Bulletin

(2023 Student Leadership Team - see Mrs Brooks' Deputy Principal's article in this issue).

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Below:  Lowering of the flags this morning at the College, in respect of Queen Elizabeth II

Sunday 11 September:  SVC Spring Fair - 10.00am-3.00pm in the College grounds.

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Wednesday 14 September:  College Music Showcase - 6.00pm-8.00pm in the College Hall (see Performing Arts article in this issue).

Free admission - but please book your tickets below (for seating purposes only) - Bring your own water and snacks.

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

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Thursday 15 September:  Year 12 last day of classes and House farewell.

Friday 16 September:  Year 12 Farewell Assembly and Graduation Mass.

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Saturday 17 September:   Class of 2022 - Formal Graduation Dinner - 6.00pm - The Fullerton Hotel.

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Friday 23 September:   Last day of classes Term 3.  Boarding House closes at 6.00pm.

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Dear Parents and Carers

On the death of Queen Elizabeth II, there has been an almost consensus view expressed that she has provided the Commonwealth with fidelity, stability and selfless service.  There are of course, a great variety of opinions on the spectrum between Republican and Monarchists, but today the longest serving reign of the British Royal Family has come to an end.  As we have been celebrating History at the College, this week there is a particular poignancy to this milestone moment in history.  Queen Elizabeth II reigned for 70 extraordinary years of tumultuous and rapid change in the post-World War II years.  This morning the Prime Minister of Australia released a statement from which I quote

"The Queen greeted each and every change with understanding, good grace and an abiding faith in the Australian people's good judgment. This was the deft and diplomatic way she bound the diversity of the modern Commonwealth, nations around the world who will mourn her passing.  Today marks the end of an era, the close of the Second Elizabethan Age.  May she rest in eternal peace."

This weekend we welcome back the College Spring Fair, and we need your help in a variety of ways - separate emails were sent to individual Year groups this morning.  I urge you to read them and contribute over the weekend in any way you can to support the wonderful work of the P&F.  The fete is a major fundraiser for the College, but just as importantly it is a great opportunity to promote the College to the broader community.  Often at enrolment interviews prospective families tell me they came to one of our fetes and they just loved the community feel.  As a result, they had put in an application for enrolment.

I want to also in the newsletter, clarify the changes to COVID isolation rules.  After today, a person who tests positive to COVID is required to complete a mandatory five (5) day isolation period.  On Day 6, a person can resume school, work or community engagement if

• they are symptom free
• test negative on a RAT on Day 6 and 7
• wear a mask on Day 6 and 7.

Today we also recognised the end of 'era' of the 2022 Student Leadership Team.  The following weeks will provide opportunities to celebrate the achievements of the team led so well by Elyssa Chaaya and Reeves Hancock.  Today, however, we welcomed with joy our new team who are named further into this newsletter.  It was a truly historic day to assume new leadership roles!

Yours in hope

Anne Fry
Principal

Last week I wrote of the possibilities for students and families as we greet the season of spring.  This week I choose to focus on the critical partnerships amongst educators, parents/carers and students in offering opportunity for learning and growth.

We were privileged this week to listen to the inspiring wisdom shared by our Class of 2017 Alumni who returned to share their stories over the past five years with our graduating Class of 2022.  This has indeed been a highlight of my week.  We had fifteen Alumni from an absolute diverse range of tertiary study, fields of work and places of living who, in true Vinnies spirit, gave generously of their time to engage in conversation that offered perspective and hope for our soon to be Alumni.  Their experiences illustrated that life continues to be one of navigating choices, discerning directions, trusting in one’s strengths and have a real Vinnies preparedness to give new things a go.  Their fields of work included the creative arts, communications, environment science, law, aeronautical engineering, nursing, counselling, economics, business analytics, marketing and public relations.  The word that resonated most was ‘community’ - the experience of feeling known and supported at school had given so many the confidence to keep on connecting with new communities beyond school.  They also spoke of the way in which the values of hope and justice had translated into the emerging career choices.  I thank these Alumni sincerely and say so with a heart full of pride that they continue to feel that connection to the College that they felt compelled to come back and give back. Our Year 12 cohort were immensely grateful.  We now know they too will be returning in five years from now to inspire the Class of 2027!  

