At times we take for granted that we get up each day, and bring ourselves to a place of learning that was at first established on this site of Tarmons as a hospital tending to the poor of Woolloomooloo. Recognising that the children waiting with their mothers did not have access to learning, these pioneering Sisters of Charity opened our school, firstly only a primary school but when recognising the need to champion education for girls, establishing St Vincent’s College in 1858 - the oldest Catholic Girls School in NSW. We became a boarding school, offering boarding from 1882. This week’s theme for National Boarding Week is Threads of Connection. On Wednesday our borders shared with their House groups a little of their experience in their diverse hometowns that weave together to make a new home in Potts Point. Today we held a ‘Day 10’ lunchtime concert on a ‘Day 5’, to celebrate our boarders with a few country tunes. What we saw was their sisterhood on stage, singing with joy, woven together through friendship and a sense of belonging.

Both these events remind us of the opportunities that others have paved the way for us, and invite us to renew our commitment to adding to the tapestry of service and love that defines St Vincent’s College. May the education of our school stir in us the flame of hope that offers dignity for all. I thank the many staff and students whose commitment have made these experiences so special. Sr Anne Taylor rcs, College Companion and Sister of Charity, shares her words that were shared with the community in St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Sr Anne Taylor rcs

Good morning….it is good that you are here. You might still be wondering about us being here at Parramatta this morning. It has taken a lot of effort to get us all here. What is it all really about?

I am sure that 186 years ago five women - Srs Cahill, Cater, DeLacy, O’Brien and Williams wondered what they were really doing at Parramatta….so far and different from their lives in Ireland. … They probably wondered what they could do here in this place so unfamiliar to them.

Let’s consider a few people who were behind these sisters coming to Australia.

In 1835 Polding, Australia’s first bishop visited Mary Aikenhead and requested for some sisters to help the convict women. She couldn’t fulfil his wish.

In 1836 Dr Ullathornone, one of Polding’s  priests, visited Mary Aikenhead, describing the terrible conditions of the convicts. Mary Aikenhead was so moved with compassion that she requested help  from her sisters. There were volunteers -  Polding’s dream was becoming a reality.

Mary Aikenhead agreed to send the five sisters and prepared for the voyage with great care - packing things that would assist in the mission. Mary Aikenhead was heard to say, ‘ I would gladly join these sisters if I were younger and in better health.’

Mary’s dream for the Australian mission became a reality when on 31 December 1838 the five sisters sailed into Sydney Harbour after four months at sea.

Let’s consider what Parramatta would have been like when the sisters arrived.

It was mid January ….

Do you know what the temperature in Parramatta is like in January….

It is very hot….humid….and trying - you and I would find it very unpleasant.

Imagine what it was like for our five sisters dressed in long, black, heavy, serge dresses, called habits with all but their faces covered.

It is 1839 …only 50 years old since white settlement began…it was a fortified settlement with soldiers and convicts. They would have travelled along the Parramatta River by row boat…or steamer. This would have taken many hours. Today we can travel the distance in 90 minutes.

This area was to be their home for the next eight years.

Adequate accommodation was difficult to find. Eventually their first convent was found, opposite where we are now. They lived in difficult, poor conditions - walking everywhere -  to help the poor. They had very little to eat most days.

The first task of the Sisters was to bring Christian love to the convict women - at the Female Factory. This was a place where up to eight hundred women lived in very poor conditions and misery.

Twice a day the sisters walked to the Female Factory - along dusty, uneven ground.

They couldn’t change much of the women’s lives but they could treat them with dignity, respect and love. They would teach them singing and skills which would help in gaining employment when released from the Factory.

The work of the Sisters seemed to bring instant acceptance and improvement. Bishop Polding wrote to Archbishop Murray in Ireland, that an almost miraculous change had taken place in the Factory that had seemed full of hopeless misery, resentment and despair.

So our five sisters were very much Pilgrims of Hope in early Parramatta.

