Bulletin

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

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Friday 02 September:  Father's Day Liturgy and Breakfast - 7.30am-8.40am.

Friday 02 September:  Father's Day Dinner - 6.30pm-10.30pm.

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Sunday 11 September:  SVC Spring Fair.

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Father Daughter Liturgy and Breakfast - CLICK HERE for tickets.

(There is no charge for this event however, we ask that you book so we can anticipate numbers attending).

 

FATHER DAUGHTER DINNER - Friday 02 September 6.30pm-10.30pm.

TICKET SALES CLOSE TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT 12.00AM - FRIDAY 26 AUGUST - BOOK HERE!

Dear Parents and Carers

Last evening I attended the Design and Create exhibition of work produced by the Design and Visual Arts students from the graduating class of 2022.  The quality of work was astounding and I was moved with profound emotion upon viewing the work.  The works present the fears and hopes of these young artists and designers.  Their insight into the world and the experiences of the last few years made for compelling viewing.  There were many offers to buy the work or commission works from these emerging artists, but naturally their parents will have already selected wall space at home where these works will be treasured for generations to come.

Congratulations to all the artists, designers and their teachers, Mr Graeme Colman, Ms Tanya Schneider and Ms Sana Issa.  It was pure delight to be able to enjoy this exhibition after two years of disruption that impacted disproportionally on the creative and performing arts.     

The Year 11 Preliminary examinations started today which is another milestone moment for the year.  The Prelim year concludes 23 September and the current Year 11 students will return after the September holidays as the Leaders of the College and fully embrace their identity as the graduating class of 2023.  An important part of that has been the leadership selection process, which has identified an abundance of talent in all domains.  A large number of this cohort will also take part in the first immersion we have offered since 2019 - a wonderful eco-spirituality experience in Far North Queensland during the September holidays.  Such return to our full program of co-curricular activities is very welcome.

Congratulations to the Fathers and Daughters who braved the cold last Friday night to complete the sleep-out in the Atrium.  The camaraderie and commitment to the cause seemed to take the edge off the cold and discomfort.  A substantial amount of money was raised for St Canice's Kitchen.  Thank you to the organising team of Dads and Mrs Jo Kenderes.  Your reward will be next week as you enjoy the Father's Day celebrations.

The College Spring Fair is looming on the horizon and the excitement is building.  Looking forward to sharing this major community event with you and taking out the prize for the most neurotic dog in the show.  Our beloved Beanie is quite wonderful as a family pet but her public debut may be fraught with tension!                                                   

Yours sincerely

Anne Fry
Principal

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

Summer Robinson (Year 11) - Uncle.

May he rest in peace.

This week’s Book Week events (with huge applause to our Library staff) have given us pause to indulge our imagination, to consider the power of the word and to build community spirit as we share our joy of literature.  At lunchtime, our Atrium saw a plethora of favourite literary characters leap from the pages to real life, the centre piece the Madhatter’s Tea Party.  This prompted my memory of last year’s Book Week which was a virtual affair during Lockdown. Lunch saw students draped over the walkway rails peering down into the parade of characters.  I write this with the sound of students outside my window calling to each other on the basketball courts.  This morning I enjoyed the buzz of Year 12 students gathering in groups to plan their rituals of farewell.  Last night I spoke with some proud families and friends coming into school to view their HSC daughter’s Major work in Visual Arts and Design and Technology.  On Monday, HSC Drama students performed their major works with Year 11 students as audience.  It is sobering to pause and appreciate the wonder and privilege in being able to be community in learning.

Being able to gather and celebrate as community is something we have always enjoyed at Vinnies.  Having completed our catch-up of postponed 2021 events, we are now giving full attention to our 2022 events.  The Class of 2022 Graduation ceremonies are well underway.  We will be a full and very happy house celebrating the many achievements of this cohort.  Our message here at school has been to enjoy these last three weeks with each other - basking in the sunshine on the deck at lunch with friends, enjoying good humour and support of peers, collaborating in study groups and class discussions to enable learning gains on their way towards HSC.  It will be the memories they create together they will remember together.  Upon the request of students in Year 12, we look forward to welcoming back Alumni from the Class of 2017 to share their experiences with the Class of 2022.  These Vinnies Alumni were the Year 12 cohort when the Class of 2022 was in Year 7 - and both graduates in the Year of Hope.  We look forward to hearing their memories and perspectives of how St Vincent’s shaped their journeys over the past five years.

