Bulletin

REMINDERS AND UPCOMING EVENTS:

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Monday 19 August - HSC Trial examinations conclude

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Monday 19 August - Year 11 examinations commence

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Wednesday 21 August - Textiles and Design - HSC SHOWCASE 

4.00pm to 6.30pm - in Bethania (Garcia building) - All Welcome (see the flyer in this Bulletin issue)

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SOLD OUT!     Father Daughter Dinner - Friday 30 August 6.30pm.

The dinner has SOLD OUT and is currently waitlisted. 

If you have purchased a ticket and can now no longer attend, please advise the Advancement Office at the College, phone 9368 1611 or email  palinj@stvincents.nsw.edu.au .  Thank you.

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SAVE THE DATE:  Monday 09 September - CREATE DESIGN PERFORM  (flyer in this issue)

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SVC UNIFORM SHOP  

Orders Now Online  

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

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

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Dear Parents and Carers

Today we welcomed the Year 7 class of 2021 (the graduating class of 2026) to St Vincent's College.  The meticulous planning and thought that goes into "Try High" ensures that a student's first experience of being part of our community is a good one.  From this first foundational experience to their graduation in 2026, we hope and pray for the fulfillment of the deepest desires they and their parents carry for them deep in their hearts.

As I welcomed the Year 5 students and their families today, I had the echo of Mrs Mary Cartmer's words in my heart and head.  I encourage you to read her reflection (here) given at the Feast of the Assumption Mass celebrated in our Chapel on Thursday.  The power and poignancy of her reflection about her Mother and mothering were gifts of grace to all of us.  She captured the spirit of possibility that Mary of Nazareth exercised throughout her life, as it was now being lived by her children.  That spirit of possibility to be fully realised, of course has to be partnered with the sort of freedom and trust that stretch the hearts of all parents.  

I could see that stretching today as our Year 5 parents walked away from their daughters yesterday.  They were no doubt reassured by the calmness and enthusiasm of Mrs Elizabeth Brooks and her team of Heads of House who had a great day planned.

The Feast of the Assumption was the patronal feast day of the Sisters of Charity.  I take this opportunity to express the appreciation of the entire community to all the Sisters for their bountiful ministry of love.  Since 1838 their presence in Australia has been a source of hopefulness for those who have sought their advocacy, or their apolostic ministry in prisons, hospitals and schools.  The strong foundations they provided to St Vincent's College is why our future is so secure.  "God bless you, Ladies" was the blessing given by the boatman who rowed the Sisters ashore in 1838 on their arrival in Sydney Cove.  We offer that blessing anew to each of the Sisters.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Anne Fry
Principal

"Ride Like a Girl"

MOVIE NIGHT:   Tuesday 17 September 2019

Tickets:   $16.00  (All proceeds to the Elisabeth Carey Scholarship)

In my career as a Principal I have worked at many wonderful schools, and one such school was Loreto College, Ballarat, Victoria.  During my time there, one of the students was Michelle Payne, who went onto be the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup.  Her extraordinary story has now been made into a movie which will be released on 26 September.  We have been given an opportunity to have a private screening and to raise funds that will support the Elisabeth Carey Scholarship.

I hope that you will be able to join us on 17 September as we celebrate a story that will have resonant for everyone in the audience.  I will watch it with great pride, and some amusement, as the character of the Principal is played by Magda Szubanski (they have, with poetic license, also turned the Principal into a Nun).

I commend our Year 9 students for their leadership of this event.  The work they will soon commence in their CP classes will complement their organisation and leadership of this initiative.  I encourage your support of the evening as I believe the movie includes pertinent issues for us all to consider.

Please book your tickets via TryBooking HERE .

Yours sincerely

Mrs Anne Fry
Principal

It has been most rewarding these last weeks to see evidence of our students discerning their own gifts and growth as they consider nominating themselves to join leadership teams within the College for 2019-2020.  Year 11 students have reflected upon the values and actions that make for effective leadership in collaboration with each other and in service of the community.  Their nomination speeches to their Year group, various staff and House groups were an audible affirmation of the enormous goodness within our student body as they articulated what matters to them and what their vision is for leading a community they wish to nurture and grow.  Years 7-10 have now been invited to consider their invitation to leadership with Expressions of Interest due at Student Services by Monday (details in Student Admin messages).  Today, our youngest leaders, Year 7 students, took on the role as hosts of our prospective Year 7 2021 students, being the face of welcome and guidance at lunchtime in response to a sea of Year 5 anticipation and wonder during their Try High Day.  It was a delight to welcome this group of enthusiastic soon to be ‘Vinnies girls’ as they now embark on their individual hopes and aspirations within our community.

In our partnership with parents and carers as educators of your children, we strive to keep you educated about issues that are currently impacting upon adolescents.  The Pastoral Team engages in dialogue with professional bodies so that we are up to date and aware of accurate information and evidence-based strategies of support for both teachers and parents, and consequently our children.  Today I provide three pieces of education - anxiety and procrastination when studying, cybersafety and teen mental health.

