Bulletin

Tuesday 20 October to Wednesday 11 November:  HSC written examinations continue.

View the HSC Written Exam Timetable HERE

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Sunday 01 November:   All Saints Day

Monday 02 November:  All Souls Day

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Wednesday 11 November:   Remembrance Day

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Wednesday 11 - Friday 13 November:  Year 7 Camp - The Tops

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Dear Parents and Carers

Today we celebrated with all our staff with the theme of Bright Futures, World Teachers' Day.  The role of an educator in creating opportunities for growth, instilling self-belief, nurturing hopefulness and extending the horizons of young people have always been important.  In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic this year, I think many more have come to understand the truly essential role that teachers have played in maintaining some sense of normalcy, generating social connectivity and providing the tools to develop the positive mindset we need to cope with the uncertainty of our times.  Our wonderful student leaders have led the way, and I encourage you to visit our College Instagram and Facebook page.  The staff received recognition from the Trustees of Mary Aikenhead Ministries this morning and I share their letter with you for your reflection.  It is a day for us all to remember those who have been teachers in our lives and the lessons learnt.  The students made 'apples' for their teachers with an inspirational quote:

"It takes a big heart to shape little minds".
"Education breeds confidence.  Confidence breeds hope.  Hope breeds peace".  Confucius
"I think the teaching profession contributes more to the future of our society than any other single profession".  John Woollen
"Teachers can change lives with just the right mix of chalk and challenges".
"A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others".  Ataturk
"Let us remember:  One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world".  Malala

Appreciation from our students is the best encouragement teachers receive to continue their great work.  I hope each of our teachers enjoy the joy of a good sleep-in over the weekend.  I use this segue to encourage you to consider participating in a webinar on 9 November about the restorative power of sleep (please see the article following this).

Yours sincerely

Anne Fry
Principal 

The Sleep Connection Parent Webinar - Monday 9 November - 6.30pm-7.30pm

To register your attendance please click HERE .  Zoom Details will be sent on the morning of the event.

With thanks to the P&F Association, Lisa Maltman ('The Sleep Connection') will be presenting a webinar for parents on the importance of good sleep habits.  Lisa is passionate about healthy sleep and concerned about the fact that over 30% of primary school children and 70% of teenagers are sleep deprived.  This is having significant consequences on many areas of their lives such as:

• Learning and memory - sleep helps concentration and motivation along with consolidation and strengthening of new information and memories.
• Emotional and mental health - studies show children and teenagers who are sleep deprived are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, negative body image and low self-esteem.
• Behaviour and decision making - sleep deprivation affects decision making capacity, has a negative effect on relationships and increases risk of accidents.
• Body systems - sleep deprivation affects children’s physical growth, brain development, immune system and plays a key role in weight gain.

Lisa trained as registered nurse and has spent much of her career in medical sales, corporate and sleep health.  She is the mother of two daughters of primary and secondary school age.

Jane Palin
Community and Alumnae Relations Manager

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

Zoe Donohoe (Year 11/2020) and Shea Donohoe (class of 2019) - Grandfather.

Polly Hocking (Year 8) - Grandfather.

Mila Loucas (Year 10) - Grandfather.

May they rest in peace.

Today is World Teachers Day.  My own profession as a teacher started nearly 30 years ago.  I recently had the privilege of a conversation with a Year 10 student asking how I came into teaching, what motivated me and how I came to do what I do now.  Her query was how you get to do all the ‘other things’ outside the classroom - ie Philosophy and Ethics Club, co-curricular sports and the arts, working with student leaders and service action initiatives.  She definitely wanted to teach but the subject area was unknown to her at this point.  It gave me such joy to listen and appreciate that this young woman, an SVC student, truly appreciated the breadth and depth of what is indeed the wholeness of education.  I smiled and said what you are talking about is the quality of a committed teacher.  Whether it be inside or outside our classrooms, teachers guide minds to a place of intrigue and collaborative inquiry to stimulate knowledge, skills and values they apply to their world.  This process is relational and is motivated by commitment to the possibility of the growth of young people.  You cannot talk about teachers independent of their students, but we can certainly pause to celebrate our teachers.

