Bulletin

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Tuesdays/Thursdays: Ongoing College Production Rehearsals - Strictly Ballroom - 3.05pm to 5.15pm

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Saturday 29 February:   ACER Scholarship Test Day  8.30am-12.00pm.
Scholarship Audition afternoon - 12.00pm-3.30pm.

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Monday 02 March: 
Year 7 Meet the Tutor - 3.15pm-3.45pm
Year 7 Parent Teacher Night - Tarmons - 3.45pm-7.30pm. 

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Wednesday 11 March:  Year 7/2022 - Information Evening - 6.00pm to 7.00pm - College Hall

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Dear Parents and Carers

The students and staff have commenced their observance of Lent with House based Liturgies at which they were marked with Ash.  We are becoming more familiar with the qualities of Ash after a summer in which we were literally living in and breathing in the fine, powdery residual of fire.  Ash is used in rituals all around the world and in many cultures including that of our First Nation's people.  Their wisdom and spirituality abounds with insights into how from the ashes new life springs.  This aligns completely with out belief that life follows death.  That indeed is the great Christian narrative of the passion and resurrection of Christ.  The students are to be commended for their reverence and participation in the Ash Wednesday Liturgies.

There has been considerable media coverage of the rapidly changing status of the coronavirus, and the decision of the Federal Government to enact their emergency response protocols.  We too are in conversation about any potential impact on the College, and how we could best manage any period of enforced 'social isolation'.  Luckily, with the capacity of Google Classroom we could continue to provide learning activities and assessments.  The College has a study tour scheduled for Italy in April, and I have been in contact with those families to provide further information as to whether the trip will proceed, be modified, postponed or cancelled.  In all circumstances safety will be our highest priority.  As many of our families travel over the Easter holidays, please be aware that the government may use quarantine and/or self-isolation after the return from particular countries (at that stage these countries are not known) as a strategy to limit community transmission.

Of course, as this situation clarifies or I receive further information, I will pass that onto you.  In the meantime, we will be increasing signage about basic hygiene protocols and installing hand-sanitizers at entrances.

Let us hope for the best, but be prepared for all possibilities.  Luckily our religious tradition encourages us to trust in divine providence.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Anne Fry
Principal

Continuing on from last week’s sharing of our College expectations regarding mobile phone and technology in the context of supporting students’ safety, learning and relationships, this week I share with you an update on our procedures for consequences to incidences where students breach expectations regarding technology, punctuality, uniform, safety of property, homework and preparation for class.  In the first instance, conversation with the student is always invested with a view to flag the behaviour and challenge and support the choices being made within familiar relationships of tutor and class teacher with the student.  In an effort to improve our partnership and communication with you, the Pastoral and IT Teams have worked to enable automatic generation of notifications to parents/ carers after three occasions of behaviours that do not comply with these student responsibilities and College expectations.

A student will be required to engage in a Responsibility and Review discussion with a Head of House or Head of Department as a consequence to three occasions.  Parents/carers will receive an automated email that has been tailored to reflect the language used by the College in addressing such behaviours.  The student will be advised by email of the date she is to stay back after school.  The chart below was collaborated upon with the Student Representative Council in Term 4 of 2019 and appears in the Student College Diary; please take note of the middle column in particular so that we may share the language at home.  Students are aware of their responsibilities in ensuring a community engaged in respect for learning and the need for accountability for the choices made that do not comply with College expectations.  As a Catholic learning community, the consequence of staying back allows for reflection for growth enabled through conversation and supportive relationship. 

We appreciate your partnership with us and encourage you to have a conversation with your daughter as to ways in which she can put in place actions that improve any particular issue that has presented as non-compliance.  Each student is a valued member of this community and we strive to support her to give of her best to her learning and responsibilities to the College.  We shall review the process of communication with parents and carers at the end of the term.  Your feedback at that time will be appreciated. 

