Bulletin

Moderna vaccines for people 12 years and over are now available through local pharmacies.  We have been advised that Blakes Pharmacy in Potts Point has significant supplies and availability.

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Greetings Students, ands Parents/Carers of Year 7

Dear Parents and Carers

This has been an emotional week as we celebrated with the Graduating Class of 2021 and welcomed in the Student Leaders of the Class of 2022.  The “beginnings and endings” in our lives are always times of mixed emotions and this year these emotions were intensified by the very unusual context created by COVID.

The Graduating Class of 2021 were farewelled by their Tutor and Houses on Wednesday and then enjoyed some frivolity together on Thursday before the informal farewell from the College.  Their theme was Childhood, and they and our staff shared images of their childhood faces.  Some were instantly recognisable and others provided quite a puzzle to guess their identity.  There was much reminiscing, laughing and some tears as this cohort of beautiful young women made the transition from student, to HSC candidate.  Our program for them in Term 4 will be invitational and will recognise their new status as “emeritus”.  Whatever their status, they will forever be our “Vinnies’ Girls” and we look forward to their return in late October.

At this Assembly our Student Leadership Team said farewell and expressed their appreciation to their peers and staff who have supported and encouraged them along their journey.  Our 2021 Co-Captains Lily and Holly, spoke with generous spirits and open minds when they addressed their Sister Graduates.  We will hear from them again as our Valete season is now quite stretched out to meet the Public Health advice.  Each time we hear from these two outstanding leaders, it is always worth listening!  We rang a bell (which will be engraved “Class of 2021:  In adversity the rarest and most beautiful flowers bloom" (Mulan) to proclaim their virtual graduation.  I sense we will hear it ring many more times before their final ceremony concludes.

We also joyfully welcomed in our new Student Leadership Team for 2021/2022.  I am delighted to acknowledge our new team who will lead us with HOPE (our core value for 2022). 

This remarkable Foxford term is now finished and I want to thank you for our trust.  I know there are some who have not always agreed with my decisions but I really appreciated your willingness to stay the course, stay in conversation and stay cognisant that everyone was doing their best in circumstances that have really pushed us to unfamiliar places.  The staff and students are now ready for a relaxing holiday after the intensity of screen-based teaching and learning.  Even our Year 12’s I believe would be well advised to rest now as they no longer have to sprint to the finishing line!

I hope that you each stay safe and well over the holidays.  As is our end of term tradition, the fee raffle was drawn yesterday by Mrs Colleen O’Shanassy and the winning family is Mr G and Mrs S MacKenzie.  Congratulations to Niamh and family.  A big thank you to all who support the fee raffle each year.

Blessings,

Yours sincerely

Anne Fry
Principal 

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

Siena Flick (Year 7) - Beloved Grandmother.

Isabella Sergeant (Year 8) - Beloved Grandfather. 

May they rest in peace.

It has been a special week - a changing of the guard as our Year 12 students hand over the reins to Year 11.  I express my congratulations to the newly appointed Student Leadership Team for 2021-2022, and I do so with great confidence in the Class of 2022 to nurture and lead this community as we return to each other’s company full of hope and renewal to make the most of what schooling and community means for us.  We have been in the best of hands this year.  The Class of 2021 exudes positivity.  They deeply care for others and have demonstrated a maturity in managing their own challenges by leaning on each other and trusting in the supports around them.  They have not allowed themselves to wallow in a mindset of missing out, but rather sought ways to create, innovate and excite to keep themselves and our community buoyant and experiencing joy.  They are a gift to be long cherished by this community.  I commend the particular leadership of the 2021 Year 12 Leadership Team.  I have had the privilege of working closely with this group of students and cannot speak more highly of their generosity and goodwill.

