Newsletter Term 4 Week 10

From the Senior Executive

It is with great pride that we say a final farewell to the class of 2023. We have achieved outstanding results this year including Tamar - Dux (ATAR 99.45), HSC All Rounders list (and First in HSC Course in Modern Hebrew Continuers which Tamar completed as a Year 11 student), 5 HSC All-Rounders – Lara, Tamar, Lalith, Maya, Benjamin,  Sari  -  First in Course in Mathematics Standard 2, Nikodem  - First in Course in Polish Continuers (via Secondary College of Languages), Kaiani  - First in Spanish Extension (via School of Languages), Edith  - Fourth in Swedish Continuers (via outside tutor), 116 mentions on the Distinguished Achievers List for students who achieved a Band 6 or E4 in one or more subject, 4 students selected for Art Express – Sienna, Zephyr, Otis and Luca, 1 student nominated for Encore – Tomas, RBSC ranked 119th in the State (125th in 2022 and 140th in 2021), and Mathematics Standard 1 and 2 courses ranked in the top 40 schools list.

I also want to congratulate all graduates of 2023 for all your hard work and dedication. I have looked over the names of all the students and their results, and am absolutely impressed with the results that you have achieved. All of the class of 2023 should be incredibly proud of their achievements.
This week we not only said farewell to Year 12, we celebrated the successes of the students from Years 7 - 11 at Presentation Night. We were entertained by our talented musicians and marvelled at how many of our Rose Bay Secondary College students were awarded certificates for their academic and attendance achievements. We were then treated to the cast of 'Grease' performing 'Hand Jive' to close the event. Thank you to all staff who tirelessly worked to make the night a success and all students and families who attended.

Rose Bay's Got Talent kicked off on Thursday, showcasing the amazing talent of the students, and one Ms McCabe, entertaining the school and providing a fantastic to end a busy year. A particular highlight was Zara singing 'Happiness' by Alexis Jordan to Ms Laird as a farewell tribute.

We say goodbye to some of our staff as they move on to their new adventures and wish each of them the best for their futures - Mr Wright, Mr Regina, Ms Laird, Ms Vo, Mr Harris, Ms Wright, Mr Patterson. We also say see you back soon to Ms Little and Ms Whittingham.
We that all students have a restful and safe break. Happy holidays to all and see you back next year.

IEF News

On Monday night, Bella, Edwina, Evan and  Oscar celebrated 6 wonderful years in the IEF at Rose Bay Secondary College. They arrived at Doltone House looking sharp and enjoyed the photo booth, dinner and dancing. The students really enjoyed every minute of the formal.

Captain's Report

Welcome RBSC readers! This week is the last week of term (and the year!) and we’re capping a brilliant year off with Presentation Evening on Tuesday night, year assemblies Wednesday and Thursday, and our second-ever Talent Show on Thursday.

Last week was the first HSC exams for the new Year 12s and we’re so proud of how everyone supported each other in studying and checking on their mental health. This is a strong cohort and we know we’ll cheer each other on for the final stretch of school. Have a great summer holiday!

Sophie, Community & Engagement Captain 

RBSC HSC RESULTS

The HSC results have been released, and Rose Bay Secondary College congratulates the Year 12 Class of 2023 on their achievements.
Please find attached a summary of the 2023 HSC results and special mentions.

Senior Chemistry

This week our senior Chemistry students got into the festive spirit creating their own 'Chemistrees' while investigating acids, bases and chemical indicators.

A Chemistree Christmas
In a lab so merry, with beakers aglow, Chemists were stirring, creating a show. The elements danced in a periodic way, As scientists worked, night and day.
Bunsen burners flared with a holiday cheer, In the flask, reactions brought joy near. Beakers clinked, a festive chime, As molecules jingled in a rhythmic rhyme.
On the bench, a flask of cheer, A solution of happiness, crystal clear. Titration of love, drop by drop, In the chemistry of Christmas, hearts never stop.
The tree adorned with molecules bright, Each one shimmering in the lab's soft light. Electrons twinkled, in orbits they spun, A scientific celebration, second to none.
Naughty or nice, the periodic list, Checked twice by a scientist, no one is missed. Hydrogen, helium, and ho-ho-ho, A festive fusion in the lab's warm glow.
In the fume hood, a reaction of delight, Explosions of joy on this magical night. Atoms collided in a festive array, Chemistry carols filling the air, hooray!
Santa's sleigh made of graphene so sleek, Zooming through the night, no need to peek. Catalysts guiding, with nanoparticle might, A scientific sleigh ride, pure dynamite.
So here's to a Christmas, scientifically grand, In the lab of wonder, across the land. Chemical carols, molecules in glee, Merry Christmas to all, from the scientists' tree!

Have a merry Christmas and a happy new year. See you all in 2024! The Science Faculty

Year 7 Life Saving and Water Awareness Week Award Recipients.

