• We were constrained by the timetable and could not always provide students with an optimal spread of tasks and that tasks had to run at awkward times like periods 5 or 6 each day
• Students struggled to study effectively when they had to attend class in between assessments.
• Students do not concentrate on their class work when they have tasks throughout the day. They are physically present but are not learning.

By moving to an examination block for Year 10 we can:

• Run tasks for longer than a single period, providing students with more time to demonstrate their learning across the semester, and not just a single unit of work. This is particularly helpful for subjects like Mathematics where retaining knowledge from previous units and terms is essential in order to access new concepts and material
• De-couple the examination scheduled from the timetable so we can offer a better spread of tasks
• Reducing the number of days needed to complete all examinations, preserving more teaching time and enabling us to postpone the examinations until later in the term
• Support students to be able to manage the stresses of periods of assessment
• Offer a ‘low stakes’ experience of an examination which is a stepping stone between the assessment tasks of 7-10 and the examination experiences they will encounter in Stage 6.
• Provide students with more study time, so they can focus on learning

The College is not intending to develop or advocate for an examination culture. But we are committed to opportunities for students to demonstrate learning and be able to manage the responsibilities of their studies. We anticipate that this will be a positive development for our students as they completed Stage 5 and prepare for the new challenges and opportunities of Stage 6.

Alison Boyd-Boland

Director of Teaching and Learning

The College photos have now been distributed through Tutor groups this week. Parents who requested photos be collected directly from Student Services are advised that these are now available.

Boarders, Leaders and Daughters of Ex-Students can now be ordered.

These group photographs are available for families to purchase at 20% off the normal price until 11/09/2025.

Advancedlife are pleased to advise that online ordering is now open for the groups listed above. If you would like to place your order before 11/09/2025 you will receive a 20% early order discount by simply clicking on the link below. Please note that whilst we are not able to preview images in the ordering portal, all purchases are fully refundable for a period of 21 days. The 20% discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

LINK TO ORDER PHOTOS

Important

• These group photos can only be purchased online, PLEASE DO NOT return payment to your school
• Photos will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after the discounted early order period has closed
• Past years' photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available at your school's advancedorder and your child's advancedyou photo sites

advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to St Vincent's College for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money-back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience, please contact us at www.advancedlife.com.au/contact

College Dates for 2026

Term 1:

Monday 26th January - Boarding House opens (Year 7 & 12 and siblings) at 4 pm

Tuesday 27th January: Years 7&12 First Day of Term 1 & Boarding House opens for Years 8-11

Wednesday 28th January: Years 8-11 First Day of Term 1

Monday 20/4 - Tuesday 28/4: Year 9 Endeavouring

Thursday 2nd April: Last Day of Term 1 – Boarding House closes at 4:00 pm

Term 2:

Monday 20th April - Boarding House opens at 4 pm

Tuesday 21st April - First Day of Term 2

Friday 25th April – ANZAC Day

NB: Friday 5th June - Student free day (Parent-Teacher Meetings)

Monday 8th June – King’s Birthday Holiday

Friday 26th June - Last Day of Term 2 - Boarding House closes at 4 pm

Term 3:

Monday 20th July - Boarding House opens at 4 pm

Wednesday 22nd July - First Day of Term 3

Monday 17th August TBC (depending on College requirements) - Mid-term Teaching Break (Boarding School remains open – no travel days)

Friday 25th September - Last Day of Term 3 - Boarding House closes at 4 pm

Term 4:

Monday 12th October - Boarding House opens at 4 pm

Tuesday 13th October - First Day of Term 4

Tuesday 8th December (12:30 pm) - Last Day of Term 4

Wednesday 9th December - Boarding House closes at 4 pm

Mr Bob Anderson
Director of College Operations

This week, we celebrate the creativity and generosity of our students. The joy of engaging in our College Social Justice initiatives is more than the fundraising itself. Students often speak of the wonderful sense of connection that comes from working together towards a greater purpose. The act of giving time, talent, or resources allows us to deepen our bonds as a community while making a meaningful difference for others. As a College community, we have put the value of Service of the Poor into its true meaning.

A special shout out to all those girls who have been busy preparing beautiful bookmarks and cards for our upcoming Spring Fair. These small works of art carry with them a spirit of care and collaboration, with students partnering across House groups to make this project possible. All donations raised through their efforts will go directly to supporting Emusoi in Tanzania. Please come along to the Spring Fair this Sunday, a wonderful opportunity to gather as a community, celebrate together, and extend our generosity beyond ourselves.