On a different note, but with the same purpose in partnering with you in the development and care of your children, I am thrilled to encourage our parent community to attend the 2020 ESSLY Parent Education Forum entitled - ‘Getting comfortable with the uncomfortable - Navigating your teen’s mental health’.  This is a combined schools' initiative focusing on the safekeeping and wellbeing of youth attending eastern suburbs schools.  The Deputy Principals - Eastern Suburbs School Leaders for Youth (ESSLY) from a range of schools, across sectors and religious affiliation, come together regularly to dialogue about the presenting needs of our students and discern the priorities to support you as parents and carers.  Whilst your children attend particular schools, they network beyond their one school; consequently our network intends to open the dialogue for you.  The night will include current research with an emphasis on lived experiences from ex-students, parents and psychologists accompanied by the strategies that we see first-hand in our privileged roles as schools accompany parents in education and support of our young people.

Adolescents more often turn to other adolescents when they struggle with a problem.  Adolescents care for their friends deeply and wish to help, but they have the capacity of a friend, not a counsellor.  I encourage you to look upon this evening as an investment in our youth - it is not just about being prepared to care for your own individual child if in time of struggle, but developing knowledge, strategies and language about how we can together support young people to look after young people and encourage processes that can access the school and/or professional health support that can make such a positive difference.  Please see the flyer that follows and mark the night of Wednesday 1 April into your calendars (6.00pm Waverly College).

In the next week you will be receiving letters providing information about the upcoming Camps and Retreats Wednesday 1 - Friday 3 April.  These are compulsory learning experiences and I ask you place these dates in your calendars.  Camps and Retreats are an extension of the holistic learning at our College - providing opportunity to learn in new ways, take risks and enjoy achievement, problem solve in collaborative teams and to extend peer relationships so that students grow in both self-awareness and appreciation of others.  Students on Camps are supported by both a specialist outdoor education teacher and a St Vincent’s College teacher.  You will be informed of the staff member responsible for leading these for each Year group in the letters that follow.  We hold the safety of students as a high priority.  We invite parents and carers to communicate directly with Mrs Fiona Culligan, our College Nurse, if you have the need to update your daughter’s health needs prior to Camp and Retreats.

This morning we gathered in the last of our three weeks of House Masses and I thank all those parents, grandparents and carers who were able to join us.  Our students and staff have given most generously of their talents in providing not only beautiful music but also reflections upon what it is to serve the poor within us - starting by recognising the occasions in which we each can feel poor and we can each reach out to be more inclusive of others.  In this season of Lent we are called to be more for others rather than have less.  Each Friday morning has been a blessing sending us forth in action to follow in the footsteps of our founding House patrons who were inspired to be women for others.

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal, Pastoral Care

 ‘The times they are a changin’... 

Such were the lyrics of Bob Dylan’s 1964 hit song and so too are these lyrics pivotal to our contemporary school context.  As an educator I am profoundly aware of how much the ever changing global landscape directly influences the ways in which our 21st century learners engage with their curriculum.  This academic year, our learning mantra pivots around the importance of students maximising their learning potential - ‘every lesson, every day’.  As an educator and parent this message carries much hope.  Despite the need to navigate day-to-day routines and responsibilities, the turbulent waters of external pressures such as the HSC, the shifting terrain of the workplace and the litany of global crises that we arise to each day, students remain constant and empowered to make a difference to their academic commitment  ‘every lesson, every day’.  As a College learning community, we are inspired by this message and buoyed by the ‘Vinnies spirit’ to enable our students to succeed in an era of change. 

Fitting then, that I attended last week the annual SMH School’s Summit entitled - ‘Succeeding in an Era of Change’.  Among some of the keynote speakers, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian referred to the NSW Interim Report, compiled by Professor Geoff Masters, CEO of ACER, soon to be presented in parliament.  The first full review of the NSW curriculum in over 30 years.  The basic principles of the review are designed to highlight the future planning for a relevant NSW curriculum that addresses the issues of:

·   NSW students falling behind their international peers in literacy and numeracy 

·   Students and teachers exposed to an overcrowded curriculum 

·   The need to have the new NSW syllabus focus on literacy, numeracy and STEM

·   Capturing and delivering best practice and shared expertise amongst teachers

·   A seamless transition between Secondary School and Tertiary options with a possible pre-qualification obtained in Secondary School.