This week’s College Assembly led by our new Student Leadership Team showcased a plethora of student achievement and passion across the domains of Ortaory, STEM and service action.  Within each of these sits a teacher - committed and caring and crafting the opportunity for growth.  Sit in on any Faculty or House team meeting and you will hear passionate dialogue discerning practice that best meets the particular needs of students well known to us. Teaching and learning are our ‘thing’.  On this World Teachers’ Day in this particular year, I would like to acknowledge that the volume of that dialogue has only accelerated; whilst teachers own lives have experienced the uncertainties of this pandemic, they have remained steadfast in their commitment to refining and adapting pedagogy to engage and challenge our learners.  In addition, they have responded with care and compassion to the wellbeing of our students and families.  Teachers do this because students are at the heart of our ‘thing’.  I hope this World Teachers Day affirms all staff who work in school communities across the globe - they have done their best to be beacons of hope and possibility.  I say thank you and well done to my colleagues.

This week I share the first two dimensions of social and emotional learning within the CASEL model I referenced two weeks ago - https://casel.org/overview-sel/

SELF-AWARENESS

Self-awareness is the abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts and values, and how they influence behaviour across contexts.  This includes capacities to recognise one’s strengths and limitations with a well-grounded sense of confidence and purpose.

To practise self-awareness, we are encouraged to:

-  be aware of your emotions and how they impact others

-  notice how your body responds to events and conversations

-  admit mistakes and discuss ways forward

-  notice your own reactions, behaviour and tone of voice that arise in different situations; ie challenges through a growth mindset.

SELF-MANAGEMENT

Self-management is the ability to manage emotions, thoughts and behaviours effectively in different situations to achieve goals.

Self-management requires that we:

-  manage emotions

-  identify and use stress management strategies

-  exhibit self-discipline and self-motivation

-  set personal and collective goals

-  show the courage to take initiative

-  demonstrate personal and collective agency.

You may find the following resources helpful strategies to model and support self-awareness and self-management for our children; they are short and practical.

Body Scan Meditation

Use Your Strengths

Goal Setting for Teens

Gaining perspective on negative events

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal, Pastoral Care

Today we celebrate World Teachers’ Day.  The students have left us beautifully written apple cards, which encapsulate anecdotally, the profound effect a teacher can have on their students. It was Maya Angelou, the American poet and Civil Rights activist who famously quipped “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  I've always believed in this sentiment.  It was my last English High School teacher, Mrs Compton, who I think raised within my adolescent self, the calling to inspire students through the wonders and curious insights of the literary world, as she had ignited in me.  I will never forget her passion, loud recitations of Shakespeare and eccentric hand gestures. She made me feel the wonders and curiosity of literature.  She made me feel empowered to speak my mind and I will forever be grateful to her.  Mrs Compton, thank you!

They say that silence is golden.  Yet as educators in a twenty-first century context, we know the buzz in a classroom is often a buzz of collaborative learning.  We welcome it in the fullest sense as agents of learning.  However, I have been so very appreciative that the students these past two weeks have been adapting to a new way of moving around the College at break times, in the goldenness of silence.  The HSC cohort, the Class of 2020, are particularly appreciative of the College’s respect for their need for quiet during their major exams.  Our HSC students officially conclude their examinations on Wednesday 11 November - Remembrance Day - and it is fitting that this cohort end their HSC exams on this significant day of respect.  They have earnt the respect of all in our community for their tenacity and resilience whilst they sat their HSC year in extraordinary circumstances.  They will be remembered by me with fondness as a Year Group and I very much look forward to celebrating each student's unique achievements of their thirteen years of formal education at their Formal Graduation on 19 November. 

Year 10 Assessment Activities Week

With our final assessment week commencing on Monday for our Year 10 students, we wish them well and we know that they are ready to demonstrate in these forthcoming assessment opportunities, what they know as learners, as part of their ongoing participation in the teaching and learning cycle, where assessment is a part of learning - not the end of learning.  As we continue to consolidate our reflective learning model, we know that the feedback students will receive on their assessments will propel their learning forward in anticipation of the skills they need to succeed in their HSC years.  We look forward to the post assessment learning immersion that will ensue for the Year 10 cohort as we ready them for their Stage 6 learning. 

