Rockwall Crescent, Potts Point NSW 2011

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Issue 01

Issue 7 - 21 March 2025

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In this Issue

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
  • From Our Principal
Reminders and Events
    DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
      DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE OPERATIONS
      • Free online workshop for parents/carers and supervisors of Learner Drivers.
      DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
        TEACHING & LEARNING
        • Year 10 Poetry Incursion - Words of War
        CAREER NEWS
        • Career News
        SPORT REPORT
          COMMUNITY
          • P&F
          • Mothers' Weekend 2025
          • Canteen

          PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

          From Our Principal

          From Our Principal

          Dear Parents and Carers,


          On Wednesday afternoon we hosted an "Open Afternoon" primarily focused on the Year 7 class of 2027 (the graduating class of 2032!). It seems like Science Fiction to be talking about the 2030s but meeting the delightful girls and their families who will be the Vinnies' girls of that time, brought reality and confidence to all the future planning in which we are currently involved. They explored the College under the very enthusiastic direction of our Year 10 Tour Guides.

          I was so very proud by the subject and program showcases presented by our staff and students. It had elements of a Fete, a subject expo, concert and a food hall! There was something for everyone and it was truely a positive experience and a pleasure to be part of this community event. Thank you for your continuing great advocacy for the College - so many of the prospective families were there because of your kind and generous referrals. The Advancement Team and Teaching & Learning Teams really did showcase the College very comprehensively but in a authentic and very Vinnies' Way.

          On Tuesday we warmly embraced one of the most renown of our alumnae, Ms Gemma Sisia. Gemma is now a highly respected global humanitarian whose work in fighting poverty though education has made a major impact on the development of Tanzania. Through her commitment to education, the cycle of poverty has been broken for individuals, families and whole communities.

          Our students who participated in the 2024 immersion to Tanzania presented Gemma with a cheque for $8000 from their fundraising initiatives which I know many of you supported. Ninety percent of the funds needed to maintain and plan for sustainable growth of St Jude's comes from Australia and many of her most loyal donors come from the alumnae of St Vincent's, parents, staff and students who have participated in our immersions. Discernment is now underway for our Year 11 students about their readiness to participate this year's immersion and similarly among staff. It is a very big commitment, but one I know our generous community will rise to meet.

          Good luck to the Touch Footy teams in the grand finals this weekend.

          Yours sincerely,

          Anne Fry

          Show more

          Reminders and Events

          Monday 24 March - Year 7 Parent/Carer - Teacher Meetings, Tarmons

          Monday 31 March – Tuesday 8 April 2025 - Year 9 Endeavouring Experience

          Wednesday 9 April – Friday 4 April - Camps & Retreats

          Show more

          DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

          The value of education in transforming lives and the particular joy of learning at St Vincent’s College was certainly on show this week. A notable highlight was our College Open Afternoon which felt much like a festival as students and staff showcased the myriad of learning experiences within our classroom spaces as well as on courts, on stage and behind the coffee machine.

          Our prospective students certainly had their curiosity sparked and passions ignited; some young girls were literally jumping in saying they cannot wait to come here. For me, a highlight is not only the joy on these Year 5 students’ faces, but the commendation given to our current students for their authenticity and appreciation in the way they talk about their school community and are able to articulate their learning experiences. I also find myself talking with prospective parents about the community of parents and staff that also give so generously of their time and passion in shaping the culture of St Vincent’s College, an example so palpably felt at last week’s P&F Cocktail Party.

          We were also most fortunate this week to have Alumna Gemma Sisia (Class of 1989) share the story of the School of St Jude’s in Arusha, Tanzania with Years 9-12. From Gemma’s desire to be of service to others, identifying Tanzania as a place of great need, she, along with a fellow St Vincent’s Alumna and a few tables and chairs from Vinnies’ classroom opened the school with three students in 2002. Gemma inspired us as a person who values the potential of all persons, coupled with a firm respect for the value of learning as a means to give hope and prosperity. The School of St Jude’s now educates 1800 students on scholarships across three campuses, employing over 300 Tanzanian staff with an additional program that provides graduate students as teachers impacting 700 000 students in government schools. The first primary students have now graduated from a diverse range of 350 university degrees and are giving of their gifts and opportunity for learning to contribute to Tanzania’s prosperity. Gemma was accompanied by graduates who are now colleagues, Winnie and John, who shared their stories of education and contribution to their communities. Our Year 12 students who participated in the Immersion in December also shared their learnings, describing how their assumptions about poverty were challenged and the new perspectives they have through their encounters with student peers in the schools we visited. They told how St Jude’s students take library and textbooks home for the holidays so they may continue their study and support the learning of extended family members. They reflected upon the joy of girls at the Emusoi centre in finding a sisterhood of support as they live away from their village communities for the very first time, developing their literacy and numeracy skills to access secondary boarding schools in the hope of a future that will offer future employment for themselves and prosperity for their villages. This experience certainly adds a global perspective that prompts the valuing of the opportunity St Vincent’s affords ourselves as learners and educators.

