Bulletin

REMINDERS AND UPCOMING EVENTS:

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 Tuesday 19 November:   6.30pm - P&F Meeting - Bethania

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 Thursday 21 November:  Year 7 Vaccinations  (see Pastoral Care article in this issue)

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Thursday 21 November:   Second Hand Stall   (see Ms McLean's Faith and Mission article)

Friday 22 November:   Festival of Fashion   (see details in this issue in 'Student Activities' and Ms McLean's article). 

Donations of good quality clothing needed - please take to Student Services on Level 1 (off Victoria Street).    

Students:  Models needed!  See Ms Kennedy and Ms Runes.

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Monday 25 November:   SPEECH NIGHT - 6.00pm to approx 8.00pm.  Sydney Town Hall.

(Please see letter emailed to all parents from Mr Joseph Hekeik - 'Final Events for 2019' on 12 November,
with important details of this compulsory College event.

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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

Last evening the Year 10 students enjoyed their Social at the Inter-Continental, Double Bay.  The students deserve our highest commendation for their standard of dress and behaviour.  I am, however, sure there are many pairs of shoes that might never get used again after last night, but the selection of dresses and ensembles made me feel hopeful that many of these will have "encore" appearances.  Next week, we will celebrate the Festival of Fashion.  Learning activities will highlight the extraordinary ethical issues involved in the 'fast-fashion' industry such as supply chain, human trafficking and environmental issues.  On Friday our annual fashion parade of students and staff will highlight the creative use of recycled clothing.

I share a couple of important insights from a recent study I was reading:

• It is estimated that one in five Australians have thrown out clothing after never wearing it or wearing it only once.

• OXFAM research has found that on average, just four per cent of the price of a piece of clothing sold in Australia goes towards workers wages in garment factories.  Some garment factory workers are paid as little as 37 cents an hour.

I have used the newsletter previously to remind our students that our school uniform is not manufactured as "fast-fashion".  If looked after properly, uniform pieces can be handed onto sisters or sold onto other students.  It is worrying when I see so many abandoned hats, shoes, socks, blazers, cardigans, towels, bathers and more, lying around the campus in the evening or weekend.  The cost of individual uniform pieces is high because they are manufactured to last beyond a single season of wear.  The second-hand uniform market will be held next Thursday 21 November at lunch time and after school to promote sustainable use of uniforms, textbooks and other school-based resources.

The scale and severity of the New South Wales and Queensland bush fires has horrified us all this week.  The personal impact on our Boarding families has brought the reality very close to home.  At our College Assembly on Wednesday, our Captains, Ellen Ebbs and Mia Chaaya, spoke very powerfully to the gratitude as a community we feel toward the Volunteer Bush and Regional Fire Brigades.  They also highlighted the wonderful work being undertaken around the State by volunteers running respite care for those families displaced by the fires, and those caring for injured wildlife.  It was inspiring for us all, as a College whose values include generosity and service.  I include an extract from Mia and Ellen's speech.

Most of us would be aware there are catastrophic, blazing fires occurring all throughout NSW.  In areas like Port Macquarie, Loftus, Picton, Katoomba and the Northern Beaches, there have been over 300 fires, 11 are at emergency level and dozens of family homes and natural habitats have been destroyed and turned to char.  We are mindful of those families in our communities whose properties have been damaged or threatened by these fires.

The NSW and Queensland bushfires have become a bigger problem than rural Australia.  The smoke from these fires has actually travelled to New Zealand where they too are experiencing hazy skies. NZ Prime Minister Jacinta Ardern has sent over fire fighting support to help deal with the fires.

Never has Sydney been given a catastrophic fire warning.  As a nation we are struggling when nearly every single person here knows someone who is being affected by the drought (especially considering we have many Boarders from these areas).  In these tragic times we can witness much sadness and grief, however, it is through this collective experience where we also see people come together as a community.

I read an ABC article about a couple, Cristeen and Paul McLeod from the NSW country town of Taree. Over the past few days they themselves have rescued 24 koalas and are keeping them safe in their own home until the fires are at rest. They treat the Koala’s gruesome burns and wounds by applying cream to their ears, nose and paws and then put a pair of mittens on their paws.  I found this story really inspiring as even in a situation where their property and home is under severe threat, Cristeen and Paul are still able to embody a great sense of resilience and compassion.  This is a great example of how from the embers of fire comes the spark of solidarity and community.  Cristeen and Paul are not superheroes, they are not vets, just passionate and committed volunteers doing something for their community.