The first is a podcast from Kate Fitzsimons about overcoming procrastination, who identifies that often students know they ‘’should’’ be doing their work, but an overwhelm of stress and anxiety has them reaching for their phones rather than their pens.  This episode is all about ending their anxious cycle of unproductivity by finally getting to the root cause of it - and changing it for the better!  Kate provides a three step process students can use any time they find themselves spiralling into overwhelm of ''I have so much to do!" yet just can't seem to find the motivation to do it!  We dive into identifying the sneaky limiting beliefs that keep perpetuating the procrastinating - why this is so and how to change those beliefs so they go from an anxious student who can't stop procrastinating to a motivated student who only procrastinates sometimes.  The podcast aims to show how to get a handle over their stress rather than their stress always having them so they stop leaving assignments 'till last minute.  This aligns with much of the work of our College counsellor, who assists students to navigate through the feeling of ‘overwhelm’ and sometimes catastrophizing thoughts to develop a mindset that can break tasks down to helpful actions.   https://www.katefitzsimons.com/blog/overcoming-procrastination-part-2

I also receive updates of what is trending in the world of social media for young people. This week, there has been report of a reappearance of Sarahah, an anonymous feedback app.  The key word here is anonymous - the app promises absolute secrecy for its members.  The provision of unsolicited anonymous feedback, with a guarantee of secrecy opens itself to hurtful comments including ratings of young people on their physical appearance.  An adult may have the ability to make a sensible choice, and delete this, but many a teen user lacks the maturity to deal with daily insults and lack the determination to delete the app, and then agonise of the comments received, often quietly for fear of being banned from their device if parents find out that something has happened.  Technology doesn't bully, people do.  This app is no longer available via iTunes or Googleplay, but you can still register directly at the website which I deliberately do not include here.  Links to this app often appear in the “bio” of a child’s Instagram account.  So, if you see kirra.saraha2.com (or a similar app Tellonym) linked from there, start asking questions. 
(I acknowledge this information has been provided by https://www.safeonsocial.com/about-us).  I also recommend you visit The eSafety Commissioner’s office which is an excellent resource for education of parents https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Our children’s health and wellbeing is a major priority for us all. The College pastoral program and structures built upon the development of trusting relationships plays a critical role in developing the social-emotional learning and resilience of our adolescents, but, we know the crucial role of influence and intervention within the home.  Whilst St Vincent’s College is committed to training teachers in Youth Mental Health First Aid, we offer this invitation to you as the primary carers of your children.  This is an initiative we have facilitated since 2016 and have received great feedback from parents and carers.  There is no cost to parents for this course thanks to the generosity and commitment of the College P&F, and both refreshments and a comprehensive manual of information used during the course are provided.

This 14 hour course is being offered on TWO Saturdays (26 October and 2 November).  It is necessary to attend both days.  The course is presented by our staff members, Mrs Penny Radford and Ms Joanne Tardo, who are accredited trained facilitators.  You will receive a Youth Mental Health First Aid certificate upon completion of a short quiz at the end of the two-day workshop.  The course hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm on College grounds on each Saturday.  Spaces in the course are limited so please contact Executive Assistant, Ms Michelle Smith smithml@stvincents.nsw.edu.auif you are interested in attending.  Please see the flyer below for more details.

Finally, please know that we have been advised by the Deputy Headmaster of Cranbrook that an upcoming Year 10 ‘Formal’ is not a school function and is not supervised by any staff at Cranbrook.  Parents of Cranbrook have been notified that the school does not support this function and will not be in attendance.  We share such communication in the interest of the safety of young people and in partnership with parents.  I take this opportunity to state that our own College ‘Year 10 Social’ to be held on Thursday 14 November at the Inter-Continental Sydney Double Bay is a school organised event that has strict expectations of students.  We wish to provide an occasion for socialising that is age appropriate as well as safe and inclusive for all students in our community.  It is deliberately not the same style of event as our Year 12 Formal and we ask all families to respect our request that there be no pre or post event parties.  I appreciate the commitment of staff and student committees who have worked to create an appropriate culture for our social events.  More discussions with Year 10 and communication with parents will take place in Term 4.  

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal, Pastoral Care

The College has been deeply  immersed in two weeks of rigorous assessment undertaking as our Year 12 students in their HSC year have embarked on HSC Trial examinations, Year 11 have been preparing for their end of course examinations and junior assessment has occurred and continues to occur all term, as per the published Assessment Schedules.  A reminder to our College community that all Assessment Schedules for Years 7-12 can be accessed via our College website at this pathway:  https://www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/learning/teaching-and-learning/

As we continue to embark on our journey to promoting our strong learning culture, this semester we turn our attention to the students in terms of their engagement in the responsibility of resilient relational learning.  Students this semester therefore will be guided to take on board feedback rigorously so that they activate their capacity to grow their learning.  To do so, students need to be encouraged to embrace resilience and tenacity as a way forward to being successful and emotionally intelligent lifelong learners.

