Bulletin

Friday 07 May:  Mother Daughter Dinner - has been POSTPONED. 

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Mother's Day Raffle Tickets - proceeds to the Elisabeth Carey Scholarship (see Mrs Fry's article in this issue) - Buy your raffle tickets HERE

Wednesday 12 May to Monday 17 May:  NAPLAN  - Year 7 and Year 9 (Details emailed to Years 7 and 9 parents on 04 May from Mrs Mano and Ms Rose).

Tuesday 18 May:  NAPLAN Catch ups - Years 7 and 9.

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Wednesday 17 May:  College Athletics Carnival - E S Marks Field.

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Rescheduled Camps and Retreats:  Further information and details will be communicated in due course.

Year 8 Camp:  15-17 November.

Year 9 Camp:  06-08 October.

Year 10 Camp:  06-08 October.

Year 11 Retreat:  06-08 September.

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Subject Selection and Parent Teacher Interviews:  Returning to 'face to face'. 

Further information and details will be communicated as soon as possible.  The format will be 5 minute meeting timeslots scheduled from 3.30pm-7.30pm on the nominated dates:

Monday 24 May:  Year 10

Monday 07 June:  Year 11

Tuesday 13 July:  Year 8

Monday 19 July:  Year 9

Monday 26 July:  Year 7.

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PLEASE NOTE:  All arrangements for Camps, Retreats and Parent Teacher meetings are subject to amendment in accordance with changing circumstances with the Covid-19 pandemic and NSW Health advice.

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Please see the Sport and Health Report article in this issue for training and competition dates/results. 
Information is also on the College website in Sport

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REMINDER:  All students must have a valid OPAL card to travel on buses and trains, and in the immediate to short term must use a face mask.

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Canteen reminders are at the end of this issue.  Students:  You must bring your ID card with you to purchase food/drink.  Also remember to top up your card with funds at least one hour prior to purchasing.

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Dear Parents and Carers

Today should have been a significant day of celebration with the Mother's Day Liturgy and the Mother/Daughter Dinner both scheduled. Instead, we have again experienced the frustration of having to postpone these highly anticipated events.  The community transmission of COVID in our local area has brought back into sharp focus the basic precautions we all need to take to keep ourselves and each other safe.  A large gathering such as our Mother/Daughter Dinner, although within the guidelines, didn't really match the spirit we have navigated the COVID pandemic with so far - health first!  It would have been unconscionable to host our Mother/Daughter events and add to the risk of transmission.  Thank you for your support and understanding, and we do hope to be able to reschedule these celebrations in the very near future.  Any proceeds from the dinner were to have been directed to the Elisabeth Carey Scholarship (Elisabeth was a greatly loved student of the College who died in 2015 while in Year 8).  The online raffle poses no COVID risk and provides you with a chance to win some fantastic prizes while supporting this wonderful cause.  Please follow the link here to buy your tickets.  Good luck!  As soon as we have confidence to do so we will reschedule the events.  If the new date is not possible for you, we will arrange a refund of the ticket price.

The Year 7 students took another important step this week as they commenced their transition into their vertical House Tutor Groups.  This big move, and the confidence they gained from their recent camp, have been very important milestones on their journey through their first year of secondary school.

Despite the disruptions to the "oh so close" celebrations for the Mothers of St Vincent's College, I do wish each of our special Mothers and those with mothering responsibilities, a very happy day on Sunday.  For those who registered for the Mother's trip to Orange in Term 3, I urge you to secure accommodation for the weekend.  The original 40 rooms we have set aside at The Mercure have all now been booked by our group members.  There are delightful Air BNB's, motels and apartments still with availability for that weekend in Orange.  As it is such a popular destination in winter, I encourage you to immediately secure your accommodation.

Happy Mother's Day.

Yours sincerely

Anne Fry
Principal 

Today I shared a privileged conversation with a student about her Mum.  This student knows who she is and her story is only hers to tell.  But what I can say is for all of us entrusted with the care of children, no matter whether we be Mum, Dad, step-parent, grandparent, aunty, caregiver, neighbour - the role we play in loving and raising children is so very appreciated and remembered by adolescents.  We may wonder at times if we are more than their taxi-drivers and landlords, but what I see in adolescent story-telling is their way of working out who they are becoming and the values that form their character influenced by their experiences with those who have and continue to love them.  I hope all mothers are blessed with the affirmation of this truth.  Whether Sunday affords you the occasion to celebrate with family or not, may we be reminded of the gift of loving, through challenge and joy.

