Bulletin

Dear Parents and Carers

As another extraordinary week comes to an end, I hope that you have some relaxing and enjoyable home based activities planned for the weekend.  I know for myself that I am savouring any activity that is not sedentary or screen based!  I am sure you too have sore eyes and stiff backs from all the “new normal “work and learning modes we have had to suddenly embrace.

In the midst of this dreadful time it has been edifying to see and read of the random, and systemic acts of kindness and generosity that have been happening across the world.  Close to home I commend the great work of St Canice’s parish, who are finding new ways to continue their hospitality, nourishment and advocacy for the homeless of our neighbourhood.  St Vincent’s College has a long history of partnering with the parish to support the homeless, and this pandemic again presents us with an opportunity to put our College values to the test.  The parish kitchen program has supported a community of people marginalised by poverty, addiction, mental illness, domestic violence and loneliness.  The pandemic has increased their vulnerabilities at the very time that physical distancing has meant that the volunteers have had to suspend their established program.  They have had to explore new ways of enacting the gospel of Christ and I encourage you to open this link and consider how your family may be able to assist.  This is the year in which we as a College have committed our best efforts to the Service of the Poor.  I thank and congratulate two of our staff, Mrs Colleen O’Shanassy and Mrs Jo Kenderes, for making it possible for St Vincent’s College to be invited into collaboration with the parish.  The Sisters of Charity have been synonymous with ministries of love since their arrival in Sydney in 1838, and I am sure our support of this project will again be an expression of their great legacy to our current community.  Here is the link to St Canice's Kitchen .

In our busyness, and competing with the 24-hour news coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all now invited to participate in Holy Week.  It will be a Holy Week different to any other of our lives but it will provide the most unique opportunity to celebrate the Passion of Christ within the confines of the domestic church.  We will have the opportunity to minister to each other and give witness to our stated belief that life is stronger than death.  The current pain and suffering of humanity will provide a powerful narrative to reflect on throughout the week which begins this Sunday with Palm Sunday.  Many parishes are live streaming the Holy Week liturgies and many of the rituals translate easily into the domestic church.  Perhaps best to explain first to the family why you are offering to wash their feet in case they take offence!!!!

Stay safe and well, 

Yours sincerely

Anne Fry
Principal 

Earlier in the week I sent a letter to families regarding the challenges we are having in securing refunds for the students who were due to depart for Italy next week.  While the decision to cancel the trip has been validated by the continuing and deepening crisis in Italy, this has also made it very difficult to get answers to our enquiries about whether aspects of the study tour will be eligible for refunds.  Our travel insurance company has not accepted liability and therefore our travel agent is courageously trying to deal with the individual providers.  The infrastructure of the Italian tourist industry has shut down and the lock down rules in Italy have prevented most people from being at work.  This is making getting answers very difficult.  I do ask all involved to remain patient and realistic.  There is still a glimmer of hope that we will eventually get some of the costs back, but it will be a long and slow process.  I thank Ms Manitta for her great work in trying to ensure the best possible outcome for all the families involved.

Spero che ci sia un buon risultato,

Anne Fry
Principal 

It appears we have a propensity to seek the silver lining of our present challenge and by so doing manage to extend kindness and hope to those with whom we interact.

It has been so encouraging to witness the commitment and care of teachers transforming their learning activities to go online to afford our students the continuity of learning.  Central to this has been the importance of maintaining the relational in what we do.  Schools are places of learning, but they are also places of community.  The learning is enabled through the strengthening of positive and supportive relationships.  We have been so very mindful of doing what we can to quickly establish ways to keep the connectivity going so that students remain engaged in their schooling.  That connectivity extends to all of us - student-student, student-teacher, teacher-teacher, teacher-parent, parent-child - and all our supports that join us as community.  I have seen all of us step up and step into what we can do to support others with kindness, humour and common sense - overall goodwill.

