Bulletin

More from the Opening College Mass on Thursday 04 February.

below:  High Achievers Academic Assembly

 Monday 15 February:   Year 12 Parent Teacher Google Meets - 4.00pm-7.30pm.

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Please see the Sport and Health Report article in this issue for approaching training and competition dates/timings. 
Information is also on the College website in Sport

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Dear Parents and Carers

Our College is committed to using its core identity as a Mary Aikenhead College to guide its mission and strategic planning.  I am today sharing with you via this link the Strategic Plan for St Vincent's College for 2021-2023.  The role of Strategic Plans has evolved, and they are usually now not designed for long periods of time and nor do they now contain a prescriptive list of "what to" and "how to".  The new world context has taught us the need for agility and strategy is more about intent and alignment with mission and values.  This new style allows for a rapid response to new opportunities and new challenges.  The College Board and College staff are looking forward to using this Strategic Plan to continue to grow and strengthen St Vincent's College's reputation as a contemporary, Catholic College committed to excellence in the holistic education of 21st Century girls.

It has been a big second week of the term with two major whole school events.  We were excited and delighted to invite back the distinguished scholars of the Class of 2020, and the accelerants of the Class of 2021 to the Academic Assembly.  There was something very special about being together for a whole school assembly - something we had not done since March 2020.  We were outside to comply with COVID, but this added to the comfort and spectacle of the occasion.  Awards were presented to our distinguished scholars, and two major awards presented to Mia Chaaya.  Firstly, The Grace Robinson Prize for the highest ATAR, and the Mary Aikenhead Education Award given to the highest ATAR obtained across the network of Mary Aikenhead Colleges.  Mia's gracious words to the College Assembly are worthy of your reflection and I include this link to the text of her speech.  This group of graduates are outstanding young citizens and it was wonderful to hear them excitedly speak of their Tertiary options for the coming year - Medical Science, Veterinary Science, Architecture, Science/French, Law/Engineering, to name but a few of the great offers they have received.  They left behind them a wonderful legacy of academic strength that future years will build upon.

The second whole school event was the Opening College Mass and the blessing of Student Leaders.  Mercifully, the weather allowed us to use the "Caritas Christi Cathedral" in relative comfort.  It was a great gift to us that Fr Tom Renshaw sj was our celebrant, and in his homily he gave the students much to reflect on about simple gestures of generosity and hospitality.  I thank Mrs Kenderes, Ms De Souza and Mr Weaver, all all who helped make this a very special celebration.

Today we farewell Ms Monica Jarman from her position at the College, and wish her all he best for her new leadership role.  In the short time she has been with us, she has made a big impact with her leadership of the English team.  I am delighted that Ms Susan Thomas, a deeply respected former teacher at the College, returns on Monday to take on Monica's classes.  We are very grateful for her flexibility to return for all of 2021.

I hope the students enjoy the commencement of Term 1 Sport tomorrow.  The weather is not looking too promising, but hopefully the games will go on.

Anne Fry
Principal 

The College community offers its condolences to the following who have lost a loved one recently:

 Jorja Duffy (Year 12) - Grandfather.

Charlotte Buckley (Year 8) - Aunt. 

Cara Gregorio (Year 8) - Grandfather.

Charli Dwyer (Year 11) - Grandfather.

May they rest in peace.

The Fathering Project

Please click on the link below for great tips and information:

Fathering Channel

Life at school has certainly swung into full action as students have immersed themselves into new classes and learning routines, with opportunity this week for celebration and prayer, and the commencement of co-curricular activities.

Wednesday morning’s Academic Assembly, recognising the success of our Class of 2020 High Achievers, provided a great resource of inspiration and strategy for our first CP lesson of the year where students were invited to set their own goals and identify the choices and actions they can commit to make these goals achievable over the next semester. Parents and carers are encouraged to support students in developing weekly routines at home to enable aspiration to translate into achievable actions.  Write these actions down and commit.  Amongst these routines, needs to be healthy sleep, nutrition and exercise, time committed to relationships - both family and peers, passion projects and time for leisure.  Each student needs a timetable of study that is broken down into time segments and subjects such that she is challenged to work hard but not overwhelm.  Know that your daughter’s teachers can support this organization of effective learning behaviours whilst healthy habits and time organization at home will be fundamental to your daughter achieving her goals.

