Bulletin

(See Mrs Fry's 'Principal's Message' article in this issue).

Below:  Charlotte Ledden with NSW Governor Margaret Beazley AC QC.

Teaching and Learning Important Dates:

Friday 12 August:     Year 8 Elective Preferences Submission Due.

Monday 01 August - Monday 15 August:  Year 12 HSC Trial Examinations.

Friday 26 August - Tuesday 06 September:  Year 11 Final Blocked Assessments.

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Friday 19 August:  Fathering Project Sleep Out.

Friday 02 September:  Father's Day Liturgy and Breakfast.

Friday 02 September:  Father's Day Dinner.

Sunday 11 September:  SVC Spring Fair.

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Set an alarm for 7.00am Monday 08 August - to book your tickets for the Father Daughter Dinner!

CLICK HERE for tickets.

If a student needs a replacement Student ID Card, they are now able to fill in an order form online. 

TO ORDER A NEW STUDENT ID CARD please click the link HERE . 

Please note that students MUST use their College login to sign into the form.

Further details about using your student ID card in the canteen article are later in this issue. 

Dear Parents and Carers

Last evening students from our Preliminary Physics course and their teacher Mr Graham, were invited by the Governor of New South Wales to a special presentation by the 2021 Australian of the Year, Professor Michelle Simmons.  This was a privileged opportunity for our students to hear directly from one of our most distinguished women in the global community working in the field of quantum physics.  There certainly are perks of being in the same neighbourhood of Government House.  Both the Governor and the College share the stunning Botanical Gardens as 'our backyard' (slight poetic licence), and she treated our students with neighbourly hospitality.

The first week of the HSC Trials has gone well and when I think of the drama and angst associated with last year's Trials, it helps me realise how far we have come on our journey out of the pandemic.  The students have reported a sense of 'fairness' in regard to the examinations completed thus far and I hope this is the spirit for the duration of the exam period.  I also commend the Years 7-11 students for showing such consideration and reducing their noise as they travel in the areas adjacent to the exams.  The teachers are now undertaking the marking marathon.  The purposeful use of the feedback students receive on their Trial examination performance, and how they target those priority skills/content in the post-Trial period can make an enormous difference to their performance in their HSC in October/November.

An absolute highlight of the week was being in the audience when students willing to serve as Student Leaders for 2023 (the Year of Justice), presented their nomination speeches.  It is always a moment of satisfaction and pride for myself and other staff present on such occasions, to witness how much of the College ethos students have absorbed during their time at the College.  Their familiarity with the Values, Ignatian spirituality and their willingness to carry forth the Sisters of Charity legacy, are inspiring.

In hope,                                                                                                                         

Yours sincerely

Anne Fry
Principal

This week has presented much opportunity for conversation and inspiration.  My highlights have been attending our College Environment Breakfast with keynote speaker Ms Ann Austin, Head of Sustainability Australia with Lendlease, engaging in staff conversation with American theologian Dr Jim Nickoloff from Miami Florida, and listening to our Year 11 nominee speeches for Student Leadership for 2022-2023. I have enjoyed making links between these three opportunities as I reflect upon my learnings. All have offered me great hope - a hope that is buoyed by perspective and belief that each small choice adds momentum to the realisation of that hope.

Dr Nickoloff invited us to reflect upon ourselves and the shaping of our Church by taking a very broad view of our cosmos and evolution.  We considered that only 200 years ago we thought that the world had existed for only 6000 years, and now we understand that it is more than an incomprehensible 4.6 billion years.  When we reflect upon how we fit within this expanding universe in both space and time it can feel quite overwhelming, add to this the changes that generations have lived through, and thus we strive to discover who we are by nature of our response to the times in which we live.  We do build knowledge about our world and ourselves, a gift that is God-given, and we do push towards change to better our world.  Dr Nickoloff posed the idea that we as people of God - the Church - find ourselves as both mediating the presence of God and at times obstructing it.  We are still the one community. We are drawn to discover and heal our wrong-doings and seek to make right.  We seek community to be one of love and growth, a life-giving community.

