Staff enjoyed an opportunity for Ignatian reflection on Monday as we engaged with our ministry as  a Mary Aikenhead Ministries college. Sr Anne as both College Companion and Sister of Charity led us in prayer, inviting staff into gentle contemplation of the experience of and invitation to love. In the Ignatian way we considered our context of the vision for Mary Aikenhead Ministries - “Through our trust in divine providence, our vision is to witness to the Gospel through our commitment to the values of hope, justice and compassion in loving service of God’s people, especially the poor and marginalised.” ( Vision Statement, Trustees of Mary Aikenhead, 2008 ). Staff reflections on how this vision is lived and experienced in our community added to a rich context upon which to grow. Ms Boyd-Boland facilitated a World Cafe style of table conversations inviting staff to share a breadth of perspectives and insights, followed by a commitment to action throughout the day as Faculties seek to enliven this vision in the design of teaching and learning.

The week has continued to offer a myriad of ways in which we see this commitment to the vision and values of a Mary Aikenhead education come alive. Having joyfully celebrated the graduation of the class of 2025 at the end of last term, Day 1 of this term saw us welcome the Year 7 Class of 2026 for their Orientation experience. For all - the parents and carers who gathered on Monday evening and then our new students on Tuesday morning who enjoyed a full day of new connections and new learning, including ten boarders who had a head start with a sleepover the night before - we are confident all were met with the love of Christ witnessed through welcome and inclusion as they add their stories and hopes for joining the St Vincent’s College community.  It is what Vinnies does well!

The week also saw the College host a visit by another Mary Aikenhead Ministries College - Mt St Michael’s College in Brisbane. It was a delight to see some of our  Year 9 students give a tour of the College and in doing so share their stories. These encounters with one another are indeed a witness of Christ’s love in action - an encounter of hospitality. It was a wonderful opportunity for sharing the story of the Sisters of Charity in Australia and the impact of this tradition in shaping their House names and architecture as well as values and celebrations. The Mt St Michael’s students were in Sydney for a competition as ‘future problem solvers’, having achieved their way through to national finals. It was delightful to hear students from both schools share their interests across all domains of learning from ethical reasoning and public speaking, to the arts and sport, and Tutor structures and boarding.

The headline of the week has to be the commencement of HSC exams by our Class of 2025. they have entered with calm focus and companionship, reflecting what I hope holds a belief in divine providence, a hope that they will find their ways  to living their life to the full as God has destined for them, whilst also knowing that their efforts to respond to that calling requires a commitment to apply knowledge and, in so doing, being extensively useful. As our Class of 2025 engage in their HSC examinations, let us keep them in our prayers, asking God’s grace to strengthen them with confidence and calm assurance. Mr Harvey has created a prayer on behalf of the community which is in this Bulletin.

My Thursday afternoon offered me the privilege of working with fifteen Year 11 students preparing for our upcoming immersion in Tanzania  as a ‘Pilgrimage of Hope’. We were joined by Economics teacher Mr Latham to explore ideas about global poverty. This preparation is essential in building the students’ knowledge of the impact of land and resources upon the economy and its flow on to infrastructure, education and health. The story of the School of St Jude’s is a micro example of what is possible on a macro level when investment in education can positively change the outcomes of the society. Friday always begins with a coffee and banana bread served in the Atrium by our Coffee Queens . It was lovely to see some HSC students slipping by on route to a quiet reflective space pre-exam. Both these experiences allow our students to actively inquire as to who are those on the margins and how we may use our learning to be solution seekers for a more just and equitable world, affirming a commitment to preferential option for the poor.

The College is eagerly awaiting next week’s College Production - This Murder Was Staged - on Wednesday 22, Thursday 23, and Friday 24 October. We expect a night of intrigue and talent. Such occasions showcase students’ passions and creativity; they also offer us an invitation to celebrate community. What a pleasurable way to spend our daylight Spring evenings, enjoying some pizza and conversation before a spectacle of entertainment amongst friends. Please book your tickets via the links in this Bulletin.

Finally a commendation to the many students, and parents and carers, who have ensured that the return of school summer uniform is worn with pride, adhering to College expectations. Dress length is to the knee, and faces are not to be adorned with makeup and jewellery. Students are very aware of expectations yet sometimes say they their ‘other uniform’ is in the wash when addressing incorrect uniform standards. I ask that all uniform items are worn as they ought be and that attention is given when uniforms need lengthening or replacing. We have had to ask some students to return home to attend to eyelash enhancements and ask for your active support as parents and carers in ensuring your daughter’s uniform is indeed one that is consistent with our expectations.

A Prayer for Our Year 12 HSC Students

Loving God,

We thank You for the gift of our Year 12 students
for their courage, hard work, and perseverance.
As they commit to their final exams,
Bless them with calm hearts, clear minds, and steady focus.

May they be strengthened by their own commitment to the pursuit of knowledge
And guided by a faith that celebrates hope and possibility.
May they remember that they are more than any one result,
and that their worth lies in who they are and the love they share.

Surround them with the support of their families, friends, and teachers,
and guide them to use their gifts to serve others and set the world on fire for good.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, our first teacher and companion.
Amen.

Elizabeth Brooks

Deputy Principal

Our Year 12 students, in particular, are in the midst of a significant milestone. With the HSC examinations beginning yesterday, we extend our warmest encouragement to them as they put into practice all they have learned over the past years. Their commitment, focus, and determination are a testament to the values that underpin our learning community. We are immensely proud of the way they have approached this challenge with resilience, optimism, and grace.

