Statistics from the United Nations are clear: in  2019 only 58% of children achieved minimum levels of reading by the end of their primary schooling. The UN predicts that without strong action, by 2030 we will live in a world where:

Such numbers are sobering, especially given that education is a key predictor in health, wellbeing and is foundational to most of the goals that the UN has for our global community.

Therefore in the context of teaching and learning, our commitment to Service of the Poor is to:

Value the education that we can access , understanding that it is not yet a global experience. Valuing our education is not just an idea, it manifests in practical actions such as being focused in class, actively engaging in learning, working through learning challenges and celebrating personal points of mastery and success.

Use our education to deepen our understanding of those living in all types of poverty: approach our community from a position of empathy;  investigate the causes of disparities, including educational disparity; use our knowledge and skills in critical and creative thinking to pursue novel solutions to challenges around us; harness our voice to advocate for positive change.

Be the courageous women of action , strong in purpose and confident to act , as embodied in our learning framework. Choose to harness our education for the good of our local and global communities. Make choices that consider sustainability, equity, justice, living and acting by the College values well beyond the gates of the school.

I encourage all our young women to cherish their education, understanding it to still be a privilege in our world. Each day, each lesson and each new piece of learning can collectively have a powerful impact both on our own lives, our futures, and the experience of others.

Alison Boyd-Boland

Director of Teaching and Learning

Their Formal in Week 2 was a resounding success, establishing a wonderful atmosphere for the many celebrations ahead. The evening at Doltone House was so remarkable that I can confidently say this cohort, both our students and their guests, displayed some of the most engaging, articulate, and genuinely enjoyable social interactions of young people I've witnessed. Earlier in the term they were thrilled to receive their Year 12 Jerseys, and now as I write this article I am watching many of them sitting in the Library studying intensely as they prepare for upcoming assessment tasks. Both moments remind me of the varied experiences typical of a Year 12 student. I encourage parents and carers to take the opportunity this week with their Year 12 daughter to have a midterm check in, ensuring she is keeping a healthy balance with her busy schedule.

Year 11 students are embracing their new senior status with a keen desire to be exemplary role models, a journey we actively encourage. This group have settled into their selected subjects and have been working hard to lay a strong foundation for their new courses. In Week 2 Year 11 were asked to reflect on the commitments they will make for Senior School, both inside and outside the classroom and the commitments they will make to themselves and to others who will journey with them over the next two years. In the same week Dr Prue Salter an expert in study skills ran a workshop to show the students a range of different study methods. In Science of Wellbeing we have focused on the wellbeing pathway, Attention and Awareness , exploring evidence based research on the impact smartphone usage has on our brains. Whilst we have gone phone-free as a College, it is valuable that we educate the girls on the research on phone use so they are informed young people who can also consider reducing their screen time when they are away from school. You can ask your Year 11 daughter what her average screen time is and she should be able to show her stats. The hope is that our young women appreciate the joy in choosing to be more present, appreciate the small moments, experience gratitude and make good memories.

Both cohorts have made a great start to the year, evident in their daily interactions but also evident when they accompanied younger peers from North Sydney to Potts Point after our College Opening Mass, in leading our Ash Wednesday Liturgies and in welcoming and showing gratitude to guest speaker Paul Dillion, expert in drug and alcohol education as shared with you in last week’s bulletin. It has been a very busy first half of the term and as we reach the midpoint of the term, I hope the energy and dedication from both cohorts remain strong. While the upcoming Preliminary and HSC assessment deadlines may bring a sense of fatigue, we encourage the students to maintain their focus and exemplary behaviour. I look forward to the upcoming senior student retreats which will take place towards the end of the term, and I remind parents, carers and students that these retreats are compulsory and enriching experiences, essential for faith formation and spiritual nourishment for  Year 11 and Year 12 students. Details on retreat to come soon.

The girls explored the complex nature of worry, understanding both the positive and negative impacts. They practised communication skills that would support and encourage their peers and worked on mindsets that would normalise their worry as a feeling that many experienced when undertaking new things or things that matter. A final quote that was shared and one that I am sure we can all relate to is that "a great life will always have hard things in it." This realistic message helps our students understand that challenges are a normal part of life and that building resilience is essential for growth.

