Dear Parents and Carers,

The final HSC exam occurred this week and the collective sense of relief was very tangible. The Food Technology Class were our "finalists" this year and we congratulate them and all our HSC candidates for the very positive manner in which they have participated in this very gruelling process. A big thank you to Ms Boyd Boland, Mr Harris, the Diverse Learning Team and our HSC presiding officer and supervisors. Now we wait in hope for the release of the results on 18 December. We will, as usual, distribute to the community a newsletter celebrating the achievements of the HSC candidates.

The annual Speech Night on the 27 November is a compulsory event for all students in Years 7-11. It is the occasion where we come together to recognise achievement and accomplishment across all domains of the College. A separate letter with details will be distributed, but for your diaries, please note the 27 November, 6.00pm-8.00pm at the Sydney Town Hall. The night will run to a tight schedule and will be a showcase of the talent of our staff and students.

I wanted to make clear that the period of transition between the old and new sports uniform will end this year. From 2025 all PE and Sport's uniforms must be the new style. This is important to note before secondhand uniforms are traded at the SRC market stalls or the P&F Uniform Shop. When I was watching Saturday Sport last weekend, it was obvious there is still a hybrid of uniform pieces being worn. I will ask the Uniform Shop staff to be very clear and explicit about what uniform pieces can be worn and in what circumstances. We have a very smart and comfortable uniform for students to wear. It does not benefit from choices made by some students to "mix n' match".

This week world events have highlighted attitudes that continue to undermine the capacity of women. I acknowledge that for our young women such commentary is very countercultural to our beliefs as a College community in their equality and dignity. As a College, we continue to be committed to nurturing and educating courageous women of action - who are independent in thought, compassionate to act and confident to act.

Yours sincerely,

Anne Fry

The HSC examinations concluded for the SVC cohort of 2024 on Thursday, and conclude for the whole state today. Over the last week we had examinations in more of our science courses, English Extension, PDHPE and our TAS courses, with our Food Technology cohort being our last exam on Thursday afternoon. I congratulate all students on this remarkable achievement and know that the girls are most deserving of the long break ahead.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to our cohort of 2024 being able to complete their examinations with confidence, insight and resilience. It is absolutely a group effort and this group has included:

Thank you for your part in supporting our cohort to be their best selves and achieve the HSC credential.

Ms Alison Boyd-Boland

Director of Teaching and Learning

Walking amongst the students at lunch time on Wednesday I witnessed many groups of students tracking the US election on their laptops. They were engaging in conversations that indicated they had an informed opinion gained from a range of sources. What struck me is the focus on their hopes for their world and an appreciation that they live in a global world. They spoke of what election outcomes might mean for a range of groups - women and young people in particular.  They shared their views of effective leadership and political campaigning. A couple of students have family members in America - from different states and likely different votes. What I heard was a combination of intelligence and empathy. Our students are very much aware of their world and wish to engage in conversations about decisions that impact them.

A couple of weeks ago I shared some research and media articles regarding the social media age debate and research on the impacts of technology on adolescents. Today the Albanese government has announced legislation to set a minimum age of 16 years for social media. We have invited our Student Representative Council to join staff next week to share their context and so we may listen to their experience in engaging with technology/ smart devices/ social media. This allows us to focus our learning and considerations on the actual context of our students and give momentum to our imperative of why we wish to work with students to review how we care for the learning and wellbeing of young people at St Vincent’s College.  Areas of interest include:

- Attention : concentration v distraction

- Socialisation : relationships & connections - inclusion/ exclusion

- Impact of social media - legislation of age

- Addiction : contagion effect/ device dependency

- Health : impact on sleep/ physical and mental health

I encourage parents and carers to give attention to the current dialogue - ABC - How the minimum age for social media will work . A considered and informed response is always a helpful approach to guide the way forward in the care of young people. It is also important to zoom out and consider the larger discussion about impacts of smart technologies, not just social media.

