Bulletin

REMINDERS AND UPCOMING EVENTS:

2019 College Production:  'Rime of the Ancient Mariner'

In the College Hall.  06-09 May  7.00pm    /   11 May  2.00pm and 7.00pm.

Ticket sales via TryBooking  HERE  (see the flyer inside this Bulletin).

MOTHER'S DAY LITURGY AND BREAKFAST

Friday 10 May 7.45am in the Chapel  (see flyer in 'Community Notices').

FULL COLLEGE WINTER UNIFORM MUST BE WORN STARTING TERM 2.

SVC Uniform Shop - Orders Now Online  

(Flyer with April school holiday trading days and Orders Online information in 'Community Notices')

Monday     8.00am-2.00pm  /  Wednesday   12.00pm-5.00pm  /  Friday   8.00am-2.00pm           

Phone:  02 9161 7979  Email:  SVC@noone.com.au  

Last day of classes Term 1 - Friday 12 April.

First day of classes Term 2 - Tuesday 30 April.

HAPPY EASTER!

Dear Parents and Carers

It is with a great deal of satisfaction that the students and staff finish the first term.  It has been a busy and productive term as we embraced a new commitment to learning with the mantra that every day "is a perfect day to learn something new"!  That commitment also remains current for the holidays, and I am sure our students will embrace opportunities over the break for travel, to read a great book, see a great movie, get out into nature, spend time on the Kairos retreat and to continue with their independent learning and study groups.  It is also time to rest the body and mind and return to school ready to embark on another learning adventure.  For our Year 12 students, it is a critical time of consolidation of notes and establishing goals for the term ahead.

I take this chance to l wish you all a very happy Easter.  It is such a powerful experience to celebrate the Easter Tridiuum as a family, particularly if grandparents also are included and the inter-generational diversity allows each to bring their own story to participate in the passing of Jesus.  The strong imagery of renewal allows us to move through the darkness to light.  All our lives have moments of extra struggle and darkness and it is particularly important that our young women experience the hopefulness of the season - of life from death, from darkness to light, the power of love over hate and the strength of good over evil.

Easter is of course also associated with chocolate, and I encourage you to reflect on the wonderful presentation given by Charlotte Murray-Nobbs (included below).  I for one will only be buying "Fair Trade chocolate" this Easter.  It will taste just as delicious and I will feel better for my choice.

From our Social Justice Captain, Charlotte Murray-Nobbs

Throughout Easter, we look forward to large consumptions of chocolate, shared with our family and friends.  However, chocolate most certainly has a dark side.  Human trafficking and child labour is still present in the cocoa industry with children from all over West Africa being trafficked to the Ivory Coast to work on cocoa farms.  The conditions of work are dangerous, inhumane and cruel.  Whilst we expect children to be in school, learning and building their future, these children are working for little or no pay, being injured from the machetes they must carry around to cut the cocoa pods from the trees and the huge sacks filled with cocoa pods they have to load onto their backs.  In 2018, there were approximately 2.1 million child labourers working on cocoa farms in West Africa.

As Easter is a time when we enjoy the luxury that is chocolate, it is also important that we remember the process by which chocolate is made and make informed decisions as to which brands we will buy our chocolate from.  Each time you buy chocolate, I ask you to check the packaging, and only purchase if it has a fair trade label.  Whilst you may feel this simple decision doesn’t count for much, remember you are in a position of power and your choices can make it known to large corporations that we as consumers disapprove of child labour, as we believe in the respect and dignity of all people.  Start the conversation with your family members about how you can make decisions on chocolate that respects all of those involved in its production.

Congratulations to all involved in House Dance 2019.  It was a festival of movement, music and merriment.  Congratulations Cater on your victory. (A collage photo of the House groups leads this Bulletin).

Happy holidays to all!  A special farewell to Mrs Stefanie Matthews starting family leave and Mrs Elizabeth Brooks starting a term of well deserved long service leave.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Anne Fry
Principal

Whilst the school term arrives at a necessary pause to allow desired rest and rejuvenation, I have been so very impressed and inspired by the commitment of students and staff to embrace a full St Vincent’s College education in these past two weeks.  There have been opportunities for students to demonstrate evidence of learning growth through various assessment activities and class experiences as well as the rigour and challenge of camp and retreat experiences, and then the delight and spirit of our annual House Dances yesterday afternoon.