·   Bringing Mathematics back as compulsory study in Stage 6.

·   Competency-based achievements - core knowledge and ideas (principles of learning) that: develop deep learning, encourage critical and creative  understanding from genuine curiosity, passion and engagement.

At the College this year our new STEM coordinator, Ms Gemma Thompson is passionate about encouraging a wave of ‘steminists’ who will fight for a world where women have equal access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths roles, that are too often dominated by men. 

‘The times they are a changin’

The CEO of ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority), David de Carvalho expressed the need for a common and integrated approach to assessment to address the overreliance and stresses of our compulsory high stakes testing, such as the HSC and NAPLAN.  He wants a focus on Formative Assessment (informal assessment) that captures:

• What we are assessing
• Why we are assessing it
• How the results of the assessment will be used.

This is particularly relevant for us as a College, as our compulsory inclusion of formative assessment in our Years 7-12 assessment schedules particularly focus on where your child is as a learner in the teaching and learning continuum, not just on ‘assessment activity day’.  The state’s consideration of formative assessment tools designed to boost literacy and numeracy and provide a ‘snapshot for parents’ to know their child’s achieved competencies for life, irrespective of their chronological age, is a step in the right direction.  As we are preparing our students for dynamically evolving vocational landscape, these life competencies will be more relevant and necessary than ever before.  

‘The times they are a changin’ yet at SVC we will embrace these challenges with the certainty that if we continue to instill confidence, courage and resilience in our students, a Vinnies girl will always be capable of surmounting anything and everything, that the world offers her because ‘once a Vinnies girl, always a Vinnies girl'.

Mrs Jasmin Mano
Director of Teaching and Learning

Ash Wednesday has happened and Lent is upon us.  Every year there’s a rumbling in our Catholic circles about what we do, what we are ‘supposed’ to do, what we are encouraged to do and what do we do if we don’t get any of it right.  Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation - so we are not obliged to go to Mass.  Surprisingly, Ash Wednesday Mass is the most attended ‘non-Holy Day of Obligation’ in our calendar aside from Good Friday, when liturgies and Communion services take place, but no Masses.  It’s getting confusing.  Suffice to say, at St Vincent’s College we remembered Ash Wednesday in House Liturgies.  They were moving, thought-provoking and challenging, prepared by our Heads of House with great care.  Our challenge, “Recognise your own poverty, and serve the poor with love” hit home for many in this year of Service of the Poor. 

I’m not going to say anymore.  I leave the rest to Ms Edelle McCrudden, Head of Cater House, who penned this reflection for her House and shared it with others.  I’m going to try to follow her advice.  No more excuses. 

“Lent is the perfect time to try a new prayer practice, to try spending time in solitude and silence with God, to set aside time for something that connects you to the Divine more deeply.  Some people I know give up time-wasters in Lent such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. There are many things that have entered our lives and take up our time and energy away from family and friends.  Is there something that has entered your life that eats up your time and energy that may be unnecessary?  This is a good time to try and scale back, give that time back to family and friends, and even God.

It’s hard to imagine in Australia being able to find a group of people in my friendship group to chat about religion with, but I did.  These discussions revealed for me an important lesson:  Many of us use excuses for why we can’t do something.  We are too tired to work out.  We don’t have enough time to read a book because we’re too busy.  We would like to begin a new hobby but we don’t have the energy to engage in something more deeply.  We would like to learn to play a musical instrument but that’s something we should have done as children as we’ll never be good enough now.  This is the lesson:  Lent is the time to give up excuses.  Lent is the time to stop saying “No, I can’t".  Lent is the time to give up the excuse and give in to time.  Lent is the time to live your life and to live it more fully, for life is a gift from God that we should use to the fullest.  So what am I doing for Lent?  Lent is the time when I am giving up my excuses.