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks

Deputy Principal

Halloween

Our Theme Night dinner last Tuesday was Halloween. It was their first BRC supported function and they did a most outstanding job decorating the dining room (and packing it up again). The girls managed to sort out their wardrobe, hair and make up brilliantly with the competition for best character hotly contested. Selina and her team made creepy looking food and we had a visit from Mr and Mrs Dracula. It was a great night with lots of laughter and genuine camaraderie.

Farewell to the Year 12 Boarders

Our Year 12’s have been finishing their exams, packing their rooms and departing from the Boarding House. Their departure is felt deeply by the younger boarders. There is some level of solace in the knowledge that the friendships that have been forged by living in the community will continue throughout their lifetime and they will always remain Vinnies boarders.

Sunday Outing

On Sunday morning we visited the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It was great to see amazing art from both Australian and international artists, everything from traditional pieces to modern, abstract works. We didn't stay too long as it was getting very hot and everyone was tired but when we got back to school we all showed great sportsmanship by playing tennis on the courts. Later we convinced Lilly to supervise us while we had fun and went swimming in the pool.

Eliza Mudford

Melbourne Cup

On Tuesday the junior common room was filled with excited voices as they watched the Melbourne Cup and encouraged their horse to run to the winning line. Thank you to Pepper Carey and Eliza Mudford for organising the chocolate sweep and ensuring every girl and Coordinator got a horse.  For some, we believe their horse is still running.

Treats for Tanzania Bake Sale

Mrs Jo Kenderes

Director of Faith and Mission

A Fresh Start for One Cohort and a Fond Farewell for Another

This week our Class of 2024 officially completed their HSC Examinations. As a school community we prayed for them daily and now congratulate them on their hard work and dedication given towards these exams. Congratulations also to all the parents, carers and siblings who journeyed with them. We wish our graduates all the best as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. May they continue to be inspired by their faith, Gospel values, and their enriching experience at St Vincent’s College.

It was quite fitting that we celebrated the transition of our current Year 11 students into Year 12 this week with a Year 12 Commissioning Liturgy held in our beautiful chapel marking the beginning of their final year of high school. During the liturgy, our new Year 12 group made personal commitments to embrace the challenges and opportunities of their final year. They pledged to strive for academic excellence, support their peers, show gratitude to all who will walk alongside them and contribute positively to our school community. As they received their shiny new Year 12 badges, they were reminded of the responsibility and privilege that comes with this role.

They have started this term strong, many feeling inspired and motivated by their new HSC courses, their passionate subject teachers and their Science of Wellbeing classes. Senior students were given an opportunity to have a “Digital Detox” this term, where they could volunteer to hand in their phone at the start of the day and then collect it at the end of the school day. Many seniors openly and honestly shared that they spend too much time checking their phones unnecessarily and scrolling mindlessly thus losing precious time and cognitive performance. Some agreed there are benefits of accessing their phone between classes and break times, but the need to self-regulate their use of their phones was apparent. A quick shout out to those who have opted into the digital detox and a reminder to senior students’ parents that the invite is still open to your daughters all term.

As we near the end of Week 4, no further subject changes will be permitted this year. Students should stay committed to their current classes and focus on their subjects and assessment tasks for the rest of the term. Below are some short snippets of how our new Year 12 students have felt about the term thus far:

Starting Year 12 has been challenging yet exciting, balancing new leadership roles with a heavier workload has been an obstacle. However, despite the demands, I’m thrilled and prepared to embrace it all and look forward to stepping fully into my senior role (and some of the extra benefits) as the term goes on and as I look towards the start of 2025. - Sadie Adair

Starting Year 12 has been both exciting and challenging. I've enjoyed stepping up to new responsibilities and feeling closer to my classmates as we all navigate this final year together. One challenge has been balancing new coursework and the high demand of it, but I’m already adapting and learning how to manage my time better. I’m looking forward to deepening my relationships with my teachers and pushing myself to grow academically and personally. Being a senior offers new responsibilities and privileges and I am excited to fulfill these as the year goes on. - Ellie Kopczynski

So far, Year 12 has been a good start. Despite the challenges I know are up ahead, I'm ready to tackle them with the utmost effort. Although I’m looking forward to the future, living in the present and taking in my final year at the College is what’s most important to me right now. - Milly Newton

We have every confidence that our senior students are ready for the year ahead. They are a talented and dedicated group of young women who possess the skills and determination to succeed.

