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Please pray with joy and gratitude for the Sisters' of Charity across Australia. Their living legacy to education and health in Australia is immeasurable.​   

​Caritas Christi urget nos

Monday 09 August to Friday 20 August:  Online Year 12 Assessment Block.

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On Wednesday 18 August and Thursday 26 August (Google Classroom learning days), all students need to join their usual timetabled Period 2 Google Meet at the start of the lesson (9:45am) to have their attendance recorded for the day.

Dear Parents and Carers

This week I have had the pleasure of listening to the Year 11 Leadership Speeches (delivered this year via video).  Despite not being able to deliver to a live audience, the passion and enthusiasm of our students really shone through, and I congratulate each of our aspirant leaders for their articulate, creative and insightful responses.  These young women showed great College and House spirit, a deep appreciation for the traditions of the Sisters of Charity and an awareness it is each of us within the College who has a responsibility for living out in our daily lives the Charism of Mary Aikenhead Ministries.  I also had the privilege of conversation with many of the students, and again I was so impressed with the thoughtfulness of their answers and ability to clearly see how important student leadership is in shaping the culture of our College.  The discernment each year of which students are appointed to which roles is always difficult.  The Graduating Class of 2022 is again certainly not going to make the choice easy!

The first week of the HSC online assessment has gone well and I thank very sincerely the teachers who designed the assessment activities, and each of the students who has shown such commitment to ensure each assessment is a reflection and demonstration of the learning journey that has brought her to this point of accomplishment in her learning.  The HSC students are showing amazing focus despite the public, political commentary that has so enveloped what should be private conversations taking place between experts in the fields of Education, Wellbeing and Public Health.

This week we say farewell to Ms Gemma Thompson, who leaves us to anticipate the birth of her baby.  We thank Gemma for her contribution to the Science Department and her leadership of STEM activities.  We hope the COVID restrictions will not postpone for too long our opportunity to get to meet her precious new baby.  Gemma’s classes will be assigned to:

Year 12 Physics to Mr Robert Graham

Year 7, 8, 9 Science to Mr John Fry

De Lacy Tutor Group No 25  to Mr Joseph Hekeik.

Next week is Science week, and we look forward to standing proudly alongside our colleagues across Mary Aikenhead Ministries wo are working so hard in health and health research to combat the impact of COVID.  It is the discipline of Science that has always led the world’s response to disease, infection and virus based illness and pandemics.  The science behind vaccine design stands as a strong contrast to the many and superficial conspiracy based theories that are making people so needlessly scared.  Let us celebrate next week all the occasions that Science has brought hope not fear to our world.

NEXT WEEK, please note that our Screen Reduced Day is WEDNESDAY - and on THURSDAY Periods 3 and 4 will be shortened to provide a longer lunch time, and that there will be no Tutor group on FRIDAY.  We hope these small variations will provide a welcome break from the screen.

I hope you enjoy the early spring weather over the weekend.  There are so many wellbeing strategies that can be simply implemented in the beautiful surrounds of our back gardens, balconies or local parks.

Yours sincerely

Anne Fry
Principal 

I started my day in a Tutor Google Meet with Year 10 Cahill House and Mr Colman.  We pondered the origins and behaviours associated with Friday 13th. Our thoughts and attitudes were varied - that’s what’s so good about conversation in good trusted company.  The particulars are not so important as is the liberty to say “one has an unlucky number just because it feels that way”.  To walk away from conversation having connected and a wish to another to enjoy one’s day - it feels good, it just is.  Nothing profoundly complex - but so deeply appreciated to feel known and seen.  We are conscious of the goal posts shifting and entering into a phase of students, and their supportive adults, readying ourselves for longer time away.  What is important to us is to keep connected and support each other through our days of feeling not quite so lucky, with the assurance we have our different days and can rely on each other.

I enjoyed the opportunity to connect with our Year 12 parents and carers on Wednesday evening.  My firm belief is that we are building upon the strengths of these young women who are already so richly known and deeply valued by their staff, their peers and of course you as family.  Before this lock down Year 12 were already a cohort who have demonstrated immense generosity, adaptability and positivity.  Whilst they are experiencing the challenge of changing circumstances and the yearning to be together with peers, we are seeing their commitment to persist and give of their best and their hope that with flexibility and trust in the relationships that appreciate the fullness of who they are, we will celebrate the ending of their schooling.  But in the meantime, we keep doing what we know how to do - keep connecting and learning.  I was thrilled to sit and view their Year 12 music video shared in our online College Assembly this week - Don’t Stop Believin’ - a huge credit to this group of resilient and good-humoured young women who look to pull out their best to pull each other along (accessed by students on their Student Wellbeing Classroom).  To our College Communications and Public Relations Captain, Matilda Emery, and the entire cohort - thank you for inspiring us with your good cheer.

