Bulletin

...As you pray this for your family and the world, let the spirit create a photo in your own mind...

Lockdown by Fr Richard Hendrick, OFM  13/03/2020

Yes there is fear.

Yes there is isolation.

Yes there is panic buying.

Yes there is sickness.

Yes there is even death.

But,---

They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise

You can hear the birds again.

They say that after just a few weeks of quiet

The sky is no longer thick with fumes

But blue and grey and clear.

They say that in the streets of Assisi

People are singing to each other

across the empty squares,

keeping their windows open

so that those who are alone

may hear the sounds of family around them.

They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.

Today a young woman I know is busy spreading fliers with her number through the neighbourhood

So that the elders may have someone to call on.

Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples are preparing to welcome and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary.

All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting

All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way

All over the world people are waking up to a new reality

To how big we really are.

To how little control we really have.

To what really matters.

To Love.

So we pray and we remember that

Yes there is fear.

But there does not have to be hate.

Yes there is isolation.

But there does not have to be loneliness.

Yes there is panic buying.

But there does not have to be meanness.

Yes there is sickness.

But there does not have to be disease of the soul

Yes there is even death.

But there can always be a rebirth of love.

Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.

Today, breathe.

Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic

The birds are singing again

The sky is clearing, Spring is coming,

And we are always encompassed by Love.

Open the windows of your soul

And though you may not be able

to touch across the empty square,

Sing                                              

Monday 23 March:   Year 7 Vaccinations at the College.  From 9.00am - see reminder notice after this section.  Any outstanding consent forms are due prior to 8.30am on 23 March.

Year 7 Vaccination Consent Forms

A reminder to our Year 7 parents:  If you have not already returned your daughter’s vaccination consent form to student services, they MUST be returned by Monday 23 March prior to 8.30am.

If a student does not have a parent/carer consent form returned by Monday prior to vaccination clinic commencing, she will be unable to have a vaccination at the College that day and parents will be required to contact their own GP.

Mr Bob Anderson
Director of Education Administration 

Dear Parents and Carers

Yesterday it was a delight to hear the joyful squeals of our Year 12 class as they received their Year 12 Jerseys.  This much anticipated ritual of receiving the jersey was brought forward to restore some balance on their score card which had more loss than gain this month.  Their enthusiasm and energy was palpable and I am sure this particular issue of the jersey will be greatly treasured as a piece of personal memorabilia of what is proving to be a most extraordinary year.  Congratulations to Alessia Carnabuci and Chloe Conway for their wonderful work as SRC Captains in making this such a special occasion.

Squeals of another kind also have been very audible over the last couple of weeks, as we have co-existed with a very protective 'myna bird' on the upper paved area.  The sound of high pitched squealing has had little impact as a 'move-on' notice to our feathery friends.  While we investigate the next level of eviction, please take care when using the front driveway and the upper paved area.  Wearing the Panama hat has proved effective, and suddenly we are having to give less reminders about wearing the hats!

In reflecting and trying to find moments of gratitude amidst all the constant commentary on Coronavirus, I found myself deeply proud of the contribution Mary Aikenhead Ministries is making during this pandemic.  The work of the hospitals, aged care facilities and health research teams under the stewardship of Mary Aikenhead Ministries are all at the front-line of Australia's response.  We have much to be grateful to the Sisters of Charity for having started and maintained these ministries through other times of national and international emergencies.  This time again, the ministries, impelled by the love of Christ, will heal, care and comfort the sick, elderly and vulnerable.

COVID-19

The newsletter this week is full of important information about how we are dealing with the daily impact, and how we are planning for the uncertainty of tomorrow, next week, next term.  Whatever construct of time we use it is not adequate to really provide the certainty we are all craving.  As I listened this week to the anguish of parents, Boarders, colleagues and friends, I came to understand the myriads of individual stories that are embedded and hidden in the reporting of this pandemic.  For me, my story had a moment of joy as my gorgeous son made it home from overseas.  Even though I can't see him now as he is isolated for 14 days outside of Sydney, there is great relief in having him back home.  I am conscious of others great dilemmas, conundrums and difficult choices that remain in the mix.  It is really too big for most of us to comprehend without faith, and as we approach the passion of Christ, may you be able to see light beyond the current darkness.

