Mr David Woolbank who worked with our First Nations students in preparing Monday’s ceremony of recognition has included an article in this Bulletin that I encourage you to read. I thank these students for sharing their strength of conviction in inviting all of us to tread a path of action towards understanding, healing and recognition.

Last Saturday 24 May marked the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si ', on Care for our Common Home . This call invites us to action that responds to the cry of earth and cry of the poor - it is a call to ecological justice. This article by Dan Horan - Touch the earth right in front of you - invites us to consider the importance of place, challenging also to see what is right before us - ‘ to look at the distinctive, particular and immediate places we inhabit in new ways’. The article suggest we have vraeteda ‘a dichotomy between the "natural" and the "human," as if being human was not also being part of nature, a distinction magnified through technologies distracting humans from paying attention to our physical surroundings.

Dan Horan observes -

Pope Francis exhorted all Christians to get involved in practical ways to better care for "our common home," especially our local places. He acknowledged that "Not everyone is called to engage directly in political life," but that everyone is called to do something. In collaborating with one another and community organizations that seek to protect local places, we are responding to a Christian call. Pope Francis noted that such concrete action is a form of solidarity and love. And "These community actions, when they express self-giving love, can also become intense spiritual experiences."

Our community in Potts Point positions us with the splendour of Sydney Harbour views, carefully tended grounds and architectural beauty. We also walk past littered walkways, sadly in school as well as out. We notice those who are sleeping rough in doorways or seeking company in the species of welcome such as Wayside Chapel, St Canice’s and Matt Talbot. Our noticing is an invitation to action. I applauded the initiatives of our staff and students who are leading our efforts to care for our common home. Next Thursday 5 June is World Environment Day and all students are invited to begin this day in solidarity as we gather for a Liturgical prayer outside in Caritas Christi courtyard gathered around our statue of the Homeless Jesus. Students are also to rug up in their warmest casual clothes for our annual Snug as a Bug day - as we shall switch off all lights and heaters that day. (Note footwear and clothing must be appropriate for schooling). Students are asked to bring a gold coin donation and to purchase donuts and hot chocolate to support those who do not have such comforts in the places they live.

This year the euphoria of House Dance will be matched with our response to the cry of the poor. Students will seek sponsorship to support the House social justice initiatives of Aikenhead and O’Brien Houses - partnering to support vulnerable women to gain confidence in employment (Dress for Success) and vulnerable women and children seeking refuge and support (Open Support).  Students have received a list of goods that we hope to gather as a community to furnish a room that becomes a place of welcome, love, and worth to a mother and child who no longer feel safe in their home. If our winter wardrobe has pieces that are of good quality that we might loan to a friend starting new employment, perhaps it can be directed to a one who has greater need. Thank you in advance to parents and carers for what you too can do and provide as part of this community as we seek to create a common home where all are valued, recognising we are all children of God’s love.

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
Deputy Principal

It is something of a rite of passage to get to this stage where students have such a strong voice in their pattern of study. Up until this point it has been parents and schools who have made most of the learning decisions for these young women. Now the choices are much more in their hands and they have quite the choice ahead of them. We offer a really wide range of subjects at the College with a myriad of options for students to choose in the Sciences, Humanities, Literature, the Creative and Performing Arts as well as Mathematics, Languages and Social Sciences. The students were taken through the many possibilities by the Heads of Department who as passionate experts in their field of study, and highly experienced teachers, absolutely showcased the richness, variety and opportunities that their departments offer.

The advice to the girls as they make their choice, really apply to any and all learning decisions:

The next opportunity for Year 10 to explore possible subject choices will be on Wednesday 4th June when they can meet current Stage 6 students at lunch and gain a student perspective about each course on offer. We are confident that all students will consider their options and make informed decisions to set themselves up for Stage 6.