Such moments depict the benefits of developing positive relationships that enable collaboration and support for learning.  Learning is relational activity. Whilst we can, as individuals, be informed with knowledge, it is in relationship in social contexts where we are able to test and stretch the application of our ideas, skills and values more effectively.  My favourite moment on Year 7 camp was witnessing the spontaneous joy of delight voiced by the belaying team as each individual student made it to the top of the Climbing Wall and Leap of Faith.  These transformative moments can then ripple back into the problem solving and reflective spaces of our classrooms.

It is no small adventure to send out the entire school on camps and retreats at the one time, and I thank our incredibly generous staff who have given time away from families and the comforts of home to immerse themselves, most of us in tents, into the holistic learning experience of our students.  I particularly thank the six Heads of House - Mrs Mary Cartmer, Ms Simone Lock, Ms Edelle McCrudden, Mr David Woolbank, Mrs Penny Radford, Mrs Jo Anderson along with Mrs Di Williams - for their leadership that holds care of students - as well as Ms Rachel McLean, Ms Kate Parish, Sr Anne Taylor, Mrs Jo Kenderes and Mrs Sonia Clancy, who gave much time and meticulous attention to the planning and leading of the Retreat experiences.  We do not take the goodwill of our teachers for granted, and hope that they too enjoy a restful term break knowing that many will still be facilitating HSC workshops and class preparation for next term.  They all deserve days away from work to privilege their own families and friends.

On that note I bid my farewell for a term as I look forward to Long Service Leave during Term 2.  I am grateful for this opportunity as I step away from what is a most rewarding role, and relish the opportunity to rejuvenate myself both with some university study as well as time with those who matter most - my family.  I shall have a short trip to Japan with my mother and relish the opportunity to actually eat breakfast with my husband and kids.  I have promised my Year 8 CP class that I will come back with my yoga technique refined!  I have great confidence in Mrs Jo Anderson who will step into the role of Director of Pastoral Care whilst Ms Mariann Barkho who will enjoy the opportunity for Acting Head of Cahill House.  I wish both colleagues my best wishes and gratitude.

A reminder that students return to Term 2 on Tuesday 30 April in their winter College uniform.  This means that the blazer is a compulsory item of uniform and hats still need to be worn at recess and lunch break times as students sit outside.  Our Boarders return to the Boarding House from 4.00pm Monday 29 April.

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal, Pastoral Care

HOUSE DANCE AWARDS 2019

Well done to all for the terrific Vinnies spirit displayed in our House Dances.  A huge thanks to the House Captains and the many students who led, inspired and choreographed your Houses, and to the Heads of House and House staff who supported you all the way to the dance floor!  It is always a reminder that we are a community who can have fun together. 

Most Spirit - Cater House
Most Co-Ordinated  - Cahill House
Best Creative Moves - Aikenhead House
Most Inclusive - De Lacy House
Best Costumes - O’Brien House
Most Fun - Williams House

Overall First Place - Cater House

Congratulations ☺  

The long-anticipated final day of term has arrived today after a very full and fruitful eleven week term of learning at the College. I have been buoyed each week by the level of commitment and diligence our students are applying to the rigour of their individual academic program and I am inspired daily by the dedication and care my colleagues place into ensuring that ‘today is the perfect day to learn something new’.  In our year of respectful learning and after a full term of formative or summative assessment, we have been focussed on unpacking our new student feedback reflection tool that allows discernment for our students to heed each teacher’s specific marking feedback and use that as an anchor to pause, adjust and re-navigate the course forward to successful learning.

I would like to congratulate our youngest students in Year 7 for completing with enthusiasm and positivity, the first academic term of their secondary schooling.  I’d like to acknowledge the tenacity of all our girls who challenged themselves beyond the comfort zone this term at our recent camps/retreats and in the classroom, and I affirm the maturity and measure that our Year 12 students are placing as they embark on their final two terms of formal secondary study in their HSC courses.  Every young woman should feel proud of her personal bests this term, and I encourage all of us to reconnect with family and friends this Easter holiday break, returning recharged and ready for another term of academic rigour.