The current Covid-safe practices required of us are a reminder of the flexibility needed in our planning of social occasions.  Do know that, in addition to the new dates for Camps and Retreats Mrs Fry has indicated in last week’s Bulletin, we are also looking at the provision of Student Social occasions that offer some of those ritualistic milestones in young people’s lives and generate opportunity to celebrate being a community.  Details will follow particular to the relevant year groups; I appreciate your understanding that we must be ever mindful that our plans must recognise the possibilities of changes if required, in addition to being age appropriate and cost inclusive of all members of the community.  We look forward to engaging committees of students in this planning. 

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal

The Vinnies community never ceases to surprise.  Your response to the ‘fund a filling’ idea was astounding.  I have enough Woolies vouchers to fund our sandwich efforts for next month’s Night Patrol, and students and staff have filled all the places on the sandwich roster until December.  Two great families have already delivered boxes of snack-packs and a couple of staff members have done the same.  It’s really very humbling.  Thank you.  Go Vinnies.

I’m sorry not to be able to tell you all about the great Mother's Day Liturgy from this morning, but I’m glad we have decided to postpone rather than cancel the event.  Lucia Holt and her team of Charism enthusiasts have helped create a very tender liturgy, and the choir will be worth coming to hear when the new date arrives.  Hopefully the breakfast will be back up as well.  Selina, our great chef and her team, do such a great job.

The corridors are buzzing.  The rumours have been circulating and I can confirm that indeed, 'Coffee Queens' is making a come-back.  31 students have signed up to be on the roster and will complete the barista training course next Thursday morning.  The girls will be making banana bread as a breakfast treat, and they have plans for an expanded menu with weekly specials and a ‘Breakfast Bundle’ deal.  Mia Timbs has led the charge with great organisation and enthusiasm.  Two ex-students are returning to advise on process and all things business.  I’m relieved to tell you that Ms Annemaree Butter will look after the running of Coffee Queens - she actually knows how to run a successful coffee business and understands how the machine works, what a good roast smells like and how not to burn the coffee with too-hot water.  We’ve come a long way from a teaspoon of ‘43 beans in every cup’.  It will be very exciting to put some of Chloe Conway’s ideas from 2020 into action, and build on them with this new team of savvy Coffee Queens.

The Student 2 Student reading program is going ahead.  The Smith Family had so many volunteer applications that they have assigned us to Phase 2, starting on 14 June.  Our training will be held on 31 May.  Applications for this later start date are still welcome, so if students have not applied but would like to be part of it, it’s not too late.  Applications will close for Phase 2 on Friday of next week.  They can find the application form on the Social Justice Classroom .  Print it out, fill it in and hand into Student Services, and I’ll get it registered with The Smith Family.

Vinnies@SVC is taking on the task of baking muffins for our guests on Night Patrol.  They are making it a family affair, mixing, baking and individually wrapping and freezing.  This will work perfectly.  The girls have made a video of their efforts for ‘educational purposes’.  I can see a spot on MasterChef looming.  Caritas Christi is working on a very disturbing area of international injustice.  More on that next week.

Snack Packs for Night Patrol are still very welcome.  We have 60 so far, and will need another 110 before our next Night Patrol on 25 May.  Dianne at Reception is enjoying the deliveries of little ziplock bags of joy.  If you’d like to be part of the Snack-Pack Platoon, here’s the plan:

Each snack pack should contain five items in a ziplock bag:

1 popper juice

1 can of tuna or a cup-a-soup sachet or pack of instant noodles.

Plus any three of the following:

Le Snack / Cheese Dippits

Packet of chips or popcorn

Little box of sultanas

Fruit cup… these are very popular with our guests

Single serve pack of biscuits  (eg Tiny Teddies)

Muesli bar (nut free) - chewy bars, as many of our clients have dental problems.

Students can find more information on the SVC Social Justice Classroom .

We had a delightful afternoon of meditation and reflection with some brave Year 7 and 8's on Monday.  We considered the experiences we have that are Awesome, Challenging and sometimes a bit ‘Random’, looking for love and opportunity in them.  We looked at the importance of taking risks in making new friends, taking risks in using our gifts, taking risks in being the best we can be.  Ms Jenny McCarthy joined us for the afternoon and Lucia Holt kicked us off with great encouragement.  We were all most impressed by the girls' willingness to share their ideas, work together and enter into the meditation with good grace.  They are brave young women who are great thinkers.  I’m looking forward to next Monday afternoon’s gathering.  New recruits are welcome.