It was fortunate timing to have this talk placed alongside Ann Austin’s provocation asking us to consider how we perceive humankind amongst creation.  Her own reference to scripture prompted both students and staff to consider how perspectives of dominion over the land have been reshaped to place ourselves amongst the power and beauty of creation, acknowledging the learning from our First Nations’ people’s spirituality and lived experience.  The images we shared of climate change - fluctuating temperatures, fire, melting icebergs - were brought into perspective by Ann by giving attention not to these headline events but the smaller everyday actions we engage in.  The breakfast audience was encouraged to hear that we are now in a Green Revolution and change is indeed happening and to keep on going.  Our students were encouraged to keep pestering (not whinging) - providing the facts to their parents and carers, educators, politicians, leaders of business - to invest in electrical cars, to offer sustainable choices of clothing, to ask provocative questions at a job interview.  Both Jim and Ann emphasised that change will come by the persisting in asking questions that drive momentum towards the good.

And last but not least, our students’ hopes and intentions.  The preparedness of so many of our Year 11 cohort to nominate themselves for leadership for 2022-2023 is both generous and committed.  It is the lived expression of seeing a need and responding.  It was a privilege to listen to their speeches of introduction in response to a stimulus question.  Students spoke of their hopes for our College community - to continue to nurture a community that is inclusive and respectful, to celebrate individual strengths and our collective diversity as a unified community, to create a climate in which students grow through active participation in the opportunities afforded them at school and enjoy the Vinnies spirit.  What was most inspiring from all these Year 11 speakers was hearing the attention our students give to the ‘how’ they believe such hopes are realised. It is the virtues of the authentic expression of the person in relation to others - being open, having empathy, acting kindly.  These traits recognise the differences and failures that can exist between us at times - and yet a desire to look for the good, our Ignatian way.  Positive change can only come from people who are committed to being people of goodness for and with each other.  This we see, hear and feel at St Vincent’s.  And I am grateful for it.  I do hope you will be able to look for it, hear it and feel it over your next week.  

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal

"We all make choices, but in the end, our choices make us." - Ken Levine

At this point in the cycle of the school year, many students are making choices about subjects to study and equally what subjects not to study.  The College has structures and support in place to assist students in making informed decisions and all students are encouraged to take full advantage of assistance on offer to them.  Whilst this is occurring, students are making an additional decision at the start of Semester 2 about their overall learning intentions for the remainder of this year.

Such choices need a conscious decision-making process and not left to a nondescript organic infusion that needs to occur passively.  Essentially no conscious decision is essentially a decision in itself, as it is usually a choice for a path of least resistance and comfort, yielding little if any learning gain.  A decision to be proactive in learning is signified by engagement in its many forms.  This is seen not only in care and punctuality with set work but also active listening and involvement in class.  The conversation at the end of the day is not “what did you learn today?”, but rather, “what questions did you ask today?”

Students in Years 7-10 should be not only thinking about their learning goals, but moving to action and recording it in their own words on their Edumate profile.  The start of the new semester is the point to not only be aspirational, but also to articulate some tangible goals and strategies that can be measured.  I encourage students when considering their learning intent to articulate it as a SMART goal:

●        Specific

●        Measurable

●        Attainable

●        Realistic

●        Timely

When working with some Year 8 students this week, we discussed the balance of attainable and realistic whilst still pushing ourselves to still aspire for a challenge.  An honest self-audit of one’s skills and application is a first step in this process of “aiming up” realistically in setting learning intentions.  It is important that goals are also measurable in some way to avoid them being generalisations that essentially mean little and have no effect.

