Bulletin

Friday 11 March - 7.00pm-11.00pm:  Year 12/2022 Formal - Wisteria Room and Lawn at Centennial Homestead, Centennial Parklands.

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Saturday 12 March - 6.30pm-10.30pm:  P&F Cocktail Party - College grounds.  To book click here by Monday 07 March 2022  (see the article in 'SVC Community' at the end of this issue).

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Thursday 17 March:  College Photos  (see Mr Hekeik's article in the subtitle below).

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Fri 18, Sat 19, Sun 20 March:   Boarders' IN Weekend.

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2022 Foxford Days (Students are actively engaged in online learning based at home):

23 May; (27 October to be confirmed).

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College photographs are scheduled to be taken on Thursday 17 March.  While Year 7 students will receive an order envelope next week, ordering your daughter's photos can be done online at www.advancedlife.com.au using the 9 digit advance order code: NZP A6K V5V.   

If you prefer to pay cash an order envelope can be collected from Student Services.  If you require further information please contact me by email hekeikj@stvincents.nsw.edu.au.

Mr Joseph Hekeik
Head of Administration

Dear Parents and Carers

On Wednesday our College community commemorated Ash Wednesday and accepted Pope Francis' call to stand with the people of Ukraine.  The trauma and torment etched into the faces of the Ukrainian people does not make for easy viewing on the nightly news.  Their plight has found its way into our consciousness, and now in Lent we have a time especially set aside to pray for them and to offer humanitarian support in whichever way we can respond.  I commend the excellent participation of students in each of the House-based liturgies and the preparation of the liturgies by Mrs Kenderes.

The weather has been extreme this week, almost every day except the day the forecast was for a 1:1000 year event!  My apologies for declaring a Foxford day for Thursday, as in the end the weather did not warrant such a radical response.  We had four days scheduled for the year, and because we used one on Thursday I will withdraw the Term 3 date of 25 August.  We will modify our calendars to show this date will be a full school day of operation.

I am exceptionally grateful for the flexibility and enthusiasm shown on Thursday at such short notice.  It is still a marvel to me that such deep learning can take place despite the teacher and student being so physically separate.  It opens up a world of possibilities.  While the day ended up not warranted on the grounds of weather, I hope the four-day break will prove to have been a circuit breaker for our Covid transmission.

We are, as the week ends, looking forward to the return of many of our students, who will by Monday have completed their mandatory isolation period.  It will be great to be back together in classes, Houses and Tutor groups.

In a week that has been dominated by grim news.  I delight in sharing some very happy local news.  Ms Mariann Barkho and husband David, have yesterday welcomed their beautiful baby girl.  Welcome to the world, Mizra!

In hope,

Yours sincerely

Anne Fry
Principal

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

Kye-Tehya Williams-Brown (Year 7) - Great-Grandmother.

May she rest in peace.

“Success does not come from what you do occasionally - it comes from what you do consistently” - Maree Forleo

This sage advice from American life coach Maree Forleo, underscores the importance of the resilience needed to succeed in students’ learning this year. During the term we have started to provide students with strategies and individual tools that experience has shown to be helpful in studying as well as learning generally.  As the semester continues, all students will have opportunities to work on the skills needed to assist learning.

Much of the big ideas are not cutting edge, but some tried and tested practices are now supported by research in how the brain works and how we learn in particular.  I have encouraged students to set substantial worthwhile goals that can be broken down into smaller more immediate goals that can be checked off to track progress.  A study timetable, that divides up the week into times of active study and time away from the desk to support learning through activities that nourish and support wellbeing.  These may include time with family and friends, sport, part time work, leisure and cultural pursuits.  Such a timetable should be highly visible, whether that be on a screen or poster on the wall in their study space - the idea of being ‘in your face reminding you’ is best.

All students need a suitable quiet place to study where all of the requirements to assist them are at hand and distractions are minimized as much as possible.  Where possible natural light, good ventilation with fresh air and a supportive chair are essentials.  The concept of the 50-minute hour where ten minutes each hour is time to refresh, stretch, move away from the desk and chair, is a good routine to establish.  Discipline is needed to make the break, keep to 10 minutes and to ensure the work time is 50 minutes.