Thursday morning’s Opening College Mass provided a sacred moment to gather as community, one we have not experienced as a whole school in quite some time.  We are blessed with our school grounds and each other; this Eucharistic celebration reminded us that we are each called to give of ourselves generously by seeing the good in each other and sharing our own giftedness so that we live fully.  I have witnessed many acts of welcoming others and giving of one’s best efforts renewed with the hopes of the year to come.  Year 7 students have now completed their Learning Boot Camp and are geared up for the term ahead.

I have sent letters to parents and carers of Years 10, 11 and 12 informing you of the Paul Dillon workshops next Friday 12 February.  Our curriculum extends to our partnership with you in the wellbeing of your daughter as we provide opportunities to educate our students in the healthy choices they make for themselves and in the care of their peers.  Paul’s workshops focus on:

Year 10 – ‘Young people, alcohol and risk taking: Looking after your mates’

Year 11 – ‘Alcohol and cannabis: What if something goes wrong?’

Year 12 – ‘Last year at school: What do I need to know about alcohol and other drugs?’

Paul’s presentations are very affirming of the positive choices made by young people which enable positive conversations and consequent impact upon adolescent behaviours.  Parents and carers across all years, you may be interested in Paul’s resources - Fact Sheets on topics raised during the presentations: http://darta.net.au/factsheetsparents/ and Paul’s blog for parents is also a great resource:  http://doingdrugs-darta.blogspot.com/ .  I thank the College P&F for their continued commitment to supporting this education.  Due to Covid guidelines we will not be able to offer a parent seminar until later in the year when we can reliably host a parent event.

Years 11 and 12 parents have also received letters regarding Early Leave; please know that permission slips must be returned and processed before students commence this leave to ensure our duty of care for students.

I hope the sun smiles on sport tomorrow.

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal

This week it has been wonderful to witness our learning community engaged in deep, purposeful teaching and learning as the academic year formally unfolds.  To mark this occasion, on Wednesday we celebrated the High Achievers' Academic Assembly for the Class of 2020.  More about this recognition of our most distinguished achievers has been written in Mrs Fry’s article, but I would like to acknowledge the inspiring words of Mia Chaaya, whose message has been wholeheartedly embraced by all of our students but particularly our most senior.  Our students often encounter obstacles in their learning that requires them to dig deep to exercise socio-emotional skills, resilience and sheer grit to overcome them.  As educators, we know that making mistakes is imperative to propel learning forward.  The age-old idea that failure is a negative thing can create harmful connotations in learning.  Students need to fail first to succeed long term.  Failure is the best opportunity to build up their confidence and engage them in powerful learning that sticks.  Mia referred to a disappointing result in her HSC year.  Thinking the worst about it, she concocted in her mind the idea that she would not receive a Band 6 (highest HSC band) in this subject.  After some initial tears, she changed her mindset.  She chose to look at the mistakes of this result as a powerful learning opportunity.  So powerful was this switched mindset, that with hardwork and close collaboration with her teachers she embraced every bit of feedback she could muster and achieved not only a Band 6 in this course - but 2nd in the State for Studies of Religion ll.  This story will serve as a powerful reminder to the Class of 2021 and indeed all of our students that in 2021 ‘our commitment is to create and respond generously to opportunities to learn and grow.’

Academic Support - Extended Day Program - Years 7-12

Every Tuesday and Thursday after school, the Extended Day Program offered to all students from Years 7 to 12 is held in the Diverse Learning Centre supervised by a member of our teaching staff who supervise, support and guide your daughter's homework and study, extending and resonating learning ‘opportunities to learn and grow’.  This initiative is designed to support students to optimise their independent learning time in relationship with and with support from their supervising teacher.  The quiet supportive space in Extended Day offers students an opportunity to complete their homework and study so they can go home to spend time unwinding with their family before bedtime.

There are two distinct sessions for students to attend, held each Tuesday and Thursday during the term:

Session 1 - 3.30pm to 6.00pm - Students who attend the first session must be collected at the Rockwall Crescent gate at 6.00pm sharp.

Session 2 - 4:30pm to 6:00pm(After Sport/Co-curricular) - Same as Session 1 with a delayed start so that students can complete their co-curricular activities or sport training prior to attending Extended Day.