As the term unfolds, we are reminded that success rarely comes without challenge. It is through moments of uncertainty and effort that we grow in capability and character. Perseverance,  the quiet courage to keep going, to learn from setbacks, and to strive for improvement,  lies at the heart of true learning. Whether in exams, creative pursuits, sport, or daily classroom engagement, each act of persistence builds not only knowledge but also the strength to face what comes next.

We look forward to a productive and inspiring Term 4, one that celebrates hard work, curiosity, and the joy of learning. To our Year 12s - we wish you calm minds, steady focus, and the confidence to know that your best is more than enough.

Alison Boyd-Boland

Director of Teaching and Learning

Mr Bob Anderson
Director of College Operations

During the Term 3 school holidays, Alice Laguna (Year 9) represented St Vincent’s College at the Berry Interschools Equestrian Championships, competing over three days.

Alice participated in multiple showing classes, earning one 1st place and two 2nd place ribbons. Her events included a combination of individual and group competitions, such as Showjumping and Mounted Games, which featured barrel racing, small jumps, and weaving through cones.

This marked Alice’s second time competing at the Berry Interschools Championships. It was an incredible experience that allowed Alice to further develop her riding skills and confidence. The achievements are a credit to Alice’s passion, resilience, time management and determination.   We appreciate Alice taking St Vincent's College into new heights of competitive recognition and achievements.

David Woolbank
Dean of Middle Secondary

Welcome back to Term 4!

This term, we continue to celebrate the spirit of generosity and compassion in this year's value of Service of the Poor that defines our College community. Together, we are called to live out the values of the Sisters of Charity and to respond with open hearts to the needs of others.

On the 16th of October, we celebrated the Environmental Committee’s wonderful efforts to raise funds and awareness for Caritas Australia, supporting communities suffering from the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels. The day was a great success, raising over $400, and was filled with delicious cakes, treats, and an incredible sense of community spirit. A special thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the day by baking, serving, raising awareness, and purchasing goods.

We also would like to acknowledge and celebrate the Year 10 DeLacy students who wrapped up their Health Equity initiative last term, donating much-needed essentials to those doing it tough on the streets in our local community. This important initiative is run by St Vincent’s Hospital Curran Foundation, and through our shared mission, we continue Mary Aikenhead’s vision of love, compassion, and service to those most in need. A heartfelt thank you also goes to the generous families who contributed donations towards this cause, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Congratulations to all the DeLacy students for their leadership and dedication to this meaningful initiative.

Our Sandwich Project continues to be a vital act of service in supporting Vinnies Night Patrol. However, we are currently in urgent need of Woolworths vouchers to keep this program running. Without these donations, we will be unable to continue providing this vital outreach. If you would like to contribute or learn more, please send your vouchers or inquiries directly to me via email (harveym@stvincents.nsw.edu.au) . Your generosity makes a tangible difference.

As our Year 12 students step away to prepare for their HSC, we hold them in our thoughts and prayers. Their example of faith, leadership, and service has inspired our community, and now it is our turn to follow in their footsteps to continue to live out our call to serve the poor and bring hope to others.

Michael Harvey
Social Justice Leader

IGSA WATER POLO, TENNIS, ESTA TOUCH & VOLLEYBALL

Welcome back to Term 4! We hope everyone had a refreshing break and is ready for an exciting and action packed term of sport. As we head into the final stretch of the year, there’s a great sense of energy and enthusiasm across all teams.

It’s been fantastic to see so many students back at training this week — a great start to what promises to be a busy and rewarding term! A friendly reminder to regularly check your school emails, as important updates and information from your Head Coaches are communicated this way.

Training is compulsory for all players. If you are at school on a training day, you are expected to attend, even if you are injured. In that case, please come along and observe so you can continue learning and supporting your team.

Games officially commence this Saturday, 18 October, and all draws have been uploaded to the SVC website & under each sport (Touch, Water Polo, Tennis & Volleyball) and Clipboard.

Please remember that any absences from training or games must be communicated in advance via email to both your Head Coach and Ms Harmanis. Consistent attendance is vital to team success, and your commitment makes a big difference.

If we experience wet weather, updates will be posted on the school website under the relevant sport section.

Please note: Due to multiple events in the area, there may be traffic delays around Queens Park this weekend, so allow extra time to reach your venue.

Good luck to all teams this Saturday — we’re looking forward to seeing everyone out there giving their best (and hopefully staying dry!).

Go Vinnies!

Ms Elyse Harmanis

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

University of Wollongong

Summer Master Classes

Applications Close 26 October

With a range of subjects to choose from, UOW’s three-week Summer Master Class program allows students completing Year 12 in 2026 the opportunity to study a university subject.

The program will run 5 - 23 January, 2026.  Interested students will also be required to attend an Orientation afternoon on Monday 8 December, 2025.

For more information use the link found here .

TAFE NSW Open Week

17-23 November

TAFE NSW Open Week is an opportunity for prospective students to learn about TAFE NSW courses, facilities and support services. Perspective students will also discover more about scholarships, degrees, pathway opportunities and flexible study options.

Find out more about Tafe NSW Open Week here

Summer Jobs

Looking for a way to gain work experience in Sydney and make the most of the school holidays? A summer job can help build confidence, develop valuable skills and build savings.

Browse available positions here

Josie Rune

Acting Careers Advisor