I like to think of this area of Parramatta, including the Female Factory as holy ground for the Sisters of Charity - very little is as it was when the first five were here. This is the very spot where Xavier Williams made her vows and became a Sister of Charity in 1839 - the first profession in Australia. This is the first site in Australia where the Sisters of Charity showed love and compassion to those in any kind of need.

This is the very beginning in Australia of wonderful ministries in health, education and community care, including still working with prisoners today.

How did these ordinary women manage to get up each day and face the challenges and reach out to those in need? Their inspiration was their love of God and the motto - Caritas Christi urget nos.

It is through their courage, resilience, foresight, tenacity and endurance that we are here today.

Today as you go on pilgrimage to sites which form part of the story of the Sisters of Charity, may you realise you are now part of the story and are invited as Pilgrims of Hope to respond to the needs of people, especially the poor.

As life had its difficulties for the first five sisters, so on your pilgrimage today there may be times of tiredness, frustration… as well as times of joy and togetherness.

May you be impelled by the love of Christ to feel the story….and commit yourself to be the flame of Hope.

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal

Online orders - do not require an envelope returned to your school

Sibling and Daughter of Ex-Students Photos - these photos can be ordered online up to 24 hours before photo day. If you miss the online order deadline, you can submit a completed sibling order envelope, (available from Student Services), first thing in the morning of the day of photography, so your school is aware you want the photo taken and can bring your children together in time for it. Sibling photographs only apply to immediate family members.

Late fees - a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately

Package delivery - School photographs will be returned to the College and distributed via Tutors.

Previous Years’ photos - Past years’ are also available to order under the “previous years or group photo” tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the “Order School Photos Here” button above. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past

advancedlife offer a 100% money back guarantee on their products to ensure your peace of mind and are open to receiving feedback or resolve any issues you may experience as fast as possible, 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

At the College we know that improved academic outcomes don’t just happen. They occur as a result of a number of collective factors, including:

• A climate of trust in the learning environment
• Well designed lessons that respond to where students are at, and what their next learning steps might be
• Content knowledge
• Learning attributes and behaviours

While some of those dot points could be said to be the responsibility of the teacher, the last one sits particularly in the student’s own control. As behaviours, they are able to be activated each lesson and can become habitual over time. As reports are issued you will notice that the Learning Profile particularly addresses these behaviours, describing 5 ways in which students choices, behaviours and actions can contribute to their learning. This Learning Profile is represented on all reports, every semester, so that you can see your daughter’s growth across the domains and the way in which she is setting herself up for purposeful learning.

I include the Learning Profile below as well as some examples of what that behaviour might look like in action. Through these conscious decisions and actions, students are building the capacity to focus, persevere and manage their learning, all of which is foundational for improvement and personal success.

Alison Boyd-Boland

Director of Teaching and Learning

Michael Harvey
Social Justice Leader

Year 10 Drama: Commedia

Year 10 Drama class are exploring the roots of Western comedy - Commedia. They are working on physical comedy, slapstick and comedic banter. Once they have some skits rehearsed in traditional style they move on to creating their own modern interpretations. Currently some very familiar ideas are emerging - office politics, coffee shop mishaps and some satirical versions of political and sporting heros and family BBQs, all ending in mishaps and mayhem.

Year 11 Drama: A Twist on Oz

The Year 11 Drama students have taken bold steps in their learning journey, finishing off last term by pitching and voting on their next class production. The winning idea? A brilliantly original concept from Lucy Rice: The Yellow Brick Road of Tragedy . This isn’t your usual Wizard of Oz —it’s a modern, community theatre-style version where everything that can go wrong, does. Think with chaos, comedy, and some seriously clever theatre, our Year 11 Drama class is working well to work as an ensemble and create a play for the community to enjoy.

Each student is involved in every aspect of the production, from acting and directing to set design and lighting. It’s a full team effort, and the excitement is palpable as they prepare to share their hard work with the wider community. Keep an eye out—this performance promises to be a highlight of the term.