And today brought another highlight as we had the pleasure of announcing our newly appointed 2022 - 2023 Year 12 Student Leadership Team.  I firstly acknowledge the immense capability and generosity of the Class of 2023 - many Year 11 students put themselves forward for leadership which is a public expression of their commitment to nurturing this community.  Their strengths remain a valued gift amongst this cohort.  I express my congratulations to the newly appointed Student Leadership Team for 2022 - 2023, and I do so with great confidence in the Class of 2023 as a united year group, ready to nurture and lead this community as we move with hope to a year of justice, enabling good relationships with each other and with our world. We look forward to the energy, positivity and creativity this fine group of leaders will offer as they commence their leadership as educators and friends, leading among their student peers.

Education extends to you as the primary educators of your children. As educators we partner with you in instilling valuable life skills that support adolescents in navigating their life as a growing teen. At school we have a particular privilege of engaging with students in social dynamics with peers and through our experience, research and partnerships with professionals in adolescent psychology and development, are well positioned to support parents and carers in your wonderful responsibility of parenting. Deputy Principals from schools in the Eastern Suburbs meet each term as we believe there is enormous value and underutilised potential in schools collaborating, sharing ideas and resources to support our community. Our key focus is working together to raise awareness and provide parents with strategies to help them manage teenage behaviour. We believe that it is essential for parents to see that our schools stand united, with shared values on social issues.

We held a successful Parent Education evening in 2019, and are now ready to do so again.  Our combined schools, Eastern Suburbs School Leaders for Youth, have organised an event for parents (see attached flyer), which Waverley College is hosting on Thursday, 13 October. One of our speakers is Yasmin London, an ex-World Champion athlete, Police Officer and now Director of ySafe, Australia’s largest provider of online safety education, empowering over 1 million young Australians and their communities to take control of their digital journey. You will also hear from us - the educators from the various schools – speaking of the ways that schools and parents/carers can support each other in support of your children. Please save the date. Tickets will go on sale soon, with proceeds going to Headspace. (See flyer in this Bulletin)

I look forward to seeing many of you in the sunshine of Sunday at the College Fair. 

Year 12 Student Leadership Team 2022 - 2023

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal

Dr Martin Luther King, the American civil rights leader expressed the measure of a person, not in moments of comfort and ease but rather where they stood in times of challenge. By this measure Dr King was a courageous leader who persisted with the cause of equal rights for all people, regardless of race, with great resilience in the face of huge adversary. Indeed it is in the challenging times that often one’s true self is discovered. Learning seldom takes place without some form of challenge or adversity as the context from which we grow and develop.

This has been a common theme in our year of hope and one that students and staff are now quite familiar with, particularly in the context of the concept of the ‘Learning Pit’ by James Nottingham. A representation of this analogy for authentic learning is placed in every learning space in the College and encourages students to realise that challenge and struggle are part of genuine learning. To this end students not only anticipate times of challenge in their learning journey but understand that it is an essential element of learning and are encouraged to persist with their learning when the going gets tough, confident they have both resources and the support of their teachers to assist them.

Learning in schools is measured, recorded and communicated by a number of methods and forms. This week all Year 7 and 9 students had their NAPLAN results from the testing conducted in May this year posted home. NAPLAN testing is a Australia wide test designed to cover skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. The tests are conducted by ACARA, (Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority), which is a Federal Government agency charged with measuring the standard of Australian education in what are considered the skills needed to progress through school and in turn needed for life after school. All parents are encouraged to read the accompanying information included form ACARA that explains the results, when they receive them in the mail.

The Class of 2022 are currently completing their studies and revising in preparation for their final part of their secondary education - the Higher School Certificate. As I have communicated to them throughout the year this is an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge.  At the conclusion of the term students will receive their final Academic Report from the College and this will mark the move from assessments based at and set by the College to the external HSC exams set  and reported on by NESA. It is worthy to note that  school-based assessments and HSC marks are recorded in whole numbers, with rounding off to eliminate decimal places to be compliant with NESA guidelines. Internal awards at the College for academic excellence, such as Subject Prizes and Subject Awards, are often very close and therefore needed to be calculated using two decimal places to ensure accuracy. This explains why at times, when results are very close and only separated by fractions of marks, two students can appear to have the same mark as a whole number on their College Report, but a different rank.

This week Year 11 returned to class after completing their Final Assessment Block and are to be commended for the respectful and orderly way that they approached these exams. In the coming weeks students will receive their results and accompanying feedback and I encourage all students to view such feedback as a valuable resource on which to reflect. Such information is an insight into what is required in each course anda barometer of where they currently are in their learning journey. This requires looking past the immediate emotions of the highs and lows that inevitably are associated with such a process for students in every year. 