Term 2 encompasses many highlights in our academic program:  Our College Production; Rime of the Ancient Mariner, formative and summative assessment activities for all Year groups, Subject Selection evening for Year 10 and Parent Teacher Interviews for Years 10 and 11, with our junior parent teacher evenings in July.  More information about these important dates will be published early in Term 2.  I wish to thank all of the many parents and carers for the opportunity I’ve had to work in partnership with you in the academic and pastoral care of your daughters this term and I wish all of our families a very happy and joyful Easter break.

Mrs Jasmin Mano
Director of Teaching and Learning

Twilight Spirituality

Held every Wednesday from 3.00pm-4:30pm

Year 11 - First Spiritual Exercise

22 May - 12 June (our last session held at the Cardoner Project - Two Wolves Cantina from 3.00pm-8.00pm)

Year 10 - Meet Iggy

7 August - 4 September (our last session a dinner held at the College until 8.00pm)

Year 9 - Ignatian Spirituality

16 October - 20 November (our last session a dinner held at the College until 8.00pm).

Ms Rachel McLean
Director of Faith and Mission

Starting as a new student + Boarder, I was excited to participate in everything I could, and I have no regrets!  On Friday night Boarders from Years 7-12 dressed up in our fanciest clothes and jumped on a bus to the Capitol Theatre to watch Charlie and the Chocolate factory!  The experience was amazing! It was filled with classic singalongs, dances, live music and confetti!  After it ended I couldn't stop bragging to my family at home about how lucky I am to be a Boarder!   Zara McPherson, Year 10 (Wagga Wagga)

Last Friday night, all the Boarders were offered the opportunity to travel to the Capitol Theatre to enjoy the performance of Charlie and the Chocolate factory.  I thought it would be a great experience so I decided to go along.  The show was amazing and was performed in a very clever way.  The music, singing, dancing and acting was spectacular, bringing to life the classic Roald Dahl story we all love!  Mia Cluff-Freemantle, Year 10 (Wagga Wagga)

Saturday of the In Weekend involved Easter dress up (see photos below for the amazing newspaper Easter theme creations!) and the quickest Easter egg hunt in history!  A huge thank you to Liz from the Boarding office who was our Easter bunny, but with 572 eggs to be found and 65 girls, we were done and dusted in four minutes and twelve seconds - a record!! 

The girls enjoyed the trip out to Olympic Park to swim at SOPAC with a pizza lunch to finish the day.  This In Weekend had good down time to relax and recover from camps and retreats, and also spend some time packing for the end of term.  Thank you to Liza for her organisation of Sunday’s activity.

This term, study grades were initiated for each Year group.  These grades (out of 5) were based on work ethic, preparation and organisation.  Awards were handed out on Wednesday night to those who achieved good grades across the term.

Most Consistent (with a consistent weekly average over 4):  Hannah Quinn, Year 11

Best and Fairest (highest average): 

Clare Canham, Year 7
Millie Fisher, Year 9
Pip Wolstenholme, Year 11
Melissa Yeung, Year 12

Most Improved (improved per week over the course of the term):  Sarah Fitzgerald, Year 8, and Maddie de Bortoli, Year 11.

Congratulations to all!

Important Dates for for your diaries:

Boarding House - opens 4.00pm - Monday 29 April

In Weekend - 3-5 May

National Boarding Week - 13-17 May

Boarding House closes - 9.00am - Friday 7 June

Boarding House opens - 4.00pm - Monday 10 June

In Weekend - 21-23 June

Boarding House closes - 6.00pm - Friday 28 June.

The Boarding coordinators and I wish you and your families an enjoyable Easter break.  Be safe, travel well, spend quality time with family and friends and we will see you back on Monday 29 April from 4.00pm.

Yours in Boarding

MS MARYANNE O’DONOGHUE
DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

REMINDER - TO BOOK NOW...! 