The Year 12 Farewell rituals of Term 3 are those that express the affection between peers within Tutor and House groups, and with staff who have had the privilege of coming to know them well.  The more formal ceremonies of graduation await.  We have remembered and celebrated the particular relationships nurtured by the morning Tutor greetings, the stories of weekends, the mannerisms of teachers and antics of class dynamics, the laughs on the playgrounds and memories of camps and retreats - we hope that such memories will be long treasured.  The House and Tutor gatherings on Wednesday were intimate and sincere in their expression of each Year 12 student’s gifts.  Thursday’s Year 12 gathering then saw our Year 12s pop up on camera dressed in their childhood best to play a game of Kahoots full of memories and nonsense.  This was followed by a fitting tribute as Year 12 took a virtual bow whilst thanking their community of students and staff.  I invite our 2021 College Co-captains Holly Beamond and Lily Deerfield to take centre stage as I share here parts of their Co-Captains’ Address from this Year 12 Farewell Assembly. 

I wish all families the most wonderful holiday break - we all deserve it.  The experiences we have shared this term will be part of a chapter we will hold together, and from which we will grow together. 

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal

How fitting it is that the last day of term, a term where everything about teaching, learning, working and living has been far from the familiar, is a day with a cobalt blue sky, a gentle breeze and a radiant sun.  As English teachers we love to draw conclusions about this sort of imagery.  We love a bit of pathetic fallacy!  For me the day is as it should be - a beautiful day to send our Foxford learning community - our amazingly resilient students and teachers off from the agile learning interface and into a prolonged screen-reduced break.  I hope that today’s stunning spring weather foreshadows more sunny days ahead for all of our learners to take time to acknowledge their hard work and surrender to the rest and recuperation that they so very need right now.  Today, I hope the Class of 2021 is resting well.  I hope they enjoyed their final day yesterday which recognised thirteen years of their formal schooling coming to a close.  Their strength, resilience and tenacity to give of their best and partake in their learning wholeheartedly and with good-humour impressed all of us. These unique HSC students will undoubtedly be remembered in the history annals and they will certainly be remembered by all at the College, as nothing short of remarkable.  They have been buffeted and challenged yet they remain buoyant and hopeful.  My hope for this class is that their final College Reports, uploaded next week, their HSC exams commencing in November, their ATAR and post-school destination offers, confirm what we all know about them - that they are indeed courageous women of action deserving of our fullest respect and admiration.  Well done - God bless and see you soon back on campus.

To the rest of our learning community from Years 7-11 as I reflect on the term that has been - bravo to you all!  You have engaged in your learning with the fullest of commitment, despite the agile pedagogical changes and challenges.  There are a whole lot of buzz words that are now etched into the Vinnies vernacular; ‘see you later', ‘jump on the meet’, ‘off to the breakout room’ and ‘screen share please!’  I have been constantly buoyed by the willingness of all in our learning community to adapt to the new normal.  To our teachers, Heads of Department and Diverse Learning team, thank you for your relentless professionalism and commitment in collaborating to find a new way forward this year in online assessing, learning and reporting.  We have achieved much and I am so pleased that we could provide the continuity in our learning programs.  To our dedicated students, please know that all of your efforts this term have not gone unnoticed.  We are all incredibly proud that you have done your best to perform to your potential.  You should all take the time to pat yourselves on the back for sticking to your own homework and revision schedules, whilst balancing your essential self-care that was more important this last term than ever before.  To our new Senior Leaders of the College for 2021/2022 - congratulations!  I remember commencing at the College with you in 2017 when you were in Year 7 and it is hard for me to believe just how grown up you are now.  I feel old!  I know that you will all be inspiring role models to our remaining cohorts.  Finally, I have enjoyed meeting with the Class of 2022 this week to offer them some subject counselling as they discern any adjustments to their HSC patterns of study for their final HSC year.  When I put them to ‘the test’ to articulate to me the ‘why’ in terms of what they are looking to alter, pick up or refine in their HSC academic program, they are exercising good judgement and discerning the bigger picture beyond the school gates.  A reminder to the parents/carers of this HSC class, that we will hold our HSC Information Evening on Tuesday, 5 October online, commencing at 4.00pm.

Stay well all, enjoy reconnecting with your families and the wonders of spring until we return to the final term of the academic year. 