I came across this article that may be of interest to many of our parents, as part of a website that provides realistic advice to essential adolescent concerns.

The Metaphor of Kintsugi

The ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi offers a rich metaphor around this idea of resilience.  Kintsugi means ‘to join with gold’.  It is a crafting method that consists of assembling “broken pieces of an accidentally-smashed pot” (The Book of Life, 2018).  With roots in the Zen philosophy of wabi-sabi, kintsugi celebrates imperfection.  The broken pieces of the pot are glued together with “lacquer inflected with a very luxuriant gold powder” (The Book of Life, 2018).  The visible fractures are adorned with gold rather than hidden.  

Symbolically, the golden cracks represent the worth of the bowl because of its imperfections rather than in spite of them.  The bowl is like a human, cracked by the contingency of life.  The gold endows the pot with unassailable beauty, uniqueness, and strength.  Kintsugi and wabi-sabi can teach Western culture about the process of becoming oneself.  There is a lesson for embracing failures and experiences that crack our spirit.  How do we turn those life cracks into gold?  This relates back to our idea of building resilience in schools, especially for younger students who are traversing the most pivotal years of their lives.   

Mrs Jasmin Mano
Director of Teaching and Learning

On the evening of Wednesday 14 August a group of SVC Year 9 students attended the UNSW Festival of Bright Idea at Sydney Town Hall to hear and engage with a presentation and Q and A around the important, but overlooked history of Women and the Internet.  The history of technology is one of men and machines, transformation tales of garages to grand mansions, alpha nerds and ‘brogrammers’.  But female tech visionaries have always been at the forefront of technology and innovation and our Year 9 attendees were able to hear and engage with the eye opening beginnings, all with women at the centre of innovation in this area.

The main speaker of the evening, Claire L Evans, told the story of the internet's unsung female heroes.  From Ada Lovelace, who wrote the first computer program back in the Victorian Age (100 years before the first computer was built), to Elizabeth Feinler, who helped create the first domain names, women have been a huge part of every significant milestone in web development.  These women joined the ranks of pioneers who defied social convention to become database poets, information wranglers, hypertext dreamers, and glass ceiling shattering entrepreneurs.  Following her presentation, Evans was joined by a panel of experts including president of UNSW's RoboGals Sandy Aung, best-selling author Ginger Gorman, cultural anthropologist Alexandra Zafiroglu, and science journalist Natasha Mitchell, to discuss how women will continue to shape the technology of our future. 

The SVC representatives on this evening included Reeves Hancock, Ella Kelleher, Kyria Lambropoulos, Mika Singh, Mia Sorensen, Tara Boyd, Elyssa Chaaya and Leilani Egan.  On this evening, these students were able to engage with the panel discussion, view and consider role models in academic fields, glimpse the future of STEM based study and career pathways and be immersed in a growing phenomenon of women setting the agenda for the future of science and technology.

Initial responses from our students:

“Truly captivating; hearing all the shocking, yet inspiring stories told by the bold, strong and independent women”.  Elyssa Chaaya

"It was fascinating to hear the achievements of women in technology and the internet throughout history and personal views, stories and experiences by a panel of inspiring and passionate women”.  Ella Kelleher

“These women have incredible stories, and they made it an incredible evening, I really enjoyed it".  Leilani Egan

“I am so grateful for the opportunity which was presented to me, allowing me to view the ‘Women and the Internet Festival of Great Ideas talk’, through which I was able to develop a greater understanding of the role of women in the fields of STEM, both past, present and future".  Mia Sorensen

Mrs Donna Ginzburg
Gifted and Talented Co-Ordinator

Feast of the Assumption

This week we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption in the Chapel on Thursday morning.  We loved having Fr Gaetan back in the Parish after his extended absence to Hawthor,n and were delighted to welcome some St Canice’s parishioners who joined us for Mass in the Congregational Chapel at 7:45am on a cold winter’s morning.  Thanks to Mrs Jo Kenderes for her creative and engaging liturgy and Ms Kate Parish and the choir who brought joy through their voice and music.  A special thanks to Mrs Mary Cartmer who shared so vulnerably the joys and challenges of being a mother, I encourage you to read her reflection via the link in Mrs Fry’s article.

The word “assumption” comes from a Latin word, “to be taken up”.  The Feast of the Assumption, which was introduced as a holy day of obligation post Vatican II, provides an opportunity to honour hope.  The assumption celebrates the end of Mary's earthly life and her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus.  In a world where peace feels unattainable and hope a dream, I encourage you this week to dwell on the life and love of  Mary.  Check out this tuneor this article to learn more. 