I have challenged students to think carefully about an approach that has a base position of doing only the bare minimum in their work.  Only just doing what is required, or at the last minute, robs students of the opportunity to extend the learning and achieve much closer to their potential.  Struggling with a new idea or a difficult question and pursuing it until a student gets on top of the issue is the most effective pattern in making significant progress in their learning journey.  The growth mindset of “not yet” rather than “failure” is critical in a positive outlook to learning.  In learning from our “mistakes/errors” we move in a new direction and are not defined by them.  Often the small change pursued consistently will reap significant reward when adopted early.

Mr Bob Anderson
Director of Teaching and Learning and Education Administration

It is with the greatest pleasure that we offer a mid-term snapshot below of HouseLife@Vinnies.  We are most grateful to our Pastoral House Teams (Tutors, Heads of Houses and Student Representatives) for their dedication to creating ‘Houses that feel like Homes’.

AIKENHEAD HOUSE:

There is a House-wide level of resilience, determination and appreciation to be back on campus with familiar peers and teachers…now the masks have peeled away, we can see the smiles and contentment of our students.  Plus the unmuffled class responses!  Ahhh...

Our House teachers report widespread support for maintaining our House catch cry, ROARS, claiming our students “get it” and are motivated by its succinct and relevant messaging which is anchored on the combination of Neuroplasticity and Angela Duckworth's Grit Theory.  The College goal of rigour, resilience and responsibility, presented in James Nottingham’s Learning Pit, explicitly links with ROARS.  Our students will benefit from the synergy of these interconnected messages.

The return to vertical Tutor groups has revitalised our sense of unity and connection…a strong representation of our Aikenhead spirit.

Student involvement in activities, social justice initiatives and co-curricular groups have been a clear reflection of the spirit, willingness to serve and generosity…characteristics of our House.

It is validating and rewarding to dialogue with our students about merits and breaches of College expectations in a supportive, respectful and responsive manner.  It is clear there is wide support for the high expectations and support we have of each other.  Our parents have been so wonderfully supportive of our efforts, in which we create an engaging and safe learning environment. 

A big thank you to parents who have emailed/called our Tutor teachers with appreciation.  It adds another spring to our collective steps.

It takes a passionate community to raise ‘courageous women of action’, especially in such a complicated world.

We work in such a wonderful education sanctuary, full of good educators, carers and learners.

It is such ‘a positive’ to be part of the Vinnies’ team.

CAHILL HOUSE:

We have started our Lenten Project Compassion this week, and it was great to see lots of people buying Shrove Tuesday pancakes for our humanitarian fundraising!

Our Charism team and Cahill House musicians worked hard to organise the Ash Wednesday liturgy this week.  We were happily joined by our Cahill Year 7 students.

Our chapel has become the space for a daily prayer vigil during recess and lunch for those suffering in Ukraine.

Our Cahill Cuts Curls 2019 has joined forces with the Social Justice team for the Ponytail Project - raising funds for cancer research…everyone who would like to take part at the end of term, keep growing out those locks!

We are looking forward to our Camps and Retreats…such a great bonding experience and a chance to have fun away from home.

CATER HOUSE:

Students and teachers have loved sharing their stories of fun excitement, gatherings and family celebrations that were allowed over the Christmas break.

We have spent the first few weeks of term setting expectations and hopes for ourselves as a Tutor group and as a House.

We have taken time to celebrate the individual achievements of our Cater Cats; whether they be Surf Life Saving, participation in the Youth United Nations, Oztag Championships or Environmental Alliances and Ethics competitions.

We encourage each other to make the right choice and to be the best version of ourselves.

We aim to meet and/or exceed expectations whilst finding joy in the small moments.

With the guidance and encouragement of our exceptional Tutor teachers, we are focused on the fun and enjoyment that can be had in each other's company…the sharing of experiences…and seeking supportive advice and wisdom from across our Cater community.

DE LACY HOUSE:

We would like to show our appreciation to the Caritas team for the beautiful prayer of Hope that accompanies us in celebrating this year's College value of Hope.

Our House Officers, House Captain and Student Leaders have been doing a sterling job in assisting, organising and contributing to our House Assemblies…and especially our very moving Ash Wednesday liturgy.

We would like to acknowledge the great academic attainment of our 'Maths Olympians' who performed with excellence in our recent 'Maths Olympiad'! 

