Bulletin

The entry foyer to the Atrium, a place of welcome in Gadigal language renamed:

(As in Mrs Fry's article this issue)

Monday 30 May:  Year 10 Parent/Carer and Student Teacher Meetings.

Tuesday 31 May - Tuesday 14 June:  Online Subject Preferences Submitted.

==================================================================================

Boarding School Regional Visits:

• Wagga Wagga 03/04 June.

==================================================================================

(Foxford Day 27 October - to be confirmed).

==================================================================================

Dear Parents and Carers

I only have a very short 'walk' to work but every morning I very much enjoy my conversations with the students.  This morning the excitement was all about the Year 7 Science models of cells that had been made, with great attention to scientific detail.  My initial disappointment in mistakingly thinking it was 'edible cake day' was quickly overcome, as I was left in awe by the knowledge and skill of our young scientists.  It was a privilege to share their excitement and sense of achievement.  Congratulations to our Year 7 Science team, for generating such passion and curiosity about the 'cells' that form the structure of our bodies.  I certainly know now I am much more exciting to look at on the inside than the outside as this busy week comes to an end!

The highlight of the week was most definitely the Sorry Day Assembly on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation.  Under perfect blue skies and refreshed by gentle breezes and warm sun, the College community gathered to commemorate 'sorry business'.  Our First Nations' students in accompaniment with the Student Leadership Team, led us in song, ritual and reflection as we remembered the disruption, dispossession and disadvantage suffered by indigenous Australians.  It was powerful and yet hopeful that the fifth anniversary of the Uluru Statement of the Heart, there is now a political mandate to enshrine this important recognition of First Nations' people in the constitution.  As part of Sorry Week, we have named the entry foyer to the Atrium, a place of welcome.  In Gadigal language this space is now bujari gamarruwa.

The entire staff of the College spent an exhilarating day with Professor Lea Waters on Monday.  This was the first day in a two year partnership between the College and Prof Waters, as we become an accredited Visible Wellbeing School.  It was a very productive day of professional learning.  You might like to visit Prof Waters' website HERE .

Last Saturday the College Board and senior staff spent the day with Dr Frank Brennan sj reflecting on the proposed Religious Freedom Legislation, with  particular emphasis on the role of a single gender school, a future where self-identity will be less binary.  It was a fascinating discussion, and while the election of the new government probably means we will not see the proposed legislation come to parliament, the issues raised remain vital issues of community discussion.

It has been a busy week and I am ready to rest 'my cells' over the weekend.  I hope you do too!

In hope,

Yours sincerely

Anne Fry
Principal

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

Alexa (Year 9), Zoe (Year 7) and Ella (Year 11) Rubenstein - Grandfather.

May he rest in peace.

At St Vincent's College we privilege conversations that engage student voice to inform our response in ensuring the education offered at our College responds to the needs of their times.  We seek opportunities to deepen an understanding of our College values and our purpose in shaping women of action, driven by courage and compassion.  Student voice has contributed to our teacher professional learning in the area of Respectful Relationships and Consent education complementing the evidence-based research available to schools and we are proud of the progress we have made in contextualising this within the mission and values of our College community. 

We are pleased to now offer a parent/carer education program to support your understanding and conversations at home regarding consent education with your children.  This program is facilitated by Consent Labs - for more detail of the workshop, please see their website https://www.consentlabs.org.au/parents

This opportunity is offered to parents/carers of all Years (7-12) - limited to one parent/carer per household; we particularly encourage Year 9 parents/carers to attend, as the timing of the evening sits alongside a student workshop offered to your daughters.

Details of the Parent Education workshop:

Supporting Parents to understand Consent Education

• Tuesday evening 14 June 6.00pm - 7.30pm
• College Hall
• Please book via this link

I express my appreciation to the College P&F for making this educational opportunity possible through their generous funding and support. Together we can support your daughters to develop the knowledge and communication skills in becoming upstanding citizens who act with courage and compassion in safeguarding themselves and others. 