Mr Bob Anderson
Director of Teaching and Learning and Education Administration

On Monday, the Ancient History class was given the opportunity to attend a lecture by Dr Estelle Lazer, esteemed archaeologist at The Scot’s College.  Since 2013, Dr Lazer has been leading the Pompeii Cast Project, which studies the famous Pompeiian human remains in a non-invasive, non-destructive manner. Using CT scans, the team is able to discover accurate information about the victim’s age, gender, social standing, activity in death, profession and health. The advanced technology of the CT scans allows for clear, detailed imaging of the bodies which penetrates the thick plaster of Paris more easily than X-rays. This allows historians to piece together with more certainty the life and death of the victims; symbols of a romanticised tragic history that have gathered worldwide attention and fascination with the macabre since the city’s original identification in 1763.

Not only is this project a study of the ancient world, but also of modern archaeology practices.  Before the Pompeii Cast Project, nothing was known about how the clay casts were formed, past the fact that two holes were made above the hollows made by human remains - one to pour the plaster into, one to let air out.  With the CT scans, Dr Lazer was able to discover that many of the casts had in fact been fabricated by past archaeologists superimposing the victim’s narratives onto their remains.  Dr Lazer talked us through how many of the bodies’ limbs have been made out of metal to make more dramatic, emotive poses, whole animal heads have been reconstructed out of clay and in the most extreme case, a dog was found to be 100% fabricated, containing no real bones.  This demonstrates an archaeologist's power to change the narrative of the past, altering the truth in order to gain greater tourist attention through a more certain and dramatic portrayal of the victim’s last moments. 

 

It was also interesting to learn of Dr Lazer’s opinion on the ethical implications of studying human remains - a topic we had studied in Year 11.  She believes that in finding the truth behind the victims' stories she is restoring their humanity, and therefore, the non-invasive research is an ethical practice. It was so amazing to hear about work currently happening in Pompeii from a leading archaeologist who has been working at the site for nearly 40 years, and has made many of the discoveries which we have learnt about in class.  Our class was extremely grateful to Dr Estelle Lazer for giving the talk, Scots for inviting us to attend and Ms Geracitano for accompanying us.

 

Lilas-Mae Njoo, Year 12 Ancient History

 

 

Ms Maria Geracitano
HSIE History Teacher

Year 11 Excursion to Shape 2021

It is such wonderful news that Tess was awarded and recognised for her outstanding creative and innovative efforts.  She is currently following a design pathway in landscape architecture at the University of Technology, Sydney.

Mrs Kaliopi Aldridge
2021 Year 12 Design and Technology Teacher

Students in Year 9 Food Technology were presented with a cooking challenge:  To recreate the traditional Aussie pie into a pie inspired by an Australian migrant culture.  The savoury pie was to form the basis of an innovative dish inspired by the foods/flavourings/cooking methods of the culture that they researched in class.

Our students worked conscientiously through the application of outstanding culinary skills in pastry baking and cooking meat-based fillings to produce creative pies inspired by the cuisines of either Morocco, Thailand, Malaysia, Italy, France, Vietnam, India, Mexico, Russia and China.

Mrs Kaliopi Aldridge
Year 9 Food Technology Teacher

UAC Digital

Music Students:  For the Sound of Music

Wednesday 21 September at 6.00pm.  Register today to hear from current music students. Current students from a range of universities share their experiences of student life.  Topics covered include:  How they decided on the course they are studying and what their courses are like.  Use the link found here to register.

University of Sydney

Changes to Education Degree Entry Requirements:  Band 5 Requirements removed for Secondary Teaching.

Following a recent NESA review, USYD no longer requires students to obtain a Band 5 in three HSC subjects to enter into secondary teaching.

Internationally Educated

Online ACT Practice Test

Saturday 17 September at 9.00am.  For students in Years 9-11.  Registration is essential and further details can be found here

The practice exam includes a personal score report and score review session with a test prep expert. For more information use the link found here

Australian Institute of Music

Song-Writing Holiday Workshop

Created for students in Years 9-12, AIM’s high school music workshops provide opportunities to explore song-writing, mentored by AIM’s musicians and educators.  This two-day workshop is for students curious about writing songs and performing, and is an opportunity to work with accomplished songwriters.  To find out more use the link found here.