2020 France and Italy Study Tours

The 2020 Italy and France Study Tours are still being finalised.  If you were unable to attend the information evening held on 28 March and would like further information or an expression of interest form it is not too late, please email Miss Manitta  manittam@stvincents.nsw.edu.au.  The study tours provide a wonderful opportunity to be immersed in the languages and cultures of Italy and France.  Please return the expression of interest forms to me by Thursday 2 May (first week of Term 2).

Miss Maria Manitta
Head of Languages

The aim of the Year 10 camp was to challenge in order achieve.  The class of 2021 was given extensive opportunities to challenge and achieve through a combination of buddying up with some familiar and unfamiliar faces in their allocated camp groups; mountain biking and hiking; soaring across the flying fox either before or after canoeing; paddling (on giant SUP's) and setting up camp sites, which were the antithesis of their home comforts.

By day two the heavens opened, we were all challenged and I am happy to report, each and every girl stuck with the program.  They were challenged and they achieved.  Be it the sing-off under a clear starry night (day 1) or under some drizzle (day 2) to the deluge on the canoes and the mud stomping access to their bush camp set up.  Whilst sitting back in Sydney this may sound far from ideal.  Each of the participants grew and ought to have realized they have an inner strength that may not have been activated until this camp.  The class of 2021 is now populated with better people because they accepted the challenge and did achieve - and whilst some may complain - please read this as well deserved bragging rights.  For some they may never undertake any of the above again, yet for others, the spirit of adventure may have just been released.

They lived full lives at camp and proved themselves to be proud Vinnies' girls. 

Mr David Woolbank
Head of Aikenhead House

University of Sydney

Advanced Computing, Chemical and Biomolecular, Electrical, Software Webinars.

On 15, 16, 17 April, from 6.00pm to 7.00pm.  Interested Years 9 to 12 students and parents are able to be part of USydney’s webinar series.  The webinars will allow you to hear from leading academics and current students from the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies about what you can achieve in one of USydney’s degrees.  Learn about scholarships, industry placement opportunities, Flexible First Year and the Dalyell program.  There will also be the opportunity for students to submit their own questions to a Q&A panel.  Register for your webinar of choice at:  https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/engineering-and-computer-science-at-sydney-undergraduate-webinars-tickets-58217009643

Sydney University Science Forum - The Light Side:  Illuminating Life

On Wednesday 29 May from 5:45pm for 6.00pm - 7.00pm, at the Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, you are invited to join Dr Alice Motion and Associate Professor Liz New from the School of Chemistry, in a discussion of the fascinating and useful properties of light.  Registration is essential at:  https://thelightside.eventbrite.com.au

ACU Mid Year Open Evenings

North Sydney campus - 20 May, 4:00pm-6:00pm, followed by Parent Evening from 6.00pm.

Strathfield - 27 May, 4:00pm-6:00pm, followed by Parent Evening from 6.00pm.  Hear from ACU staff and students, learn about courses and entry pathways and tour the campus. 

To register for North Sydney:  https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/news-and-events/events/2019/may/midyear-open-evening-north-sydney.
To register for Strathfield:  https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/news-and-events/events/2019/may/midyear-open-evening-strathfield

UOW Campus Tours - Wollongong or Liverpool

Take a free, hour-long tour of the campus to see UOW’s facilities.  Tours run every Friday morning and afternoon (excluding public holidays) throughout the year.  Please select your preferred time and date and register your details.

Wollongong Campus:  https://studentcrm.uow.edu.au/Ellucian.ERecruiting.Web.External/Pages/EventLists.aspx?ID=1

Liverpool:  https://studentcrm.uow.edu.au/Ellucian.ERecruiting.Web.External/Pages/EventLists.aspx?ID=2%EF%BB%BF

MS HELEN MARSHALL
CAREERS ADVISER

BOOKINGS NOW OPEN:  TryBooking.com/492371

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 Hermanis   0434 610 870
Head of Water polo  -  Ms Steph El Safty    0419 950 164
Head of Swimming/Cross Country - Ms Jacinta Jacobs   0418 416 663.