The workshops also emphasised the importance of acknowledging that not every day will be perfect, a crucial lesson in fostering emotional wellbeing. We are excited to build upon these foundations in our upcoming Science of Wellbeing lessons, where we will be focusing on Attention and Awareness. We hope that students will share some thoughts with you about what stood out for them during the session and begin to identify the things that they possibly avoid in an effort to stay safer or more comfortable than is necessary.

Georgia Murray and Ivy Murray Verdon

In the workshop this morning, we learnt about anxiety and how to deal with it.  We also learnt how to effectively help someone with stress and nerves. In pairs we practised different exercises and conversations to help someone who was really nervous about something. Dr Locke and Dr Einstein showed us the different ways that anxiety presents in us and we worked through what helps us as individuals. This workshop really opened our eyes, and helped us realise what other people are going through and what they experience in their everyday lives. We are so grateful that they took the time to come in and speak with us and we have left this experience with so much new knowledge.

Alessandra Holt

This experience was an amazing opportunity and I was able to learn many new things, for example, how to be confident in yourself. I was taught that although it may seem confidence can only come from amazing days, it actually comes from terrible days and obstacles as well. Persevering through these days can give us confidence, in knowing that if we can get over certain challenges, we can overcome many other things also.

Clara Grigg

In our course today I found it very interesting to learn how to comfort a friend/calm their nerves for example instead of saying it will be ok minimising their problem and possibly telling them something that is not going to happen instead you should ask them about the problem and empathise with them. This piece of advice was very helpful and will be used in the future.

Marguerite Murphy

The course taught us that challenges are a natural part of anyone's life journey, and the only way to reach our goals is to push through them. They showed us a graph, teaching us that the path to success is never smooth, it’s full of ups and downs. But, you must keep moving forward, because every obstacle we overcome brings us one step closer to our goal.

Ms Sheenagh Doran

Dean of Early Secondary

Michael Harvey
Social Justice Leader

For secondary students, especially here at Vinnies the performing arts are more than just extracurricular activities; they are essential tools for personal growth, emotional well-being, and academic success. They are Elective classes that offer specific skills as well as complimentary skills.

At St Vincent’s we also have a history of excellent HSC results with most of our Dance, Drama and Music students performing well above the state average in every area of their courses. We also have received multiple NESA Onstage, Callback and Encore nominations over the years. Dance, Drama or Music are more often than not the students best marks for their HSC pattern of study. These great results mean that many students use their Performing Arts results as part of their ATARS to gain entrance to everything from degrees in Communications, Law, Psychology, Architecture, Physiotherapy and Engineering to entry into the Conservatorium of Music, WAAPA, AFTRS, Sydney Dance Company PPY, AMPA, Ettingshausens, and even Tisch in New York.

Boosting Confidence and Communication Skills

Students do not need to be forward focussed on their ATARS to experience the benefits in earlier years - studying Elective Dance, Drama and/or Music in years 9 and 10 encourages students to step outside their comfort zones. Whether performing, playing an instrument, or interpreting or creating a script, students develop self-confidence and the ability to express themselves clearly. Drama helps students refine public speaking skills, while music and dance teach discipline and the value of perseverance. These skills extend beyond the arts and are invaluable in future careers and personal interactions.

Enhancing Emotional Well-being

The teenage years can be emotionally challenging, and the performing arts also provide a healthy outlet for students to express and explore their feelings in a safe environment. Music has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, while dance promotes physical fitness and releases endorphins, improving overall mood. Drama allows students to explore different emotions, helping them develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Encouraging Creativity and Critical Thinking

Creativity is a vital skill in today’s fast-paced world, and performing arts foster innovative thinking. Whether composing a piece of music, choreographing a dance, or improvising in a play, students learn to think outside the box, work well in groups and solve problems in unique ways. These abilities enhance academic performance, particularly in subjects like literature, history, and even science, where innovation and creativity plays an active role in interpretation and problem-solving.

Building Teamwork and Social Skills

Performing arts thrive on collaboration. Many of our Elective Dance, Drama and Music lessons require and ensure students learn the importance of teamwork. They must listen, cooperate, and support one another to create successful projects and performances. These collaborative experiences help students develop strong interpersonal skills, preparing them for both personal relationships and professional environments in the future where many of us must work with others with different skill sets, personalities and priorities and manage these challenges with respectful behaviours, social intelligence and good grace.

