Bulletin

REMINDERS AND UPCOMING EVENTS:

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Monday 14 October:  Boarding House opens from 4.00pm.

Tuesday 15 October:  Term 4 classes begin.  Full summer College uniform to be worn.

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Tuesday 15 October:  Oxbridge Information Session for Year 9 Parents/Students
- in the College Hall - 3:30pm-4:30pm

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Tuesday 15 October:  Year 12/2020 - Information evening - 6.00pm-7.30pm.

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Thursday 17 October:  HSC Examinations begin

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 SVC UNIFORM SHOP 

** See the flyer in this issue from the Uniform Shop with updates on
     Sale items and school holiday trading days.

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UNIFORM SHOP

Orders Online  

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

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

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Dear Parents and Carers

We have come to the end of the term and staff and students are looking well and truly ready for a relaxing holiday.  This last week has been our Valete period where we have farewelled our Year 12 students.  We hosted a Graduation Mass, Prize Giving and dinner on Monday evening, and the Year 12 formal on Wednesday evening.  Each event was the result of meticulous planning between staff and students, and I particularly commend Mrs Jane Palin and Ms Cherie Tucker from the Advancement team, and Mr Bob Anderson, Mrs Elizabeth Brooks, Mrs Jasmin Mano, Heads of House and Heads of Department, for their work in ensuring all was ready for the celebrations.

This Wednesday we also inducted all our new student leadership teams for the remainder of 2019/2020.  This was a very special time of acknowledgement of their generosity to serve their peers and work closely with College staff.  In their inaugural address to the College Assembly, Mia Chaaya and Ellen Ebbs gave us plenty of reason to feel optimistic about the year ahead.  I am sure that student voice and engagement will continue to grow.  As we see the mobilisation of young people across our world, it is more important than ever that students while they are still at school practise their own leadership skills and how to choose leaders wisely based not on populism, but on substance.

As the term finishes today, it was disappointing to note the very high absenteeism rate.  In this year when we have been working purposefully to build respect for our learning culture, it was disappointing to note the large number of families who allowed their daughters to stay home today.  Our messaging is "every day is a perfect day to learn something new", and today was no exception.

I am taking three weeks leave at the beginning of Term 4, and the College will be in the exceptionally capable hands of Mrs Brooks.  I will be back on 1 November and look forward to Dance Night on 2 November. 

Yours sincerely 

Mrs Anne Fry
Principal

We have celebrated a week of joy farewelling our Class of 2019 with families, staff and student peers.  This group of young women have certainly implanted themselves in our hearts as they depart with our affection and gratitude for their diverse gifts and unified spirit of commitment to the College community. Whilst we do not know what the future holds for each individual, I am confident that a disposition of hope, balanced with strategies for resilience, will hold each in good stead to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.  A compassionate heart and fiery commitment to advocacy for justice will see our graduates as shapers of a good tomorrow.  Year 12, you go with our love and blessings.  Included in this Bulletin is the Final Address of our College Co-Captains, Rosa Blakemore and Emily O’Brien, whose words capture the appreciation for the College community on behalf of the Class of 2019.

At the Graduation Mass, our outgoing College Co-Captains handed the College candle into the hands of incoming College Co-Captains, Mia Chaaya and Ellen Ebbs, a symbol of the passing on of leadership of the student body.  I acknowledge the many students in Years 7-11 who, with generosity to serve one’s community and commit to the values of the College, nominated themselves for leadership positions for 2019-2020.  There will be many initiatives and opportunities ahead that will invite all students to give of themselves and I hope that students will embrace these opportunities for growth.  Included are the names of all appointed positions for the Team of 2019-2020.  We extend our congratulations and support to this incoming Student Leadership Team.

On behalf of the College community, I extend our best wishes to Mrs Anne Fry as she takes some much deserved leave for the first three weeks of Term 4.  I hope these weeks do not pass too quickly and that this opportunity for ‘time out’ offers renewal and pleasure.  I look forward to seeing all students returning refreshed in summer uniform in Term 4.  A reminder that the College hat is to be worn to and from school as well as at break times at school. Classes resume Tuesday 15 October, whilst we welcome Boarders back from 4.00pm Monday 14 October.

Parents and Carers of Year 11, we look forward to speaking with you at the HSC 2020 Information Evening in the College Hall, Tuesday 15 October at 6.00pm. 

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal, Pastoral Care

It is our privilege to address you as College Co-Captains on behalf of the graduating Class of 2019.  We thank you all for taking the time to be with us today in celebrating our graduation.  Your presence is representative of the breadth of influences we have had benefited from, because of your presence we are the young confident and courageous women that are before you.  Today is a celebration and an ode of thanks to all those who have walked with us along the way.  In 2019, we are the 161st class to graduate from St Vincent’s College, the 161st class to be educated under the vision founded by the Sisters of Charity, and as the 161st class we will join the more than sixteen thousand four hundred and eighty-two graduates of St Vincent’s College, we will become a part of history.  Today’s graduation would not be possible if we didn't complete all our coursework for the Higher School Certificate - the knowledge we have growing in our brains did not always exist there, it was taught and cultivated by the dedicated staff at St Vincent’s College.

We thank all the staff and the leadership of Mrs Fry for your generosity and passion for education.  Each of you with your own unique style have allowed all of us to realise our potential and have seen us grow into the women we are today.  The guidance and support that you have given us when we have faced adversity or the excitement you have shared with us in our successes, highlights the compassion and positivity that the Vinnies community has blessed us with.  To our parents, carers and family, the class of 2019 would not be sitting here without you.  Thirteen years ago we began the journey of our education, being nurtured by school teachers as well as you.  Your support has been unwavering as you accompanied us on this journey whether extending this care from Singapore or Potts Point, you have and will continue to play an invaluable role.  Through the hugs, kisses, phone calls, tissues, you have been there for us.  Inspiring our dreams and keeping them alive in our times of doubt, you see the best in us, when we are afraid to.