Vaccinations

Sr Anne is renown for her comforting of students as they receive their vaccinations.  These are scheduled for Monday 23 March and in our current context, Sr Anne will not be able to hold hands, hug or offer much more than an elbow-bump! (a very poor substitute in my view!).  In these circumstances, if we have a student that resists they will need to see their GP for the vaccination.  I know you understand that we are living through such abnormal times, and our natural instincts to use touch or proximity are not currently permissable.

NAPLAN

You will probably have seen in media coverage that NAPLAN for Year 7 and Year 9 have been cancelled for 2020.  This is a result of the disrupted year of learning that some children will experience as a result of the pandemic.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Anne Fry
Principal

I have been asked by the manager to remind our students that they cannot take large bags into the supermarket.  Large backpacks crate considerable risks to other customers, so we are asking that bags are neatly stacked outside the shop, or in wet weather, along the inside ramp into the shop.

All students are also reminded that deliberately concealing items, or not scanning every item through the 'self-serve terminals is theft.  Police will be called if the Woolworths security staff (uniformed and undercover) intercept any customer deliberately abusing this service.

For the first time this term, the week has not flown by.  For all of us - students, parents and educators - it has been a long week, holding ourselves in moments of anticipation and waiting.  Our human responses of disbelieving and processing, hypothesising and speculating, strategising and reassuring - these are highly taxing and emotional experiences.  In a world that has become so accustomed to knowing - googling quick fix responses to our questions - we are understandably thrown by the need to now navigate our way and pull together amidst the uncertainty of Covid-19.  And yet amidst all of this we are buoyed by the resilience and care of colleagues, students and families.  This week I share with parents and carers many resources that may assist you in navigating this space with your families.

Uncertainty is a trigger to worry.  We need not try to be the experts, but give reassurance to young people that there are experts working collectively and with huge commitment to seek best fit solutions - that in itself is an important reassurance.  Knowing that the trusted adults in their lives - at home and at school - are transparent and communicative is important.  You are seeing this in the communications from Mrs Fry and the students too are being kept updated.  Our testing of the Google Meet platform was a great success in itself by way of adding to our agile learning possibilities, but importantly it provided a clear message of positive actions being taken for readiness and that our desire for connectivity matters to us.  In fact, the smiles appearing on screens of students and teachers faces as they met online spoke volumes about our support for each other.

This week the Pastoral team - inclusive of Heads of House and Counsellor along with Ms Jacobs as Sport Co-ordinator and Mrs Kenderes as Director of Faith and Mission - have worked to construct a new Google Classroom on Student Wellbeing.  This supportive resource will provide a wealth of activities and tools for students to readily access for their own self-care, including opportunity to keep connected and share humour and inspirations that keep us in good spirits as a community.  Year 12 students are contributing to this resource and we look forward to sharing with students in Years 7-11 next week.  I was most impressed by the strategies put forward in conversations with Year 12 students about how they can continue to look after their wellbeing:

- Practice good hygiene

- Adhere to social distancing recommendations

- Share your own gifts with family and friends - kindness, perspective, humour, listening

- Allow opportunity acknowledge feelings - to talk and question and yet …

- Take a break off-line and away from the saturation of media and social media

- Practice healthy habits – sufficient sleep, good food choices, keep hydrated, enjoy exercise

- Remind oneself that there are many others in more challenging circumstances than our own

- Be mindful and pray

- Keep to usual routines

- Stay in the present – keep up with your learning.

Please also know that I am receiving communication from organisations committed to cybersafety and education of parents in safe-guarding your children if schools move to more frequent remote online learning.  I appreciate this is an area that parents wish for more support.  Be assured I shall provide such parent resources, including education programs, as they arrive.

This week I share a range of resources for your perusal that may support you with strategies in managing conversations and possible anxieties in your homes. A helpful article I include here - https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/coronavirus-anxiety.htm

The sites below provide accurate information from credible sources.

My assurance to you is that we all stay connected - support and care from others helps individuals cope with uncertainty and is a reminder of the relationships we are grateful for.  Take time this weekend to live in the present and enjoy the usual normal routines of life.  My favourite moment this week was the sheer delight of Year 12 receiving their jerseys - the ritualistic ‘Year 12’ chant with squeals of delight reminded us all of the importance of honouring these moments that lift and unite us.