Our Parent / Teacher interviews for Years 8, 9 and 10 are also close at hand, starting on Thursday 5th of June and continuing on Friday 6th June . These interviews have been deliberately placed at this point so that:

I trust that families find these conversations to be a valuable window into their daughter’s learning and an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school in supporting the growth and development of our Vinnies students.

Alison Boyd-Boland

Director of Teaching and Learning

14 of the College's proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students stood before their peers and shared their own stories to a captivated, respectful and solemn audience that was eloquently punctuated with harmony from the College choir, of these inspirational words, From Little Things, Big Things Grow (Paul Kelly).

Following the Acknowledgement of Country, Mrs Parish (History, Head of Department) contextualised that  “ History is not just about the past — it’s about the stories we choose to tell, and the truths we are willing to hear” .

Jemma Law (Year 8) bravely shared how her own family has been impacted by the stolen generations. And Hailey Brangwin (Year 9) talked about the past and that what’s next is  the importance of facing the truth: “What matters most is what we do after and how we treat each other and how we choose to move forward”.

Grace Murray (Year 10) shared …. “To me, being Aboriginal isn’t something that needs to be measured by percentage or appearance. It lives in families, culture, connection to Country and stories, even ones like mine” . This was supported by Poppy Nicholson’s (Yr 12) eloquently synthesised meaning of Bridging Now to Next as “creating a country where all voices are heard, where our connection to the land, waters and sky is celebrated, and where unity is built not just in words, but in action.”

Mia Vincent (Year 11) spoke of her connection to land and advocated “Adopting a change mindset from ‘ownership’ to ‘custodianship”.

Eva Brannock (Year 7) talked of the National Reconciliation Week  imagery that “ features native plants − known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − these native plants symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal.”

“ We planted a red and yellow grevillea native plant in a black pot. When in flower these pots will show the colours of the Aboriginal flag.Today these plants are little things, but with water and sunshine they will grow bigger and one day be part of our planned Vinnies’ Reconciliation Native garden” shared Georgia Murray (Year 8).

Nariah-Rose Williams-Brown (Year 9) a young Kamiliaroi woman shared her youth of “growing up in a household where I was raised by my five aunties, uncle and my Grandma who all taught me and my sister the importance of knowing who you are and where you come from.”

In unison our students messaged how “Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and our people.”

“ ...a beautiful ceremony. Probably one of the most moving and poignant ones, in my opinion” : Mr Taylor (Visual Arts & Design Teacher)

David Woolbank
Dean of the Middle Secondary

Michael Harvey
Social Justice Leader

Career News May 30

UNSW, Kensington

UNSW Engineering Information Evening 2025

4 June

The problems and ideas that will impact society over the next two decades rest on the shoulders of our future engineers. From transitioning to Net Zero Carbon Emissions through decarbonisation to tackling the next big Cyber Security threats, merging biology with technology, and creating the most sustainable infrastructure projects – all of this requires technical skills and expertise, along with creative problem solving. To register your interest use the link found here .

UNSW Young Women in Engineering Club

The UNSW Young Women in Engineering Club is a fun, inspiring community for high school students interested in STEM. WIE provides opportunities to explore the diverse fields of engineering where you can connect and share ideas with fellow high school students, and hear from inspiring role models such as UNSW Engineering students and women engineers who are already making their mark on the world. To find out more use the link found here .

NIDA Open Day 2025

14 June

NIDA Open Day is an opportunity for prospective students to visit the campus and get a taste of the NIDA experience. Whether you want to perform on stage or be behind the scenes, you can learn about NIDA’s course offerings, meet alumni and current students, observe classroom activities, check out students’ creative work in costume, make-up, design and more, as well as ask questions, get tips for your application, chat to expert teaching staff and watch live student productions. At Open Day, you’ll get a sense of what life at NIDA is really like, and where your future with us can take you. For more information and to register your interest use the link found here .

The University Of Sydney

University of Sydney Webinar - Calling all budding scientists!