For some Year 12 parents you are finally graduating from the St Vincent’s College community as well.  As the youngest child, sister and daughter of an ex-Vinnies girl, I have seen the direct impact of a St Vincent's education both in my mother and sister’s experiences; regardless of when you graduate what remains the same is 'Vinnies spirit'.  For other parents, this is a completely new experience with their eldest daughter graduating.  However, for all parents this will be the first time your daughter will step out into the world as a young adult, equipped with her education and drive to embrace the next chapter of her life.  We know that Vinnies will always welcome us back with open arms, as we hope to share these chapters with each other and future students and staff.  As parents you made the decision to send us to St Vincent’s College, a single choice not only for education, but one for our development.  We thank you for the invaluable gift of a St Vincent’s education, one that has been grounded firmly in our College values of hope, respect, justice, service of the poor and generosity of spirit.  It has given us the ability to think critically and creatively whilst also having a deep sense of empathy and awareness of society.  In all elements of our academic, spiritual and creative learning experiences, we are continually encouraged to look deeper and look beyond the walls of the College.  We leave St Vincent’s as well rounded individuals who have a drive to make positive change in all facets of life.  We are forever grateful for this education that calls us to be people for and with others, we are grateful for the people we have met and what we have learnt about ourselves.

To our fellow students, we recognise your ability to endlessly emulate this Vinnies spirit in all that you do.  In the words of Mrs Fry ‘Vinnies spirit seems to be about being confident, comfortable, courageous and compassionate, so much so that we discern our ability to transform the world'.  Vinnies spirit is unique to us and something we carry close to our hearts.  We encourage you to continue to embrace the Vinnies spirit in all that you do, as it unites us in solidarity.  To have been a part of such a rich and joyful community has been a blessing as it encourages all students to realise their potential in all areas; whether that is on stage, on the field, in the classroom or simply being extraordinarily ordinary.  The essence of community is in the development of our strong and close relationships with one another.

To our class of 2019, we’ve made it!  It feels like only yesterday we entered through the black and white room with our oversized dresses and large hats.  As we have seen the College transform through the various renovations, we have also witnessed the development of one another.  We are so grateful to have had the privilege of being the College Co-Captains, and proud to be part of a Year Group that has instilled into the College community a focus on positivity, respect and encouragement.  

As a collective, we experienced the loss of our classmate and friend, Elisabeth Carey.  She truly embodied Vinnies spirit and her presence is reflected in our Year Group’s passion for life.  In the sadness of such circumstances, her presence and her memory continues to inspire us to take advantage of the privilege we have of being a Vinnies girl.  Whilst we have all faced challenges individually and collectively, we are so grateful to be members of the class of 2019, a class that has never failed to make each other smile, has guided and empowered each other when we were low and always strived to emulate kindness and compassion to one another and the world.  We are a diverse, talented cohort, with strong relationships between us, ones that will last a lifetime because once a Vinnies girl always a Vinnies girl.

Thank you to staff, parents and families, fellow students and the Class of 2019, for making our experience at St Vincent’s College so rich and beyond enjoyable.  We cannot wait to see the various paths we all take that are motivated by our holistic education and we have no doubt that whatever path that may be, it will be filled with flowers and sunshine.  On behalf of the class of 2019 we deeply thank everyone who has made the past six years of high school unforgettable.  Thank you.

Rosa Blakemore, and I am Emily O’Brien
College Co-Captains 2019

Warralong Immersion

Today, the following eleven students will begin their Warralong immersion with a pilgrimage to the Pilbara:

• Grace Cooper
• Lauren Carr
• Lola Davidson
• Ellen Ebbs
• Olivia Gotting
• Sophia Cotis
• Aneesa Abrahams
• Isabeau Gallardo-Walker
• Ricci Long
• Portia Love
• Charlotte Gallagher

The students will be led by Ms Elise Whiley and Ms Siobhan Devaney, and the program facilitated by Fran Kelly and the team from Faith in Action. 

Warralong, located in the heart of the Pilbara is a wonderful community of grannies, young parents and kids who are connected to land and family. The immersion provides students and staff with an opportunity to:  sit at the feet of the elders and hear their desert dreaming stories; gaze on the endless night sky; and let worries be taken by the coastal breeze.  The Warralong mob and those the team will be working with are a most resilient community.  Last year I learnt how to be within the turmoil while not being weighed down by the burden of government policy that is based on misunderstandings and institutional assumptions.  The Grannies, Aunties and Uncles of Warralong show us the value of connecting with story, listening to the earth and her cry and being with each other.  I thank Ms Whiley and Ms Devaney and the eleven students who will be travelling to Perth tonight to begin what I believe will be a life-defining experience. 

Vinnies Winter Appeal

This week I delivered the generous donations that were collected by the Year 9 cohort as part of their leadership of the Annual Winter Appeal for Vinnies.  A special thank you to the students, Tutor teachers and Heads of House who supported the students in their leadership.  Special thanks were received from:

• The team at St Canice’s for the students from O’Brien whose generous donations of toiletries that were made into hand ‘take-away’ bags for women who sleep rough.

• The team at St Canice’s Vinnies Conference who were thrilled with the donations from Aikenhead and Cater.
• Vinnies Van Services were surprised to see how much could fit in the College car as I delivered family size toiletries (thank you Cahill) and bundles of wonderful blankets (thank you Williams) for distribution to those living in refuges.
• Matt Talbot Hostel were incredibly grateful for the socks and jocks donated by De Lacy.

Above:  Vinnies donations to the Vinnies Van Services team 

The Year 9 Religious Studies team (Mrs Brooks, Ms McCarthy/Mr Morgan, Ms Clancy, Mrs O’Shanassy) were also instrumental in helping students reflect on the WHY of the social justice action which culminated over the last two days in an Assessment Activity linking their social justice leadership to the study they have been undertaking on the Beatitudes.