          Thank you to the many parents and carers who have completed and returned the letters for the upcoming camp and retreat experiences. There are only a few remaining. It is essential we have these to us on Monday as we are providing dietary requirements to the venues and generating our emergency contact lists to ensure we are able to contact you in the event of ill health or emergency. Our staff are busy designing wonderful experiences for our students as we look forward to learning beyond the classroom.

          Mrs Elizabeth Brooks
          Deputy Principal

          Show more

          DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE OPERATIONS

          Free online workshop for parents/carers and supervisors of Learner Drivers.

          Free online workshop for parents/carers and supervisors of Learner Drivers.

          Dear Parents and Carers,

          A free online workshop for parents/carers and supervisors of Learner Drivers.

          The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday 26 March, 6pm-7:30pm ( please see attached flyer )

          The session will offer practical advice about:

          • current driving rules and requirements for L and P platers
          • how learners benefit from supervised on-road driving
          • how you can help make learning to drive a safe and positive

          Mr Bob Anderson

          Director of College Operations

          Show more

          DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

          We are definitely at that point in the term where learning can feel like it’s being dominated by a never ending list of assessments. Tasks that come with an official notification and which are completed by all students at the same time can easily loom large and cloud our understanding of what assessment really is and how it works.

          Assessment is a natural part of learning as at its core it is designed to “establish and understand where learners are in an aspect of their learning at the time of assessment” (Masters 2014) so that the next steps in learning can be designed appropriately.

          Assessment therefore happens in every lesson every day. Through questions, collaborative tasks, dialogue, independent activities, formal assessment tasks, group projects, students are constantly demonstrating what they know and can do. And in parallel, teachers are discerning what students need next in order to further their understanding and skill development.

          The experience of coping with the more formal assessments is part of the task in itself. Students are coming to understand the importance of organisation, are learning to apply different study strategies, are managing the emotions that come along with stepping into challenge.

          The College’s assessment principles provide a basis upon which decisions about quality assessment practices for all our students are built.

          • Purposeful – assessment is designed with clear aims in mind that will provide opportunity for authentic application of knowledge and skills. Assessment is integrated into teaching and learning, not separate from the learning process.
          • Student-centred – assessment is designed with appropriate differentiation built into the assessment so that all students are able to demonstrate their learning.
          • Forward focused – assessment is constructive, providing teachers and students with clear feedback and direction about where to next.
          • Engaging – assessment invites students to step into new learning experiences, offering choice and flexibility in undertaking assessment.
          • Agentic – assessment helps students to learn how to learn, fostering responsibility and autonomy.

          So if assessments are starting to dominate the time, emotions or energies in your household, please remember that assessment is a part of learning, it occurs all the time, and that teachers are always looking for the fullest picture of a students’ capabilities.

          Alison Boyd-Boland

          Director of Teaching and Learning

          Show more

          TEACHING & LEARNING

          Year 10 Poetry Incursion - Words of War

          Year 10 Poetry Incursion - Words of War

          As part of their study of War Poetry this term, Year 10 had the privilege of attending a Poetry in Action ‘Words of War’ incursion on Monday.

          ‘Words of War’ brings to life the world and works of Wilfred Owen, bringing passion, anger, humour and heartbreak to the stage. The performance followed the life and works of Owen and the influences that led him to become one of the most striking and brilliant voices of his era. Students were immersed in Owen’s world of horror, heroism and the hopelessness of conflict. Through the program, students were given the opportunity to examine people’s attitudes to war and how, through Owen’s poetry, we can come to a better understanding of war today.