Reading about these stories, provoked Mia and I to reflect on the hard work of the firefighters.  Many of these thousands of people are volunteers sacrificing their own lives for other people's protection - while all of us were comfortably sleeping last night, men and women were outside for hours on end trying to tame the blazing flames.  These firefighters encapsulate the importance of service of the poor and serving others, much like people in our own lives, like our teachers, parents and carers.  We invite you to think about these individuals who help us.  Whoever it is, pause and think about them.  Are we 'the poor" for not saying thanks and showing our gratitude?

For many of us, there’s not much large-scale change we can do.  We can’t go and fight the fires or go and provide physical and financial aid, but there is something that we can do.  As we think and pray for the thousands of people affected by the fires, what is our ember of fire that is going to spark us into action in our community here and in the wider community?

Yours sincerely

Mrs Anne Fry
Principal

We have recently received a very positive email sent from a member of the public regarding our students on a train:

"I wanted to bring to your attention of the kind act one of your students did for my mother today.  We were on the Cronulla to Bondi train at around 7.40am from Kirrawee.  My mother has just had a recent knee reconstruction, and she politely asked one of your students if she could have her seat as it was more accessible than some other vacant seats.  Your student got up instantly, asked her friends to get up and was courteous the entire trip to my mother, engaging in conversation.  I was embarrassed as I took her friend's seat, as Mum wanted to have a chat, but your student was more than kind on that matter!  You should be very proud of your students that they can act so maturely, and I only wish I caught her name so you could thank her personally.  It made mine and my mother's day as we rarely get to catch up".

Dear Parents and Carers

I have taken great pride this week in observing the capacity of our students to care for and be in good relationship with each other.  In addition to the Year 10 Social held last night, we also enjoyed the Year 11 Social last Friday night in our very own rooftop where the heels and canapes of Year 10 are replaced by sneakers and pizzas.  To witness how young people grow in their comfort with each other and their desire to simply have a fun time as a year group, inclusive of guests, is a reminder of how adolescents mature in relationship with others.  Parents of these students ought be so very proud to hear of the maturity and gratitude expressed by your daughters, and parents of younger years ought also be buoyed by such a snapshot of adolescents only one or two years their senior.

Whether under the chandelier or the night sky, both Socials were testament to the manner in which these students have grown with each other to embrace their individual personalities and celebrate being a year group on journey together at SVC.  The role modelling they provide as Big Sisters to our present Years 7 and 10 respectfully, is greatly admired and can bring much wisdom to the everyday encounters at school.  Our Year 9 group is impressing their CP teachers with their energy and commitment in preparing to become the Big Sisters to our incoming Year 7 2020.  Such generosity of heart is the Vinnies spirit in action.

Alongside Mrs Radford, I have also enjoyed facilitating the Teen Mental Health First Aid workshops this week with Year 10.  Learning to understand the spectrum of mental health and identify both a mental health problem and a mental health crisis in order to respond as a first-aider and friend is critical social literacy that can save lives.  The purpose of educating a whole year group, enables shared understanding and language to empower young people to action.  Year 10 students have responded to this learning experience with sensitivity and a desire to support a friend in difficulty.  As witness to this, I share with you as their parents and carers, that the community shaped by such student learning is one of hope and love. 

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal, Pastoral Care

Environment

This coming week, the College will celebrate National Recycling Week.  At a time when our world is literally burning as a result of the climate crisis that we have been a part of creating, it is pertinent to take stock and check what we are doing TODAY to reverse the damage.  Over the last couple of weeks we have been sharing with Year 7 ways to make a positive impact in our world.  There have been conversations about stopping single use plastic, increasing composting, reducing red meat consumption, shortening showers and supporting slow fashion. 

Students and staff are really keen to change our waste management practises at the College, but we need your help to make this happen...I continue to be amazed by the number of students who leave their reusable water bottles and lunch boxes in the playground rather than taking them home; I am surprised by the number of students who buy hot and cold drinks on the way to school in single use containers, sometimes with straws; I am saddened when students choose to leave waste (food and other) in the vicinity where they sit, rather than place it in a bin or compost.  We can make an impact on our environment by starting with ourselves.  I invite all students and community members to consider their daily actions and explore ways in which they can reduce their carbon footprint.  Next week we will be hosting a variety of initiatives and fundraising events to help inspire lasting environmental change:

21 November:  The SRC will be holding their annual Second-Hand Stall.  If students wish to sell items (uniform, text books etc) be sure toregister herebefore Monday. 

