Our History

Kincoppal-Rose Bay History

At Kincoppal-Rose Bay we are a school steeped in tradition. From the students we have educated to the grand buildings we call home, we are proud of our past… and excited for the future.

Since the founding of The Convent of the Sacred Heart, Rose Bay in 1882 and Kincoppal in 1909 to our subsequent amalgamation in 1971 we have educated hearts and minds to produce young men and women of integrity and compassion.

At every stage, we draw on our rich history to guide innovation in education and development. Our 143 year history is only the beginning of our story.

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land upon which our school resides – the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge elders past and present and pay our respects to all Aboriginal people who have contributed to our school.

 

 

1882

1882

In May, five nuns from the Society of the Sacred Heart arrived in Sydney with the purpose of opening a boarding school for girls.

They purchased ‘Claremont’ at Rose Bay and took up residence in June. On 20 July that same year the school opened.

1888

1888

Cardinal Moran officially opened the main building of the school in January 1888.

1900

1900

The gothic stone chapel designed by Horbury Hunt opened, replacing the temporary chapel within the main building.

1909

1909

The nuns took possession of ‘Kincoppal’ Elizabeth Bay.

This was the former home of Mr J Hughes which he had bequeathed to his daughter Maria, the first Australian sister of the Sacred Heart.

1917

1917

A noviceship began at Rose Bay.

1932

1932

The celebration of the school’s Golden Jubilee.

The Jubilee Gates at the entrance to the school and a statue of the Sacred Heart overlooking the harbour were both erected to celebrate the occasion. Celebrations to mark the opening of the Jubilee Gates were held on 25 May the following year (1933).

1942

1942

During World War II, Kincoppal students were evacuated to Bundanoon.

From Rose Bay, the younger children were sent to ‘The Rift’ at Bowral and the middle seniors went to ‘Laurel Park’ at Burradoo.

1952

1952

The ‘old’ Barat-Burn was occupied with a Junior School for the first time.

In this same year, the Margaret MacRory Kindergarten opened.

1955

1955

The Memorial Library and Hall were officially opened.

These buildings were dedicated to Alumnae who served in the forces during World War II.

1966

1966

The new Barat-Burn buildings were officially opened.

1971

1971

The schools at Kincoppal and Rose Bay amalgamated to create the now, Kincoppal-Rose Bay School.

1982

1982

The school celebrated its Centenary Year.

1991

1991

Mr Christopher Faisandier, first Lay Principal of KRB was appointed.

1997

1997

The Kincoppal Gates from the Elizabeth Bay School were installed at the entrance to Kincoppal-Rose Bay School.

1998

1998

The Mary Agnes O’Neill Library and Sheldon House (Boarding) were officially opened.

This happened on 21 June by Governor General Sir William Deane and his wife, Lady Deane.

2001

2001

Cor Unum: celebration of 125 years of Sacred Heart education at KRB.

2007

2007

Bicentenary of the Society of the Sacred Heart, celebrated at St Mary’s Cathedral with a special Mass.

The music for the Mass was specially commissioned from composer Moya Henderson.

2011

2011

The Opening of the Maureen Tudehope Centre (MTC).

On 25 May, NSW Governor Professor Marie Bashir officially opened the Maureen Tudehope Multi-Purpose Centre.

2016

2016

Opening of the Early Learning Centre (ELC).

Sr Mary Shanahan rscj OAM officially opened the Coeducational Early Learning Centre for boys and girls.

2018

2018

Ms Maureen Ryan is appointed as Principal, celebrated with an Inauguration Mass.

2018

2018

The Jean Marie Flynn Year 12 Learning Hub opened.

The Hub is a state-of-the-art learning facility, named after Jean Marie Adams Flynn (RB 1925).

2019

2019

Sr Mary Shanahan rscj OAM Scholarship established.

Sr Mary Shanahan rscj OAM Scholarship established to provide a perpetual scholarship to a day student “who can learn who she is and accept the gifts she has and thus gain a great deal from her education at KRB”.

2023

2023

Mrs Erica Thomas is appointed as the School's seventh Principal.

Mrs Thomas returns to our school after a previous nine years at KRB in the 2000s, in the roles of Head of History, Director of Boarding and Director of Teaching and Learning.

2025

2025

Future Masterplan projects launch.

These include upgrades to the Hughes Centre, General Learning Areas and Junior School.

  • 1882
  • 1888
  • 1900
  • 1909
  • 1917
  • 1932
  • 1942
  • 1952
  • 1955
  • 1966
  • 1971
  • 1982
  • 1991
  • 1997
  • 1998
  • 2001
  • 2007
  • 2011
  • 2016
  • 2018
  • 2018
  • 2019
  • 2023
  • 2025

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