We are grateful to our incredible Charism Captain and Director of Faith and Formation, for creating a space in our College chapel…a vigil for the people of Ukraine.  The theme of daily prayers include… the children…the women…and soldiers of Ukraine.

We are so pleased that our Vinnies’ Sports program has resumed and delighted that many of the girls have been registering for soccer, netball, hockey and basketball…such De Lacy spirit!

What a great start to the year we have had…

O'BRIEN HOUSE:

In our House Assemblies we have reflected upon what it means to be hope-filled…and that hope is not wishful thinking but a drive that requires energy and effort. 

Our hope for the House is that students develop a capacity to identify ways they can be of service to each other in their exploration of the value of hope - from small acts of kindness to committing oneself whole-heartedly to make the most of every lesson every day…

Students have been excited to remove their masks finally and enabled greater connections within the classroom.

Respect for the opportunity of an education is the focus of O’Brien House’s social justice project…

…In 2015, several O’Brien students and I were privileged to attend the Tanzanian Immersion where we saw the amazing work being done at the School of St Jude.  This school was set up by ex-student Gemma Rice, who started her dream with a $10 donation, one teacher and three students in a small room in 2002.  The school now educates more than 1,900 students across several campuses and many have entered university to continue their dream of an education and ensure their positive contribution to Tanzanian society as doctors, teachers, engineers and politicians of the future.  Such a worthwhile initiative from a St Vincent’s College graduate resonated with our O’Brien girls, and we now sponsor a young woman called Warda, in the secondary school. Check out the School of St Jude here and see the amazing work being done there.

Our challenge this year is to make the small changes that will have a big impact…this might be to ‘ask one question every cycle in each class’, always complete homework or to support another student’s learning in or outside of the classroom.

We have started the year off well - excellent uniform, attendance and punctuality to lessons!

WILLIAMS HOUSE:

After a long, tough Covid lockdown and constant rounds of restrictions, we are beyond excited to see the bright light at the end of the tunnel.

It is impressive to see the furthering of friendships and bonds across the Tutor groups and Year groups…after so long apart.

We love the enthusiasm and vibrancy of our Vinnies’ community, especially the Year 8 students who have joined our Tutor groups (now that cohorting restrictions have eased)!

We have many girls registered for our school sports and extra-curricular activities this term, and we encourage everyone to look for one of our many opportunities to get involved in Term 2 activities.

It is so great to see everyone back at school and we look forward to getting involved in the House activities coming up…especially defending last year’s win at the Athletics Carnival!

Mr Mitchell Grace
Pastoral Dean of Students

I have so much to tell you and so little time. 

The place to start is Ash Wednesday, of course, marking the beginning of our Lenten journey.  For those of us who can’t quite remember the details of what Lent is all about, it is a time of preparation for Easter:  Forty days to prepare the heart and mind for the whole point of the Christian experience - Jesus' death on Good Friday and Resurrection on Easter Sunday.  The plan is to take time to be aware, to be mindful, to be present to who we are becoming.  For some, that’s about giving something up; deciding to do it and then doing it.  It’s quite freeing.  For others and for our students, it is about taking something up - making a small change that will have a big impact on who we are growing to be.  For some, it’s spending time with someone who needs time, it’s giving up screen time to spend it doing some jobs around the house that would contribute to the family, and build appreciation for what others do to make life good for us.  For others, it's giving to a charity to really change someone else’s life so they have more of a chance to be all God intends for them.  We had our Ash Wednesday liturgies in Houses.  I know all the Houses did a great job.  I was at the De Lacy liturgy, and it was deeply moving and engaging.  Students reflected on readings answered questions in their booklet.  Each received a pin-on symbol:  Hessian to remind us of the sack-cloth used long ago to denote penance, an ash cross and a leaf from the lemon scented gum which flowers after bushfire. 

Interestingly, the forty-day period of Lent does not include Sundays.  Sunday is traditionally a day of rest and celebration, not of penance.  Those who have given up chocolate for Lent will be excited to hear that, I’m sure.

Project Compassion has kicked off.  Every Tutor group has a little box for donations.  Please encourage your daughter to engage in some extra chores around the house that may be exchanged for cash for Project Compassion.  I’m hoping my car will be very clean until Easter Sunday.  Caritas Australia - the group who run Project Compassion - have been really smart this year and provided a poster showing what your donation can provide.  The joy is that they will actually provide these things. 