I have shared with Year 10 that they too will have their Year 10 Social to look forward to.  More details will be provided by letter to Year 10 parents and carers.  For now, noting the date of Friday 11 November at the Intercontinental, Double Bay.  Our Year 10 class are at a particular point of maturing and stepping up in readiness for Stage 6 learning.  This week our Year 11s initiated opportunity in Year Assemblies to share their insights about senior schooling with the intention of making more explicit connections between the two year groups who will be senior students together.  I express my appreciation for the initiative of our students who so often identify needs and initiate responses to enhance learning and build community.  This student voice transformed into action continues to nurture life at Vinnies. 

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal

”You can’t stop the waves … but you can learn how to surf.” - Jon Kabat-Zinn

In our ‘Year of Hope’ we have focussed on the concept of hope-filled learning and what the every day, every lesson reality of that is.  Wellness is intrinsically linked to hope and it is only natural that one of the main components this year has also been a focus on wellbeing for students in all Year groups and staff in both teaching and support roles.  Wellness does not equate to being happy all the time - that is simply unrealistic.  Life deals us many ups and downs and wellness can be viewed as a capacity to get through the tough times as much as enjoying the sunshine.

This concept is represented in every learning space in the College with a wall chart of the ‘Learning Pit’ as a reminder to students that deep and meaningful learning does not come without the struggle of grappling with new or difficult material.  It is in the resilience to persist with the challenge that the learning growth occurs.  When meeting with Year 12 this week, I emphasised the importance of this phase of their learning - the ‘post-Trial exam’ phase.  Whilst encouraging students to work collaboratively and pursue rigour in their studies, I highlighted what true success in their HSC studies should look like.

Genuine long-lasting success for the members of the Class of 2022 should not be distilled down to a mark or band, but rather take on a more authentic personal measure.  With wholehearted engagement in their work, success could best be measured as at the end of the exams they personally have no regrets that they could have done any more in their studies.  Put simply, to get to the end of the HSC exams with “nothing left in the tank”, and therefore, knowing that whatever the final results are for them, there is nothing more that they could have done.

The approach of all students in every year is to support their learning with a holistic approach to promoting personal wellbeing with regular sleep patterns, exercise and sound nutrition.  Jon Kabat-Zinn is a well-respected doctor who has a lifetime's work in linking wellness techniques to reducing stress and consequently building a more stable platform to achieve one's goals.  His analogy that the ‘waves’ are beyond our control and will keep coming in life, is a shared experience for us all.  It is our proactive response that we can learn to turn a daunting situation into something positive.  In our learning, and specifically when facing exams, an approach of ‘Plan, Prepare and Perform’ allows the mindset to change to one of an opportunity to realise authentic success.  I commend such an approach to students in all years from Year 7 to Year 12, confident that they will be rewarded for the efforts they invest into their learning. 

Mr Bob Anderson
Director of Teaching and Learning and Education Administration

How is it suddenly Friday?  Where did the week go?  I have been dressed as a mushroom for much of the day, but that offers no feasible explanation for the disappearance of the whole week into the abyss.  So, back to last week.  

The Father-Daughter Winter Sleepout was a huge success.  We had 67 brave souls find their spot on the floor of the Atrium, cardboard in hand and hope in their hearts, ready to brave the cold and learn more about fathering, daughtering and the real experience of homelessness.  Our first guest speaker was Jesse Wynhaussen, Psychologist from St Vincent’s Hospital.  He presented the challenge of ‘conversation’.  Now that may sound uninspiring, but actually it was a bigger challenge than we anticipated.  Apparently fathers quite like to solve problems and can easily dismiss feelings as invalid when their daughter is trying desperately to share something of the experience of HER life with him.  It’s a natural way to love, but it doesn’t help the relationship.  Jesse led our dads and daughters to vulnerability, to genuine listening and to a space where they were able to grow a little bit closer.  Thanks, Jesse.

Our second speaker, via Zoom, thanks to the continuing ravages of the pandemic, was Dave Hammond.  Dave told us his story of homelessness, of navigating situations that were not choices but the only way to survive, and the love that got him through to a life of abundance.  Thanks, Dave.  A very warm vote of gratitude must go to our committee of fathers who helped it all happen:  Mal Wise, our commander and chief, Peter Carr, captain of cardboard delivery, Nav Singh who sourced the cardboard, Matt Rubie, who provided our amazing raffle prize, Fabio Luciani, who arranged our recipes, Joe Murphy and Mark Pavilard for their calm encouragement and care.  Stay tuned to hear from Fabio next term as the Fathering Project makes a welcome comeback.

