Bulletin

See more in the Gold Duke of Ed report in this issue.

Friday 07 August:  Year 10 Vaccinations.

Monday 10 August:  Year 11 Parent-Teacher Interviews - 3.30pm-7.40pm via Google Meets with teachers  (see Mr Bob Anderson's email of 30 July). 

Tuesday 11 August:  P&F Meeting at 6.00pm via Zoom.  For Parents/Carers wishing to attend, please register your details here.  The Zoom meeting ID and Password will be sent to you on the morning of 11 August.

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2021 Term Dates:  Link to the dates HERE

Dear Parents and Carers

Today is the Feast of Ignatius of Loyola.  To him, lay Christians owe a huge debt of gratitude for developing a spirituality that could be fully integrated into a busy life.  Previously, spirituality had monastic attributes with a schedule of formal prayer throughout the day.  St Ignatius championed the idea that our lives were prayer, and through a simple act of consciousness that we could align the experiences of the day with the movement within of the holy spirit.  We know this as the prayer of the Examen and I share with you today the Examen Prayer that we use here at St Vincent's College.

The Examen

I give thanks
I give thanks for the graces, benefits and good things of my day.

I ask for help
I ask the Holy Spirit for help to discern my day with openness.

I review
I review my day, hour by hour, to see how God is working in my life.

I respond
I respond to what I felt or learnt in my review just made.

I resolve
I resolve with hope and the grace of God to be MAGIS tomorrow.

Finish with Glory Be.

Glory Be

Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Mother Mary Aikenhead practised Ignatian spirituality throughout her life, and it is the way of proceeding for the Sisters of Charity, and many other religious congregations who use these practices to deepen their awareness of the presence of God.  We extend our best wishes to all who share this common pilgrimage, and in a particular way to the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) who have provided such companionship and chaplaincy to our College.  So many of our practices here are Ignatian - our cura personalis, the MAGIS circles, discernment and our learning framework, are all premised on Ignatian spirituality and pedagogy.

This week our beautiful neighbourhood has been in the spotlight as a COVID-19 area requiring higher vigilance, and testing warranted at the first and mildest symptoms.  I appreciate the willingness of the overwhelming majority of staff and students who responded to the request to not use local cafes and businesses in this acute phase.  Once it is clarified if there is local community transmission, or indeed only isolated incidents within the area, then we will announce a continuation or easing of this request.  One area requiring immediate attention is the correct use of student OPAL cards.  NSW public transport has issued an urgent request for the correct use of student OPAL cards.  Cards are 'read' on entry into stations and it is this number that is being used to determine the safe number of people to allow onto platforms at any one time.  If students jump the barricades or allow two-three others through on the one swipe of their OPAL card, the numbers are distorted.  This is a simple and reasonable request to protect us all.  We can look at others with contempt as they flout self-quarantine, mask requirements etc, but I am now asking each student to consider her own behaviour on public transport as an opportunity to protect the common health.  This is a call to action to do the right thing - get a valid OPAL card and use it!

I commend to you the article that appears further into the newsletter by Charlotte Patchett and Ella Emery (Year 11).  It chronicles the expedition they completed for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.  In reading the article I was reminded fondly of the joys and beauty of nature.  St Ignatius himself would delight in the wonder and awe they experienced in the beautiful environs of the Colo River.

Stay safe and well this weekend!  We celebrate the end of another uninterrupted week at St Vincent's College.  Through the intercession of St Ignatius of Loyola we pray for peace, health and stability for all humanity.

Yours sincerely

Anne Fry
Principal 

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

Georgia Whitfield-Lowe (Year 12) Grandmother.

