Bulletin

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18-19-20 March:   Tildesley Tennis Tournament - Pennant Hills

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 24 March:  P&F AGM and Meeting - 6.30pm - Bethania Meeting Room

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 08 May:  Mother Daughter Dinner - 6.30pm - Dockside, Darling Harbour
- Tickets will be available from Friday 14 March.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vaccination Consent Forms

A reminder to our Year 7 parents, please return your daughter’s vaccination consent form to student services as soon as possible.  Year 7 vaccinations will be held on Monday 23 March.  If you require another form, please contact student services on ph 8324 6630 or email collegesecretary@stvincents.nsw.edu.au .

Mr Bob Anderson
Director of Education Administration 

Dear Parents and Carers

KEEP CALM AND WASH YOUR HANDS

I share with you the approach we are taking with the students to reassure them that Australia is very well placed to manage the current coronavirus epidemic.  We are fortunate to live in a country with an excellent healthcare system, a well educated population, well resourced public infrastructure, very efficient communication systems and orderly and well structured levels of government.

As a College we are receiving current proactive advice and I firmly believe that in an emergency situation we would be well supported and able to respond to the physical, emotional and educational needs of our community.  Despite my confidence in our systems, I accept these are unsettling times, and I understand that students, staff and parents are concerned.

At the time of my writing this on Friday afternoon, the College has no known direct or indirect contacts with a confirmed case of coronavirus.  As precautionary measures we have:

• increased signage about hand hygiene
• made arrangements for hand sanitizers to be installed (subject to availability)
• preparing material to be distributed via Tutor group on Monday about the simple facts of coronavirus and its typical symptoms
• distributed advice from government agencies (click on advice to read today's latest memorandum)
• encouraged students to refrain from "hugging" as a social gesture
• cancelled our Study Tour to Italy (to prevent possible exposure to participants, and on their re-entry to the community)
• spoken to our cleaning company about extra precautions for their staff and to increase surface cleaning
• plans for families to notify us of overseas travel plans over the April holidays, and any time up to then.  This will help us plan for periods of necessary exclusion if warranted by government advice or symptoms developing within 14 days of return.

Our Boarding community has particular concerns.  Their children are at a distance from them and are living in community.  We too are extra vigilant now of their wellbeing, and the anxiety they are feeling.  Our College Nurse is available at two clinics (in the morning and afternoon) to assess any Boarding student who is feeling unwell.  We, at this stage, have no plans (other than contingency plans) to close the Boarding House.

If a Boarding student was suspected of having the virus, we would immediately notify family, and arrange for her to be taken for appropriate medical care.  We do not have capacity to offer any social isolation within the Boarding House, so such a scenario would require families to arrange for their daughter to return home.  We are receiving advice from the Australian Boarding School Association on best practice in the case of a confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus.

In the meanwhile, life goes on gloriously for our students and staff.  This morning I attended an International Women's Day breakfast with Co-Captains, Mia Chaaya and Ellen  Ebbs.  We were delighted to enjoy a panel that included two ex-Vinnies girls - Sr Elizabeth Dodds rsc and Dr Marjorie O'Neill MP, who will be our guest speaker at the College Assembly on 11 August for International Women's Day.  The week ahead will give us many great reasons and opportunities to celebrate all the women in our lives.

Postscript:  The College is well stocked with toilet paper!

Yours sincerely

Mrs Anne Fry
Principal

Below:  From this morning's International Women's Day breakfast

We are beginning our course for Eucharistic Ministers today.  Ironically, 12 people have enrolled - staff and students.  We will not be re-enacting the Last Supper, but I couldn’t let the coincidence slip.  Thankfully no one will be representing Judas.  We should be proud as a community that this course is popular. It is a sign that our interest in the Eucharist as the ‘source and summit’ of out faith is still important in the lives, thoughts and ponderings of our community.  It will be an afternoon of poignant questions, lively discussion and I anticipate a spirit that is palpable when faithful people come together with a common goal.  “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst".  Christ will certainly be among us and we will bumble through some Eucharistic Theology together.

