Bulletin

REMINDERS AND UPCOMING EVENTS:

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MOTHER'S DAY DINNER

Friday 10 May  6.30pm at Dockside, Cockle Bay.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY FOR SUNDAY!

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College Production THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER

DON'T MISS IT!  LAST PERFORMANCES - tomorrow, Saturday 11 May - 2.00pm and 7.00pm.

Book HERE

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ROCKWALL CRESCENT GATE:  The College's entrance driveway at Rockwall Crescent is being completed as from Monday 13 May, therefore, the pedestrian entrance cannot be used during the construction period.  

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NAPLAN Online

14-17 May  Years 7 and 9  (letters emailed to Years 7 and 9 parents and students 09 May)

21 May - NAPLAN Catch up.

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Term 2 Enrolment Tours and Morning Tea

Monday 20 May 9.30am-11.30am   REGISTER HERE

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SVC Uniform Shop - Orders Now Online  

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

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

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Dear Parents and Carers

It has been a wonderful week here at St Vincent's as each day has commenced with staff and students sharing their appreciation and amazement about what has been achieved by the cast and crew of the College Production, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.  The choice this year of the lament of the seafarer was never going to make for light entertainment.  It is, however, extraordinary!  If you have the chance over the weekend, I would thoroughly recommend the experience of seeing this tale re-enacted with such respect and insight.  Congratulations to all involved, but I would like to particularly acknowledge the amazing work of Ms Catherine Johnson (ably assisted by Ms Belinda Peoples).  Many people have helped with various aspects of the show, but Ms Johnson is owed our gratitude and admiration.

This morning many Grandmothers, Mothers and Daughters gathered to pray together.  The Mother's Day Liturgy and Breakfast is always a truly blessed gathering, and today it was led by our Charism Captain, Elizabeth Tax.  The music, prayers and particularly the reflection by Liz and Andrea Jarjoura, all captured the complexity of the mother/daughter relationship.  Thank you to Mrs Jo Kenderes, Mr James Paull, Mr Robert Weaver, and our wonderful choir and musicians.

I extend to every St Vincent's Grandmother and Mother, and all those who mother, a warm blessing and best wishes for Sunday.

A Blessing of Mothers

Loving God, thank you for the love of my mother and the women who nurture me.

Bless her.

Give her patience to listen to me when I find it hard to talk.

Give her gentleness in dealing with me when I am rowdy.

Give her wisdom so that she knows just what to say

even when I find it hard to listen.

Give her a generous heart even when I am selfish.

Give her strength when I need a firm hand.

Give her a sense of humour in difficult times.

Surround her with people who love her.

Help me to see your love at work in her.

Help me to love as she loves.

We ask this in Jesus name.  

Amen.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Anne Fry
Principal

This week we farewell Fr Chris Jenkins SJ from St Canice’s Parish.  I first met Fr Chris as he wandered the grounds of the Spring Fair at SVC 8 years ago.  I was taken by his easy banter and big beard and wondered what stories he held in his wisened eyes.

I came to know Fr Chris when we would break bread and share stories of our pilgrimages; he is a man of the earth who treads lightly and far; a deep thinker who encourages meeting of minds and hearts across boundaries of religion, race, age and gender.  I saw Fr Chris’s deep humanity and commitment to faith as he generously and graciously accompanied families through the loss of loved ones and then the celebration of their lives.  

Fr Chris’ welcome to the Boarders’ each Saturday evening was heartfelt and warm.  He knew the where the majority of teenagers would rather be on a Saturday night and would encourage them to participate in the Mass as readers, ministers and collectors.  He would delight when the choir would change the last hymn of the night to Christ be our Light so the Boarders’ could sing with verve and delight.

At his last Sunday Mass, we prayed this blessing for Fr Chris and I share it with you now.

Chris, you are a pilgrim on the journey, who came to rest a while with us and today we give special thanks for your gifts.  You:

• Invited souls, both old and new, to trust in the goodness of our God;
• Fed our minds with thoughtful and provocative reflections, written and homilized;
• You encouraged us to open our hearts to those we encounter on our own journeys;

You are a living charism of the Society of Jesus.

Blessings to the man who trod lightly on this earth, caring for our common home with simplicity and grace.

Blessings on the friend who shared his gentle and caring heart.

Blessing to the minister who welcomed new members to our Church, young and not so young.

Blessings on the companion who sat in peaceful silence as those we loved left this earthly plane.

Blessings for the leader who moved this Church through challenge and distress.