Our fabulous team of chefs created three delicious soups - thanks Year 11 - and Amelia and Nav Singh managed to score us some very impressive sourdough rolls.  Thanks to Bakers Delight Bondi Junction, for their kind donation of bread and rolls.  Caitlin Young, Year 11, organised this for us and Sue Cobden delivered them in time for dinner.  The Father- Daughter Winter Sleepout was a great success.  We managed to raise over $3000 for St Canice’s parish, to support their much needed work with the homeless.  Oh, and of course Fr Sacha Bermudez-Goldman SJ  popped in to tell us something about the work they do and how our support is such a help.  He is a very welcome face about the place here at Vinnies.  Thank Fr Sacha!

Our Raffle Prize winner was a bit of a mystery for a while, but I’m happy to announce that Alison Feletto was the lucky winner.  She and someone special will enjoy a night for two at the beautiful Fraser Suites, King Street.  Something about this prize as part of the Winter Sleepout appeals to me; like our faith - full of delightful contradictions.  Have a great time, Alison!  And thank you all for your support of the raffle and the sleepout.  We got $800 in donations from those who wanted to help out but just couldn’t sleep out on the night.  Thank you!  Please check out some photos at the end of this article.

Our barista course was brilliant!  Thanks to Ignatius Mendonca, from Pattinsons Mosman, who taught our keen baristas the skills to make really good coffee.  Did you know it's all about stretching the milk and has nothing to do with frothing it?  Well you do now, and so do we.  Certificates will be coming next week.

The Sandwich Project was a huge hit this week.  The super team was on with Ms Jo Tardo.  They made 200 sandwiches in 40 minutes.  That’s a new record.  Charlotte Patchett and her Alumni team were on duty at Night Patrol on Thursday and they did a fantastic job.  See the photos below.

We delivered more cupcakes again this morning.  I got a cheer from the guests at St Canice’s, and my office is swimming in plastic cupcake containers.  Thanks girls and families for your  generosity.  

Next week there will be liturgy to talk about.

Amen.

Mrs Jo Kenderes
Director of Faith and Mission  

This time of the year is busy across the College and Boarding is no different.  With HSC Trials finishing and Year 11 exams starting today, there was a small window of opportunity to celebrate those who have nominated for Leadership in Boarding in 2022/23.  On Tuesday evening, with candles lit and music playing in the chapel, the Boarding House reflected on what it means to be a Boarding House and living in community.  Here was our opening prayer:

Lord, you have sent great leaders into our world
to bring justice to the poor, liberty to captives,
and a voice to the voiceless.
Guide our discernment here today, 
so that we may choose from among us:
those who will guide us in justice, 
those who will free us from limitation and negativity,
those who will serve all for the good of our community,
those who raise up of the vulnerable,
through love, energy and compassion. 
Bless our new leaders with energy.
Draw them into loving this community more.
Bless each of us in our striving to be good followers 
and strong leaders every day.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. 
Amen.

Here are some pictures of Boarders in days gone by.  The Botanical Gardens photo is of the Boarders on an activity in 1908 (114 years ago), in their weekend clothes.  Photos from 1923 of Boarders posing for their photo and in 1938 outside the chapel, waiting to go for a walk.  They were just like you. Living away from home, living with strangers who became their Boarding family.  They are just like you.  Hard days, good days, fun days, sad days but days with each other and supporting each other through those days, no matter how hard or sad they are.  Together.

Yours in Boarding

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

Wednesday 10 August was Year 10 Commerce Election Day.  All three Commerce classes have been learning about the Australian electoral process and the importance of individuals and groups participating in the democratic process. 

Two members of each class were nominated to stand for election and each candidate was required to present a speech on a policy that related to a school issue.  Some of the issues dealt with uniform, the canteen and SRC representation.  Candidates were supported by a campaign manager and a team who helped to promote the policy through posters, badges, leaflets and a key speech to Year 10 Commerce and some Year 8 constituents.  A secret ballot and a preferential voting system were used to determine the winner of the election.  Congratulations to Lourdes Jordan-Scribbens, Olivia Williams and Indiana Whitford, for their efforts representing each Commerce class and campaigning for the mock election.  A special congratulations to  Isabella Chenu who was voted the winner of the election and to Cate McGregor who was runner-up.  The event was worthwhile for all the students as they were able to engage in an authentic democratic experience. 

Ms Lynne Hamilton
HSIE/Commerce Teacher

Bourke Street Bakery Excursion with Year 9 Food Technology

Last Thursday, Year 9 Food Technology had the privilege to experience pastry at its best in the form of pies, sausage rolls and tarts, on our excursion to Bourke Street Bakery.  This relates to our studies on Food in Australia and our practical experiences throughout the term on pie-making. 

