Our students are to be commended on their take up of the phone pouches this year. Each morning we have staff at the entry doors to greet students whilst they exercise the routine of locking their phone into their pouch. There have been a few instances of students breaching the College expectation and I thank parents and carers supporting the College, particularly when asked to come to the College to collect the phone. We desire to work with students in a relationship of trust and responsibility, by far the majority recognise the distraction and ‘temptation to check’ if their phones are on their person or accessible in lockers. We have seen greater peer interaction at break times and greater focus in our classrooms.

The discipline of self-regulating behaviour is required when using phones and laptops; this takes awareness and practice to experience the positive gains. Many of our senior students are able to share apps that restrict distractions whilst engaging in learning at home, and have mastered skills in regulating time for when they may engage in social media and connection with peers on-line. Responsible use of technology for learning needs to occur alongside the development of discipline to self-regulate. Adolescents do not develop this capacity without guidance, encouragement and boundaries. We offer  you readings and to support you in your parenting:

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt ( penguin books ), which explores the relationship between screen exposure and adolescent well-being

Johann Hari’s Stolen Focus , which examines how attention is eroded in the digital age.

International Coalition of Girls’ Schools - Why and How - we need  to talk to teen girls about their phones . Listen to this Podcast Short on your favorite streaming platform:

Amazon Music

Apple Podcasts

Iono

Spotify

The College IT Team is monitoring the presence of VPNs on students’ devices. VPN use breaches the ICT Acceptable Use Policy and impacts our ability to provide a safe online environment for students and staff. They also interfere with student’s ability to access learning resources or print. Parents will be notified if your daughter is identified to have a VPN on their laptop. Precaution is always best. Please check with your daughter and ensure the removal of any VPN she may have added to her laptop.

Please also take the time to read the College Acceptable Use policy on page 22 of the Student Diary as well the Digital Citizenship Expectations on page 37. The use of technology devices is a privilege that requires responsibility and trust, it is not a right and it may be rescinded by the College at any time. The use of various technologies are designed to elevate the learning experience within our classrooms;  hence the removal of devices can lead to a student missing the opportunity to acquire valuable new skills.

As always, thank you for your proactive education of your daughters and partnership with the College.

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal

This meant that our History students were able to engage with key events of the past through a new lens as they reflected on artwork and other modes of representation. By the same token our Visual Arts students saw the artwork through the eyes of history, understanding the world from which these works emerged. It is a courageous decision on the part of both teachers and students to resist the lure of a holiday as a time to slow down, instead gearing up for all the adventure and complexity of overseas travel. However, the words of the students themselves captured just how richly this experience brought learning to life, giving new meaning and motivation to their studies.

Student’s don’t have to travel around the globe to find these moments of motivation and real world application of knowledge. Our 7-10 students are off on excursions in a couple of weeks around Sydney, travelling to the zoo, Auburn, the northern beaches and the city in order to engage with experts and enjoy hands-on learning about biology, faith, geography and our country’s experience of war. Our Health and Movement Science students are not only engaging with a new syllabus (this course was formerly PDHPE) but have been engaging with industry experts online as they navigate new concepts and ideas in their course, and undertake their own research and investigation.

Even when onsite the opportunities for engagement with a range of visual and tangible learning experiences that might include attending dramatic performances or workshops and presentations from guest speakers.

All these events onsite and offsite, local and international shape the cadence of learning, offering high points and synthesis of knowledge that make learning dynamic and provide new insights, motivation and extension of learning.

Alison Boyd-Boland

Director of Teaching and Learning

Career News May 23

University of Sydney

Architecture & Design at Sydney: Build Your Portfolio Webinar

28 May

Hear from USYD’s Architecture and Design staff about the Portfolio Admission Pathway, including tips on how to build a creative portfolio that showcases your passion and potential. Please register your interest using the link found here

Sydney College of the Arts Portfolio Evening (Online)

3 June

Join the Sydney College of the Arts Portfolio Evening, online, for tailored

feedback and valuable insights to elevate your portfolio to support your application.

Your portfolio is a key part of your application to study a Bachelor of Visual Arts or Bachelor of Visual Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies at the University of Sydney.

As part of the Portfolio Evening, you’ll be able to speak with  experienced staff to:

gain personalised, one-on-one feedback and advice on your current portfolio and how to enhance your submission from our academic staff

receive information about our degrees, specialised facilities, and student opportunities inside and outside the classroom. Registrations for this event are essential using the link found here.