It has been a week of much hope as we witness the resilient and optimistic leadership of our senior students.  In our year of doing things differently within a Covid landscape, House Dances morphed into the virtual world of music vidoes.  Whilst not all together on the Caritas Christi courtyard as we would normally be, we were still very much together in spirit scattered around the school in Year groups cheering on the same dance moves on screen - wowed by the humour and talent of students complete with cameos by staff donning their House colour.  The Year 12 Class of 2020 are indeed our gift that keeps on giving as they have drawn on their sense of fun and deep care for the community to be innovative and determined in delivering such student initiatives. Congratulations to each of the House Captains - Sophia, Evie, Niamh, Aneesa, Charlotte and Matilda as well as our Performing Arts Captain Ruby, who executed the House Dances with such finesse. Their Year 12 peers were awarded special appearances as they embraced this ritual for the last time.  Of course, it was not all virtual, in Term 2 there were many a gathering of groups of students executing their dance moves on tennis courts, rooftops and classrooms - laughing and generating friendship and spirit.  I applaud all our students, and the many cameo staff, for their contribution to keeping the Vinnies spirit pumping.

It is the season of leadership formation and discernment for our Year 11 cohort.  In their reflections they spoke of the outgoing Year 12 group with appreciation and admiration for the legacy they have given and hope to emulate as they step into the role of our most senior leaders.  It is their willingness to look towards the possibility and say ‘we can do’ in a spirit of support and capacity to walk their talk that inspires their younger peers.  Our Year 11 students are now preparing to lead in what will be our Year of Generosity of Spirit - and it is with full and generous hearts they are preparing for their role as leaders.  Our prayers are with them in their discernment and preparation.  In the next couple of weeks, students in Years 7-10 will be invited to consider their readiness for leadership opportunities in 2020-2021.

In response to NSW Health Guidelines, we have cancelled our Parent Workshops on Youth Mental Health First Aid that we usually facilitate over two Saturdays at this time of year.  Given the nature of the program, MHFA Australia is not providing an online option.  We will look at the possibility of delivering this in Term 4 if public health guidelines change.  At the end of last term, I shared some resources referencing two leading adolescent psychologists and their guidance for parenting in this time of change and uncertainty.  For many of us, we continue to experience a degree of fragility and strain in our homes, schools and workplaces.  I highly recommend a new opportunity recently made available with Dr Danielle Einstein who has developed a holistic learning program for students, staff and parents - Chilled and Considerate.  I include below the details from the website and encourage you to consider the investment of the two-hour Parent Bootcamp.  You may like to do it with another parent and compare notes - I would always be appreciative of your feedback.

The uncertainty caused by COVID-19 has significantly impacted the 2020 school year.  Students have experienced unprecedented levels of uncertainty about their education, where parents and teachers are seeing the impact of this.  However, through images, videos, journals and meditations, our programs are designed to help students, teachers and parents, understand and alter responses to uncertainty.  The learnings will go beyond COVID-19, to the ability to manage change and worry wherever it may find us. 

Delivered by Dr Einstein, the Parent Bootcamp is a 90 minute, online course intended to help you understand and alter responses to worry and uncertainty. The program does not timeout, so stop and start as you please, allowing time to pause and reflect.  Through a series of exercises, audios, and videos, this course will provide techniques to handle you and your children's worries.  You will reflect on how and why you have developed your natural response to uncertainty, and later be given the tools to change it.  Additionally, the exercises will allow you to assess how others in your life, ie partners, children etc, respond to uncertainty and how their responses may differ from yours.  This will be a valuable use of your time. 

Chilled and Considerate Parent Bootcamp

PARENT FEEDBACK ON WEBSITE:

"Congratulations on presenting such a clearly articulated, engaging and practical course that really did help me understand and learn how to deal with uncertainty and worry.  This will be of help to so many people like myself with anxiety.  Your lessons of self-compassion and re-setting goals are most helpful to me at this time of uncertainty globally, with my work and with my health issues."

"It has been a time of upheaval, and you spoke of managing uncertainty, which was so very relevant to support our children, but also us parents. If we can show our children how to manage their lives by way of example, the message is so powerful."

"I found it very useful.  It helped explain my responses to situations and how to deal with them.  It also had some helpful Meditations.  I found these relaxing and they made me more accepting of and helped ease my uncomfortable feelings around uncertainty." 