SPORTS DRAW:  For all draw and venue information go to:   https://www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/learning/sport/

Website details:   https://www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/learning/sport/

TERM 1 SPORT 

IGSSA Saturday and Tildesley Tennis

At this week’s final assembly we acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the Tildesley team, who have been training three times a week since the beginning of Term 4 last year for the prestigious two day Tildesley Tournament which was held at Pennant Hills tennis complex two weeks ago.  Ms Young is usually the coordinator and for the past five years she has been encouraging the players to strive for the most improved trophy.  Well this year, I am very pleased to announce that all the hard work paid off, and St Vincent’s moved up seven places in the overall rankings and we are now the proud holders of the Splender Cup.

Below:  Ms Jacobs with the Tildesley Captain, Stella Holt

Stella Holt, Year 11, (pictured in action below) received the Most Improved School Cup on behalf of the team. 

Below:  Tildesley team

Touch

Also at assembly this week, we acknowledged teams SVC 5, SVC 9 and Lyne 1, who have won pocket authorities for their hard work and efforts this term. Coaches Hattie, Jen and Dave are very proud of you, and even though you didn’t get to play the final because of the weather, we are confident you would have won.

Special congratulations was given to Kate Giannkouris, Year 7, who was awarded the Best and Fairest in the Year 7D competition.  This is voted on by the referees each week and the trophy was awarded at our College assembly this week.

Ms Elyse Harmanis
Head Coach of Touch

TERM 2 SPORT

St Catherine’s Netball

Team lists have been placed on the Sports noticeboard and on the College website - all information is there.  Once we have the draw it will also be uploaded.

The competition starts in Week 2, Wednesday 8 May, however before that we have training commencing first day back at school for the lucky junior teams.  Games on a Wednesday afternoon/evening will range with start times of 4.05pm until last game at 8.30pm.

Netball Training starts first week back next term:   SVC courts - please wear your PE uniform.

Year 7:  Thursdays 3.15pm-4.45pm - First week back in Term 2 on 2 May.

Junior:  Teams SVC 6, 7, 8, 9 - Tuesdays 7.15am-8.30am - First day back on 30 April.

Senior:  Mondays 3.15pm-4.30pm - starts week 2 on 6 May.

Ms Kat McGrath
Head Netball Coach

SEHA Hockey

St Vincent’s has entered three teams in the SEHA hockey competition for next term.  All teams will train on Wednesday afternoons at David Phillips Field at Daceyville from 4.00pm-5.00pm.  All information can be found on the College website and the draw will be uploaded there once we receive it. 

Please make sure that you all have shin pads, hockey stick and mouthguard for your first session back next term, on Wednesday 1 May.  The bus leaves at 3.15pm from Victoria Street and will return to the College at approximately 5.30pm.

Note:  If students are being picked up from the field it must be at 5.00pm, otherwise they will have to go back to the College on the bus as we cannot leave any student unattended.

Ms Laura Wiggins
(New) Head Hockey Coach

IGSSA Basketball

We have entered seven teams in the IGSSA competition next term - three senior, two junior and two Year 7 teams.  All information can be found on the College websiteand once we have received the draw it will be found there as well.

All teams will have training the first week back after the holidays.  Please make sure you have a numbered SVC singlet and College shorts ready for the first game back on Saturday 4 May.  All players are required to be at their matches 30 minutes before start time for warm up.  Full SVC Sports uniform must be worn, and any non-SVC items will be confiscated. 

(Note:  Uniform Shop trading days/hours can be found in a separate article in this Bulletin).

TRAINING TIMES:

SVC 1, 2, 3:  Wednesdays  3.15pm-4.30pm

SVC 4, 5, 6:  Wednesdays  7.15am-8.30am.

Ms Molly MacQueen
Head Basketball Coach 

IGSSA Football

St Vincent’s has entered two senior and two junior teams in the IGSSA football competition next term.  All information can be found on the College websiteand the draw will be placed there once we have received it.  Training will commence the first week back at Rushcutters Bay with the first matches on Saturday 4 May.  

SVC 1:  Training Wednesday mornings  - 7.15am-8.15am

SVC 2 and SVC 3:  Training Thursday afternoons - 3.15pm-4.45pm

SVC 4:  Training Friday afternoons - 3.15pm-4.45pm.