I mproving Academic Performance

Research has shown a strong correlation between participation in the performing arts and academic success. Music education, for example, enhances memory, mathematical ability, and reading comprehension. Dance improves focus and discipline, while drama enhances language skills and writing abilities. Students engaged in the arts often perform better in other subjects, demonstrating the interconnected nature of creativity and learning.

Cultural Appreciation and Diversity

Through the performing arts, students are exposed to different cultures, histories, and traditions. Learning about music from different countries, performing scenes from various time periods, and experiencing diverse dance forms foster a sense of global awareness and appreciation. This cultural exposure broadens students' perspectives and helps them become more open-minded and inclusive individuals.

A Future in the Arts

For students passionate about dance, drama, or music, secondary school can be the stepping stone to a fulfilling career in the arts. By studying the VET Entertainment course at SVC students not only graduate with 2 units for their HSC but they have attained a Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services allowing them to work in the Industry as soon as they finish school.

Whether pursuing a profession in performance, education, or production, the skills learned in school provide a strong foundation. Even for those who choose different career paths, the confidence, discipline, and creativity developed through the performing arts remain invaluable assets.

Dance, drama, and music are not an extra or an add on; they are vital components of a well-rounded and balanced education. These disciplines empower students to express themselves, manage stress, think critically, and collaborate effectively. At SVC we continue to support and invest in performing arts electives and programs, recognizing their profound impact on students’ academic and personal development. By doing so, we nurture a generation of confident, creative, and emotionally intelligent individuals prepared to succeed in all aspects of life.

What does Performing Arts look like so far this term:

Yr 7 Music

Yr 12 Music

Yr 11 Drama

Yr 10 Drama

Yr 12 VET

Yr 9 Elective Dance

Yr 11 Dance

Catherine Johnson
Head of Performing Arts

Career News - 7 March

University of Sydney

Webinar - Pathways to studying Law at Sydney

19 March, 4pm

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

How to find your rhythm in Music

2 April, 4pm

A career in music can take countless forms. Dive into the diverse world of music careers through the eyes of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music alumni and academic staff. Discover the secrets behind their careers. Tune in for an inspiring session that may guide your own musical journey. Register your interest here .

ANU Canberra.

ANU Early Application walkthrough

17 March

Join ANU's comprehensive webinar designed to guide you through each step of the application process. ANU's experts will provide detailed instructions, tips, and answer any questions you may have to ensure a smooth application experience. Register your interest here .

Tuckwell Scholarship – Applications now Open

Apply Before 14 April

One of the most prestigious scholarships in Australia. The program has a focus on giving back to Australia and is the only one of its kind that nurtures Scholars to fulfil their broader community ambitions over and above the pursuit of an undergraduate degree. Each year ANU awards 25 Scholarships and offers talented and motivated students the opportunity to realise their potential by providing financial support, personal enrichment and development opportunities. For more information and to apply use the link provided here .

Medicine Information Nights

UNSW Year 12 Medicine Information Evening

12 March

UNSW’s Medicine Information Evening will provide insight into the blend of hands-on clinical experiences and research-focused learning that you will be immersed in as a UNSW Medicine student. You’ll also find detailed information on the application and admissions process for 2026 entry, including special entry schemes such as Rural, Gateway and Indigenous Entry Schemes. Use the link here to register your interest.

Charles Sturt University

Medicine Information Night

1 April

Join CSU’s online Medicine Information Night to discover everything you need to know to

make a positive difference in your community with our five-year undergraduate entry degree, Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine) / Doctor of Medicine. Based on CSU’s Orange campus, Charles Sturt University offers the Joint Program in Medicine in partnership with Western Sydney University. You can expect to study for two years, followed by three years of rural and regional placements. Whether you're in high school, looking for a career change or keen to take the next step in your health career — this information night is for you! Parents and carers are also welcome to attend. Please use the link here to register your interest.

UCAT 2025

The UCAT is a 2 hour computer based test that is a requirement for admission into most Medical and Dental undergraduate degrees in Australia and New Zealand.

UCAT 2025 Key Dates

Candidates taking the UCAT ANZ in 2025 for entry to universities in Australia and New Zealand in 2026 should note these key dates.

