19February KRB News – Edition 2
Contents
- From the Principal
- Junior School Students in Action
- New beehive arrives at the ELC
- Ash Wednesday at the ELC
- COVID Safe Junior Choir
- Year 5 Day Camp
- Year 6 Camp Incursion
- Corroboree at Kincoppal-Rose Bay
- Senior School Students in Action
- Matilda – the Show Must Go On!
- Matilda Band Recording
- Year 7 Band
- Lionel Bowen Young Writers' Award - Emma Chiew
- Writing Club
- Celebration of the Class of 2020
- Fun Friday – 12 February
- Academic Care
- The Year 12 Learning Hub
- Young Alumnae Forum
- News from the Mission Department
- Boarding
- Buddies in Boarding
- Community
- From the Advancement and Community Office
- Alumni Announcements
- Nanny/housekeeper position
Notices
Academic Care: Parenting Ideas Article
Don’t forget to download the latest Parenting Ideas article below, also available on the Wellbeing Parent Page on Aspire.
Sibling Enrolment 2022
Current enrolments for 2022 are filling up quickly.
We would like to remind and encourage all current families who wish to enrol younger siblings to submit an Enrolment Application Form at your earliest possible convenience to avoid disappointment.
Please contact admissions@krb.nsw.edu.au if you have any queries.
From the Principal
It has been wonderful to see the school come alive over the past two weeks with a variety of activities highlighting the many talents that exist within our school community.
Our Early Learning Centre have been busy setting up a new Bee Hive featuring native stingless bees. These bees are strategically located in the ELC Vegetable Garden, teaching our youngest students about the impact of bees in our ecosystem and the process of pollination. The students have also celebrated Shrove Tuesday by introducing a morning tea into Wild Time. Students enjoyed cooking pancakes in our foreshore forest area, featuring Australian native berries and lemon myrtle tea.
Our Junior School have also showed great enthusiasm outdoors this week participating in their Camp Days around the campus. It’s great to see their bravery as they tackle new challenges and adapt to a new form of camp at KRB.
We have celebrated the beginning of Lent this week with Ash Wednesday. Unfortunately, we were unable to gather together as a school due to restrictions, however each student participated in a liturgy in pastoral groups. This is a significant event in the year where students were encouraged to reflect and focus on the positive impacts they have on the lives of others.
I was very happy to welcome our Class of 2020 alumnae back to school this Friday to celebrate the many achievements they have experienced during their schooling. Many of the students we welcomed back have been at Kincoppal-Rose Bay since they were 3 or 4 years of age in our Early Learning Centre. We have watched as these girls grow and mature during their schooling to finally graduate and complete their HSC, ready to embark onto the next stage of their lives.
We have seen great diversity in the achievements of this year group on a state and national level, with Art, Music, Drama and D&T achievements, as well as some outstanding Academic results with top national ATAR scores. Although we all know the final year for the Class of 2020 saw many changes, we have also seen many students excel in different sporting and cultural activities.
You can view the full Celebration of the HSC Class of 2020 which was live streamed to all Year 5-11 family and friends.
The graduates have been an integral part of our School, and we look forward to seeing them return as valued alumnae in the future.
In Corde Jesu
Maureen Ryan
Principal
Junior School Students in Action
COVID Safe Junior Choir
With great excitement the Junior Choir has recommenced in a COVID safe environment. In accordance with NSW Health advice on singing, the choir now rehearses outdoors on Tuesday mornings before school on the terrace outside the old Gap Flat at Barat-Burn. The concrete ceiling above the seating area gives some acoustic resonance. The excitement and joy was evident in the singing this week. Auditions for students currently in Year 3-6 will be offered in Week 5.
Mark Stubley
Head of Music
Year 5 Day Camp
Year 5 students had such an enjoyable experience during the Day Camps with Optimum Experiences Outdoor Adventures. Students were challenged on different activities including high wires and kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding at Queens Beach. They demonstrated resilience and teamwork skills.