Class Construction 2021    

Heads of Department in collaboration with teachers are at present working very hard through professional dialogue and collaboration to plan for students’ placement in classes for 2021 - Years 8-10.  Each class dynamic consists of clusters of students with demonstrated ability ensuring that no student is isolated in her learning.  We also wish to provide opportunities to stretch and support students through appropriate differentiation and inclusive of both enrichment and extension opportunities.  The grouping of students in Years 8-10 is mostly mixed ability but with clusters of like-ability in the class.  In both Mathematics and Science there is a class with students who have identified as high-achieving to enable future pathways of extension in these subjects.  All other classes will have a range of abilities.  It is important to note that we do not place students in classes based on their final performance in assessments this term.  We place students in classes informed by their teachers’ estimation of where each student is in their learning, which includes their formative assessment of any student’s learning potential.  Students who receive learning support are similarly clustered across two to three classes to enable stretch in learning as well as capacity for effective learning intervention.  The pastoral team and the academic team work in collaboration to ensure that students are placed where they would maximise their opportunity to feel safe to exercise their emotional intelligence as well as their academic potential.  Year 11 and Year 9 electives have been decided and next week students will receive confirmation of their 2021/2022 HSC pattern of study.  I hope that this brings students a sense of joy and wonder in the anticipation of the brand new academic year that awaits them. 

Mrs Jasmin Mano
Director of Teaching and Learning

All Saints Day is on Sunday 1 November.  The whole of November is the month which the Church sets aside for us to remember the great men and women we know who have taught us something about love.  Our loved ones who have died are saints whose stories we know intimately.  All Saints Day reminds us that humanity is worth celebrating.  It’s about the stories of men and women who set goals for their lives and their world that are extraordinary. 

There’s a saint assigned to every day of the year.  Their stories move between myth and actuality, but the thing they have in common is that they all expected great things of themselves and others.  They expected great things from God too.  Some began their lives wanting to be good.  Others began desperately trying to do the opposite.  All Saints Day reassures us that every life has the possibility of goodness.  Every life, no matter how desperate, has the possibility of consolation and redemption; of being perfectly ok with God.

The saints we remember often suffered hardship.  In some cases, death relieved them of their suffering, but was the catalyst that brought their goals to fruition.  Because of the saints, our world is a better place in which to live - and we are all closer to God.  A reflection for All Saints Day is HERE .

Our Catalyst of the Week is just such a person.  She’s not a saint yet, but goodness me, she’s thrown down the challenge to lift our game and make real change for justice and goodness in our world. 

St Canice’s deeply appreciated our lasagna last week.  If you would like to bond over some mince and béchamel sauce with the family, click on the link below to sign up for the St Canice’s Cooking Project.  Holiday time slots simply mean that you can cook ahead of time, deliver it to the College and we will freeze it and make sure St Canice’s gets it when they need it.

St Canice’s Cooking Project

Mrs Jo Kenderes
Director of Faith and Mission

Quite a few years ago, the big buses picking up the girls at the end of a term used to come in near the front of the dining room.  It was amazing how they manoeuvred those huge buses.  One driver unfortunately took the little wall, at the side of the driveway, with him.  He was so upset as there was more damage to the wall than his bus.  There was always so much excitement, even though some buses arrived very early.  Seeing the girls off was always so happy for them, and they were so looking forward to being with their families for Christmas.  A few years ago, we had two sisters whose parents used to travel from Narrabri to Sydney to pick up their daughters’ luggage.  The girls still caught the bus home - as they had so much fun.  I am sure it was more who they caught the bus with!!

Well, I better return to the reason for this reminiscing!  It is that time again when we need to organise transport.  Please let your daughter know if she requires transport home or for her return to Boarding in January - we will be starting to collect all transport information from this Monday. 

Boarders’ Travel Day is Friday 4 December and the return in 2021 is Australia Day, 26 January.

Thank you.

Ms Linda McCabe
Boarding Co-Ordinator

There are many hobbies throughout this pandemic that have made a comeback or have been learnt to keep our minds and hands occupied.  I know that I spent some time on cross stitch and latch hook - gotta love 80's craft.  The junior Boarders have joined in, and we have seen a resurgence of jigsaws and playing cards.  A huge thank you to Holly Davies for her donation of jigsaws, this will keep them occupied for a couple of weeks!