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” - Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci was by every account the most extraordinary individual whose talents enhance the world in many areas.  Leonardo was born into very humble beginnings and completed a seven-year apprenticeship as an artist from the age of 17.  Whilst he worked hard as a student, there is little doubt that he was a person of extraordinary gifts and talents.  Leonardo is the artist for what is acclaimed to be the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa, the most expensive artwork ever sold at public auction, Salvator Mundi, and the most reproduced religious artwork of all time, The Last Supper. In addition, he is credited with many inventions hundreds of years ahead of his time, such as flying machines, armoured vehicles, and submarines, many of which were not built due to limitations in manufacturing technologies of his time.

Such inspirational works of art and other amazing creations of sculpture and engineering inspire us, and we can easily dismiss them as the products of someone who was just exceptionally gifted alone.  There are of course other elements to the equation of such extraordinary success, including inspiration and hard work.  To be our best, and as students achieve our best, we need inspiration as a catalyst.  Everyone is inspired in their own learning journey by different things.  It is easy to see the difference in disposition and capacity when someone is inspired.  Similarly, the work produced by a student when they find their inspiration is obvious to all and brings great joy.

Inspiration alone does not complete a success story.  Leonardo was certainly surrounded by inspirational artists and did his apprenticeship in Florence’s leading artist and sculpture.  Leonardo worked as a studio boy for three years prior to his seven-year apprenticeship under the guidance of Andrea Verrocchio, who in turn had been trained by Donatello.  Whilst there is little doubt of Leonardo’s talents, it is fair to say he was immersed in amazing inspiration, that no doubt lit a spark inside him.  However, without hard work talent sits underutilised and never comes to fruition.  As talented as Leonardo was, would we be inspired by him today if he had not done the hard work to fully utilise all he had inside him?

In our year of hope-filled learning, we have focussed on two ideas that align with Leonardo’s story:  resilience and rigour.  Leonardo didn’t aim low and choose a comfortable path, but constantly pushed the boundaries in expanding his fields of endeavour.  He was not satisfied with the existing techniques of his day, but rather pushed to excel and be the very best he could be.  Once inspired, he then persisted with hard work to ensure any achievements were his very best.  Leonardo pursued rigour in his ideas to push the boundaries and then resilience to ensure his work was the very best it could be.

Once students find their inspiration, their driving force and point of genuine interest, they need to channel this to aim high and pursue rigour and then persist with hard work to make the most of their talents.  One key wisdom can be found in Leonardo’s view of simplicity.  The avoidance of the distraction caused by over complication can be a trap that limits success.  This is not to be confused with mediocrity but rather to focus on the important and then put one’s best effort into that - rigour and resilience.

Mr Bob Anderson
Director of Teaching and Learning and Education Administration

The Science of Wellbeing - Visible Wellbeing@SVC

College staff recently spent a day working with Professor Lea Waters, as we embarked on becoming a Visible Wellbeing School.

“It was an amazing day and Professor Waters is not just brilliant, but such a beautiful, warm person…I am so looking forward to the next session…” Boarding Staff Member.

The huge success of our PD was “testimony to the power of everyone singing from the same hymn book”.  Head of House.

We very much look forward to sharing more about our Visible Wellbeing approaches in our upcoming communications, but are thrilled at this stage to report a successful introduction.

Best Student Wellbeing Program - Australian Education Awards

In celebration of all that we do together, we are delighted to announce that our community has been recognised alongside seven other schools nationally, as an awardee in the category of Best Student Wellbeing Program in the Australian Education Awards 2022.

Throughout 2021 and 2022, the vast majority of our staff, beyond their teaching and Tutor roles, have also been at the forefront of our ‘Cura Personalis’ program.  Such recognition of their craft as teachers of wellbeing and the care they demonstrate for each and every student, is worth our celebration and commendation.

If there is someone in our teaching community, that as a parent you believe may be deserving of an email of gratitude…please do not hesitate to reach out to the College via the following email - a little can go a long way... principalspa@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

We thank all of our teaching staff for their continued and ongoing commitment to everything Wellbeing@SVC .

