Issue 29 - 15 October 2021


Mr Ken Devlin preparing rooms for our students' return

 

 

 


Reminders and Events

SCREEN FREE DAY:

WEEK 3 - 21 OCTOBER 

Supervision on site will be provided on days other than specified above for students who have no other way of accessing their online learning.

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Return to School dates:

18 October:  HSC (Class of 2021)

25 October:  HSC (Class of 2022)

01 November:  Years 7 to 10 students.

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From the Principal, Mrs Anne Fry

Dear Parents and Carers

I hope you are well and have been able to enjoy some small semblance of normalcy now the restrictions have been partially lifted.

The return of our HSC students next week is one that we are all looking forward to and I am sure they will benefit from returning to our College campus, which has been the backlot to many adventures they have shared together since they commenced at St Vincent’s in 2016.  They will have the opportunity to sit practice exams, work with their teachers and enjoy some nostalgic moments.

This weekend the Festival of Speech will be hosted online by the Independent Girls' Schools.  We have students entered into many categories such as Poetry Reading, Drama, Current Affairs, Religion and Philosophy, Prepared and Impromptu Speech.  Oratory, Persuasion and Reason are all such vital life skills and increasingly so as we come to understand how absent the voice of women is still around the tables of power.  The Festival of Speech occurs in the week of the “girl child” which is commemorated around the world.  This celebrates the importance, power and potential of girls around the world, and focuses attention on the particular problems they can face.  The voice of the “girl child” needs more than ever to be listened to and I am therefore especially pleased to know that Vinnies’ girls are speaking this weekend on issues of great importance.  Thank you to Mr Hekeik, Mrs Peoples, Ms Quigley, Mrs Clancy, Mrs Ginsburg, Ms Rune, Ms Hamilton, Mr George and Ms Choi who have assisted our orators.

Student Voice was front and centre of our first College Assembly of the term.  Our new Co-Captains, Reeves and Elyssa, set a wonderful tone in their address and it is clear that the new leadership team will lead strongly into the year of HOPE in 2022.  At this Assembly we also announced many of the new House, social justice, SRC and co-curricular leadership roles.  It was an Assembly that celebrated the importance, power and potential of Vinnies’ girls.

I have had several questions from families this week about vaccination for their daughters.  I just wanted to clarify that while vaccinations are highly recommended and available, they are not mandated under the PHO.  The students will not be segregated from each other and they will be given equal access to facilities and programs.  Individual families will need to make an informed decision about social arrangements outside of College hours.  While this issue has the capacity to be divisive, I am sure our community will manage all these complex issues with generosity of spirit.

It has been wonderful to see some staff back this week and they have worked very hard to make sure the College is ready for the staggered return of the students.  There has been much to do to ensure the College is as COVID ready as we can practically achieve in our indoor and outdoor spaces.  Mr Ken Devlin has been behind his trusty trolley most of the week! (please see Photo of the Week)

Yours sincerely

Anne Fry
Principal

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In Sympathy

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

Ms Cath Davis (Staff) - Beloved Great-Aunt.

Ms Sophia De Prendegast (Staff) - Beloved Grandfather.

May they rest in peace.


From the Deputy Principal

At the beginning of the week we celebrated International Day of the Girl.  Our new College Co-Captains, Elyssa Chaaya and Reeves Hancock, shared at Assembly that this day aims to recognise and address the needs and challenges girls face across the globe, while promoting girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.  I include their inspiration here - “All girls, from a young age, have the right to a safe, educated and healthy life, and when given the opportunity, girls have the potential to change the world - as future workers, entrepreneurs, mothers, mentors, politicians and leaders. So, it is when we appreciate the power of all girls, we are promised a more prosperous and equitable future”.

Today I tuned into the annual #GirlHero Awards facilitated by Girl Up, a global movement to advance girls’ skills, rights and opportunities to be leaders.  I was intrigued by the articulate young women sharing their stories of advocacy against gender-based violence and climate change.  This summit brings young voices from across the world together representing a great diversity of experience which they draw upon to generate awareness and change.  Today I heard these young women state that it is not their single voice or action that inspires and motivates but it is knowing that their interactions and dialogue with others that generates movement towards change in many small and everyday ways.  The message was indeed one of hope and a reminder of what we are educating our St Vincent’s College young women for, as they discover their own particular and collective attitudes, voices and choices to contribute to the world they wish to see.

Placing these alongside each other, what I am most looking forward to next week is seeing the Class of 2021 back at school - hopefully with smiles of reconnection as well as sharing the fruits of their study preparation.  It is the opportunity for collaboration - extending, testing and clarifying thinking - within supportive relationships that helps us to feel affirmed and confident in their preparation for the HSC examinations.  Wednesday will offer students opportunities to engage strategies to boost their study skills as well as self-care for their own wellbeing.  I hope the weeks to follow will provide renewed friendships and much hope and confidence for the weeks to follow.