Corroboree at Kincoppal-Rose Bay
“We loved learning about the Aboriginal culture through the corroboree because of how unique and different it is to what we know. We loved listening to Uncle Ray’s stories and the meanings behind them. It was so amazing how the dancers created sounds and music using their voices and a few indigenous instruments. It was exciting for us to be involved and dance with them together. Uncle Ray’s daughter, Hallie, was one of the dancers and it was really nice to have someone similar to our age to teach us her culture. We loved how they showed us different animals through their dances and they also taught us some Aboriginal words such as ‘buru’ which means kangaroo.” – Leni, Annie, Gigi
“The corroboree was really fun because we learnt more about indigenous culture. We got to ask the dancers questions about their tribe and we got to participate in a smoking ceremony, as well as have ochre painted on our faces and take part in some Aboriginal dances.” – Honor, Lucy, Zoe
Senior School Students in Action
Matilda – the Show Must Go On!
Due to restrictions, Kincoppal-Rose Bay was unable to stage Matilda in 2020, when everything came to a halt in that week in March, just one week shy of the performances at The Parade Theatre, NIDA. Postponement plans were made, and despite restrictions continuing around the staging of school concerts that remain today…. the show must go on!
The final performances will be a combination of lip syncing to their own pre-recorded ensemble numbers, live speaking and recorded music in front of an audience.
Matilda plays at The Parade Theatre, NIDA from 10 to 12 March. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketek.
Nicole James
Head of Drama
Matilda Band Recording
As a COVID safe way of staging our postponed 2020 production of Matilda, KRB decided that the safest way to do this would be to pre-record the musical numbers of the show. This will mean all ensembles, duets and solos where distancing on stage is not possible will be recorded in advance and lip-synched by the singers to their own voices. Solos (with no one else close by) and spoken dialogue will be performed live to the recorded band.
Being ready for this process meant reforming the 11-piece band with very short notice! After a weekend rehearsal at the start of February the instrumental backing for all 24 musical numbers, plus underscoring and scene transition music was recorded over two evenings last week. The old Gap flat right at the very top of the Barat-Burn main building was transformed into a temporary recording studio by Loud and Clear, our sound engineers and recording provider. Perspex screens between players and distancing measures were followed to the letter.
The music for Matilda, whilst complex, is very exciting and intricate in its crafting, with thematic motifs for characters, places, emotions and objects returning throughout the score in a way that resembles the leitmotifs used by Wagner and subsequent composers. This is also a technique commonly used in film scores. A wonderful moment on the first night was when a playback of material recorded earlier in the evening could be heard coming from the next room where the recording desk was situated. The excitement and pride on the band’s faces (and mine!) was pure gold. It really sounds fantastic and is a credit to Tim Minchin’s genius.
In the coming days we will begin to record the singers from Years 5-12 in small groups as advised by the guidelines for singing from NSW Health. I think the final product will be something special and an achievement we as a school can be proud of. The main thing is this wonderful show and the students’ hard work can finally be enjoyed by the KRB community.
Mark Stubley
Head of Music
Musical Director – Matilda
Year 7 Band
This week was the second session for Year 7 Band. The girls are divided into two groups, Training and Concert Band. The Training Band is for students new to and developing their skills on their instrument. Concert Band is the goal for all students. It is for more experienced players and with work all of Year 7 should progress into thus during the year. Both groups have valuable sessions today. Training Band had individual instrument tutorials in. groups while the Concert Band worked on their first ensemble piece ‘Happy’ by Pharell Williams. A good start has been made!
Mark Stubley
Head of Music
Lionel Bowen Young Writers' Award - Emma Chiew
During the Summer holidays Year 12 student Emma Chiew was named as a second prize winner in The Lionel Bowen Young Writers’ Award. The award is run by Randwick City Library in conjunction with The University of NSW and Juvenilia Press and seeks to uncover the writing talents of young people in Randwick City and its neighbouring suburbs. Emma entered the short story section of the competition. We asked her a few questions about her story and her writing process.
Could you briefly describe the plot of your story?
My story, Concrete Children focuses on the dangers of living in a society where everyone’s “wildest dreams” are identically manufactured. I focus on one character, an unnamed protagonist, who confronts his immense loneliness within a densely populated urban city. He travels through train stations and large corporate areas in an attempt to discover his true self, and a sense of control over his purpose in life. The title, Concrete Children was to show our dictation under societal norms from when we are children. We follow social contracts, and we imitate others to show our obedience- all of which is rewarded in a place where conformity is of the highest value.
How long did the story take you to write?