Halloween was celebrated on Tuesday night and some of our Boarders thoroughly enjoy the makeup and costumes that can be donned on this day!  Jessie Smits was our winner with her makeup that depicted a zombie….who had just enjoyed a meal……it was very Halloweeny.  Our second prize to Dakota and Molly in Year 10, as the Corpse Bride and Groom were enjoyed by many.  Thank you to Mrs Fry for her kooky judging.

Yours in Boarding

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

Sydney Dance Company Pre-Professional Year

Congratulations to Isabella Ciappara, Class of 2020, who has been offered a position in Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year.  The company provides opportunities for aspiring professional dancers aged 18-24 years to experience full-time training with Sydney Dance Company.

Isabella submitted to an online application process which included video submission for the first round of auditions.  She was then invited to a physical workshop at the company studios which focused on technique and learning the Sydney Dance repertoire.  Isabella received the news late last week of her acceptance into this prestigious company.

Congratulations Isabella, the St Vincent's College community are very proud of your achievements.

Ms Alana Santi
Dance Teacher / Performing Arts Department

This week Year 9 students have started their STEM project.  The project is a collaboration between the PDHPE and Science Departments and is focusing on disease - a very appropriate topic given the year we have had! 

For the project Year 9 is being challenged to choose a lifestyle disease that is a burden on the health of Australians, and as a result, the Australian healthcare system.  In groups, they will be developing a social media campaign aimed at the St Vincent’s College community, to promote awareness of this disease and encourage students to make choices in their lives that will improve their health now and into the future.

This project will be an amalgamation of their learning in Science and PDHPE and will draw on knowledge, understanding and skills developed in both of these subjects.  In order to assist them they are also taking part in some (virtual) seminars with Ms Erin Humphries, a research scientist at the Children’s Medical Research Institute, Westmead.  Erin is currently part of a research team who analyses tens of thousands of cancer tissues from all over the world, to develop a library of information to advance scientific discovery and enhance clinical treatment worldwide.  Our partnership with Erin was organised through the CSIRO's STEM Professionals in Schools program, a great way for schools to have the opportunity to interact with real people working in STEM.

This year at St Vincent's College, our theme has been service of the poor.  This project is a great opportunity for students to use their skills and knowledge to be of service to their community.  We are looking forward to seeing what the students come up with and what they gain from the experience.

Ms Gemma Thompson
STEM Co-ordinator / Science and Physics Teacher

ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY REPORT

Somerset Outdoor Learning, Colo River Hiking 2020

By Rosie Marden, Year 11

The purpose of this journey was to hike along ridgelines, spurs, gullies and waterways to gain insight into the wider environment and to improve teamwork skills.

Participants in the group:  Taylor Foltman, Charlotte Patchett, Lani Bresnahan, Hannah Gabriel, Ella Emery, Sophie O’Connor (and with Annabelle and Ivy, students from other schools, who also came along with our group).

Our start point: 100 Sign, Putty Road Highway, off the map (979 975).  End point: 501 Campsite (005 995) - total distance = 11km.  Expected time 6 hours - actual time taken 8.5 hours.

Day 1:  The first day of qualifying started by packing up our tents and gear in the rain and we headed off to the mess hall where delicious porridge or cereal was served for breakfast, supplied by Somerset.  Definitely a highlight to start our journey!  At 9.00am we left Somerset and were driven to a turn off on Putty Road where we began our first part of the walk along a fire trail.  The weather was very windy and rather unpleasant, but also very beautiful and calming.  We travelled down one of the mountains along 'Bob Turner’s Track', where we reached a few gullies and eventually came to a nice picnic area at the base of the river.  We stopped for lunch for 45 minutes and also partook in some rock skidding, just for fun!

We then navigated from our lunch spot at ‘Bob Turner’s Carpark’ to our campsite at Tootie Creek, however, there was no path or trail for us to follow.  This part of the journey was challenging as we had to ‘bush bash’ our way through the vines and bushes growing alongside the river.  Just before the campsite, we had to cross a freezing cold river!  Once we reached the campsite we set up our tents and built a nice, warming fire.  Our camp leader then showed us how to orient ourselves using only the stars and the Southern Cross, which I found highly interesting!

