Can Do the Distance FundRaising Recognition Dinner

On Tuesday night we had the opportunity to meet and share a meal with Emma Phillips (Can Assist Executive Director) and Janet Crayn (Marketing and Engagement Manager). Their presentation and the sharing of Lucy's Story gave the boarders great insight into the work Can Assist undertakes on behalf of country families and why the boarders' fundraising efforts are so important.

Congratulations to Lola D’Onise, supported by Milly McVay, and Caitlin Lilliss who were the lucky recipients of the fundraisers drawer for those who raised more than $500.two fabulous prizes . The Vinnies girls raised $6,620, which is nearly $2,000 more than we raised last year.

Our fundraisers each received a Can Assist cap and a Certificate of Recognition (pictured with Emma and Janet).

It is a busy time of year in the Boarding House. The calendar is quite full:

Our Year 10 students have worked to a slightly different program this week as they round out their Stage 5 learning. Over three days they have been engaged in a rotating cycle of workshops:

In all instances the girls have engaged, listened, reflected and built skills and values that we see as central to our Vinnies learner. Well done to Year 10.

Ms Alison Boyd-Boland

Director of Teaching and Learning

We are beginning the season of ‘lasts’.  We have our last Sandwich Project for 2024 next Thursday.  The team yesterday was sensational.  Mostly Year 9s, under the good care of Mr Anderson and Mr Hekeik, who appeared out of nowhere.  I hope he did not get butter on his tie.  I love that the girls all know what to do and how to do it most efficiently.  We have our last Father/Mother/ Daughter Night Patrol tomorrow.  That will be a hoot, even if it rains,  and I can’t wait.  We have such a good time together and our guests can tell.  They want to hang around and chat because we are happy.  I received a very generous Woolie’s voucher last week from a wonderful Vinnie’s family, but I can always use some more funds if you feel you want to help.  Not everyone can be on the roster. Of course. So if you’d like to ‘fund a filling’ and contribute that way, an email of a Woolie’s voucher is much appreciated. kenderesj@stvincents.nsw.edu.au .  Thanks, Vinnies.

The Matt Talbot team did some great work yesterday.  I learned from one of the girls that the winning idea with serving the Muffins for Matt Talbot is not to keep them up on the Kiosk bench, but to put them down on the table where the gentlemen can help themselves.  When the girls offer them to the guests, apparently they usually say ‘No’, but if they are out on the table, they all get gobbled up.  I’m not sure what that’s about and it doesn’t matter.  It just is. And the guests love the healthy muffins.  Done.

Our girls join together in prayer before they head off to Matt Talbot.  It helps get our head and heart and hands aligned. I thought you might like to see what we pray.

The Social Justice Prayer for Matt Talbot

“This is what God asks of you:

To act justly

To love tenderly

And to walk humbly with your God.”

Micah 6:8

Lord, help us to speak with justice.

Guide us to love tenderly, all those who are most difficult to love:

those whose lives seem so far from mine,

those who look different from me,

those who might offend me,

those who may repulse me.

Change my heart.

Heal my vision so that I may see you

in the face of all those I meet today.

Humble me so that I can walk with those you love,

and with each step, walk more closely with you.

In the Spirit of Mary Aikenhead,

In the Name of Jesus,

We seek a faith that does justice.

The work of God cannot fail.

Mary Aikenhead

Cupcakes continue to be amazing, and our final Cooking at St Canice’s for 2024 is happening next Monday.  Ms Anita Playoust will lead the team.  There are some old hands going on Monday and I know they will look after her.  This has been a fine initiative, and the team up at Canice’s Kitchen appreciate us being there.

I delivered another load of goods for Open Support today - the Houses Making Homes project that your daughter is involved in through her house. I delivered some doonas and mattress protectors.  Ruth Molloy, the manager up there is fantastic. She was telling us what a huge difference our contribution is making to the lives of women and children escaping domestic and family violence.  Women who support women - that’s the beginning of a good society, I think.  If your daughter is in Year 10, Williams or O’Brien, she will have met Ruth today.  Ruth came to have a hot chocolate and banana bread at Coffee Queens and then shared the story of Open Support with Year 10.  She had some astounding statistics and inside knowledge to share with us.  I am constantly astounded by the goodness of people; people who make the lives of others their priority and allow justice to be their passion.  It was interesting to note that the values of Open Support are exactly the same as the values the Sisters began with back in 1838.  They wanted to provide for the poor for FREE, exactly the same care as the rich could pay for.  Why?  Because we are all one, because no one chooses to have trauma in their life, no one chooses to survive rather than thrive, because everyone is made in the image and likeness of God, and in all people we are called to see the divine.  Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?

