Over the past year, the College has undertaken a thorough review of our digital systems and identified the need for a more integrated and future-ready solution. After careful evaluation, Veracross was selected as the system best suited to support the evolving needs of St Vincent’s College and its community.

A Staged Rollout

The launch of Veracross will take place in phases :

• Phase 1 begins at the start of Term 3 , introducing the Parent Portal and replacing key functions currently managed in Edumate.
• Additional features and areas of the College will be transitioned to Veracross throughout 2025 and into 2026 , ensuring a smooth and well-supported rollout including integration with our app.

What’s Next?

In the coming weeks, you’ll receive:

• Your Veracross login details
• Instructions to access and navigate the new Parent Portal
• Support materials and contact information for assistance

Mr Bob Anderson
Director of College Operations

It can be tempting on a cold, dark and rainy morning to think that a day at home can help alleviate stress and fatigue but this isn’t always the case. Maintaining routine and being present can have some positive impacts on both of these things.

So as we draw towards the end of term where the holidays can seem just a little too far off, let’s try to be courageous and counter cultural, stepping in to the relationships, routines and experiences that have served us well all year, ending the semester with commitment and perseverance. Unless the winter colds and flus have taken hold, let’s make each lesson a valuable one of learning and engagement and end the term able to reflect proudly on our learning growth and accomplishments.

Alison Boyd-Boland

Director of Teaching and Learning

We were fortunate to welcome three inspiring alumnae who shared their post-school experience in service. Taya O’Louglin and Elsa Firth (Class of 2024) recounted their recent immersion trip to Nepal, with The Cardoner Network, detailing their experiences within a community that, despite significant material poverty, overflowed with gratitude, joy, and a profound appreciation for their education. Their stories served as a reminder of the richness found beyond material possessions. It was truly a joy to welcome Taya and Elsa back less than a year after their graduation; their appreciation for their time at Vinnies and their continued embodiment of College values, along with the obvious affection from our current students, was affirming to see.

We also heard from another Zara Morgan (Class of 2022), an ex-Vinnies girl currently pursuing a Bachelor of Communications and Bachelor of Law with a specialisation in class action. She eloquently shared how the core values instilled during her time at St Vincent's College have profoundly shaped her career path and decision-making, particularly in advocating for justice. Her words of wisdom, for our Year 11 and Year 12 students not so far in age can be read below.

Extracts from Zara Morgan’s Speech to Year 11 and Year 12 students:

Today, my hope is to help you see how this year’s college value—Service of the Poor, explored through Perspective, Selflessness, Service, and Connection— isn’t just something to reflect on at school, but something that can shape the way you live, lead, and make a difference in the world around you.

When I refer to “service,” I’m not only thinking about the amazing fundraisers or volunteering days you take part of here at school and even when you complete school. Today I want to share how service can become a part of who you are—how it can influence the way you see the world, the way you make choices, and the way you can show up for people every day, in serving others as the foundation of a meaningful career path and a life dictated by purpose.

… Fast forward to this year in 2025, since learning of the true meaning of a solicitor, a lawyer and a barrister, which I promise is not common knowledge, I have found myself in a paralegal role at a boutique law firm in Surry Hills, that specialises in class actions. In simple terms to understand what a class action is, I’d like you to Imagine there’s a problem—like someone getting hurt, not being paid properly at work, or suffering some kind of loss or harm which could be in a multitude of ways— and that harm or loss actually affected a whole lot of people similarly, sometimes hundreds or even thousands. Instead of everyone having to go to court separately, one person or a small group, called the representative plaintiffs, steps up and brings the case forward for everyone. They basically tell the court the story of what happened, not just for themselves but on behalf of the entire group.

… In simpler terms and in essence, class actions are a way to achieve justice which goes to the root of accessibility of the law, equality before the law and meeting societal needs, some terms which Legal studies students here today may be quite familiar with. The incentive behind class actions is to provide service to those who otherwise may not be able to be served justice for wrongdoing or circumstances of injustice, which in my own opinion, highlights the most fundamental aspect of the law, to protect the vulnerable and those who have been harmed.