Ms Vanessa Brown
Head Football Coach                                         

IGSSA Cross Country and Fitness Training

Fitness training with Tash continues on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, as we prepare for the IGSSA Cross Country Carnival at Frensham on Friday 17 May (Week 3).  We can enter up to ten competitors in each age group and this event will act as the St Vincent’s Cross Country Championships.  The first SVC runner in from each age group will be awarded the College Age Champion.  We would like to have a minimum of three per age group for the relay point scores.  We are looking for more 12 year olds and senior competitors.  12 and 13 years age groups only run 3km, with all other girls doing 4km except 18 years who are required to run 6km.  Ms Jacobs will be having a meeting in the first week back in Term 2 to give out permission notes for all girls who wish to compete at the IGSSA carnival.

Tash prepared a holiday program, and if you didn't collect it before leaving today, you can email her at nrstenberg@gmail.com as soon as possible in the holidays and she will email the program back to you.  We will commence the first Wednesday back in Term 2 on 1 May.  This training is not only for girls wishing to do cross country - anyone is welcome to come to training to improve their fitness.  However, girls must attend at least one session per week with Tash in Term 2 if they wish to compete at the IGSSA Carnival, unless you are already training with a coach outside of school more than twice per week. 

SPORT STARS

Congratulations to Frances Shires (Year 12) who has had a successful week at the Swimming Nationals this week in Adelaide. She placed 5th in the U18 800m and 4th in the 1500m. Well done Frankie!

Congratulations to Bronte Blackmore Cram (Year 10) who competed very well at the recent Rowing Nationals (despite having bronchitis the week before) and did well in Double Skull and Quad Skull, missing out on a final place by less than a second. Well done, Bronte!

Congratulations toStella Holt (Year 11) our Tildesley Captain, who received the Most Improved School Cup on behalf of the team this week at assembly.  Stella is a fine example of a senior student with an excellent work/life balance.  Stella was also a member of the very successful swim team who competed extremely well at the IGSSA Swimming Carnival this term, and is balancing the vigorous training of both sports with a very heavy and successful study program.  Stella realizes that a healthy body means a healthy mind.  Congratulations, Stella.

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

MS JACINTA JACOBS
CO-ORDINATOR OF SPORT

Term 1 in social justice has been off to a fantastic start especially in the Year of Respect.  Within Caritas Christi, as students, we had the opportunity to take part in International Women’s Week activities to raise awareness of the actions of women in the world which was seen through the planting of a tree in memory of Wangari Maathai’s work as a political activist and founder of the green belt movement.  The International Women’s Day symposium was an amazing event which saw alumni students become aware of the avenues to take in the future and develop connections between alumni and current students.

Red Cross Calling saw 133 students volunteer their time to raise funds to go towards funding humanitarian relief.  The Vinnies@SVC Pasta Stall was held on the 12th annual Earth Hour celebration at the College, and was another success in raising money for the social justice fund.

The active involvement in social justice this term by a wide range of students from Years 7-12 has been very encouraging.  The importance of social justice in our world as people of the future, is to promote respect and be role models for how the world should be.

This year, I decided I would like to be part of the Caritas Christi group since some of the girls in older years spoke so highly of it. Joining the homelessness and poverty advocacy group, I felt so welcomed there and wanted to immediately start making changes after my eyes were opened wider by the others in the advocacy group.  I personally loved the International Women’s Week activities with the beading, the photo and the planting of the tree, and it was incredible to see how it brought all our school community together, and altogether I would strongly recommend for everyone interested to join us at the next meeting.

Clare Canham, Year 7

This term was a fabulous term for social justice.  It’s been amazing to see so many girls come together in a shared passion for changing the world from the smallest moves to the largest.  It is especially exciting to see the drive of young women wanting change.  Every year it seems increasingly important to take part in social justice in our world and it is thrilling to think about where everyone will take this passion after school.  We split into advocacy groups this term in which students could focus on their interests.  Everyone came together to educate our community through World Day of Social Justice and International Women’s Week.  We are all looking forward to next term!