A few of the week’s highlights capture the varying ways in which we are collectively keeping ourselves buoyant and connected.  Opening our screens to Google Meet has given us back the opportunity to smile at each other.  The sharing of favourite pets or strategies for self-care via Pastoral Care lessons or the Student Wellbeing Classroom has allowed us to keep grounded in the now.  There are the personal stories of individual students who have appreciated the check-in by teachers or peers, sounding a strong message that we are here for each other.  The standout for me was College Assembly - a curation of online connectivity that spoke of community and resiliance with an address from both the Principal and Co-captains, along with contributions from the Year 12 Student Leadership Team ranging from acknowledgement of country and prayer, social justice awareness of those who need our prayer and support in this time, exercises for the home, a playlist of songs to keep us remembering and smiling, photos of Boarders learning back home, and finally a rendition of the College Song reggae style.  We are certainly keeping that Vinnies spirit alive.

This week I continue to provide you with resources to support you as parents.  I include a short five minute video animation FACE COVID Dr Russ Harris, author of the international best-seller The Happiness Trap, which illustrates how to use ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to deal with the Corona crisis and the fear, anxiety and worry that goes with it.  ReachOut.com has also put out a whole school community resource package which contains some useful material recognising that parents and carers too are under stress and perhaps now lacking our usual support structures to assist in our own parenting and managing the household conversations.  Check out our tips to help parents and carers support their teenagers during COVID-19. ReachOut peer support community is also there to help, and you can access professional support through our One-on-One Support support service. AISNSW (Association of Independent Schools) has also released today a Resource for schools delivering online learning and support to community https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/learning-from-home/wellbeing#parents.  I include the a link from their Parent Resources that I found particularly helpful from the Greater Good Science Centre COVID-19 parent wellbeing resources and activities

Finally, one to make us smile as we ease into the weekend - enjoy Dr Seuss ‘I will teach you’ ... and let’s all continue to do our very best!

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal, Pastoral Care

If ever there was a time when teachers had to really think outside the square in terms of our classroom instruction - this was the week! I have taught my students from my backyard, at my office desk and in the classroom too - as we as a Cor team this week have been working in shifts - ‘Foxes’ and ‘Fords’ - to accommodate the social distancing requirements necessary for safe work practices in the current COVID 19 context.  I miss the daily banter and interaction with the girls but I am thrilled every time I ‘join’ a Google Meet, when I see their smiling faces, ready to begin the lesson.  This connectivity is vital to our ongoing learning relationships with our students and is so comforting to know that despite the social distancing regulations, we remain connected to each and every one of our students in the continuity of their learning. 

This week, I have witnessed the creative talents of all our practitioners as they created lessons from whiteboards set up in kitchens, Google Meets from backyards and living rooms, video experiments and practical demonstrations. There was laughter a plenty as the occasional teacher or student ‘left a Google meeting’ - unintentionally of course. The way in which our teachers are engaging our girls is inspiring and whether we were ready or not, we have certainly been thrust forward into the digital age of remote learning.  What this pandemic can’t change are our wonderful relationships of care propelled by the palpable Vinnies spirit that empowers us all to do our very best and be our very best.

As many of you will be aware, the COVID 19 Response Committee at NESA met again this week and the advice they issued was somewhat similar to the last advice with regards to the HSC proceeding, but this week’s additions included the following and can be found in the updated advice found here. 

School-based HSC assessment

Schools must follow social distancing requirements when planning or undertaking school-based assessment tasks. NESA has given principals and system authorities the power to determine the number, type and weighting of tasks for HSC and Year 11 school-based assessment.

HSC exam projects, submitted works and performances

The mandatory group performance exam in Drama and the mandatory ensemble performance exam in Music Extension have been cancelled for 2020. Detailed advice about cancellation of these components will be available on the NESA website soon.  Other performance exams will be modified if they breach mandatory social distancing requirements.

The next meeting of the COVID-19 Response Committee will focus on major projects for Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, Textiles and Design, English Extension 2 and Society and Culture.

Heads of Department are doing a wonderful job of working within the bounds of these decisions to ensure that students are able to continue to learn and be assessed in other realistic ways that will prepare them for the HSC that is still going ahead. 

Today, you would have received in your inboxes a letter entitled:  The Foxford Program - Appendix to Student Agreement/ Guidelines for Parents - Assessment Submission Procedures.  This document compliments The Foxford Program, with specific agreements for students to adhere to, as we bravely enter the world of online Assessment Activities.  So much of our young women’s reality has changed and now more than ever, we would like to hold onto some semblance of normalcy when it comes to their assessment program, which is still a vital component of the teaching and learning continuum.  We are asking that as a family you read the document over the weekend and endorse the guidelines set out for parents and carers as students likewise will sign off on their shared responsibility for their continued learning in the Foxford program.  As ever, I am most grateful for your trust in our continued partnership with you in the education of your precious daughters.  Have a very safe, quiet and connected weekend with your families.                 