22 November:  Zooper Dooper Stall - all money raised will be donated to Vinnies Fire Appeal.  If you would like to make a direct donation, please use this link.

22 November:  Festival of Fashion, an opportunity to support and nourish SLOW FASHION.  This type of fashion can be from a thrift shop, from a friend, from a sustainable store or is ethically made.  We want you to help us break the cycle of FAST Fashion - by getting SLOW at St Vincent’s by doing three things:

1.      DONATE- Donations of good quality clothing are required: Go through your own, your Mum's, sisters, aunts wardrobes and bring in items that they no longer wear.  All donations are to be left at Student Services where the Festival of Fashion team will then curate the donations into a fashion show!

2.      Students are invited to sign up to be a MODEL (information in student Admin Notices and emails).  Students will then need to come to Ms Kennedy and the Slow Fashion team in A2.28 during Week 6 to be allocated their outfit.  It is a great way to learn about Slow fashion; have fun with your friends; meet like-minded people and earn House points.

3.      WEAR SLOW FASHION (ie NOT school uniform) on 22 November…students are invited to let the Social Justice Advisory team know how they got their slow fashion by completing this form.  Examples of the most creative and sustainable slow fashion will be awarded House points (see details in the link).

25 November - recess and lunch:  Festival sale...items that were modelled on the Friday will be sold by Year 7 De Lacy students.  All money raised from this sale will be donated to Wayside Chapel.

We look forward to seeing how we can make a difference to our environment at SVC! 

Ms Rachel McLean
Director of Faith and Mission

Christmas Hamper Appeal:  Family Spirit led by Year 8 in Tutor

This year, Year 8 is coordinating the Family Spirit Christmas Appeal which is a support service that works with young people aged 12-25.  They provide outreach case management to young people who are in foster care or have significant family breakdowns.  Year 8’s role is to assist Family Spirit in organising a hamper for an assigned person.  Most of the people that the hampers are being supplied for are young adults between the ages of 16-25.

With Year 8 organising the hampers, we are asking each Tutor to either give money for their Year 8’s to buy gifts to put into the hampers, or bring in an assigned gift to go into a bag (like a tote or backpack) that the young person will be able to use again.  Some of the young adults have given us some ideas of what they would like, for example, gift vouchers or clothes.  This gives each Tutor an idea of what to get for their assigned person.  We hope that this small gesture will bring a little bit of Christmas cheer to those who need it most. 

Bronte Murphy, Year 8 Student

Location:  Mary Immaculate Church, 45A Victoria Street, Waverley, 

20 November at 7:30pm-8:30pm 

18 December at 7:30pm-8:30pm. 

Taizé Prayer Nights are held on the third Wednesday of every month.  The services use sung repetitive chants often in an environment of peace, and traditionally have included praying around a prayer focus with many candles.  One of the most important aspects of the prayer is silent prayer.  They invite you to come along on Wednesday 20 November at 7.30pm for an hour of Taizé prayer in their church.  You are assured that this time of reflection will nurture and strengthen your prayer life and relationship with God.

Rachel McLean
Director Faith and Mission

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 before the end 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, please visit their website:  https://www.stbakhitacentre.com/

Thank you and kind regards

Michael Westbury

Ms Rachel McLean
Director of Faith and Mission

This week saw the last two HSC exams sat, with Melissa Yeung and Cece Mooney being our last two Boarders from the class of 2019.  It was fitting that Cece finished at 3.30pm; the last boarder to leave in Year 12... coincidentally, she was also the first Boarder to arrive in Year 7!

The final Year 12 HSC exam was held this week on Monday, and all of the Year 12’s - have now 'left the building'.  I’m in my ninth year now in Boarding with St Vincent’s College, it’s amazing to see these young girls arrive as little girls and watch them flourish into amazing independent young women.

This is a happy and sad time for us, the co-ordinators for Year 12.  We have encouraged and nurtured these wonderful young women through their final year helping them to overcome their nerves, anxieties and high stress levels to settle and focus on developing good study and work habits.  These young women have been supportive, kind and caring of each other during their time in Boarding.  Even though they are unbelievably excited about finally leaving, they were quite emotional at leaving behind their close Boarding community.