An example of the impact of this leadership experience and depth of reflection for Year 9 students is found in the following excerpt from their activity:

When leading the Winter Appeal for O’Brien House I was able to better my understanding of what it meant to be a ‘Beatitude Person'.  The Winter Appeal taught me that Beatitude people are pure in heart, they fight for others before themselves.  Some of the challenges I faced while leading the Winter Appeal was getting everyone to hand in their feminine hygiene products in on time which meant that we had to extend the deadline.  From this experience I have learned that I, as someone who has power and a voice, needs to fight for those who have been persecuted, for those that have been stripped of basic human necessities.  As a Beatitude person would, I need to put others before myself.  The impacts of the Winter Appeal were significant.  They helped those less fortunate and in need and helped develop my advocacy skills.  My leadership in the Winter Appeal has deepened my understanding of what a ‘Beatitude person’ is.  It is someone who doesn’t just take action to help others but connects and provides for them on a much more deeper and spiritual level.  It is not just them helping another, they are in it together.  Lucy Smithett, Year 9 student

Below:  Year 9 Winter appeal production lines - making take always for the women who sleep rough at St Canice’s 

I look forward to marking the rest of the tasks and thank all members of the College community for their support of the students and their Winter Appeal action.

The Shore Line

The latest copy of the MAM Journeys newsletter can be found here.  There are some great reflections on what it means to show a preferential option for the poor and a wonderful imaginative contemplation on compassion.  I encourage you to read it!

I wish everyone a peace-filled and renewing spring break and look forward to a fabulous last term with you all!

Ms Rachel McLean
Director of Faith and Mission

This week I delivered the generous donations that were collected by the Year 9 cohort as part of their leadership of the Annual Winter Appeal for Vinnies.  A special thank you to the students, Tutor teachers and Heads of House who supported the students in their leadership.  Special thanks were received from:

• The team at St Canice’s for the students from O’Brien whose generous donations of toiletries that were made into hand ‘take-away’ bags for women who sleep rough.

• The team at St Canice’s Vinnies Conference who were thrilled with the donations from Aikenhead and Cater.
• Vinnies Van Services were surprised to see how much could fit in the College car as I delivered family size toiletries (thank you Cahill) and bundles of wonderful blankets (thank you Williams) for distribution to those living in refuges.
• Matt Talbot Hostel were incredibly grateful for the socks and jocks donated by De Lacy.

Above:  Vinnies donations to the Vinnies Van Services team 

The Year 9 Religious Studies team (Mrs Brooks, Ms McCarthy/Mr Morgan, Ms Clancy, Mrs O’Shanassy) were also instrumental in helping students reflect on the WHY of the social justice action which culminated over the last two days in an Assessment Activity linking their social justice leadership to the study they have been undertaking on the Beatitudes.

An example of the impact of this leadership experience and depth of reflection for Year 9 students is found in the following excerpt from their activity:

When leading the Winter Appeal for O’Brien House I was able to better my understanding of what it meant to be a ‘Beatitude Person'.  The Winter Appeal taught me that Beatitude people are pure in heart, they fight for others before themselves.  Some of the challenges I faced while leading the Winter Appeal was getting everyone to hand in their feminine hygiene products in on time which meant that we had to extend the deadline.  From this experience I have learned that I, as someone who has power and a voice, needs to fight for those who have been persecuted, for those that have been stripped of basic human necessities.  As a Beatitude person would, I need to put others before myself.  The impacts of the Winter Appeal were significant.  They helped those less fortunate and in need and helped develop my advocacy skills.  My leadership in the Winter Appeal has deepened my understanding of what a ‘Beatitude person’ is.  It is someone who doesn’t just take action to help others but connects and provides for them on a much more deeper and spiritual level.  It is not just them helping another, they are in it together.  Lucy Smithett, Year 9 student

Below:  Year 9 Winter appeal production lines - making take always for the women who sleep rough at St Canice’s 

I look forward to marking the rest of the tasks and thank all members of the College community for their support of the students and their Winter Appeal action.

The Shore Line

The latest copy of the MAM Journeys newsletter can be found here.  There are some great reflections on what it means to show a preferential option for the poor and a wonderful imaginative contemplation on compassion.  I encourage you to read it!

I wish everyone a peace-filled and renewing spring break and look forward to a fabulous last term with you all!

Ms Rachel McLean
Director of Faith and Mission

The Shore Line

The latest copy of the MAM Journeys newsletter can be found here.  There are some great reflections on what it means to show a preferential option for the poor and a wonderful imaginative contemplation on compassion.  I encourage you to read it!

I wish everyone a peace-filled and renewing spring break and look forward to a fabulous last term with you all!

Ms Rachel McLean
Director of Faith and Mission

On Friday 20 September all the Boarders Years 7-11 went out on our last In-Weekend of Term 3 to participate in bowling, laser tag and karaoke at Strike Bowling at the Entertainment Quarter.  Here all the Boarders were divided into two teams with a mixture of Years so we all got an equal turn of each activity.  My favourite activity was laser tag as you had to work as a team and collective to get the most points, this took skill and endurance to make it to the final round of laser tag.  Overall the whole Boarders In-Weekend was fun and I can’t wait to see what’s coming up in Term 4! ​
Dakota Macourt, Year 9

On Sunday it was our ‘In Weekend’ and we had our Boarders' Mass and Concert for the Year 12 Boarders'.  Each Year Group performed an act for the Year 12's and their parents.  The acts were a range of rhyming poems and song.  It was exciting and sad at the same time because we will be sad to see all of the Year 12 Boarders leave.  We then had a Mass in the College Chapel which was really nice.  The Year 12's all had a part in the Mass.  It was a special moment for all of the Year 12 Boarder parents especially when their daughters received their ‘blessed’ candle.  The night ended with a special Year 12 parent dinner where Year 11 Boarders were servers and the menu included barramundi and beef.​
Phoebe Roach, Year 9

An In Weekend is a great opportunity to have new experiences as a community.  As Phoebe has said, to farewell Year 12's is a special time in our calendar because it’s not just fellow students leaving - it’s the people you live with, people you eat meals with, people you socialise with, people you care for.