In some ways, Years 11 and 12 having the tangibles of Assessments just now; it may be our younger years who are needing the extra self-motivation and supports.  This can be a challenge in the home as you seek to balance time on and off screen for both schooling and socialising, and time with family and exercise whilst you balance the yearning to protect your children against the adolescent yearning to want both your comfort and their independence.  I include a few helpful resources available to you that may be worth checking out.  This Way Up is a trusted Australian provider of evidence-based, internet delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to support emotional wellbeing during times of stress and uncertainty.  https://thiswayup.org.au/covid-19/.  The Office of eSafety provides free webinars to learn how you can help your child develop the skills to be safer online: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

Know that we continue to seek the voice of students and reflect upon our methods of connecting and engaging our students so they can feel known, valued and supported.  This is challenging too for teachers as the screen will not afford all the visual cues that we notice when face to face.  I encourage you as parents and carers to keep the communication open with Tutors and class teachers should you feel the need to raise our awareness if your daughter may be having difficulty keeping tuned in.  Our counsellor Sophia is also able to connect with students online or have a chat with you as parents to assist with how you might be able to support at home deprendegasts@stvincents.nsw.edu.au.  In saying that, keep in mind we are all going to have our days when we may be feeling unlucky.  Our emotions are real and need validating.  They also ebb and flow.  I told Year 10 Cahill - number 13 has always been lucky for me.  A weekend, just like our usual living, offers an opportunity to step back, rest and seek enjoyment in life’s trivialities and good old-fashioned conversations with those people we love and trust the most.  If you haven’t already - have your daughter log in and share the Year 12 music video and start by believin’ in what we have and who we already are.  Enjoy!

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal

Students, look out for online quizzes next week and various activities in Science classes for National Science Week.

Competition deadlines have been extended to 17 September 2021

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University Updates

University of New South Wales, Sydney

Open Day

UNSW’s Open Day will be held online on 4 September from 11.00am-3.00pm.  To build an itinerary and explore the 100+ sessions on offer go here.

University of Technology Sydney

Open Day

Join UTS virtually on Saturday 28 August and Tuesday 31 August for a chance to explore course and career options.  UTS Open Day will include a range of online information sessions, virtual tours, 1-1 live chats and on-demand content.  To register for the event, go here.

University of Tasmania

1:1 Advice Sessions:  University of Tasmania are running a series of Information Sessions, that are available to all students. UTAS has a Sydney campus that offers degrees in paramedic, health management education and nursing. Find out about campus life, student accommodation, scholarships and more.to register go here.

Southern Cross University

Open Month!  This year SCU’s Open Day isn’t just a day, it’s a whole month.  From Open Day, students and their parents can take an immersive 360-degree look at SCU’s campuses, find out what current students have gained from their courses and explore CSU’s degrees.  For more information go here.

Charles Sturt 

Online Open Day:  CSU Online Open Day will be held on 15 August and everyone is invited to check out this highly regarded regional university.  Participants can go on a campus tour and check out the state-of-the-art facilities and accommodation.  Book here to register.

University of Sydney

Design Computing and Architecture Pathway

If a student is within 5 points of the ATAR cut off, they can creatively gain entry using the portfolio pathways for USYD’s Design Computing or Architecture degrees.  Round 1 from 1 September to 26 September - results on 1 October.  Round 2 from 27 September to 4 November - results on 12 November.  Round 3 from 5 November to 5 December - results on 10 December.  Learn more at USYD’s portfolio website:  Study design - The University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning.

Webinars at USYD

Register for USYD’s variety of webinars related to a range of study areas.  Discover more by visiting USYD’s undergraduate events page found here.

Open Day:  On Saturday 28 August Students can immerse themselves in University life at UYD, meet experts in their field and learn about study and admission options.  Hosted online between 10.00am-2.00pm.  Register your interest for Open Day here.

The Women's College

Open Evening:  The Women’s College within The University of Sydney, invites prospective students and their families to join the Women’s College Open Evening on Tuesday 24 August, 5.00pm-6.00pm.  Hear from the principal, registrar and students about the transition to university, life at College, academic support and community activities.  Registrations are essential here.  For more information contact the WC Registrar at registrar@thewomenscollege.com.au .

Private Provider and TAFE Update

TAFE NSW

Virtual Open Days:  From 18 to 21 August 2021, students and their parents are encouraged to log in and find out more about studying at TAFE.  There will be information sessions, podcasts and a virtual expo.  The tailored SCHOOLS exhibit booth will also provide you with all the information needed to find out more about studying at TAFE.  For more information go here

JMC Academy

Join JMC Academy for their online open day on Saturday 28 August.  Find out why JMC has been ranked #1 for student satisfaction amongst all private creative institutions, and hear from award-winning lecturers and current students about life, careers and studying at JMC Academy.  Go here for more information.

