For the first time in the School’s history, Kincoppal–Rose Bay illuminated its harbour-front campus during Sydney’s Vivid season, transforming it into a striking feature of the Sydney Harbour skyline. Visible from the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, The Rocks and vantage points across the harbour, the bespoke lighting installation featured 12 powerful spotlights inspired by the rhythm and form of the Harbour Bridge lights. More than a spectacular display, Shining a Light celebrated our students, our herita
ge, our students, our community and our future.
Opening the event, Principal Erica Thomas captured the spirit of the activation:
“This year, our theme is simple, powerful and deeply meaningful: We Are Shining a Light. We shine a light on our heritage – the generations who have shaped us. We shine a light for our current students, for their growth and energy, and our staff for their dedication. We shine a light for our wider community who have experienced recent darkness and have done so with courage. We shine a light for our future and all who will come after us.
Shining a Light on our Students
Through a series of STEM-focused projects inspired by the technology behind Vivid Sydney, students explored the intersection of engineering, design, coding and creativity. Junior students participated in the HaloHD Project, experimenting with Micro:bits and LED lights to create interactive lighting effects. Senior students designed infinity mirror light boxes, constructed a large-scale LED tunnel and visited the Vivid Sydney Control Room to experience the technology and collaboration behind one of Australia’s largest cultural events.
Together, these experiences encouraged students to think critically, work collaboratively and embrace innovation while demonstrating how classroom learning can be applied in authentic, real-world contexts – a reflection of KRB’s philosophy of Excellence Through Balance.
Shining a Light on our Community
Despite wet weather throughout much of the festival period, families, students, staff, alumnae and prospective families embraced the opportunity to experience KRB, quite literally, in a new light. Community Viewing Nights welcomed guests onto campus to enjoy illuminated pathways, student-created installations and spectacular harbour views, creating moments of connection, celebration and shared pride.
Shining a Light on Our Future
The activation demonstrated what is possible when students are encouraged to think boldly, embrace innovation and apply their learning beyond the classroom. Bringing together academic learning, creativity, wellbeing and community, the project reflected the balanced, future-focused vision that sits at the heart of a KRB education.
As the lights dimmed on Shining a Light, its impact remained. Beyond the spectacular illumination of our campus, the project strengthened community connections, celebrated our heritage and inspired students to see what is possible when creativity, curiosity and collaboration come together.