Making decisions requires time and focus to ensure the best decision is enacted at this point in a student's learning journey.  To be worthwhile, the process can never be viewed as one of mere compliance or a theoretical exercise.  Such an approach yields nothing because there is no genuine investment.  Roy Disney reflected that “when your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier”.  Authentic reflection, worthwhile personalised specific goals leading to realistic strategies is a process that will assist every student, and so I encourage all to invest in their learning by actioning such a plan.

Mr Bob Anderson
Director of Teaching and Learning and Education Administration

Environment Week was HUGE.  We managed to focus on four big things:

Our landfill contribution each day this week, our Environment Breakfast on Wednesday with Guest Speaker Anne Austin, Head of Sustainability LendLease, our Commitment to the Future Lunchtime activity and our fundraiser Aussie Animal Sweet Treats to help protect Platypus habitat.  The lollies had little Aussie animal faces on them; deliciously cheesy.  We intend to adopt a platypus.  Then we will have Vinnie the Koala and Iggy the Platypus in our portfolio of endangered species that we are trying to save.  I expect to have a photo of Iggy by next week and an update on how Vinnie is progressing now that his habitat is able to regenerate after the rain.  Of course the floods haven’t helped his cousins in northern NSW, so that might give us something else to focus on later in the year.

We counted our garbage bags  each day this week, and did a guestimate of our contribution to landfill.  108 bags, and 19.5 cubic metres to landfill.  We need to do better than this, Vinnies.

Our lunchtime activity was all about commitment.  Students were invited to commit themselves to one action that will have a positive impact on our care of the earth.  They then made their mark - their ‘thumbprint’ rather than their footprint - to confirm their promise. 

(I realise now that we should have played Duran Duran “Planet Earth” as our nod to the 80's rather than Earth Wind and Fire.)  Our ‘Commitment Panel - Only One Earth’ will be on display in Student Services for the next week.

The Father Daughter Winter Sleepout is set to go.  Now, we’ve had a bit of a stop-start on this one, but we have sorted out the details now.  It will be held on Friday 19 August; 6.00pm start, 9.00am finish the next morning.  Many thanks to those eleven keen dads who signed up via a Google form - I will be in touch.  Our committee of Dad’s would like us to all register by purchasing tickets HERE .

Thanks for your dedication, dads.  Daughters are reminded that they will not be excused from sport on Saturday - and I know your dads will be fit, fabulous and ready to take you to Sport.  They may not be rested, but they will be ready. 

Please remember to consider health and safety on this one, Dads.  It is flu season and Covid remains a concern.  Use your very best judgment.

Coffee Queens BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

Students in Years 9-12 are invited to complete a barista course on Wednesday afternoon 10 August, 3.00pm-4.30pm.   In return for this FREE course, students are asked to complete at least one barista shift at Coffee Queens to put their learning into practice.  Students can sign up on the Student Life Classroom.

We have a most impressive list of Years 10 and 11 girls who have signed up to look after the kiosk at Matt Talbot on Wednesday afternoons.  How great are our girls!  We have three equally wonderful staff members who will be looking after them:  Ms Jane Ashcroft, Ms Maria Geracitano and Mrs Elizabeth Brooks.  Thank you one and all.  Our team will be putting together Wet Packs for the visitors to Matt Talbot Hostel.

If you would like to contribute to the Wet Packs please click on the link HERE .

A $10 ticket will provide enough items for two wet packs.  That means that two men will have the items they need to get clean, feel comfortable and regain some personal dignity.  

Sacraments! Sacraments! Sacraments!

