Bulletin

 Pictured are the Year 12 Leadership Team for 2020/2021.

9 and 10 November:  Modified timetable:

Tutor:      8.40am-8.55am   Foxford via Google Meet
Period 1:  8.55am-9.45am   Foxford via Google Meet
Period 2:  9.45am-10.35am  Foxford via Google Meet
Students arrive at school 11.45am-12.00pm midday
Period 4:  12.00pm-12.50pm  On site
Lunch:     12.50pm-1.20pm  On site
Period 5:  1.20pm-2.10pm   On site
Period 6:  2.10pm-3.00pm  On site
Period 3:  3.05pm-3.55pm   On site.

15 and 25 November:  Foxford program for the full day.  Boarding students will be provided supervision and access to the Foxford program within the Boarding House.

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Following is a notice received from Transport NSW

Dear School Community

State Transit have advised school communities that from Sunday 5 December 2021, Transport for NSW will be making changes to the South East bus network following an extended eight-week consultation undertaken earlier this year.  The plan will see buses working alongside rail and light rail to get customers to where they need to go and provide much-needed capacity, supporting existing and emerging travel patterns with improved frequency and connectivity across the region.

For detailed information about the plan visit www.mysydney.nsw.gov.au/South_East_Bus_Changes. 

The TfNSW Trip Planner will be updated with the new changes by 21 November.  We encourage your school community to plan ahead on Trip Planner https://transportnsw.info/trip before travelling.

To ensure dedicated school services appear as a travel option for students, click “refine” and select the “school bus option”. 

Students are reminded to tap on and off on all trips.

Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome Home Cleo!  

The collective embrace of Australians of this one precious little girl was a wonderful example of how deeply we feel the shared responsibility to keep our own, and other people's children safe.  That deep primal fear of a child, our child, in danger and the deep emotional response after the safe return of a child to her parents was felt across the country and around the world.  Here at St Vincent's College, we shared the joy of her return home and applaud the dignity and hopefulness of her young parents who endured the worst days of their lives exposed to the often abusive and highly judgemental opinions offered on social media.

While in no way trying to appropriate the trauma of that child and her family, I do offer it as a point of reference to some conversations I have had this week, and awareness of behaviours that are putting at risk the safety of our young women and their peers in other Colleges.  There is so much research available based on experience from last year in Melbourne, and more recently from Europe and America about the impact of long term Covid-related shut downs and restrictions.  The impact of the virus has been very different across the entire spectrum of ages, but in adolescence we know one of the most prevalent traits that has emerged is FOMO - fear of missing out!  It seems this fear is distorting previously good judgement about assessing risk in a variety of circumstances.  Last weekend there was a large gathering held along the Eastern Beaches (finally converging on Bondi Beach).  Students from all over Sydney attended and many of them alarmingly young and poorly positioned to evaluate the risks of intoxication, drug use, proximity to the ocean, Covid risks or use of fireworks.  Malicious damage to property occurred, the police responded and many young people were at heightened risk.  The police have asked all schools to initiate conversation with students and parents to ensure that all assessment of whether an event is age appropriate for a young person starts with SAFETY.  As parents, we are wired differently to our 12, 14, 16 year olds.  They identify the risk of missing out higher in some cases than their own safety.  These are the occasions that parental love and wisdom needs to prevail, so that you too can safely "Welcome Home" your precious daughter!  Socialising after such a long period of restriction is entirely natural and right, but ensuring there is safety is a shared responsibility we have for all young people.  Please talk to your daughters about safety, having safety plans for anytime they are away from your immediate supervision.

We have been delighted to have the students back on campus this week and they have filled the campus with laughter and activity.  They have for the most part, understood the need for cohorting, mask wearing and even walking around the atrium in a 'clockwise' direction (that is not an easy concept to share with a generation who have only known digital watches/phones).

Next week the much delayed HSC examinations start, and we wish our HSC candidates every success.  They have worked through the most challenging circumstances towards ever-shifting goal posts!  Let's hold them in our prayers.  As part of our Covid-safe planning around the HSC, please note the significantly modified timetables that will run for Years 7-11 on 9 and 10 November.