The second thing I’d like to give up this Lent is guilt.  God doesn’t want or need our guilt - God desires for us to use the gifts we have been given to the fullest.  Pick up and start again - and you can keep this up after Lent - there’s no reason not to.  Lent is just a great time to start something new, to turn back to God and remember all that we have been given and to begin again".

Mrs Jo Kenderes
Director of Faith and Mission

Last weekend we went on an adventure to Circular Quay.  The original plan was to catch the ferry to Manly to watch the ‘Inflatable Boat Races’, however, due to circumstances out of our control, mainly transport works and delays and unpredictable weather forecast, we ended up exploring the The Rocks Markets, which runs across four streets.  It was fun strolling down the cobblestone streets and looking at the 200 or more market stalls which ranged from locally designed fashion and jewellery to artwork and homemade beauty products.  There are also many food vendors and live music playing.  Some of us stopped at the lolly stall and bought different flavoured liquorice, which tasted great and was definitely a highlight.  The Rocks Markets is a fun place to visit if you want to fill in a few hours and they proudly reflect Sydney’s culture.  Just remember to check the weather forecast before you venture there, unfortunately, we got caught in an unexpected heavy downpour, but luckily it only lasted 20 minutes.

By Amy Lienesch, Year 9, Bourke 

On Friday 21 February, St Vincent’s College hosted the ABSA (Australian Boarding Schools’ Association) NSW Heads of Boarding Meeting.  As a member of the committee, I was proud to host and showcase our College.  It is important to be collaborative with other Heads of Boarding across the state to ensure that processes that we have in place are consistent, but also to have in depth conversations about the future of boarding and boarders.  It was very interesting listening to other schools talk about the impact the Coronavirus has had on their boarders since the beginning of the term, and how their planning for the upcoming holidays may need to change.  I am grateful to be a part of a strong network that is supportive and collaborative.  

This week our flowers in the courtyard have bloomed and they are a beautiful scene to look at every day and to smell the scent. 

A reminder about the In Weekend this term has been moved to the end of Week 9 (27-29 March) to coincide with the week before camps/retreats for St Vincent’s students.  If there are any concerns or issues please let myself or the relevant Boarding co-ordinator know in advance. 

Yours in boarding

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

Ms Devaney’s Year 12 English Advanced class experimented with Socratic Circles with great success.  Here is a report from one of the students: 

“Last week our Year 12 Advanced English class engaged in ‘Socratic Circles’ to discuss characterisation in our current text for the Craft of Writing module Thirteen Ways of Looking by Column McCann.  The classroom had been set up in a circle with three layers of chairs (inner, middle, outer), and we divided the class into three groups - speakers, coaches and recorders.  In each round, the speakers sat in the middle circle and were assigned a topic to discuss about McCann’s characterisation:  The coaches would encourage a certain speaker with different ideas whilst the recorders wrote down the concepts explored. 

Circle 1 talked about how character was revealed through action, the second about how it was revealed through thought and the third about how character was revealed through dialogue.  This presented the class with a unique and thoughtful way to present ideas and discuss specific aspects of McCann’s style of writing and thematic concerns.  The seminar-style of the lesson allowed for the students to bounce ideas off each other and pose different questions to gain a deeper understanding, encouraging a more sophisticated thought process whilst providing us with an opportunity to reflect on our studied text.”

By Meg Litchfield, Year 12

Ms Monica Jarman
Head of English Department

On Thursday 27 February, the Year 11 Modern History class visited the Anzac Memorial at Hyde Park as part of our study of the Commemoration and representation of the past.  The Memorial commemorates and remembers the Australian men and women who have served in different wars, incorporating first-hand accounts and many stories of those who served in the conflicts, and exhibits many artifacts and information from many wars in which Australians participated.  The stories are so relevant to today’s society.  It brought to light the perspectives, lives and sacrifice of those who served.