There were several highlights from the first day - the campsite we stayed in was my favourite - it was highly picturesque and had the best view of the stars! Along the river when we were bush bashing with no path, there were many jumps we had to take in order to continue following the river.  This was very exciting and added a touch of adventure to the day.  The only negative for me was that after crossing the river I developed blisters on my feet which were quite painful throughout the rest of the trip.  The campsite was situated right next to the river so we could easily purify our water.  It was a very sandy area with a steep hill on one side and the river on the other.  With the earth in the campsite being so sandy, it made setting up the tents much easier.  Our tents were situated on the dip of a hill where we had to face lots of wind.

Day 2:  999 998 to 951 004.  Total distance = 10km - Expected time 4 hours - Actual time taken 3 hours.  Although we were against the tide - this day was easy and calm along the river, with a steep climb to the top of a spur followed by a long walk on a fire trail. 

The day began with a challenging walk up a muddy, sandy and steep mountain next to the campsite.  This part of the journey took a long time with the group taking many rest breaks.  Morning tea was at the lookout over Tootie Creek.  The next break was for lunch after reaching the top of the spur and this area overlooked the valley.  We progressed onto the fire trail where this part required us to move up and down following the trail.  We passed many gullies, knolls and spurs - and we were able to confirm our location in relation to the map.  After a long walk, the group turned off to a locked gate where there were water drums.  These water drums were then carried by the group up a different trail which led to camp.  After roughly 10 kilometres of hiking, we reached the campsite which was in a forest.  The wind echoed through the trees throughout the afternoon, but the trees provided a little shelter from the cold.  We set up the tents and firewood was collected for our fire.  The wind grew stronger and was very intense overnight, and blowing against the tents it was a noisy, cold night.

The day's highlight was when the group reached the top of the spur and we were able to take in the beautiful view of the valley.  The climb to the top had been very challenging and the view was a great reward.

Day 3:  We descended a spur, and climbed a new rocky and steep trail up a mountain.  The day began with a walk on the fire trail which was a nice warm up for the group.  Reaching the side of the spur, we began to gradually and carefully make our way down.  The ground was very rocky, muddy and sandy and we worked together as a team to choose the best route down.  We stopped next to a creek for lunch and crossed over it by walking on large rocks. Afterwards we climbed the mountain next to the creek.  This was a new part of the walk and we were the first group of students to do it.  The trail up the mountain was incredibly steep and rocky.  It tested the comfort zone of all in the group but we helped one another to get to the top - and we were really relieved and satisfied to have done it.  We followed a road until we found another trail which led to a creek which we had to also cross.  The water was very cold but refreshing on our feet.  We followed a trail for about 10km to the next campsite which was located right near the creek.  This was a public campsite with good amenities and had designated areas for fires.

The highlight of this day was reaching the top of the mountain after the strenuous climb on the new trail, but even though it was challenging to navigate the rocks and slippery soil, when we reached the top we felt satisfaction and joy.

Day 4:  The final day started with walking and navigating our way around a spur next to a creek, before using a large log to cross the creek.  Once on the other side we pushed through thick vegetation until we reached the bottom of another steep spur which we climbed while pushing our way through trees and shrubs.  All of the group found this particular climb very challenging and quite exhausting, so we had several rest breaks.  Once we reached the top of the spur, we walked on another fire trail which was very long and tiring.  We reached the edge of the spur and began descending.  It was steep with no clear path and we battled through trees, shrubs and large rocks to the bottom walking over swamplands and a small bridge before walking around the base of another mountain.  We hugged the base of this mountain, climbing up and down until we reached the edge of Somerset.  After about 12 kilometres of strenuous hiking, our journey was complete!  We all felt a great sense of relief and achievement to reach Somerset after a long and challenging journey.

The best part of this trip was making it to the top of the mountain on the third day.  The new trail was incredibly steep and challenging with unstable rocks and soil which was especially hard to scale, but we pushed through and encouraged each other.  I felt incredibly proud of myself for making it to the top. The most memorable moment was getting to the top of the spur up a steep mountain on the third day, which required lots of energy - but I felt a great sense of achievement.  I learnt how to take bearings, read a map and properly use a compass.  The most challenging part of the journey was hiking in different environments that requires you to consider different safety aspects.  Many of the steep trails were very rocky and slippery which needed your concentration and dedication.  The Gold Qualifying Journey was well-organised and an incredibly fun and challenging experience, pushing me out of my comfort zone and forcing me to be courageous and strong.  I really enjoyed the group dynamics of the trip and learned to enjoy hiking.  I learnt new things about myself as well as others in my group.  I made new, lifelong friends who I really enjoyed getting to know.  As a group we worked very well together and got along really well.