Mr Mitchell Grace
Pastoral Dean of Students

National Boarding Week is always a highlight of the calendar for Boarders and day girls. The theme this year for the College was ‘broadening her horizons’, which for a Boarder is lived every day they aren’t at home.  Last year the Tutor challenge of placing towns on a map was so well received (but also hotly contested) that we had to put another Tutor challenge together.  This year was a quiz, and wow, was it also hotly contested!!!  From having to know the population of Dubbo (38,000) to where was Splashe Cola made (Bourke), to how many SCEGGS Boarders are there (8), there were lots of Boarder facts learnt.  The winning Tutor group of this challenge after much deliberation was Tutor 31, Mrs Aldridge in De Lacy, well done!!!  You will now enjoy a hot lunch with the Boarders. :)

With the Boarder/Day Girl sleepover postponed until later this year, the Boarders spent time perfecting their netball skills to retain the Day Girl/Boarder Netball Championship held on Thursday, so it was time well spent!  Madi and Phoebe, our Boarding Co-Captains, organised an amazing Boarders’ Assembly with a Q&A with a Year 7 and a Year 12 Boarder, but also spent the time thanking those who are behind our scenes.  Their speech follows the photos below...

Yours in Boarding

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

HSC and Careers Expo

The HSC and Careers Expo will be held at The Hordern Pavillion on 2, 3, 4, 5 June from 9.00am-3.00pm.  Tickets only available for purchase online - no ticket purchase at the venue.  Please use the link found here to purchase tickets.  The Expo is an excellent ‘one stop shop’ to get information on tertiary study: University, TAFE and training courses; careers and employment advice; gap year options; and to gather information and resources for the HSC.  This event is best suited for Year 10, 11 and 12 students and their parents.  For more information about the HSC and Careers Expo, use the link found here.

Universities Admission Centre (UAC)

UAC Digital is an online platform presented by the UAC Community Engagement team.  On this platform, a range of free webinars for students, parents and anyone navigating their path to higher education are presented.

UAC Digital Let’s Chat Session

Year 10 Subject Selection:  6.00pm Wednesday 20 July.

UAC will provide tips and address typical concerns about selecting Year 11 and 12 subjects.

Topics discussed include:

●       how to choose your HSC courses.

●       course prerequisites, assumed knowledge and recommended studies.

●       additional selection criteria.

Registrations are essential using the link found here. 

UAC Digital Let's Chat Session

Communications and Media:  6.00pm Wednesday 27 July.

Any student thinking of applying for a Communications or Media degree should benefit from attending this session.  HSC students and their parents will be provided with information about:

●       which HSC courses are recommended for these degrees.

●       what degrees and majors are available.

●       entry requirements.

●       how universities prepare students to be job-ready in a competitive job market.

Registrations are essential using the link found here

UAC Digital Let’s Chat

Engineering and IT students

How to Build a Bridge 101:  6.00pm Thursday 28 July.

Any student interested in studying engineering and IT should benefit from attending this session.  Current students from a range of universities share their experiences of student life.  Topics covered include:

●       how they decided on the course they are studying.

●       what they found easy about the process of applying and enrolling, and what they found hard.

●       what they thought university would be like.

Registrations are essential using the link found here

UNSW

At UNSW, they want to reward a student’s creativity and potential, and therefore, they offer UNSW Portfolio Entry, which gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their passion and talent, alongside their ATAR for the following degrees:

•  Art and Design.

•  Built Environment.

•  Bachelor of Information Systems at the UNSW Business School.

•  Engineering.

If this sounds like you, UNSW want to see your portfolio submission.  It’s an easy, online process and can only ever boost your chances of admission.  What you submit in your portfolio will depend on which degree you’re interested in.  Remember, your UNSW Portfolio Entry submission needs to be completed in addition to your UAC application.