On Thursday of last week, we walked down to the bakery and were invited into the teaching area, where we were given a briefing by Mrs Aldridge about what we were about to taste.  We started off with beef brisket, red wine and mushroom pie, which was highly popular amongst the class.  Next, we all tried a piece of chicken, potato and lemon pickle pie, a vegan vegetable pie and a lamb and an almond sausage roll.  Throughout the tastings we gave each pie a rating for appearance, texture and flavour and we recorded the characteristics of each pie.  Our main focus was on the pastry and how it complimented the filling inside, which varied from a shortcrust to a puff pastry.  To conclude the experience, we all had a piece of chocolate ganache tart which was thoroughly enjoyed. 

By Leila Spies and Lily Rowbotham, Year 9 Food Technology - Mrs Aldridge

Year 10 Elective History is currently studying a unit on Children in History.  As part of this study, they have looked at the role that children played in the witch hunts of Europe in the Middle Ages and later in 1692 across the Atlantic in the Salem Trials.  The students were given access to the transcripts of the original Trials and were asked to use this information to write a play and share it with the class.  All students made a great effort and it was a fun learning activity illustrating why our court system no longer uses spectral evidence.

Ms Maria Geracitano
HSIE/History Teacher

University of Sydney

Life of a Mathematician - 31 August 2022 - 5.00pm.

Join award-winning mathematician, Professor Mary Myerscough, to find out what an average day of work might be like in the field of mathematics.  In this session you will learn about the work being done by mathematicians, from creating mathematical models to map how healthy cells become cancer cells, to how social insects organise their societies.  To register your interest use the link found here.

Sydney College of the Arts at the University of Sydney 

Portfolio Day 2022 - Online Event

Thursday 29 September 2022 - 4:00pm-7:00pm.

Sydney College of the Arts at the University of Sydney invite interested Years 10, 11 and 12 Visual Arts students to attend an online Portfolio feedback session, to assist you with preparing your portfolio and application to study SCA’s three-year Bachelor of Visual Arts and their four-year Bachelor of Visual Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies.  Register for any session between 4.00pm and 7.00pm, where you will be allocated to a private consultation with one of SCA’s Visual Arts academic staff and receive personalised feedback on your portfolio and visual arts practice.  There will be one 30 minutes presentation at 5.00pm for those wishing to hear more about the degree.  To register for the event use the link found here

ANU Canberra

Undergraduate Student’s Portal

Studying at ANU means working with some of the world’s leading experts and choosing from Australia’s widest range of flexible degree options.  Learn more about enrolling as an undergraduate student at ANU using the link found here.

Open Day

ANU’s Open Day is on Saturday 3 September 2022.  Discover your future at Australia’s number one ranked university.  Attend information sessions and on-demand content about ANU’s degrees, student life and the ways ANU can equip you for the future.  For more information go here.

Australian Catholic University ( ACU)

Talk with Exercise Scientists and Physiotherapists - Online.

19 October 2022:  6.00pm-7.00pm AEDT; 5.00pm-6.00pm AEST.

A career in sport and exercise science will allow you to help people achieve peak performance and optimal health and wellbeing.  Join us online to hear from ACU alumni about their experiences working as exercise scientists and clinical exercise.

Physiologists:  Take part in a Q&A session about what a career in exercise science and physiotherapy is like and where it could take you by using the link found here

Endeavour College

Naturopathy

12 September - 4.00pm-5.00pm.  Endeavour’s Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) is a clinical degree focused on scientific evidence and grounded in a holistic approach to patient care.  This webinar will provide you with an opportunity to have all your questions answered about the course, subjects, student life, clinical experience and career outcomes for graduates.  Use the link provided here for more information about this event and all events at Endeavour College.

Gap Opportunity

Camp America:  Online Information Session - 7 September 2022 from 7.00pm-8.30pm.  Use the link provided here to register your interest.

Architecture

Where can I study Architecture?  The following schools offer architecture courses that are recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects and accredited by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) and the relevant state/territory architecture boards.  Use the link here for details.

Pathways to Architecture

Architects hold one of the most influential professions in society. They constantly push boundaries and help ensure that we build a sustainably built environment.  Take your first step towards becoming a successful architect using the link found here.

Local Government NSW

Local Government NSW offers hundreds of jobs across professional, administrative, trade and outdoor roles.  Learn more about the type of work, qualifications required and the jobs available now in over 100 councils across NSW and others interstate.  Visit Careers at Council here. 