          “Having studied him in class over the past few weeks, it was very interesting to see how different poetry is when performed rather than read. This helped us students feel more engaged with the content we have been learning and gain a new frame of reference of the themes embedded in the poems which are more difficult to interpret just by reading them. While the presentations were very entertaining, we were also taught throughout the performance about the context of the time these poems were written, as well as the life story of Wilfred Owen himself. We were also introduced to poems we hadn’t previously read during class, which invested us further into the content we have been studying. This was very obvious from the numerous questions we had for Poetry in Action, to which they provided wonderful and insightful responses.”

          Nikita Mocsari, Year 10



          “I loved the Poetry in Action incursion because it helped me understand the poem and its literary techniques much better. The performances of the poems were so animated and passionate, which really brought the poem to life. Having the experience of seeing the poem performed really helped to highlight how each technique contributes to crafting an impactful poem. This has really helped me better connect with the poems I am studying as I am able to fully understand the power that poetry can hold.”

          Elees Hilder, Year 10

          Ms Papasidero

          English Teacher

          Show more

          CAREER NEWS

          Career News

          Career News

          Upcoming Events & Opportunities

          📚 UNSW Year 10 Info Evening (1 April, 6pm) – Get expert advice on subject selection, admissions, and university life.

          🏫 UNSW College Open Day (5 April, 10am-1pm) – Explore how a UNSW Diploma can lead to second-year entry in a UNSW degree.

          🎨 Textile & Fashion Studio Tour (23 April, 10-11:30am) – Tour cutting-edge design studios and facilities at UNSW.

          🩺 USYD Medicine Pathways Webinar (26 March, 4pm) – Learn about double-degree options and the admissions process.

          🎭 NIDA & Sydney Design School Open Days – Explore acting, filmmaking, and interior design programs this April!

          Career News March 21

          UNSW,Kensington

          Year 10 Info Evenings: Subject Selection

          Online

          April 1 at 6pm

          This information evening is designed to support Year 10 students with their subject selections for Years 11 and 12. The webinar will also provide Year 10 students and their parents and carers with a look into UNSW admissions and uni life. Year 10 students and their parents and carers must register your interest for this event by using the link provided here.

          UNSW College

          Saturday, 5 April

          10am - 1pm on Campus.

          Visit UNSW’s campus to attend the UNSW College’s Open Day and discover how the successful completion of a UNSW College Diploma can lead straight into your second year of a preferred UNSW degree. Students can meet future teachers, chat with current students, tour our campus, and enjoy hands-on activities. Registrations are required using the link found here.

          Textile and Fashion Studio Tour

          23 April

          10-11.30am

          During this tour, you will visit the fashion and textile studios, where creativity and innovation come to life. You will have the opportunity to explore state-of-the-art facilities, including cutting-edge sewing machines, digital fabric printers, digital looms, and specialised

          design workspaces. Please register your interest for this event here

          Portfolio Entry

          Applications open on 5 May

          Year 12 students could receive an early conditional offer with an adjusted ATAR requirement through the UNSW Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme. Degrees are eligible across the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture and the Faculty of Engineering. Learn more by using the link found here .

          University of Sydney

          Webinar - Your pathway into medicine

          26 March

          4pm

          Discover how the University of Sydney can help students become a doctor.

          Join this webinar to find out about the flexibility and rewards of USYD’s double degree programs in medicine.Learn how to best prepare for the admissions process. Registrations are essential using the link found here .

          Western University

          Drop in Sessions

          Wednesday at 5pm

          The Future Student Engagement Team at Western University are hosting Drop-In Sessions on Wednesday afternoons. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for students to learn about degrees, alternative entry pathways, scholarships, support services and more. Next drop-in session is on Wednesday, 26 March at 5pm. To  register your interest use the link found here.

          Student Veterans Program

          Western Sydney University is proud to support current and previously serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. Western is dedicated to supporting Veterans, who have served, or are still serving in a reserve or full-time capacity to pursue study while balancing service commitments or post-discharge requirements. For more information visit the following website

          NIDA

          School Holiday Programs

          NIDA Open offers a range of courses and experiences for young people in Grades 7-12 across a variety of disciplines. From one-day short courses to residency and studio programs there is a course to suit all from the curious beginner to the young artists seeking pre-professional training. With courses in drama, acting on screen, musical theatre, writing, filmmaking and public speaking there are opportunities to develop communication and ensemble skills through creative collaboration, explore creative potential and engage in contemporary practice-based skills training. NIDA's teaching artists are experienced industry professionals who expertly create an environment where young people can embrace creative challenges and find a connection with like minded peers. For more information go here.