Shrove Tuesday pancakes was a huge success.  We sold out before the end of recess.  I want to thank the student leaders' and Year 12 Italian class who made the pancakes and served them up so beautifully.  With guidance and support from Ms Maria Manitta and Mrs Jody McDonnell, it ran like clockwork.  And of course Mr Ken Devlin - our resident angel who is disguised as a support person - set everything up and packed it all away with such grace and kindness. 

Another thought, might be taking up a cup of hot chocolate or coffee on a Friday morning from Coffee Queens - which makes a huge come-back next Friday under the extraordinary leadership of Mia Timbs.  All proceeds from Coffee Queens during this term go to Project Compassion.  So, instead of getting an early morning pick me up on the way to school, students might like to grab a cup from Coffee Queens.  It’s the cup that keeps on giving.

We have gathered every day in our chapel at recess and lunchtime in a prayer vigil for Ukraine.  Each day we have focussed our prayer on a different group:  Children, women, soldiers, and those Russians who are protesting the war.  It is a very challenging time.  What can we do but stand in solidarity and pray.  The girls have taken up this opportunity in great numbers, and the work of Olivia Mitchell and Ella Wise with this activity cannot be underestimated.  The College community is very grateful to them for their dedication and practical work.

If you would like to read our prayers, click on the links below.

Prayer for the Children of Ukraine

A Prayer for Women of Ukraine

A Prayer for Soldiers of Ukraine

A Prayer for Russian Protesters

Next Monday and Tuesday we will run a Eucharistic Ministers course for interested Year 11 and Year 12 students.  They have been sent an invitation by email.  By all means encourage your daughter to come along.  We will need a permission note, of course, but this can be sorted out on Monday.  The course will be in the chapel and run from 3.15pm to 4.30pm each day.  We will have some afternoon tea together and learn about the history and development of the Eucharist and why it is such a privilege to minister in this way to their community.  Numbers are looking good at this stage, but there is always room for more.

An invitation and permission note for senior students to attend “Truth, Lies and Sensation” will be on the Student Life Classroom shortly.  With the help of experts, we will gather for one hour on Friday 18 March in the library to consider art works that challenge us to re-think the accepted narrative around the value of human life.  We will be looking at works by Alex Seton and Damien Hirst, and a surprise artist or two.  We cannot contemplate art without some afternoon tea to get the brain cells moving, of course.  I can’t wait to hear what our students make of the works on offer and more importantly, what questions they raise.  It’s always the questions that are more interesting than the answers. 

But wait.. one more thing.

Starting Tuesday morning, we will have quiet reflection time in the chapel from 8.00am-8.30am.  All students are invited.  We will consider the Gospel for the coming week and share ideas about what it offers, what questions it raises and perhaps even what upsets us about it.  The Gospels are stories that are addressed to the heart, so there will be some personal responses to what we read.  As we know, “Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage.  Anger at the way things are and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.”  I’m looking forward to that.

It is Mardi Gras in Sydney and we know that for many people this is more than a spectacle.  It is an opportunity to celebrate who they are.  It is a reminder to all of us of the need to be inclusive and respectful of all people.

I offer you this prayer.

Prayer of Thanksgiving for Who I Am

God of Wonder

You have created a world of extraordinary beauty and diversity. 

That diversity is to be found in every human heart. 

We delight in the variations of your human creation:

In our talents and interests, our gender and sexuality,

and our dreams for living life to the full.

Thank you, God, for who I am;

for the yearnings I have to be my best self,

for the joy I feel in doing my best, and in being a friend,

for the challenge of listening to my interior life,

and hearing your voice of love and acceptance always.

Thank you, God, for who I am;

made in your image and likeness, able to love and be loved.

“For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together. 
I will praise You because I have been fearfully and wonderfully made”.   Psalm 119

Amen

That’s it from me.

Mrs Jo Kenderes
Director of Faith and Mission

On Wednesday night, we held our fortnightly BRC meeting.  Our Boarding House has experienced quite the shift over the last two weeks with many girls becoming close contacts for COVID and travelling back to their hometowns to isolate.  Due to this, we had to conduct our BRC meeting both online, via Google Meet and in person with the remaining girls.  We discussed our upcoming In Weekend with anticipation and the girls shared their favourite part of isolation with the consensus being…sleep ins!