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal, Pastoral Care

This week at the College we have been poignantly reminded of the alarming impact of COVID 19 as it continues to wreak havoc in Victoria, causing the death toll to reach devastating new daily highs. The importance of maintaining high vigilance in our own personal protection has been heightened this week as the pandemic has crept into our neighbourhood. The health and wellbeing of our students and staff is of paramount importance to all of us and something that we cannot be complacent about. Avoiding crowds of people and maintaining social distancing in public places will contribute to a potential decline in new daily cases of COVID 19 in NSW. As public libraries are often popularly frequented by our students in the weeks leading to assessment due dates and particularly the HSC Trials and Year 11 End of Course examinations, I write to remind all in our community of our Academic Support - Extended Day Program which is open to all Years 7-12 students every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. I also take this opportunity as a reminder about the opening hours of our beautifully appointed, warm and inviting College Library. The College Library is a safe environment with spectacular Harbour views for students to study and complete homework from 7.45am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and from 7.45am to 4.00pm on Friday.  

As the new term has commenced the current advice from the government permits us to restart our Extended Day program with some COVID safe adjustments.  We will no longer be able to offer students a meal in the Boarding Dining Room, due to the current restrictions regarding capacity numbers in dining rooms and therefore, all parents/carers will be required to collect their daughters by 6.00pm at Rockwall Crescent gates. The dynamic team of teacher supervisors; Ms Caroline McKenna, Mr James Mann, Ms Maria Manitta and Ms Sophie Robson are back on board to assist your daughters with their homework and study in a quietly pleasant environment.  Every Tuesday and Thursday after school, the Extended Day Program will be supervised by a member of this team who will support and guide your daughter's homework and study, extending and resonating the learning she has engaged in ‘every lesson, every day’, or offer study advice for the forthcoming major assessments. The quiet supportive space in Extended Day offers students an opportunity to complete their homework and study so they can go home to spend time unwinding and enjoying precious family time before bedtime.

There are TWO possible sessions for students to attend, held each Tuesday and Thursday during the term:

Session 1 - 3.30pm to 6.00pm:  Students who attend the first session must be collected at the Rockwall Crescent gate at 6.00pm sharp.

Session 2 - 4:30pm to 6:00pm (After Sport/Co-curricular):  Same as option 1 with a delayed start so that students can complete their co-curricular activities or sport training prior to attending Extended Day.

In partnership with you as parents, please know that students will only be permitted to leave the College grounds at 6.00pm via Rockwall Crescent gate. The supervising teacher will wait at the gate for each student to be collected. As we take our duty of care seriously, we cannot allow students to make their own way home via public transport, taxi or Uber and we ask that you please arrive promptly at Rockwall Crescent gate to collect your daughter on time. We will only hand over our care of your daughter to a friend or family member, if we have written permission to do so.

Please email collegesecretary@stvincents.nsw.edu.au , call 9368 1611 before 9.00am on the day of your daughter’s booking, if there is any change to the person responsible for collecting your daughter that evening.  To change or cancel your original Extended Day booking, please complete this form.  Bookings for Extended Day for Term 3, 2020 are open and if you would like to register your daughter please use the application form on the College website - here is the link.

Please note that registration for each Tuesday and Thursday session, close on Sunday evening prior to 8:00pm. Please note if your daughter is not booked in via the website by 8.00pm Sunday evening, unfortunately she will not be able to attend Extended Day that week, as we need firm numbers for supervision. We hope that you consider the possibility of your daughter joining this vital academic support service in either Extended Day or using our wonderful Library resource as we partner with you to optimise your child’s capacity and confidence to take ownership of her independent study time, whilst keeping her safe and supported as we continue to navigate the pandemic together in partnership.  

Mrs Jasmin Mano
Director of Teaching and Learning

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NAIDOC here at Vinnies is happening.  Our screening of In My Blood It Runs saw a happy band group together in the warmth of Tarmons where we watched this extraordinary film.  The students were glad to know that we have a number of connections to the film’s content:  Senator Malarndirri McCarthy who shared her time and expertise with us on Sorry Day this year, was born in Borroloola where much of the film is set.  Djuane, the focus of the film, goes home to the Garawa - his dad’s country - to learn culture and find some peace.  The Garawa live in Borroloola with three other cultural and language groups; Yanyuwa, Marra and Gudanji people.  Year 12’s were happy to learn that Djuane’s uncle is one of the artists whose work they studied as part of the Studies of Religion course last year.  It’s good to make connections. 