Year 12 Drama: Devising from the Ground Up

Meanwhile, our Year 12 Drama students are deep into their group-devised projects, a cornerstone of senior drama in NSW. Group devising allows students to collaboratively create original performances from scratch, encouraging them to develop their research skills, leadership, creative direction, time management, and teamwork. It’s not just about acting—it's about managing an entire new work from the ground up, and our students are rising to the challenge with passion and professionalism.

Music & Dance: Creativity in Full Swing

In Music and Dance, students are equally hard at work. Elective music students are polishing their performance and composition skills, while senior dancers have auditioned younger students to feature in their original dance compositions. The rehearsal rooms are full of movement, music, and meticulous attention to detail as these young performers and students prepare to develop and hone their talents.

Entertainment: the powerhouse behind the events

Our College assemblies and Day 10 Courtyard performances are more often than not completely set up and run by the Vet Entertainment class here at the College. The recent Day 10 performance was moved to the hall because of impending rain - so the class did 2 set ups! Then they had an incredibly complex set up for the Anzac Day Assembly. This very solemn and respectful event required seamless sound and vision, which included many things to be planned and set up including live feed projections across the Hall and the Gym. The year 12 Entertainment class and Mr MCrudden their teacher ensured that this event ran completely professionally without a hitch.

From drama and dance to music and production, the Garcia Building, Tarmons and the Dance studio is alive with our Elective students' events, ideas, expression, and artistic excellence. It’s a vibrant reminder of how creativity can be an excellent learning tool and can bring a community together.

Career News May 16

On campus | 7, 8, 11 July

Join UNSW on campus to get a taste of student life. You'll engage in hands-on workshops with your peers to discover how your interests match up with our broad range of degrees. Registrations open soon, sign up to get the invite.

UNSW Business School Info Evening

28 May (6 - 7pm) | Online

Attendees will hear directly from UNSW academics and current students. They'll also learn about the 2026 application process, career pathways and degree options.Registrations for this event are essential using the link found here

An Owner’s Guide to the Mind with Professor Steve Most

19 June (6:30 - 7:30pm) | UNSW Kensington

Explore cutting-edge cognitive science research in this free, interactive presentation on campus. Attendees will learn how to study smarter, make better decisions and stay safer. Perfect for students, families and curious minds of all ages. To register use the link found here . Register early as this event will be very popular.

The Law Admission Test (LAT)

Registration Now Open

Registration Closes 11 August

Late Registration Closes 8 September

The Law Admission Test (LAT) is a professionally designed and scored selection test developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in conjunction with UNSW Law & Justice. It assesses the types of aptitudes and skills that are critical to success in tertiary Law programs.These aptitudes and skills include the ability to think critically, to analyse information, and to organise and express ideas in a clear and fluent way.

LAT is a 2 hour, computer-based test that is held once a year. LAT is currently used for selection into undergraduate Law programs at UNSW Sydney. Completion of the LAT enables UNSW Sydney to gain a more rounded view of a candidate’s capability to study Law. It also gives applicants an opportunity to further demonstrate their suitability for the Law program at UNSW Sydney. To find out more and to register your interest for the LAT use the link found here

UNSW Science Information Evening

21 May

UNSW’s Science Information Evening is for domestic high school students who are interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree in Science. Join us online to hear about UNSW Science and what makes us different.UNSW academics will provide information about their degree offerings,

work integrated learning opportunities, industry partnerships, STEM career opportunities and much more. To register your interest for this event use the link found here .

The University of Sydney

Dr Karl - Artificial Intelligence or Artificial Idiocy?

27 May

Artificial Intelligence was born in 1956, went through some awkward teenage years (also known as “AI Winters”), and then — to almost everyone’s surprise — came roaring back with tools like ChatGPT. Today, AI is the fastest-growing industry in the history of capitalism and devours around 20% of the world’s R&D budget. That’s a lot of brainpower (artificial or otherwise).