This week has been a big week for Eucharist in its fullest sense.  On Tuesday evening I travelled with five great and good colleagues in the Vinnies Night Patrol van.  Once we’d recovered from the appalling traffic on Tuesday evening and mastered the art of mindfulness in Sydney gridlock, we were ready to learn and to serve.  We set up the van in two locations and under the gentle rain, served about thirty people who were eagerly expecting us and who welcomed us with smiles and offers of help.  We made hot chocolate and coffee with surprising amounts of sugar, shared out food packs and engaged in conversation.  Our clients were so welcoming.  When most of us shared that we were ‘new’ to the Night Patrol program, our clients responded with such care and affirmation of us.  They were keen to tell us that we’d be OK, that’s we’d get it right and not to worry, we were ‘doing a great job’.  We needed to hear that.  I enjoyed chatting to Ray, who shared with me the poem he’d written to his mum for Mothers’ Day.  He told me how he missed her and how proud he was of her, and how he knew that she was still watching over him, just as she had tried to do when he was little.  There was a lot of trauma in that story, but Ray wanted to talk about the joy that the poem, and the photo he keeps in his wallet gives him every day.

I’m looking forward to catching up with Ray and Bruce and so many others next month on the first Tuesday.  Next time I’ll have a go at serving the soup.

Mrs Jo Kenderes
Director of Faith and Mission

Two friends and I attended an amazing game, ‘Diamonds vs the All Stars’ on Sunday afternoon. The game was at the netball courts at Sydney Olympic Park.  There were a lot of people watching in the stands and it was televised on TV.  The game was very close in the first quarter, second half and in the third quarter, then the Diamonds took over and won 66-53.  It was an amazing foundation game and all of the players played their hearts out for Liza Alexander, who was the coach for the Diamonds.  After the game all the people in the crowd who had lost their homes in bush fires, came out on the stage and celebrated with fun dancing to take their minds off the terrible news of losing their homes.  Every goal that either Caitlin Bassett and Gretel Tippett threw, raised $200 per goal for bushfire victims and was sponsored by Nissan.  Goal after goal...they ended up raising $12,500 at the end of the game.  After the game, my friends and I were so lucky to get some of the ‘Diamonds’ and the ‘All Stars’ signatures on the back of our shirts. This day was so much fun and a day I will not forget.  

Emily Yule, Year 7 Boarder

On 1 March we went to the 38th Greek Festival in Darling Harbour which is held every year in Sydney.  Some highlights included the food, the dancing, arts and music performances.  When we arrived the festival hadn’t quite started, so we talked to some lovely Greek ladies in the tents while we waited.  The tents had lots of information about Greek history and Greek souvenirs.  We also picked up some souvenirs as well - Greek flags, a couple of bags and pens. When it was finally set up we could smell lots of delicious food and other things such as Baklava and Gozleme.  It was a shame they didn’t give out any freebies of those!  While we were there, we were entertained by traditional Greek dances that were performed by all ages in traditional costumes.  Before some of the girls danced we got a quick photo with them.  The festival gives Australians a chance to learn about and experience different cultures around the world and I would recommend it to anyone. 

Amelia Vaughan, Year 9

International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March and the Boarding House commemorated this day by having a trivia night hosted by Gabbie and Hannah, our Boarding co-captains.  With questions that incited great debate about information given, our winning teams were very proud of their efforts. The last question of the trivia, 'As a table, decide who you would consider to be the most influential woman in the world', gave some great answers such as  Jacinda Ardern, Malala Yousefzai, Gemma Sisia, Beyonce, Eleanor Roosevelt and Ellen Degeneres; but my favourite one was given by two tables - every woman.  The reason given was that every one of us is influential in her own way.  Wow. 

Yours in boarding

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

Shape 2019 and Texstyle 2020

We congratulate the efforts and work of two students who are currently exhibiting their Major Textiles Project as selected by NESA and the Technology Educators Association.