It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to be a partner with their parents to support and care for the 2019 Year 12 girls on their HSC journey.  We always feel sad at the goodbyes, however, our new Year 12’s are now embracing their HSC journey and we will continue with our care, love and support and give our best to all our future Boarding students.

Janette Gaffney
Deputy Head of Boarding

This year we have tried to be sustainable with our reusable containers, mugs used for hot drinks and reusable cutlery was also purchased for the Boarders to use at lunchtime.  This cutlery has somehow disappeared in a short space of time, and all that is left of 72 pieces of cutlery are 4 knives!  This is disappointing, however, the newly formed Boarder Environment committee will encourage the Boarders to be more about reuse/recycle/reduce and hopefully, no more reusable cutlery will be thrown in the bin!

Yours in Boarding

Ms Maryanne O'Donoghue
Director of Boarding

Ms Priscilla Laliotis
TAS Teacher

Donations are desperately needed for our annual Festival of Fashion Parade on 22 November.  Quality clothes and accessories would be greatly appreciated.  Please deliver any donated items to student services.

Ms Sue Kennedy and Ms Josie Runes
English Department Teachers and Festival of Fashion Parade Co-Ordinators

The University of Sydney

STEM Girls @ Sydney

The  University of Sydney is hosting a  two-day workshop on 20-21 January 2020 for female high school students who want to explore the disciplines and careers available in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), and how these skills can apply in everyday life.  This workshop will be held at USyd and is for students entering Year 11 in 2020, register here.

Australian National University (ANU)

Domestic Undergraduate Webinar:  Support Services - a Webinar for Future Students, Parents and Carers.

The transition from school to university is an important moment not only for students, but also for their families.  This Webinar, hosted by the Student Engagement and Success team, on 19 November at 5.30pm, has been prepared to answer any questions parents and carers may have about ANU from the moment a student move to Canberra to the development of their academic life.  The Student Engagement and Success team provides a range of programs and services to enable students to learn and grow intellectually, socially and professionally during their time at ANU, supporting their transition into, through and beyond university.  If you are planning to study at ANU or are the parent of a future student, register now to participate on this webinar and send questions about support services, mental health, safety, moving to Canberra, and much more.  To register go here

Campus Tours

One of the best ways to get a feel for any university is to go on a campus tour.  Term break is usually a good time to take a campus tour.  Following is information - it may be something you would like to do during the summer break.

University of Newcastle

The University of Newcastle’s campus walking tours are for individuals, families and parties of up to ten people.  Use this form to express your interest and the university will be in contact with further tour details or contact futurestudents@newcastle.edu.auto find a suitable time.

University of New England 

Campus tours are conducted at the University of New England in Armidale on Monday and Friday at 9:30am* and 1:30pm* each week (excluding public holidays) and take approximately two and a half hours.  To request a tour, complete the form here 

Macquarie University 

One of the best ways to get a feel for any university is to go on a campus tour.  Macquarie University has regular tours for interested students and their parents which usually take about 90 minutes.  Every tour takes in:our various lecture theatres

*  MU’s award-winning library
*  MUSE - MU’s flexible and creative study space
*  the Sport and Aquatic Centre
*  the Campus Common, where dining options can be explored.

Following the tour an opportunity for questions is available, answered by a current student.  If interested in going on a MU tour register here

University of Wollongong

To tour UOW’s campuses go here Wollongong Campus and Liverpool Campus

Night Sky Discovery - Macquarie Astronomical Observatory Sessions

On 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 November at the Astronomical Observatory, North 3 Car Park, Gymnasium Road, Macquarie Park, the Association for Astronomy (in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at MQ) invites interested members of the public to observe the cosmos at Macquarie University Astronomical Observatory.  View planets, moons, binary stars, star clusters, nebulae and bright galaxies through MQ’s professionally maintained 12" and 16" in-dome telescopes.  To register for this event go here

Ms Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

Year 7 Vaccinations - Thursday 21 November.

As outlined in a letter sent earlier in the year, the Public Health Unit will be administering the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine to those Year 7 students who have completed and returned a signed permission slip.

Mr Joseph Hekeik
Head of Operations

SPORT STAFF CONTACTS FOR TERM 4 2019

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

Ms Therese Taylor:     0408 711 881 - Head of Tennis
Ms Elyse Harmanis:    0434 610 870 - Head of Touch
Ms Jasmine Shires:    0466 672 383 - Head of Water Polo.
Ms Molly Macqueen:   0448 882 121 - Head of Basketball and Volleyball
Mr Hugo Forlico:        0411 615 031 -  Head of Futsal.