Unfortunately for us, Maya Newell, the film’s director, was not able to join us because she had the happy event of being asked to work on editing another film this week.  In the current climate of uncertainty in the arts sector, we are very glad for her.  She directed us to information about how she made the film and details of its release in the US.  It made for fascinating viewing with the 'Black Lives Matter' protests looming large.  In My Blood It Runs has raised many questions for us.  

Today is the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola.  Now, I’m a big fan of Ignatius.  His words come to me often.  His courage and sometimes foolishness surprise me.  His extraordinary understanding of how humans learn, how they tend to behave, what they desire and what real ambition can produce, still fascinate me.  Whenever I hear or read a new idea about how teaching and learning should happen, there’s always something in there that feels a lot like the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm.  In its simplest form it is all about relationship, context, reflecting on what you see and hear and know, and then acting on that understanding.  As a school which boasts an Ignatian spirituality, it makes sense that our students are ‘Courageous Women of Action” and that what we seek to foster is a faith that seeks understanding, always ready to ask tricky questions.

Years 11 and 12 spent some time last Friday afternoon considering something of Ignatius’ spirituality, in a retreat in daily life.  It’s a taste of the Spiritual Exercises penned by the man himself.  We will gather again next week for more and I’m looking forward to hearing their wisdom and celebrating their imaginations.

Do watch the film, In My Blood It Runs.  It’s free on iView.  https://iview.abc.net.au/show/in-my-blood-it-runs

You will be challenged.

Mrs Jo Kenderes
Director of Faith and Mission

This past weekend was our annual Boarders’ Got Talent show and it had some cracker acts performing.  From Year 8 pretending to be 'Kath and Kim' mixed in with The Rock and Kevin Hart, to Year 10's interpretive dance to ‘My Country’ by Dorothea Mackellar to Year 11's 'Backstreet Boarders' - we had a mixture of talent - some that we are glad to never have to see again though!!  It was a close decision, but, Year 9 with their version of 'Behind The Scenes of Harry Potter' took out the victory - their second win during their time as Boarders so they definitely know what the winning formula is.  The competition is always a good reminder of how to have fun and how to laugh, and the Year 12's in particular took great joy in laughing during their break from studying.

The Boarders are a resilient bunch, and this week has been tough with their restrictions of local leave whilst the pandemic was on our doorstep.  It is difficult for anyone to know lengths of time or size of spread and it can be a day to day changing situation, which they have taken in their stride.  It is hard when I focus on safety and health and wellbeing of all Boarders but am unable to give timeframes, because who knows what is going to happen?  All we can do is hope and pray and enjoy the things that we can do that make us happy.

Yours in Boarding

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

Please Note:  The SVC Writing/Poetry Competitions have been extended to the last day of Term 3. 

Year 10 Journalists Incursion

Year 10 were lucky enough to be ‘visited’ by two practising journalists on the morning of Thursday 30 July.  Via a Google Meet, Michelle Stone (mother of Lauren in Year 8) and Kim Cotton (mother of Eavan in Year 10) spoke about their careers as journalists.  Interestingly, both women began their careers in print journalism and stressed the importance of clear, succinct, accessible and beautiful writing.  They also spoke about their valuing of authenticity and integrity. 

Michelle spoke about her career as a traditional journalist and we watched in fascination footage of her reporting from the attacks on the World Trade Centre in 2001.  She has since transformed her skills to become a communications expert, whilst still making documentaries and feature films.  Kim spoke about her many different experiences as a writer - both in print and online.  She was particularly eloquent on the subject of finding mentors.  Both women acknowledged that they had dealt with sexism in their time - but that they had been able to manage it very well! 

We are very grateful for their time and generosity in talking to us and answering our questions.  Ella Wise was instrumental in putting the event together, hosting by introducing each speaker, asking questions and moderating questions from the floor. Thanks, Ella! 

Amelia Tindale:  “As a science girl I was really interested to find out how they were so passionate about their careers; a good lesson for making decisions about my own career choices.”