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal, Pastoral Care

Resources and Support agencies - coronavirus

Mindspot

https://mindspot.org.au/coronavirus

https://mindspot.org.au/assets/pdf/10_Tips_for_Coping_with_Infectious_Diseases.pdf

Beyond Blue

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak

Headspace

https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/

ReachOut Youth discussion forums

https://forums.au.reachout.com/

The Brave Program

https://www.brave-online.com/beating-stress-and-worries-about-coronavirus-covid-19/

If you or anyone you know needs help:

●      Lifeline on 13 11 14

●      beyondblue on 1300 224 636

●      MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

●      Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

●      Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

●      Headspace on 1800 650 890

●      QLife on 1800 184 527.

Government agencies:

NSW Department of Health

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx

NSW Department of Education

https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety/novel-coronavirus.html

National Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080.  It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal, Pastoral Care

It has certainly been a week not quite like any other I have experienced in my near 30 years as a secondary educator.  The ever-evolving media saturation of the COVID-19 pandemic and the reality of ensuring that the continuity of learning is preserved, has been on the forefront of my mind.  On Wednesday we successfully trialled our remote technological solution to a possible school closure with our Google Classroom/Google Meet agile pedagogical model.  I thank the entire community for your support of this necessary testing which we are confident will be effective if necessary.  The images below capture our recent trial.  

I would now like to share with you some of the most recent updated advice from both NESA and ACARA and detail the College’s response to it.

YEARS 11 AND 12 ASSESSMENT                                              

Please know there has been a new release from NESA which I include here for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Years 11 and 12 students.  As per Mrs Fry’s 18 March letter:  ‘Missed assessments in this circumstance will continue to be managed under our Assessment Policy’.  Please know that any missed assessments due to students at home adhering to our policy on presenting with flu-like symptoms, comes under our Illness/Misadventure policy.  A reminder to families that if you are keeping your daughter away due to these symptoms, your daughter will need to fill an Illness/Misadventure Application form on her return to school.  If students cannot make a GP appointment for a medical certificate due to these unprecedented times, parents are to email me their usual GP contact details.  This will suffice in terms of documented evidence that NESA requires.  Whilst we remain open alternate assessments will be arranged for your daughters when they return to school.  Heads of Department are busy preparing for the possibility of a school closure by determining alternatives to in-class assessments as per NESA’s advice.                                                          

PEDAGOGY

Again, as per Mrs Fry’s 18 March letter:  ‘This brings me to the crux of my correspondence today which is a parent’s right to determine what is in the best interests of their children, their safety and wellbeing.  A small number of our families as a health measure need to keep their daughter home'.  This will be recorded as parent approved leave as the College is still operational.  In such cases the individual student can access learning through their Google Classroom as is our normal practice when students are absent from school.  Note that this will not yet include Google Meet which is the agile learning medium successfully trialled on Wednesday.  Please note that whilst the College remains open, we are not adopting a hybrid pedagogy (Google Meet and Classroom) for students at home.  Should a school closure occur we will adopt this hybrid pedagogy to ensure learning continues remotely.

BOARDERS                                                      

As per Mrs Fry’s letter, while the students will be able to access Google Classroom, the teachers will not be using Google Meet (the interactive mode) until we are deemed closed as a result of a New South Wales Health directive.  With assessments that are ‘in-class’, Boarders will apply for ‘Misadventure’ and sit an alternate assessment next term when they return to school, or if this is not possible an estimate will be provided (see NESA advice).  All Assessment Activities submissions for Boarders are to be handed in electronically on time, as per the published Assessment Calendars found on the College website here:  Teaching & Learning

NAPLAN ONLINE 2020 - Cancelled

As Mrs Fry stated in her article, Education ministers met this morning to discuss the evolving COVID-19 situation and the implications for schools and have today decided that NAPLAN testing will not proceed for 2020.  The communique can be found here.  Obviously as a direct response to this media release, we have cancelled all of our NAPLAN ONLINE practice and actual testing.                                 

Thank you all so very much for your understanding, measure and resilience in these rapidly evolving days.  As a community we will get through this unprecedented challenge together in the knowledge that the Vinnies spirit is more palpable than ever right now. 

Mrs Jasmin Mano
Director of Teaching and Learning

We’re a funny lot, us Catholics.  I just googled the Vatican response to the Corona virus to find footage of Pope Francis walking along empty streets in Rome to get to the “plague crucifix” so he could pray for those suffering with the virus; for those who have been lost, for health workers, for families and for the world.  The Plague Crucifix was a favourite icon during the Bubonic Plague in the 16^th century, but shouldn’t The Pope have followed official advice and stayed home?  Surely he’s not setting a very good example.  Why was he so keen to get to this crucifix?  Many would ask if where you pray has any bearing on the quality or ‘viability’ of prayer.  Does prayer only work if you pray in a particular place in a particular way, with particular words on a particular day?  Surely God is bigger than that.