Shape 2019 is an exhibition of outstanding major projects from the HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design courses.  This year, St Vincent’s student, Tiarne Ellis, has been selected to display her Textiles and Design project involving an innovative surfboard cover item and portfolio within this exhibition.  Her work displays a high level of skill in areas of fabric manipulation involving laser-cutting and printing, and professional manufacture of a non-apparel item.  Shape 2019 is held at the Powerhouse Museum, Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences until 3 May 2020.

Texstyle 2020 is an exhibition of outstanding Textiles and Design major projects.  St Vincent’s students, Annabella Donnola and Tiarne Ellis, have been selected to display their Major Textiles Projects.  Annabella Donnola has produced an apparel item exhibiting an application of complex fabric manipulation skills including smocking and tucking, and professional manufacture of apparel items.  Texstyle 2020 was held at The Muse, TAFE Ultimo from 3-6 March 2020.

Both students were presented certificates and invited to the launch of the exhibitions, honouring their exemplary work.

Mrs Kaliopi Aldridge
Visual Arts and Design Teacher

UNSW

INFORMATION EVENINGS

UNSW Year 10 Subject Selection Evenings 

UNSW’s Year 10 Subject Selection Evenings will be held over four nights in April and May 2020.  These events regularly reach capacity so make sure you register early to avoid disappointment.  Use following link:   REGISTER NOW

UNSW Year 12 Medicine Information Evening

On Wednesday 18 March UNSW will host their Medicine Information Night for interested students.  The evening’s program will commence with a general overview of the UNSW Medicine degree from staff and students in the Faculty of Medicine, as well as detailed information on the application and admissions process for 2021.  Registrations are required for this very popular event.  Please register using the link provided  REGISTER NOW

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

UNSW Built Environment Workshops

The BE Workshops are designed for students in Years 10-12, and they incorporate Design, Architecture, Planning and Construction to solve a real-world challenge.  The workshop aims to investigate better solutions to enhance the lives of children and elderly living in a city.  If you are interested REGISTER NOW

UNSW Business Day

Interested students are invited to the UNSW Business Day on Friday 17 April 2020.  This event has been specifically designed for Year 12 students and will allow them to take part in interactive workshops, network with clubs and societies and get answers to their questions about life at UNSW.  If you are interested REGISTER NOW.

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

As performance week for the College Production Strictly Ballroom creeps closer, everyone involved from the main cast to the chorus, the dancers and crew are working non stop to bring the musical to life!

Last week, some of the cast began to bring the crazy costume ideas from paper to person.  Every possible colour was seen, ranging from purple metallic leotards to bright red jumpsuits and everything in between.  Matching makeup looks are also starting to be practised and perfected by the backstage crew, who were paid a visit from a professional makeup artist!  Glittery eye shadows and bright red lipsticks certainly were two items that made themselves known.

In the past few rehearsals, some dancing has crept its way into most of the scenes.  We have seen all kinds of crazy footwork with people doing the tango, bogo pogo, the waltz and some more sophisticated, choreographed routines from our leads.  Our choreographers, Mrs Mangano and Ms Wong, have been working hard with the main cast and dance team to create the perfect dance for each scene. 

Just one last thing from the cast and crew:  Remember to keep things...Strictly Ballroom!

By Polly Grinrod

Ms Catherine Johnson  
Head of Department Performing Arts

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  

Upcoming Dates

Friday 8 May 2020:  Mother Daughter Dinner - Dockside, Darling Harbour - 6.30pm.  ** Tickets will be available from Friday 14 March.

Tuesday 24 March:  P&F AGM and Meeting - 6.30pm - Bethania Meeting Room, St Vincent’s College.

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

Alumnae in Focus:  Hanna Cooper

As we move closer to International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of our Alumnae.  Thoughtful insights on the role of emotion in leadership and women in tech, from Class of 2007 Alumna, Hannah Cooper.  Hannah is part of B&T's Women Leading Tech Awards

https://www.bandt.com.au/quantcasts-hannah-cooper-on-the-role-of-emotion-in-leadership/

Follow St Vincent’s College on LinkedIn to connect and discover more about our Alumnae and The College.