Mrs Jasmin Mano
Director of Teaching and Learning

The virtual halls are buzzing with excitement.  Lucia Holt and Charlotte Patchett and I have had our last meeting for Charism and Social Justice.  We had a look back at the year and decided that we have achieved a great deal since this time last year.  We’ve tried new strategies, organised new activities and found ways to do old things differently.  Our Charism and Social Justice leaders for 2021-2022, Olivia Mitchell and Ella Wise are on board and are ready to go with planning and plotting for next term.  It’s a testimony to the great work of Charlotte and Lucia that our new captains feel so empowered, excited and engaged.  They want to build on the great work already done and are looking forward to the return of many opportunities for spiritual growth and social justice that have not been possible of late.  But we have learned much about finding different ways to present and to engage.  This will not be lost.  The girls are keen to extend the team, and take advantage of the great thinkers and doers in their own Year group and in Years below.  It’s a good sign.

The decision was unanimous:  The Friday Afternoon Big Movie will continue next term.  We have chosen the movie - it will focus on the power of passion, the importance of communication, the pain of rejection and isolation and the strength of women in the face of male dominance.  Of course, there’s love and great scenery in the mix, with some Academy Award winning performances.  Last Friday we watched the great Australian film, High Tide.  We decided the analysis of relationships was beautiful.  We considered the nature of motherhood, what it is to love unconditionally and the risk that is inherent in all loving relationships.  Elyssa Chaaya said that if the film had ended in any other way than with a dash of hope and a dose of risk, she would never be able to watch another film.  Sophie Parawa said the decision that Lily makes to invite her daughter into her life is directly connected to the simple action of Ally (the daughter) throwing her arms around her mother as she prepares to leave.  It’s a simple moment, but it is a moment that changes everything.  Memories are reinforced and opportunities become a reality.  There are moments that change everything.  There are words that shift relationships and there are actions that mean poverty or plenty for others.  It’s worth thinking about.  If you haven’t seen High Tide, directed by Gillian Armstrong, with the extraordinary onscreen presence of Judy Davis, Colin Friels and the exquisite Claudia Karvan, put it on your list for the holidays.  

I’ve watched Christians Like Us lately with a couple of classes.  It still makes me nervous knowing what each of the housemates is going to say on screen, and knowing what was said off screen.  And then I get really nervous knowing what I’m about to say and hoping that I don’t ruin the future of Christianity.  This time watching it made me sad.  The fundamentalist housemates are so completely convinced that The Bible is the inerrant word of God, seemingly without any knowledge that the book didn’t arrive as a complete parcel, bound, in English, with footnotes delivered from “Amazon in the Sky”.  It’s sad.  If they - we - could hold fast to the history of the great book; compiled over thousands of years, written by men in the main, trying to make sense of the oral traditions they had heard around the campfire, writing in a different time, with different ways of living influencing them, then things would be clearer.

The canon of The Bible as we know it was not decided until the 5th Century when most Christian groups came to an agreement of what was in what was out.  They’d had a go at it in the century before.  It’s important to remember that they didn’t have a list of preferred reading sent from heaven.  They had to decide what worked and what didn’t.  They chose what suited their time and experience.  The Protestant Reformation of the 16th Century revised the list, and the books that were originally written in Greek rather than Hebrew, were excluded from The Old Testament collection.  They are still in the Catholic version of The Bible.  The Book of Judith is really rather lovely.

It’s hard to beat this gem:

Your strength does not depend on numbers, nor your might on the powerful.

But you are the God of the lowly, helper of the oppressed,

upholder of the weak, protector of the forsaken,

saviour of those without hope.

But, no, it was out.

The Bible is a collection of very human stories, of people trying to work out who God is and how they could best live, in reference to God.  The Old Testament is a celebration of the struggle to survive, keep families together and trying to work out what laws were important and what laws didn’t matter so much.  The New Testament is a recording of how one man changed what humans considered success to be.  He taught that love is the only law that matters, that healing is a better way to peace than judging and that teaching is less about standing on a mountain and more about getting to know the people who want to learn.  He teaches that every life has dignity and that forgiveness is much easier than holding a grudge.  His way was so extreme, so deeply good, that those who followed him experienced him as the best life and relationship they could imagine.  They experienced him as God. 