Hannah Lawrence, Year 12

Social justice this term has provided students from Caritas Christi, environment committee and the entire school community the opportunity to learn more about the world we live in and the various injustices that occur.  Some of the activities include:  World Social Justice Day and the various posters, collages and videos produced by the advocacy groups of Caritas Christi; International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking and the sharing of stories of instances of human trafficking and International Women’s Week with the week of mindful beading and the image of a balance beam, representing this year’s theme #balanceforbetter, being created by the students of St Vincent’s.  The value of respect has inspired the social justice team as we endeavour to raise awareness in both our school and the wider community on the injustices our world faces and how small actions we can take can make a difference.

Charlotte Murray-Nobbs, Year 12
Social Justice Captain

We hope to see more students next term willing to get involved in social justice.

I hope you and your families enjoy the holidays and Happy Easter!  

Emily O’Brien
College Co Captain

INTRODUCING CLICK AND COLLECT

Uniform Shop - NOW ONLINE

A fast and convenient way to shop for your St Vincent’s College College uniform online.  

Shop online - collect next trading day.

Online store link:  https://www.noone.com.au/school/st-vincents-college/shop

HOW IT WORKS:

Discover click and collect, the convenient and quick way to shop from Noone Shop Online.  Place your order and your order will be ready to collect on the next trading day.  We’ll get everything ready for you, so all you need to do is come in store to collect your order, or, home delivery is also available for your convenience.

1. Shop Online

Type the school link into your browser:  https://www.noone.com.au/school/st-vincents-college .  

Sign up to create your own account and then log in to commence shopping.  Add the items to your cart that you would like to purchase via Click and Collect.

2.  Choose Click and Collect Options

Choose Click and Collect options or choose Australia Post option for home delivery.  Click and Collect next trading day from the on-campus shop, or via Australia Post - 5-10 working days for delivery.

Our retail staff are available to assist you with your uniform requirements at the location listed below:

On campus trading hours (during terms):

Monday     8.00am-2.00pm
Wednesday   12.00pm-5.00pm
Friday   8.00am-2.00pm

Phone:     02 8324 6622
Email:      SVC@noone.com.au  

St Vincent's College, Rockwall Crescent, Potts Point

MOTHER DAUGHTER DINNER - FRIDAY 10 MAY

Mothers, Grandmothers or Aunts are warmly invited to this special evening.

Venue:  Dockside, Cockle Bay on Friday 10 May 2019 from 6:30pm-10:30pm.

Includes:  Two-course dinner.  Champagne on arrival and mocktail for students.  Drinks on consumption.

BOARDERS’ "THE LONG LUNCH" - SATURDAY 25 MAY 2019

Please join us at the College on Saturday 25 May for 'The Long Lunch' to celebrate 135 years of Boarding.

All Boarding families, past Boarders' and families and staff are most welcome.

$65 all inclusive:  Two course lunch and drinks.

11:30am:   'The Boarders' Tour of St Vincent's College (optional)
12:30pm:   Lunch in the Atrium
3:00pm:     Conclusion

BOOK HERE

Ms Jane Palin
Community and Alumnae Relations Manager  

palinj@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

The students and staff of St Vincent’s College are very well served by Catering Industries who manage the Boarding House and School Event Catering; they also provide a comprehensive daily menu through the canteen.

In an attempt to “improve” service, from Term 2 onward our canteen will be cashless.  This means every student wishing to purchase from the canteen will need a My Student Card (MSA).  Many students already have these activated but for students yet to set up one, these are the simple steps involved:

• Go to College website
• Go to Menu
• Go to right-hand column of options
• Click My Student Account
• Follow Set up instructions

In the event of difficulties in setting up the account or for adding/topping up funds, please telephone 1300 369 783 for support.

Are you willing and able to help us to help our Year 12 HSC students?

In the Diverse Learning Department we have a number of Year 12 students requiring Disability Provisions for their HSC examinations in October - November 2019.  HSC examination provisions are granted by NESA after a complex application process.