The Year 7 Surf Awareness and Water Safety week wrapped up with an awards presentation for Lifesaver of the Week and Most Improved. Congratulations to the following students:

Lifesaver of the Week 

Ariana, Jesse, Adamrinjarni, Kaila, Kitty, Hugh, Niki, Jasper, Yoko, Eric, Giorgio, Sayuri and Kysei

Most Improved

Zoe, Oskar, Elizabeth, Stevie, Xavier, Xavier, Zac, daria, Mikey, Fox, Sianna, Jed and Syd

Year 8 Slam Poetry

Excited to share some innovative and original Slam Poems by 8A students!

Chess Club 2024

Exciting news for all chess enthusiasts at Rose Bay Secondary College! We are thrilled to announce that in 2024 the Chess Club of the school will get some serious boost and we want YOU to be a part of this exciting journey into the world of strategic thinking, problem-solving, and friendly competition. 

What is the Chess Club? 

The Chess Club is a gathering of students who share a passion for chess, whether you're a seasoned player or a complete beginner. Our club is a space for students to come together, learn, and enjoy the intellectual and social aspects of this classic game. 

Why Join the Chess Club? 

Intellectual Stimulation: Chess is a game that challenges your mind and enhances critical thinking skills. 

Social Interaction: Meet fellow students who share your love for chess, make new friends, and enjoy a positive and inclusive community. 

Tournaments and Events: Participate in friendly competitions within the club or against other schools. We'll also host exciting chess-related events and activities. 

The club will be coached by an experienced Chess player and coach.

So, please watch this space early in the 2024 school year for expression of interest survey and an introductory meeting. 

Boaz Magal (Science teacher and Chess coordinator) and Shai Levin (Year 8 parent and chess enthusiast)  

Year 12: English HSC Student Event

The English Teachers Association are running an online event to support students in starting the HSC English course and specifically, the Common Module. This event is relevant to all 2 unit English courses and can be accessed anytime between now and December 15. If you or your child are interested, they can register using the link below.

Introducing the Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences

A wonderful way to motivate, inspire and energise your new HSC class.

• English for the 2024 HSC: what you need to know, where you need to go.
• Unpacking the Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences
• Insights to assessment including related texts, multi-modal tips
• Unpacking the Common Module for EAL/D
• 14 presentations on Common Module Prescribed Texts
• EAL/D texts
• Downloadable notes
• Students who have registered can have access through their own email address

Library News

The Bob Bellear Memorial Library would like to wish students, and the school community, a joyous and peaceful holiday season full of lots of good books and relaxing book reading time! 

We encourage students to get lost in a book during the school holidays and enjoy the multitude of new adventures available with the simple turn of a page. Students can also access the Rose Bay Secondary College’s E-book Platform here (or via: https://rosebay.eplatform.co/ ) during the holidays where a virtual library awaits them. Available to borrow and read anytime, anywhere via multiple devices.  

Students can also discover the excellent library spaces and services provided locally at: Waverley, Randwick and Woollahra Libraries as well as the State Library of NSW.  Links to membership details are provided via the following link:  

https://oliver-21.library.det.nsw.edu.au/1/learnpath/guide/MEMBERSHIPLINKSTOOTHERLIBRARIES 

This article by Scottish Book Trust highlights why reading is especially important for teens . 

Happy Holidays from the Library Team! 

RBSC P&C

RBSC P&C Secondhand School Uniforms Buy, Sell & Swap

The P&C has a Facebook group for Rose Bay Secondary College families to buy, sell or giveaway secondhand uniforms, textbooks, musical instruments, music books or school shoes.
Here's a link to the page on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/935017760501970

Please become a member and use the page to sell or give away your old uniform items, or buy secondhand items.

TO SELL: Post with details of the item you have for sale. It's a good idea to include a photo.When you sell something, please delete it from the group so the page stays up-to-date.

TO BUY: Contact a seller via Direct Message if they have an item listed that you would like to buy

OR:  Create a post with details of the item that you would like to buy. We ask that all items on the page are related to school, and in good reusable condition.

Thanks and please start buying & selling! 

PCYC - FIT FOR LIFE

Fit For Life is an early intervention program designed to engage youth ages 10 to 17 who are at risk of poor choices and anti-social behaviour. Through physical fitness, nutrition and social engagement. Fit For Life aims to improve overall wellbeing as well as prevent and divert youth from offending behaviours.

The program consists of a 45 minute boxing session, followed by breakfast which is prepared by PCYC staff.

Students are then dropped to school to ensure 100% attendance on the days they attend the program. Apon request, students may also be picked up in the morning and taken to PCYC Eastern Suburbs.

Online safety and digital resilience strategies for children 9 – 12 years

Woollahra Library Youth Programs

This December we have the bi-weekly Young Adult Pride Book Club. This culture club is open for LGBTQIA+ identifying young people and their allies. Then, we have an introduction to Astronomy and Astrology for Teens, which combines physics and sociology behind star signs.

Over January, we have drop-in games of Foosball or Air Hockey at Woollahra Library Double Bay and Bag Toss at Watsons Bay.  If you’re more interested in craft, there is the option to decorate mirrors with air dry clay or create giant origami flowers. We’ll also have the PlayStation5 and VR Headset and Nintendo Switch with a suite of games available in the Youth Space.