UCAT does not make exceptions to these deadlines.

4 March - Bookings open

9 May - Concession application deadline

16 May - Booking deadline and Access arrangement deadline

30 May - Late booking deadline and late Access arrangement deadline

6 June - Final late booking deadline

11 June - Cancellation deadline

1 July - Testing begins

5 August - Last testing date

Early September - results delivered to universities

UCAT Bookings for 2025 Now Open

Bookings Close 16 May

Registrations to sit UCAT 2025 are now open. The 2025 UCAT ANZ must be sat between 1 July and 5 August 2025. To register your interest use the link found here .

Changes to UCAT for 2025

The UCAT ANZ test is changing in 2025.

The Abstract Reasoning subtest will be withdrawn from the test. The new test format will comprise 3 cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning), and the Situational Judgement Test.

Check out the link here for more details

QANTAS Pilot Academy.

Qantas Group Pilot Academy

Applications close 16 March

To help meet the increasing need for skilled aviators in one of the fastest growing global industries the Qantas Group Pilot Academy has been launched. The Academy is part of a long-term talent pipeline not just for Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar, but for the industry more broadly. For more information and to register your interest go here .

Qantas Group Pilot Academy Scholarships

The Qantas Group Pilot Academy Scholarship Program aims to provide equity-based grants to support diversity. Over the coming five years, 100 scholarships are on offer.

Applications are open and being accepted for Academy courses from now until 2028 for women and First Nations People. If successful, the scholarship is designed to support a student with onsite accommodation costs. For more details use the link found here.

Defence Force Work Experience

The Defence Work Experience Program provides young Australians interested in Defence as a future career, the opportunity to sample life in Defence and learn more about the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS). Use the link here for more information. Check the closing dates as some close in March 2025.

Women in Policing and Protection - Australian Federal Police

Online Info Session

11 March

Join the Women in policing and protection - online information session and hear directly from a panel of female officers working as a protective service officer (PSO), national police officer and ACT police officer, along with the AFP Recruitment team.

You will get to hear about the panellists' day-to-day experiences, their opportunities and challenges, the benefits and support available to women in the AFP, and the recruitment process. Registrations are essential using the link found here .

Helen Marshall
Careers Adviser

This allowed us to immerse ourselves in the spirit of the occasion, throughout this week and next International Women's Day was the central theme, weaving its way into our discussions, projects, and, most importantly, our student performances.

The performances that unfolded today were nothing short of inspiring. Our students took the stage, not just to showcase their talents, but to share powerful messages of empowerment, resilience, and hope through songs such as Rise up, The Greatest, and I will survive.

From solo vocalists to instrumental ensembles, our students used the power of music to celebrate the contributions of women. They performed songs that celebrated female empowerment, and even wrote original compositions. IWD shines a spotlight on the ongoing challenges and inequalities that women face globally. It brings attention to issues such as gender-based violence, the gender pay gap, and the lack of equal opportunities in education and leadership.

This 'Day 10' was more than just a performance; it was a testament to the power of education and the importance of creating a space where every voice is heard. We are incredibly proud of our students for their courage, creativity, and commitment to celebrating International Women's Day.

As we approach the next Day 10, the theme is…

Teacher Week!!

Where we shine light on teachers who want to show their musical abilities. Singing, dancing, and representing their hard work.

As always feel free to apply to Day 10 below!

https://forms.gle/hzZf9zmoB142LVpQ6

Stephanie Pantazis
Arts Captain

SVC Mothers Weekend

The Boarder Parent Association are excited to invite you to Tamworth in 2025 for our annual

Mothers Weekend.

Friday 2nd May

Welcome to Tamworth Cocktail Party

Hopscotch Bar & Restaurant

from 6pm

Come dressed in your best country & western outfit and get ready to be entertained

Tickets $100

Saturday 3rd May

Depart Tamworth at 4pm to experience the beautiful Dungowan Station. Great food wine and dancing.

Return by bus at 10pm

Tickets $225

Sunday 4th May

Finish off the weekend with brunch at

The Pig & Tinder Box

Enjoy a buffet breakfast, coffee & mimosa

Tickets $35

For more details of the weekend check out our guide

There is a strict no refund policy on tickets