We then discussed a topic which I believe is important for all of us to remember during times like these.  I reminded the Boarders on the importance of connecting with their friends and fellow Boarders in order to maintain healthy relationships and take care of their mental health.  Although the isolation period is only seven days, it can be a long time to go without any communication with your peers.  It is also important for us all to check in on the girls left behind.  Checking in can be as simple as asking your friend in isolation what they had for lunch, a little goes a long way in these circumstances!  So, upon reflecting on the conversations within our BRC meeting, I encourage you to remember to check in on your mates and most importantly stay safe, happy and healthy!!

Yours in Boarding

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

WEEK 6 LEARNING IN THE ENGLISH CLASSROOM

Year 8 

This semester, the students have immersed themselves in the world of dystopian literature.  Ii=n one class, students played a vocabulary game which required students under timed conditions to run up to the whiteboard and note down all the different words and phrases they could remember that were associated with ‘dystopia’ without looking at their notes.  Each student had to contribute to the whiteboard and the challenge was that the next student could not put down anything that was already on there - the challenge being to expand their vocabulary choices.  Students had lots of fun moving around the classroom, competing against each other, but also collaborating to find new words.  Well done especially to Millie Pavlovic, Sabine Winterburn, Genevieve Young and Thea Sweet, who showed plenty of healthy competition and desire to keep pushing themselves.  In Round 2 of the game, students had to physically represent an idea about dystopia in a freeze frame.  Below is a snapshot of what we did.

Year 10

Students have commenced a study of poetry and the relationship we have with the natural environment.  They have also been experimenting with their own poetry writing, composing quatrains of poetry in response to John William Waterhouse’s Romantic painting ‘The Lady of Shalott’.

Here is Isla Ratcliff’s poem:

Focus on Ability Short Film Festival 2022

The Focus Story:

For the 14th consecutive year, NOVA Employment presents the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival.  This festival asks film makers to "Focus on the Ability" of people with a disability and tell a story on film for the world to view.  Despite all the challenges we faced in 2021, film makers continued the push and the Focus on Ability Film Festival had an amazing 265 entries.  This has laid the foundations for a 2022 festival which is set to be the biggest yet and generous sponsors have donated over $100,000 worth of cash and prizes to encourage film makers and people with disability to tell their stories.

If you are interested in finding out more about Focus On Ability Film Festival 2022, please contact Ms Schneider in the Visual Arts and Design Department.

Entries Close 29 July2022.  For more information email admin@focusonability.com or go to https://www.focusonability.com.au

Mr Graeme Colman
Head of Department Visual Arts and Design

Ms Tanya Schneider
Teacher Visual Arts and Design

UNSW

UNSW Sydney Year 12 Medicine Information Evening

15 March - 6.30pm to 7.30pm

UNSW’s Medicine Year 12 Information session will provide attendees with an insight into the blend of hands-on clinical experiences and research-focused learning that a UNSW medicine student experiences.  As well, the application and admissions process for 2023 entry will be explained, including special entry schemes such as Rural, Gateway and Indigenous Entry Schemes.  Registration for this event is essential using the link found here.

UTS

IT - an Overview

Tuesday 26 April 2022 - 5.30pm

Today’s IT professionals are programming, networking, analysing and building.  They are pioneering business and technical solutions for computer hardware, software, electronics, telecommunications, e-commerce and computer services.  Register today for UTS’s live webinar to gain an insight into what IT is all about and find out if it's right for you.  Hear from key academics about what it's like to study IT at UTS.  Registrations are essential here

Engineering - an Overview

Wednesday 27 April 2022 - 5.30pm

Learn about the various engineering courses offered at UTS, the subjects involved and engineering career opportunities after graduating.  Engineering is all around us.  From the infrastructure of our cities to robotics, personal electronics, renewable energy, the Opal card system and medical devices.
Register today, and hear from key academics about what it's like to study engineering at UTS and how best to prepare.  Registrations are essential here.

Faculty of Engineering and IT Early Entry Program

Edge

Thursday 28 April 2022 - 5.30pm

An ATAR score may be one indicator of a person’s ability to become a successful engineer or IT specialist, however, the UTS EE scheme, Edge, knows that students are a lot more than not just a number.  The UTS new Early Entry program, Edge, is based on broader criteria than the ATAR alone.  Register here and gain an understanding into what the UTS Engineering and IT Early Entry program is all about.