Last week I shared some thoughts about the need for our adolescents to reflect upon and articulate how they are feeling about the transition back to school and face to face as it is natural to feel both anticipation and some apprehension.  I read an article from Western Sydney University with some useful resources for parents which I include here.  The article particularly focuses on the need to promote independence and self-care for adolescents, who possibly have been sheltered and protected more than is usual during our Covid lockdowns.  It is in everyday tasks that our children can be encouraged to be independent and achieve a sense of accomplishment.  Do begin the conversations about what they are going to have to take responsibility for regrading safe social distancing, remembering masks, transport, lunch, school equipment, uniform and the list goes on.  Balanced and healthy routines of sleep, eating, exercise, schoolwork and socialising are essential to a healthy and positive return. 

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal


From the Director of Teaching and Learning

I have been reflecting on this last, almost surreal week, which began with the much anticipated ‘Freedom Day’ on Monday, 11 October.  After such a protracted lockdown in NSW and indeed for us as a learning community, the harsh realities of the pandemic’s effects are still being profoundly felt.  However, change is inevitable - as the Greek philosopher Heraclitus said:  ‘Change is the only constant in life.’  Watching people sitting in my local cafes, walking around outside without masks and even my own, more regular return to my school office, has felt strange.  The best way I can personally describe it is by drawing an analogy to my childhood visits to the cinema.  I remember as a young teen going into ‘town’ with my friends to catch the latest 80’s flick - those who share a similar birthdate to me know the drill...‘Star Wars’, ‘Superman’, ‘Fame’, ‘Footloose’, ‘Terms of Endearment’ etc… We were an eclectic group of kids with obviously a profound tolerance for a variety of film genres.  Often a matinee, I remember that weird feeling well, when we would emerge to the daylight on George Street after a few hours in the dark.  Everything would look just that little bit different.  As if time had stood still for a few hours. This is the parallel I draw to the emerging from lockdown and the imminent and joyful return of our Foxford learners to face to face, with whom they are in relationship.  I can’t wait!  Starting with seeing the return of our ‘HSC Warriors’ - the Class of 2021 on Monday, as they continue their Invitational HSC program on campus.  Their stoicism and tenacity to keep the focus, continues to inspire and captivate all of us.  We are hope-filled that all of their hard work and resilience will pay off not just in their HSC successes, but for many years to come.

As an Academic Team, we are preparing for the continuation of our teaching and learning programs for Term 4, as well as the completion of student assessment schedules, ‘undisturbed’.  However, like everything this year, we are taking a very sensible approach to the planning of assessments and the need to be agile where necessary.  Please know that the Heads of Department and I have solid contingency plans, to ‘port’ assessment agilely, if a student is unwell or does not feel comfortable with attending school.  A bit like the Girl Guides - we are being ‘prepared!’.  Assessment as an ‘episode of learning’ is an important snapshot of a student’s capabilities and more than ever, these essential deep learning capabilities of critical thinking, character, citizenship, collaboration, creativity and communication  are being practiced authentically in our SVC curriculum, as we future proof our students to successfully navigate their socio-emotional intelligences to tackle the challenges of real life, head on.  In continued partnership with you, we value your feedback, as we transition back to campus.  Please continue to contact your daughter’s Tutor teacher, Classroom teacher, Head of House and of course myself, if your daughter is having any challenge with engagement or with meeting the requirements of her learning this term.  If you feel that your daughter is experiencing profound challenges in her learning, please contact Ms Alanna Rose in the first instance - Head of Learning Support.  We are all here to assist your daughter navigate her way back to the ‘new normal’ of the school routine.

I wish us all calm weather for our first official NSW weekend out of lockdown.  I hope that you all embrace the ‘new light’ and hope of springtime in our beautiful harbour city. 

Mrs Jasmin Mano
Director of Teaching and Learning

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From the Director of Faith and Mission

The excitement has begun.  Our new Charism Captain, Olivia Mitchell, has started her work in bringing our prayer to life, helping us learn a bit more about Ignatian spirituality, while we place before our God our dreams and concerns regarding the term ahead.  Our Social Justice Captain, Ella Wise, and the justice team are set to get justice action in motion with promotional videos, info-mercials and posts for our Instagram page, keeping us informed about the Eradication of Poverty and the Day of the Girl Child.  Ella is a wiz at keeping the message simple and getting us enthusiastic about being involved.

This year we will again be putting together Christmas Hampers for Family Spirit.  All students across the College are involved in getting items together for the hamper and Year 8 have done research and created presentations for the rest of us, to help us understand the need for such support of the poor and marginalised.  Your daughter may need some help in remembering to bring in her designated item for the hamper.  Do help if you can.

Students in Years 7, 9, 10 and 11 will be contributing to the hamper by buying the following items:

Year 7 - Chocolate, lollies, Christmas festivities - quality is important.

Year 9 - Homewares, candles, jewellery, beach towel (influenced by wish list).

Year 10 - Toiletries, make-up, perfume/cologne, pamper items.

Year 11 - Gift card contribution - for stores of choice - can be split over two cards. 

 

But wait, there’s more.  Vinnies@SVC are also putting hampers together for Christmas.  They are organising food hampers for families to give them a wholesome, festive Christmas lunch.  Lilas-Mae Njoo, our Vinnies@SVC advocate, has invited students and families to get involved by signing up for items or a whole hamper.  Do sign up for something via the link HERE if you can.