Today at lunch, we are also proud to showcase the amazing work of our girls through their bake sale for Tanzania. This initiative not only raises much-needed funds but also creates a joyful atmosphere, with students soaking up the sun, sharing in fun games on the court, and experiencing the richness of community spirit.

We further encourage students to support Coffee Queens in the mornings. As the weather warms, this is the perfect time to come down for a coffee, enjoy some music, share a laugh, and even have a little dance while connecting with friends. Every purchase helps raise funds for Tanzania, reminding us that even the simplest moments can become acts of generosity.

Michael Harvey
Social Justice Leader

TOUCH TRIALS - Rushcutters Bay

Seniors (Year 10 and 11): Tuesday 16th September: 3:15pm - 4:45pm

Juniors (Year 8 & 9): Wednesday 10th September: 3:15pm - 4:45pm

Year 7: Thursday 18th September: 3:15pm - 4:45pm

PLEASE WEAR YOUR PE UNIFORM and BOOTS IF YOU HAVE THEM

TENNIS - College Courts

Seniors (Year 10 and 11): Thursday  September:  3:15pm - 4:30pm

Juniors (Year 7, 8 & 9): Thursday  September:  3:15pm - 4:30pm

PLEASE WEAR YOUR PE UNIFORM

WATERPOLO – UNSW POOL

All Year groups: Thursday 18th September - School Pool

VOLLEYBALL – SCHOOL COURTS

All Year groups: Tuesday 23 September: 3:15pm - 4:30pm

PLEASE WEAR YOUR PE UNIFORM

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

IGSA FOOTBALL

With finals looming, Round 7 brought both excitement and tough challenges across the board. Several St Vincent’s teams were playing for important ladder positions, while others looked to finish the regular season on a high. It was also a special weekend off the pitch, with Father’s Day giving families the chance to celebrate and support our players from the sidelines.

SVC01 travelled away to Abbotsleigh and fought hard but went down 1–0, bringing their season to a close. While results didn’t always fall their way this term, the team showed determination right to the end. A special mention must go to Coach Liz Grey, who has guided SVC1 for the past four years. Liz has been an integral part of the team’s success and, more importantly, the development of students as both players and young women. The College community sincerely thanks her for her hard work, commitment, and dedication, and we wish her every success in her own football career.

SVC04 entered the finals series in great form, recording a strong win over St Catherine’s to secure 2nd spot on the ladder. A semi-final clash with Ascham this weekend is sure to be an exciting fixture, and we wish this young and talented squad all the best in their title defence.

A reminder that the seasons for SVC02, SVC03, SVC05 and SVC06 have been extended and will not feature a finals series. This gives these teams a valuable opportunity to gain more game time, develop combinations, and build momentum heading into next year.

Good luck to all teams in the weeks ahead. We encourage parents, carers, and the wider College community to continue showing their wonderful support from the sidelines as our players push through to the end of the season.

Mr Nick Schroeder - Head Football Coach

I GSA NETBALL

Congratulations to all 22 of our netball teams for their impressive performances this term! Your dedication and skill have made Saturday morning sport a highlight of the week, and it has been a pleasure to watch each of you in action.

Our Junior netball teams have shown remarkable strength right from the start of the term. Their enthusiasm and teamwork have set a high standard for the rest of the teams. Similarly, our Year 7 netball teams have demonstrated incredible commitment to their training and a strong willingness to learn and improve. It’s clear that all our players are becoming formidable competitors, with several teams already securing impressive results.

As we approach the semi-finals this weekend, I want to extend a special congratulations to the following teams for their successful qualification: SVC 1, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22. Your hard work and determination have paid off, and we wish you the best of luck on Saturday. We are hopeful that your continued success will lead us to the grand finals the following week.

For those teams that advance, please note that training will continue as scheduled to ensure we are fully prepared for the finals.

Let’s keep up the fantastic work.

Good Luck & Go Vinnies!

Ms Georgie Mugridge - Head Netball Coach

SPORTS STAR OF THE WEEK

SPORTS STAR OF THE WEEK

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 elyse.harmanis@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Congratulations to all of our Year 12 students who have been playing their last matches for the College this week and possibly next. Many have played sport every term for the six years they have been at the College.