The New Testament has many authors and they all have an agenda, and they are all writing about events that happened more than 50 years earlier.  When you read it, it feels like they are describing events as they happen, but of course that’s impossible.  No-one was following Jesus around taking notes.  And then there are many examples of descriptions of Jesus saying things that no one is there to hear.  The experience is what’s important.  The communication of the human experience of living and loving, of healing and forgiving is the core of every Gospel story. 

If we can read the scriptures free from the shackles of time and place, and get to the heart of the story, there’s so much for us to learn.

Those who wrote the scriptures had as their mantra, “What’s in this of me?”.

Perhaps when we consider the scriptures our mantra might be, “What’s in this for me?”.

Enough.

It’s time for a holiday.

Stay safe.

Mrs Jo Kenderes
Director of Faith and Mission

Term 3 is the term of assessments and all of the ‘lasts’ for our Year 12's.  Being online with the Foxford program has had its challenges but we have endeavoured to continue being with each other as much as we can.  From our weekly Google Meets to phone calls or text messages, it has been different - but all Boarders and their families should be proud that the term is over and we all got through it.  Boarding is all about building relationships with each other and to be able to continue this online has been amazing.  The last weekend of each Term 3 has traditionally been the ‘Boarders Got Talent’ Show with Year 12's as judges.  I know for a fact that the Year 12's are gutted that they haven’t been given the chance to judge on a show that they have been in for five years.  Don’t worry, we will endeavour to have this in Term 4 when Boarders return!

At the end of Term 3 we traditionally celebrate the graduation of Year 12, and in Boarding we celebrate the long standing relationship that is built in the community.  Dakota (Year 11), has made a wonderful movie with individual heartfelt farewells for each Year 12 and a rendition of ‘We’re All in This Together’ with cameos from every Boarder (and of course, including Alfie).  The video shows how strong the relationships are between Year groups, and that being apart doesn’t mean that we aren’t together.  We look forward to being together next term (God willing) - to be able to farewell them in our Boarding way.

I hope that Boarders and families enjoy the long awaited break from the screens and to those regions that are out of lockdown - enjoy the freedom, we are very jealous!!!

Yours in Boarding

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

Year 11 Ancient History Virtual Tour of Persepolis

For their last topic of Year 11 Ancient History, the students have been studying the ancient eastern archaeological site of Persepolis.  Persepolis is one of the most famous ancient ruins located in modern-day Iran.  The palace was begun by King Darius I in the 6th BC and expanded by members of the Achaemenid  Dynasty before it was destroyed by fire in 330 BC, by Alexander the Great.  After a virtual tour of the site, the girls were asked to write a Tweet.

Ms Maria Geracitano
History Teacher

Year 9’s Frankie Duffy Reflects Upon the Price of Love in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

Over Terms 2 and 3, in Year 9 English we have been studying Shakespeare’s famous play, Romeo and Juliet. Before we began analysing the text, we had an incursion from Bell Shakespeare. They performed Romeo and Juliet and explained what was happening in each scene and the feelings and desires of the different characters.  The incursion gave us a greater understanding of all the smaller plotlines and their relevance to the story.  It also helped us to dissect and comprehend Shakespeare’s way of writing because the actors explained what each line meant as they went along.  

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Romeo and Juliet and what they would do just to be with each other.  This was the main focus of the unit - the price of love in the play.  The very obvious price of romantic love was Romeo and Juliet’s deaths, but as we delved further into the text we discovered the more subtle sacrifices that the characters made in the name of love - for example, Juliet’s relationship with her father, and Romeo and Juliet’s sanity.  This made the play more interesting and the characters more relatable.  Juliet was the character that I was personally most interested in.  At the beginning of the play, she is merely a young, naive girl who does what she is told, but she quickly grows up and finds her voice to stand up to her father, defying all patriarchal expectations of the time.  By the end, Juliet is not a little girl anymore but a woman, willing to sacrifice her own life for her husband, all the while she is only 13 - younger than me. Studying the price of love in Romeo and Juliet has been one of my favourite units in English at St Vincent's so far.  It was a great, classic story with surprisingly relatable characters considering the differences in our eras, which really proves that Shakespeare’s writing is timeless.