Blessings on the man who goes now to humbly to share his gifts anew.

May the Creator God bless and keep you.

May Jesus be gracious to you.

May the Spirit bring you peace.

Below:  Fr Chris Jenkins sj with St Vincent's College students outside St Canice's

In other news, much has been happening this week in the Faith and Mission office, and I am thankful to the Charism committee led by Elizabeth Tax, who worked with Mrs Kenderes and Mr Weaver to create a wonderful celebration for Mothers and 'other Mothers’ this morning.  A special thank you to Sabrene Assad for her facilitation of an inter-faith dialogue experience at Amity College on Thursday; her passion to share her faith with others is profound and I encourage you to read her article in Caritas Corner this week (and see a photo below).

May the weekend be full of gratitude and acts of generosity for all women who nurture and care for us.

Ms Rachel McLean
Director of Faith and Mission

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and is the third pillar of Islam (there are five pillars which are religious duties).  It is a month of fasting, charity-giving and self-reflection for the Islamic community globally.  Fasting is from sunrise to sunset and it is a period of enhanced religious spirituality and self-contemplation.  It is also a time to gather as family and community and detach from bad habits.  Many Muslims wake up early in the morning to eat, known as Suhoor, and will break their fast after sunset with a meal known as Iftar.

On 9 May, twelve students from St Vincent’s, from Years 11 and 12, accompanied by Mr Weaver and Ms McLean, embarked on a journey to Amity College in Auburn to share a meal and gain ‘a taste of Ramadan’.  We heard the adhan (call to prayer), broke our fast with dates and water then watched the congregational Maghrib prayer conducted by the students of Amity College.  We shared a lovely meal, dessert and conversation with people from different schools, faiths and backgrounds.  Various students from different schools, Muslim and non-Muslim shared what Ramadan means to them.  Everyone’s perspective of Ramadan was different, yet all the same.  This event is a true representation of inter-faith dialogue and empathy.  I hope it sparks some conversation within the College and the wider community.  What does Ramadan mean to you?

Sabrene Assad
Social Justice Advocate

On Friday night, for the first in-weekend this term, all the Boarders went to Luna Park. We were joined by Boarders' from Scots College, which got all of us excited too. It was my first time at Luna Park as well.  Starting off at the Tango Train, we moved to the Volare and then went to the terrifying Hair Raiser. We moved onto the Wild Mouse and it was really fun.  Other rides we went on was the Tumble Bug, Devil’s Drop, Dodgem City, Mystery Manor and more. We then went on the Wild Mouse another five times, and the Volare another two times too!  Overall, I feel it was one of the best times in my life and loved it so much.  My Mum even promised that the next time my family comes down to Sydney, we will go!  If you haven’t gone to Luna Park before, I strongly suggest you do.
Clare Canham, Year 7

Last week the Boarders' participated in an excursion to Luna Park accompanied with students from a House at Scots College for the Boarders in weekend. We went to Luna Park on the Friday after school and spent three hours there enjoying all the City lights.  We all had plenty of fun and it was a great experience forming new bonds and made new friendships. For some us it was the first time ever going Luna Park, so it is an experience we all will remember and I think I can say that everyone had fun!​
Dakota Macourt, Year 9

On Saturday night after church, all the Boarders participated in an activity of 'Just Dance'.  We all started off with doing it in Year groups, Years 7-12 competing against each other.  Two people in the Year group would get selected to go to finals to compete against the other two winners that were selected from their Year group. Then by the end of the finals, we would end up with one winner who won the Just Dance competition of 2019.  The winner this year was Mia Cluff-Freemantle, Year 10, and runner up was Matilda Roddy, Year 11.  All the Boarders really enjoyed the Just Dance competition!  (see photos below).
Tahlia McCormack, Year 10

An In Weekend provides many opportunities for Boarders to have new experiences, as seen above, or to have bonding experiences with their Year group or other Boarders.  I thank Tyler and Alex for their organisation and leadership on these weekends.

National Boarding Week begins on Sunday 12 May.  With a celebration of 135 years of Boarding, we will start our NBW with lots of pink on Monday!

The College's entrance driveway at Rockwall Crescent is being completed as from Monday, therefore, the pedestrian entrance cannot be used during the construction period.  Thank you for your patience, and I will notify you by email of the alternative arrangements that we will make for access during this period.