All domestic applicants who are applying for an eligible degree and expecting an ATAR within 10 points of the lowest selection rank for your degree (unless stated otherwise) are eligible to apply.  For more information go to the link here.

The University of Notre Dame Australia

Tuesday 21 June:  6.00pm-8.00pm.  Find out more about Notre Dame's Young Achievers Early Offer program, including selection criteria, the application process, important dates, benefits and more.  Students will also hear from current students and have the opportunity to chat 1:1 with academics.  Register now here

Charles Sturt University

Year 10 Subject Information Evening:  Wednesday 1 June at 6.30pm.

Students will get tips on subject selection, hear from the Future Moves team and have their questions answered.  Parents are welcome, registrations are essential using the link found here

The Hotel School Australia

Information Evening:  Tuesday 7 June - 5:00pm-6:30pm.  Highlights of the session include:  Find out more about courses and flexible degree options.

●       Meet academic staff and current students.

●       Career guidance and industry insights.

●       Scholarships and fees.

●       Personalized campus tours.

Register here for more information contact anne.mccrory@scu.edu.au

Teach NSW

As the largest employer of teachers in Australia, there are countless opportunities to enhance your career with the NSW Department of Education.  Register here to receive program updates and learn more about the Rural Experience program, NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarships and E-Exchange program. 

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

Over the last few weeks, the Year 11 Drama class have been promoting their upcoming production of The Witches, by Roald Dahl, in the College Hall.  Tickets will be available shortly, so as soon as they are, jump online and purchase tickets so you can sit up front and enjoy this talented class's performances.  I am very proud of the class, most of whom I have been teaching since Year 9 Drama and it is very exciting to see them mature from young nervous performers to a group of people who have adapted the script, auditioned, cast and directed the show, organised the costumes and set, and created a promotions and publicity campaign.  I hope they sell out and the audience enjoys their great efforts.  Either way, it is an excellent learning experience having to work together in teams and communicate and manage their project.

Ms Catherine Johnson
Head of Department Performing Arts

Update on the College Production for 2022 …. Matilda! ...

It has been a busy few weeks for co-curricular speech and drama.  After a long time with no performance due to Covid, our students are finally able to compete against other schools and we are very proud of their achievements.  A huge thank you to Georgia Britt and Julia Robertson for all the preparation and the time they have spent taking our students to the Shakespeare Carnival, Theatresports competition and the City of Sydney Eisteddfod.

Last week we congratulated our Shakespeare Carnival team who will be representing the College at the Shakespeare Carnival Grand Final at The Seymour Centre on Sunday 5 June.  Adding to our success, this week our Senior Theatresports team - Ella Humphreys, Year 12, Molly Barwick, Year 11, Madeline Speer, Year 12 and Sophie Anderson, Year 11, won their semi-final and will represent the College in the grand final at the Enmore Theatre on Sunday 12 June.  Molly and Sophie were part of our winning Intermediate team last year, so we look forward to seeing them on the stage again this year.

A special mention also goes to Emily Emmett for receiving a Highly Commended at the prestigious City of Sydney Eisteddfod.  Emily’s monologue section had thirty competitors and was of a very high standard. Emily’s monologue from “The Play That Goes Wrong” was well received by the audience and it is a great achievement for her to receive this.  Congratulations, Emily!

The Archdale debating season commenced two weeks ago and again it is fantastic to be able to debate face to face against other schools.  I would like to welcome our new coaches, Oscar and Gemma, to our debating team and thank them for the work they are doing to train and prepare our students for competition.  Debating takes place each Tuesday afternoon/evening for Term 2 and a few weeks of Term 3, so if any additional students would still like to join, please email us for further information.

Mr Joseph Hekeik
Head of Co-curricular

Mrs Belinda Peoples
Co-Curricular 

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

Head of Netball and Basketball - Elyse Harmanis 
elyse.harmanis@stvincents.nsw.edu.au - 0434 610 870
Head of Soccer:  Mr Nick Schroeder - 0431 117 565
Head of Hockey:  Mr Liam Jepson - 0422 027 649
Head of Athletics/Cross Country:  Ms Jacinta Jacobs - 0418 416 663.