4 June

From astrophysics to wildlife conservation and medicinal chemistry to the history and philosophy of science, a degree in science could lead to a diverse and rewarding career anywhere and everywhere. Join USYD’s academic experts to learn about studying science at the University of Sydney; the wide range of science major options, advanced study options, flexible and specialist degree pathways, research opportunities, industry engagement and exciting student life. To register your interest use the link found here .

Year 12 Information Evening 2025

11 June

online

Join USYD online for an information evening for Year 12 students and their caregivers/parents to answer your questions about joining the Sydney University community next year. Hear from expert staff to learn about university entry, scholarships, study options, accommodation options, interstate-specific information and more. Get expert advice on entry requirements and the application process from UAC and the Sydney Future Students team. To register your interest use the link found here .

Study environmental engineering at the University of Sydney

11 June

Join the webinar to learn about our Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Environmental Engineering). If you want to develop solutions to minimise chemical emissions, air pollution control or global warming, environmental engineering is for you. Gain the skills to reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing processes and choose to specialise in advanced water treatment and purification technologies, energy optimisation, or geotechnical engineering. Registrations are essential using the link found here.

Pathways to studying Law at Sydney

18 June

Hear from a panel of current students who have joined the law community at Sydney through alternate pathways, transferring or studying graduate entry law. To register your interest go here.

Macquarie University

Course Updates - Health Science

Launching in 2026, the Bachelor of Health Sciences will equip students with the skills to tackle current and emerging health challenges – locally, nationally and globally. Offering four interdisciplinary majors: Digital Health, Health Administration, Health Coaching, and Mental Health and Counselling, the degree draws on the expertise of MQ Health, which is home to Australia’s only not-for-profit hospital on a university campus, as well as 30 specialist clinics.

The Bachelor of Health Sciences is also offered as a pathway from the Diploma of Health Sciences through Macquarie University College. For more details use the link provided here.

Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

On a more serious note we have been asked by IGSA to make sure that all parents are aware of the IGSA Code of Conduct and that all parents and spectators must abide by it when at an IGSA fixture/event. In particular, IGSA and its members’ schools Sport expect parents, spectators and other participants to behave in a safe and responsible manner, to comply with the Codes of Conduct and to set a good example for the girls.

Code of Conduct for Parents and Spectators

5.1 Encourage girls to give their best effort and applaud good play regardless of which team produces it. 5.2 Behave respectfully and courteously towards players, coaches, match officials and other spectators. 5.3 Never discourage or disparage any player. 5.4 Never criticise a match official. If you have a grievance, follow the grievance procedure outlined in Part 7 of this Code of Conduct.

Grievance Procedure

The umpire or referee has complete control of the game. In matters regarding play, the conduct of participants and the rules of the game, their decision is final. With respect to other aspects of the game such as venue safety, the venue convener’s decision is final. If any participant wishes to bring a complaint or express a concern about any aspect of a game, they may do so by contacting the IGSA Sport Office by 5pm on the following Monday. The initial contact may be verbal but this must be followed up in writing by 5pm Monday. The IGSA Sport office will consult the relevant parties and the IGSA Executive Officer and respond to the aggrieved individual within 48 hours of receiving the written complaint.  The decision of the IGSA Sport Office will be final. The IGSA Sport office may, when she or he thinks fit, report to a Principal anything occurring in the course of, or in relation to, an inter-school sporting event.

IGSA NETBALL

It’s been a strong start to the season with plenty of exciting matches, but what really has been standing out is the Vinnies' determination and “never give up” attitude.

SVC 4 has had an incredible run so far, winning all four of their games. Hopefully, they can keep that momentum going in the second half of the season. A big shoutout to SVC 15 for their thrilling 1-point win over Ascham. The girls showed fantastic teamwork and grit to pull off the victory. SVC 22 bounced back in style after a tough loss to Tara last week, delivering a strong performance to beat Ascham. A great example of resilience and focus!