Please know that your daughter is in our care for the duration of the Extended Day Program and we ensure that students are motivated and proactive in their study and homework.  In partnership with you as parents, please know that students will only be permitted to leave the College grounds at 6.00pm via Rockwall Crescent gate.  The supervising teacher will wait at the gate for each student to be collected.  As we take our duty of care very seriously, we cannot allow students to make their own way home via public transport, taxi or Uber and we ask that you please arrive promptly at Rockwall Gate to collect your daughter at the designated time. 

Please email collegesecretary@stvincents.nsw.edu.au or call (02) 9368 1611 before 9.00am on the day of your daughter’s booking, if there is any change to the person responsible for collecting your daughter that evening.  Bookings for Extended day are available via the College website: https://www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/learning/teaching-and-learning/extended-day-program/. 

We hope that you consider the possibility of your daughter joining this vital academic support service as we partner with you to optimise your child’s capacity and confidence to take ownership of her independent learning time. 

As part of our commitment to the pastoral and academic care of our students and in knowing our students and how they learn, we ensure that the diverse learning needs of students are met and differentiated for.  Your daughter has been placed in like-ability groupings based on her demonstrated academic capabilities and our teachers are experts in ensuring that each student is either extended or supported in their learning.  However, if you are concerned about your daughter’s particular learning needs or feel your daughter requires additional support, the Diverse Learning Team is there to support. Enquiries from parents/carers about their daughter’s particular learning support needs in the first instance should be directed to the Learning Support Coordinator, Ms Alanna Rose rosea@stvincents.nsw.edu.au.  Our teachers are skilled at ensuring that students with a disability are supported in learning and assessments through the provision of ‘reasonable adjustments’ in accordance with NESA and our Diverse Learning Policy.  We cater for our High Potential students (Gifted Students) with a GENE approach...Gifted Education Naturally Embedded.  In doing so we cater for each learner individually, to differentiate their learning and exercise their natural higher order thinking capacity ensuring motivation and challenge, curiosity and wonder.  Co-curricular opportunities are available to all students to participate in a myriad of high potential opportunities such as:  IQ Debates at ABC studios, Ethics Club, Philosphon.  Ms Donna Ginzburg ginzburgd@stvincents.nsw.edu.au is our High Potential Coordinator. 

I encourage you to discuss with your daughters the possibilities of learning enrichment and academic support at the College, as part of our 2021 commitment ‘to create and respond generously to opportunities to learn and grow.’

Mrs Jasmin Mano
Director of Teaching and Learning

We have begun.  Our Opening Mass of Thanksgiving for the Commencement of the Academic Year on Thursday morning was an example of blessing from start to finish.  We were truly blessed in the weather - not too hot and not wet - which meant that we could celebrate Mass at home, outside in our beautiful Caritas Christi Courtyard.  We blessed our student leaders and prayed for our new students.  Our celebrant, Fr Thomas Renshaw SJ, the recently appointed Rector of St Ignatius’ College, Riverview, spoke of his great association with St Vincent’s, as his aunts are past pupils.  He talked about the great cooperation between the Jesuits and the Sisters of Charity, and how we share Ignatian spirituality as a great jewel and prize.

Our Mass focused on Generosity of Spirit and what it means to be truly generous.  Fr Tom shared a story from his own experience of extraordinary generosity in India.  There he met people who, like the widow in our Gospel, gave all they had.  They gave out of their need, not out of their abundance. This experience for him was life-changing.  It taught him what true generosity is.  In India he was cared for by a family who wanted to ‘treat him as they would treat Christ if he visited.’  That’s a challenge for us this year.  Can we greet all people as if they are Jesus, and can we respond to their need by showing them the face of Jesus in return?

Year 7’s Charism Day went well, with a stroll up to St Canice’s Church, where our students could see the great community in action there.  Year 7 learned more about Mary Aikenhead and the sister from our College Companion, Sr Anne Taylor.  Time spent in the Chapel was very positive.

We’ve certainly made a good start.  Cahill House have led us in a book drive for St Canice’s Parish.  The team at St Canice’s have just launched a library for their clients.  Libraries are sometimes not welcoming or comfortable for those who make their home on the street, and the need for good reading material is great.  We have collected a car load of novels and the like, for St Canice’s.  The SVC community has come through again.