Mary was the first to respond to God’s call to a new relationship, a new way of being and a new way of believing.  The Feast of the Assumption is an opportunity to honour the great YES of Mary.  My absolute joy was the number of women who led and participated in the Mass; a mass that honours the role of a woman who was central to the mission and ministry of Christ.  As we continue our discernment process in the Plenary Council (have you read the extended report on the data gathered over the last 12 months?), I encourage you to reflect on what God is asking of you at this time...what will your ‘Yes’ be? 

Ms Rachel McLean
Director of Faith and Mission

It has been good to meet with some of the Year 9 students this week to confirm their focus groups for Vinnies Winter Appeal:

• Aikenhead:  Feminine hygiene products for St Canice’s Vinnies
• Cater:  Men’s toiletries for St Canice’s Vinnies
• Cahill:  Toiletries for distribution though Auburn Depot for those living below the poverty line (these toiletries are family size)
• De Lacy:  Socks and Jocks for Matt Talbot
• O’Brien:  Toiletries for St Canice’s Vinnies
• Williams:  Blankets for distribution through Head Office for those who are living in housing below the poverty line.

I encourage families and students to support Year 9 in their leadership of the Vinnies Winter Appeal and engage in the awareness raising activities on why we are supporting Vinnies Winter Appeal.  There are plenty of resources and planning documents on the Social Justice Google Classroom page: here is a good oneto understand the focus of Williams House.  Please note that all donations must be brought in by 30 August which is the last day of Winter Appeal.  Thank you in advance for your support.

Ms Rachel McLean
Director of Faith and Mission

Thank you for all those who generously donated food, nappies, body products and office supplies on St Vincent’s Day.  Today I took these donations to the team at Emerton who run Ignite Food Stores.  This is an amazing partnership between Jesuit Social Services and Holy Family Parish, which provides low cost, healthy fresh food to low income families.  Attached to the Food Store is an Op Shop which provides quality recycled clothing and other affordable household items.  

Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation with a vision of building a just society.  Over the last three years, De Lacy House has been working with the team at Emerton to support their work which provides healthy and fresh food options at low cost.  If you would like to find out more visit here; we look forward to continuing this great partnership.

Ms Rachel McLean
Director of Faith and Mission

Textiles and Design Department presents the 2019 HSC Textiles and Design Showcase of Major Textile Projects. 

Wednesday 21 August 2019 - 4.00pm to 6.30pm - in Bethania (Garcia building) - All Welcome.

SAVE THE DATE!   Monday 09 September 2019:

CREATE DESIGN PERFORM

HSC ORAL EXAMS

As Year 12 have now almost completed their Trial HSC exams, the HSC Language oral exams are commencing this Saturday and continuing over August and September.  On Saturday our Italian Continuers students will be completing the speaking component of their HSC by participating in a ten minute conversation.  On behalf of the College community the Languages Department would like to wish our Year 12 Italian Continuers students, Josephine Bradaric, Elke Tuckfield, Esther Swanborough and Olivia Piazza, the best of luck on Saturday.  These students have invested many hours into their Language learning since Year 8 and even during their primary school years.  Congratulations for pursuing your Language studies to the end of your high school career!  You are now part of a select few students in NSW who leave high school having studied a second language.  Bilingualism is an essential skill in today’s globalised world, and you are outstanding examples of global citizens.  

"One language sets you in a corridor for life.  Two languages opens every door along the way" - Frank Smith.

Year 7 Languages Day

Last Monday saw another successful Year 7 Languages Day.  The girls participated in all activities with enthusiasm and great Vinnies' spirit which was great to see.  I thank Annika, Gemma, Polly, Sienna and Apanie, Iyla and Eden for the lovely article and quotes they have written below about Languages Day.

Ms Maria Manitta
Head of Languages

On Monday Year 7 experienced their first Languages Day.  All of Year 7 learnt the basics of both French and Italian to help make a decision about which Language they would study in 2020.  The day was packed with different activities where we learnt all about French and Italian cultures as well as the basics of both languages.  We began Italian with Ms Manitta, where we learnt greetings, how you’re feeling and expressions that could be used in conversations and numbers up to 30.  On the way, we filled out a booklet which was given to us and had activities in Italian and French which we could complete.  Lastly, we made a short role play with a partner to practise the greetings and words on microphones.  This was followed by a fashion parade showcasing some of the symbolic clothing of both France and Italy.  Berets, flags, signs, hats, scarves and chef hats.  We then participated in an intense trivia session where each group competed for the prize while answering questions on history, geography, language, food and more.  Everyone learnt something new and it was a fun session for all.  To finish off the day, we learnt some French conversation as well as some interesting facts about the history of France.  Mrs Anderson led everyone through learning the basic phrases and expressions, numbers 1 to 30, days of the week, our birthdays and other conversation starters.  Overall, we had so much fun learning songs and facts about the two countries and, new words.  Thank you very much to all the teachers who made this possible.