The Boarders’ Mass on Sunday is a Mass of Thanksgiving to the Boarder Parents/Carers and is hosted by the Year 12's.  Here is an excerpt from the reflection given by Cecilia Mooney (Boarder since Year 7 from Dubbo) and Millie Lembke (Boarder since Year 11 from Uralba):

I have been in Boarding since Year 7 2014.  Using my calculation skills, this means I have been living here on these College grounds for a total of roughly around 273 weeks, which is 1,911 days, which is 45,864 hours.  While Millie’s been here for a little less, we have certainly made sure we put those hours to good use (most of the time).  Because, while nights like tonight are certainly big ones and days like tomorrow will stand out as milestones in all our lives, we’ve begun to think that one day we will look back on days like this and realise that the little things mattered a lot more than we ever thought they would.  When we first arrived, however, we knew that Boarding school itself was not a little thing.  What is a Boarding School?  According to Wikipedia definitions, Boarding School is “a school which provides accommodation and meals for the pupils during term time”.  But Millie and I can both say on behalf of all the Boarders in the room, this SVC Boarding House isn't just a place for accommodation and meals during the term, this Boarding House has been our home away from home.  Not many people you talk to would be able to say that they moved away from home during these adolescent years to go and live with 63 other girls in the very same situation, and as Andrea says, “I thought Boarding School was just a threat”.

Year 12 - we’ve done it!  While saying goodbye will not be easy, as the great philosopher Winnie the Pooh once said, “how lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard".  In the different hours, weeks and minutes each of us have been in Boarding, the relationships we’ve made and the things we’ve learnt will stick with us until the end of time. Girls, here’s to all the little things - and thank you for making them matter.
Cecilia Mooney and Millie Lembke

This morning we farewelled most of our Boarders on the buses from 5.45am.  Afterwards, it was a very quiet breakfast! 

We all hope you have a lovely and safe holiday together and look forward to seeing you back here from 4.00pm on Monday 14 October.

We would like to reinstate the Boarder Parents Association and would like both feedback and volunteers.  Ideally, the BPA would help me organise social events and communication between parents, particularly parents new to Boarding.  If you would like to give your thoughts or volunteer your services please email me over the holiday period.

Yours in Boarding

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

'Coffee Queens', the College’s Social Enterprise project run by students to support the work of social justice activities and organisations, has had a jam-packed term!  From changing our coffee supplier to the wonderfully warm and tasty Witham's coffee beans, to training a record number of fifty students as baristas, to creating a “Coffee Queens” communal area in Mark 2:22 for our customers, we really feel that we are building a 'Coffee Queens’ kingdom! 

The skills that our Queens are learning will be invaluable to them in their future endeavours. Not only have they been professionally trained in barista skills, they have also developed customer service skills as well as providing joy, fun and convenience to the whole College community.

We look forward to sharing our coffee skills with you in the future; please bring your Keep Cups and your change to the cart each Friday morning and enjoy some delicious coffee and food knowing that your money is going to a good cause.

Chloe Conway
Social Justice Advocate

Year 11 Science: St Vincent’s Hospital Outreach Program

On Tuesday 24 September, Year 11 Science students were invited to St Vincent's Hospital to observe and gain insight into the medical research world and the specific jobs which research involves.  A brief introduction was shared about the foundations of the Hospital and its connection to St Vincent’s College’s own history, sharing the same founders - the Sisters of Charity.

We began a tour at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research Centre, where we were introduced to a number of research professionals and shown around their facilities, including chemical laboratories, where all substances necessary for research are stored and mixed, as well as liquid nitrogen freezers where organic samples can be preserved in a -180 degree environment for later use in research.

After seeing first-hand the processes involved in medical research, we engaged in a Q&A session with individuals from the medical industry, including a neuroscientist, a nurse and an infectious disease researcher, all of whom provided us with a deeper insight into their roles in different fields and how they ended up there.  Through discussing their own educational experiences as well as the struggles and milestones they personally faced career-wise, we discovered opportunities available to us post-high-school-graduation and were given some advice on how to make our own future career choices.  We also learned a few interesting facts along the way - did you know that during a stroke 1.9 million brain cells die in the first minute?

Towards the end of the excursion, we had the opportunity to listen and engage with researchers from various medical fields.  There were several research projects presented in three-minute segments, allowing us to get a taste of the broad nature of the industry.  A most fascinating presentation investigated the individual’s response to carbohydrates by measuring their uptake of glucose and their metabolism.  This gave us an example of the ultimate purpose of medical research in helping society as a whole.  This opportunity allowed us to explore all tenets of work life at a hospital and understand how specific faculties operated.  In effect, we were exposed to a wide variety of job opportunities to inspire us in our own career choices.  Having this exposure opened up new potential pathways for many of us and allowed others to cement their passion for specific medical fields.

We would like to thank Dr Reynolds for accompanying us to St Vincent’s Hospital, as well as the hosts who welcomed us so generously.

By Lily Carpenter, Millicent Welling, Tarli Mason, Matilda Wenck, Sophia Cotis, Meg Litchfield and Year 11 Scientists

Dr Chris Reynolds
Head of Science

Year 11 PDHPE

This term, Year 11 PDHPE has had the amazing opportunity to experience various fitness activities as part of our Fitness Choices option study.  Within this unit, we explored the benefit of both individual and group fitness activities and had the opportunity to physically participate in these under the guidance of trained fitness professionals. 

The first group fitness activity the class had the opportunity to partake in was a group personal training session with Men’s Health Fitness Director, Todd Liubinskas.  We were fortunate that our session coincided with R U OK Day, a day that empowers people to ask this exact question, start conversations and support those who may be struggling.  R U OK  is a non-profit suicide prevention organisation founded by Gavin Larkin, father to former SVC student Josie Larkin, in 2009.  The focus on mental health was clear throughout our session via the immense teamwork and air of motivation that was present amidst the challenges.  Todd emphasised to us the importance of exercise as a way to release endorphins and create a positive mindset whilst exercising.  The session consisted of a fun warm-up and then a group circuit.  This training was extremely fun and inclusive, as all exercises were done in unison within a group. After training, we also partook in Vedic meditation led by Todd.  Vedic meditation is a technique involving the use of a repeated mantra and it was a very different experience for all of us.  However, it did allow us to relax after the training and ground ourselves.  Todd definitely inspired me, and I am sure others, to start meditating more often, especially moving into Year 12 where this will be a way to de-stress and increase focus on school work.