The Lasagna Project continues this year.  Next week’s roster is full, and the Boarding House has made 8 or more lasagnas, frozen and ready for delivery next Thursday morning.  During the break SVC staff and their families supported the Vinnies Night Patrol by staffing their ‘Day Patrol’.  Council restrictions due to Covid 19 have seen the cessation of the Night Patrol Van and a replacement with the Lunch Van, serving sandwiches and proving take-away packs of pantry items.  We reorganized cupboards and sheds, and thoroughly enjoyed working with each other and getting to know the clients who rely on the Vinnies van for help. 

This year we are looking forward to finding new ways to do outreach within Covid safe restrictions.  We refuse to be restricted - instead we will just find other safe ways to love others and respond generously to the needs of those we meet.

Mrs Jo Kenderes
Director of Faith and Mission

On the first Boarding In Weekend, we undertook our College value of Generosity of Spirit.  The whole Boarding House got together to cook an assortment of lasagnes for St Canice, our local parish.  This was a good learning experience, Ms Tardo came in to immerse us in her Italian background and taught us her own recipes and how to make homemade lasagne to take back to our family to pass on the recipe at home. 
- Dakota Macourt

On the Friday afternoon, there were two movies shown at the top of the Tarmons building, Nanny McPhee for the juniors (and the seniors who wanted to watch it) and Pay It Forward for the seniors, with a choice of chips and popcorn for snacks.  Pay It Forward features a young boy in middle school who is assigned by his teacher to go out and change the world.  He comes up with the idea of “pay it forward” where he significantly helps three people and only asks for them to do the same.  The ‘pay it forward’ movement spreads through the globe, with people helping each other for no other reason than to be kind.  This movie was chosen to encourage this year’s College theme ‘Generosity of Spirit’, as it urges us to help those in need because we are able to.  It was a heartwarming film about giving up your time and your energy for those less fortunate, whether it be financially, mentally, or even romantically. 
- Sarah Puntoriero

Last Sunday we went to Jamberoo Action Park.  The weather wasn’t the best and when we were on the bus it was pouring.  Lucky for us by the time we got there, the rain had calmed down a bit and it wasn’t as bad as it was while going there. Everyone went into groups and went around the park to all the different water park activities, like the 'Funnel Web' and 'Perfect Storm'; the biggest rides at the park.  Thank you to MOD for taking us there and thanks to Hannah, Susan and Prue for looking after us.
- Molly Murray

An 'In Weekend' provides an opportunity for the whole Boarding House to spend quality time together and welcome our new Boarders into our community. We have 15 new Boarders this year (in Year 7, Year 10 and Year 11) and it is important to show them our support and encouragement at the tough time of leaving home to start Boarding.  I am always heartened listening to the words of encouragement given by a current Boarder to those who are feeling down, unsure of their surroundings and feeling a little lost.  Each Boarder has lived it, and through their generosity they share their experiences so that others can feel a little lighter knowing that there are many others around them to help out and support them.

I would like to welcome not only the new Boarders to our community, but also new staff.  Mrs Fry and I are very fortunate to have appointed Mrs Hannah Whittemore as Deputy Head of Boarding.  Hannah will work from Friday afternoons until Monday evening on the Year 10/11/12 floor, but with an overarching intent to lead the Boarding House on weekends.  For any issues during this time, please do not hesitate to contact Hannah.  We also welcome Ms Genevieve Neich, who will work alongside Hannah with the Year 10/11/12's during the week.  Genevieve has recently graduated from university so she is keen and excited to spend quality time assisting the seniors with their study.  Ms Grace Hayes has recently been appointed to the Year 7/8/9 floor for this year.  Grace worked in Term 4 for us, and we warmly welcome her back, providing her humour and fun for our junior Boarders'.

Some dates to note in your diaries for the year:

In Weekends:

Term 1 Week 7 - 12-14 March

Term 2 Week 7 - 04-06 June

Term 3 Week 1 - 16-18 July

Term 3 Week 9 - 10-12 September

Term 4 Week 3 - 22-24 October

Term 4 Week 9 - 03-05 December.

To give you early notice, the Boarding House will remain open during the June long weekend (11-14 June) as Term 2 concludes on 18 June.