We are looking for a number of volunteers to assist us as readers and/or scribes for the HSC examinations.  Volunteers would need to have a Working With Children Check, and cannot be the parent of a Year 12 2019 HSC student.

Our students really appreciate having an adult rather than a fellow student as their reader/scribe.  If you, or anyone you know, would be willing to help us in this endeavour, please contact Ms Alanna Rose rosea@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Ms Alanna Rose
Learning Support Coordinator

A Request for Volunteers from the CWA for their Tea Room at the Royal Easter Show 2019

Dear Staff, Students and Parents/Carers

The Country Women’s Association Tea Room at the Sydney Royal Easter Show is a location many people head to while at 'The Show’ and is somewhat of a Sydney institution.  Our Tea Room can be a very busy place, and in fact, a couple of years ago a record more than 53,000 scones were cooked in those two weeks.

This year, we are experiencing some trouble filling some gaps in the roster - in part due to the drought situation in parts of NSW.  We are reaching out to the community to seek any energetic senior students, parents or staff who would be interested in volunteering some time in our CWA Tea Room?  Our duties are allocated on the day but include kitchen jobs, counter serving, clearing tables and operating the dishwasher.  Simple, repetitive - but we have a lot of fun working together to support our Association and in turn, our communities in the country and city.

The CWA Tea Room operates throughout The Royal Easter Show - 12 to 23 April 2019, and our greatest needs are on the afternoons of Friday 12 April and Sunday 14 April.  Both morning and afternoon on Thursday 18 April and Tuesday 23 April.  With spaces on some other days, so please ask.  It’s a great experience being involved, which many enjoy.

Morning shift is 9.15am to 1.45pm and afternoon shift 1.30pm to 6.00pm.  Volunteers are asked to arrive 20 minutes prior to these times so there is time for orientation to the Tea Room.  Volunteers need to be fit and willing to work in any position.  You will be required to be on your feet for four and a half hours with a 10 minutes break, and also need to be over 16 years of age.
Volunteers receive free entry so they can enjoy The Show either before or after their shift.
We wear a white or navy top and black or navy pants or skirt.  Aprons are issued for use during your shift.

I am happy forthose interested individuals to contact me directly to organise shifts.  For further information please email, call or message as soon as possible.  I look forward to meeting you if you are able to volunteer at the 2019 Royal Easter Show.

Cheryl Mayberry
CWA Tea Rooms, Volunteer Supervisor
0403 166 519
cwashowkiosk@gmail.com

(Our Book Reviewer, Ms Suzanne O'Connor, is now living in Timor Leste working in a volunteer capacity with the Loreto Sisters).

Piecing Me Together

Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson is a lovely novel about the challenges of being poor and different.  Jade lives in Portland, Oregon, with her hard-working, anxious mother and a rather less admirable uncle.  Jade has inherited her mother’s work ethic and won a scholarship to a very expensive, highly regarded private school for all of her secondary education.  She is one of a small group of scholarship students and one of an even smaller group of African-American girls from the ghetto.  There is little overt racism at the school but there is also little common ground between Jade and the privileged students.  Most of the teachers are supportive, with a few less worthy ones whose racism is thinly disguised.  During her third year, she finally finds a soulmate, another scholarship girl who, although white, has a very difficult home situation.  They share a deep sense of the ridiculous as well as the pressure to succeed academically in order not to replicate the destructive patterns of their families.  One aspect that makes this book outstanding is the way it demonstrates the unexpected problems of an inter-racial friendship.  It is about becoming sensitive to each other’s history and culture.  Watson compares this friendship with a longer one from Jade’s primary school.  It too is a nourishing one and we are shown how both friendships are positive.  Jade is offered a mentor, an African-American woman, only four years her senior.  Maxine is from an affluent African-American family and is an ex-student of Jade’s current school.  However, Maxine is not always the most conscientious of mentors and Jade has to pluck up the courage to remonstrate with her.  Some cynics might quibble with the dominant positive tone of the book, but as Renee Watson is an very well-known writer and African-American herself, I think we can accept her perspective.  I completely recommend this book for all girls who may be uncertain about the benefits of the hard task of acquiring an education, as well as those who enjoy a skillfully written and thoughtful novel.