Years 11 and 12 have been invited to come along to a series of seminars, “Finding God in the Dark”.  We start next Friday afternoon.  We have a winning movie set to roll, some probing questions to ask and some popcorn ready to pop.  Registration is easy through the Social Justice Classroom .

I still have more to tell you.

Mrs Jo Kenderes
Director of Faith and Mission

This term we welcomed Ms Anne Plowman, working with the Years 7/8/9's, during Linda McCabe’s absence and Ms Jemima McNeill, who works with Years 10/11/12 primarily on a weekend.  Thank you and welcome to both of these ladies for joining our Boarding community. 

A reminder to all parents to contact your relevant Boarding co-ordinator for any questions or queries.  We recommend the contact times preferably to be 8.30-9.00am and from 2.30pm until before 9.00pm, unless in an emergency.  Boarding staff are on duty until 11.00pm each night, if needed in any emergency.

This term sees our In Weekend occurring in Week 7 on 4/5/6 June.  The long weekend occurs on 11-14 June and the Boarding House will remain open during this time.  Thank you to those parents who responded to Mrs Fry’s letter to inform me about your daughter’s presence or absence during this timeframe.  If possible, please email me this weekend with your plans - that would be really helpful for our future planning.

National Boarding Week occurs on 17-21 May, with the theme of 'Empowerment'.  This theme will be incorporated in many ways along with the College Value of Generosity of Spirit.  More exciting details to come next week!  Grace and Clare, our Boarding Co-Captains, are working closely with the BRC to put together lots of fun and informative activities for both the Day School and in Boarding.

We thank our Boarder parents/carers who travelled to Sydney for this weekend; we hope you enjoy the quality time spent with your daughters.

Photos are from our Star Wars theme night on 'May the Fourth' - Star Wars Day!  Left:  Millenium Falcon pizzas; Below: Rogue One thermal detonators (turkey meatballs), Yoda rice crispies and Fighter Snacks (chocolate biscuits with marshmallows!).

Yours in Boarding

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

The Waverley Youth Art Prize encourages creativity in young artists from across Sydney.  It is open to anyone aged between 9-18 years old who are living in, studying or even simply, who plays in Sydney’s east.  All artworks are hung so that each artist will get to experience the joy of exhibiting and see an audience appreciate their work.  Young artists also go in the running to receive encouragement awards including art packs and vouchers to attend classes at local institutions such as the National Art School.

Each year the Waverley Youth Art Prize has a different theme for which artists create their work in response.  In 2021 the theme is:  We are Family - Ancestors, Bloodlines and Belonging. 

Artworks are accepted across a broad range of mediums including drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and video/film/new Media. Entries close 21 May 2021. For more information visit https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/recreation/arts_and_culture/youthartprize and Waverley Youth Art Prize entry details  .

Mr Steven Taylor
Visual Arts Teacher

2021 Oxford and Cambridge Student Information Session

Years 10, 11 and 12 students and parents are invited to attend the virtual 2021 Oxford and Cambridge Student Information Session on Wednesday 12 May from 6.00pm-7.00pm (eastern standard time) via Zoom.  This session is especially for Australian students.  The aim of the session is for Australian Years 10 to 12 students and parents to have the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into what living and studying at Oxford and Cambridge is like, an understanding of how both universities assess applications and the opportunity to ask Oxford and Cambridge Admissions any questions you may have.  To register use the link here.

Medicine

UCAT Webinar

The UCAT is a critical component for medical/dental interview and course offers.  This webinar is directed at students in Years 10, 11 and 12 and will cover 10 common prep mistakes.  Plus how to solve Sections 1-5 UCAT questions (+ mini mock test).  Register are essential using the link here

Holiday Workshops

ACMUSE Australia

ACMUSE's Creative Kids schedule is now out for July term break.  The workshops are designed for students in Years 9-12 who are keen to get invaluable hands-on experience in make-up and SFX.  Make-up skills - 6 July; Life drawing - 7 July and SFX - 8 July.  For enrolment information email courses@makeupcollege.com.au or Phone 9518 8003.  More information about ACMUSE is available on their website:  www.makeupcollege.com.au

Marine Biology Experience in Tasmania

The University of Tasmania was excited to see the annual marine biology experience week for Years 11 and 12 (XAS101) go ahead over the 2020 Easter break.  24 students from around Australia dived in to monitor reef fish, intertidal, soft-sediment and zooplankton communities in the hotspot of global ocean warming at Maria Island on Tasmania’s east coast.  Express interest for the 2022 experience via the website found here

University of Sydney

Year 12 Information Evening

On Tuesday 18 May from 4.00pm-7.00pm USYD is hosting an information evening on campus for interested Year 12 students.  Presenters will explain why the University of Sydney is first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability.  Other topics covered at the information evening include undergraduate course options, admission pathways and scholarships.  Registrations for the evening are essential here.