Thank you to those parents who were able to attend the parent function on 26 January.  Fingers crossed that we do get to celebrate with more of you throughout the year and hopefully in the regional areas for the Expos.

Yours in Boarding

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

 Below:   Jambaroo

It has been wonderful to see Performing Arts students back in Garcia classrooms and Tarmons Dance studio.  Students have been enthusiastically preparing themselves for a really creative year ahead.  It is also good to see the enrolments online for Dance, Drama and Music ensembles and co-curricular lessons and auditions beginning for the year ahead.

Please ensure your daughter reads Student Administration notices to ensure she has all dates, times and requirements for her ensembles and classes.

College Production 2021 - A Little Shakespeare

It was such a pleasure to commence auditioning students from Years 7-12 at lunchtime this week.  What exciting new talents we have at the College, and of course our current performers auditioned with verve.  All students are welcome to join our College Productions and I always ensure there are chorus roles for students that may not be ready for a speaking role just yet, and creative and technical roles for those who wish to explore the visuals and backstage roles of theatre.  After last year’s changes in rehearsal and performance safety requirements due to COVID, I have had to think laterally to ensure we can have a creative College Production experience this year whilst ensuring we can go to a Foxford-style rehearsal and filmed version of our Production if we have to, consequently Years 7, 8 and 9 will rehearse together on Tuesdays but creating separate scenes so that if we have to rehearse one Year group at a time we can facilitate this safely.  Years 10, 11 and 12 will rehearse together on Thursdays, but again with separate scenes.

A Permission Note will be made available soon and the Production dates for live performance will be in June - with final dates and times to be confirmed.

Ms Catherine Johnson
Head of Performing Arts and Drama Teacher

Dance Update

The College received the  exciting news that Elise Babbage, in Year 9, auditioned to be a member of the Sydney Dance Company’s Youth Ensemble, and was successful.  The Youth Ensemble has been developed by Sydney Dance Company to challenge, extend and nurture future contemporary dancers.  Elise will have the opportunity to work with esteemed industry specialists, choreographers and teaching artists throughout the year. 

Since Year 7, Elise has been an integral member of our Dance program, involved in our Dance ensembles and now, in our Year 9 elective Dance class.  It is rewarding to see the progress she has made through hard work and determination.  Congratulations on your offer Elise, we are so excited for you and look forward to viewing some of the work created in the session. 

Mrs Alana Santi
Dance Teacher

This week we farewell, reluctantly, Ms Monica Jarman who has been the Head of Department of English for the past two years.  She has shown tremendous generosity of spirit to her colleagues and students.  In such a short space of time, she has fostered a culture of collaboration, collegiality and academic excellence in the department.  We thank Ms Jarman for being so generous with her time and sharing of pedagogical insights and resources with the team.  Her passion for teaching and learning has been contagious.  It has been an extremely rewarding experience to work with Monica in my role as Assistant Head of English.  Nelson Mandela once said “A leader is like a shepherd.  He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind."  Monica’s leadership has allowed us to feel empowered in our own teaching.  She has inspired us to find new ways of doing things, and encouraged us to take risks.  Her strong work ethic and modelling of working together to achieve a common purpose has motivated the students at SVC to do the same.  Her generosity of spirit will never be forgotten.  We wish Ms Jarman well as she embarks on the next chapter in her professional career.  She will be dearly missed.  

Ms Anita Playoust
(Acting) Head of Department English

St Vincent’s College is proud to offer students the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award program.  This program aims to develop confident, independent and resilient individuals who have the skills to meet challenges they encounter head on.  It is a self-development program available to all young people aged 13 years and 9 months and upwards.  It is non-competitive and encourages participants to set and achieve goals at a level appropriate to their needs.  The Award provides the opportunity to experience a sense of personal achievement through individual challenge, team work and fun.  It is well-regarded in the community and by many employers.

The Award Sections

There are four sections that must be completed for a young person to qualify for an Award:  Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journeys. The Service, Skill and Physical Recreation components are to be completed individually by participant and must be in addition to their academic studies. Adventurous journeys involve challenging overnight adventures in unfamiliar environments and learning new skills like navigation and campcraft.  Students organise and book their adventurous journey externally through a reputable camp provider. These activities provide an opportunity for students to acquire and develop skills, initiative and self-esteem which will help them become more confident and contributing members of the community.