Students have missed out on receiving the sacraments for all sorts of reasons, and now is the time to catch up if that is what families and individuals would like.  Sr Anne Taylor, our College Companion, will run a preparation program for Confirmation, First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, in time for a special Mass to receive the sacraments on 18 September at St Canice’s parish.  Receiving the sacraments brings individuals into our Church community in the fullest sense and the grace received from our loving God through the sacraments is real and treasured.  If you’d like to know more, shoot me an email kenderesj@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

The Sandwich Project is actually a lot of fun.  We provide 100 sandwiches for Night Patrol every fortnight.  I have found the best way to do this is to ask our generous Vinnies' families to donate a Woolworths voucher.  I can just run up to Woolies on the day and buy supplies.  I can get all I need for $150 a pop.  If you would like to support the Sandwich Project, just email me a Woolworths voucher and I’ll use it straight away.  Thanks to those families who have supported this initiative so far.  It makes it so easy and you are so very generous. 

Cupcakes continue to give joy up the road.  I got a cheer this morning when I delivered them.  I hope the visitors to St Canice’s Kitchen realise that I am not the one making all the cupcakes.  On reflection, I wouldn’t mind being the one eating all the cupcakes.

If your daughter would like to join the cupcake roster, she can access it on the Student Life Google Classroom, and sign up to bake a dozen cupcakes on a Thursday evening, bring them in on Friday morning and I will deliver them.  Or, just bring in some cupcakes.  They will not go astray and I promise not to eat them at the traffic lights on my way there.  

Mrs Jo Kenderes
Director of Faith and Mission  

Deconstructivist Ring Design

In Year 10 Design and Technology, students have undertaken an investigation into the key principles of deconstructivism with specific reference through the architectural designs by Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry.

Students have analysed how designers apply the elements and principles of design to architectural form and developed drawing studies based on features of deconstructivism including manipulation, fragmentation, disassembly and reassembly.  Students then designed a ring that was informed by these design discoveries.  Technical skills involving lost wax casting and refining of professional metal work techniques have been applied towards the manufacture of their bronze alloy ring design.  Their innovative ring designs are currently on display in the LRC and all staff and students are welcome to view their outstanding work. 

Mrs Kaliopi Aldridge and Mrs Priscilla Laliotis
Year 10 Design and Technology Teachers

This Saturday sees the start of the Language HSC Oral exams for 2022.  Year 12 French Continuers students:  Lilas-Mae Njoo, Kyria Lambropoulos, Sofia Dermody and Eloise Chapuis, will complete their French speaking exam.  We wish them bonne chance! as they complete the first part of their HSC before their written paper later in the year.  They have shown a wonderful commitment and dedication to their Language study throughout their high school years and we are very proud of them.

Ms Maria Manitta
Head of Department Languages

World’s Best Universities Rankings

Australia features 36 universities in the recently released QS World University Rankings 2021. Of these, only six have fallen in rank this year, with the majority of Australian universities making significant improvements.  Australian National University (ANU) is once again the top university in Australia this year, despite dropping two places in the rankings.  The rankings are based on a methodology which assesses each university on its academic and employer reputations, research impact and more.

Read the article found here  for a closer look at the country’s top 10 universities, as well as a brief overview of how the other 26 performed.

Youth at the Zoo

The program is open to teens aged 13-19 years old.  Members will have the opportunity to take part in a range of training programs, volunteer their time with Taronga Zoo’s Guest Services team or at special events, take part in campaigns, interact with Zoo guests, attend social nights and so much more.

As our YATZ get older they can even put up their hand for additional responsibilities, such as training for our overnight programs or becoming a leader or mentor for younger YATZ.  Members will develop important skills in communication, both in person and via email as they manage their availability with the YATZ co-ordinator via our online Volunteer Management System, called Volgistics.

EOI Form are available here and here .

Building the Cyber Security Workforce

Cyber security is now one of the most rapidly growing industries globally.  The threat posed by the perpetrators of malicious cyber activities has spurred governments, the private sector and research community to invest in cyber security products and services to the tune of around US$250 billion by 2026. For more information on cyber security use the link here.

Camp America 2023

Online Information Session:  Tuesday 9 August 2022 - 7:00pm-8:00pm. 

It's time to get back out there and find your next adventure.  Work as a Camp Counsellor in 2023.