Join Dr Karl as he connects the dots between the tech booms of yesterday — from the family car to the first home computers — and today’s mind-bending AI explosion. Along the way, he’ll share how AI has been used to both attack and discredit him, and how he’s now turning the tables to make it a Force for Good.

Expect real science stuff, genuinely funny (not artificially generated) stories, a few unexpected detours and — of course — question time with prizes. Registrations, using the link found here , are essential for what will be a very popular event

UTS, Sydney

Women in Engineering, IT and Construction

Female students who have applied for select engineering, information technology or construction project management courses,  will automatically receive 10 adjustments for both UAC and Early Entry Program applications at UTS.

Find out the eligibility requirements, how to apply and what courses are included by using the link found here .

University Open Days 2025

University Open Days are approaching. Please use the link provided to see when they are being held in 2025. Open Days are an excellent way to check out campus facilities and to get a feel for what it would be like to study at a specific institution.

Medicine UCAT Applicants: dates for your diary

Application and offer dates for semester 1, 2026 have been provided by the universities and are set out on the medicine key dates page link found here ..Check with each university to confirm deadlines and requirements and to ask any questions you have about the selection process.

Entry into undergraduate medicine degrees is highly competitive. Take the following steps to make sure your application is considered.

Register for the Undergraduate Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). Important dates are coming up:

Booking deadline – 16 May 2025

Final late booking deadline (late fee applies) – 6 June 2025

Testing begins – 1 July 2025

Complete your UAC application by 11.59pm 30 September 2025 – the application processing fee increases after this date.

Apply directly to each university’s medicine faculty (most require this). Address any extra requirements specified by each uni.

If you’re invited, attend an interview/assessment.

Future Doctors Australia

A 4 Day Program for ages 14 to 18

9-12 October - Nearly Sold Out

22-25 January 2026

Gaining medical work experience is essential for young people considering a medical career. It provides insight into the field, helps develop skills and attributes, and provides networking opportunities. However, obtaining medical work experience can be challenging due to various restrictions such as limited opportunities, safety concerns, and confidentiality issues.

That's why NIE has developed the "Future Doctors Australia" program. This engaging and high-impact 4-day program provides young people with a unique opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time with current junior and senior medical students. They will also have the rare opportunity to spend time with more senior clinicians and various medical specialists. You will learn about clinical specialist's relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn some hands-on skills from them. To find out more, including cost, use the link found here .

Career Spotlight: Physiotherapy

Discover your Path to Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists play an important role in keeping people moving, whether it be for maximum performance in athletes or with people living with chronic health conditions. Physios also have an impact on patients who require rehabilitation after events such as surgery or an accident. To find out more about the work of a physiotherapist use the link found here .

Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

IGSA HOCKEY

What a fantastic way for SVC Hockey to start Mother’s day weekend. Both teams secured a convincing win which had all the mums smiling with joy.

SVC 1 were dominant from the outset using their speed and well constructed passing to advance forward and enter the circle early. The team has come such a long way since the previous year and it was amazing to see the passion and determination displayed on the pitch. The girls utilised the width and length of the pitch well, creating opportunities to link passes at pace and getting the outcomes we have been working on. They had several penalty corners with a couple coming to fruition from a lovely slap hit to a rebound off the keepers pad. Congratulations to Ab’s for her hattrick.

Our Junior team took on Loreto at Lidcombe. The girls put on an incredibly strong performance from the start, linking up nicely through the midfield and feeding in many well timed balls for the strikers. A field goal and back post tap in made it 2-0 at half time. The girls were equally as ferocious in the 2nd half and were able to really attack and dominate the right hand side of the pitch. This resulted in two more field goals. The game ended in overtime with a St Vincent’s penalty corner which was converted to make the final score 5-0. With no subs, the girls put in incredible work rate all game and should be really chuffed with themselves! Congratulations to Emily for her hattrick.