Ella Wise:  “Michelle and Kim were very informative.  I was fascinated to learn how they got into their career paths and how they continued to get so much joy out of their work lives.”

Lilas-Mae Njoo:  “It was extremely engaging and insightful and I really learnt a lot. I’m really interested in journalism and where the media will move to in the future, so today was particularly relevant to my interests.  They also gave excellent advice that was relevant not only for people considering journalism as a career, but on how to approach and look at the media in our modern context.  In our current climate of 'fake news' and social media platforms being used as news sources, it is important to reflect on and evaluate the way that the 'truth' is told in our media, and it was extremely interesting to have these discussions and hear from women who have experienced the changes in storytelling firsthand.  Some advice that really stuck with me was to "write and write and write” about things you are interested in.  Cotton and Stone really emphasised the importance of clear and powerful storytelling, which relates back to our current unit in English where we are looking at stories and language.”

Lucy-Rose Doyle:  “Students had the opportunity to ask questions, many regarding 'fake news' and sexism in the industry.  The journalists gave insightful answers, providing Year 10 with a unique perspective into writing as both a career and hobby.  Both the women were passionate about writing and shared many valuable ideas that I hope to apply to my own writing, such as “always be searching for the truth”, “never lose your curiosity” and “put everything you’ve got into every piece of writing”.  I’m sure many Year 10’s benefited greatly from the talk and will use these lessons to better their writing.”

Ms Monica Jarman
Head of Department English

Adventurous Journey Report

Six long days. 106 km. Gold Duke of Ed camp.  An unforgettable experience. 

On 12 July 2020, seven Year 11 St Vincent’s girls set off on an adventure to Camp Somerset in the Colo River to complete their Gold Adventurous Journey.  Throughout the journey the group climbed several steep mountains, trekking through rain, hail and shine - all while carrying 20 kilo packs!  It was in these packs in which we managed to carry our clothes, food, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats and other equipment that allowed us to survive in the wilderness!  Although the camp was incredibly mentally and physically draining, it was very rewarding.  At the top of each steep mountain climb we were greeted with spectacular views of running rivers, valleys and rolling mountains.  There were times when we were ready to head back home into our beds, but, as St Vincent’s girls we chose to not give up.  As a group we encouraged each other and battled the weather, ultimately completing the journey with the help of one another.  The dehydrated meals helped to keep us motivated, and by the end of the camp we knew the exact amount of water needed to perfect each meal.  There were many highlights throughout the trip but the one that stood out the most was the day of canoeing, where the sun came out and dried all our wet clothes and equipment! 

The camp was a life changing experience that we will never forget.  We highly recommend participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award - it is a journey of a lifetime offering opportunities not only in the wilderness but in the wider community.  It allows students to give back and serve the community, developing necessary skills for life as well as maintaining and improving physical recreation.  Completing the different levels of the Award grants a sense of achievement, especially completing the adventurous journeys. 

Congratulations to the girls who completed the Gold Camp!

Charlotte Patchett and Ella Emery, Year 11 

Ms Sophie Robson
Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator / Science Teacher

Sydney Conservatorium of Music  

A Tertiary Jazz Pre-Audition Workshop will be held on 1 August 2020 from 2.00pm-5.00pm online at a cost of $80.  The Conservatorium is inviting students interested in their Bachelor of Jazz degree to participate.  Attendees will become informed about the audition requirements and process so you can achieve your best result in this highly competitive field.

This three hour workshop includes discussion and demonstration of the process, a mock jazz aptitude test and the opportunity for some students to have their mock audition critiqued by members of the Tertiary Jazz staff in front of your peers (this is optional).  This is an invaluable opportunity to ensure your optimum preparation for the “real thing”.  For more information contact:  Pavel Grozdoc  pavel.grozdov@sydney.edu.au

PIA Young Planners Town Planning 

A free information session will be held on 3 August 2020 from 4.00pm-5.00pm via Zoom online for students interested in a career in town planning.  The session will cover the role of planners in cities and communities, what does a career in planning look like? and relevant tertiary studies information. Registrations are essential here.  Please contact: Karen Goldsmith 0403 515 427 for more information.