Yours in Boarding

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

UTS Bachelor of Accounting Information Evening

On 14 May 2019 commencing at 6.30pm Aerial Function Centre, UTS Building 10, Broadway, interested students are invited to attend the Bachelor of Accounting Co-op Scholarship Program Information Evening to learn more about this course.  Contact Carin Alberts at carin.alberts@uts.edu.au for registration details.

UTS Bachelor of Accounting - Round 1 closing date is 7 June 2019

Please note the early closing date for Round 1 applications for BAcc 2020 is Friday 7 June.  Online applications at www.bachelorofaccounting.com .  For more information please contact carin.alberts@uts.edu.au

UTS Law

On 27 June from 5.30pm to 8.00pm at Haymarket, Building 5, Block B, Ground Floor, 1-59 Quay Street, Haymarket.  UTS is holding a Law Undergraduate Information Evening.  This event is open to Years 11 and 12 students and their parents.  Registrations are essential by using the following link:

https://www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-law/events/law-undergraduate-info-evening

UNSW Coop Scholarships - Finance, IT, Engineering

UNSW Coop Scholarship Program has opened and closes on 30 September 2019.

Beyond the placement opportunities, Co-op also provides a professional development program which assists scholars to prepare for and make a smooth transition to the workplace as well as develop the graduate attributes that differentiate them from other students. UNSW Co-op Program scholars receive between 9 and 18 months structured Industry Experience and gain valuable work experience with up to four different sponsors.

Main site: https://www.coop.unsw.edu.au/

Apply here: https://www.coop.unsw.edu.au/apply

Medical Research - ASMR NSW High Schools Careers Day

Students (Years 10-12) are invited to hear from medical sciences professionals about what it takes to start a career in the Medical Sciences sector. This event features presentations from speakers currently working in research, medicine, academia and biotechnology. Registrations for this event close Friday 17 May and the event will be held on 7 June (Friday before the long weekend ) from 8.30am to 1.00pm, at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research (NAB Auditorium), 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst.  If interested register here:  HERE

Army Reserves

Join the Army Reserves and experience life in the Australian Army in your spare time.  It’s a chance to escape the day-to-day grind of university or work, and experience the excitement and challenge of the Army with a part-time role that suits you.

They have four priority roles on offer, each vital to the success of the Army Reserves:

Infantry Soldier – Be part of Australia’s front line of defence. 

Armoured Vehicle Crew – Drive formidable (and exciting) armoured vehicles. 

Chef – Help keep the Army fed and ready to go. 

Driver – Drive a range of military vehicles.  

In the Army Reserves, you’ll be involved in rewarding activities such as supporting humanitarian missions, disaster-relief activities, security tasks and combat operations.  Are you ready for the challenge?  Find out more.

Ms HELEN MARSHALL
CAREERS ADVISER

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is the longest major poem by the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, written in 1797-98 and published in 1798 in the first edition of Lyrical Ballads.  The Rime of the Ancient Mariner tells a tale of a sailor who has returned from a long doomed sea voyage.  The mariner stops a man who is on his way to a wedding and begins to narrate the story.  The wedding guest's reaction turns from impatience to fascination then to fear as the mariner's story progresses.  Coleridge’s use of language is colourful and descriptive evoking a sense of danger, the supernatural and loss, depending on the mood in different parts of the poem.

What drew me to the poem was Coleridge’s language and powerful moral - that killing a sentient being is a transgression that creates a burden.  The poem itself is evocative and very visual, lending itself to dramatic interpretation.  Experimentation has been at the core of this work from working with a thrust stage to using projections.  Students have actively participated in the process by designing the soundscape and the audio-visuals.  These young actors have shown themselves to be brave by exploring movement and different elements of drama.

There have been many difficult challenging rehearsals filled with problems that seemed unsolvable; then there have been rehearsals that were filled with magical ‘ah-ha’ moments which filled me with relief and pride as the students worked together as creatively and professionally as any ensemble.

A big thank you to Mrs Anne Fry for her ongoing support for all we do and approving my proposal of this unknown serious work; Ms Belinda Peoples, Mr Ken Devlin and Ms Cherie Tucker, for the work they have done with t-shirts, programmes, catering for our students and community on the nights and moving costumes and set pieces back and forth, and so many other jobs.  Thank you to the teachers who volunteered to supervise this great group of students, and a huge thank you to the audience who came and supported these hard working students as they performed a detailed and sombre piece of theatre.

Ms Catherine Johnson
Head of Performing Arts

The Expectation of Immaculate Uniform

We have now completed our first full ten day cycle of school days in this autumnal term.

