Bulletin

• Friday 24/25 March:  P&F Art Show - 24 March Opening Night 6.00pm-10.00pm / 25 March 10.00am-3.00pm
  - in the College Hall
• Monday 27 March:  Year 9 Broken Hill Endeavouring Experience Departs.
• Wednesday 29 March, Thursday 30 March, Friday 31 March:  Years 7, 8, 10 Camps / Years 11-12 Retreats.
• Thursday 06 April:  Holy Thursday - Last day of Term 1.
• Friday 07 April:  Easter - Good Friday.

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• Owing to camps/retreats next week, the remaining newsletter for Term 1 will be released on Tuesday 4 April.

Click on the flyer below or HERE .

College photographs will be taken on Thursday 27 April (first week of Term 2).

All students have been issued with an order envelope through their Tutor Group.

Order your photos in either of the following two ways:

• By completing and returning the envelope to Student Services before Photo Day OR
• By using the 9 digit code on the envelope to order online via the Advanced Life website  https://www.advancedlife.com.au/

Sibling Photo Orders:  Any family who would like a sibling photo on the day should collect a Sibling Order Envelope from Student Services.

College photos will be taken in full winter uniform.

https://www.advancedlife.com.au/

Mr Bob Anderson
Director of College Operations

At this stage of the year, it is important to be checking your daughter's winter uniform.  The new term starts in late April (26 April) and the weather can be quite variable.  We have allowed in the first two weeks, the students to choose full winter or full summer uniform - but definitely no 'mix n' match'!  It is critical to note, however, that school photo day is on Thursday 27 April and students MUST BE IN THEIR WINTER UNIFORMS on that day. 
(Please see further in this issue in 'Community Notices' - new trading hours/school holiday times from the Uniform Shop).

Anne Fry
Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

On Wednesday afternoon the College opened its doors to prospective families - the target group was Year 7 2025.  It was a privilege to walk around with groups and experience the enthusiasm of the Year 10 group leaders, and marvel at the exciting and innovative learning that was being showcased.  The number of families sharing interest in St Vincent's is humbling, and although I know not every family who visited us on Wednesday will proceed to enrolment, it is certainly good to know that the reputation of the College is strong.  So many of the families commented that they were attending Open Day because of the recommendations of a current or past family.  Thank you!  A very big thank you also to our new team of Mrs Christine Laurent (Registrar) and Ms Lyndal Rose (Community Development) for leading the Open Day activity.  They were of course well supported by our fantastic teachers and students who provided such authentic information about an education the Vinnies' way!

Part of that Vinnies' way is our unique approach to camps and retreats.  People often marvel that the whole school is out on residential programs in the same week and that will be the case again this year as we disperse to points far and wide.  Our camps and retreats are designed to be accessible, challenging and great fun.  I wish everyone a grand adventure and thank the staff for their generosity in accompanying the students.  The Year 9 team are taking on an endeavour of an epic scale heading to the Australian Outback for ten days.  There will be stories and shared experiences on each of the programs that will form the folklore shared whenever these cohorts gather in 5, 10, 15, 30 years time.

Tonight and tomorrow the P&F are hosting an Art Show with proceeds raised going to support 'Lou's Place' and the College's Art program.  It was a passion project for Holly Davis and in turn she has enthused a wonderful team of volunteers.  Together they have worked hard over the last 18 months to transform our College Hall and surrounds into a gallery space.  I encourage you to come along tomorrow and enjoy viewing a collection of work from established and emerging artists.

The College community was saddened this week to hear of the death of Yvette Mellis - Mother of Bina Mellis in Year 10.  Yvette had bravely fought a battle against brain cancer for the last 12 months.  May she now rest in peace.

Mrs Anne Fry
Principal

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

Bina Mellis (Year 10) - Beloved Mother.

Maisie Bird (Year 7) - Beloved Grandmother.

May they rest in peace.