Merci beaucoup et grazie mille :)

By Annika, Gemma, Polly, Sienna and Apanie - Year 7 Cahill

“Both were really fun and I enjoyed learning new words.  I can’t wait to learn a new language”.   Iyla Maguire 
“It was good because a lot of schools don't give the opportunity to show the students what the lessons would be like”.   Eden Wallace-Bowles
“It was fun and enjoyable to learn and experience a little snippet of both languages”.    Apanie Pow
“It was a great opportunity for Year 7 to help decide which Language they would prefer to study next year”.   Annika Wende-Dunstan

Ms Maria Manitta
Head of Languages

As part of their studies in Mandatory History, students completed their site study by visiting the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park on Tuesday, 13 August.  This was a wonderful learning experience for the girls who listened to an emotive monologue based on the experiences of a Light Horseman, participated in workshops and looked at numerous artifacts from a number of 20th Century wars involving Australians.  The most memorable experience was walking through the extension to the ANZAC Memorial and looking at the section which includes soil from every town and city in New South Wales from which young Australian soldiers and nurses enlisted in World War I.  The soil from Potts Point was collected by Mr Jeff Lowndes and his Year 10 Elective History Class in 2017.

Ms Maria Geracitano
HSIE - History Teacher

Below:  The soil from Potts Point collected by Mr Jeff Lowndes and Elective History students in 2017

ANU Open Day

ANU will host their Open Day this year on 31 August from 9.00am-4.00pm.  ANU invites attendees to sample the educational, cultural and social experience on offer at ANU Open Day.  For more information go here and watch this video.

University of Tasmania Open Day

The University of Tasmania is holding a Sydney Open Day at their Rozelle campus on Sunday 1 September.  Find out more about UTAS’ highly regarded, fast tracked nursing and paramedic courses.  This is an ideal opportunity for students to see what UTAS’ Sydney campus is like and to learn more about the courses they offer.  Register here or email Alex Hoysted at:  alexander.hoysted@utas.edu.au . 

UNSW Open Day

UNSW will host their Open Day this year on Saturday 7 September from 9.00am- 4.00pm.  Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are encouraged to attend a day that will be packed with student experiences such as:  Mini-lectures, faculty demonstrations, workshops and student clubs. Click here to download the UNSW app and then create your own personalised Open Day itinerary and receive the latest event updates.

National Art School Open Day

NAS will host their Open Day on Saturday 7 September.  NAS is Australia’s leading fine art school and students from Years 10,11 and 12 interested in attending a progressive, holistic art school should try to attend.  In addition to all art activities there will be food stalls, live music and markets on offer.  To register and to receive the full program of open day events go to here

TAFE Open Day

In 2020 TAFE NSW will be hosting their Open Day at their many campuses on 14 September from 9.00am-1.00pm.  For more information and to register go here, - be in the career you love - find the perfect course.

Macquarie University:  Speech and Audiology Information Evening 

On 3 September from 6.00pm to 7.30pm at The Australian Hearing Hub, Level 1 Lecture Theatre, 16 University Avenue, Macquarie University, an information evening will be held to assist students to discover how they can become a qualified audiology or speech pathology professional, with a Master’s degree from Macquarie University.  There is currently demand within Australia and internationally for qualified professionals in speech pathology and audiology.  For more information and to register go here

University of Sydney

Every year, the University of Sydney offers six scholarships for students starting the Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced).  Scholarships are available for rural, regional and indigenous students, as well as students from greater Sydney and cover course fees and relocation costs throughout the length of the degree UNSW Scholarships/FacultyofMedicine .

Australian Film Theatre High School Holiday Workshops 

AFTT’s Performance and Film workshops assist high school students in Years 9-12 to learn what studying at AFTT is really like.  These hands-on, one day workshops are held in the October school holidays giving students the chance to visit the campus and use state of the art equipment to develop their skills. Programs fill very quickly, for more information go here.

Meat and Livestock Careers

The meat and livestock industry plays a huge role in Australia's wealth creation.  Use this site to find more information on different jobs and opportunities. To apply for a role at MLA, select from our list of current opportunities and ‘apply’ to create a profile and submit your application here. 

Australian Merchant Navy

See what life is like and what you need to do to be part of the exciting world in the merchant navy.

Sports People - Employment in Sport

Established in 1996, Sportspeople was the first agency in Australia to offer a specialised sport recruitment service.  Today Sportspeople remains a highly specialised agency offering a range of recruitment services to the broader sport, fitness and aquatics sector throughout Australia and New Zealand.  For more information go here

UTS High Performance Information Evening

High performance athletes and performers could be eligible for a range of scholarships and admission schemes at UTS, Sydney.  Students can seek advice on the Elite Athletes and Performers Application and learn more about scholarships at the UTS Sport Information Evening. For event info use the underlined link.