ANU, Canberra

Ask Us Anything - Study Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at ANU

Thursday 10 March 2022 - 3.00pm

Thursday 14 April 2022 - 3.00pm

Thursday 12 May 2022 - 3.00pm

Thursday 09 June 2022 - 3.00pm

Register here for one of the Ask Us Anything online Q&A sessions.

Australian Catholic University

ACU entry and pathways for Year 12 students

24 May 2022 - 6.00pm to 6.30pm

ACU has a range of pathways and entry programs available to Year 12 students.  ACU’s Future Students team will explain the various options and eligibility criteria for each pathway and program.  To register for the event go here

Careers in Mathematics

See how different people in a wide range of careers use mathematics as part of their daily routine at work.  The site increases Australia’s mathematically capable workforce through hundreds of profiles and videos and job profiles.  To access the site go here

ADFA

Applying to the Australian Defence Force Academy

Applying for ADFA is a competitive, dual application process that can take up to 12 months.  It's preferable you apply in Year 11, but you can still apply in Year 12.  To start the ADF application process, use ADFA’s degree and job match tool to explore the courses through ADFA and the careers they can lead to. You can choose from a range of UNSW degrees, each of which leads directly to an officer role in the Navy, Army or Air Force. You will also need to ensure you are eligible.

You may also like to attend ADFA Open Day where you can meet staff and students, take a tour and view military displays. To arrange a tour of ADFA at another time, call the ADFA Visits Liaison Officer on (02) 6268 8541.  For more information go here

UCAT Workshop

Any student interested in finding out more about the UCAT exam, interview process for medicine and dentistry, pathways into medicine and dentistry for universities in Australia, may like to attend a free webinar scheduled for 13 March from 10.00am-12.00pm.  Parents are also welcome to attend. Registrations are essential using the link found here.

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

SVC College Production 2022 - Matilda!

It is with great relief and excitement that I can announce, I have successfully secured the rights to produce Matilda here at the College in November this year!  This year we will rehearse every Thursday afternoon from 3.05pm-5.15pm in the College Hall.  Matilda is a fantastic and fun musical for an audience but a challenging and engaging one for performers, musicians and technical and backstage crew.  We will need every rehearsal to produce something we are all proud of.  Here at the College, my aim for plays and musicals is inclusion and creative excellence.  This is a tricky balance to find, but I have found that when you find a way to include everyone, they find a talent or learn a skill and have the opportunity to really grow and shine.  Theatre flourishes when every member of the ensemble works together to their very best ability and that is what we will do again this year.  I have also found that young people can find their ‘people’ from different year groups based on the bond that can grow back stage.  It has brought me great pleasure over the years to see and hear Year 11 students sharing the knowledge they have gained from previous production experiences with a student in a younger year, who is new to a warm up game or a line learning technique, or blocking jargon that sounds illogical until you are onstage facing out to your future audience.  I hope that many students will join this production and experience the joys of creating live theatre.

Auditions for main roles are Monday 7, Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 March at lunchtime, in the Drama black room on the ground floor of Garcia and Thursday after school on Thursday 10 March.  Students are expected to perform a one minute monologue and a one minute song.  We will also commence our rehearsal process next Thursday 10 March, as the auditions finish.  We will begin with - get to know each other - drama games and some Matilda related improvisation to get everyone ready to work together.  All students are welcome to be a part of this show.  Students will need to return the permission note and commit to rehearsal dates and production dates.  The sign on sheet is on 'Student Life' in Google Classroom, as is the permission note. I look forward to the auditions and our first meeting and rehearsal next Thursday in the College Hall, commencing 3.05pm sharp!

