Category: Updates from Rose Bay Secondary College

We know the quality of the relationship between families and schools has a direct impact on student wellbeing and educational outcomes.

There will be times when parents and carers want to ask a question, raise an issue or make a complaint about our schools and it can be hard for families to know where to start. Families have told us that it can be difficult to find the right person to talk to, or don’t know what steps to take to bring an issue to someone’s attention.

A short video, produced in consultation with schools, is helping families find the right person if they have a question or want to raise an issue, make a complaint or provide a compliment. The video encourages families to contact their school or the department early and in a positive way to help resolve any issues together.

The video complements information on our website and is an accessible way for families to find out about the complaints process. Positive feedback is also important and families are encouraged to let us know when something has gone well.

Visit the complaints, compliments and suggestions webpage for more information.

Tuesday February 19 was our annual RBSC Open Night and it was once again a resounding success.

The Open Night is a wonderful evening where we showcase all the fantastic faculties and extra-curricular activities that we offer. Even though the School Renewal project at the front of the school was not completed in time for this event, the school looked amazing and our passionate and committed staff and students presented professionally and enthusiastically.

The event was attended by over 400 people with many commenting on their departure to the senior executive staff that; “You should be very proud of this school”, “You have passionate and dedicated staff”, “Your students are so mature and were excellent ambassadors for the school”.

Overwhelmingly, the feedback we have received since the event has been extremely positive.  Parents were very impressed with the efficiency and high quality of the presentations.

A very big thank you to all students and staff who assisted in making this event so successful. 

Congratulations to our Integrated Education Facility (IEF) who recently won 2 awards in the Waverley Garden Award.  IEF & SRC representative Oliver accepted the awards with teachers Kathryn Dobb and Niki McDonald on behalf of IEF students at a ceremony held at Bronte House.  The Waverley Garden Award has been running since 1886. 

Students in all years have been enjoying the recently installed artificial turf, in what was, up until recently, a very underutilised section of the school. This has brought students together at both Break times, providing them with more ‘green’ space to enjoy socialising with their friends. It also provides another outdoor learning area for students in the IEF to plant and cultivate a sensory garden, that they will use for both Project Based Learning (PBL) activities, as well as contributing their skills in helping to beautify the school environment, for everyone’s use’. We would like to acknowledge the very generous contribution that the P&C made to this project. 

The boys and girls open volleyball teams travelled to Olympic Park to compete in a round robin volleyball tournament on Friday November 16. It was an excellent opportunity to play some highly competitive volleyball against some of the best schools.  The teams have been training exceptionally well each Wednesday afternoon and often adding an extra training session in as well.

Congratulations to Daniel and Patrick, both in year 9, who won a silver medal in the U14s board rescue event at the Sydney Surf Life Saving Branch Carnival. This event involves one team member swimming out to a buoy and signalling for help. The other team member paddles out to “rescue” them on a board. Both team members then return to the shore on the one board.

They are now qualified to compete in this event for their club, Coogee SLSC, at the State Junior Life Saving Carnival to be held at Swansea/Belmont on the first weekend in March!

Congratulations also go to Maya in year 8 who won silver in the 2km soft sand event for North Bondi SLSC.

Well done to all.

Last Friday I was lucky enough to be part of the World Guinness Record attempt of the largest mental health interactive awareness lesson. This was an incredible opportunity that our class will be forever grateful to be a part of. During the lesson we were taught about the importance of mental health and how to assist others going through mental illnesses. The strategies we learnt will stay with us forever. Additionally, how many people can say they’ve broken a world record – not many, especially one of this significance. There were 1800 students in that lesson and it was broadcast to schools all around Australia.

Carla

This week we held our annual meet the teacher for parents of Year 7.

Despite the squally weather, a large contingent of committed parents assembled in the newly renovated classrooms in A block to hear teachers outline the content and learning expectations of their specific subjects. Additional information was given about key dates and events for Year 7 over 2019.  

Mr Benn Newton, our P&C President welcomed all parents and organised refreshments for each classroom. This provided space for parents to meet each other and mingle.

A special commendation is reserved for our SRC representatives who greeted and guided our parents and assisted the P&C in preparing refreshments. The presentations from this evening will be uploaded to our website for the benefit of those parents unable to attend.

Last week, 18 intrepid physics students traveled over 1200km in two minibuses to see into space. Mr Smith and Ms Biddle drove the magic school buses to the Dish in Parkes, along the scale model solar system drive and to Siding Springs Observatory. 

Along the way, we all ate a lot of chips and saw a lot of much needed rain in the country. 

Stay tuned for more details …

 

All welcome to our open night Tuesday Feb 19 at 6pm-7:30pm

College tour, meet the principal, talk with students, teachers and parents.