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

Our Performing Arts students are currently working hard in and out of the classroom:

Another enjoyable and fun Theatresports event was attended by two teams - please see Polly and Ella’s report about their experience.

It is great to see and hear the junior and senior Theatresports ensembles getting out there and performing.  Congratulations to all the girls who auditioned and were selected to go to the All-Girls Shield at PLC Croydon.  

HSC Practical Examinations Commenced!

HSC Dance Practical examinations were held on 15 and 16 August.  Well done and congratulations to our HSC Dance students on all the hard work and rehearsal required to prepare them for these exams.  A big thank you to Ms Santi for all the extra hours in the studio to ensure every student was well prepared and confident.  HSC Drama is next on 16 August and we are awaiting our Music dates.  Good luck to all of our Performing Arts students in their preparation for this portion of their exams.

Exciting events are coming up that include many of our Performing Arts students - especially our talented Music students.

Save the Dates:

Music Night in the College Hall - Tuesday 3 September - 6.00pm.

Spring Fair - Sunday 8 September in the College grounds.

Ms Catherine Johnson
Head of Performing Arts

On Thursday 8 August, several girls from junior and senior Theatresports auditioned and then performed at the PLC All Girls Shield, a girls only Theatresports competition created and hosted by Presbyterian Ladies College, Croydon.  We had two teams:  The Viggles (Vinnies' Wiggles), made up of Molly B, Polly G, Lilas Mae N and Cleo H, as well as One Sock Stop, made up of Chelsy L, Ella H, Salome W and Jemima G.  

There were two opening rounds of the competition: The first consisting of one-minute games such as 'Death in a minute', and the second round of two-minute games including 'Entrances and Exits'.  Each team played one game per round.  After this, there was a short intermission in which the three judges gave each participant’s scores based on technique, narrative and entertainment which added to the overall team scores.  Then the highest scoring team from each school competed in the third round of three minute games.

Our team ‘One Sock Stop’, was selected, and performed in the concluding round.  Finally, the overall placings of each school were announced with our team coming fifth.  We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the atmosphere of overwhelming support and empowerment between and within teams.  We all can't wait till next year!

By Polly Grindrod and Ella Humphreys 

SPORT STAFF CONTACTS FOR TERM 3 2019

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

Ms Laura Wiggins:     0418 329 929 - Hockey
Ms Vanessa Brown:    0404 777 518 - 5-a-side Football
Ms Jacinta Jacobs:      0418 416 663 - Athletics
Ms Molly Macqueen:   0448 882 121 - Netball.

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

For all draw and venue information visit the College website. 

The Role of Parents in School Sport  - “I LOVE TO WATCH YOU PLAY”

Support from parents and family is known to have a huge positive impact on their child’s motivation and enjoyment of sport, so St Vincent’s encourages families to come and join in the fun at Sport on Saturdays and support your daughter’s teams.  However, please make sure that you are displaying positive behaviours and not creating more pressure for the coaches or athletes.

At the recent Heads of Sport Conference I attended, ‘Tackling the Issues in Sport’, we heard from experts who have found through recent studies that teenagers, in particular girls, are dropping out of sport because it is not perceived as being fun for them anymore and that some parents and coaches are putting too much pressure on the athletes to win.  At St Vincent’s College, our focus is on participation and we pride ourselves on our sportsmanship on and off the field.  ‘Vinnies' spirit’ is an accumulation of school pride and our teams working together with their coach to always do the best they can.

This team spirit is developed through the training sessions each week and is strongly developed when all girls are in attendance.  This is how team cohesion and skill development is also best achieved.  This is where parental support again, is very important.  Encouraging your child to attend training every week, even during exam times and highlighting the importance of exercise as part of their stress management is crucial for our programs to succeed.

When supporting from the sidelines, it is crucial to remember that only positive comments should be made and that no direct comments can be made to the referees.  Clapping and cheering is fine, but everything else should be left to the coach to say.  The guest speaker at the conference was netball legend Liz Ellis, who had some wonderful advice:  The best comment you can make to your child after the game is “I love to watch you play!”  Ask them if they had fun?  What did they think they did well?  What areas do they think they could improve on?  This positive dialogue with your daughter after the game is the best way to help them develop.  Encourage them to communicate with their coach and their team-mates so that they can all work together to improve throughout the season and reach their goals.

We thank the students and parents who have been supporting the College Sports Policy and encourage all families to consider the whole team when making decisions about any absences from Sport in the future.  We look forward to seeing you all at the games on Saturdays, supporting your daughters in a positive way and being good role models on the sidelines.

below:   Jacinta Jacobs (left) and Liz Ellis (second from right)

IGSSA NETBALL

Last weekend we had ten teams travel down to Mittagong to play Frensham for Round 3 of the IGSSA netball competition.  Frensham welcomed us with 1 degree temperatures and cold winds, however, the girls performed with such great spirit securing a number of wins along the way!  A big thank you to all the parents who drove their daughters down to play, it was such a wonderful morning!  