Teach skills all summer, make a difference and meet great mates on your next adventure.  For more information use the link found here.

UAC

Let's Chat - Medical Science

On Thursday 8 September at 6.00pm, current medical science students from a range of universities share why they chose their course and 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; the best thing about being at university; their hopes and dreams for when they finish.  To register your interest use the link found here.

University of Sydney

Pathways to Global Literacy
Wednesday 24 August 4.00pm-4:30pm

This webinar will provide an overview of Area Studies and its benefits and will introduce a sample of their many Area Studies offerings.  To register your interest, use the link here.

Engineering - Industry Engagement  
Wednesday 31 August - 4.00pm-4:30pm.

This webinar will introduce participants to USyd’s Professional Engagement Program (PEP), embedded within all professional engineering degrees and USyd’s Engineering Sydney Industry Placement Scholarships (ESIPS), a 24-week hands-on industry placement allowing students to work on a real-world research project.  For more information and to register your interest, go here.

Life of a Mathematician
Wednesday 31 August 5.00pm-5:30pm.

Join award-winning mathematician, Professor Mary Myerscough, to find out what an average day of work might be like in the field of mathematics.  To register your interest, go here. 

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

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

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

Latest Important Information for Saturday Sport

Covid Guidelines at Danebank - Girls need to wear a mask when not playing their game ie before and after they play their game.  Parents/spectators must wear a mask at all times.

TERM 3 SPORT

IGSA Netball, Basketball, Hockey and Football

DADS IN SPORT DAY

As it is Week 3 of the term, this is a reminder that this Saturday 6 August is SVCDads@Sport day!

Please encourage your daughters to take a photo with their dad/carer as they leave for Saturday sport, at the game or after the game, and send it to Alice, our PR & Communication Captain, at marda0222@stvincents.nsw.edu.au to post on our social media.  We look forward to receiving lots of photos!

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/ .  Please do not call the IGSA office - always call the head coach or Ms Jacobs if you have any questions about sport.

IGSA Netball

Last weekend we had teams travel down to Mittagong to play Frensham for Round 2 of the IGSA Netball competition.  Frensham welcomed us with 1 degree temperatures and sun shining, however, the girls performed with such great spirit.  SVC 1 and SVC 17 gave spectators a thrilling game - and the coaches a mild heart attack!  Unfortunately, we didn’t come out with the win but a huge effort from all the girls in both teams.  A big thank you to all the parents who drove their daughters down to play, it was such a wonderful morning in the country.

A big congratulations to all teams for a successful season so far, with the majority of teams already in the top three on the ladder!  A reminder to all girls and parents that attendance at training is compulsory.  Please ensure you are on time to each session and game, maximising time to work and practise your skills!  Meeting your training commitments results in more satisfaction for you, your team and your coach.  Please attend each training session with good spirit and a will to improve.  Parents, please support the College with this and try to avoid scheduling appointments on training days.

Good luck to all students this weekend!

Ms Elyse Harmanis
Head Netball Coach

below:  SVC 4 Netball

IGSA Football

It has been a cold and soggy start to football this term, however, with the relocation of many games to synthetic pitches we have been fortunate enough to get some great games in.  Our Senior Firsts’ continue to shine with some great results through Rounds 1 and 2, despite being short on numbers.  Big shout out to the Juniors who stepped up to fill in last weekend!  Not only did they play two games back to back, but they contributed to a wonderful 6-0 victory over Kambala!  It has been an amazing effort from players and coaches who have endured some very tough conditions.

A sincere thank you to the girls who consistently turn up to training and games week in week out.  It is appreciated and does not go unnoticed.  Your dedication to your peers and coaches is a true embodiment of the Vinnies' spirit.  A special mention must go to Samantha Jeffs, who was the only Year 12 to play last Saturday!