Along with Ms Whiley and Ms Cumming, our class also got the chance to visit Hustle Boxing, the new boxing gym that has recently opened on Victoria Street.  We were able to take part in a very physically and mentally demanding boxing and high-intensity training session led by owners, Ellice and Dan. Hustle Boxing not only focuses on improving physical health but as they also work with R U OK? and Lifeline, they have a strong focus on mental health. This holistic session was so much fun and we all were able to realise the true benefits of physical activity for mental health.  Ellice and Dan are very passionate about youth health and helped us realise many of the benefits of physical activity.  Many of us feel as though this type of training and environment suits our needs for fitness and we are definitely inspired to take up boxing in the future. 

Another group fitness activity that we took part in was Bollywood Dancing.  I think it is safe to say we all had so much fun in this class!  Not only was the dancing challenging, both physically and mentally, but it allowed us all to experience a new form of exercise in a light-hearted way, surrounded by our peers.  We learnt two Bollywood dances with both traditional and commercial influence.  This activity was very inclusive and different from what we had all done before.  This experience allowed us to notice that exercise does not have to be in a gym or sports training as traditionally viewed, but it can be fun, inclusive and with other people. 

To end the term, we participated in a Yin Yoga class lead by The Mobile Yogi, an experienced wellness expert who works to bring yoga out of a traditional studio and into homes, schools and workplaces.  This class was a very relaxing class with a focus on slow movements and breathing, perfect for the end of the term.  This class also taught us some breathing and relaxation techniques that will be extremely useful for the maintenance of our mental health as we enter Year 12 and begin the HSC.  

Overall, the participation in these group fitness activities has allowed all the students of our Year 11 PDHPE class to feel confident to go out on our own and explore fitness choices that will suit their needs.  Whether it be personal training, boxing, HIIT training, Bollywood Dancing or Yoga, these activities have truly broadened our awareness of what exercise can look like and the true benefits it presents for youth like ourselves.  Thank you, Ms Whiley for the opportunity! 

By Niamh O’Sullivan, Year 11 PDHPE student 

 2019-2020 Year 12 Student Leadership Team

Social Justice Leaders

Student Representative Council

House Officers

Boarders Representative Committee

Performing Arts Leaders

Sports Leaders

The ATAR is a rank, not a mark

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 that indicates a student’s position relative to all the students in their age group (ie all 16 to 20 year old's in NSW).  So, an ATAR of 80.00 means that you are 20 per cent from the top of your age group (not your Year 12 group).

Universities use the ATAR to help them select students for their courses and admission to most tertiary courses is based on a student’s selection rank (your ATAR + any applicable adjustments).  Most universities also use other criteria when selecting students (eg personal statement, questionnaire, portfolio of work, audition, interview or test) for some courses.  For more information go here or watch this video

University of Sydney Campus Tour

On 4 October from 4.00pm-5.00pm, 1 November 4.00pm-5.00pm and 6 December 4.00pm-5.00pm, the University of Sydney, Camperdown, led by Student Ambassadors are taking interested future students on a guided tour of the Camperdown/Darlington campus.  The visit Sydney University Tours allow participants to gain an insider’s look at the campus.  Friends and family are welcome.  To find out more and to register your interest go here

UTS Honours in Science –Information Evening

On 1 October from 4:30pm-7:30pm at the University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Building 1 (Tower), Level 5 (balcony near the Great Hall), Ultimo, interested students and their parents are invited to meet researchers and current students to learn about the science research areas available for Honours at UTS:  (Environmental Sciences • Infection and Immunity • Medical and Molecular Biosciences • Applied Chemistry • Applied Physics and Nanotechnology • Mathematics, Statistics • Forensics • Biomedical Physics).  To register your interest go here

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

Year 12 Dance Students - HSC Dance Results and Full Time Dance Positions

Congratulations to the 2019 Dance Elective students on their dedication and commitment to their dance studies. The College received the great news that six Year 12 Dance works were nominated for the NSW Festival “Callback”.  This is the most amount of nominations the College has received for Dance in the one Year Group. We wish the girls luck for the application process and hope to see them perform on the Seymour stage in February.

2019 Dance Nominations

Maddison Smith - Core Composition  (Dancer:  Dendy Hardaker, Year 10 elective class)     

Jade Veljanovski - Core Composition  (Dancer:  Olivia Garland, Year 11 elective class)        

Jacqueline Cotter - Core Performance

Maddison Smith - Major Study Performance

Jacqueline Cotter - Major Study Performance

Kate Lark - Major Study Performance.

Above:  Dendy and Maddison       Below:  Olivia and Jade

Kate Lark and Jacqueline Cotter have also received a placement in Ev and Bow’s full-time course for 2020.   Both girls have been an integral member of our Dance program at St Vincent's College since Year 7 with their involvement in the ballet and jazz ensembles, co-curricular contemporary dance, the USA Dance Tour and Elective Dance.   We wish Kate and Jacqueline all the very best as they head into the world of professional dancing.  Congratulations!

Below:   Jacqueline and Kate

Eavan Ramburg, in Year 9, has been busy over the past few months rehearsing and competing in Irish Dancing events in Sydney.  Irish Dancing is an extremely difficult genre of dance to master, with intricate footwork and complex sequencing.  Eavan has worked hard on her skills in Irish Dancing and has received some outstanding awards this year.

●       1st in the Maureen-Whelan Feis

●       2nd Irish National Dance Association Championships

●       3rd Camden Feis.  

Congratulations Eavan, we wish you all the very best for future competitions and look forward to hearing about your achievements. 