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

TERM 4 SPORT - TOUCH, WATER POLO, BASKETBALL and VOLLEYBALL

All teams have been progressing well, despite some inconsistencies in training at touch and water polo.  All students are reminded that they are still expected to train during assessment time, and that this one hour of activity after a long day at school will help their mental alertness for their study that evening. 

Coaches need to be given adequate notice if you cannot train for any reason, so that they can assess if its still worth having training on that day depending on the numbers.  This week we had only two girls at a water polo session, and that is not fair on the coach or the players who are doing the right thing and attending.  On a brighter note, the volleyball, basketball and Tildesley teams are to be congratulated for their dedication to training, and the results have really been improving.  Molly has been very impressed with the commitment and effort being put in, even on the recent hot, 'smoky' day she ran a productive indoor session with good attendance. 

Below:  Year 7 Volleyball

Swimming Training and SVC Swimming Carnival

The Inter-House Swimming Carnival is quickly approaching and will be held again at Drummoyne Pool on Monday 2 December, from 9.30am-2.30pm.  In preparation for this event, we have swimming squad sessions at school on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 7.00am-8.00am, run by Jesse from www.bondiswimcoach.com.au .  Please go on to his website to enrol directly with him.  All levels are catered for and you can do as many days as you like.  All water polo players are encouraged to go to at least one of these sessions per week to improve their swimming fitness. *

At last week's House meetings we asked the swimmers who want to compete in the serious Championship races at the carnival, to nominate their events on the Google form for their age group for next year.  This form will be on their House Classroom until Monday 18 November for anymore nominations.  The 200 IM (individual medley), 100m freestyle and 50m freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly, are the events we run.  This inter-House Carnival acts as a selection for the 2020 IGSSA Carnival swim squad, therefore, you must swim in the age group you turn next year (so, no 12 years).  The new Year 7's (2020) will be time-trialled in PE classes next term and will be compared to the 13 years age group.

Below:  Water polo *

Fitness Training

Fitness with Tash continues on Mondays from 3.15pm-4.15pm, and everyone is invited to join in.  All fitness levels are catered for and the venue will vary from week to week.  All participants are to get changed and meet outside the change rooms at 3.15pm on Mondays.  Please email Ms Jacobs if you are keen to sign up.  This is for all students wanting to get ready for cross country next year or to just improve their fitness in general.   

Above:  Year 7 cross country

BOXING PROGRAM

Our PDHPE and PASS classes have been enjoying a boxing program.  This is a great way to combine cardio, strength and skill.  There are options to attend classes before school locally, and if you are interested please see Ms Jacobs.

Tildesley Tennis

The Tildesley tennis squad has started training for next year.  We wish our talented tennis athletes well in their mission to defend the ‘Most Improved School’ trophy at the tournament next year! 

Training will be held on the College courts on Mondays and Thursdays from 3.15pm-4.15pm as well as Monday mornings 7.15am-8.30am for tennis fitness.  All girls who trialed last term are invited to train in this squad until the final team is selected next term.

Ms Therese Taylor
Head Tennis Coach 

TERM 1 2020 SPORTS TRIALS

Sport Registrations have now closed for next term and trials for UNSW Water Polo, ESTA Touch and IGSSA Tennis will be on the following dates in Week 6.

WATER POLO TRIALS - College Pool

Seniors  (current Years 9, 10, 11):  Friday 22 November - 3.15pm-4.30pm.      

.  PLEASE BRING GOGGLES AND CAP FOR TRIALS.

TOUCH - Rushcutters Park

Seniors  (current Years 9, 10, 11):  Tuesday 19 November - 3.15pm-4.45pm.

Juniors  (current Year 7, 8):  Wednesday 20 November - 3.15pm-4.45pm.                

.  PLEASE WEAR TOUCH SINGLET IF YOU HAVE ONE OR PE UNIFORM. 

NOTE:  IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND YOUR PARTICULAR TRIAL, YOU MUST EMAIL THE SPORT STAFF OTHERWISE YOU WILL NOT BE PLACED IN A TEAM.

SPORT STARS OF THE WEEK

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

Congratulations to Alexis Graham, Year 9, Taffy O’Neill, Year 10, and Mia Glasel, Year 10, who have been selected to trial for the IGSSA Open Water Polo team next week at Queenwood. 