The Central Chamber was a moving commemoration of the towns in NSW from which soldiers and women who served came from. The soil of each town has been collected and is on display as a symbolic representation of the origins of these men and women.  The visit consolidated our learning and understanding of how memorials and museums represent and commemorate our past.

By Year 11 Modern History class

Just as the school year came to a close, 15 students accompanied by Ms Brown, Mr Anderson and Ms Geracitano departed for the 2019 Tanzania Immersion.  For 17 days we were fortunate enough to immerse ourselves in some of what Tanzania has to offer, as well as learning about the country’s rich culture and history.

The first week was spent at the School of St Jude, which was set up by ex-student of St Vincent's College, Mrs Gemma Sisia, who started the school with a $10 donation, one teacher, and three students in 2002.  Now the school has educated more than 1,900 students across several campuses, and so far approximately 200 students have entered university to continue their dream of an education.  We were privileged to see the school, meet many of the students and feel the impact that it has on the community.  Our time at St Jude’s was filled with numerous unique experiences, where we learnt the ‘Jambo’ song, African drumming and were given tours of all campuses.

A poignant opportunity whilst at St Jude’s were the home visits, where we had the opportunity to visit families of students sponsored by the St Vincent’s College community such as O’Brien’s sponsor student, Warda.  It was inspiring to see the impact that a St Jude’s education has on a child’s growth as well as the joy and pride it brings to the family.  We were also taken to a Maasai Boma (home) where a polygamous family lived and learnt about ancient traditions and ceremonies, as well as gifting the chief a goat who we named Gert.

After St Jude’s we moved to Shams where we stayed with Brothers Julius, Steven and John Paul.  It was special to be able to share meals with the Brothers and learn their stories.  Our time at Shams was mainly spent running a three day Edmund Rice kids camp which we facilitated with our local leader Reggie, for children in the neighbourhood to play games and share a meal.  Apart from the three days of kids camp, Reggie toured us around the local area where we visited a women’s refuge home, Emusoi.  We listened to the story of Sister Mary starting up this amazing project, and we were very fortunate to spend the afternoon beading jewellery with some of the girls staying there and learning their personal stories, some of which were fraught with danger just to get an education and avoid child marriage.

Our safari, led by Walter, Edward and Jackson further enhanced our experience as we travelled through Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater National Parks.  We got to see 'The Big 5' along with other safari wildlife.

We feel privileged to have been given this amazing opportunity to attend the immersion, and we have all gained new perspectives and understandings about other cultures as well as a greater appreciation for the everyday things we take for granted.

Asante Sana.

Madeleine Higgs and Catherine Ryan

University News

UNSW 

Year 12 Medicine Information Evening

On 18 March - 6.30pm to 7.30pm in the Leighton Hall, Scientia Building.  UNSW is hosting their university information night.

This evening provides a general overview of the UNSW Medicine degree as well as detailed information on the application and admissions process for 2021 from current staff and students in the Faculty of Medicine.   The evening is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about what it's like to be a student studying medicine at UNSW, what the interview process is like or anything else that may be on your mind. 

This event is extremely popular and will fill to capacity. Please register hereas soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

UNSW Year 10 Subject Selection Evenings

There  will be three UNSW Year 10 subject selection evenings in 2020 on 7 April from 6.00pm to 8.00pm on 19 May - 6.00pm to 8.00pm, and on 28 May - 6.00pm to 8.00pm.