Our students are not the subjects of learning that we provide, they are active participants and agents of learning.  Two conversations that I had the pleasure of being involved in this week powerfully reminded me of how capable our students are of being active and articulate advocates of their learning experience.

One of these conversations was focused on the College’s Learning Framework. The teaching staff have been discussing our shared understanding of the framework and the ways in which it is brought to life in the daily classroom experience.  On Tuesday, over 20 students joined the teachers in adding a student voice to this conversation, sharing what they valued about their learning as well as offering considered reflections on how we might design future learning to deepen their engagement and growth.  These students embodied the framework as they were ‘independent in thought…and confident to act’, leading the conversation with mature honesty, wisdom and discernment.  Their contribution has deepened our reflection and consideration as we review our current and emerging priorities in educating these accomplished young women.

The second conversation was with our SRC about the College’s homework policy.  The Heads of Department have been working on updating this policy to shift it from defining volume of/time spent on homework, to articulating the purpose of homework and the place it has in the broader learning experience. The SRC reviewed the draft and offered suggestions to refine the policy so that it reflects both teacher expectation and student experience of homework. What we now have is a policy (see below) borne of purposeful collaboration between teachers and students that articulates shared responsibilities and commitment to home learning as an intentional and relevant component of teaching and learning.

Thank you to all the students who contributed to both these conversations, and the way in which they have shaped the learning culture at the College.  I look forward to many more opportunities to learn from and be guided by our students in shaping the learning experience at St Vincent’s.

2023 - St Vincent’s College Homework Policy

The purpose of homework at St Vincent's College is to both consolidate learning that has occurred in the classroom as well as prepare and support students for future learning experiences.  As such, homework is intentional and may be designed to support revision and mastery of skills, to offer time to complete tasks commenced in class and/or offer scope for students to advance thinking, apply knowledge into new contexts and be ready to participate in future lessons.

Homework is part of the rhythm of learning and is one of many opportunities both within and outside the classroom, for students to reflect on learning and foster skills that will develop confident, independent learners.

Students are responsible for actively engaging with homework as part of their learning commitment.  Teachers are responsible for connecting homework to the classroom experience and actively monitoring homework so that it informs future learning design.

Homework promotes dialogue between teachers and students about learning progress.  Feedback is an integral part of this dialogue.  In the context of homework, students will receive feedback in a range of forms, including but not limited to:

• student self evaluation of progress
• whole class feedback about progress and next steps
• personalised written and/or verbal feedback

Ms Alison Boyd-Boland
Director of Teaching and Learning

We had the biggest win last Saturday.  The Dad’s group ran a gentle afternoon of Father-Daughter fun at South Maroubra beach, “Hi Dad! Goodbye Summer” and 20 dads and their daughters turned up for a swim, volleyball and a chill.  I’m thrilled.  We have a great team of Dads who are building a network of other great Dads who want to support their Vinnies' girls with fun, learning and care.  So far this year they have brought you “Dad’s in Sport” and now a perfect afternoon of fun on the beach.  I’m told it was a little windy, but what Dad doesn’t love a challenge.  Volleyball Captain, Ella Argent, was on the lookout for some new talent and I believe a few potential stars have been approached.  Thanks to the team of great Dads who made it all happen - especially the one who brought the net and knew the rules.

There will be more great activities next term.

Do consider signing up for the Father-Daughter Night Patrol Project .  Take the plunge and click on the link.  What better way for dads and daughters to teach each other about justice and love than to feed the homeless.

Mrs Jo Kenderes
Director of Faith and Mission

Year 12 Extension 1 - Incursion with Poet, Eileen Chong

On Monday 6 March, our Extension 1 English class had the privilege of meeting and being able to talk to the author of one of our prescribed texts for our unit, Literary Homelands: Eileen Chong’s collection of poems, Burning Rice.  This was an invaluable experience for us, not just as students on our HSC journey but as young writers seeking to learn from someone who has experienced more of the world and who was able to share with us unique insights about being a writer, and particularly from her perspective as an Asian-Australian female poet.  Listening to the poetry read by the writer herself was a revelation; we gained so much wisdom about the complexity of poetry, the art of writing and the challenging experiences of migration.  It was a truly enlightening opportunity for which we are most grateful.