The Friday Afternoon Big Movie made a return with a bang.  Last Friday we watched the first half of The Colour Purple, with a passionate conversation taking us way beyond the usual two hours of contemplation and political and social argument.  Today we will watch the rest, and I'm sure our hearts will be broken yet again for Miss Celie, and we will experience the healing and forgiveness that love and dignity brings.  If you haven't seen the Colour Purple, do yourself a favour.  Yes, that's the film that catapulted Whoopie Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey into stardom.  Some would say they peaked early.  We have talked about the extraordinary limitations placed on women at the time the film is set - the racism, sexism and abuse that appeared to go unchecked and which removed all hope of change.  The women of colour cannot win.  There is seemingly nothing they can do to improve their circumstances.  That is until they work together, in solidarity, protecting each other and using what little power they have to demand something from their male masters.  The interplay between the noticed and the unnoticed is intriguing.  We will see what our young movie buffs make of the second half of the film.

More fun and action awaits us.  I can’t wait.

Mrs Jo Kenderes
Director of Faith and Mission

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Career News

UNSW

UNSW Girls in Engineering Club

The UNSW Girls in Engineering Club is a community for high school girls interested in a career in engineering.  The club provides opportunities to explore the diverse fields of engineering where you can connect and share ideas with fellow high school girls.  You’ll hear from role models such as UNSW engineering students and female engineers who are already making their mark on the world.

By joining the club you will receive:  Exclusive invitations to Girls in Engineering Club events​; monthly inspo delivered to your email, featuring profiles of female engineers, study tips and more and​ opportunities to be mentored by female engineering students plus regular workshops and challenges.  For more information go here

Girls in Engineering - Club Summer Intensive Program Competition

Applications close:  12.00am midnight, 14 November 2021.

For high school girls in Years 10-12 looking for a global engineering experience, enter the GIE Club Summer Intensive Program Competition to win a place in the program worth $500!  UNSW has ten places to award to the best competition entries.  Winners will undertake an international humanitarian engineering program.  More information can be found here.

Bond University

Bond University has new programs in Digital, Entrepreneurial, Health and Legal Transformation.  These programs were launched in 2020 and they combine:

  • A core of transdisciplinary subjects eg Foundations of Enterprise, Global Citizenship and Design:  Process, Methods and Mindsets.
  • Key specialist subjects eg Start-Up Law, The Digital Lawyer, Drivers of Healthcare Change and Designing User Experiences.
  • Work integrated learning via industry/community immersion and global challenges.

Students work collaboratively on diverse projects and create novel solutions to real-world problems - graduating in just two years with a professional portfolio ready to show off to potential employers.  Learn more using the link found here.  Please note that these programs aren’t intended for all students, but rather, students who see themselves as innovators and change-makers.

National Art School (NAS) Open Day

NAS will be holding their Open Day on 13 November from 10.00am to 4.00pm.  The National Art School has a studio-based teaching model that has delivered a rich tradition of artistic practice and generations of world-renowned alumni for the past 100 years.  Open Day attendees can explore the NAS campus, meet NAS faculty and students and get advice about their study options and the application process.  For more details go here

Traineeship Program

Microsoft Australia is very proud of the newly created Microsoft Traineeship Program, which is developing a new, diverse pipeline of exceptional IT talent while also addressing the technical skills shortage in Australia.  For aspiring trainees, this program provides an excellent foot-in-the-door to an exciting and rewarding career in IT.  Visit the link provided here and here for more details. 

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser


From the P&F President - Positions for 2022

NOMINATIONS FOR P&F POSITIONS 2022

As the class of 2021 graduates, we also lose key members of our P&F Executive for various reasons.  In order to ensure a smooth transition and that the work and activities organised by the group continues, we need to look to fill those positions at our November meeting.  While it may seem daunting, the P&F Executive and other parents work together on all activities to lighten the load.  We have two major events each year - the Welcome Back Cocktail Party in February/March and the Spring Fair in September.  Sadly due to COVID we have been unable to hold these in 2021.

Meetings are held once per term and are held via Zoom at this stage.  We are looking to fill the positions of:

President

Vice President

Secretary

The St Vincent's P&F has built a positive working relationship with both the College COR Team and other stakeholder groups, which has allowed a number of improvements benefiting all our daughters.  If you feel like you are interested but would like more information about what is involved, please don't hesitate to contact me anytime on 0400 583 677.

Kind regards

Katherine Aitken
P&F President

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VINNIES VOICES

Vinnies Voices

We are excited to announce the launch of Vinnies Voices, a podcast hosted by Natarsha Belling (Class of 1992) showcasing ten inspirational and courageous Alumnae.  In each episode our Alumnae share with us their secrets to success, life advice and their time at St Vincent's College.

Join Natarsha in this exclusive conversation with our remarkable Alumnae.  Listen to Vinnies Voices on the College's website www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/vinniesvoicesSpotify or apple

Ms Renee Payne
Community and Alumnae Relations Manager

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