UNSW, Kensington

UNSW Business School Information Evening

28 May

Start your career at UNSW Business School - the #1 ranked Business School in Australia.*

Join online to hear from the expert panel of academic staff and advisers. You’ll gain insights about our range of programs designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s competitive business landscape.

You will also hear from current students and alumni about their student experiences and about the importance of the industry landscape now in Business. Additionally, find out detailed information on the application and admissions process for 2026 entry including various pathways.

Whether you are interested in finance, marketing, management, information systems, entrepreneurship, or any other aspect of business, UNSW Business School has a program tailored to your interests and goals. Registrations for this event are essential using the link found here .

UNSW Public Lecture - An Owner’s Guide to the Mind

19 June

6.30-7.30pm

Ever wish your brain came with a user manual? Why do we miss what’s right in front of us? Why do we remember some things and not others? This free, interactive public talk draws on research in cognitive science to explore hidden patterns in how our minds work. Discover how understanding attention, memory, and perception can help us study more effectively and make better decisions. The event is perfect for students, families and curious minds of all ages. Registrations for this event are essential using the link found here .

UNSW 2025 Girls in Business Camp - Few Tickets Left

15-17 July.

The 2025 Girls in Business (GiB) Camp is designed for female students in years 10, 11 or 12 from across NSW, who want to explore a future in business. This collaborative program with UNSW Business School and UNSW’s  industry partners aims to equip participating students with the skills, desire, and ambition to study and work in the disciplines of:

Banking and Finance

Economics

Information Systems and Technology Management

Risk and Actuarial Studies

To provide students with an understanding of these study areas and to learn from inspiring female role models, UNSW will be delivering workshops, info sessions and company site visits across 3 days:

Day 1: Students will participate in various activities held by academics, current students and alumni;

Day 2: Students will visit industry partners in Sydney CBD;

Day 3: Students will participate in a case competition capstone, and will learn about the different; UNSW enrolment pathways. To secure your spot use the link found here .

UNSW Change to the admission process for the Bachelor of Laws

UNSW is changing the admission process to the Bachelor of Laws. 2025 will be the last year they offer the Law Admission Test (LAT) for entry into their Bachelor of Laws programs.

While the LAT will be offered in 2025, the following conditions now apply:

Only students seeking entry in 2026 should sit the LAT in 2025

If you sit the LAT in 2025, your results will no longer be valid for two years

Year 11 students who sat the LAT in 2024, your results remain valid this year and can be used for entry in 2026

The Law Admission Test (LAT) will not be included in the entry requirements for students seeking entry in 2027 and beyond. The Law Admission Test will not be offered in 2026. For more information use the link found here.

UNSW Co-Op Scholarship

Application Closes 30 September

A Co-op Program scholarship provides industry training, professional development, networking and financial support for selected undergraduate students in the disciplines of Business, Engineering, and Science.

The Co-Op program is the largest and most prestigious scholarship program of its type in Australia and a leader in career development learning. There are over 300 current Co-op scholars who join more than 3,500 UNSW Co-op Alumni, each year. The experience and networks Co-Op scholars develop enrich their time at university and give

them an invaluable head start upon entering the workforce. For more details please use the link found here .

UNSW Change to the admission process for the Bachelor of Laws

UNSW is changing the admission process to the Bachelor of Laws. 2025 will be the last year they offer the Law Admission Test (LAT) for entry into their Bachelor of Laws programs.

While the LAT will be offered in 2025, the following conditions now apply:● Only students seeking entry in 2026 should sit the LAT in 2025

If you sit the LAT in 2025, your results will no longer be valid for two years

Year 11 students who sat the LAT in 2024, your results remain valid this year and can be used for entry in 2026

The Law Admission Test (LAT) will not be included in the entry requirements for students seeking entry in 2027 and beyond. The Law Admission Test will not be offered in 2026.

For more information use the link found here. Registrations for the 2025 LAT have opened and close on 11 August.

HSC and Careers Expos

31 May - HSC and Careers Expo

Randwick Racecourse, Winx Stand

9am-3pm

The HSC and CareersExpo is the largest Careers Expo in Sydney. Providing Year 10,11 and 12 students and their parents with a great opportunity to connect with tertiary institutions, private providers and TAFE. Attendees can collect the latest course literature; ask questions and learn more about courses offered etc. For more information and to purchase your tickets use the link provided here . Entry to the expo is $15 ($35 for families, children under 14 free): online pre-purchase only.

Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

This week’s highlight was the College Inter House Athletics Carnival, a vibrant day full of energy, house spirit, and thankfully, dry weather! With cheers echoing across the track and students giving it their all, it was a fantastic glimpse of the athletic talent and enthusiasm shining through this term.

Students looking to get a head start on their events are encouraged to join Tash at Fitness Training on Mondays and Wednesdays. These sessions will now shift focus from cross country to track and field preparation for IGSA.

Good luck to all teams competing this weekend. Let's hope the rain holds off a little longer!

IGSA FOOTBALL

Unfortunately, the wet weather made an unwelcome return this week, with five out of six of our teams affected by washouts and it looks like it's back again for this weekend. Fingers crossed the rain has moved on for good and that clearer skies will return, allowing our teams to build some much-needed consistency and keep their strong form going!

SVC 1 was the only team to take the field in Round 3 — and they certainly made the most of it, putting on a clinic against St Catherine’s College. With sharp finishing and superb build-up play, the team demonstrated exactly why they’re a serious threat in both attack and defence. New recruit Lucy Zordan-Jack impressed in goals with a string of excellent saves, while our strikers showed composure and class in front of goal. A well-earned 3–0 win for SVC1, and more signs of what’s shaping up to be a dominant season.

A big thank you to all players who made the effort to attend training; several squads were near full strength, which is fantastic to see. However, it was disappointing to note that some teams were missing multiple players. This impacts not only team performance but also coaches’ ability to prepare effectively for upcoming matches.

A reminder that all absences from games or training due to illness must be communicated to me, Ms Harmanis, and your coach. Please lift your level of commitment and continue to be a supportive and reliable teammate. Your presence matters on and off the field.

Mr Schroder
Head of Football

IGSA CROSS COUNTRY and FITNESS TRAINING

Fitness Training with Tash continues every Monday and Wednesday for any students who would like to get fitter. The girls meet outside the change rooms at 3.15pm and then walk down to Rushcutters Bay where they will work on athletics training now that Cross Country is over.

The IGSA Cross Country was held on Friday, May 16 at Frensham. Congratulations to all students who competed. It was a wonderful carnival showcasing determination and school spirit. At this week’s College assembly, we proudly crowned the 2025 Age Champions our top-placed Vinnie’s girl in each age group. A huge congratulations to the following students on their outstanding achievements:

IGSA Cross Country Age Champions

13 years - Lily Wicks

14 years - Lucy Ballesty

15 years - Sophie Nash

16 years  - Lucy Petherbridge

17 years - Inez McPherson

18 years - Waverly Martinus

IGSA NETBALL

It’s been a cracking week on the courts for our St Vincent’s College netball teams!

From fast breaks to brilliant defense, our girls have shown outstanding teamwork, spirit, and skill in every game. Whether it was a narrow win or a hard-fought battle, each team played with heart, determination, and the true St Vincent’s spirit. Special mentions: SVC 2 – a massive congratulations on securing your first win of the season! Your persistence and teamwork truly paid off. The Junior Firsts had an amazing win over Ascham, taking the match 34–16 with confident plays and strong team cohesion. Year 7’s SVC 23 were this week’s standout performers, dominating with an impressive 18–3 victory over Tara. Great effort, girls – your energy and communication on court were fantastic! Shoutout to our Goal Shooters across all year levels, the accuracy this week was on fire!

A huge well done to all players and coaches your dedication at training and on game day continues to shine.

Let’s carry this momentum into next week.

Train hard. Play fair. Go Vinnies!

Ms Bianca Wallace & Ms Georgie Mugridge

Heads of Netball

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 - Year 12 who represented Barbarian’s at the U18’s  Rugby Sevens Tournament this week, playing in a 4 way competition against ISA, NCIS/CSSA, AICES & IGSA. The Barbarians may not have taken home the gold, but they played with great competitiveness and determination. A special mention to Lucy, who gave it her all and poured her heart and soul into every moment of the game.

Congratulations to Emily Byrne - Year 11 who represented IGSA In the U18’s Rugby Sevens Tournament and they played in a 5 way competition against ISA, NCIS, AICES and Barbarians. Once again, it was a very high standard of rugby with IGSA coming in champions. Emily played well and made St Vincent’s proud. Emily made the CIS team that will be playing in the NSW Schools 7's Championships at the end of June .

Congratulations to Lily Wicks - Yr 7 Who made it to the IGSA Cross Country team. Lily ran an impressive time of 12.26, placing 12th in her age group.

Well Done Girls!