Yours sincerely

Anne Fry
Principal

9 and 10 November:  Modified timetable:

Tutor:      8.40am-8.55am   Foxford via Google Meet
Period 1:  8.55am-9.45am   Foxford via Google Meet
Period 2:  9.45am-10.35am  Foxford via Google Meet
Students arrive at school 11.45am-12.00pm midday
Period 4:  12.00pm-12.50pm  On site
Lunch:     12.50pm-1.20pm  On site
Period 5:  1.20pm-2.10pm   On site
Period 6:  2.10pm-3.00pm  On site
Period 3:  3.05pm-3.55pm   On site.

15 and 25 November:  Foxford program for the full day.  Boarding students will be provided supervision and access to the Foxford program within the Boarding House.

I am worried.  St Vincent de Paul van services has informed us that Night Patrol will not resume until February 2022.  Selfishly, I was looking forward to divesting myself of 400 wet packs for women, and 200 snack packs, which now resemble Hadrian’s wall in my office.  There’s no issue with use-by dates, but I’m really concerned about what our friends at the three stops are doing.  How are they coping?  I don’t understand it.  I know it’s not Vinnies' fault.  They, like schools, must follow the health advice and follow Government protocols.  What about Trevor?  And Andrew, and Amira?  What of the children who are back at school without a decent sandwich or snack to take for lunch?  It’s outside our control, but I’m concerned all the same.  We want to keep our friends' safe, but we want to care for them in the ways that work best.  We want to listen to them and re-establish connections.  It will come.  I’m working on patience, which my children tell me is not one of my spiritual gifts.

But I have great news too.  We are starting a new initiative to supply Matthew Talbot Hostel with wet packs for their male clients.  They need 150 packs each week.  The most efficient way to do this is for me to buy the items in bulk, and set up teams of girls to package them in an assembly line.  If you would like to donate to this cause, please click on the link.

I’m trying a ticketing system to keep track of donations so I know how much I have to spend - and it is all transparent.  I’m hoping it will work.

A $10 ticket will provide enough items for two wet packs.  That means that two men will have the items they need to get clean, feel comfortable and regain some personal dignity.  I was talking to Year 10 yesterday, and suggested that our mission is to treat all people with dignity whether or not they claim it for themselves.

If you would like to help fund our work for Matt Talbot, click on the link below and buy a ticket.

https://events.humanitix.com/matt-talbot-wet-pack-support

Our Friday Afternoon BIG Movie is on again this afternoon.  Last week we watched My Left Foot.  We were deeply moved by the relationship between Christy Brown and his mother.  At one point she said, “If I could give you my legs Christy, I’d gladly take yours".  If you haven’t seen My Left Foot, you’re missing out.

This week we are travelling to Sweden.  We will consider the capacity that music has to drag people out of their violent, self-centered, hostile, limited  capacities, into the possibility of embracing something more, something deeper.  We will look at how love can overcome death.  Gabriella’s Song, from the film, is an anthem of strength for those dealing with domestic violence.  It’s magnificent and terrible.  There is a saviour figure in this film and a betrayer, and a distorted message, and a moment of triumph (could it be resurrection?) and a time when the whole world comes together to be truly alive, united in harmony.  “As It Is In Heaven” is a five tissue movie.  I suspect the message it brings will last much longer for our girls than its two hour running time. 

Hampers!  Hampers!  Hampers! 

We are working on two separate hamper drives this term - one in CP groups and one invitational Christmas hamper for our local St Vincent de Paul.  If your family would like to sign up to provide goods for the Vinnies@SVC hampers, get your daughter to click on this linkand pop in a name. 

Mrs Jo Kenderes
Director of Faith and Mission

With only two Year 12 Boarders for most of the first week, it has been a shock to our system when all Boarders returned - but what a lovely shock.  It has been great to see the Boarders getting their full allocated sleep at night, not sure if it’s a good habit they got into at home or if they’re just really tired this week!

We celebrated the 18th birthdays that occurred during lockdown in style, thanks to Chef Selina with her party food!  Selina continued on the 'fancy food drive' with Halloween, and a menu consisting of lantern pies, mummy garlic bread, spider caesar salad and dentures for dessert (see some photos below).