I had thought about my ideas and the things I wanted to represent in words for a while, possibly a week or so after we learnt about things like psychological realism and the elusive nature of identity. I didn’t have too many drafts, I mostly just wrote it in blocks over a few days, and then edited it a bit after I finished.
Where do you get your ideas for creative writing?
I am very inspired by the topics we talk about in Extension English. My teacher encourages me to think outside the box, and question lots of ideas that were once accepted as ‘typical’.
What do you enjoy about the writing process?
I enjoy the ability to represent different states of mind through words. I also enjoy illustrating characters and imaginative worlds, as you can immerse yourself into a new place. I also feel like by painting a new world or a character, I can learn new things about myself and the world around me.
Writing Club
If writing, whether it be prose, poetry, non-fiction, script writing, etc., means something to you, if it inspires a passion, a need or spark, then join our writing club. We would love to hear about what you are writing and to share with you the tricks, techniques and skills which other writers have learnt through their time as writers. The club will meet once a fortnight in the library at lunch on Friday Day 6. Throughout the year there will be ample opportunity to hone your skills as writers and to take part in numerous writing competitions. At the end of the year, we will publish a collection of work from all the students in the club.
Our first meeting will be on 26 February 2021. We meet in Turnbull Study 1 (downstairs in the library). All welcome!
Our first author of the month is Isabel Allende.
Ms Janeane Waters and Ms Gina Taranto
English Department
Fun Friday – 12 February
On Friday 12 February, the KRB girls were finally back to celebrating Fun Friday together! Every Friday, the Year 12 house captains run Fun Friday on the Harbour terrace where the whole school can come together. Activities include dancing, lip syncing, skipping and chalk-drawing. Although things may be different this year, Fun Friday is a great opportunity for students to come together and celebrate the end of the week, focussing on the positives. It is exciting to be able to embrace the new year and just have some fun, while also adhering to restrictions. The Year 12 girls hope to see everyone else on the harbour terrace this week!
Erin Carroll
Year 12 student
Academic Care
The Year 12 Learning Hub
The Hub has been a great success amongst the Year Group, with coffee pods being traded and used at all hours of the day and the Year Group spending early mornings and late afternoons together – I think we can all agree that the cohort has become closer than ever. The hustle and bustle of the hub creates a warm sense of community and a light-hearted spirit that during stressful times as the year progresses will be greatly appreciated. Having ample space and areas to study and chat, the ability to move around has given all of us girls a great sense of belonging and freedom. Year meetings in the Dunphy Outdoor Learning Space, or in the amphitheatre are engaging and most importantly comfy, while Ms Panas’ whistle ensures Pastoral is attended on time and the movement to first period is efficient. We are all so grateful for the time we get to spend in the hub, whilst maintaining a close relationship with the other year groups with Fun Fridays. I think we can all agree that 2021 has started off on a great foot!
Amelia Edwards
Year 12 student
Young Alumnae Forum
During Wednesday Pastoral period 4 on Wednesday of Week 2, Year 12 took part in a presentation with the young alumnae from 2019 and 2020. Ten girls across both years expressed their thoughts and views on their final year in school through taking part in a Q&A panel. This allowed the current Year 12 to get an idea of how to face the upcoming challenges of the year ahead and what the next few years may look like, when we go to university or start working. The questions allowed the young alumnae to rethink their experiences from their final year and give a glimpse into what the current Year 12 can do to take advantage of the opportunities given, and how to manage the stresses and hard times that are expected with the final year of school.
Alumnae explained what they would do if they could redo tasks from Year 12, including starting tasks earlier, taking advantage of the resources including teachers, and being more inclusive as a year group. They explained how much they relied on their peers and family to support them throughout the year, with their teachers and school counsellor, and reinforced the idea that Year 12 is not a sprint but rather a marathon. After splitting into Pastoral Groups with two or three of the alumni joining us, we got a more personal experience and were able to ask personal and relevant questions. Overall, Year 12 enjoyed this experience and found it beneficial talking to the older girls who had so recently finished school. The current Year 12s found the experience to be advantageous, with some major takeaways being accepting even opportunity and challenge offered to us and managing our time to the best of our ability.