If your daughter is still to bring in something for Open Support, it’s not too late.  I can deliver more next week.  Towels are needed and pillows. Target has some on special. 2 for $5. That’s a bargain.  The Family Spirit Hampers are in full swing now.  It’s a bit different this year as we are now wanting to provide support for parents who are really struggling with providing every day needs for their families.  We are looking for essential pantry items - the kinds of things that we just always have in the cupboard - that get us through:  long life milk, pasta, sauce, tea, coffee, tinned tomatoes, soup, cereal, flour, sugar, tuna, salmon, toiletries.  We are also keen to provide Christmas gifts for the family.  Your daughter will have information from her tutor group that will guide this.  Simple is best.  We need this collection all wrapped up by November 22.

The big news from the Big Church is work on ‘Synodality’.  Pope Francis has called the church to work on the process of ‘Synodality’.  We are called to be ‘synodal’. Now, it’s tricky to insist on a process that you have to explain before you can start, a bit like the off-side rule in Soccer. My year 12s will tell you that synodality is a far cry from the Pre-Vatican II Church of our grandparents, where the faithful did as they were told, had little understanding of theology, questioned nothing, and consequently did not usually develop a deep and abiding relationship with a living Jesus.  Synodality is about ‘listening’ - deep listening.  It’s about ‘spiritual conversation’, a very Ignatian idea (of course our Pope Francis is a Jesuit, so he knows a bit about spiritual conversations). The idea is to be together in a group, to take time to focus on a section of scripture, then each person is invited to share ideas, feelings, thoughts, desires, considerations, that arise from the scripture.  This happens in rounds. Eventually personal agendas and drivers fall away, and the group takes on a deeper sense of ‘oneness’ - because we are all one. The process is amazing.  It works.  It takes time and patience, and for someone like me who can be a bit task driven, it’s difficult.  I have to trust the others at the table, trust that the scripture actually has validity and meaning, and trust that the Holy Spirit is real and present.  Pope Francis wants the Church to take on this way of proceeding, to deeply listen to each other, men, women, young, old, angry, alienated, joyful, engaged, clergy and laity - all listening, sharing profound ideas, truthfully.  Pope Francis believes this is the BIG future. This is the way we can make decisions about who we will be as Church, who is in and included, what we will do, how we will do it, what we will call it and how each of us will be called.  Wouldn’t it be good?  Fr Sacha Bermudez-Goldman SJ says that when we can do this ‘Synodal Conversation’, it is freeing.  We find freedom in that deep listening, in that open sharing of being, of existence in God’s loving presence.
I think Pope Francis is right.  It’s hopeful and freeing. Change will come when we can genuinely trust that individual agendas are not on the table, and that the only agenda is sharing the human experience and appreciating the vulnerability of each other.  If I am wounded, we are all wounded.  If I am freed and healed, we are all healed and free.
We will see what happens.

Mrs Jo Kenderes

Director of Faith and Mission

Career News November 15

UAC News

Videos on Nearly Every Topic for Uni

UAC hosts a series of short videos about applying to uni through UAC: from the application basics to the ins and outs of early offers, changing course preferences and what students can do if they have been disadvantaged during their senior years of school. To access the UAC videos use the link found here .

Macquarie University

Macquarie Uni Discover Lecture

Uncovering the Ancient Nile

19 November

6- 7.15pm

On campus

Learn how collaborative science tells the story of Egypt’s desert pyramids. The Nile is a dynamic landscape feature, changing its shape and location in response to environmental conditions. Over millennia, Egyptian settlements, communities, and their monuments rose and fell with the river. Join Associate Professor Tim Ralph as he describes a modern-day adventure, working with Egyptian scientists on an international team, using remote sensing, landscape analysis and sediment sampling to find the long-lost Ahramat Branch of the Nile River. Registrations for this event are essential using the link found here .

University of Sydney

Why study business at Sydney?

27 November

4pm

Webinar

Discover how degrees in Commerce can prepare students for the future of work and a wide range of career opportunities. The webinar will discuss the range of study areas available, including marketing, finance and entrepreneurship, as well as the many ways in which students can combine their interests from over 100 study areas in USYD’s shared pools of majors and minors. The presentation will also cover internships, industry-focused experiences, and global mobility opportunities open to USYD Bachelor of Commerce students. To register for this event use the link found here .

University of Sydney Campus Tours

11 December - Business and Economics Faculty Tours

12 December - Architecture and Design Faculty Tours

13 December - Medicine and Health Faculty Tours

14 December - Science Faculty Tours

16 December - Arts and Law Faculty Tours

17 December - Engineering Faculty Tours

Join USYD’s Student Ambassadors for a guided campus tour highlighting the most iconic spots on the USYD campus.At the end of the 30-minute general tour, you’ll have the option to participate in a faculty-specific tour to explore the faculty's dedicated teaching spaces. Registrations for the tours are essential using the link provided here.

UTS, Sydney

Discover Nursing at UTS

20 November

On campus.