SAVE THE DATE

St Vincent’s College Dance Concert - Saturday 2 November 2019

On Saturday 2 November all Dance Elective classes, ballet ensembles, jazz ensembles, co-curricular dancers and selected soloists, will showcase their talents in the St Vincent’s College Annual Concert.  The concert will be held at the Seymour Centre at starting at 5.00pm.  Just a reminder that booking is essential as tickets will not be sold on the night.  Tickets will be available for purchase from the Seymour Centre website in the school holidays.

Dance has continued to grow every year at the College, and we are proud to say that we have over 100 girls in our 2019 concert.  A big congratulations to all our Dance students and teachers who have committed themselves to regular training sessions and concert rehearsals.  Your hard work and dedication will shine on the night!

Mrs Alana Santi
Dance Teacher / Performing Arts Department

Olympics Unleashed Has Begun!

As the world approaches the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the Australian Olympic Committee and the NSW Government have developed 'Olympics Unleashed' as a way to share the Olympic spirit with students in primary and secondary schools throughout the State.

Our heart-felt thanks to dual Olympian Alexandra Croak, who came to inspire our Year 9 students this week.  Alexandra won gold in the gymnastics team event and silver on the beam at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, she then she competed in diving in the 2006 Commonwealth Games where she won a silver medal, becoming the first Australian woman to compete at consecutive Commonwealth Games in different sports.  At the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Alexandra competed in the 10m platform diving and reached the semi final.  At the 2010 Commonwealth games she won the 10m synchronised platform with Melissa Wu.

Alexandra spoke of dedication and sheer hard work paying off.  Aged only ten, her decision to move from Coffs to Canberra’s Institute of Sport without uprooting her family, shows her strength and drive.  Alexandra has powered through many injuries and setbacks, to ultimately triumph.  She spoke of many top techniques used to overcome nerves such as ‘Loops’.  In sport psychology to focus, a mantra of three key words are looped and repeated to inspire success.

We will continue to build Alexandra’s message into our Term 4 CP program as we throw our support behind the @AusOlympicTeam and eagerly follow Alexandra's progress.

You can read Alexandra's Olympic profile at http://olympics.com.au/athlete/alexandra-croak

#vinniesspirit #OlympicsUnleashed

Here are some of the students' feedback following Alexandra's visit:

Connie:  ‘Alexandra Croak's presentation and talk was truly an amazing experience. Her determination to push herself to her limits and become a dual Olympian, inspired me…’.

Kasey:  ‘Alexandra inspired us with the message to follow our dreams as she too achieved her wildest dreams. We are grateful to hear of her stunning accomplishments’.

Bella:  ‘An informative and well organised presentation’.

Scarlett:  ‘Motivational and inspirational videos’.

Zoe:  ‘Interactive with the audience and lots of question time’.

Marley and Indi:  ‘Gold medals are really heavy. Real quality and very cool’.

Ursula and Brigitte:  ‘Hope filled, inspires us to be determined and do more’.

Mrs Jo Anderson
Head of Cahill House

9 CP team:  Ms Buddle, Ms Robins, Ms Ginzburg, Ms Ashcroft and Mr Mann

Oxbridge Experience

Each July, Year 10 students have the opportunity to take part in the Oxbridge July school holiday program.  For current Year 9's there will be an information session on 15 October from 3.30pm-4.30pm at the College with a representative from the program.  This will be a great opportunity to hear about the 2020 program and ask questions to help you decide if this is worth pursuing for your daughter.  Holly Hudson Barton, from Year 10, took part in the program this year and has shared her experience here:

An Oxbridge Experience by Holly Hudson Barton

I had heard from older students that Oxbridge was the experience of a lifetime, as a full immersion into university life at the university of your choice. When I arrived in Cambridge, I was afraid that the experience might not live up to the praise I’d heard and the expectations I’d built about it.  However, within the first few days I began to fall in love with the experience. The teachers in my chosen classes were highly experienced in their fields and made their subject matter engaging and interesting for the entirety of the course. 

As well as my chosen classes, there were endless out-of-class activities to take part in over the afternoons and evenings such as plays, ceramic painting, punting on the River Cam and outings, as well as excursions to London, museum trips and weekly dances.  In between classes, activities and meals, there was plenty of time to make friends and connections with people across the globe.  I made friends with people from Cyprus, United States, Argentina, Dubai, Puerto Rico and China, and I could not be more thankful for the opportunity to meet these people.  I’ve kept in contact with many of my friends from the Oxbridge Program and it has been fantastic to get to know other cultures and perspectives through the context of a summer program in Cambridge. 

Taking part in the Oxbridge Academic Program has been a fantastic experience for me.  I would highly recommend it for any student who wishes to expand their knowledge, gain experience of university life or get to know a new part of the world with friends from all over the globe. 
Holly Hudson Barton

Ms Donna Ginzburg
Gifted and Talended Co-Ordinator

SPORT STAFF CONTACTS FOR TERM 4 2019

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

Ms Jacinta Jacobs:     0418 416 663 - Futsal
Ms Molly Macqueen:   0448 882 121 - Basketball and Volleyball
Ms Elyse Harmanis:    0434 610 870 - Touch
Ms Jasmine Shires:    0466 672 383 - Water polo.

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

The Sports Department would like to congratulate the following students for being selected as the Captains of Sport for 2019/2020:

Sports Captain:  Domenica Mitchell

Basketball

Captain:  Kyla Shannon

Tennis  

Captain:  Charlotte Patchett

Tildesley

Captain:  Lucia Holt

Netball

Captain:  Gemma Fitzgerald and Charlotta Mackay

Water polo

Captain: Taffy O’Neill

Hockey

Captain:  Jemima MacPherson

Football

Captain:  Milla Finlay

Futsal

Captain:  Isabella Voisey-Youldon

Touch

Captain:  Lani Bresnahan

Athletics/Cross Country

Captain:  Emma Iorfino                                

Volleyball

Captain:  Hannah Thomas

Swimming             

Captain:  Ricci Long.

