all major works, both practical and performance.
For all students completing major works, please take note of the date on the attached document. You must start setting weekly goals of completion to ensure you create a quality product.
Hard copies of this timetable are available outside Ms Buckley's door.

SPORTS NEWS

15 Boys Basketball Trials

Any boy wanting to trial for the 15 Boys Knockout Basketball team must attend the trial on Tuesday 30^th May, 3-4 pm in the school Gym. This is the final trial before training starts for the Knockout Game. 

RBSC Cross-Country Carnival Results

These results have been displayed on the windows outside C Block Staffroom. An email was sent out to all qualifying parents and students for the Eastern Suburbs Zone Cross Country Carnival with a link - thank you to all the parents who have completed the MS Form - if you have not completed it please click on the link here https://forms.office.com/r/JN3ySQLG8e, if you have already complete it you do not have to complete it again. The Form will close on Thursday 1^st June at 5 pm. The Carnival is on Thursday 8th June (Week 7) at Sir Joseph Banks Park, Botany, a bus has been booked to transport any student needing transport. More details will be sent out with the online consent form. The program will be available on Sentral from Monday 29^th May. 

RBSC Athletics Carnival Results

These results have been displayed on the windows outside C Block Staffroom and on Sentral. Please check the results carefully - if there are any issues with any result please email Mr Flack by Friday 2^nd June. Issues arising after this date may not be adjudicated.  The Eastern Suburbs Zone Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 21^st July at Hensley Athletics Track, East Gardens. More detailed information will be sent out to parents/students once the team and transport details have been finalised.  

Swimming

We had 2 students compete at the CHS Swimming Carnival. Well done to Charlie and Niamh, their results were:  Charlie Byrne Results - 13 years Boys100m Back - 4th
Niamh Higley Results - 15 years Girls 100m Butterfly - 3rd in heats with a personal best time 100m Backstroke - 5th in heats with a personal best time 200m IM 5th overall100m Butterfly - 3rd in the final with a personal best time 100m Backstroke - 10^th in the final with a personal best time

Debating updates

RBSC hosted the Eastside Debating semi-final on Friday night and I am so proud to announce that our Year 11 team will be in the Grand Final this Friday evening.

Congratulations to Holly, Finn, Ellie and Scarlett  (who subbed for an unwell Ed at the last minute and did a stellar job as first speaker) who defeated Sydney Girls' High School arguing for the affirmative That we should stop using the narrative that individual consumption decisions are a useful way to tackle climate change (for example, reducing meat consumption, recycling more, etc.)  This Friday they will take on Grammar at SGHS at 6:15pm to debate a motion based on the topic area 'ethical issues'. 

On another note, we hosted 6 schools on Friday (4 independent and 2 state selective). We received feedback that can be loosely quoted as our organisation "putting them to shame". This would not be possible without the support of everyone who helped with the evening, including our students who assisted as ushers, guides and chairpersons; our dedicated teachers who helped with set-up; parents who donated food items for catering; Janaki Kremmer, my wingwoman for the night and our wonderful parent rep Kim Kench.

Model UN Seminars

This week, students in Year 11 and 12 Legal Studies participated in the first Model UN sessions run at Rose Bay Secondary College. These programs were designed and delivered by RBSC's Model UN Team who did a fantastic job as convenors of a number of special sessions of the United Nations Security Council. Students involved were required to resolve a course of action to deal with both the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the global energy crisis. Plenty of robust and intelligent debate was had on the day and students came away with a deeper appreciation of the inner workings of the United Nations and of the intricate nature of state sovereignty and international relations. A huge thank you and congratulations to our Model UN Team (Holly, Ellie, Isaac, Maya) for their dedication in bringing this wonderful opportunity to life at RBSC.  Mr Weavers 

Careers News

On Friday a group of students in years 10-12 learnt lots about how to do basic car maintenance with Galmatic. A great life skill 

Online Interschools Chess Challenge.

Students in years 7 to 10 who registered their interest in chess at RBSC are welcome to participate in an Online Interschools Chess Challange on 9^th June 2023.

The competition will run at school using student's individual BYOD.
Places are limited. First In - Best Dressed
Cost: $20
Please see Mr. Magal (Science) to register.