With only a short term in Boarding of five weekends, we endeavoured to start it off with the annual Boarders’ Got Talent this weekend.  Nothing like a bit of healthy competition judged by the Class of 2021.

A reminder please to parents/carers, to submit any leave through Orah (previously called Boardingware) using your logins from Term 2.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your daughter's relevant Boarding co-ordinator for any assistance.  In talking about staff, there have been some changes for Term 4.  Genevieve resigned at the beginning of Term 3 lockdown and Linda is on medical leave this term.  I am very grateful to a range of casual staff who are working for the rest of term with Years 10/11/12 - Callie, Isabelle, Jessica, Matilda and Morgan.  To Grace and Anne for their continued work with Years 7/8/9, and Susan, who has moved to Years 10/11/12 as Deputy Head of Boarding on weekends.

End of term travel has already started to be organised, so if you can please liaise with your daughter for transport needs for Wednesday 8 December (Boarders’ Travel Day) - that would be ideal.  The last day of Term 4 is Tuesday 7 December. 

Below:  18th Birthday Celebrations

Yours in Boarding

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

It’s good to be back in the kitchens!

This week our Year 12 Food Technology class cooked up a storm!  The students served up steak alfredo fettuccini and spicy chicken stir-fry.  The dishes were inspired by those provided by “Hello Fresh”, the first global carbon-neutral meal-kit company.  Students are learning about how the Australian food industry is evolving with technology to meet the growing needs of our society - and it tastes great!

Mrs Priscilla Laliotis
Food Technology Teacher

UTS SYDNEY

Future of Storytelling

Join Academic, artist and filmmaker Dr Gregory Ferris, as he explores the future of storytelling.  What role will AI, Interactive and Immersive media have in how we tell our tales?  Are we on the verge of a technological revolution?  Is the narrator’s voice uniquely human?  To register for this event go here

UTS Retrospective at the Sydney Film Festival 2021

On 9-10 November at 6:00pm-8:00pm.  As part of the collaboration between UTS and the Sydney Film Festival, UTS will be hosting a retrospective of student film and animation projects over two evenings.  For more information go here

TAFE NSW

Sydney Radio, Journalism and Media Sample Class

On 25 January 2022 from 9:30am to 12:30pm, interested students are invited to attend this free online class as a taster for courses.  Participants who attend this class will get some great skills and gain some insight into radio presenting, interviewing and mobile journalism.  This class will be run online using MS Teams (this works best in Chrome or the MS Teams App).  Registrations are essential here

Early Educators

This TAFE degree has a strong applied learning focus so that graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of settings such as day care, preschool, integrated child and family services. As well as practical core units, students will undertake a work placement each semester that allows them to apply what they've learned in a real setting. For more information go here

Jschool Journalism College

Newswriting Basics

Newswriting Basics is a micro journalism course offered to senior secondary students during the summer break.  For details go here

Sydney Design School

Sydney Design School will be hosting an online information session on Wednesday 24 November at 7.00pm.  Find out more about their accredited courses in interior styling and design.  Register online to attend here

ADF Gap Year

If you’re interested in experiencing the Navy, Army or Air Force without making a long-term commitment, the ADF Gap Year program is a great option.  The program will enable you to get paid for meaningful work while travelling around Australia, gain skills for life and make lifelong friends.  The program offers experiences including what it’s like to be an officer, in management, engineering, logistics, warehousing, combat, security and administration.  To be eligible, applicants need to be an Australian citizen aged between 18 and 24 on completion of military training (dates vary by job).  You will also need to have completed Year 12 (subject passes required vary by job) and have passes in Year 10 English and Mathematics.

With an ADF Gap Year you will: 

Enjoy a great salary package plus free healthcare
Gain valuable skills and work experience
Have job security and stability
Live a varied, active and healthy lifestyle
Make friends with like-minded people
Have the opportunity to see more of Australia.

For more information go here and to check opportunities go here

NSW Police Recruitment YouTube Video

Learn the ins and the outs for Police recruitment here

NSW Police Physical Capacity Testing YouTube linkhere.