Perhaps icons and religious symbols help our prayer, not because they have ‘magical powers’ but because they can help us to focus, to get away from ourselves and be before God as we truly are - floored, vulnerable, a bit fearful and completely lovable.  The great Zen Buddhist Monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, would call that Deep Listening and would teach that such a way of communicating will relieve the suffering of others.  St Pope John XXIII would say that such truth and vulnerability is the key to world peace and the basis of a renewed relationship with the person of Christ, who offers all he has and all he is to make God’s love visible through justice.

It’s been a week of cancellations and postponements.  Years 11 and 12 are very disappointed that their retreats will not be going ahead as planned, but we will find another way.  We will rise above our disappointments and find another way to come together, to talk, to listen deeply, to park our worries by the side of the road, walk together a ‘ways’ and be inspired to greater things.  While we are there we will pray for and with each other. 

Mrs Jo Kenderes
Director of Faith and Mission

Below:  The Pope parked his Ford Focus near the Church of San Marcello in Rome's city centre, and walked to his destination

This week has been an emotional rollercoaster for many of us here in Boarding.  Mrs Fry delivered the news of the Boarding House's temporary closure on Thursday night.  Every night this week I have been talking to the girls to keep them updated on what we know from the NSW Department of Health and the Prime Minister, and what decisions have been made.  We also included temperatures checks in there just for good measure!  This decision has been made after many discussions, gathering of accurate information, using the expertise of our staff and CoR Team, and also with discussions with SCEGGS.  Mrs Fry spoke eloquently with the Boarders to explain why we have come to this decision.  She informed the girls that in her long career in education, she has never had to make such a tough decision as this in such uncertain times.  

Boarders being Boarders asked lots of questions - which we love!  All questions are good questions and we would much rather talk through a situation to get a solution than second guessing.  It was emotional realising that dinner on Thursday would be our last together for an unknown period of time, and that is probably the most heartbreaking thing to deal with.  Even though they are excited to go home, for those that aren’t staying as 'day girls', it is bittersweet to leave early. And, those who are staying as day girls, it will be exciting to travel on public transport each day, but I think the worst part is having to wake up early enough to get public transport!  

As our term has been cut short in Boarding, we have been unable to properly farewell Ms Janette Gaffney, Deputy Head of Boarding and Years 11/12 Boarding Coordinator, whose end of term retirement unfortunately had to be brought forward.  At the staff morning tea today, Janette was presented with a gift from the College to commemorate her nine years of constant, consistent and collaborative work in Boarding.  We will have Janette back when Boarding returns, to farewell her from our community.  She has been a source of support for the families that have been through her care, and a source of great support to me as deputy.  We wish her all the best in Canberra spending valuable time with her family, and creating masterpieces using her extensive art talents.

Yours in boarding always

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

below:   Ms Janette Gaffney at the staff morning tea today

Hyde Park Barracks

For our Sunday activity we caught the train from Kings Cross to Martin Place and walked to the Hyde Park Barracks.  The indigenous guest artist Jonathan Jones, had his artwork on display.  One of his artworks was an amazing mural made out of pebble stones which took up the entire ground space of The Barracks.  The background of his artwork were brown pebbles and the inside were lots of emu prints that were white pebbles.  The emu prints represented the arrows on the jail uniforms that the prison convicts used to wear.

On a table located next to the pebble work were boxes filled with scissors, stamp pads and stamps with the emu/arrow design on it.  We had the opportunity to make our own artistic emu designs.  In one of the photos below, Chloe and I are holding our creative work.

Hyde Park Barracks is a heritage building that was built by the convicts in 1817, and first held 589 convicts.  Around The Barracks is a high brick wall that kept the convicts from climbing up and escaping.  Now that The Barracks is used as a museum it has many special artifacts.  One example is a large dish and spoon which was located on the old wooden dining table.  The convicts' food, such as a salty meat stew, was placed in the large dish on each table and six men would scoop their food from the dish and were only given two scoops a day.  The Barracks convicts were given enough food to survive and to be able to work, but no more.

Unfortunately, the NAISDA dance group was cancelled so we didn’t get to see them perform the emu dance.  Overall, the day was interesting and fun and I recommend that you visit The Barracks if you are interested in learning about Australian history.