Teaching 101 Webinar - NSW Department of Education Teachers

On 3 and 10 August 2020 from 4.00pm-4.30pm, using the link found here , interested students can learn more about teaching as a career.

The University of Sydney

USydney will be hosting a  Year 12 Parent Information session on 4 August 2020 from 6.00pm-7.00pm.  Please use the link found herefor more information or contact:  Bridgette Martin at bridgette.martin@sydney.edu.au

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

Term 3 is off to a great start with both Avid Readers Book Club's reading Emma by Jane Austen and the da Vinci Decathlon group took on a SCAMPER creative thinking challenge as well as a prime number focus.  The Year 8 team managed to find two prime numbers that would work in the challenge.

This term, we will embark on the Tournament of Minds competition that combines principles of STEM, Social Sciences, Arts and Language literature.  Stay tuned for what the brilliant St Vincent’s minds can come with.

Ms Donna Ginzburg
Gifted and Talented Co-Ordinator

Term 3 Sports Staff Contacts:

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

Hockey:  Ms Laura Wiggins:  0418 329 929
Athletics:   Ms Jacinta Jacobs:  0418 416 663
Netball:  Ms Elyse Harmanis:  0434 610 870   
Five-a-Side Soccer:  Mr Hugo Forlico:  0411 615 031.      

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

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The Term 3 Netball, Soccer, Basketball and Hockey seasons all began last weekend, with more than 300 students participating in one of these sports. All players should now be aware of their team, training times, game times and coaches.  Students are reminded that training is compulsory and that a note/email is required to the Sports Department if you will miss a training session and/or game.  There are 8 rounds with finals being played on 12 September.  Thank you to all the parents who have adjusted to the IGSSA COVID-19 rule this term by dropping their daughters off at sport and collecting them at the end.  Please note, that even if there is a fenced off field we cannot congregate and spectate from behind that area either.

I firmly believe that whatever crisis we are faced with either personally or globally, the most important thing we can do is to take care of ourselves.  When we take care of ourselves first and foremost we are consequently taking care of everything else.  When we show ourselves the respect and dignity we deserve - through how we look after ourselves - we are incidentally respecting each other and the planet, so we are less of a burden and more of an asset.

If all everyone in the world did was to nourish themselves with nutrient-dense food, use non-toxic personal care products and household cleaning products, get out into sunshine and nature, laugh, play and connect with loved ones, be positive and have an open loving heart, we would have a radically different health care system and environmental landscape.  More importantly, we would raise our individual and global consciousness to a level never experienced before.

How do we get through the current global crisis?  By taking care of ourselves.  This gives us the physical, mental and emotional strength and resilience to navigate any storm with ease and grace.

Any crisis is invitation to:

1.  Focus on what is within your control - and that is first and foremost looking after yourself, your home and your dependents.  Appreciate just how much power and influence you have over your health - physically, emotionally and spiritually.

2.  Embrace simplicity, especially nourishing meals and conscious consumption.

3.  Shed what no longer serves you - toxins in all their guises including negative thoughts. This will create the space for healthy swaps that are nourishing and fulfilling.

4.  Replace fear with love.  When it all gets too much remember to just breathe and just smother the whole thing with compassion and love.

We will get through this crisis together.

IGSSA Netball

Ms Elyse Harmanis, Head of Netball, has had a very busy first two weeks of term organising our 22 teams - with many students making changes at the last minute.  Netball trainings are held at school on the courts.  Morning sessions are held from 7.25am-8.25a, and afternoon sessions are held from 3.15pm-4.30pm.  All players must attend - even if it is raining - training is still on in the gym - 2.32.

Every week we have numerous Boarders who need lifts to games, so if you live near the College or pass by it to get to sport, please offer assistance and the girls would be very appreciative.  Boarders please also be proactive and ask other girls in your team for a lift, and don’t leave it until the last minute.

A reminder that no spectators are allowed at the matches this term due to Covid restrictions.  Please allow extra time to get to schools like Frensham and Loreto Normanhurst as the traffic can be bad on Saturday mornings.