Ms Sophie Robson
Duke of Edinburgh Co-Ordinator

Last Saturday a number of St Vincent’s students competed in the Festival of Speech; a competition amongst independent girls’ schools to celebrate the power of the spoken word.  The festival took place virtually, with many students submitting recordings of their presentations, and finalists of those categories joining the girls competing in Current Affairs and Religious and Ethical Questions to participate in a live Zoom event.  I am very pleased to say St Vincent’s came 10th overall, as a result of all participants who represented the College proudly in their respective sections:

Junior Readings:   Eliza Doyle

Senior Readings:   Georgia Jones

Junior Public Speaking:    Amelia Papworth

Senior Public Speaking:    Billie Monjo

Junior Poetry:    Lily O’Loghlin

Senior Poetry:    Ellie Singleton

Religious and Ethical Questions:  

Keeley Jans
Alexandra Wong
Scarlett Huxley

Current Affairs:  

Ella Wise
Francesca Oaten
Emeline Kwok-Valevale.

I would like to congratulate Ellie Singleton who made it through to the finals in the Senior Poetry division, and a special congratulations to Georgia Jones who placed 5th in the highly competitive Senior Readings section!

Well done all!

Ms Siobhan Devaney
Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator

Below:  Ella Wise and Francesca Oaten - part of the Current Affairs team with their Festival of Speech Showbags!

University of Wollongong

Campus Tours of UOW 

The University of Wollongong is holding campus tours on 13 and 14 November.  Tours will be offered twice each day and will take 1-2 hours (2 hours if visiting accommodation) and will be hosted by a current UOW student.  Bookings are essential interested families should head  here

Torrens University Australia

Torrens University Australia Speaker Series 

Torrens University welcomes interested students and their parents to the 2020 Speaker Series.  The series showcases a mix of industry experts and special guests who will join in to cover topics as diverse as mental health awareness, the role of sport in communities, the rise of sustainable fashion and the path to recovery for the tourism industry.  Various dates 5 November-10 December.  For more information go here.

The University of Sydney 

New Course Calculator 

Use the ATAR search tool to explore your course options, adjustment factors and admission pathways.  For more information go here.

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

ACU Law and Business Webinar

This webinar held on 4 November at 5.00pm, focuses on ACU's business and law courses, highlighting ACU's Passion for Business and Passion for Law entry programs.  A current business student, law student and an ACU graduate will share their experiences and answer your questions.  Register now here 

Explorer Program

Applications are now open for the February intake of the 2021 Explorer Program, allowing students to learn about and experience the world-leading Australian thoroughbred industry over 12 months and get paid while they are doing it.  The Explorer Program caters for students who have a love of horses.  For more information go here. 

Women in Design, Construction and Data Webinar

This webinar will take place on 12 November 2020 from 11:00am-12:00pm via Zoom.  Women working in the design, construction and data industries will share what they do in their job, discuss why they enjoy it, share highlights and challenges faced in their journey and share their hopes for the future.  The Q & A session will provide the opportunity to ask questions of the panelists.  Register here

Ms Helen Marshall
Career Adviser

The budding economists of our Year 10 Commerce class were recently given a unique opportunity to experience international public affairs.  The students hosted a highly informative Q&A with none other than the Honourable Joe Hockey.  The topic for the 30-minute session via Zoom on 26 October, was “Political Involvement and Global Links".  Questions focussed on political processes rather than political perspectives.  

“It was a constructive and informative interview that helped us further understand the topics we have been learning about, explained student Mia Boyle.  “Joe Hockey complimented our questions and gave insight into his own notable political career and experience".