A big congratulations to all teams for a successful season so far, with 12 out of 24 teams already in the top 3 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 please try to avoid scheduling appointments on training days.

SVC NETBALL PAGE has all the information you need this season.  http://www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/ learning/sport/netball/

Ms Molly Macqueen
Head Netball Coach

below:  Junior netball

below:   Netball at home venue Tempe

below:   Year 7 Netball

Below:   Year 7 with coach Annika

5-A-Side-Football

We are up to Round 4 of the Five-A-Side competition this term.  We have eight teams competing, which is awesome as we have doubled our numbers from last year.  All SVC teams are doing well and should be pleased with their efforts.  The girls are improving their skills and playing with good values each week.  SVC 1 and sVC 2 are currently topping the leader board for their divisions, with SVC 3 and SVC 6 coming third.

If you would like to stay up to date with the draw or results/ladder, you can use the following link:

https://scheduler.leaguelobster.com/586447/5-a-side-football/term-3-2019/

Ms Vanessa Brown
Head Football Coach

below:  Training with coach Hugo

IGSSA HOCKEY

Hockey has had mixed results this term.  Our SVC 1 team have been doing very well and winning their games.  Their teamwork has really improved this term and they have been communicating well together as a team.  SVC 2 has had a rough start to the season with some big losses, however, this does not reflect how they have been playing and improving each week.  Unfortunately, they were graded a little too high this term, but they are keeping their spirits up and trying very hard.

The coaches and I look forward to seeing both teams learn and improve their hockey skills for the rest of the term.  Just a reminder that all players are required to have all their gear with them at trainings and games.  This includes mouthguards and shin pads.

Ms Laura Wiggins
Head Hockey Coach

TERM 4 SPORT TRIALS

Term 4 Registrations closed this afternoon, as we have to enter our numbers to the various associations next week.  Trials are being organized at the moment and all girls who registered to play IGSSA water polo, touch, Santa Sabina basketball, Santa Sabina volleyball or indoor football (futsal) are to attend trials being held over the next few weeks. 

Following are some tentative dates which will be confirmed in the Admin Notices in the next few weeks. Please email Ms Jacobs if there are any clashes with the dates below:

BASKETBALL:  On College courts - before or after school - to be confirmed.

Juniors (Years 7, 8 and 9):  Thursday 19 September - 3.15pm-4.15pm

Seniors (Years 10 and 11 and 12 and invited juniors):  Monday 16 September - 3.15pm-4.15pm.

PLEASE WEAR BASKETBALL SINGLET IF YOU HAVE ONE OR PE UNIFORM.

TOUCH:  Rushcutters Bay - before or after school.

Year 7:  Wednesday 28 August - 3.30pm-5.00pm         

Juniors  (Years 8 and 9):  Thursday 29 August - 3.30pm-5.00pm                 

Seniors (Years 10, 11, 12 and invited juniors):  Tuesday 27 August - 3.30pm-5.00pm   

Back Up Day:  Wednesday 4 September - 3.30pm-5.00pm.

PLEASE WEAR TOUCH SINGLET IF YOU HAVE ONE OR PE UNIFORM.

WATER POLO:  UNSW Indoor Pool - Saturday 31 August

Year 7:  Saturday 31 August - 2.00pm-3.00pm

Juniors (Years 8 and 9):  Saturday 31 August - 2.45pm-4.00pm

Seniors (Years 10, 11, 12 and invited juniors):  Saturday 31 August - 3.45pm-5.00pm.

PLEASE BRING GOGGLES and CAP FOR TRIALS -The pool is off High Street, Randwick, enter Gate 2 to pay park.

VOLLEYBALL:  On College courts - before school or lunchtime.

Juniors (years 7, 8 and 9):  Monday 16 September - 7.25am-8.25am

Seniors (Years 10, 11 and 12 and invited juniors): Thursday 19 September -7.25am-8.25am.

PLEASE WEAR PE UNIFORM TO TRIALS.

FUTSAL:  On College courts - lunchtimes - please wear sports shoes to the Trials.

Year 7 and Juniors (Years 7, 8 and 9): Tuesday 3 September - lunchtime - 12.40pm-1.10pm

Seniors (Years 10, 11 and 12 and invited juniors):  Wednesday 4 September - lunchtime - 12.50pm-1.20pm.

NOTE:  IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND YOUR PARTICULAR TRIAL YOU MUST BRING A NOTE IN TO THE SPORT STAFF, OTHERWISE YOU WILL NOT BE PLACED IN A TEAM.

TENNIS

Tildesley Tennis Trials - Any tennis players interested in trialing for this prestigious two day tournament which will be played at Pennant Hills in March 2020, are to come to trials which are on Tuesday 24 September and Wednesday 25 September,on the College tennis courts - 3.15pm-4.45pm.  A squad of singles and doubles players will be chosen to prepare for the Tournament.  Please contact Ms Jacobs if you have any questions.