Matilda - College Musical

St Vincent’s College

AUDITIONS for Mains

Monday 7, Tuesday 8, Wednesday 9 March

Lunchtime in the Drama room

of the Garcia building,

AND Thursday 10 March 3.05pm-5.00pm

in the College Hall

Reminder:  Join a Performing Arts Ensemble - Dance, Drama and Music

Don’t forget to join an ensemble - that has been the reminder all our teachers have been saying to all students, not only the Performing Arts students. The College has a number of excellent Performing Arts ensembles that enjoyed great success last year no matter what a students personal goals were - ranging from making new friends through to progressing to compete and perform at The Seymour Centre for the Shakespeare Carnival, to actually WINNING Theatresports at the Enmore Theatre!  To join an ensemble you can enrol via the link below:

https://www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/performing-arts-ensembles-enrolment/

Reminder:  Join a Performing Arts Co-Curricular Tuition

Our College has excellent peripatetic tutors with specialist knowledge and skills. Students can learn at the College during the school day.  Students can work towards AMEB or Trinity College examinations or they can enrol and learn to further their own skills and knowledge or for the joy of personal creative fulfilment!  Any student who wishes to study Dance, an instrument, or vocal studies or study Speech and Drama class, should enrol in our co-curricular Performing Arts program as soon as possible to ensure they can access all the joys these extension activities can bring.

https://www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/performing-arts-co-curricular-enrolment/ 

Ms Catherine Johnson
Head of Department Performing Arts

Performing Arts Student Leadership Report

By Alexandra Manuel (Year 11 Drama)

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

Head of Tennis - Therese Taylor - 0408 711 881

Head of Touch and Volleyball - Elyse Harmanis elyse.harmanis@gmail.com - 0434 610 870

Head of Water Polo - Hayley Boatswain - 0404 267 554

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

Website:   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

ESTA Touch

STOP PRESS:  ALL TOUCH GAMES FOR SATURDAY 05 MARCH ARE WASHED OUT - NO GAMES

Unfortunately, the weather has not been kind to us this week and games have been cancelled due to the fields being closed.  This is looking most likely for this weekend as well, so please check the EASTS or College website for updates.  They will be pushing the season back a few weeks to make up for missed games and there may not be finals, and in that case it would be 'first past the post'.

Please make sure that all players are at their training sessions next week as there were still a few missing during the week. If it is too wet to train at the park we will usually do a fitness session at school unless you are contacted by Elyse.  

All training and draw information can be found on the College website under Learning/Sport/Touch.  The best place to check for Wet Weather information is the Easts Touch Association's 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 handshaking.  Please do not attend matches if you have any Covid symptoms.

Easts website:  http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?assoc=514

Ms Elyse Harmanis
Head Touch Coach

Santa Sabina Volleyball

Unfortunately, the weather has not been kind to us this week and games have been cancelled due to the courts being closed.  This is looking most likely for this weekend as well, so please check the College website for updates.  Training is going well, although we did have a few missing this week due, so please can we get everyone there next week!  Remember training is always on and we train in the gym if it is too wet outside.

As of this weekend, Santa is allowing parents onto school grounds for Saturday sport.  So let's get lots of support for our players.  A courtesy note from Santa Sabina, to remind us that we are not to park in the apartment blocks surrounding the school or blocking driveways.  There have been complaints from residents regarding Saturday sport and they will not hesitate to get cars towed away.  The BBQ and coffee van will hopefully be available this weekend if the comp is on!

Any questions please contact head coach, Elyse.

Ms Elyse Harmanis
Head Volleyball Coach    elyse.harmanis@gmail.com

IGSA Saturday and Tildesley Tennis

STOP PRESS - FRENSHAM TENNIS CANCELLED FOR SATURDAY 05 MARCH

Unfortunately, the weather has not been kind to us this week and all tennis was cancelled last weekend.  Most girls have still been coming to training which has been great, so please remember we always try to do a fitness session indoors if it is too wet outside.  So always still come to training unless you receive an email from Therese.

The prestigious Tildesley Tennis Shield, which is being held at Pennant Hills on Sunday 13 and  Monday 14 March, is quickly approaching and I am happy to announce the final team:

Singles Players

Isabel Murray-Nobbs

Evie Kelly

Ruby Spies

Isabella Quinn

Scarlett Antico

Annabel Da Mina

Reserve:  Poppi Cosmetatos

Doubles Players

Ruby Malamas and Claudia Hamilton

Rosie Secombe and Alexandra Kyriacou

Alannah Trim and Louisa Roth

Joanna Lahana and Chrisanthy Lahana

Reserve: Clementine Pavillard and Zoe Evans

Hopefully, we will be having some friendly games against staff members at lunchtimes over the next week, if this rain ever stops!  So please don't forget to bring your gear!