YEAR 11 EXTENSION

‘No pain no gain’ - Extension English Discursive

By Ella Wise, Elyssa Chaaya and Bonnie Joseph 

To synthesise our Extension English experience - “No pain no gain.”  We laughed, we cried, we danced, we jamboarded, we brouhahaed, and our parents questioned why the melody of Kate Bush’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ rang out from our rooms at 7:45am.  Despite the fact that our academic capabilities were put to the test, the benefits of taking this course ran much deeper than a four text comparative essay.  In fact, the trials and tribulations of the course all became worth it during Foxford learning, when we were exposed to the more ‘camp’ items of Ms Playoust’s wardrobe.  

Extension English was more than just your average HSC preliminary course.  Friendships were forged in the depths of the IRP and our eyes were opened to the confronting reality and elusive power of the gothic genre.  This course provided the means to extend our knowledge into literary realms previously unimagined.  Like Catherine’s ghost, we transcended time and place; disconnected from the physical world - that being Tarmons 4.58.  During the IRP we travelled to Pagan Scandinavia, experienced the Aesthetic movement and discovered the nuances of the French Revolution.  Our tour guide?  The eight page assessment notification.  Whilst this experience was challenging in all aspects, the sense of satisfaction we felt whilst finally watching our ten minute multimodals was unparalleled.  

In Emily Brontë’s ‘Wuthering Heights’, people with concerningly similar names fell in love with people whom they were concerningly related to.  “What could that possibly teach you?” you may ask, and boy did we ask ourselves this same question.  But you would be surprised at the marvels that can be discovered within literary canons.  And no, we aren’t referencing the questionable acts Heathcliff engaged in with Catherine’s coffin, but rather the way in which core values from this Victorian-era masterpiece manifest themselves within contemporary society.  It really was a breath of fresh air to read and study something other than a dead man’s sob story for three terms.  It is with this in mind, that we approach the world as enlightened individuals who have ascended the physical realm to become literary warriors in an online, Covid-safe forum. 

But the subject would be nothing without the class (and of course the teacher).  The ‘Wuthering Heights’ group chat kept us all sane; serving as a constant reminder that although much of the course is independent, we were still in it together.  As our class moved into the world of Foxford learning (which contributed to the ever-present sense of the gothic), we learnt to adapt and facilitate our shenanigans through jamboards.  Artworks reminiscent of Van Gogh were created and new critical lenses in which we could view the world were provided. So, with that being said, make sure to keep an eye out for a group of people wearing red and sham-bushing to Kate Bush.  We promise we aren’t a cult - just ‘Wuthering Heights’ enthusiasts.  

YEAR 8 ONLINE INCURSION  

On Tuesday 14 September, Year 8 English had the opportunity to participate in a play directed by the Australian Shakespeare Company.  In this incursion we got to see parts of A Midsummer Night’s Dream play performed by professional actors.  This experience was so exciting.  I (along with several other students) played different roles in the play so I got to see behind the scenes, how the play was practised and how it came to life.  From this play, I learnt about how tone can shape a character’s feelings, as well as how costumes and backgrounds shape the scene.  This play overall was an amazing experience and I appreciate being included in it. By Lila Smith  

This term, Year 8 students have been learning about Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  On Tuesday we had the opportunity to have an incursion in which three actors performed this.  Despite having to adapt to performing online, the actors did an amazing job involving the audience and creating a fantastic play.  One of the many things I loved about the incursion was that the actors involved us by letting us answer their questions and express our thoughts.  Not only was it a more hands-on experience, but it also allowed us to listen to each other’s ideas.  Another thing I enjoyed was the way the script we read in class was brought to life.  All the background and costume changes gave us the chance to really see the scenes in action.  Even though there were only two actors sharing and playing the main roles, they still managed to make each character they played so different and engaging. Everything was so well put together and it was an amazing and enjoyable experience that I really loved.  By Lily See

Here are some more reflections/thoughts from other Year 8 students on the online incursion (and see some screenshots included below).

Ms Anita Playoust
Head of Department English

UTS

Information Webinars

Behavioural Economics

On 12 October at 5.30pm to 6.30pm, UTS is hosting a webinar on Behavioural Economics and its application in the real world.  Launched in 2020, the Behavioural Economics program introduces you to this dynamic field bringing together psychology and economics to better describe and predict what people will do.  The webinar will be led by the Program Director, Professor Lionel Page, to register your interest go here.