NSW Police Recruitment Home Page here

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

It has been a joy to welcome the high volume of applications for Year 7/2024 entry.  Many of the enquiries and applications received are from families who have heard good things about St Vincent's College.  A huge thank you to all our lovely parents and students who speak so highly of the school.  A referral from a current family is the highest praise the College can receive and we are most grateful for the support from our Vinnies' community.

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

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

TERM 4 SPORT 2021

There is still a lot of uncertainty around government restrictions and school based sport for this term.  Now we are back at school we have training and trials for each sport to help us prepare for next Term’s Competition. These are held on the school grounds in year cohorts before or after school. These sessions began last week, however many students were missing from their training sessions. These are compulsory for all girls that signed up for Term 4/1 sport. Please see Ms Jacobs, Mr Bradley or Mr Broadhurst at the times listed below:

Touch training will be held on the courts in the afternoons:

Year 7:   Mondays 3.15pm-4.15pm

Year 8:  Tuesdays 3.15pm-4.15pm  (not on 9 November)

Year 9 and Year 10:  Wednesdays 3.15pm-4.15pm  (not on 10 November)

Year 11:  Thursdays 3.15pm-4.15pm.

Water polo training in the College pool in the mornings:

Year 7:  Fridays 7.20am-8.20am

Year 8:  Thursdays 7.20am-8.20am

Year 9:  Mondays 7.20am-8.20am

Year 10:  Tuesdays 7.20am-8.20am  (not on 9 November)

Year 11:  Wednesdays 7.20am-8.20am  (not on 10 November).

Volleyball training will be held on one court for each Year Group in the mornings:

Year 7 and 8:  Tuesdays 7.20am-8.20am  (not on 9 November)

Years 9, 10 and 11( Rotating one on Fitness):  Thursdays 7.20am-8.20am.

Tennis/Tildesley training will be held on one court for each Year Group in the mornings:

Year 7 and 8:  Monday 7.20am-8.20am

Year 9 and 10:  Wednesday 7.20am-8.20am  (not on 10 November)

Year 10 and 11:  Friday 7.20am-8.20am.

If you cannot make your session for any reason please email Ms Jacobs.

TERM 1 SPORT 2022

The registrations for Term 1 2022 Sport have now closed.  If you signed up for next term it is also expected that you will train this term so you can be graded and be ready for next term’s competition.  You cannot play a different sport in Term 4 and Term 1, they must be the same from now on.  This will also be the same for Terms 2 and 3 in 2022.

TILDESLEY TENNIS TOURNAMENT 2022

If you would like to trial for the SVC team to compete at this prestigious tournament, please make sure you sign up to play tennis for the College.  We will be running trials at the start of next term, but all players must be training and playing this term to prepare.

VINNIES PREMMIE BABIES CHALLENGE

The 2021 "Premmie Marathon Challenge" has now commenced.  We have entered a school team in the virtual marathon (both the 42km and 100km), which is running throughout 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.   So far we have three staff members and fifteen students competing in the challenge.  Lexi Tait and Madi Gosbel are leading the fundraising so far.  Well done girls!  It’s not too late to join or to sponsor one of our team members!

The charity is Running for Premature Babieswhich was founded by local mother Sophie Smith, who was the NSW State Recipient Local Hero in the Australian of the Year Awards 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 email Ms Jacobs if you would like to join the Vinnies team, and use the links below to join a team or to make a donation to this very worthy cause.

100km Team

https://www.runningforprematurebabies.com/fundraisers/vinnies100

42km Team

https://www.runningforprematurebabies.com/fundraisers/vinnies

SPORTS STARS OF THE WEEK 

Congratulations to our Year 7 Tennis and Touch students who were all so happy to see each other and get active on the courts on Monday this week. It was great to see their bright faces on the first day back as they participated in some fun drills and games against each other..

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

Due to the current school COVID health restrictions, the on-campus College uniform shop is operational for online orders only. 

Students are able to collect prepaid online orders from the shop on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons, 3.00pm-5.00pm. 

Unfortunately, due to government health restrictions, students cannot try on any uniform items. 

If you require assistance with sizing please call the Uniform Shop (02) 8324 6622 during the above hours or refer to the size chart on the Noone website www.noone.com.au