Participants design their own program by selecting activities they are interested in, setting their own goals and striving to achieve their own potential.  The Award is complementary to many other activities that girls may already be doing as part of their sporting and co-curricular commitments both within and external to the College, and helps to recognise their efforts in these areas.  

There are three levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold.  Students 13 years and 9 months may start at the Bronze level.  Students aged 15 years may attempt the Silver level and students aged 16 may attempt the Gold level. 

We hope your daughter will take advantage of the opportunity to join this internationally recognised program.  Further information, enrolment forms and payment details will be provided next week.  For more information about the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, go to:  www.dukeofed.com.au

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at the College on 9368 1611 or email robsons@stvincents.nsw.edu au . 

Ms Sophie Robson
Duke of Edinburgh Co-Ordinator

Please find the following information about careers opportunities available to students and their parents.

UCAT

UCAT free information webinar for those interested in finding more about UCAT, the compulsory pathway into Medicine, Dentistry and some other health science programs.  Interested students and parents must register via this link .  More information can be found at www.nie.edu.au

Charles Sturt University

In 2021 Charles Sturt University has many events lined up for students and parents.  Find the CSU events calendar here and see what this excellent regional university has to offer.

ACU 

Register here to join one of ACU’S experienced Student Ambassadors for a Guided Visit.  See first hand the state of the art nursing labs, moot courts and more on the NSW and ACT campuses.  Spots are limited due to social distancing requirements.

Fast Track Traineeship Program 

Successful applicants commence a 12-month traineeship with a leading stud farm, while studying for a Certificate III in Horse Breeding.  The course offers an unmatched introduction to the thoroughbred industry and is perfect for anyone with a passion for horses - no prior thoroughbred experience is necessary.  Visit the link found here for more details.

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

Sport Staff Contacts for Term 1 2021:

Co-ordinator of Sport:  Ms Jacinta Jacobs:  0418 416 663 / jacobsj@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Head of Tennis:  Ms Therese Taylor:  0408 711 881
Head of Touch:  Ms Elyse Harmanis:  0434 610 870   
Head of Water Polo:  Ms Hayley Boatswain:  0404 267 554

Head of Swimming/Cross Country:  Ms Jacinta Jacobs:  0418 416 663.

Website details:   www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/learning/sport 

For all draw and venue information go to:   www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/sport/weekly-sports-draw/

TERM 1 SPORT

TOUCH

Welcome back to all players, especially our Year 7's.  The EAST's competition officially starts Saturday 6 February at Reservoir and Mission Fields.

All training and draw information can be found on the College website under Sport/Touch.  Please make sure that all players arrive at the fields in full College Sports uniform and at least 20 minutes before their scheduled start time for warm up.  Good luck to all teams for the term ahead.

The best place to check for Wet Weather Information is the Easts Touch Association website or Facebook page.  Especially this weekend as it is forecast to be very wet.  Please remember that COVID safety measures will still be enforced, such as no sharing of equipment and no hand shaking.  No spectators will be allowed at this competition for the first two weeks.  This will then be assessed, and we will let you know the procedures to watch some of the matches -  Easts website.  

Ms Elyse Harmanis
Head Touch Coach

above:  Year 7 Firsts

SANTA SABINA VOLLEYBALL

This year we are entering six teams in the popular Santa Sabina Volleyball competition at Strathfield.  This competition does not commence until next Saturday 13 February, and is always played on the grass courts at the back of the College behind the pool.  Information regarding spectators will be in the next Bulletin.

All team information can be found on the College website and the draw will be placed there once it is finalised.  All players should now be aware of their training times and must let the head coach Elyse know if they cannot attend for any reason.  Full Sports uniform is to be worn to all training sessions and matches. Please note the Santa Sabina wet weather information is tweeted on:  https://twitter.com/santasports   

Ms Elyse Harmanis
Head Volleyball Coach 

IGSSA SATURDAY AND TILDESLEY TENNIS

Training has commenced this week for the IGSSA Tennis and competition commences on Saturday 6 February for all teams.  Training sessions for these teams are held on the College courts from either 7.15am 8.25am or 3.15pm-4.30pm.  Players are to check the College website or Sports noticeboard for their team's training sessions and draw.  IGSSA is using our SVC courts again this year, so all teams should get at least one game at home.  All girls are to let their coach Therese or Tonya know if they cannot make a session or match so that they can organise a substitute if necessary.