Thank you to all the players who consistently turn up to training. We've seen a big improvement in attendance, and it really shows on game day! That said, some teams are still struggling with numbers. Regular training is so important, not just for improving performance but also to help your coaches prepare the team properly.

Let’s carry this momentum through the rest of the season.

Go Vinnies!

Ms Georgie Mugridge
Head Netball Coach

IGSA BASKETBALL

SVC 1 has been making steady progress each week, with some fantastic results. Last week, the team faced a tough opponent in KRB, who demonstrated strong defensive skills and accurate shooting. Despite the challenge, our players are feeling confident and are aiming for a win this week. Their growing coordination and strategic play continue to shine through in increasingly competitive performances.

SVC 2 celebrated a well earned victory this week, marking an exciting milestone in their development. The team executed a strong defensive strategy, successfully containing the opposition's key players while maintaining consistent offensive pressure. Their dedication to refining their skills and working cohesively is clearly paying off.

Overall, the commitment and enthusiasm shown by the two teams are leading to noticeable improvements in skill, teamwork, and performance. I’m excited to see how they continue to grow in the coming weeks.

Go Vinnies!

Ms Elyse Harmanis

Head Basketball Coach

IGSA HOCKEY

Coming off the back of a couple of losses the week before, the hockey teams came out strong and demonstrated what great hockey players SVC girls are.

The seniors secured a 3-0 to cement their place in the semi-finals in a couple of weeks. The availability of all players meant the girls were able to work hard on the pitch before having a little rest. The team executed what we have been working on, keeping the ball wide, connecting 5-6 passes and getting outcomes in the circle. With some sharp defence and the desire to win the opposition could not break through the line to score.

Whilst the juniors lost 4-3 their efforts did not go unnoticed. Taking on the leaders on the table was always going to be challenging. The girls dominated and had a majority of the possession, with plenty of goal scoring opportunities, and only just missing the goals on a few occasions. The opposition were graced with a runner as quick as Bolt, and the counter attacks made it difficult to defend. The girls should be proud with their efforts and being able to score 3 goals against this team who have not faced such a challenge. Despite the loss the team are in good standing to qualify for the semi-finals.

Mrs Marcia Scally

Head Hockey Coach

IGSA FOOTBALL

Sadly, Round 4 was again affected by wet weather, with most games postponed due to field closures. However, two of our teams managed to take the field on synthetic pitches, and both delivered gritty performances.

SVC 1 continued their undefeated run, coming up against fellow top contenders Brigidine College. In a tightly contested match, our Firsts displayed great composure and moved the ball with confidence. A superb finish from Saskia Emery opened the scoring, but Brigidine responded early in the second half with a scrappy equaliser. The difference came through a fantastic solo effort from Harriet Grigg, whose run and finish sealed a hard-fought 2–1 win. SVC 1 now sits top of the competition ladder with three wins from three, and will face a big test this week against another undefeated side, Ascham.

SVC 3 suffered their first loss of the season, going down 2–1 to Brigidine in a tough encounter. The team led 1–0 at halftime and showed great determination, but fatigue became a factor, especially after having to play much of the match with only 10 players. Despite the result, the team showed plenty of heart and will be looking to bounce back with a full squad this week against Monte.

Thank you to all players for your resilience during another disrupted week. Let’s continue to train hard and support one another as we head into Round 5 — hopefully with better weather and a full round of fixtures ahead!

Mr Nicholas Schroeder - Head Football Coach

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  Kaitlin Soares, Year 8 - for winning the Low Intermediate Adults Team Tennis Competition at Heffron Tennis Centre! Well done Kaitlin.

Congratulations to Saskia Emery, Year 12 - A big congratulations to Saskia for her fantastic performance in the IGSA Soccer Team! She played a strong defensive role throughout the matches and stepped up to score a crucial goal when her team was behind. Well done Saskia, we are so proud of your achievements.