Whilst we are all praying for a break from this incessant rain, unfortunately teams this term have also been hit with a number of injuries and illness.  Please do not let your team down by not turning up for any other reason.  DON'T FORGET THAT TRAINING IS ALWAYS ON - IF IT’S RAINING IT WILL BE ON IN THE GYM OR HALL.

Mr Nicholas Schroeder
Head Football Coach

above:   Football huddle

IGSA Hockey

St Vincent’s hockey has had a tough start to the season with teams being hit by injuries and illness, but the improvements each team has made in the first two rounds have been excellent to see.

Our Juniors team has welcomed several new players and a new coach this term.  The growth this team has achieved through their consistent attendance at training is exciting for the season and years ahead.  I would like to commend our Senior teams for their dedication and spirit on display every game in the face of difficult circumstances, with limited numbers.  One particularly impressive performance came from our Senior 1 team, who played MLC in the first round of the season.  Despite us only having eight players, the girls worked exceptionally hard for each other and came away with a well deserved draw (and scored what would have been the winning goal seconds after the final whistle!).

Thank you to all the players and their families who have stepped up to fill in for other teams this term.  Your willingness to help out is greatly appreciated by your coaches and peers.  With players returning from injury, the teams are looking to build on the work they have put in so far and continue their development throughout the season.  All the best to all teams this Saturday!

Mr Liam Jepson
Head Hockey Coach 

Fitness and Athletics Training

Fitness training continues on Monday and Wednesday afternoons and will now concentrate on more athletic events in preparation for the IGSA Carnival.  All levels of fitness will be catered for at the training sessions and are not just for those wanting to do athletics.  Any students wishing to improve their fitness/athletics are invited to come to one or both days.  Students meet outside the change rooms at 3.15pm and then head down to Rushcutters Bay on Mondays and will catch the bus to E S Marks on Wednesdays.  If it is wet they will do a fitness session in the gym or run under cover - so training is always on! Tash is back from Friday 5 August.

From the Inter-House events we ran at school, the athletics squad has been chosen and are currently training for the IGSA Carnival in Week 5.  However, we will be using theIGSA twilight meets on 5 and 12 August as the final selection of the College team for the IGSA Carnival on 19 August.  All students must try to come to both Friday night meets.  Good luck to all athletes competing this evening at Homebush.  It’s so nice to finally have a carnival for the girls to compete in!

TERM 4 2022 and TERM 1 2023 SPORT REGISTRATIONS

Registrations are now open for summer sports for Term 4 and Term 1.  If you would like to play EASTS Touch, IGSA Water polo, IGSA Tennis or Santa Sabina Volleyball, you must go onto the College website and register.  Please make sure you have checked your other co-curricular commitments before you sign up.  Once you have registered for the two terms, you are committed to that sport and no changes can be made. 

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 Siara Ortolani, Year 11, who competed in the last JB Sharpe Winter Rowing Regatta last weekend.  She placed second in the double and quad in the intermediate, and first in the Open 8.  There was a presentation at the end of the meet, where she was awarded the 'BMG Aviation $1000 Scholarship' which is for up and coming rowers.  Well done, Siara!

Congratulations to Zoe Evans, Year 10, who was selected to go to the IGSA Open Netball trials this week.  Zoe trialed very well, and narrowly missed out on IGSA selection.  Well done, Zoe! 

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-ordinator of Sport

TERM 3:  Important Advice from the Canteen about Student Cards  

Please Note:   Students MUST bring their Student Card with them when purchasing from the canteen.  NO CARD/NO PURCHASE. 

• You need to refill money onto your card AT LEAST ONE HOUR BEFORE you intend to use the card (as it takes one hour to generate funds onto the card).
• ONLINE ORDERING is also available.
• GLUTEN FREE products are available - only when purchased through online ordering. 

TO ORDER A NEW STUDENT ID CARD please click the link HERE .  Please note that students MUST use their College login to sign into the form.

View CANTEEN SPECIALS for Term 3 Week 08-12 August:    HERE