Wednesday Webinars

At 4.00pm every Wednesday within NSW school term, join USYD staff and student online to learn more about what the University of Sydney can offer you. Upcoming webinars include:  Early Offer Year 12 (E12) Scheme; Which music degree is right for me?;  Design computing portfolio pathway; Sydney Law School student panel.  For more details on what will be covered and how to register  use the link here.

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

Sport Staff Contacts for Term 2 2021:

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

Head of Football:  Mr Hugo Forlico:  0411 615 031
Head of Basketball and Netball:  Ms Elyse Harmanis:  0434 610 870   
Head of Hockey:  Ms Laura Wiggins:  0418 329 929
Head of Athletics/Cross Country:  Ms Jacinta Jacobs:  0418 416 663.

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

For all draw and venue information go to:   www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/sport/weekly-sports-draw/

IMPORTANT SPORT UPDATES

IGSSA (Independent Girls Schools Sport Association) previously were an arm of the AHIGS (Association Head Independent Girls Schools) along with Archibald Debating, Festival of Speech etc.  AHIGS have now rebranded their association name to IGSA (Independent Girls Schools Association), and a lot of our Sport competitions and carnivals will now be called IGSA Sport.  This will just take us all a little while to get use to - just know until then, it's not a typo!  

From Term 4 this year IGSA Sport will be offering sport for two terms, and we will not be entering as many external competitions likeSEHA Hockey, UNSW Water Polo or Santa Sabina Basketball.  We will still, however, be entering in the ESTA Touch competition and possibly Volleyball and Futsal.  Instead, our students will be offered ESTA Touch, Water Polo and Tennis in Terms 4 and 1 and IGSA Netball, Hockey or Soccer in Terms 2 and 3.  More information about this will be given out next term.  Please contact Ms Jacinta Jacobs if you have any questions about these changes.

Cross Country

The IGSA Cross Country Carnival will now be held on Friday 14 May at Frensham.  Final training sessions with Tash will be on Monday and Wednesday 3.15pm-4.30pm from the College.  The bus will now be leaving Victoria Street at 6.00am next Friday, so please make sure you are on time and have plenty of warm gear.

All runners competing in this event need to have the correct running singlet (Nbr 21), navy blue shorts or leggings/bike pants and good running shoes to compete at this event.  Touch/Basketball singlets can be worn as long as we add the number 21 to it.

After the Athletics Carnival on 19 May, trainings on Wednesdays will change to E S Marks Field and Mondays will remain at Rushcutters Bay.  

The highlight of the term will be the Inter-House Athletics Carnival which is being held on Wednesday 19 May.  All students are encouraged to compete in as many events as possible for their House and need to enter events on their House Google Classroom.  Girls wishing to compete in the first event, the 800m, are to be on the first bus.

The inter-House 1500m will be held at fitness training on Monday 17 May, and any girls interested in competing for their House must register with Ms Jacobs via email.  There is also a copy of the carnival program and records on the noticeboard for those who would like to get prepared for the carnival.  Relay teams will be selected at the next House meetings.

The College Athletics Team is chosen from this carnival, with one girl permitted to compete in each event at the IGSA Carnival at Homebush on 12 and 13 August next term.  Fitness sessions on Wednesdays will change to E S Marks after our carnival and all girls selected in the squad are to attend as many of these sessions as they can.  The College team will compete in two lead up twilight meets at Homebush on Friday 30 July and 6 August.  More information will be given to the team once selected.

TERM 2 SPORT

SEHA Hockey

St Vincent’s has entered three teams in the SEHA hockey competition for our final year in this competition.  Good luck to all teams for their first games this Saturday.

All teams train on Wednesday afternoons at David Phillips Field at Daceyville, from 4.00pm-5.00pm.  All information can be found on the College website.  Please make sure that all players have shin pads, hockey stick and mouthguard for all training sessions and matches.  The bus leaves at 3.15pm from Victoria Street and will return to the College at approximately 5.30pm. 

Please Note:  If students are being picked up from the field - it must be at 5.00pm, otherwise they have to go back to the College on the bus as we cannot leave any student unattended. If you cannot attend training for any reason you must email Ms Jacobs and Laura.  This week we had too many unexplained absences - in particular Year 11's.