I commend the vast majority of students for returning to the College in impeccable uniform.  However, during this mild spell, some students have been wearing socks.  As of next week, the expectation is that all girls are wearing navy tights, with no holes!  Indeed, students are encouraged to bring a spare pair of tights to place in their locker.  School skirt length is to be on the knee.  Please do ensure your daughter lets down the hem if she has grown taller.

Furthermore, the blazer is a compulsory feature of winter uniform.  Should your daughter choose to wear a College overcoat, it is only this College overcoat that may be worn over or in place of the blazer on cold days.  Students must always have their blazer to wear over the uniform if not wearing this coat and they need to have the blazer on when representing the College outside of school.  Cardigans and vests are reserved for inside school only.  We are still enjoying bright sunny days and so we request that students continue to wear a hat at recess and lunch times with hair tied back.  Please no scrunchies in the hair.

Thank you for your attention to College Uniform Standards.

Mrs Jo Anderson
Director of Pastoral Care

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

Ms Vanessa Brown:    0412 979 599 – Football
Ms Jacinta Jacobs:      0418 416 663 – Athletics/Cross Country
Ms Kat McGrath:        0411 697 195 – Netball
Ms Laura Wiggins:     0418 329 929 – Hockey

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

For all draw and venue information visit this website. 

Cross Country

The IGSSA Cross Country Carnival will be held in Week 3 on Friday 17 May at Frensham.  Final training sessions with Tash will be on Mondays and Wednesdays 3.15pm-4.30pm from the College.  Please note that any Year 7 or Year 9 students who will miss their NAPLAN Online test on this day will do a catch up on Tuesday 21 May.

All runners competing in this event need to have the correct running singlet (Number 21), navy blue shorts or legging/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 them. 

After the College Athletics Carnival on 30 May, training on Wednesdays will change to E S Marks Field and Mondays will remain at Rushcutters Bay.  All IGSSA Cross Country Permission Notes must be returned to Ms Jacobs by Monday 13 May. 

Below:  16 years team from 2018

Inter-House Athletics Carnival at E S Marks Field, Thursday 30 May

The highlight of the term will be the Inter-House Athletics Carnival which is being held on Thursday 30 May.  All students are encouraged to compete in as many events as possible for their House.  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 27 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 and 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 IGSSA Carnival at Homebush on 28 and 29 August, next term.  The 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 9 and 16 August.  More information will be given to the team once selected.

Above:   Emma Iorfino in the 2018 relay

SEHA Hockey

St Vincent’s has entered three teams in the SEHA hockey competition for this term.  Sadly all games at Moorebank grass were cancelled in Week 1 due to wet weather, so 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 you all 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.  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 students unattended. 

Ms Laura Wiggins
Head Hockey Coach

IGSSA Basketball

We have entered seven teams in the IGSSA competition this term - three senior, two junior and two Year 7 teams.  All 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, 2 and 3 - Wednesdays  3.15pm-4.30pm

SVC 4 and 5 - Thursdays  7.15am-8.30am

SVC 6 and 7 - 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 this term. All information can be found on the College website.  Moore Park West is our home venue.  Please allow adequate time as parking can be a bit tricky in that area.

Congratulations to Domenica Mitchell, Olivia Mitchell, Isabella Voisey-Youldon and Christina Strangas who were selected to trial for the Open IGSSA Football team this week.  Well done to Domenica Mitchell, who was successful in making the team again this year.  We wish her the best of luck at the NSWCIS Championships on 27 and 28 May 27.

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

St Catherine's Netball

The St Catherine’s School Netball competition commenced on Wednesday 8 May.  Our SVC teams played in a freezing wind and managed to 'breeze' into some great wins and close losses.  All players displayed respect for each other and their coaches on the night.  So proud of all our girls!   

SVC is fielding 13 teams, displaying just how committed our students are to netball.  Well done in the ‘keenness’ column players!  Thank you to the players who assisted other teams due to College Drama Production absentees.  You will find all netball information on the College website under LEARNING/SPORT-NETBALL

TERM 3 IGSSA Netball registrations are open online NOW until Friday 17 May. There is NO EXCUSE TO BE LATE. If you have problems with online registrations, please see Ms Jacobs with your laptop.

Notes about the IGSSA Competition:  As the SVC netball page explains:  If your daughter plays for the RNA Association or another association, please do not register for the SVC Club if there is a tendency for game times to clash, and if SVC is your second priority.  If SVC is equal with your other club in priority, then please do enrol your daughter and we will try to make these arrangements work.  However, sometimes it can be best to make a choice so that your daughter is not overloaded with commitments.                          