Mrs Marcia Scally

Head Hockey Coach

IGSA NETBALL

Congratulations to all 23 teams for their impressive performances this term in netball. All teams showcased their skills and enthusiasm, making Saturday morning sport very enjoyable to watch.

Our Junior netball teams have started the term off very strong and our Year 7 netball teams also are displaying great dedication to training and willingness to learn. All students are proving to be formidable competitors, already achieving impressive results.

A reminder that Vinnie’s plays all over Sydney so please make yourself familiar with the venue details which can be found on the SVC website. I kindly ask for assistance in arranging transport for any boarders in your team on Saturday mornings. Please coordinate this during training sessions, and if any issues arise, feel free to contact me before Thursday, so we can resolve them before the weekend. All training schedules, court details, and fixture information are available on the College website under Learning/Sport/Netball. I encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with this information to stay updated and informed, including updates on wet weather arrangements, which will also be posted on the website each week.

Remember, even if you're sick or injured but attending school, you're still expected to attend your netball session, assist your coach, and continue learning.

Good Luck Vinnies!

Ms Bianca Wallace & Ms Georgie Mugridge

Heads of Netball

IGSA FOOTBALL

It was another fantastic week for Football at SVC  and even better, all six teams finally hit the field with no washouts! A huge congratulations to all players and coaches for a strong round of performances.

SVC 1 returned to action after their 2024 championship season and picked up right where they left off, securing a 6–1 win over Loreto Normanhurst. Coach Liz Grey described some of the play as “Barcelona-esque”  a fitting reward for a team that has grown together over many years.

SVC 2 faced a tough challenge against Kincoppal but came away with a solid 5–2 victory, marking two wins from two for the season. A great start under new coach Damian.

SVC 3 had a much tougher match this week but showed resilience to earn a 2–0 win against a typically strong Santa Sabina side. That’s also two from two for this in-form team  may it continue!

SVC 4 headed to the Northern Beaches and battled through a back-and-forth encounter to share the points with Brigidine College in a 3–3 draw. A solid effort against strong opposition.

SVC 5 made their season debut in stunning fashion, posting a remarkable 18–0 win over Kincoppal at Lyne Park. They must have had their Weet-Bix!

SVC6 also made a dominant start, putting in a commanding performance to beat St Catherine’s College 6–1. A brilliant way to kick off the season.

Well done to all players, coaches, and supporters  it’s shaping up to be an exciting season of football for St Vincent’s. Keep up the energy, pride, and team spirit!

Mr Nicholas Scroeder

Head Football Coach

IGSA BASKETBALL

This season, we have a total of 2 teams competing in the IGSA Basketball competition, held on Saturday mornings all over Sydney. Games are scheduled between 7:30 am and 12:30 pm. It's crucial that all players arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. Game venue details can be found on the SVC website please make yourself familiar with the document.

If you have any questions, or if you know you will be absent from training or games, it is essential that you email Ms Harmanis to inform her. If you are attending school but are unwell or injured, you are still expected to attend the session, as you can support your coach and continue learning in other ways.

Let's make this season a success!

Go Vinnies!

Ms Elyse Harmanis

Head of Basketball

IGSA CROSS COUNTRY and FITNESS TRAINING

Fitness Training with Tash continues every Monday and Wednesday for any students who would like to get fitter or get ready for the College and IGSA Athletics Carnivals.

The IGSA Cross Country was held on Friday, May 16 at Frensham . Congratulations to all students who competed at Frensham, it was a wonderful carnival. The first placed Vinnie’s girl in each age group will be crowned the College 2025 Age Champion at the next assembly.

SPORTS STARS OF THE WEEK 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 elyse.harmanis@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Congratulations to Lucy Byrne Yr 12 & and Emily Byrne Yr 11 who were selected in the U18 IGSA Rugby Sevens Team . Emily and Lucy will play in the NSWCIS Carnival next week. Good luck girls!