Performance Holiday Workshop

This two-day school holiday workshop is designed for high school students interested in music performance.  Created for students in Years 9-12, the workshop provides participants with the opportunity to experience playing and performing music, mentored by AIM’s musicians and educators.  Participants will work-shop communication in an ensemble, chart reading, rhythm, pitch, dynamic, improvisation, stylistic interpretation and performance.  To find out more use the link found here.

Young Endeavour Youth Scheme

Since 1988, more than 14,000 young Australians aged 16-23 have joined national training ship YOUNG ENDEAVOUR on a life-changing voyage.  The immersive nature of the program encourages participants to develop interpersonal, leadership and teamwork skills.  24 youths from across Australia and all walks of life make up the youth crew.  The program is delivered by the Royal Australian Navy staff crew, who ensure the highest standards of safety are maintained.  Voyage fees and conditions will apply to successful applicants.  A limited number of financially assisted berths are available for eligible youth. Find out more here or call 1800 020 444, or email:  mail@youngendeavour.gov.au . 

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

Congratulations to Year 12 Music students on finishing their HSC Practical examinations this Monday!

A big thank you and congratulations to Mr Jim McCrudden, one of our new Music teachers this year, has seamlessly guided and supported our Year 12 Music students through their final year of study.  Mr McCrudden is a very successful, senior Music teacher with many years of experience and is an accomplished musician and performer himself.  He has tirelessly worked to find accompaniments and arrangements that highlight the talents and skills of this cohort.  I have had the pleasure of hearing many of these students rehearsing and have on occasion had to go and check it was a student performing, and not a professional recording!  Congratulations Year 12 Music on having completed the major part of your external examinations for HSC Music.

It is an exciting term for Music students at the College with exams, Spring Fair and Music Showcase.

When you read this you will hopefully be preparing to come into the College to celebrate the Spring Fair this Sunday!  Many students will be diligently rehearsing ready for this fun, friendly and exciting performance opportunity.

A further reminder to hurry and reserve your free ticket to Music Showcase 2022, which is on this Wednesday 14 September at 6.00pm in the College Hall.

This will be a night not to be missed.  The event is proudly supported by the College and therefore is free, but please reserve a ticket online by clicking on the link so we can ensure everyone has a seat!  Mask will be advised but not mandatory in line with our careful Covid approaches.  We will not be serving refreshments so rug up and bring your own water and snacks for a fun filled musical event in our College Hall.  Mr McCrudden and Mr Samyia are working very hard to ensure a broad and diverse representation of Music at the College is showcased for all to hear and see.  I look forward to seeing as many of you as can safely fit in the Hall to welcome back and support the return of this beloved College event.

Ms Catherine Johnson
Head of Performing Arts

Music Showcase - Wednesday14 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

Congratulations to all teams who have qualified for the semi finals this Saturday.  We have 17 out of our 20 netball teams, 3 out of 3 basketball teams and 3 out of 5 soccer teams playing for grand final spots this weekend. 

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 THE SEMI FINALS THIS WEEKEND!  GO VINNIES'!

FITNESS TRAINING

Fitness training has now concluded for the year.  Tash will start back again for extra fitness lessons in Terms 1-3 next year.  We thank Tash for her excellent coaching and fun humour this year.

TERM 4 2022 and TERM 1 2023 SPORT

Registrations for summer sport for Term 4 and Term 1 are now closed.  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/Junior 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 10 and 11:  Saturday 17 September  1.45pm-3.00pm.

Junior Trials for those in Years 7, 8, 9:  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.   If you cannot make it because of a conflicting event, we will still place you in a team and you may be moved next term.

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 Matilda Demetriou, Year 10, who was recently awarded her National C Badge for umpiring in netball from Netball NSW.  In addition, this year was her first year as a coach of her own team. She took on an U9s Cronulla Sharks Netball team with much enthusiasm and with great success. It’s always great for them to have success when playing but even better when they are giving back. Especially as a role model to U9s. Well done Matilda and thank you for helping out with some umpiring for our Vinnie’s teams this week as well!

Below:  Matilda umpiring

Below:   Junior netball with Matilda

Congratulations to Basketball Team 1 on an excellent season so far. They are currently sitting second on the ladder but are still favoured to take out the S01 title!  Go Vinnies'!

Below:   Basketball Firsts with coach Jackson Rath

Congratulations toMadi Gosbell (Year 11), Mahli Corban (Year 11), Zali Deep (Year 10), who won u16 Div 2 AFL Grand Final last weekend.   

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-ordinator of Sport

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 12-16 September:    HERE

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

https://socheritagecentre.org.au/historyweek