Mrs Jasmin Mano
Director of Teaching and Learning

There’s been a flurry of activity this week.  We have watched as one by one our planned experiences for spiritual formation and social justice have been postponed or cancelled.  It feels like giving has been put on hold.  For Vinnies, this is a problem.  We are working at finding solutions.  The team at St Canice’s have been planning big time.  They, like us, love our local people who are on the margins.  We know them by name; we know where they sleep; we know how they like their coffee and that they prefer strawberry milk to chocolate.  They are part of our community - but what do we do now?  We can’t engage with them.  We can’t cook for St Canice’s or do Red Cross Calling, or Night Patrol, or any of our hands-on social justice activities, and it feels awful.

St Canice’s would love us to help them at a safe social distance.  They desperately need funds to get the community fed and washed in a safe and responsible way.  We can’t go to them but we can send them some money.  Please click on the link to donate.  There is a clear explanation on the site of what their plans are.  It’s safe, reliable and really will make a difference to our people. 

https://canices-kitchen-emergency-fund.raisely.com/

Early signs from St Canice’s are that your response to their cry for help has been extraordinary.  Thank you!  Let’s keep going.

I’ll endeavour to send you updates as the weeks go by on how our donations are making a difference.  It is a sign of great hope.

Go Vinnies!

Mrs Jo Kenderes
Director of Faith and Mission

With all Boarders' safely home with their parents and families, the Boarding coordinators have spent this time without the physical presence of a Boarder establishing an online presence in all households.  Each day a Boarding coordinator is spending time phoning Boarders or Boarder parents/carers to check in on how their learning is progressing, how they are coping being at home and learning (which for some hasn’t happened since primary school days!) and more importantly, how the parents are coping with having their adolescent back during term time.  The relationships developed between Boarders and Boarding staff are different to parent/child or aunty/niece or teacher/student.  It is a mixture of all of them and that’s what makes it so special.  It is vital to maintain community no matter if it’s online or in person.  Unfortunately, in these unprecedented times, we can’t do the ‘in person’ connection at the moment so we are building up the online presence.  Using new technology such as Google Meet and Google Classroom and old technology (a phone!), we are maintaining this connection.  Both SVC and SCEGGS Boarders have access to all avenues to maintain their relationship with each other and their coordinators.

The reason I became involved in Boarding 11 years ago was because I was curious about this ‘Boarding world’ that people talk so passionately about and then when I was in it, it became my world too!  For Boarding staff, we love talking to the girls each day, to the parents, to each other and feeling the spirit. We love learning adolescent speak (new words or acronyms each day - which freaks me out!), love seeing how relationships change each day, love giving them stick (or maybe that’s just me!) and teasing them about their new relationship or something that happened that they really didn’t expect me to ever find out about!!  This love and passion inspires our journey in our life just as we hopefully inspire something in each Boarder's journey.

Please contact us if there is any help or guidance we can give over this time.  We are here for you and your family.

Yours in boarding always

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

Below:  Amy Lienesch (Year 9, Bourke) and Amelia Vaughan (Year 9, Yeoval) on their first day at home!  Amy stayed at Amelia’s for a couple of days.

Don't forget to check the library e-books at Wheelers ePlatform

From the LRC Team

SANG Meeting Term 1

On Tuesday 10 March, a handful of students from Year 10 participated in their first SANG - Student Alliance Networking Group - meeting.  This was held on Sydney University grounds at the Women’s College. 

We gathered with a number of other girls’ schools from across Sydney to talk about women’s issues.  One school engaged us with their leadership of the meeting, asking us to think about toxic masculinity - what it is, where it comes from and what we can do about it.  We moved into groups of mixed schools for some very lively discussion. 

We are looking forward to hosting the next meeting in early Term 3. 