IGSSA NETBALL

Congratulations to all eight of our netball teams who played so well in the Grand Finals last Saturday!  Well done to winners SVC 13, SVC 20 and SVC 23. Your well deserved Pocket Authorities will be sent to the uniform shop for you to get put on to your blazers next term.

Below:  SVC 13

Below:   SVC 20

Below:   SVC 23

TERM 4 SWIMMING SQUADS

We are very pleased that Jesse Clare from Bondiswimcoach is back at the College pool next term to continue our wonderful swim squads through Term 4 (2019) and Term 1 (2020).  Please see below all the details on days, times, prices and how to book:

Term 4 2019 (8 weeks) 15 October - 6 December.

Monday  7:00am-8:00am  (Changed from Tuesdays)
Wednesday  7:00am-8:00am
Thursday  7:00am-8:00am
Friday  7:00am-8:00am.

Price per term:

$200.00 = 1 session per week.
$300.00 = Unlimited sessions per week.

TO BOOK:

1.  Visit www.bondiswimcoach.com and sign up as a member. 
2.  Purchase either of the VINNIES Membership Plans.
3.  You will then be sent an email asking you to select your day/days and to complete the enrolment form which is attached in the email. 

TERM 4 SPORT TRIALS

Futsal

The Futsal competition usually run at All Sorts at Alexandria on Friday nights did not get enough schools enrolled to run next term.  Ascham is going to run a small competition at their 5-a-side courts on Friday afternoons that we will enter two teams in from Years 9, 10 and 11.  These two teams will train together with Hugo on Thursday mornings at school. 

Tildesley Tennis Trials

Well done to all students who trialled for the Tildesley Team last week.  All players are invited to train in the squad next term and then the final team will be selected in Term 1 2020.  Trainings will be on Monday and Tuesday afternoons for all players. 

SPORTS AWARDS FOR 2019

The following awards were presented at the Year 12 Graduation evening on Monday and the Junior Sports Woman of the Year and Team of the Year will be awarded at Speech Night.

The Olympic Spirit Award 2019

The Olympic Spirit Award, now named the Australian Olympic Change-Maker Award, is replacing the Pierre De Coubertin Award that we have given for many years from the Olympic Committee.  This award is designed to recognise students who demonstrate attributes which are consistent with the fundamental aims of the Olympic Movement through participation in a variety of sporting activities.  The Award aims to emphasise participation, sporting behaviour and the student who consistently displays an attitude of being a ‘good sport'.

The winner of the 2019 Olympic Spirit Award has represented the College at several sports throughout her years at the College. These were - Triathlon, Athletics, Cross Country and most notably, Hockey.  As Hockey Captain this year, she has been a great role model for our younger athletes; always keen to help with training and fitness sessions, plus displaying College spirit by cheering on all College teams on the weekends.  She is very committed to her sport and is a dedicated athlete who always gives 100% to all training sessions and games.  She is a great ambassador for sport and truly does embrace the Olympic Spirit, and is therefore a worthy recipient of this award.

Congratulations to our Olympic Spirit Award winner for 2019:  Sidney-Morgan Mulholland

2019  Senior Sports Woman of the Year

This award recognises outstanding achievement by a student from Years 10, 11 or 12 in all areas of College Sport.  Nominees must demonstrate that they embrace the sporting ethos of the College including appropriate participation, fair play and sportsmanship.  They must also have competed for the College in the highest team for their age and or Year level in more than one sport and may have been selected in a representative team.  The winner for 2019 Sportswoman of the Year has represented the College at several sports throughout her years at the College, including Water Polo, Swimming and Triathlon.  She has had a brilliant year in Swimming this year winning a medal at both the IGSSA and CIS Carnivals.  She then went on to compete at the NSW All Schools Carnival and the Australian Schools Championships where she was the NSW Vice Captain, all whilst juggling her HSC studies.  In past years she has been a dedicated team member of the Senior Water Polo Firsts and also the CIS triathlon team, always leading by example.  She was the 2018 Swimmer of the Year and Swimming Captain, and is our College Sports and Health Captain this year.  She is a very talented swimmer who has won numerous medals for Long Distance Swimming outside of school.  She always gives maximum effort to all that she does and we know she has a wonderful future ahead in swimming.

Congratulations to the Running Bare Sponsored 2019 Sportswoman of the Year - our College Sports Captain, Frances Shires, Year 12. 

SPORT STARS OF THE WEEK

Congratulations to our six athletes who competed at the NSWCIS Athletics Championships at Homebush on Tuesday.  The girls all competed very well, many setting personal bests.

Iyla Maguire and Ruby Waterlow-Heuston, both in Year 7, achieved 2nd in the 100m and 200m; 4th in shot put and 5th in long jump. 

Madeleine Chubb in Year 9, placed 3rd in discus. 

Lara Roets in Year 8, achieved 3rd in hurdles. 

Imogen Gill in Year 9, placed 4th in long jump.  

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

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-ordinator of Sport

Light the Night Walk 

This month we remembered the fourth year anniversary of Elisabeth Carey (Class of 2019) who died shortly after being diagnosed with Leukaemia when she was in Year 8.  This year, Kate, Graham, Thomas and Patrick, have joined with Elisabeth’s friends to raise awareness and funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.  The team of family and friends would like to invite any student and their family from SVC who were friends with or knew Elisabeth to join together in the Light the Night Walk at Bradfield Park.  It will be a wonderful night to sit in solidarity with the Carey family and remember all the wonderful things that Elisabeth taught us in her short life.  Details of where to meet, registration and donations can be found on the Elisabeth Carey team page. 

Date:  From 5:30pm - 11 October 2019

Where:  Bradfield Park

Register at:  Light the Night Sydney

Register as:  Elisabeth Carey Team

Or, if you are unable to attend but would like to support, donate here

Michael Westbury, father of Lucy (Year 11) and Aly (Year 10) is seeking our support.  He volunteers at the St Bakhita Centre, the Sudanese Australian Catholic community at Homebush, teaching computer skills, typing, reading and writing to the Sudanese community.