UNSW will make sure attendees are familiar with the importance of the HSC subject selection process.  The evening  will also cover how subject selections may affect what adjustment factors (previously known as bonus points) you can attract for UNSW courses.  UNSW staff will explain the difference between assumed knowledge and prerequisites and how the university admission and scholarships application process works.  UNSW will give you time either before or after the program to speak with their faculties and key staff, so that you can get information and answers to any specific questions you may have.  For  more info on these events go here

UNSW Law Admission Test LAT

The LAT Information evening will be held on 9 May from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.  LAT is an entry requirement for all undergraduate law double degree programs at UNSW.  This information Evening will cover how the LAT has worked for entry in the past, provide detailed program and faculty information, as well as key LAT dates for the year ahead.  The LAT Information Evening is for Years 11 and 12 students and their parents, and students currently studying at another university who are hoping to transfer to UNSW Law in 2021. To find out more use the link here

The University of Melbourne

Interstate Information Day

On 17 April from 8.30am to 6.00pm on their Parkville campus.  UMELB are hosting their interstate information day. The day will focus on aspects of the university that are of greater concern to interstate students such as the application process, scholarships, student services, accommodation options and financial assistance.  This year they will also have faculty participation with a ‘Faculty Speed Dating’ session.  Participants will have an opportunity to ask current University of Melbourne students who have come from interstate about their experience and how they managed the transition.  The program will also include accommodation tours for those interested with an option to join a college residential college community for dinner in their dining hall.  Go hereto register.

2-Day UCAT Preparation Course

Matrix’s 2-day UCAT preparation course is held on consecutive Sundays - 1 and 8 March 2020 from 9:30am-7:40pm at Matrix Education in Sydney.  The cost  of the Preparation course is $795.00.

Please contact:  Dr Alex Argyros:  alex.argyros@matrix.edu.au for more information or visit the Matrix website:  https://www.matrix.edu.au/ucat-courses/ to register your interest.

US and UK University Expo

On 14 March 2020 from 1.00pm-5.00pm at the SMC Conference Centre, 66 Goulburn Street, Sydney, a comprehensive US and UK University Information Day will be held with speakers covering a wide range of subject areas and application steps.  Use the link here for more information and to register your interest. 

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

Ella Humphreys has reported in this Bulletin about Strictly Ballroom rehearsal and process from her point of view as a performer, both in previous years and in the lead up to this years very big show, and I would like to add a small thank you and update on the production crews who are working hard every week learning new skills and preparing for the show.

No theatrical production, small or large, can occur without the incredible hard work of the production people.  This week our production crew were lucky enough to have a workshop with a professional make up artist to teach them skills and prepare them for Strictly Ballroom's theatrical make up requirements, in May.  Here are some great shots of the team in action.

Ms Catherine Johnson  
Head of Department Performing Arts

The 2020 College Production of Strictly Ballroom will premiere in Week 2 of next term, and rehearsals are in full swing.  Strictly Ballroom is a well-renowned Australian film which involves countless dance numbers, song outbursts and laughs when found on a stage.  The cast and crew have spent more than 100 hours in preparations so far, not to mention the countless lunchtimes and afternoons spent choreographing and rehearsing by dancers and dance staff.  The Australian classic, which is sure to entertain, has been a big beast to tackle, with more than 30 songs and a six-part harmony in the opening number.  We girls are also coming to find that Strictly Ballroom is a unique roller coaster, ranging from serious concepts of racism and bullying to forbidden love and of course, the Bogo Pogo. 

In contrast to Rime of The Ancient Mariner, Strictly Ballroom is full of ocker accents, dance Mums and daggy Dads, mixed in with Hawaiian shirts and Pasodoble.  It has been an absolute joy to watch fellow Vinnies girls create brilliant, humorous improvisations and develop their scenes into genuinely touching moments for audiences to enjoy.  With less than 20 rehearsals left, I think I speak for all of us when I say that I can’t wait for opening night to arrive and to watch audiences flood into the College Hall.  Finally, from the cast and crew, you must always remember to:

Keep things ... Strictly Ballroom..

Ella Humphreys, Year 10

The College will always try to offer enrolment to the sisters of existing students, but an enrolment application must still be made for each child.