“Having the privilege to listen to Eileen was an incredible opportunity.  Being able to hear about her personal context greatly informed how we view her poems, especially through her stories of her childhood and her experiences of migrating from Singapore to Australia.  Her poetry is greatly reflective of the struggle to find a sense of identity and belonging in a new place, and receiving a first-hand recount of her story has helped us to better understand the depth in her poetry.” - Judith Walsh

“Meeting Eileen was such an amazing opportunity.  To hear her read her own poetry and explain the inspiration and craft behind each line was such a valuable experience and really enriched my understanding of her work.” - Lucy Fraser

“Eileen coming in to work with us has to be one of the highlights of my HSC experience.  Being able to truly absorb the poems whilst the poet discussed with us her sense of self, her cultural identity and her literary influences and how these factors jointly shaped her writing style was a true privilege, one which I will never forget.” - Amelia Papworth

“I feel so privileged to have been able to discuss Eileen’s poetry with the writer herself.  This is not an opportunity we’ve ever had before and I gained so much from the experience.  Hearing about the context, and personal experiences that led to the crafting of the poems in ‘Burning Rice’ was fascinating and something I’m incredibly grateful for.” - Stella Trevaskis

Ms Anita Playoust
Head of Department English

University of Melbourne

Sydney Information Session for St Hilda’s College and Trinity College

If senior students and their parents want to find out more about what's on offer at the residential colleges at Melbourne, St Hilda's College and Trinity College are teaming up to host a joint information session in Sydney on Sunday 2 April.  The information session will be held on Sunday 2 April from 10.00am-12.00pm at Pullman Sydney, Hyde Park, 36 College Street, Sydney.  Registrations are essential using the link found here.

UniMelb Residential Colleges Open House

Saturday 6 May 2023.  If anyone is planning a trip to Melbourne, please be advised that the University of Melbourne’s ten Residential Colleges are holding an Open House event of tours from 11.00am-4.00pm.  It will be a great opportunity to hear from current students, meet the academic and pastoral care staff, learn more about scholarship programs and discover the best of residential college clubs, societies, events and leadership opportunities.  Lunch and refreshments will be served across the Colleges on the day.  There will be tours on a rolling basis departing at regular times from 12.00pm - 3.30pm.  There are also two UniMelb Course and Admissions Overview Information Sessions at 11.00am and 4.00pm.  For event details and to register online, use the following link here

Doctor of Medicine Information Session - 2024 Intake

19 April from 6.00pm-7.00pm.  Webinar.  Hear from key academics at the Melbourne Medical School and learn more about the new curriculum.  This webinar will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions and meet current students and find out more about their MD experiences.  This webinar is for students who are considering applying for the 2024 intake.  Registrations are essential using the link found here

Doctor of Medicine

Rural Pathway Information Session - 2024 Intake

20 April from 6.00pm-7.00pm.  Webinar.  As part of the University of Melbourne's commitment to rural health, the Melbourne Medical School has launched a Rural Pathway option within the Doctor of Medicine (MD).  Students in the MD Rural Pathway will complete their medical training entirely in rural Victoria.  Hear from key academics at the Melbourne Medical School and learn more about the MD Rural Pathway.  There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions, meet our current students and find out more about their MD Rural Pathway experiences.  This webinar is for students who are considering applying for the 2024 intake.  Registrations are essential using the link found here.

UTS Sydney

WiEIT STEM

Holiday Workshop:  11-12 April

UTS’s WiEIT STEM holiday workshops are for girls aged 10-16 to provide them with the opportunity to solve real-world problems using engineering and technology with other like-minded people.  For more information and to register go here.