Discover how you can become a Registered Nurse at Australia’s #1 uni for academic reputation in nursing and midwifery. Hear about diverse nursing careers from industry speakers, meet our academic teachers; ask current students about the UTS Bachelor of Nursing. Tour our world-class clinical facilities and explore your future campus. Parents and carers are welcome to attend. Registration for this event is essential using the link found here .

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame Pathways to Medicine Information Session

19 November

Register to watch UND’s information session exploring their undergraduate programs and exciting opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in Medicine. To register use the link found here .

C.A.S Hawker Scholarship

Applications Open 18 November and close 6 January

The Scholarship is available to Australian undergraduate and post-graduate students. Scholarships are valued at up to $60,000 and contribute to the cost of residential fees.

Successful applicants are those who most convincingly demonstrate their potential as a future leader, the contribution they have made to their school and community and their academic ability, in keeping with the example C.A.S. Hawker set as a leader and his contribution and service to Australia. For more information and details on how to apply use the link provided here .

Jschool Journalism College

Newswriting Basics

5 December

Newswriting Basics is a micro journalism course offered to senior secondary students this summer by Jschool Journalism College. To find out more use the link provided here .

Helen Marshall

Careers Adviser

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/

It was great to see our Year 7 teams excelling on the weekend! I witnessed a great even game of waterpolo against Kambala with the Vinnies team taking their first win of the season, so well done girls!

As the season draws to a near, please make sure you are still doing the right thing and attending training and giving 100% to your team and coach. There are no finals for the iGSA sports, it’s first past the post, so keep pushing hard right to the end. We are about to do the grading for next term’s competitions and some teams may slightly change so please keep striving to do your best and play with Vimnnie’s spirit.

An even weekend of tennis with three teams winning (all 6-2) and three teams losing on Saturday (and one bye). Despite results, lots of matches did not reflect the score at all with girls losing in deuces instead of an easy win for their opponents. SVC 1 played some fantastic tennis yet again, putting on a show with some incredible shots and serving. Unfortunately unable to secure those final nail-biting crucial points ended in an overall loss. Nothing to be disheartened by, all girls received glowing commentary from the other team’s coach as well.

SVC 2 unfortunately had a tough time against 3rd on the leaderboard. Coaches have admired the team’s dedication to training and hopefully we get some strong wins in the coming weeks with the girls’ efforts.

SVC 3 had a nice win, placing them comfortably in the middle of the ladder for the oncoming games. After last week’s win too, we hope these girls continue to impress on their winning streak.

SVC 5, having moved up to a new division, faced new challenges over the weekend and played very well. Whilst unfortunately falling to their talented opponents, they displayed a promising performance which they will continue to hone in training. SVC 6 had some fun out there on the weekend, with the girls showing amazing support for each other and coming away with a dominant win too. Some fantastic rallying going on, definitely a huge improvement over the last few weeks. SVC 7 had another strong performance with the players even more keen to keep competing. The girls took another win in the already so far very successful season.

Ms Tonya Hetreles - Head Tennis Coach

IGSA WATER POLO

Congratulations to all teams on some great matches last weekend!  Many of our students played in the Canberra Cup last weekend and with Dance night as well, it did leave our teams a little short of substitutes, so well done to those who played up and helped other teams. This weekend the First’s have a double header and play tonight and tomorrow morning, so good luck girls!

Best of luck to all teams this weekend!

Mr Jo Schuler - Head Water Polo Coach

ESTA TOUCH FOOTBALL

As we approach the final round of Touch Football games this term, our SVC teams have reached new levels of competitiveness and spirit. It’s been inspiring to see the high standards set by each team and to watch our students grow, develop, and set ambitious goals along the way. This term, 70% of our teams are looking to secure spots in the top 4 within their divisions.

Please note that game times and field numbers have changed this week for teams SVC 7, 14, 17, 18, and 19. Be sure to check the school website for the latest updates.

With semi finals just around the corner, I’m excited to see the continued dedication and passion our students bring to the field. Let’s finish the term on a high. Good Luck and Go Vinnies!

SANTA SABINA VOLLEYBALL

Our Volleyball teams are performing exceptionally well this season, with each of our five teams showing impressive growth and skill on the court. The improvements the coaches and I are seeing clearly show that the girl’s hard work at training is paying off. With only two rounds left before finals weekend, all teams are focused on securing spots in the top four of their divisions.

Training sessions have been focused and purposeful, emphasising mastering digs and refining set plays. The commitment and energy from our senior girls are truly inspiring the younger students, and it’s no surprise we’re seeing such positive results in their matches.

A quick reminder to all students: please ensure you wear the SVC sports uniform only, with no variations.

Good Luck and Go Vinnies!

Ms Elyse Harmanis - Head Touch and Volleyball 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 jacobs@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Congratulations to the Year 7 Water Polo Team on their great win last week!  They are our Team of the Week!

Ms Jacinta Jacobs

Co-ordinator of Sport

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.