Ms Therese Taylor
Head Tennis Coach

Water Polo

STOP PRESS:   SVC 1 AND SVC 3 - CANCELLED FOR SATURDAY 05 MARCH DUE TO DAWN FRASER POOL CLOSURE.

We have been lucky that most water polo teams have still had their matches on Saturday mornings as most are indoors.  It was great to see so many dads at the games last weekend supporting their daughters in sport.   (See some photos below and at the end of this article)

Please remember to arrive at the venue 30 minutes early for your warm up and to sign on.  All training sessions are still on despite the rain, and you must email your coach and Hayley if you cannot make it for any reason.  We have had many absent due to Covid and State Nippers etc, so please be proactive and try and help your team if you are going to be absent.

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, for example, the Dawn Fraser Pool in Balmain is tidal and is often closed after lots of rain due to pollution.

Jordan, one of our elite water polo coaches, is running swim sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7.15am-8.15am for any keen swimmers and water polo players.  All levels will be catered for - just turn up!  Please note, that the Tuesday session has moved from Mondays to try and accommodate more students. 

Ms Hayley Boatswain
Head Water Polo Coach

Below:  Most improved team SVC 3 with coach Prudence Birchall (ex-student)

above:  Junior water polo

below:  Fathers and grandfathers at water polo

Swimming Training and IGSA Swimming Carnival

The IGSA Carnival is being held later this year on Friday 25 March at Homebush Aquatic Centre, and there will be a meeting/relay session for all squad members at lunchtime on Tuesday 15 March, to finalise details and practise our relays.

Jordan, one of our elite water polo coaches, is running swim sessions onTuesday and Thursday mornings from 7.15am-8.15am, for any keen swimmers and water polo players.  All levels are catered for.  Any IGSA squad members must come to these sessions unless they are already in a squad outside of school.  Please note, the Tuesday session has been moved from Mondays to accommodate more students.

Fitness and Cross Country

Fitness training with Tash is on Monday, and will be on every Monday and Wednesday afternoon as we prepare for the IGSA Cross Country Carnival at Frensham on Friday 13 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 finished 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.  Please email Ms Jacobs if you would like to sign up.  Students meet Tash outside the change rooms at 3.15pm.  If it is wet they will do a fitness session in the gym.

TERM 2/3 SPORT REGISTRATIONS

Registrations have now closed for Term 2/3 Sport!  Trials will be held over the next few weeks as we need to grade our teams for the IGSA competition. Please see the details below and put them in your diaries.

SPORTS STAR OF THE WEEK 

Congratulations to Siara Ortolani, Year 11, who has been training hard at her rowing and won two races on the weekend, despite the horrendous weather. Siara took out the gold medal in the 1000m and 2000m events at the Penrith Rowing Regatta.

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 

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-ordinator of Sport

COLLEGE WINTER UNIFORM CHANGEOVER (Term 2)

The College uniform will changeover to the winter uniform at the start of Term 2 and the items are now available in the Uniform Shop for purchase.

No appointment is required.

Please give Juliet a call on Ph: 02 8324 6622 for any queries on uniform requirements or to order over the phone (please know your daughter’s current summer dress size).

Alternatively, please visit the NOONE website to order online or visit the Uniform Shop during opening times (Monday and Friday 8.00am-2.00pm and Wednesday 12.00pm-5.00pm).

Julie Blackburn
Area Sales Manager 

View next week's CANTEEN SPECIALS: 07-11 March 2022  HERE

CANTEEN REMINDER:   NO CARD - NO PURCHASE 

• Students MUST bring their ID card to the canteen to purchase any food/drink. Please note that putting your student number in only is NOT accepted.
• Remember:  ONLINE ORDERING is also available.
• GLUTEN FREE products are available - only when purchased through online ordering. 
• You need to refill money onto your cardAT LEAST ONE HOUR BEFORE you intend to use the card (as it takes one hour to generate funds onto the card).

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P&F Cocktail Party

Last chance to join the P&F Cocktail Party celebrations on Saturday 12 March 6:30pm-10:30pm at the College, to welcome new parents and celebrate the start of the 2022 school year.  To book click here by this Monday, 7 March 2022.

Inaugural Mothers' Weekend to Orange

Ms Renee Payne
Community and Alumnae Relations Manager