Introduction to Information Technology

26 April at 5.30pm.  Webinar.  Participants will gain an insight into what IT is all about.  They will hear from key academics about what it's like to study IT at UTS and how best to prepare.  There will also be Q&A sessions where attendees can have their questions answered live.  For more information and to register your interest use the link foundhere.

Introduction to Engineering

27 April at 5.30pm.  Webinar.  Participants will gain an insight into what engineering is all about.  They will hear from key academics about what it's like to study Engineering at UTS and how best to prepare.  There will also be Q&A sessions where you can have your questions answered live.  For more information and to register your interest use the link found here.

Sydney Design School Information Sessions

5 April.  6.00pm on Campus.  Attendees will see first hand how flexible SDS’s courses are and the career support available.  SDS’s Director, Amanda Grace, will present on the College’s philosophy and industry focused approach to learning.  Registrations for this event are essential using the link found here.

Sydney:  Defence Force - Gap Year Information Session

5 April at 6.30pm-7.30pm.  Sydney Defence Force Recruiting Centre, Rhodes.

Experience a gap year where you’ll grow and develop in a supportive and people focused environment.  Join the Defence Force Recruitment team for an information session and speak with current serving personnel to learn about the challenges and rewards a Defence Force Gap year can bring.  Registrations are essential using the link found here.

Gap Year

Letz Live

Letz Live provides paid overseas gap year opportunities working in educational settings across New Zealand, Thailand and the United Kingdom.  All positions are paid with participants receiving food and accommodation during the school term.  Applications for Letz Live 2024 Gap Assistant positions (working in boarding school establishments) across New Zealand, Thailand and the United Kingdom are currently open through until Easter Sunday (9 April).  Interested students are encouraged to apply early via the Letz Live website, link foundhere

Career Spotlight

Occupational Hygienist

Occupational hygienists use their scientific knowledge, skills and experience to protect workers from the hazardous chemicals and other agents they have to work with.  Occupational hygienists use science and technology to measure worker exposures, assess worker risks and develop controls to improve the workplace environment.  Occupational hygienists can provide advice on control strategies including hazard elimination, engineering modifications, administrative controls and finally, personal protective equipment.  OH’s focus on worker health protection by assessing the risk of hazards and improving work conditions and work practices.  To find out more use the link found here. 

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

This Week in Year 7 Music Ensemble

Each Thursday at lunch the Year 7 Music ensemble meets in the upstairs Music room.  So far, we have learnt to play two pieces of music, Another One Bites the Dust and the St Vincent's College Anthem.  In the ensemble there are piano, drums, flute, trumpet, violin, clarinet and bass guitar players.  As well as practising the songs, we have a bit of lunch and then have fun learning on our instruments.  Mr McCrudden helps us learn the music and conducts us.  The great thing about Music ensemble is that we all have different abilities, some people have been playing for four years and others have just started to learn their instrument.

I always look forward to Thursday lunchtimes because I know that I will have heaps of fun and will improve my trumpet skills. 

Milla Brereton, Year 7

Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition

On Tuesday, Eliza Greenberg, Olive Hope, Lauren Hugo and Cate McGregor, represented the College at the Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition which was held at Santa Sabina College.  Eliza and Olive had to prepare and deliver a six minute speech for the Junior division while Lauren and Cate's was eight minutes in the Senior division.  All students made us proud with how well they prepared and presented their speech on the day.  Congratulations girls.

below:   Rostrom Junior    below right:  Rostrom Senior

Open Afternoon

At the College Open Day last Wednesday, more than 70 students from choir, orchestra, Year 7 Dance ensemble and our solo performers showcased the co-curricular Performing Arts activities available at the College.  We are lucky to have so many talented performers and it was a great opportunity to show these talents to the wider community.  Thank you to everyone involved.

below:  Serena at open afternoon

below:  Year 7 Dance - Open Afternoon

Student Achievement - Kiki Kersten

Kiki joined St Vincent’s at the start of this year as part of our Year 7 cohort.  Whilst starting high school can be a challenge in itself, Kiki started whilst rehearsing and performing in the professional production of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' at the Capitol Theatre.  Kiki is a talented singer, dancer, actor and acrobat, who loves to be on stage.  Kiki has lessons in all of these genres and rehearses up to 15 hours per week.   