Ms Jacinta Jacobs
Co-ordinator of Sport

From St Canice's Kitchen

Started last weekend 2-3 November:  The week before Christmas we distribute Christmas hampers to our kitchen guests.  These hampers are put together from very generous donations from individuals, businesses, schools and community groups within the local area.  This year we will run a food drive, asking mainly for special treats that our guests may not normally be able to afford, which quite often are not included in Christmas donations.  So starting from last weekend, we will be appealing for items specific to each week.  The weekly outline is as follows:

Week 1:  (03 November) - Chocolates - either small box, block chocolate eg Cadbury Dairy Milk etc.

Week 2:  (10 November) - Bags of lollies.

Week 3:  (17 November) - Chips/Popcorn/Doritos etc - smaller size (to fit into hamper bags).

Week 4:  (24 November) - Cans soft drink/single serve juice.

Week 5:  (01 December) - Single serving size Christmas puddings.

Thank you as always for your generosity.  Our kitchen guests really appreciate the gift of community spirit that we provide throughout the year and at Christmas.

St Canice's Kitchen Team

(Our Book Reviewer - Ms Suzanne O'Connor, is volunteering with the Loreto Sisters in Timor Leste) 

THE WEEKEND by Charlotte Wood

In July of this year when I briefly returned to Sydney, the wonderful people at the Potts Point Bookshop recommended a new Charlotte Wood novel, due out in October.  It is called The Weekend and is about three women in their early seventies who are clearing out a weekender which had been owned by the fourth member of their decades-long friendship group, but who had died.  Initially, I was wary of the book that sounded more and more like my life.  Even though Charlotte Wood is a mere fifty-something young girl, I was also intimidated by her scalpel-like perceptive writing.  The first chapter confirmed almost all my fears and I confided in some of my contemporaries that maybe I was not sufficiently brave to read on.  However, as I had paid Amazoncom.au for it, I felt I had to continue.

The surviving friends are Jude, who is a driven perfectionist.  The main source of energy in her life is her nearly forty year relationship with a wealthy married man.  She meets with him a few times each month and spends the rest of her time visiting concerts, art galleries, curating her exquisite apartment and saving up parts of her experiences with which to enthral him.  Adele has been a well-known actress but has not worked for a year.  Whenever she is sad she buys something to cheer herself.  We meet her admiring her freshly manicured toes in a pair of pretty pink sandals.  She is almost penniless but borrows from friends, lets out her minute apartment on Air BNB and occasionally steals money when she has access to an open handbag.  Wendy is a world-famous academic, still grieving for her dead husband, guilty about her unhappy adult son and adoring of Finn, a dog given to her by their now dead friend, Sylvie.  Finn is incredibly old and basically falling to pieces, mentally and physically.  Jude the brusque tells her she has to have Finn killed as an act of mercy.  While acknowledging that Jude is right - again - Wendy is not able to make that decision.

The descriptions of the way the three friends make their way to the Northern Beaches holiday house tells us a lot about them.  Jude drives herself in a sleek, discreet and powerful car, and arrives first.  Wendy drives a battered old car because she cannot bear to leave the leaking, drooling Finn in a kennel and is aware he would not be allowed in Jude’s immaculate car.  Inevitably, her car breaks down and she has to wait an hour and a half for roadside service to appear.  It is after all, Christmas Eve.  During the wait in the rust bucket, cowering at the side of the highway, the demented Finn insists on sitting on her.  Adele deliberately misses a number of trains because she is not sure she can face the new dynamic of the friends, and is hurt by the way her latest relationship has ended.  I loved the interior monologues of all three women, the descriptions of food and animals, the lovely midnight mass in a suburban church which Finn invades, and the wisdom of all of them at different moments.  With some asperity, the ditzy Adele comments that what women their (our) age want and need was “work and money”.  Of all of them, she is most aware of their precarious position in a youth obsessed, consumerist society.  At the end of the novel, it appears that, in their different ways, all three are going to fall off the metaphorical cliff.  Once again, Adele crystallises their angst:  “People who cared nothing for art or literature, who had probably never even seen a single Shakespearean play, these people, in the end, were victorious".  However, Wood challenges this despair in the final, beautiful chapter and does tell us a little about what will happen to at least some of the women.  I am glad I girded my loins and read this compassionate, wry and enthralling novel.  As ever, I am also grateful for the existence of the Potts Point Bookshop.

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