We are currently commencing the process for enrolling for Year 7/2022.  Please visit our online enrolment portal at www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au  HERE

The Information Evening for Year 7/2022 is on Wednesday 11 March:  6.00pm to 7.00pm in the College Hall.

For all other enrolment enquiries please contact our College Registrar, Mrs Rainee Rice - registrar@stvincents.nsw.edu.au  

Sport Staff Contacts for Term 1 2020:

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

DADS in SPORT WEEKEND AT VINNIES - All dads are encouraged to get involved in their daughter's sport this weekend.

Come and cheer them on and get a picture taken together and send it in to me to get on the Vinnies Insta and FB pages!! GO VINNIES!!  

TERM 1 SPORT

IGSSA SATURDAY and TILDESLEY TENNIS

We are now more than half-way through the IGSSA tennis competition and our newer teams have been on a steep learning curve - there has been a lot to learn.  The girls have tried hard to absorb all the information and rules required to play a match of tennis.  Thank you to all girls for your efforts at training and learning the art of playing tennis.  The girls' skills and techniques are coming along - please keep up the good work and continue to enjoy the game and camaraderie of being part of a team.

Two of our teams are doing very well on the ladder, SVC 3 and SVC 4, are both in second place.  Our other teams have been performing well but have been unlucky on the scoreboard, finishing close (a couple of games difference) but losing none the less.  I know you have all played well so stay focused and keep trying to win as many games as possible.

In regard to our more senior teams and more seasoned players, there is always something that can be improved upon.  This week I would like everyone to focus on doubles play and working and communicating as a team.  Don’t just be a statue at the net, be more intuitive and thoughtful about where you need to be to assist your partner and get that ball back over the net, and win extra points.

Ms Therese Taylor
Head Tennis Coach

Above:   SVC 3            Below:  Year 7 tennis practice

TOUCH

With the final last few rounds of touch coming up, the SVC touch girls are on fire!  A very big well done to all 18 touch teams for their efforts during this ongoing season.  It has been a crazy term regarding the weather, but thank you girls for your patience and dedication.

A huge congratulations also to the Year 7 teams who have almost completed their first term of touch games for the College.  You have all improved so much and your coaches are very proud of your progress.  Keep training hard!

This weekend we have a double round of touch with SVC teams playing one school the first half and the other school the next 20 minutes.  Please remember to keep up the good work with uniforms and attendance, and good luck to all teams this weekend.   Easts website

Ms Elyse Harmanis
Head Touch Coach 

Below:   Fathers and Daughters at Touch

Water Polo

Term 1 SVC water polo is off to a great start!  The UNSW competition is very competitive and has some very high standard teams, which has brought the girls some great and challenging games.  SVC 1 has started the term playing some tough games against St Catherine’s and Meriden, and despite great performances went down to both schools.

The junior firsts (SVC 6) have been training hard which has resulted in a marked improvement in their games results.  For a team made up all Year 8 students, they have been competing very well against the older teams, some consisting of all Year 9's.  All teams are performing well and competing strongly in what is a tough competition.  The teams to watch this term are the new Year 7's in their first term of water polo here at St Vincent's.

Just a short reminder to be at the games 30 minutes before game starting time for a good warm up.  Keep up the hard work and good luck for this weekend!

Ms Hayley Boatswain
Head Water Polo Coach

Below:   Fathers and daughters at Water Polo

TERM 2 SPORT REGISTRATIONS and TRIALS

Registrations are now closed for Term 2 Sports.

Year 7 netball is organised by Ms Kat McGrath, one of our excellent coaches, and she runs 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.  This will be held on Thursday afternoons at the College.

Trials for netball (no trials for Year 7), hockey, basketball and football will be held in Weeks 6 and 7 - please diarise these dates.