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

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

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

TERMS 2/3 SPORT

IGSA Netball, Basketball, Hockey and Football

Sadly the rain is starting to play havoc again with our soccer and netball games!  Let's hope we get all the outdoor games played this weekend!  Team lists, venue details and draws are on the College website.  This is always your first place to look for any Sport information.  Please also check the IGSA Spawtz page for any changes or wet weather updates  https://igsasport.spawtz.com/ .

IGSA Hockey

Across the board, St Vincent’s hockey has gotten off to a strong start to the season.  Despite some difficult games early in the season, the Junior team put in a particularly strong performance against Loreto, earning themselves a well-deserved point.  The excellent turnouts to training and games each week have helped this team continue to improve and grow, and with a mix of new and experienced players, the Juniors are well-placed to continue their positive trajectory.

The Senior 2 team has been dominant in their competition and are currently sitting equal second in the league.  The 2’s have only dropped points in one game thus far, in a tightly contested 1-0 loss to the team they currently sit level on points with.  Having won every other game so far this season, the players put on a particularly impressive effort in their first match, managing to come away with a 2-1 win despite playing the game without a goalkeeper.

The Senior 1 team has had some mixed results so far, however, these results have not reflected the determination and talent the team has played with. Despite having struggled at times for numbers in games, the players have more than compensated for this with the effort that has been put in every week. Some of the highlights so far have been earning a well-deserved 6-1 win in our second game and later putting in a performance the team should be proud of against the first-placed side in exceedingly difficult circumstances, managing to score the only goal that side has conceded all season.  Keep up the good work girls!

Mr Liam Jepson
Head Hockey Coach

Above:   SVC 2 Hockey

IGSA Netball and Basketball

Unfortunately, due to wet weather not all netball and basketball teams got to play last weekend.  Congratulations to Netball SVC 1, SVC 2 and SVC 9, who all had fantastic wins and are placed in the top three spots on the ladder.  Congratulations to Basketball SVC 2, who won their first game of the season at Frensham in the cold conditions.  SVC 1 continued their winning streak beating Tara 35-30 in a very close match.

We are still having trouble with numbers in some teams due to illness and injury.  So if you cannot make your game for any reason you must let Elyse the head coach, and your coach know.  Please do not let your team down by not turning up for any other reasons. 

DON'T FORGET THAT TRAINING IS ALWAYS ON - IF IT’S RAINING IT WILL BE ON IN THE GYM OR HALL.

All players are reminded to allow for Sydney traffic on Saturday mornings and allow plenty of time to get to your venues.  You need to arrive at your venue 30 minutes prior to start time for warm up and team talk, once you have signed on.  Your full Sport uniform must be worn and any NON-SVC uniform will be confiscated.  Please note, that NO jewellery is to be worn whilst playing and that earrings cannot be taped, they must be removed or you will not be able to play.

Ms Elyse Harmanis
Head Netball and Basketball Coach

Above:  Netball at Tempe

Above:  Netball Training

Fitness and Cross Country

Fitness training continues on Monday and Wednesday afternoons and will now concentrate on more athletic events in preparation for the IGSA Carnival next term.  All levels of fitness will be catered for at the training sessions and are not just for those wanting to do cross country.  Any students wishing to improve their fitness/athletics are invited to come to one or both days.   Please email Ms Jacobs if you would like to sign up.  Students meet Tash outside the change rooms at 3.15pm and then head down to Rushcutters Bay.  If it is wet they will do a fitness session in the gym - so training is always on!  

SVC and IGSA ATHLETICS CARNIVALS

Unfortunately, due to the persistent rain we have had in Sydney, the renovations at E S Marks Field will not be completed in time for us to run our Inter-House Athletics Carnival this term.  Instead we will be having a similar inter-House competition that we had two years ago during Covid.  The modified athletics events will be run on the courts at lunchtime starting on Monday 30 May.  The events being held will be the Beep Test, 40m Agility Sprint, Turbo Jav and Standing LJ.  We will be awarding House points and Age Champions from these events.  However, we will also be running some trials for other events at athletics training later in the term, and will use the IGSA twilight meets in Term 3 as the final selection for the College team.