Financial Planning

On 19 October at 5.30pm to 6.30pm, UTS is hosting a webinar on Financial Planning.  Join UTS’s Financial Planning Course Director Professor Kathy Walsh as she discusses career prospects, and the skills and the qualifications needed to be part of this growing profession.  To register your interest go here

UNSW

Girls in Engineering

High school girls interested in STEM might like to join this fun, inspiring community for high school girls wanting to explore the diverse field of engineering. Membership is FREE and students receive a monthly newsletter packed with content and activities, invitations to events and workshops, and the opportunity to be mentored by current UNSW engineering students.  To join go here

Southern Cross University

Guide to University

SCU’s guide to university for parents and caregivers compiles the most important information about applying to university, information on pathway programs, scholarships and more.  To register your interest and to download a copy go here.

TAFE

Course and Careers Counselling

TAFE NSW offers free counselling about education and careers to future students.

TAFE counsellors can help you to clarify your career goals; find a course that meets your needs; identify obstacles you may be facing and help you to deal with them; and, develop skills to manage your career into the future.  To register your interest go here

Whitehouse Institute

Design Online

On Saturday 18 September, Whitehouse is hosting an online workshop for aspiring designers, and could be a starting point for anyone wishing to develop their illustration skills.  In this two-hour workshop, you will gain an understanding of how to illustrate with marker and paper, experiment with different multimedia materials and learn techniques for presenting your creative ideas.  To register your interest go here

Thoroughbred Industry

Applications for The Explorer Cadetship

Applications for the 2022 intake will open in October 2021.  Interested students can apply through the Apply Now page.  The Explorer Cadetship program is a 12-month stable and stud horsemanship and mentoring program in the thoroughbred industry.  Commencing with a 12-week residential learning component of practical and theoretical training, followed by two paid work experience placements at a leading racing stable and stud farm.  You will be accommodated throughout the year, and for 9 of the 12 months, you will be earning an income while you learn.  Click here to learn more.  For some thoroughbred industry stories, go here and for more details about careers in the industry, use the link provided:  Thoroughbred A to Z Careers

Farewell to the Class of 2021

I would like to sign off by thanking the Class of 2021 for the way they have worked with me this year.  As a group you are most inclusive, committed and resilient.  From the outset you have shown tremendous interest in seeking out the range of opportunities available to you.  I would also like to thank the many parents and carers I have spoken to and thank them for the way they have supported me and their daughters this year.  I wish everyone in the Class of 2021 the very best, and I know most of you will have amazing careers.  Take good care, grasp opportunities when they present themselves and be happy with your choices.

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

Sport Staff Contacts for Term 3 2021:

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

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

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

TERM 3 SPORT

What a great final week Australia had at the Paralympics. It was great to have something so inspiring on the television to keep us all motivated to exercise during lockdown.  

Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, all Term 3 Sport has been cancelled or postponed.  Please be aware that fees paid for Term 3 Sport will be credited to your account.  There is no need to directly contact Mrs Pauline Martin.  

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

TERM 1 (2022) SPORT REGISTRATIONS

We are preparing for Term 1/2022 Sport.  The Term 1 Sport Registrations have been extended until Friday 17 September.  Please go to the Registration section on the front of the Sport page on the College website.  The sports offered for Terms 1/2022 are:  EASTS Touch, IGSA Water Polo, IGSA Tennis, Santa Sabina Volleyball.  Please make sure you would be available and committed to all training sessions and Saturday matches before enrolling.  Registrations will now close at 6.00pm on Friday 17 September.  

Vinnies Premmie Babies Challenge

The next Sport incentive you can get involved in is the 2021 "Premmie Marathon Challenge".  We would like to enter a school team in the virtual marathon (either 42km or 100km), which is running in November.  You don't have to run the distance - if you prefer, you can walk, swim or cycle!  And you can also choose if you do it all in one hit or split the distance over a few shorter efforts within a week or even in multiple efforts over the month.