Basketball Trials - SVC Courts

Juniors (Years 7, 8, 9):  Friday 6 March - 3.15pm-4.30pm

Senior (Years 10,11, 12):  Thursday 5 March - 7.15am-8.30am.

Hockey Trials - David Phillips Field - Daceyville - David Philips Field

All teams:  Wednesday 4 March - 4.00pm-5.00pm (bus leaves Victoria Street at 3.15pm and returns to the College at approximately 5.30pm, or students can be collected from the field at 5.00pm).

Football Trials - Rushcutters Bay

Juniors (Years 7, 8, 9):  Thursday 5 March - 3.30pm-4.30pm (walk down at 3.15pm)

Seniors (Years 10, 11, 12):  Wednesday 4 March - 3.30pm-4.30pm (walk down at 3.15pm).

Netball Trials - SVC Courts

Year 7:  No trials.  First session will be the first Thursday back Term 2.

Junior (Years 8 and 9):  Friday 13 March - 3.15pm-4.30pm

Senior (Years 10, 11, 12):  Thursday 12 March - 7.15am-8.30am.

SWIMMING TRAINING AND IGSSA SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to swim at the IGSSA Carnival at Homebush next Friday 6 March.

IGSSA SWIM TEAM 2020

Juniors

Caitlin Hoggett

Lily Rowbotham

Zahli Daly

Ruby Thompson

Apanie Pow

Evie Ellis

Olivia Murray

Ruby Etherington

Elliane Davies

Charlie Bennett.

Intermediates

Gabrielle Austin

Siara Ortolani

Molly Whitely

Alexis Graham

Sarah Fitzgerald

Amy Anderson 

Ruby Salmon.  

Seniors

Maddison Neill

Stella Holt

Gemma Fitzgerald

Alexandra Schacht

Matilda Emery

Emma Iorfino

Ricci Long

Mia Glasel.

The IGSSA Carnival is being held on Friday 6 March at Homebush Aquatic Centre, and there will be a meeting/relay session for all squad members at lunchtime on Wednesday 4 March. 

Jesse, our swimming coach, is running sessions on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 7.00am to 8.00am for any keen swimmers.  The enrolment form can be found on the College website under Sport/Swimming.  All levels are catered for and you can come to one or all sessions.  IGSSA squad members must be coming to at least two sessions per week unless they are already in a squad outside of school.  Please return permission notes to Ms Jacobs indicating if you need the bus or not as soon as possible.

FITNESS AND CROSS COUNTRY                            

Fitness training with Tash is held on Monday Wednesday afternoons, as we prepare for the IGSSA Cross Country Carnival at Frensham on Friday 15 May (Term 2 Week 3).  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 the 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 12 year old and senior competitors. 12 and 13 years old 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 for these fun sessions with Tash! 

SPORT STARS

Please keep the Sport staff informed of any good sporting results held outside of the College.  Information and photos can be emailed to jacobsj@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Congratulations to Abby Delucyk, Year 11, who competed in her first Jiu Jitsu competition over the weekend (after coming back from severe knee injuries), at VT1 Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Chatswood.  Abby had four x five minute fights in the women's division and won all four rounds.  Abby (pictured below) was declared the overall winner (on points) for her division and came home with the medal.  Well done, Abby!

Congratulations to Lani Bresnahan, Year 11, who was a member of the successful EASTS Roosters touch team who won the U18 State Cup last weekend.  Well done, Lani!

Congratulations to Chloe Cooke, Year 9, who placed 24 in the NSWCIS Triathlon on Wednesday at Penrith.  It was an very hot day and she did very well to place so well out of a huge field of over 100 competitors.

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-Ordinator of Sport

Dear Parents and Carers

The first P&F meeting for the year is on Tuesday 24 March at 6.00pm. All meetings for the year are held on Tuesdays in Bethania from 6.00pm: 

• 24 March (AGM) 
• 19 May 
• 11 August 
• 10 November   

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to know more about our P&F. 

KATHERINE AITKEN
P&F PRESIDENT