Ella Kenny Year 12
News from the Mission Department
Our Focus Goal for 2021 is a Personal and Active Faith in God. That goal was the focus of our prayers and reflections for Ash Wednesday, which was celebrated from ELC-Year 12 on 17 February. Students received a sprinkling of ashes and were invited to think about positive differences they can make in their lives during the Season of Lent. Staff who were not present in Pastoral attended a Prayer Ceremony in the Chapel.
Year 7 students have started going on Heritage Walks this week with our Director of Mission, John Mooney. Students take in our indoor sacred sites, such as our Chapel and painting of Mater Admirablis. This pilgrimage gives the student a greater understanding of KRB’s rich history and insight into our founders and the ethos of Sacred Heart Education.
Boarding
Buddies in Boarding
Year 7 student Rosalie (pictured centre) has two buddies – Katie, also from China, in Year 12, and Aleksia, a local boarder in Year 8.
Rosalie began studying at Kincoppal-Rose Bay in Term 4 2020. The one term spent in the Junior School helped her prepare for Australian secondary school.
“The lifestyle is more relaxed in Australia. I enjoy the time for recreation, there are lots of activities, such as formal dinners on Mondays and the special Chinese New Year we had recently.”
“I really enjoy being a boarder and sharing the opportunity to study with friends. The teachers, who are approachable and friendly, also help with homework.”
Katie and Aleksia’s friendship and support has been instrumental to Rosalie settling quickly at KRB.
“I like that boarders help each other with homework after school and play games together, including during Mr Bain’s Wednesday afternoon games.”
During the recent Boarding In-Weekend, Rosalie enjoyed paddle boarding, the slip n slide and various games.
“I enjoy the location close to the beach and to the shops. Paddle boarding was fun!”
Community
From the Advancement and Community Office
This year we will be organizing a number of events this year in a Covid safe way.
Events include:
- The Mother Child Breakfast for Barat-Burn students and their mothers and guardians on 7 May
- The Senior School Mother Daughter Lunch on 8 May
- The Father Daughter Breakfast on 3 September and the Father Daughter Lunch on 4 September.
- A Grandparents’ event in the week beginning 1 March. As we are unable to have visitors on site, the students are preparing a video and letters for their grandparents and relatives.
- A KRB country weekend in Ardlethan on 20 March being organised by Ali McLean, Penny Haddrill and Leisl White.
KRB BURSARY LONG LUNCH – 6 August 2021
“Bringing the Country to the City”
The KRB Bursary Long Lunch will be held on Friday 6 August at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Entertainment:
- Vince Sorrenti – MC
- Scott Finnie – The Piano Man
- Des Dowling – Comedian
All funds raised at the Lunch are directed to the KRB Bursary Fund.
A few points about Bursaries:
- A Bursary in the form of financial support for tuition and boarding fees is offered to a Senior School student whose family is struggling financially.
- Receiving a bursary is NOT based on academic or sporting ability
- Bursaries are means tested and a decision to award a bursary is made by the Principal
- Providing students with this opportunity gives them a chance to experience a KRB education
- Bursary students add to the rich diversity of culture that is a part of KRB
- Bursaries are particularly significant at this time when so many of our country families have been experiencing extreme hardship because of the drought
- We currently have 50 students in the Senior School receiving bursaries.
We need your support to make this Long Lunch a really fun day with great entertainment and successful for the Bursary Fund:
- Tables of ten are available for $1,800 plus GST. Please contact me if you would like to reserve a table
- You might like to sponsor a table for $3000, $5000 or $10,000 plus GST
- If you own your own company or are a director of a company and would like to offer sponsorship, please contact me.
Mary Cook
Director of Advancement & Community
02 9388 6024
cookm@krb.nsw.edu.au
Alumni Announcements
Nanny/housekeeper position
A family based on a cattle property 60kms out of Cooma are looking for a nanny/housekeeper for two boys, aged four and two, a baby arriving at the end of February. We are looking for someone who meets below criteria set out. Professional approach to childcare and the duties it entails. Previous nanny experience is preferable but not essential.
Duties: Looking after children, laundry, housework and some cooking.
Earn $350-$550 a week depending on experience, with bedroom and meals provided. Would suit someone studying or wanting a gap year or a more mature person with previous child care experience. Easy access to Canberra, Cooma, South Coast, Snowy Mountains. Option to negotiate days and hours. Please contact Manon (KRB Class of 2003) for further details 0421845987 or email manongarnock@gmail.com