It's for the charity Running for Premature Babies which was founded by local mother Sophie Smith, who was Australian of the Year in 2019.  All donations will help improve the chance of survival of premature babies by providing special equipment to hospitals.  Everyone who raises or donates $50 will receive a finisher's medal and anyone who raises or donates $200 will receive a free running singlet and hat.  So please contact Ms Jacobs if you would like to join the Vinnies team. 

SPORTS STAR OF THE WEEK 

The Sports Department is also profiling any students who has learnt a new skill or sport during lockdown.  This will be featured in the College Bulletin's Sports Star section each week.  So please email Ms Jacobs if this could be you.  Some girls have taken up running, who have never run before, or have started an online pilates or yoga class.  Maybe you've had some one-on-one coaching sessions in a specific sport or skill such as surfing, karate or tennis? Whatever the case may be, we would love to know how you have kept fit during lockdown and may have a great idea for others to try.

Week 3:  New Sports Star of the Week are our Year 7 and Year Surfers from Elouera 

With so many factors contributing to stress in today’s busy world, whether it’s about school, work or relationships, stress can have some nasty effects on the mind and body.  Constantly feeling overwhelmed or anxious is nobody's cup of tea.  Surfing is a great way to get fit and to relax your mind, if you live near the ocean.  Many of our students at Vinnies are surfers or members of surf lifesaving clubs along the coast.

Surfing can have wonderful effects on the mind as it’s a combination of working out, being outside in the sunshine and having fun.  Doing all this helps your body release cortisol and feel-good endorphins (dopamine or L-theanine) which are linked to improving your mood and even easing pain.  A surfing session will guarantee a zen moment when you feel like the world is caving in on you or you just need a quick escape.  Taking the time to teach yourself a new skill, like surfing, can help boost your confidence by proving to yourself that you can achieve the goals you set.  You will also build some self-love as you experience the amazing things your body can accomplish, whether that’s surfing like a pro or even just standing up on your board as the wave takes you to shore. 

The ocean is massive and there are thousands of surfers out there catching the waves - so meeting new people is a given.  This is a great benefit if you’re not always keen on going surfing on your own.  Now you can call up your new, fellow surfer friends and spend your day in the water, having a blast!  If you’re too shy or feel the ice is impossible to break and you’re a newbie, you are bound to either drop in on someone’s wave or crash into them, which will guarantee to spark a conversation.

​​Year 7 students, Emily Demetriou, Sybella Daly and Matisse Emery, have been honing their surfing skills at Elouera in Cronulla.  They have become known as the ‘Elouera Wahines’!  Emily, Sybella and Matisse plus a friend from Primary School (first photo) get up at sunrise most days to surf, something they normally can’t do as they are on the train each morning to school.  Fabulous for body and mind!

They are joined some mornings by a few of our Year 8 students - Ava Hogan, Zahli Daly, Saskia Emery and Asher Thompson (some are in the second photo) who are also part of the Elouera morning crew!  It’s great to think these girls are all on the path to becoming volunteer lifeguards as part of Elouera SLSC. They just hope that the nippers season recommences before the year is out, as they are all missing it so much.

This section is to make the College community aware of some of the exceptional athletes we have in the College.  If your daughter has represented her state or country recently in her chosen Sport, please send us any results, photos or blurbs on her performance to jacobsj@stvincents.nsw.edu.au 

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-ordinator of Sport

We understand that COVID-19 and lockdowns have impacted many businesses and livelihoods across our community.  Now more than ever, it is important to rally behind and support the businesses owned by members of the College’s families and alumnae.

We encourage all members of our St Vincent's community to support these businesses by heading to our business directory on our website   www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/our-community/business-directory/

The Directory is made available as a service to the College community and publication in the Directory is not to be interpreted as an endorsement of any business by the College.

Ms Renee Payne
Community and Alumnae Relations Manager

The College has teamed up with the National Fathering Project and the P&F Association to relaunch our Fathering Project.  The Fathering Project in schools is about supporting fathers and staff to build our community of positively engaged families - for the benefit of the kids. 

St Vincent's College would like to invite all fathers and significant father figures to be a part of the Fathering Project.  For further information or to register your interest, go to our website www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/fathering-project/

Ms Renee Payne
Community and Alumnae Relations Manager