… In addition to this, I think something truly notable that comes with pursuing a career dedicated to serving others is the profound sense of perspective it allows you to develop. Our perspectives are deeply intertwined with our sense of identity—they shape how we see the world and ourselves within it and some of that perspective we develop as young Vinnies girls in our high school years. Yet, the most powerful aspect of perspective is that it is never fixed or final. It evolves continually as we encounter new experiences and engage with people whose lives are vastly different from our own. Through my work at this law firm, I have come to appreciate how gaining fresh perspective enriches my understanding of why serving others is not just a noble ideal, but a vital cornerstone of a meaningful and successful career, that allows us to understand challenges and needs outside our immediate experience, and in doing so, we connect with something far bigger than personal achievement or status.

As you continue to think about your future, especially that word you hear so often at the stage of high school your in or at least from my own memory, your ‘career’, I want to challenge you to think about it as more than just a job, more than just a way to make a living. A career is not just about what you do, but why you do it. How might what you pursue reflect the values you’ve been learning here?  The values of service, compassion, and generosity aren’t confined to school—they’re life values and they don’t just stop when you graduate. No matter what field you choose—medicine, business, engineering, art, education, trades, your career can and should be an extension of your ongoing commitment to others.

No matter how far you go, where you go or or how successful you become, caring for others will always be what enriches your life the most. True success may be measured by the impact you have on others, by the lives you touch and the hope you might bring into the world, and in serving others, you might be able to bring true meaning to your success. So, as you step forward into the future, which is as daunting as ever, I encourage you to remember to do your absolute best to build a life of contribution, to feel the reward in its ability to change the lives of others and to shape the person you become along the way.

The intention of our time together was to inspire our senior students to continue to develop their sense of perspective…a moment of encouragement to help them see beyond their immediate pressures (ATAR scores, assessments, social life, part-time jobs etc.) and consider what it really means to be a ‘Courageous Woman of Action’. It was a call to aspire…to think beyond…and for them collectively to continue from ‘where they are at’ with a renewed clarity and purpose.

Scientia Cum Religione.

Ms Samantha Newbond
Dean of Senior Secondary

Careers News June 13

UNSW

UNSW Portfolio Entry Info Sessions

15 July (in-person) or 16 July (online)

Discover how to gain early entry through the Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme. At one of these events, students will learn how to craft a standout portfolio for degrees in Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) or Engineering. In person at this link here and online using the link found here.

UNSW Medicine applications are open

The Medicine Applicant Portal is open. UNSW encourage students to keep an eye on key dates and start their application.For more information use the link found here.

Capital W "Future Women in Business" High School Workshop

Friday, 4 July (in-person)

Interested SVC students may attend UNSW’s Women in Business workshop, run by UNSW Business School and Capital W (UNSW’s Women in Business Society). Attendees will discover what working in business is really like and hear some tips and tricks from women who are working in the industry. Registrations close on Thursday, 19 June 2025. If interested please use the link found here .

National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) STEM HUB at UNSW Sydney

14 - 18 July (in-person)

Interested Year 10 - 12 students are invited to join the NYSF STEM Hub in Sydney. This is an exclusive opportunity for students to connect with STEM professionals and discover what a career in STEM looks like. The program fee is $50 per student and registrations close on Friday, 20 June. Register here if interested please

Engineering the Future Podcast: Cyber Security

AI is reshaping cyber threats—are we ready? UNSW’s Dr. Hammond Pearce and InTune AI’s Sharat Madanapalli discuss evolving risks and share expert insights on protecting your privacy. Future students can prepare for a cybersecurity career with the Bachelor of Cyber Security . Gain technical skills, industry connections and hands-on experience. To listen to Dr Pearce’s podcast use the link found here .

University of Sydney

University of Sydney - Your Path into a Legal Career

25 June

On Campus

Join USYD for an alumni panel event with the Sydney Law School, where you will meet graduates working in diverse roles in the legal field, along with other key staff members.

This event will provide you with an exclusive opportunity to receive personalised advice and guidance about pathways into law, hear about what their day-to-day looks like, and what options are available to you to become part of the Sydney Law School community.