If you are playing at the College, please use the Rockwall Street gate entrance and allow adequate time to find parking so that you arrive 30 minutes prior to start time to sign in and warm up.  Please see our convenor, Ms Gemma Thompson, if there are any problems.  Please remember that Covid safety measures will still be enforced, such as no sharing of equipment and no hand shaking.  Spectators are permitted at most venues, however, they must check in with the QR code with the convenor.  Please view the link HERE for further instructions of COVID restrictions at various venues.

Training for the Tildesley Shield (which is held at Pennant Hills on 17-18 March, will be held on Monday 7.15am-8.25am and Wednesday afternoons from 3.15pm-4.30pm, on the College courts. 

All girls are to get to let their coach Therese or Tonya know if they cannot make a session.  Any new tennis players to the College who are not in this squad are to contact Therese for more information if interested.

Ms Therese Taylor
Head Tennis Coach

WATER POLO

The ESSG competition has some very high standard teams and we are going to have some challenging games this season.  All teams are training hard and we should see some excellent progression throughout the season.  This Saturday, 6 February, all of our nine teams commence competition and will be playing some top-quality matches.  Good luck to all teams for the season!

Please check the College website or the Sports Noticeboard for training times and draws.  Water polo does usually still go ahead regardless of weather.  It may only be cancelled if there is lightning or a problem at the venue.  Please make sure that you arrive at the venue 30 minutes prior to start time to sign on and warm up.  COVID-safety measures will be used at all venues, such as no sharing of equipment and no hand-shaking.  Spectators are permitted at most venues, however, they must check in with the QR code with the convenor.  Some schools such as Queenwood and Danebank are not allowing any spectators this term.

Please view more specific venue COVID restrictions HERE .

Just a heads up regarding spectators at some schools due to COVID.  Below are the current procedures at PLC:

• Strictly, one spectator per player is permitted (exclusive of heads of sport, water polo convenors etc)
• Entry and exit to the College should be through the Boundary Street pedestrian gate (right next to the roundabout)
• Entry for players 20 minutes prior to the start of the game
• Entry for spectators 10 minutes prior to the start of the game and they will be required to sign on using the Service NSW QR code upon arrival.  If they cannot do this, unfortunately, they will not be able to attend the game. 
• Spectators will then be asked to remain in 'holding bays' outside the pool until they are invited into the pool area by the Convenor/COVID Marshall - after all players and spectators from the previous timeslot have vacated the building.

Jordan, one of our water polo coaches, will be running a swim session on Wednesday mornings from 7.15am-8.15am for any keen swimmers and water polo players.  All levels are catered for and you can come to one or all.  This commenced on Wednesday 3 February and was a great session. Please email Ms Jacobs if you would like to join in from next Wednesday (10 February).

Ms Hayley Boatswain
Head Water Polo Coach

above:  Year 7 Water Polo

SWIMMING TRAINING AND IGSSA SWIMMING CARNIVAL

All Years 7-10 PDHPE classes will be completing swimming trials over the next week, mainly to get times for our Year 7's and any new students who missed the College Swimming Carnival in Term 4.  These times will give the Sports staff an indication of who should be in the IGSSA team, along with those who have already been selected from the main carnival.  There will be some swim-offs with the best Year 7 swimmers against the selected 13 year old Year 8's on Tuesday 23 February at lunchtime, and more information will be emailed to these girls.  Any swimmers who train and compete outside of school who have official times for longer distances (eg 100, 200 or 400m) are to email these to Ms Jacobs for consideration for the IGSSA team.

This year we will be competing in the CGSSSA Swimming Carnival instead of IGSSA.  The CGSSSA  Carnival is being held on Tuesday 9 March at Ryde Aquatic Centre, and there will be a meeting/relay session for all squad members at lunchtime on Tuesday 2 March to finalise details. 