Jane Palin
Community and Alumnae Relations Manager

Year 9 Parents and Carers, please join us for a get-together on Friday 27 March at the Charing Cross Hotel in Waverley.  We look forward to seeing you there. 
    Book tickets HERE

Time:   6:30pm-11.00pm

Venue:   Charing Cross Hotel, 81 Carrington Road, Waverley

Dress Code:  Casual

Price:  $25 per head for cocktail food.  Purchase your own drinks.

Contact Email:  Michael Laing - michaellaing@theagency.com.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/

TERM 1 SPORT

IGSSA Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to the whole St Vincent's swim team who made a ten finals at the IGSSA Swimming Championships today.  The whole team should be very proud of themselves.

Our finalists were: 

Charlie Bennett (Year 9) - 200m Individual Medley; 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly 

Maddison Neill (Year 11) - 50m and 100m freestyle

Gabrielle Austin (Year 9)- 50m backstroke 

Ruby Etherington (Year 8) - 100m freestyle; Junior freestyle relay

Lily Rowbotham (Year 7) - 50m butterfly

Evie Ellis (Year 8) - Junior freestyle relay

Elliane Davis (Year 8) - Junior freestyle relay

Zahli Daly (Year 7) - Junior freestyle relay.

above:  Junior freestyle relay final

above:  Gabrielle Austin - 50m backstroke final

below:   Maddison Neill - 50m and 100m freestyle finals

above:  IGSSA finalists

Above:  Seniors at their last IGSSA swim carnival

above:  IGSSA swim team

Tildesley Tennis

Our Tildesley Tournament training continues BUT, with only two weeks to go until game day, please ensure you come to training.  Some sessions have had less than 70% turn up of players, and this implies a lack of commitment at a time when everyone should be turning up to training and getting game ready. Even when it is raining we still have training in the gym, so please, don’t let your team down.

With only two weeks left - that's all - after then, you can rest up and sleep in instead.  Please make sure you have returned your permission notes to the Sports office as soon as possible.  Don’t forget to circle on the form if you need the bus or not on both days.

Next Monday (9 March) afternoon DOUBLES training will include training for lines-persons.  EVERYONE who is playing doubles will be expected to be a lines-person for part of the day on Wednesday 18 March.  

Also, don't forget to communicate with Tildesley Captain Lucia Holt, on what food to bring on our days at Tildesley.  Check your equipment, make sure you have your racquet in good condition and check that the strings are good.  If your racquet needs a new grip or strings - now is the time to organise it.  I can change your grip for you but if you need new strings you will have to take it to a restringer.   I recommend "Strungout" at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park.  Please make sure you have you full sports uniform including hat.

Ms Therese Taylor
Head Tennis Coach

TERM 2 SPORT TRIALS

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 from 3.15pm to 4.30pm, commencing Thursday 30 April.

Trials for netball (no trials for Year 7), hockey, basketball and football are being conducted at the moment so please diarise these dates.  Some were postponed from last week.

Football Trials - Rushcutters Bay

Juniors (Years 7, 8, 9):  Postponed to Thursday 12 March - 3.30pm-4.30pm (walk down at 3.15pm).

Seniors (Years 10, 11, 12):  Postponed to Wednesday 11 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.

FITNESS AND CROSS COUNTRY                            

Fitness training with Tash will not be held this coming Monday 9 March, as she will be away.  Ms Jacobs will take the session on Wednesday afternoon and it will return to normal the following week.  These fitness sessions are for any students wishing to get fitter and are also for the cross country girls as we prepare for the IGSSA Cross Country Carnival at Frensham on Friday 15 May (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.  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! 

above:   Year 7 2019 cross country

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:  Charlie Bennett (Year 9) who had a very successful IGSSA Swimming Carnival making three finals and Ruby Etherington (Year 8) who came third in the 100m freestyle in a personal best and national qualifying time.

above:  Charlie Bennett - made three finals

below:  Ruby Etherington - third 100m freestyle

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