Unfortunately, a few of our laptops are on their last legs and we are in desperate need of a few ‘new’ ones, ie second-hand but in good working order.  If you are upgrading over the holidays or have an iPad or laptop that is sitting in a drawer or on a desk at home, please drop it to the College during the first week of Term 4 (attention to me via Ms Rachel McLean), and we will get the donation to St Bakhita Centre.

To learn more or support the work of the centre visit their website:  https://www.stbakhitacentre.com/

Thanks and kind regards

Michael Westbury

Sale Items

Currently the Uniform Shop has reduced the cost of some items in order to clear stock on hand:      

Water polo and swimming costumes  $20      
SVC Sports bra tops $10     
11-14 Sports socks -  two for $10      
Large size wash bag $8.

In Term 4 there will be new swimming costumes and swimming caps.  Please note the College Uniform swimming cap will be compulsory from Term 4 2019 and the swimming costumes for Year 7 2020.   

Operating Hours

Summer uniform and Sport items can be purchased on the following dates and times during the school holidays:

Wednesday 9 October 1.00pm-5.00pm

Monday 14 October 9.00am-2.00pm.

The Uniform Shop will be open on the first day of Term 4 - Tuesday 15 October - 8.00am-2.00pm.

Normal trading hours resume from Wednesday 16 October:

Monday and Friday 8.00am-2.00pm

Wednesday 12.00pm-5.00pm.

Have you tried the Click and Collect Online Shop?

Discover Click and Collect, the convenient and quick way to shop from Noone Shop Online.  Place your order and your order will be ready to collect on the next trading day.  Noone staff will get everything ready for you, so all you need to do is come in-store to collect your order, or home delivery is also available for your convenience.

1. To shop online, copy the school link into your browser:  https://www.noone.com.au/shop/at/stv/.  Sign up to create your own account and then log in to commence shopping.  Add the items to your cart that you would like to purchase.

2. Choose Click and Collect options or choose Australia Post option for home delivery.  Collect your items on the next trading day from the on-campus shop or Australia Post can deliver to you in five to ten working days.

Click here for the online store link.

Juliet and the Noone staff wish all St Vincent’s families a safe an happy holiday period and look forward to helping you with your summer purchases.

You can contact them by phone (02) 8324 6622 or via email SVC@noone.com.au  

(Our Book Reviewer - Ms Suzanne O'Connor, after a brief holiday at home has returned to volunteering with the Loreto Sisters in Timor Leste)

NOT A GREAT TITLE FOR A GREAT BOOK

No Ballet Shoes in Syria by Catherine Bruton is an outstanding novel with a very clumsy title.  However, never judge a book by its title.  Bruton is an experienced English teacher and author of various novels for children and young adults.  It is interesting that she writes an afterword, explaining why she chose to write about a refugee family.  It is almost as if she expects some of her readers to object to her subject - which is exactly WHY this book is so necessary.  Another reason I admire Bruton’s book is that she tells us that, as a young girl, she was obsessed with Noel Streatfield’s books about ballet in England.  I still remember reading Veronica of the Wells several million times!  So, she links a modern tragedy of refugees with her passion for the ballet, demonstrating how a creative art can provide comfort and a sort of healing for the suffering.

Ava is eleven years old when the book begins.  She is sitting in a community centre, with her toddler brother, Moussa, on her lap.  Her mother is silent and almost catatonic.  They have survived the journey from the once exquisite city of Aleppo, to Turkey, then a trip in an overloaded rubber dinghy which sinks, separating Ava’s beloved father from the rest of the family, and finally in a truck container which suffocates some of the refugees before the container is opened.  The trauma and loss of her husband has reduced Ava’s mother to a grieving husk, so that Ava has to take on the role of the adult, negotiating with case workers, landlords and other adults while waiting for a decision from the Home Office about whether they can stay in the United Kingdom or be sent back to Syria, an unthinkable fate because the once beautiful country is still being bombed by outside forces and torn apart internally by civil war.  For a brief moment, Ava forgets her responsibilities and is lured to another room in the centre by music she recognises as the sort that accompanies ballet lessons.  In Aleppo, she had loved learning ballet and so the practice room she finds is a reminder of her completely destroyed lost life  Luckily, the ballet teacher was a refugee from an earlier tragedy and offers compassion and understanding to the thin, grubby little girl standing enthralled at the classroom door.  One of the students is immediately hostile to Ava, most are indifferent because they are focussed on their dancing rather than the world around them, and one student, the non-conformist, is welcoming.

One of the very effective methods Bruton uses to suggest Ava’s burden is the way her memories of the past are written in italics.  These devastating memories are often triggered by ordinary objects in the present.  Being locked in a room or standing by a luxurious swimming pool are some of these triggers.  The ending of the book can only be partially happy - Bruton has spoken with too many refugee children to believe in total happiness.  At the very last moment, I feared the author was going to provide us with an ending we wanted rather than an ending that was realistic, but these fears were groundless.  

This is an excellent book for students in Years 7 and 8.  It provides a clear explanation about a current tragedy, it encourages the development of empathy, compassion and perhaps involvement in organisations that offer support for refugees and asylum seekers.  It helps readers understand the merciful work of many supportive organisations often in extreme contrast to the treatment of refugees by governments.

By MS SUZANNE O’CONNOR

A Reminder from the Canteen for Students:   

• Please make sure that you top up funds onto your Student Card ONE HOUR before trying to purchase  (as it takes this amount of time for the money to be processed onto the card). 

ALSO...

• Students MUST bring their card with them to purchase at the canteen.  The canteen can no longer allow you to manually punch in your code as this holds up the line too much.

Selina Richardson  | Site Manager

Catering Industries Pty Ltd | St Vincent’s College
Phone: 1300 364 092 | Main Phone: 9361 2420

Dennis@cateringindustries.com.au  |  www.cateringindustries.com.au