Inter-House Athletics Competition on the courts at lunchtime on the following dates:

Monday 30 May - 12 years and 13 years

Tuesday 31 May - 14 years

Wednesday 01 June - 15 years

Thursday 02 June - 16, 17 and 18 years

All Houses are encouraged to have at least two girls per age group competing, and others come along to cheer and support.  If for any reason you can't compete on your day, please let Ms Jacobs know and you can come on another day and be compared to your Age Group.

The Balmoral Burn:  We are competing in the Balmoral Burn for the first time in a few years.  

Good luck to our four athletes who are going to compete in the Head of the Hill Relay at the ‘Balmoral Burn’ on Sunday 29 May to raise money for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, which raises money for sick kids in hospital.  It is a grueling 450m sprint up Awaba Street at Balmoral.  For those who know this hill, you will know it feels more like 800m and requires great muscular endurance and speed.  We have a mixture of athletes - Siara McCreery from Year 7, Emilia Reed in Year 9, Marla Falvey Year 11, and Mia Timbs Year 12.  Go hard girls, it's going to burn! 

SPORT STARS OF THE WEEK

Please keep the Sport staff informed of any good sporting results outside of the College.  Information and photos can be emailed to jacobsj@stvincents.nsw.edu.au . 

Congratulations to the Team of the Week, Netball SVC 9, who have been training very hard and have had some fantastic results.  The junior First’s are coached by Georgie Mudridge and we hope they continue to improve each week.

Congratulations to our Cross Country Team, who competed at the IGSA Carnival today.  A special mention to Lily O'Reilly, Year 9, who won the silver medal in the 15 years 4km.  Well done Lily, all your hard work during lockdown really paid off!

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-ordinator of Sport

View next week's CANTEEN SPECIALS:      HERE

TERM 2 - 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).

 ===========================================================

BOOKS WANTED....FOR THE SPRING FAIR

BOOKS IN GREAT CONDITION WANTED

Give your bookshelves a spring clean and box up your unwanted books for us to sell at the Spring Fair this year.  We are looking for all types of great fiction and non-fiction - including crime, autobiography, teen and children’s books, 'chick lit', teen, children’s, coffee table and art books. 

• Please...No magazines, no recipe books, no textbooks, no DVD's, no CD's. 

Details of where to drop them off will be given closer to the date.  All enquiries to:  Tessa at  tessaannemorris@hotmail.com  or 0416 755 037. 

Tessa Morris
Book Stall Co-ordinator

GOOD LOOKING CLOTHES WANTED....FOR THE SPRING FAIR

WOMENS/GIRLS CLOTHES WANTED

This year we are going to have a Sustainable Stunning Second-Hand Stall. 

• Start saving all your unwanted/unused clean clothes, in good order, for women and girls.
• Start saving your nice shopping bags like Country Road, Seed etc. 
• Start saving good looking coat hangers.

All enquiries to:  Lou Haynes on 0416 118 010 and Holly Davies on 0438 149 764.

Lou Haynes and Holly Davies
Stunning Second-Hand Stall Co-ordinators

CALLING ALL SVC GARDENERS!

Please pot up some plants for the 2022 Spring Fair.

All sorts of plants are appreciated:  Succulents, bromeliads, perennials, annuals, indoor, outdoor, bulbs, herbs, flowers, natives, exotics - at the last Spring Fair we even sold a hedge, potted up and looking for a new home.

Autumn is a great time to take cuttings and get some seeds in pots going - please get a few things going now to be looking great for spring!

If you would like further information, please contact Katrina on 0438 933 319 or email mackinnon-5@bigpond.com

Katrina Skinner
Plant Stall Co-ordinator