Ms Laura Wiggins
Head Hockey Coach

IGSA Basketball

As many of you are aware there was a COVID-19 restrictions update yesterday, stating that “masks will be compulsory on public transport and in all public indoor venues” and this will be in force until 12.01am Monday 10 May (ie midnight Sunday night) for the Greater Sydney Region.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/covid-19-restrictions-update-6-may

IGSA have requested that we notify parents/spectators and conveners that all of their indoor basketball venues will require face masks to be worn during visitation at the venues.

Players will not be required to wear a face mask unless they choose to.

Referees will not be required to wear a face mask. The decision on requirements for coaches is to be announced.

IGSA would also like to encourage schools to keep spectators to a minimum, and be aware of the venues with spectator restrictions (shown below) as well as promote social distancing while spectating.

Venues with current spectator restrictions include:

Brigidine Indoor:  One spectator per player.

Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre: Two spectators per player.

Ravenswood Indoor:  One spectator per player.

SCEGGS are requesting the following on a Saturday morning:

1. Everyone signs in with the QR Code upon entry
2. All parents wear a mask on site at SCEGGS
3. Teams keep spectators to a minimum although are not mandating actual limits at this stage
4. Spectators spread out when watching matches
5. Everyone departs immediately after each match.

As per usual, attendees must sign in using either NSW QR code, IGSA Sport QR code or attending schools QR code, as well as anyone experiencing cold and flu symptoms should not attend IGSA Sport and must isolate immediately, get tested and continue to isolate until a negative result is received.

Players, coaches and spectators are also encouraged to "get in, play and get out" at this time.

All team and draw information can be found on the College website.

Training is compulsory.  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.

Training times:

SVC 1:  Thursdays  7.15am-8.30am

SVC 2:  Thursdays  7.15am-8.30am

SVC 3:  Wednesdays  3.15pm-4.30pm.

Ms Elyse Harmanis
Head Basketball Coach

IGSA Football

All information can be found on the College website.  Moore Park West is our home venue, please allow adequate time as parking is a bit tricky in that area.

SVC 1:  Training Friday mornings 7.15am-8.15am

SVC 2:  Training Wednesday mornings 7.15am-8.15am

SVC 3:  Training Monday afternoons 3.15pm-4.45pm

SVC 4:  Training Wednesday mornings 7.15am-8.15am

SVC 5:  Training Monday afternoons 3.15pm-4.45pm.

Mr Hugo Forlico
Head Football Coach

St Catherine's Netball

You will find all netball information on the College website under LEARNING/ SPORT/NETBALL

TERM 3 SPORT

Sport Registrations are now open for Term 3 Sport.  If you wish to play IGSA Netball, IGSA Hockey or Ascham 5-A-Side Football, you must go onto the College website and register before 3.00pm on Friday 14 May.  There is NO EXCUSE TO BE LATE.  If you have problems with online registrations, please see Ms Jacobs with your computer.

REMINDER:  Term 3 is the last term where you will be allowed to play a Sport for just one term. From Term 4 all Sport will run for two terms: 

Touch, water polo, volleyball and tennis will run in Terms 4 and 1. 

Basketball, hockey, netball and football will run in Terms 2 and 3.

IGSA Netball

Notes about the IGSA Competition:  As the St Vincent's College netball page explains: If your daughter plays for RNA (Randwick Netball Association) or another association, please do not register for SVC Netball Club if game times may clash and SVC is your second priority.  If SVC priority is equal with another club priority, then enrol your daughter and we will make it work.  Sometimes it’s best to choose one or the other, so that your daughter isn't overloaded with commitments.    

IGSA game times are from 8.00am-11.00am, last game concluding at 11.50am.  We do not know the time of games until the July school holidays. Traditionally, seniors are scheduled for 8.00am/9.00am; Juniors - 9.00am/10.00am; Year 7 - 10.00am/11.00am.

IGSA netball is a big commitment for parents with travel involved all around Sydney.  Once teams are formed we try to share the travel - especially for transport of Boarding students.  The fun part is discovering all the amazing school grounds around Sydney!

Ms Elyse Harmanis
Head Netball Coach

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

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-ordinator of Sport

CANTEEN REMINDER:   NO CARD - NO PURCHASE 

• Students MUST bring their ID card to the canteen to purchase any food/drink. Please note that putting your student number in only is NOT accepted.
• Remember:  ONLINE ORDERING is also available.
• GLUTEN FREE products are available - only when purchased through online ordering. 
• You need to refill money onto your cardAT LEAST ONE HOUR BEFORE you intend to use the card (as it takes one hour to generate funds onto the card).

 View next week's CANTEEN SPECIALS: 10-14 May 2021  HERE

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