All information regarding the draw, training times, team lists etc can be found on the netball page on the College website under Sport. www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/learning/sport/netball

Ms Elyse Harmanis
Head Netball Coach    elyse.harmanis@gmail.com

Below:  Senior Firsts Team Talk

IGSSA Hockey

The IGSSA hockey competition has some very good hockey schools, and after some tough matches last weekend we realized that we have some hard training to do.  All girls are encouraged to come to fitness training on Monday’s after school (with Tash) if they can, and to give 100% attention at hockey training on Wednesdays. 

This term, all three hockey teams will train at David Phillips Turf Field on Wednesday afternoons from 4.00pm to 5.00pm.  A bus will take the girls to David Phillips Synthetic Field, Daceyville, at 3.15pm from Victoria Street.  The bus will depart the field at 5.00pm, so any students being picked up from the venue need to be collected by this time.  If parents are late, the students will be taken back to the College and will need to be picked up from there at approximately 5.30pm.  The field is an all weather pitch, so training is always on.

We are actually looking for a few more players, if anyone is interested please contact Laura Wiggins as soon as possible.

Ms Laura Wiggins
Head Hockey Coach

Ascham Five-a-Side Soccer and Basketball

Ascham started the basketball and five-a-side competitions at Moore Park last Saturday, and we had three wins, two draws and one loss.

All soccer games are on the synthetic fields so they should always be on, unless there is lightning.  All players are to arrive 30 minutes before their game to have a light training session.  Full Sport uniform is to be worn with SVC long socks, shin pads and boots (no metal studs).  

The junior basketball team had a good win to start the season last Saturday.  Please make sure that all team members are at training with Phil on Tuesday afternoons.

Mr Hugo Forlico
Head Soccer Coach

Below:  Five-a-Side Soccer

TERM 4 SPORT REGISTRATIONS

All girls wishing to play IGSSA water polo, ESTA touch, Santa Sabina basketball or volleyball or futsal, are to go onto the College website and register by 3.00pm Friday 14 August.  No late registrations will be accepted after this date as we have to send in our team numbers to the various associations.

Trials for all these sports will be held in Weeks 5 and 6, so please keep an eye on the Sports noticeboard and theCollege website for more details.  Once you register you are committed to that team and the registration costs, so please consider all other activities that may conflict, as we have had many late withdrawals this term, leaving our teams short.

IGSSA ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Due to Covid-19, the IGSSA athletics season which was originally cancelled has has now been modified.  The 27 IGSSA schools have been designated one Friday night twilight meet each, and St Vincent's College will be competing on Friday 7 August.

The team is reminded that they are expected to be at training either Mondays at school/Rushcutters Bay 3.15pm-4.15pm, or Wednesday afternoons at E S Marks Field 4.00pm-5.00pm, if they are not already training outside of school.  The final team will be selected after we compete at the Friday night twilight meet.

The IGSSA Carnival is now being held over two days at Homebush Stadium on Thursday 20 August and Friday 21 August.  The juniors (12, 13 and 14 years) will be competing on the Thursday, intermediates (15 and 16 years) will compete on the Friday morning and seniors (16 and 17 years) on the Friday afternoon.

NO spectators are allowed at any of the carnivals and all events will be combined to Junior, Intermediate and Senior. Once I have the new program, I will let the girls know and put it on the College website.

The Athletics squad have all been emailed a Permission Note which needs to be returned to Ms Jacobs by next Friday 7 August. 

Below:   Athletics Training

SPORTS STARS

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

Congratulations to our Senior Firsts’, Juniors Firsts’ and Year 7 Soccer teams, who all had great first game wins last Saturday.  They all worked together as a team and showed great Vinnies spirit!  Keep up the good work girls.

Below:  Junior A Soccer

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-ordinator of Sport

Update from IGSSA today - see below:

Students, please take a moment to read the following important updates from the College Canteen.

Online Ordering  

Online ordering is now available for students to choose and order before 8.30am that day.  