Fortnightly Star Awards

P&C Yr 10/11/12 Parent/Carer Social Event

RBSC P&C would love to invite all Year 10/11/12 parents/carers to our Social Event on 15th June. This event allows parents/carers to make connections and form strong community bonds that will last throughout your teen’s high school experience. Bookings close 9^th June so be sure to book your tickets ASAP!

Bookings here

Rose Bay Secondary College Parents and Citizens Association (P&C)

Whether you want to just be informed or you want to be actively involved, we welcome you!
Contact the P&C:  rbscpandc@gmail.com

RBSC P&C School Building Fund End of Financial Year Appeal

EOFY Donation – 30 June 2023

What does the Building Fund do?

The Building Fund aims to help improve RBSC facilities by funding permanent fixtures, fittings and building works that go above and beyond the priority items funded by the Department of Education.

For example, the Building Fund recently contributed to a significant school infrastructure project. A permanent shade fixture was recently installed over the basketball courts on the top oval which provides an additional all-weather outdoor sports facility, as well as additional shade for students.

How to donate?

Please visit the RBSC P&C website to donate to the Building Fund. Donations are tax deductible.

With your tax deductible donation, the RBSC P&C Building fund will be in a strong position to assist with future building/infrastructure projects that will benefit students and the community.

The Rose Bay Secondary College Parents & Citizens’ Association School Building Fund has been endorsed as a tax-deductible gift recipient by the Australian Taxation Office. Donations to the fund may be deductible. For further information please read Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) information before making a gift.

Library News

Many students and teachers don't realise what a great range of magazines the library has available to borrow, read during breaks or use for lessons. 

Topics covered range from skating and surfing magazines, men and women's health, yoga, philosophy, history and social issues. Hard copies of the latest Economist and New Scientist are available to borrow or teachers can access the free online versions to use in their lesson preparation or for professional reading. 

Pictured Year 10 student, Roxy Van Hoven speaking with one of our library assistants, Lindy Thompson. She told Lindy that she has been dancing since she was two years old and was thrilled to come across the series of Dance Australia magazines.  

Look out for the Magazine section in The Bob Bellear Memorial Library next time you visit or ask for assistance at the Help Desk. 

National Apology/Sorry Day on 26 May is a time to reflect on the ongoing impacts and intergenerational trauma experienced by the Stolen Generations, their families, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This year, 2023, marks the 15th anniversary of the formal apology made by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, on behalf of the nation, in 2008. 

National Reconciliation Week follows immediately on from Sorry Day from 27 May to 3 June. Join us in the Bob Bellear Memorial Library over the following weeks as we acknowledge these significant dates with an exhibition of books and information - all available to borrow. 

Look out for this year’s NRW posters “Be A Voice For Generations” around the school, with a collection of symbols by Bidjara and Wakka Wakka graphic artist Danielle Leedie Gray – “a visual representation of unity moving forward as one”, correlating with this year’s theme. 

Also, a collection of videos from our Clickview provider has been made available for teachers to use in their lessons. The following message was sent to them:

Check out Oliver to learn more about the importance of National Reconciliation Week 2023 and the National Apology. You can also watch the critically acclaimed documentary 'In My Blood it Runs' which is told through the eyes of charismatic 10-year-old Arrernte/Garrwa boy, Dujuan and his family, revealing the challenges Dujuan faces both in his school and on the streets of Alice Springs.​

The Library Team​

HEAL in schools

Dear parents and carers,

 NSW Centre for Population Health want to hear from parents and carers of children attending high school in NSW to understand:

• What makes a healthy and happy young person?
• How can schools better support the health and wellbeing of young people?

 Have your say via a virtual focus group session. The focus group will take 90 minutes and you will receive a $50 voucher as an acknowledgement of your time. 

 To take part, please register your details at this link. 

 Your ideas will help to shape the future of school healthy eating and active living programs and develop new ways of supporting your child's health and wellbeing. NSW Health is working with Allen + Clarke Consulting on this research initiative.

 If you have any questions, please email HEALConsumerResearch@allenandclarke.com.au.  

After the Bell

 Link for tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/after-the-bell-essly-3xs7wjgi

School Student Travel Information 2023