Mr Hockey, whose career includes recently serving in the prominent diplomatic post of Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, was introduced to the class by student Gabrielle Umbrazunas.  His 20-year service in the Australian Parliament culminated as Federal Treasurer in the Abbott and Turnbull Governments.  In all his roles, he used his considerable expertise in such diverse areas as business, finance, employment, health and welfare.  Mr Hockey has also served as Chair of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bankers Group, cementing his stature on the global stage.  Mr Hockey’s post-political life has seen him continue living in the United States where he is a Visiting Fellow at American University, Washington DC.  Mr Hockey is also a founding partner and President of Bondi Partners, an advisory firm focussing on business strategy solutions with personnel both in Australia and the US.

Our students are grateful to Mr Hockey for his valuable insight, and with the impending US presidential elections almost upon us - a timely and welcome additional perspective. 

The old adage ‘it’s not what you know, it is who you know’ has truth to it and we acknowledge with appreciation the work of Gabrielle and her mother Marie, who are family friends with Mr Hockey.

As student Zara Morgan highlighted, “The interview shed light on global issues with direct relevance to our Commerce content, helping make links between the real world and our classroom learning".

Mr David Osborne
Director of Advancement

Student OPAL Card Information from Transport NSW

From January onwards, there will be a number of School Opal cards expiring as the physical card has reached its lifespan.

These are cards for students who will be in Years 8 to 12 in 2021 - and only those Opal cards which have not been replaced in the last five years.

Impacted students and/or their parent/carer will be contacted directly by Transport for NSW via email or post.  They will be asked to confirm their details online in order for a new School Opal Card to be sent to the correct postal address in time for the new school year.

If contacted by Transport for NSW, details should be submitted onlineby 01 December 2020 at the latest.  Affected students who do not confirm their details in time will have a new School Opal card posted to the address they currently have on file.

 2021 School Travel Applications are Now Open

Term 4 2020 Sport Staff Contacts:

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

Water Polo:  Ms Hayley Boatswain:  0404 267 554
Basketball; Volleyball; Touch:  Ms Elyse Harmanis:  0434 610 870   
Futsal:  Mr Hugo Forlico:  0411 615 031
Tennis:  Ms Therese Taylor:  0408 711 881.      

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

For all draw and venue information please visit this website.

TERM 1 2021 SPORT REGISTRATIONS

All students wishing to register for ESTA Touch, UNSW Water polo or IGSSA Tennis next term, are to go online and register on the College website . 

Due to the inclusion of an additional sport, VOLLEYBALL, the due date for registrations has been extended to 3.00pm on Friday 06 November.  Please check all other commitments before signing up as refunds cannot be given after teams have been registered.

Sports Stars of the Week 

A big thank you to Sports Captain Lani Bresnahan, who helped carry injured Year 7 touch star, Ruby Smith, off the field after she fractured her ankle in the last five minutes of her great game.  We hope you heal quickly Ruby and are back scoring tries soon! 

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

View this week's CANTEEN SPECIALS - 02-06 November  HERE

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CANTEEN REMINDER:   NO CARD - NO FOOD.  

• Students are also reminded that you need to refill money onto your card at least 1 (one) hour BEFORE using it - as it takes that long to generate onto the card.

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

AISNSW (Association of Independent Schools) Resource

https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/learning-from-home/wellbeing#parents.

Greater Good Science Centre: COVID-19 parent wellbeing resources and activities

The Office of eSafety:  COVID-19: an online safety kit for parents and carers

Keeping children educated and entertained during COVID-19 crisis…It’s easy as ABC

http://about.abc.net.au/press-releases/keeping-children-educated-and-entertained-during-covid-19-crisis-its-easy-as-abc/

Mindspot

https://mindspot.org.au/assets/pdf/10_Tips_for_Coping_with_Infectious_Diseases.pdf

Beyond Blue

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak

Headspace

https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/

ReachOut Parent discussion forum

https://forums.parents.au.reachout.com/

ReachOut Youth discussion forums

https://forums.au.reachout.com/

ReachOut.com One-on-One Support 

The Brave Program

https://www.brave-online.com/beating-stress-and-worries-about-coronavirus-covid-19/

FACE COVID ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

If you or anyone you know needs help:

●      Lifeline on 13 11 14

●      beyondblue on 1300 224 636

●      MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

●      Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

●      Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

●      Headspace on 1800 650 890

●      QLife on 1800 184 527.

Government Agencies:

NSW Department of Health

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx

NSW Department of Education

https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety/novel-coronavirus.html

National Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080 - operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.