Ms Samantha Newbond

Dean of Senior Secondary

Co-ordinator of Sport: Jacinta Jacobs: 0418 416 663 - jacobs@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Head of Touch & Volleyball Ms Elyse Harmanis
0434 610 870 elyse.harmanis@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Head of Water Polo Mr Jo Schuleer - 0450 886 973 - jkgschuler@gmail.com
Head of Tennis Ms Tonya Hetreles - 0411 984352 - tennis@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Website: www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/learning/sport

For all draw and venue information go to: www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/sport/weekly-sports-draw/

IGSA Spawtz: https://igsasport.spawtz.com/

Career News November 8

UNSW

Young Women in Engineering Pathway Program

The 2025 UNSW Young Women in Engineering Pathway Program for Year 11 and 12 students interested in undertaking an engineering challenge at UNSW is open for registrations. The program runs from February to March 2025 for 120 students and is an alternate pathway to UNSW Engineering. For more information visit the link provided here .

The University of Sydney

Webinar - Building your future: Architecture and the Built Environment

13 November, 4pm

In this webinar, USYD will explore how studying at the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning can help you build transferable skills to

pursue a variety of careers across architecture, urban planning and design, sustainability consulting, construction and property. Join the webinar to find out about possible career paths you can. Registrations are essential using the link found here .

Bond University

Medical Program Information Session for 2025 Intake

13 November

The Bond University Medical Program offers students opportunities to bring to life their ambitions to become medical practitioners who are well-equipped to deliver  evidence-based, patient-centered health care that meets the needs of a diverse community.

Bond University invites you to join the Dean of Medicine who will provide an overview of the Medical Program at Bond University. Get the answers to all your questions during this information and interactive chat session. You are invited to explore your options and discover if Bond University is the right fit for you.For more information use the link found here.

University of Notre Dame

Pathways to Medicine Information Session

19 November

If any student is Considering a career in Medicine they should register for this information session exploring UND’s highly regarded undergraduate Medicine

Program. Registrations to watch the session are essential using the link found here .

Parents and carers are also invited to watch.

Future Doctors Australia Program (Age: 14-18)

10 – 13 July 2025

This 4-day program provides young people (age: 14-18) with an opportunity to explore medicine as a career. Program details and fees are found via the link found here .

The Hotel School

Info Evening for Year 11 and 12 Students.

The Hotel School Info Evening is being held on Wednesday, 13 November, from 5.00pm – 6.30pm. Meet the team and hear from an industry guest and alumni and explore career and internship opportunities. Register now for this event here.

Helen Marshall

Careers Adviser

Reunions

Class of 1984

40 Years Reunion

When : Saturday 5 October 2024

Where : The Winery – Private Dinning,

Time : 12:00pm – 5:00pm

RSVP : 16 September 2024 using this link:
https://pp.events/avMdYqzE

The Class of 2019

When: 12 October 2024, 2pm

Please contact:

Grace McGree

The Class of 2004

When: 19 October 2024

Please contact Gemma McHugh (Madigan-Beach):

Gemma.Mchugh@hotmail.com

Class of 1989

35th reunion

When: Saturday 9th November

Where: The Red Lion Hotel,
726 Darling Street Rozelle
Time: 3 pm
RSVP: by 25 Oct - contact Jen K 0413546547 or Jen S 0410405445

Class of 1974

50 Year Reunion

Sunday 10th November

Further details:
svc.class1974@gmail.com

The Class of 1964

When: Friday 22 November 2024

Please contact Sandra Baz:
sandyborger@gmail.com

Save the Date

Friday May 2nd to Sunday May 4th.

Tickets will go on sale early February when school returns

A good accommodation option is Ibis Styles Tamworth and they are doing a special Vinnies' mums' weekend special, just quote St Vincent's College when booking.