Pastoral Care
A Message From our College Captains
Hi! As College Captains, Arabella and William, we are incredibly excited to welcome the 2026 Year 7 cohort into our College community - we can’t wait to meet you all!
Right now, you all come from different schools, suburbs and postcodes, but soon enough, this Rosebank year group will become like your family as you discover, learn and grow together over the next few years.
One of the unique things about Rosebank is the abundance of opportunities we have. As captains, our best advice would be to give everything a go! From co-curricular activities such as musical ensembles, representative sports teams, lunchtime activities, immersions and excursions, you will soon start to feel like you belong here at Rosebank, making lasting connections with peers and teachers.
As Ms Nastasi says, ‘If you want to go to a great school, make it a great school’, and we truly believe that your graduating class of 2031 will play a big part in making this place even more special!
Don’t be afraid to show off your talents, try new things and step outside your comfort zone… you never know what might happen! From the bottom of our hearts, we love this school, and we hope that you will learn to love it as much as we do. If you ever need a helping hand or are looking for some guidance, don’t be a stranger!
Siena Roach & Leo Nelson, 2026/2027 College Captains
Dean of Pastoral Care:
Ms Clark
Assistant Dean of Pastoral Care (Senior School):
Mr Mavritsakis
Assistant Dean of Pastoral Care (Middle School):
Ms Neylan
Pastoral Care permeates all elements of the College, helping to create a sense of belonging and connection. It assists in enabling students to reach their full potential in their physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual development. Drawing on the teachings of Saint Benedict and the Parable of the Good Samaritan, we aim to develop young, community-minded people of outstanding character. By actively promoting wellbeing and balance, we aim to empower young people through self-reflection and improvement.
Our vertical Pastoral Care structure has the House as its foundation. When students join the College, they are placed into one of ten House groups for Pastoral Care initiatives. All students attend Home Room each morning. Years 7, 8 and 9 are together in Middle School Home Rooms and Years 10, 11 and 12 are together in Senior School Home Rooms. Each has its own Home Room teacher who works together with the House Coordinator and Assistant House Coordinator to support the students.
To build identity, Year 7 come together at Form Briefings for discussions around issues specific to their year group. Student activities and achievements are also acknowledged.
Houses
Each House is named after a significant person in the history of Rosebank or the local area. The selection of these patrons reflects the nature of our community; dedicated religious persons and people who have made a positive difference in our world. You can learn more about our Houses here
EmpowerED Program
This dynamic program is designed to equip our students with the social and emotional learning required to navigate the complexities of teenage life. During our weekly EmpowerED lessons, the POWER program is delivered to all year groups, covering age-appropriate topics that address the overarching pillars of social-emotional learning, Personal Identity, Ownership, Wellbeing, including Emerging Leadership and Relationships.
In Year 7, we focus on the transition into high school and the building of resilience through the development of a set of skills and personal resources. The Peer Support Program, connects our Year 7 students to Year 10 Peer Leaders who assist in guiding them throughout their first semester, orienting them to high school and helping them overcome challenges. During Semester Two, our Year 7 students engage in the Rosebank Tool Belt Program (RTB), fostering resilience and promoting positive mental health in teenagers. These activities help our students accept challenges, grow and learn in a supportive environment.
Community At Rosebank Enables Safeguarding (CARES)
Rosebank is committed to providing a safe and nurturing culture and learning environment for all children and young people. At all times, the ongoing safety and wellbeing of children and young people in its care remains the primary focus of decision-making.
The CARES program provides students with easy access to a confidential, online reporting system via the Student Portal. Students who may not wish to engage a staff member directly for assistance or advice, are encouraged to access CARES and click on the “Speak Out” icon to communicate their concerns about their own issues, or those of a fellow student. These reports are received and actioned directly by the Pastoral Care team.
Counselling Services
Rosebank has a number of registered psychologists providing access to counselling services to all students during the school day. The primary role of the College Counsellor is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to support students who may be facing life challenges. Contact your child’s House Coordinator or the counsellors directly if you would like to discuss any adolescent issues or seek referral options. Our counsellors are able to link with external providers that our students may be engaging with to ensure consistent care: counsellor@rosebank.nsw.edu.au
Students, Teachers and parents can refer students via the counselling exchange page.
Student Leadership
Leadership is not about rising above the rest but helping others to exceed their own expectations. At Rosebank, student leadership is a way for students in all year groups to voice their opinions and contribute authentically to their community in the Benedictine spirit of service.
The Student Representative Council (SRC) is a structure that enables students to identify the goals of the student body, as well as propose strategies for meeting those needs. Two House representatives are elected from each year group and meet regularly with the House Coordinators.
Each representative is selected to work on a committee where they discuss issues that affect the whole student body. These committees include Student Forum, Wellbeing, Learning, Ministry, Culture and Identity, Sustainability and Social Justice. You can learn more about student leadership at Rosebank here
Year 7 Orientation Camp
As students in Year 7 come from various primary schools, an important way in which we foster a sense of togetherness and belonging, is through the participation of students in an Orientation Camp. This is a compulsory two-night camp held in Term 1 and provides an opportunity for the students to get to know each other and their teachers, in a positive, fun and supportive environment.
Student Welfare Policies
Rosebank’s published policies can be found on the College website.
These policies include:
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Bullying Prevention and Intervention
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Child Safeguarding Policy
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Complaints Management and Resolution
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Enrolment Policy and Guidelines
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GSE Philosophy of Education
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GSE Safeguarding Children Commitment Statement
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GSE Statement on the Voice and Experience of Women
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Parental Code of Conduct
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Privacy Policy
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Rosebank Safeguarding Young People Statement of Commitment
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Student Duty of Care
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Student Management and Discipline Guidelines
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Student Welfare Charter
Uniform and Grooming Code
Parents and students are to familiarise themselves with Rosebank's Uniform and Grooming Code located in the Student Diary