IGSSA game times are from 8.00am-11.00am.  Last game concludes at 11.50am.  We do not know the time of games until the July school holidays. However, traditionally, seniors are at 8.00am/9.00am; juniors are at 9.00am/10.00am and Year 7 are at 10.00am/11.00am.

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

Below  St Catherine's competition this week

Below:  Netball fitness

Ms Kat McGrath
Head Netball Coach 

SPORT STARS

Congratulations to Frances Shires, Year 12, who placed 2nd in the 200m butterfly and 200m freestyle at the recent NSWCIS Swimming Championships. We wish Frankie the best of luck at the NSW All Schools Carnival being held at Homebush Olympic Park on 13 May.  Frankie has qualified for the 200m butterfly; 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle.

Congratulations to Domenica Mitchell, Year 11, who was successful in making the Open IGSSA football team again this year.  We wish her the best of luck at the NSWCIS Championships on 27 and 28 May 27. 

Below:  Domenica Mitchell

Congratulations to Olivia Rowland, Year 9, who has been selected to play Oz Tag for the City Seahawks in the City vs Country tournament on Sunday 9 June on the Central Coast.  Olivia has also been selected to represent the New South Wales Barbarian team 14-16 June in Maroochydore for the Queensland State Cup. 

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

Year 9 Parents and Carers Social Evening

Year 9 Parents and Carers are invited to a social function being held on Friday 31 May 2019.

The event will be hosted by Arabella Joseph, Katrina Skinner and Penny Wright.  The cost of $25 per head includes light finger food.  Drinks for purchase at The Bellevue.

For more details, please direct enquiries to Katrina Skinner on 0438 933 319 or email mackinnon-5@bigpond.com, or Arabella Joseph on 0409 845 558 or email arabella_joseph@bigpond.com.

Venue:  The Bellevue Hotel, 159 Hargrave Street, Paddington

Come and join in the fun! 

Book by 28 May by clickingHERE.

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

The Power of a Good Book 

There were many times when I was reading Maxine Beneba Clarke’s memoir, The Hate Race, when I had to stop to cringe.  For example, the opening chapter begins with her pushing her baby daughter in a stroller along the footpaths of inner Melbourne in the Twenty-first Century.  She is going to collect her son from school.  Suddenly, a white utility draws close to her and crawls in the gutter.  The occupants of the car wind down the windows and begin to shout racist abuse at her.  Other pedestrians avert their eyes but no one nearby either tries to defend or protect her.  Clarke’s crime is the colour of her skin.  Both sets of grandparents had left the West Indies for the United Kingdom in the 1950’s.  Her father was a brilliant mathematician who earned a Ph D in England.  However, by the 1970’s, under Margaret Thatcher, he felt that the United Kingdom was not a kind place to be.  With his wife, a promising young actress, her father left for Gough Whitlam’s Australia where he had been appointed as a lecturer.  Maxine Clark was born in Ryde Hospital.  In her growing up, whenever some racist snarled at her to go back to where she came from, she bitterly enjoyed the irony.  The abuse began on the first day of kindergarten when another child commented on Clarke’s skin colour and announced that she looked dirty.  In what became a depressing pattern, no one reprimanded the other child or even began a discussion about skin colour.  In kindergarten, her teacher instructed her to stop lying when Clarke said her daddy worked at the university and that her mummy had a scrapbook full of glowing theatre reviews from London.  As far as the teacher was concerned, little brown girls did not have such family backgrounds.  The bullying and abuse became more savage as she went into high school.  The depressing theme of the silent bystanders is repeated again and again and it includes teachers and principals who frequently tell her she is overreacting or misunderstanding a joke.  She also enjoyed the friendship and support of a few people of courage and integrity and is careful to describe these strong and lovely people.  I admire Clarke’s honesty when she tells of her own abuse of a fellow student, of Indian heritage.  She actually names the person and apologises to her in the book admitting her deep shame for her cruelty.  Her actions are also the result of mental scarring from years of mockery and hate.  Maxine Beneba Clarke writes beautifully about ordinary life in the suburbs.  Readers will probably relate to her remembered delight in the Women’s Weekly’s lavishly illustrated book of birthday cakes from which each child could choose a birthday cake.  This is not a misery memoir but an attempt for all of us to understand what it is like to commit the crime of being different and the long-term effects of such a crime.  There were times when I did not cringe but wept.

By Ms Suzanne O'Connor