PHOEBE HAYLEN - Class of 2015

1. What is one lesson, value, or tradition that has stayed with you in life beyond school?

One value that has stayed with me since my time at Vinnies is the importance of service to the community and those less fortunate. Throughout our school years, we were constantly reminded of the blessings and opportunities we had been given, and of our responsibility to share our time, compassion, and kindness with those who needed it most. Being located so close to Kings Cross also opened our eyes to the realities faced by marginalised groups in our community—we witnessed it daily on our way to and from school. We were encouraged to live out Mary MacKillop’s words, “never see a need without doing something about it,” and we were given countless opportunities to serve: Street Retreats, St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol, and the Vinnies Buddies Day Program, just to name a few. Since leaving school, that call to service has remained a guiding force in my life. I’ve been fortunate to volunteer in a range of settings—from a school in Cambodia, to the Two Wolves Community Cantina at Chippendale, and more recently at St Canice’s Kitchen and Op-shop at Elizabeth Bay. Each experience has reinforced the importance of giving back. Looking back, I know that this commitment to serving others was nurtured at Vinnies. It was there that I learned to lead with love, to show kindness, and to stand alongside those who need it most.

2. What have you been up to since graduating from Vinnies?

When I finished school, I wasn’t entirely sure which career path I wanted to follow. I had always loved theatre and performance and initially thought I might pursue acting, so I began a Bachelor of Arts/Fine Arts at UNSW, majoring in Theatre and Performance. While I enjoyed the degree, I soon realised it wasn’t quite the right fit. I found myself continually drawn back to the idea of teaching—a dream that had quietly lived in the background since childhood, when I would spend hours playing teachers in my bedroom, teaching my teddies using my little whiteboard. I had also been incredibly fortunate to learn from inspiring teachers throughout Primary School and at Vinnies, which left a lasting impression on me. In July of my first year of university, I volunteered at a school in Cambodia, and it was there that everything clicked. Being in the classroom, working with children, and feeling the energy of a learning environment filled me with so much joy. When I returned home, I applied to the University of Notre Dame and began studying a Bachelor of Primary Education, with Religious Education, the following year. My time at university was rich and memorable—I joined various drama societies, performed in numerous productions, made some wonderful friends, and had some lovely overseas trips –a highlight being a university exchange to Sweden, where I taught at an international school.

After graduating, I worked within Sydney Catholic Schools (at St Mary’s Primary School/Marist North Sydney) for a couple of years before deciding, in 2023, to make the exciting move to London. I spent two and a half wonderful years teaching at a beautiful school in Regent’s Park and travelling across Europe during the school holidays. I recently returned home to Sydney and am delighted to be rejoining Sydney Catholic Schools, where I will be teaching Kindergarten in 2026.

Throughout the past decade, one of my greatest blessings has been the continued friendship of my beautiful group of Vinnies girls. Their support, laughter, and shared memories have made the journey all the more meaningful.

3. When you think back to your time at Vinnies, what memory still makes you smile?

Some of my fondest memories from Vinnies are of acting and performing in the school plays. I can still remember the excitement and adrenaline of preparing backstage in the A11 and A12 classrooms and the thrill of stepping out onto the stage in the College Hall. What always made those moments even more special was looking out into the audience and seeing my beautiful family, friends and teachers there, cheering me on.

4. How has being part of the Vinnies community shaped who you are or the way you see the world?

Being part of the Vinnies community has shaped me deeply, both personally and professionally. Vinnies instilled in me a strong sense of compassion and service, encouraging me to recognise the dignity of every person and to approach the world with empathy and understanding.

Professionally, the gentle, faith-filled leadership modelled by my teachers showed me the importance of nurturing each child with patience, respect, and love. Their example continues to inspire the way I teach and the kind of classroom I strive to create—one where every student feels valued, supported, and seen, just as I always felt at Vinnies.

5. What do you think has changed most since you left school?

I think the most noticeable change since we left school is the transformation of the buildings.

When we were in Year 12, so much of the College was under construction, so returning for our 10-year reunion and seeing the completed campus was incredibly special. The new buildings and courtyard are absolutely beautiful, and it was wonderful to see how the space has evolved.

Despite all the physical changes, one thing that has remained the same is the feeling you get when you walk through the gates at Vinnies. It’s hard to put into words, but it’s a peaceful, familiar feeling—almost like coming home.

6. What advice would you give to current students or your younger self walking the halls of SVC?

If I could give advice to current students—or to my younger self—it would be to take every opportunity that comes your way. When I started at St Vincent’s, my parents encouraged me to get involved in anything and everything: debating, sporting teams, the school choir, social justice groups, and auditioning for the play. Saying yes to those opportunities shaped my entire school experience. I made lifelong friendships, discovered who I was, and found so much joy in singing, theatre, performance, and art. (A special thank you to Ms Derrig,
Ms Johnson, and Mr Colman for nurturing those passions).

So my advice is simple: say yes. Try new things, explore, and get involved. You never know which opportunity will become the one that stays with you long after you’ve left the halls of St Vincent’s.

7. Anything else you would like to share?

I am very much looking forward to our fifteen-year reunion.