Whether you’re thinking of studying Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or starting your journey in the Juris Doctor program.  Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with and explore your future at the Sydney Law School. To register for this event go here.

University of Technology, Sydney

UTS Tech Fest 2025

23 June - 4 July

Whether you’re into coding, robotics, or just curious about how the tech world works, Tech Fest is for you. Get hands-on with the latest gadgets, attend showcases, and speak to current students who are shaping the future of Engineering and IT. Plus, meet like-minded people who share your passion.

Session Include:

1 July - Games Development

2 July - Civil Engineering

3 July - Software Engineering

Use the link found here to register your interest

Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

IGSA NETBALL

After a refreshing weekend off, we are gearing up for another exciting weekend of netball.

Our Senior teams are ready to shine. The Firsts will be playing for a spot in the finals next week against a formidable opponent, Wenona. This promises to be a high stakes match, and I wish the girls the best of luck! Meanwhile, SVC 2 and SVC 3 will be battling it out for their places in their respective division, whilst both teams have shown tremendous resilience and skill throughout the season. The remaining senior teams are playing exceptionally well each week and we are hoping for them to secure their spot in the top 4 of their divisions.

Moving on to our Junior Teams, SVC 9 is currently in second place in their division and has been playing some outstanding netball. Keep it up, team! SVC 11, SVC 13, and SVC 14 have had strong seasons so far, each securing comfortable wins in their last round of games. We are hopeful they will secure top four places in their divisions. The rest of our Vinnies junior teams are also performing admirably, and we look forward to seeing more great results this weekend.

Our Year 7 Teams have entered Vinnies netball with flying colours this year. SVC 18 has made a spectacular debut, currently placing first in their division, and we are cheering them on to take out the competition! SVC 19, 20, 21,22 and 23 have all shown consistent improvement each week, mastering new skills and drills. Your hard work at training is paying off, keep it up!

Overall, the netball season has been highly successful. Our teams have demonstrated incredible effort, sportsmanship and teamwork all with the Vinnies spirit.

Good luck girls and Go Vinnies!

Ms Georgie Mudridge - Head Netball Coach

IGSA FOOTBALL

After a disrupted start to the season with multiple washouts and venue closures, it was fantastic to see all six Vinnies teams finally take the field this weekend. The weather held, the energy was high, and the girls delivered some brilliant football across the board. A special highlight came on Saturday morning, as SVC1 proudly participated in the Little Long Walk event, hosted by Ascham in partnership with the Essendon Football Club. Held during National Reconciliation Week, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on solidarity, equality, and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It was a privilege to be part of such a meaningful initiative, and the girls backed it up on the field with another strong performance.

SVC1 capped off a special morning with a commanding 4–1 win over Ascham, extending their unbeaten streak and moving outright into 1st place on the ladder. With just two rounds remaining, they’re in a strong position to defend their title. SVC2 also remained undefeated, making it three wins from three after a sharp 3–0 victory over Brigidine. They sit just behind the leaders in 2nd place on goal difference, and remain firmly in contention for the top spot. SVC3 returned to form with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Monte, showing great resilience in a tight contest. They continue to hold 2nd place and are building well heading into the final rounds. SVC4 delivered one of their strongest performances of the season with a dominant 6–1 win against Frensham. That result keeps them in 2nd place, with strong momentum on their side. SVC5 extended their unbeaten run with a solid 2–0 win over Danebank, keeping themselves within striking distance of the top of the table and well-placed for a strong finish. SVC6, despite a spirited effort and moments of attacking promise, fell 5–2 to Roseville. There are promising signs for this developing team as they continue to learn the game and build an understanding of each other’s strengths.

Across all teams, the spirit of Vinnies football was on full display — not just in results, but in attitude, teamwork, and commitment. Let’s carry this energy into Round 6. Remember, we train and play not just for ourselves, but for the teammates beside us, and the community we represent.

Keep showing up, keep supporting each other, and let’s finish strong.

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 Lily Wicks in Yr 7 who competed for IGSA at the CIS Cross Country on Thursday. Lily did the College incredibly proud and definitely showcased her determination and talent on a challenging course. Well done, Lily!