View the four week rotating specials here HERE

Term 3 Procedures for Entering the Canteen Area

• Students must sanitize their hands before entering the Canteen. 
• Limit of five persons at any one time inside.
• Anyone not purchasing items in the Canteen are not to be in the Canteen area.  Friends are asked to stay outside who are not buying anything (this is to assist in the line up not being massive to enter).
• Students MUST have money already on their Student Card as well as having their card with them to purchase (no punching in their codes anymore).
• Online orders can be picked up from the Canteen with their ID as purchase - 10 minutes into lunch time.

Thank you for your support.

Selina Richardson
Site Manager

Catering Industries Pty Ltd | St Vincent’s College
Phone: 1300 364 092 | Main Phone: 9361 2420

Dennis@cateringindustries.com.au  |  www.cateringindustries.com.au

As mentioned in articles in the two previous issues, the Uniform Shop is pleased to announce that as of Term 3 there will be an overall reduction of approximately ten per cent in the cost of St Vincent’s College uniform items.  See the Term 3 price list HERE .  In addition to this, several uniform items have been reviewed and improved both in style and fabric, and they are listed below:

An additional option has been added to the winter uniform:  A trouser and a short sleeve overshirt (sits over the trouser waistband - not tucked in) have been introduced for wearing in winter only.

• The trouser is made of a polyester/wool/elastane fabric.  The cut of the trouser is designed to flatter all shapes and sizes.
• The overshirt is a thicker textured cotton fabric to be worn with the trouser only; with the cardigan and/or blazer.

NOTE:  The long sleeve blouse is only to be worn with the winter pinafore or senior winter skirt.

• The Sport shorts and tracksuit pant are now made from stretch microfibre fabric and the shorts also feature a built-in bike short.  Both items now have zip inseam pockets included.
• The tracksuit jacket has been updated to a soft-shell tri-core fabric which is both wind and shower resistant and has a polar fleece lining for added warmth.  It also features multiple zip pockets.  The shape of the jacket is also a slimmer fit, so students will need to try on a sample in the shop to determine the appropriate size.  Please note - only limited sizes are currently in stock as the order has been delayed.  It is envisaged the stock of some sizes will arrive in August, with all sizes fully stocked by Term 4 2020.
• The athletics singlet has been updated to be a sublimated print lightweight fit for purpose top.
• Both swimwear items have been re-designed and feature the latest fabric and finishing technology.  The new water polo and regular swimming costume/bathers have been produced by a top swimwear specialist factory.
• Swim caps have been updated to silicone.  

A rugby-style top is being developed, which will be an optional item of the Sport uniform.  The Uniform Shop will advise when it is available.  They welcome your feedback on these new styles and fabrics.

AISNSW (Association of Independent Schools) Resource

https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/learning-from-home/wellbeing#parents.

Greater Good Science Centre: COVID-19 parent wellbeing resources and activities

The Office of eSafety:  COVID-19: an online safety kit for parents and carers

Keeping children educated and entertained during COVID-19 crisis…It’s easy as ABC

http://about.abc.net.au/press-releases/keeping-children-educated-and-entertained-during-covid-19-crisis-its-easy-as-abc/

Mindspot

https://mindspot.org.au/assets/pdf/10_Tips_for_Coping_with_Infectious_Diseases.pdf

Beyond Blue

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak

Headspace

https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/

ReachOut Parent discussion forum

https://forums.parents.au.reachout.com/

ReachOut Youth discussion forums

https://forums.au.reachout.com/

ReachOut.com One-on-One Support 

The Brave Program

https://www.brave-online.com/beating-stress-and-worries-about-coronavirus-covid-19/

FACE COVID ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

If you or anyone you know needs help:

●      Lifeline on 13 11 14

●      beyondblue on 1300 224 636

●      MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

●      Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

●      Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

●      Headspace on 1800 650 890

●      QLife on 1800 184 527.

Government Agencies:

NSW Department of Health

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx

NSW Department of Education

https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety/novel-coronavirus.html

National Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080 - operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Dear Parents and Carers

The next meeting for the St Vincent’s College Parents and Friends Association will be on Tuesday 11 August 2020 at 6.00pm.

The meeting will be held via Zoom.  If you would like to attend, please register your details here.  The Zoom meeting ID and Password will be sent to you on the morning of 11 August.

Mrs Jane Palin
Community and Alumnae Relations Manager