SANG students:  Amity Carr, Isabella Clow, Grace Garcia, Emeline Kwok-Valevale, Mia Richter-Weinstein, Phoebe Roach, Gabrielle Umbrazunas 

Ms Monica Jarman
Head of Department English

below:  SANG - Term 1

HSC and Beyond Virtual Careers Expo

The HSC and Beyond Virtual Careers Expo will be held from 27 to 31 May 2020 and again from 24 to 28 June 2020.  Since Years 10, 11 and 12 students are not able to attend a live expo event this year, this alternative experience has been created as a replacement.  In partnership with leading universities and higher education providers, students and parents will be able to:

• Live chat with major NSW universities and Higher Education providers.
• Schedule an appointment with a university adviser or ambassador.
• Participate in live Q&A sessions with expert HSC teachers, careers advisers and counsellors.
• Participate in exclusive webinars, view recordings and download resources to ACE the HSC across all major subjects.

Registration is FREE ( find the link here ) to all students, parents and carers find the link here.

Online US & UK Expo is Now Live

Crimson Education has created a US and UK Online Expo for students interested in studying overseas.  It’s free of charge but registrations are essential. Please visit the Eventbrite page to register.

Sydney Design School Open Day

On Saturday 2 May 2020 from 10.00am - 12.00pm, SDS will be hosting an online Open Day.  Please register your interest below and SDS will update you closer to the event.

https://sydneydesignschool.com.au/information-sessions/

Women in Trades Videos

Skills shortages, advances in machine technology and a shift in attitude are just some of the factors that have led to the acceptance and encouragement of women taking part in traditionally ‘male’ trades.  Some key industries that now persuade women to get involved are Automotive, Building and Construction, IT, Manufacturing, Engineering, Mining and Rural and Farming.  Use the link here to find out more.

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

TERM 1 SPORT

As students 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 will improve your 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.  Allow yourself some time 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 and give everyone some room to breathe.  There are some training programs on the College website (and links are also provided below) to help you keep fit until we are back at school.

Strength and Core Fitness Circuit Program

St Vincent's Fitness Program

Tildesley Tennis

IGSSA has also had to cancel this prestigious tennis event because of COVID-19 but are hoping to reschedule the event in Term 3, possibly in Week 6.  All players are asked to try and keep fit over the holidays.  Thank you for your understanding in these difficult times.  Please see the Fitness Programs on the website (or click on the links above) under Learning/Sport/Athletic/Cross Country to help you with ideas for core and strength.

Health and Fitness Training 

• View the SVCbasketball home training program HERE 
• SVC Netball Home Training Program HERE

There is now a Fitness/Cross Country Program on the College website for all girls to help keep up their fitness over the holidays.  The IGSSA Cross Country carnival has been postponed until further notice. 

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 Emilia Reed, Year 7, who was the first student to complete the Foxford Social Isolation Fitness Bingo.  All PE classes have been tackling these fitness activities at home with great enthusiasm and are encouraged to keep it up.  Staying fit and strong is the best way to fight this virus head on!  Go Vinnies!

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-Ordinator of Sport

IDEAS FOR STAYING HEALTHY AND FIT 

Hey everyone!  With everything that’s been going on and having to be at home it can be difficult to stay healthy and fit.  It’s important that we try to do some form of exercise and make healthy decisions so we can maintain a motivated mentality during this time.  Ms Jacobs and I have put together some ideas for you to stay active and enjoy healthy food. 

If you are able to do exercise outside while social distancing would be amazing.  Some ideas/suggestions:

• Go for a walk
• Go for a run 
• Take dog on a walk/run
• Ride a bike. 

If you are completely restricted to the home, here are some more ideas:

• Relax with yoga 
• 'Just Dance' possibly with your family
• A quick workout 
• Go for a swim, if you have a pool. 

This is a table with home exercise ideas and videos to follow along with:

Here are some healthy food ideas:

-        Cut apple with peanut/almond butter

-        Avocado toast

-        Handful of nuts

-        Fruit salad

-        Carrots/cucumber sticks with hummus.

More with recipes:

I hope this is helpful in making sure we try our best to stay healthy and fit!

Domenica Mitchell
Sport and Health Captain 

The Office of eSafety:  COVID-19: an online safety kit for parents and carers

Keeping children educated and entertained during COVID-19 crisis…It’s easy as ABC

http://about.abc.net.au/press-releases/keeping-children-educated-and-entertained-during-covid-19-crisis-its-easy-as-abc/

Mindspot

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 operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.