Kiki’s favourite part of being in a musical is getting the opportunity to perform in front of so many people and to make them happy by taking them on a musical journey.  

If you have any questions regarding co-curricular activities, please email peoplesb@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Ms Belinda Peoples
Co-Curricular Co-Ordinator

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

Head of Volleyball and Touch:  Ms Elyse Harmanis - 0434 610 870 elyse.harmanis@stvincents.nsw.edu.au 
Head of Water Polo:  Ms Jacinta Jacobs - 0418 416 663
Head of Tennis:  Ms Tonya Hetreles - 0411 984 352

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/

IGSA Spawtz:  https://igsasport.spawtz.com/  

TERM 1 SPORT

As Mrs Fry mentioned in her report two weeks ago, there has been a crack down on Sport uniforms, and any student without the correct uniform on Saturday will not be permitted to participate.  This includes no tights/bike pants for touch.

Winter Sport Registrations have now closed.  Trials have now been completed and teams are being finalised.  These will be up on the Sports noticeboard and on the website by Wednesday next week.

Ms Jacobs will be away on Year 9 Camp for the next week, so if you have any Sport questions please email Ms Elyse Harmanis: elyse.harmanis@stvincents.nsw.edu.au.

IGSA Tennis

As we approach the final rounds this Saturday, we have two teams placed in the top 4 and are hoping to make the finals next Saturday 1 April.  These finals will be 1 v 2 and 3 v 4.  Good luck to all teams to try and finish the season with a win.  

Any problems or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Ms Tonya Herteles
Head Tennis Coach   tonyahetreles910@outlook.com  Mobile: 0411 984 352

IGSA Water Polo

As we approach the final rounds this Saturday we have three teams placed in the top 4, and are hoping to make the finals next Saturday 1 April.  These finals will be 1 v 2 and 3 v 4.  Good luck to all teams to try and finish the season with a win. 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. 

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Head Water Polo Coach  jacobsj@stvincents.nsw.edu.au   Mobile: 0412 979 599

Easts Touch

Last weekend we had sixteen of our twenty touch teams play in the semi finals, so well done to all those teams.  From the semis we had five teams make the Grand Finals and two were victorious!  Congratulations to SVC 2 and SVC 15 who are Premiers!  We also had three students who were awarded ‘Best and Fairest’ in their grade at touch on the weekend.  Kate Johnson, Year 12, Emily O’Connor Year 11 and Lula Churchill-Brown, Year 9.  Well done girls!  This weekend SVC 9 will play their semi and hopefully Grand Final at E S Marks Field.

This was a great achievement as most of our teams qualified for the finals.  The competition for Champion School is very close, and we will wait and see how this Saturday goes to see if we can take home the trophy again!

Good luck to Team 9 for their games on Saturday!  Lets go Vinnies'!

Any problems or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me on the details below.    

below:  Touch Finalists

below:  Touch Finalists

Santa Sabina Volleyball

Congratulations to all volleyball teams - we had some great games last weekend.  As we go into the final round this Saturday, we have several teams that could finish in the top 4 and play finals next Saturday 1 April.  Keep up the good training girls as it is really paying off.  Go Vinnies'!

Please make sure that all players are wearing the correct Sport uniform and hat.  Players will not be allowed to take the court in any non-St Vincent's gear.

Good luck to all teams for their games this weekend.  Any problems or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me on the details below.