IGSSA ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Good luck to all girls competing at the final twilight meet tonight.  The team is reminded that the final training sessions is being held at E S Marks on Wednesday 21 August, 4.00pm-5.00pm, as the IGSSA 800m and hurdle heats are on at Homebush on Wednesday 28 August.  All permission notes should now be returned to Ms Jacobs.

The IGSSA Carnival is being held at Homebush Athletics Stadium on Thursday 29 August.  The bus is leaving Victoria Street at 6.45am or if making their own way, athletes are to be there by 7.30am for warm up.  The hurdles and 800m heats will be held on the Wednesday afternoon, 28 August from 4.00pm.  The College bus will leave at 3.10pm and the athletes can either be collected from the track after their event, or back at school at approximately 7.00pm.

SPORT STARS OF THE WEEK

Congratulations to the girls who competed at the Gymnastics NSW State AeroSchools Aerobics Championships last Friday.  They were Year 7 students:  Iyla Maguire, Elise Babbage, Camilla Byrne, Bernadette Koster and Bess Glennane.  They represented the College with pride and received silver medals in both AeroDance Division 1 and Level 4 Pairs (Iyla and Elise), along with a 5th place in the individual for Camilla, and 5th place in Level 3 Trios.  Level 4 Pair, Iyla and Elise, and Individual Camilla, have now qualified to compete at the Gymnastics Australia National AeroSchools Championships on the Gold Coast, Thursday/Friday 12/13 September.  Good luck, girls!

Below:  Aerobics pairs

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

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-ordinator of Sport

(Book Reviewer - Ms Suzanne O'Connor)

HOW TO PASS THREE HOURS AT MELBOURNE AIRPORT

I was due to leave Arctic Melbourne when the weather became even more abominable and most runways in Sydney and Melbourne were closed.  The waiting areas became crowded with frustrated travellers. As well as trying to maintain a state of Zen calm, I resorted to some consumerism by buying an actual book into which to disappear.

Allegra in Three Partsby Suzanne Daniel was the perfect choice.  Allegra tells us she is eleven and growing up in North Bondi in the middle of the twentieth century.  She has three people who love her: Her two grandmothers and her father.  Her grandmothers are radical opposites.  Mathilde is a Hungarian Holocaust survivor who tries to control life.  Her house is immaculate, her rules are rigid, her work ethic is tyrannical and her love for Allegra is boundless but conditional.  Next door lives Joy who embraces new values about women’s rights, most aspects of the Age of Aquarius and has a tortoise called Simone de Beauvoir.  Rick lives (ironically) in a granny flat attached to Mathilde’s house and is a gentle and quiet presence.  Allegra loves school but she is isolated because of her intelligence and has to endure the mockery of the 'popular group' led by Kimberly, the toxic leader of the group.  When a new girl arrives at school, she becomes Allegra’s treasured friend.  However, Patricia’s life is chaotic and she disappears without explanation for a long time.  Despite her heartbreak at this apparently permanent loss, Allegra sits for an important entrance examination in her final year of primary school and is overjoyed to earn a place at Sydney Girls’ High, the nearest selective school.

For those of us of a certain age, the novel is a vivid journey to our past.  For students, it might help explain what life was like before mobile phones and social media, as well as demonstrating the reasons for our current society.  Although I did not finish reading the book in Melbourne Airport, it was certainly a more productive way to pass the time than by railing at Qantas staff who are not really personally responsible for the weather.

By MS SUZANNE O’CONNOR

Footnote:  It was a delight to welcome Suzanne O'Connor back to St Vincent's College this week.  Suzanne was home for a brief holiday from Timor Leste and is full of admiration for the courageous, optimistic and grateful people she has lived and worked with in Timor.

Calling all dog walkers - We need you!

Can you help us distribute flyers for the Spring Fair Dog Show to local businesses and at dog parks?

If so, please email Cherie Tucker (and remember to sign your pooch up for the Dog Show here).

Books in great condition wanted for the Spring Fair

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 DVDs, no CD's).

Details of where to drop them off will be given closer to the date.

All enquiries to: Tessa Morris tessannemorris@hotmail.com or 0416 755 037 to organize a time for book drop offs in Kingsford.

Plants for Spring Fair

Calling SVC gardeners...we are seeking donations of potted plants for the Spring Fair.

Do you have some cuttings and plants to offer?

Maybe some ever popular succulents growing in tomato tins, pots or jam jars? Small terrariums or interesting epiphytes like Spanish Moss? Herbs?

Please pot up some goodies from your garden as soon as you can, so they’ll be ready for the Spring Fair.

Share the plant love with the SVC community!  We will have a drop off at the College on Saturday 7 September.

Please contact Katrina Skinner for details 0438 933 319.