Student Workshop

Jschool Journalism College

Selected units from Jschool's Diploma of Journalism may be studied by senior secondary students over their summer holidays.  Each subject is taught online with weekly delivery of lecture material and weekly assignments to develop skills.  Three units are available, including introductory reporting and news writing and shorthand (speed writing).  More details here

Employment Opportunities

Transport for NSW

Road/Electrical Designer and Traffic Engineering Officer in Training Programs:  The training programs are offered by Transport for NSW, and are available to people looking for a career in designing roads, while studying towards a civil/electrical engineering degree.  Please contact RDITCoordinator@transport.nsw.gov.au for more details.

Sydney Trains

Sydney Trains will open applications in early August for a range of electrical and mechanical trade apprenticeships to commence in 2022.  Check the I Work for NSW website and social media for application details, or email sydneytrainsapprenticeships@transport.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

Sport Staff Contacts for Term 3 2021:

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

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/

TERM 3 SPORT

Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, all Term 3 Sport has now been cancelled or postponed.  The IGSA Saturday competition has been cancelled whilst the IGSA Inter-School Athletics Carnival meet is hopefully just being postponed until Term 4.  Please be aware that fees paid for Term 3 Sport will be credited to your account.  There is no need to directly contact Mrs Pauline Martin.  

There are some great home training sessions on the College website for those girls who are missing their Saturday Sport, and lots of good Tutor Challenges being organised by Ms Jacobs.

TERM 4 SPORT and TERM 1 (2022) SPORT

We are now going to start preparing in the event of Term 4 Sport going ahead and have opened the Term 4/Term 1 Sport Registrations page on the College website.  The sports offered for Term 4 and Term 1 are:  EASTS Touch, IGSA Water Polo, IGSA Tennis and Volleyball.  Futsal and Santa Sabina Basketball will only be offered in Term 4.  

Please make sure you would be available and committed to all training sessions and Saturday matches before enrolling.  The registrations will close at 3.00pm on Friday 20 August as we have to enter our numbers to the Associations on that day.  

VINNIES OLYMPIC CHALLENGE

In keeping with our Olympics theme and to try and keep everyone fit and healthy during lockdown, we are running a Mystery Stepper Competition each week for the next few weeks.  You can compete for one or all weeks - it's up to you.  So get your family and get out into the sunshine - and start walking!  We can’t wait for the Paralympics to start on 24 August so we can all cheer on more Aussie athletes going for GOLD!

Mystery Stepper Competition Rules:   

Each week staff and students are invited to keep a record of their steps from Saturday to Thursday and upload their number onto the Google form on the Thursday night.  It’s not about how many steps you do, it’s about how close your steps are to the mystery stepper's steps.  Please keep proof of your steps by taking a photo of the screen and save it on your phone as you may be called upon to show this proof at any time. 

Each week the mystery stepper will be an active Vinnies' 'old girl' who will give a few hints as to her identity.  Extra prizes will be awarded if you can guess who the mystery stepper is.  Who will be the best detective?  These guesses can be put on the St Vincent's College Instagram page.  It’s that simple!  But you have to be in it to win it!  Great prizes from Running Bare, Olivia Jean Bags, The Storeroom Vintage Shop and Let’s Go Surfing, will be awarded weekly for the next few weeks. 

The Google form was emailed to all students Friday morning two weeks ago and a copy is on the Student Welfare and House classrooms.  Any questions please email Ms Jacobs.  Go Vinnies Steppers! 

SPORTS STARS OF THE WEEK 

Congratulations to all those Tutor Groups who contributed to the Olympic Challenge this week.  We had lots of entries and the competition was very close again!  If you didn't participate, that's ok, you can start the week 3 challenge this Saturday.  Lots of great prizes to be won!

A big thank you to Annika Durante (2018), who was the ‘Vinnies Mystery Stepper' for Week 2.  Annika still lives in Cronulla and really enjoys studying physiotherapy and ACU in North Sydney.  She works part time as a swim teacher in the Shire and coaches touch and soccer for the College.  Annika placed 4th in the State in PDHPE in the HSC, and has always had an interest in sport rehabilitation.  Annika was Sports Woman of the Year in 2018 and represented the College in athletics, cross country, soccer and touch.  Her sister attended Danebank and her Dad taught at Loreto Kirribilli. 

We had many people get close to Annika and some who even did more steps, but the person who had the closest number of steps for the six days to Annika's 80,616 steps was Soraya Oakley (Year 8 Aikenhead), with 79,304 steps.  Second closest was Mia Timbs (Year 11 O'Brien) and third closest, Zahli Daly (Year 8 O'Brien).  Closest staff member was Mrs McCrudden with 78,495 steps.  Second was Ms Brown and third Mrs Anderson. Congratulations also to Mia Timbs (Year 11), for guessing our Mystery Stepper this week!!  Prizes will be given out when we are back at school.  Well done, ladies!  Don't forget to start counting your steps from tomorrow.  Doesn't matter if you didn't participate in week 1 or 2, we would love to have more in the competition next week!

YOU’VE GOT TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT!

Below:  Annika with Ms Jacobs at her Graduation    Below right:  Annika running cross country at IGSSA (now IGSA)

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