Ms Elyse Harmanis
Head Touch and Volleyball Coach   elyse.harmanis@stvincents.nsw.edu.au  Mobile: 0434 610 870 

IGSA Swimming

The IGSA Swimming Carnival was held at Homebush Aquatic Centre last Friday and we did exceptionally well - with 13 finals and coming second in our division.  We also won the trophy for the Best Multiclass School.

Congratulations to our finalists and medalists who were:

Matilda Dillon - Year 7 - 3 finals:  Bronze medal in the 50m freestyle.

Ruby Wales - Year 7 - 2 finals 

Ali Green - Year 9 - 4 finals:  Three gold medals and a bronze.

Jana Kowalski - Year 10 - 4 finals:  4th in the 50m backstroke.

below:  Ali Green receiving her IGSA swimming medals from Mrs Fry

Cross Country/Fitness Training

Training for cross country continues on Monday and Wednesday afternoons with Tash from 3.15pm-4.30pm, although it will only be Monday in Week 9 due to camps.   Both days will be on in the final week of school and Tash will have a holiday program for you if you ask her.  This is a great way to improve your general fitness or to train for the upcoming IGSA Cross Country Carnival being held at Frensham on12 May.  The girls meet outside the change rooms and then Tash will take them to either Rushcutters Bay or around the College and Woolloomooloo area.  You will be back at the College by 4.30pm.  

You can do one or both sessions, and if you are already training outside of school but wish to be in the cross country team, please email Ms Jacobs.

SPORTS STARS OF THE WEEK

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

Congratulations to Kate Johnson (Year 12), Emily O’Connor (Year 11), and Lula Churchill-Brown (Year 9), who were awarded Best and Fairest in their touch grades for the whole season!  Well done, girls.

Congratulations to Siara Ortolani (Year 12) who came fourth in the prestigious ‘Head of the River’ rowing regatta last Sunday.  This was after coming second at the IGSA rowing regatta the week before.  Well done CC, you did Vinnies' very proud!

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-ordinator of Sport

Please be aware of an upcoming Parent Education evening with psychologist Lorraine Cushing-Kleber.

Parenting Skills for Promoting Resilience & Resolving Teenage Behaviour Issues 

• A relaxed evening workshop that will help build your skills and confidence in managing teen issues. Learn:
• Helping your adolescent develop resilience and coping skills
• Ways to promote family harmony and to reduce arguments and conflict
• Effective steps for managing challenging behaviour and big emotions
• Supporting your adolescent when they experience worry, distress, disappointments and relationship difficulties
• A three-option model and flowchart for decision-making
• Skills for tough conversations for handling those problems you just can’t ignore
• Building relationships with your teenager and making the best of your non-crisis conversations

Registration link: Parenting Adolescents Workshop, Lindfield, Tue 28th Mar 2023, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm AEDT | Humanitix

The uniform shop has updated its trading hours for the upcoming holidays, and there is also a change in its regular trading hours starting from Term 2. 

It is important to note that the uniform shop will no longer be accepting cash payments and families are encouraged to place orders using the online web shop or make payments using a card only in the shop.  This change is aimed at providing a more convenient and secure payment option for customers. There will be a transition period of still accepting cash for a short period.  Thank you for understanding.

 https://www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/uniform/

TERM 1 2023 Student Card Information  

Students MUST bring their Student Card with them when purchasing from the canteen.  NO CARD/NO PURCHASE. 

• Our canteen uses a cashless system so it imperative that students' have credit on their cards.  We are unable to provide service to students who do not have credit available to spend. 
• You need to refill money onto your card AT LEAST ONE HOUR BEFORE you intend to use the card (as it takes one hour to generate funds onto the card).
• It is also critical students DO NOT provide their ID card and password to other students.
• ONLINE ORDERING is also available.
• GLUTEN FREE products are available - only when purchased through online ordering. 

TO ORDER A NEW STUDENT ID CARD please click the link HERE .  Please note that students MUST use their College login to sign into the form.

View CANTEEN MENU SPECIALS for Monday 27-28 March 2023 .