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

Music Showcase 14 September 6.00pm-8.00pm in the College Hall. 

Book your tickets below (for seating purposes only)

https://events.humanitix.com/2022-music-showcase

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

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

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

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

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

IGSA NETBALL, HOCKEY, SOCCER AND BASKETBALL

We are now into the final two rounds of all sports, with semis on 10 September and grand finals on 17 September.  Many teams are coming in the top 4 and some more could make it if they win the last two games.

Team lists, venue details and draws are on the College website.  This is always your first place to look for any Sport information.  Please also check the IGSA Spawtz page for any changes or wet weather updates  https://igsasport.spawtz.com/ .  Please do not call the IGSA office - always call the head coach or Ms Jacobs if you have any questions about sport. 

GOOD LUCK TO ALL TEAMS FOR THIS WEEKEND!

FITNESS TRAINING

Fitness training will only be on Wednesday afternoons and will concentrate back to general fitness now that athletics is over.  All levels of fitness will be catered for at training sessions.  Any students wishing to improve their fitness are invited to come to one or both days.  Students meet outside the change rooms at 3.15pm and then head down to Rushcutters Bay with Tash.  If it is wet, they will do a fitness session in the gym or run undercover - so training is always on! 

TERM 4 2022 and TERM 1 2023 SPORT

Registrations for summer sport for Term 4 and Term 1 were meant to close at 3.00pm today.  If you have still not signed up and would like to play EASTS Touch, IGSA Water polo, IGSA Tennis or Santa Sabina Volleyball, you must go onto the College website and register now!!  Please make sure you have checked your other co-curricular commitments before you sign up.  Once you have registered for the two terms you are committed to that sport, and no changes can be made.  These will definitely close at 3.00pm on Monday 29 August!!

Trials for these teams will be on in the last two weeks of this term.  Please see the dates below:

VOLLEYBALL TRIALS - College Courts

Senior Trials for those in Years 9, 10 and 11:  Wednesday 14 September  3:15pm-4:30pm.

Junior Trials for those in Years 7 and 8:  Wednesday 21 September  3:15pm-4:30pm.

TOUCH  TRIALS - Rushcutters Bay

Senior Trials for those in Years 9, 10 and 11:  Monday 12 September 3.15pm-4.45pm. 

Junior Trials for those in Years 7 and 8:  Monday 19 September 3.15pm-4.45pm.  

TENNIS TRIALS - College Courts

Trials for all Years:  Monday 19 September  3:15pm-4:45pm.

WATER POLO TRIALS - UNSW  Heated Indoor Pool

Senior Trials for those in Years 9, 10 and 11:  Saturday 17 September  1.45pm-3.00pm.

Junior Trials for those in Years 7 and 8:  Saturday 17  September  2.45pm-4:00pm.

PLEASE WEAR YOUR PE UNIFORM and sport shoes or swimmers, and bring all necessary equipment.  You must email Ms Jacobs if you cannot make your trial for any reason, and try to go to the other date if possible. 

SPORT STARS OF THE WEEK

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

Congratulations to the thirty athletes who competed at the IGSA Athletics Carnival last Friday.  We made a record number of finals (23) and placed third in Division 3.  We finished equal 15th (with SCEGGS) overall, so will go up to division 2 next year.  So, well done girls!  A special congratulations to Niamh Mackenzie, Year 9, who won the junior high jump, Lara Roets, Year 11, who came second in the 17 years hurdles and junior relay team (Siara McCreery, Siena Flick, Franki Dawson and Lila Smith) who came third. 

Below:  Lara Roets - second in 17 years hurdles

Below:  Siena Flick - 100m

Below:  Junior Relay team - third

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-ordinator of Sport

We wish to advise that the retail prices for the College uniforms line will increase by an average of 5% from Monday 26 September 2022.  The new uniform prices will remain valid until 30 June 2023.

This is the fourth year we have worked with Noone Imagewear to supply St Vincent's College uniforms.  In working with Noon Imagewear, the College was able to initially pass on an average 10% decrease in uniform pricing.  Noone Imagewear has been on hand to improve the quality and design in a range of uniform lines as well as working with the College to add additional uniform lines.

The updated Uniform Price List can be found on the College website.

For uniform enquiries, please contact Juliet in the Uniform Shop on 8324 6622 or via email.

TERM 3 Student Card Information  

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

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

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

View CANTEEN SPECIALS for Week 29 August - 02 September:    HERE

To reserve your appointment time on the day - please click on the link below:  

https://socheritagecentre.org.au/historyweek