Jordan, one of our water polo coaches, will be running a swim session on Wednesday mornings from 7.15am-8.15am, for any keen swimmers and water polo players.  All levels are catered for and you can come to one or all sessions.  Any potential IGSSA squad members must come to these sessions, unless they are already in a squad outside of school.  These swim sessions commenced this week, but if you would like to join in from next week please email Ms Jacobs.  There is no additional cost. 

FITNESS AND CROSS COUNTRY

Fitness training with Tash commences on Wednesday (17 February) and will be on every Monday and Wednesday afternoon as we prepare for the IGSSA Cross Country Carnival at Frensham on Friday 7 May, in Term 2.  We are allowed to enter up to ten competitors in each age group and this acts as the St Vincent’s Cross Country Championships - as first girl in from each age group will be awarded our Age Champion.  We would like to have a minimum of three per age group for the relay point scores, so we are looking for more competitors.  12 and 13 years only run 3km, with all other girls doing 4km except 18 years who have to do 6km.

All levels of fitness will be catered for at the training sessions and are not just for those wanting to do cross country.  Any students wishing to improve their fitness are invited to come to one or both days. There is no additional cost, so please please email Ms Jacobs if you would like to sign up.

above:  Training at SVC

TERM 2 SPORT REGISTRATIONS

Registrations are now open for Term 2 Sport and close on Friday 19 February at 3.00pm.  Students can select from IGSSA Soccer, IGSSA Basketball, SEHA Hockey and Wednesday Netball at St Catherine’s.  Year 7 Netball next term will consist of skills development and mini games at SVC on Thursday afternoons.

Netball is organised by Elyse Harmanis, one of our excellent coaches, and she really does run a great development program.  Term 2 netball is all about getting ready for the big IGSSA competition in Term 3 and will concentrate on fitness and skill development.

To register you need to go onto the College website  http://www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/Sport, then click Term 2 Registrations.  You will need to know your student ID and email address and have permission from your parents to play.  If you have any problems doing this, please contact the Sports Department immediately.

SPORTS STARS OF THE WEEK

This section is to make the College community aware of some of the exceptional athletes we have in the College.  If your daughter has represented her state or country recently in her chosen Sport, please send us any results, photos or blurbs on her performance to jacobsj@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Congratulations to Maggie Eisenhauer, Year 9, who won the prestigious Sydney Branch Junior Lifesaver of the Year last Sunday.  Maggie is a member at Bronte Surf Club and was chosen from an impressive field of 12 finalists, SLS Sydney JDC have endorsed Maggie as a very worthy recipient of this Award.  We wish her well as she will now go to the SLSNSW JLOTY Development Camp representing Sydney Branch, and vying for the title of SLSNSW Junior LifeSaver of the Year. 

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-ordinator of Sport

CANTEEN REMINDER:   NO CARD - NO PURCHASE. 

-  You MUST bring your card with you to the canteen to purchase.

-  You need to refill money onto your card at least 1 (one) hour BEFORE using it (as it takes that long to generate onto the card).

-  There are GLUTEN FREE products available but only when purchased through online ordering. 

 View next week's CANTEEN SPECIALS: 08-12 February 2021  HERE

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Selina Richardson
Site Manager

Catering Industries Pty Ltd | St Vincent’s College
Phone: 1300 364 092 | Main Phone: 9361 2420

Dennis@cateringindustries.com.au  |  www.cateringindustries.com.au

A warm welcome to our new and returning families for 2021.

The St Vincent’s College Business Directory is a community initiative created to connect families, staff, alumni and supporters of the College in a practical and mutually beneficial way.  Our hope is that our community chooses to support other College families when doing business.

If you have not yet registered your business and would like to do so, please register here 

Jane Palin
Community and Alumnae Relations Manager 

For those new to our community or anyone that hasn’t had a chance yet to get involved in the P&F, it would be great to see you at one of our meetings this year.  We have one meeting per term and everyone is welcome.  At this stage our first meeting will be held via Zoom, and it is a great way to understand how the P&F works and how we work with the school.  Don’t worry, we won’t sign you up for anything! 

P&F Meeting dates for your diary:  23 February; 11 May; 03 August; 02 November in 2021 - 6.00pm.

I will be in touch with other news and events over the term and in the meantime, if you have any questions, thoughts or suggestions at any time, please feel free to contact me on 0400 583 677.

Katherine Aitken
P&F President