Natayleah Georgetown, Year 9 

Australian Institute of Music (AIM)

At a time when so many events are being cancelled, AIM will be providing a virtual way for teachers and students to experience what AIM has to offer.  If you'd like to see the end results of AIM Sydney's recent renovations, please take this tour of the campus.  AIM is also providing a range of specialised online masterclasses that will become available very soon.  The series will featuring AIM lecturers providing practical advice, tips and knowledge on a range of topics from the Bachelor of Music programs (in Audio, Composition, Classical, Contemporary, Music Theatre and Arts Management), the Bachelor of Entertainment Management and AIM’s Postgraduate programs in Music and Arts and Entertainment Management. 

Business Cadetships

Applications have opened for business cadetships at businesscadetships.com.au .  Business cadets combine university study with paid work at UBS, a top ranking global bank.  Business cadetships provide students who enjoy challenging themselves and being busy, an exciting way to commence their working life.

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

We regret to advise the following upcoming gatherings have been postponed due to COVID-19 situation. 

-  Year 9 Parents and Carers Cocktail Party (Friday 27 March):  If you have booked ticket/s please contact the event organiser Mr Michael Laing.

-  P&F Association Meeting and AGM (Tuesday 24 March):  Rescheduling of the P&F AGM will be advised as soon as possible.

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

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 Coach of Hockey - Ms Laura Wiggins  0418 329 929
Head Coach of Netball/Basketball - Ms Elyse Harmanis  0434 610 870
Head Coach of Football - Mr Nicholas Schroeder  0431 117 565
Head of Swimming/Cross Country - Ms Jacinta Jacobs   0418 416 663.

Website details:   www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/Learning/Sport

TERM 1 SPORT

It is with great regret that I inform you that based on advice from the health experts, and in line with the NSW Department of Education's notification of stopping inter-school sport between multiple schools, IGSSA, EASTS touch and ESG water polo associations have decided to cancel all sport for the remainder of the term including representative trials.  The College supports this decision and hopes that our families do also.  We are still running our non-contact sports training sessions of small groups, such as swimming training and fitness/cross country training.

For all other students who no longer have scheduled training sessions, I suggest you do some work on your fitness at home.  Use this time to go for a walk or a jog in the fresh air and get some sunshine, which can improve immunity to any viruses.  It is a time for us all to slow down and breathe a little more and to spend time with family and friends.  Allow yourself some time to yourself, to meditate or do yoga, walk the dog or listen to music.  Let’s find a positive during this ‘unique’ time and focus on doing our bit to help with the flattening of the curve of this pandemic.  Stay safe and healthy, wash your hands often and give everyone some room to breathe.

Below:   Senior firsts water polo with head coach Hayley Boatswain

Tidesley Tennis

IGSSA have also had to cancel this prestigious tennis event because of COVID-19, but are hoping to reschedule the event in Term 3.  All players are asked to try and keep fit over the holidays, and once we know more we will structure some more training sessions next term.  Thank you for your understanding in these difficult times.

Below:  Tildesley Tennis with coaches Therese Taylor and Cara Christie

Fitness, Swimming and Term 2 Cross Country            

Morning swimming training with Jesse is continuing as scheduled until the end of term.  Please contact him directly if you have any questions or need to reschedule a session you have missed due to the late start on Wednesday this week, or illness. 

Fitness training is still on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, 3.15pm-4.30pm with Tash or Ms Jacobs.  The girls meet outside the change rooms and all are welcome.  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, 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 years old and senior 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 for these fun sessions with Tash!

Below:  Fitness/Cross Country training

Below:  The swim team with coach Jesse Clare

TERM 2 SPORT

The latest information regarding Term 2 Sport:

• IGSSA basketball and football have been cancelled for the whole of Term 2.
• We are still waiting for confirmation if the local competitions of SEHA hockey and St Catherine's netball will go ahead.
• Year 7 netball skills development:  At present this will still be running at the College as this is a small group, and all health and safety precautions will be taken.
• Alternative fitness classes will be organized by the coaches and will be run at the College. 

More information will be published as it comes to hand.

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 all of our coaches this term who have really had to work hard to keep our teams together through torrential rain, poor air quality and the Corona virus!  We are very lucky to have such dedicated head coaches such as Elyse Harmanis, Hayley Boatswain and Therese Taylor.  Under their enthusiastic direction our team coaches have done a remarkable job.  Please make sure you send a message to thank them as you won’t see them again this term.

Below:  Head touch coach Elyse Harmanis  

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-Ordinator of Sport