          Sydney Design School

          Open Day Saturday 5 April

          10.00am-12.00pm

          Interested students and parents are invited to find out more about a creative qualification in Interior Design at Sydney Design School’s Open Day . Twice a year there is an opportunity for students to explore the studios, meet students and Educators and get creative making a mood board or 3D model. Ground Floor, 65 Berry St, North Sydney. To register use the link found here .

          Women in Defence

          Information Session

          16 April

          Join the info session and speak with current serving women in Defence about the many ways the

          Australian Defence Force can support recruits. It is highly recommended you book as soon as possible, using the link found here, to avoid missing out as places are strictly limited.

          Helen Marshall
          Careers Adviser

          Show more

          SPORT REPORT

          TERM 1 SPORT

          All of our teams have been playing some really good matches on Saturday mornings at venues all over Sydney. Let's continue this week and try to get lots of spectators to support our teams. It's Grand final time for 12 of our Touch teams this weekend. Whilst the other sports still have one more round and then the finals will be played the weekend of 29th March and 5th April.

          Good luck to all teams this weekend!

          TERM 2 & 3 SPORT TRIALS

          NETBALL TRIALS – College Courts

          Year 7 Trials: Thursday 27th March 3:15pm – 4:30pm

          Junior Trials - Years 8 and 9: 26th March 3:15pm – 4:30pm

          Senior Trials - Years 10, 11 and 12: Tuesday 25th March 3:15pm – 4:30pm

          SOCCER TRIALS - Rushcutters Bay

          Senior Trials - Years 10,11 & 12 (+ Juniors if invited): Wednesday 26th March 3.15pm -4.30pm.

          Junior Trials - Years 8 & 9 ONLY: Monday 24th March 3:15 - 4:30pm

          ESTA TOUCH

          This weekend is Grand finals week for Touch. Congratulations to all teams who have qualified for the finals. Good luck to SVC 1,2,3,4,6, 8, 14, 17, 18,21,22 and 23. All teams are fired up and looking at trying to win the ‘Champion School’ trophy.

          We also have some students who have been awarded the ‘Best and Fairest in their division for the term, so remember to stay back for the presentations after each game as the trophies will be awarded at the end of the matches on Saturday.

          Please remember that all Finals are played at Queens Park this weekend. This weekend the weather is looking good so make sure we are all prepared for our games. The draw for this week has been updated on the college website also, so please visit the College website under the 'Sport' section, Learning/Sport/Touch as some teams have some minor changes to their games.

          Good luck to all teams & Go Vinnies!!

          Ms Elyse Harmanis - Head Touch Coach

          TILDESLEY TENNIS TOURNAMENT

          Congratulations to all our tennis players who competed in the Tildesley Tournament this week at Pennant Hills!

          Against a highly competitive field, our team showcased incredible skill, determination, and sportsmanship. A special congratulations to our top singles player, Lara Ecerg (Year 8), who delivered a stellar performance to qualify for the second round.

          Our top doubles pairs, Erika Steinman and Alexis Greenfield (Year 10), and Lily Dunkley and Allegra Spizzico (Year 10), both qualified for the second round after impressive first-round performances. Lily and Allegra provided thrilling entertainment, securing a hard-fought 8-6 tiebreak win in round one. Unfortunately, both doubles teams faced tough competition in the second round, with Erika and Alexis narrowly missing out in a close 6-8 match.

          We are incredibly proud of all our players and their achievements. We look forward to seeing their continued growth throughout the year and can’t wait to watch them compete again at Tildesley next year!

          SANTA SABINA VOLLEYBALL

          Congratulations to all teams on another fantastic weekend of matches! There were some thrilling games, and it’s great to see everyone’s hard work paying off.

          A reminder that spectators are welcome at Santa Sabina this term, but please note that dogs are not permitted on the premises.

          All team information is available on the College website. Players must inform Head Coach Bianca if they are unable to attend please do not leave your team short. Full sports uniform is required for all training sessions and matches.

          Best of luck for the upcoming games!

          Ms Bianca Wallace - Head Volleyball Coach

          WATERPOLO

          Well done to all teams on another fantastic week of matches! With just one round remaining before the semi-finals and Grand Final week, St Vincent’s Water Polo has had a strong and successful term. The dedication and hard work shown by all teams in both training and games have led to impressive improvement across the board. A reminder to check the school website for game times and ensure you arrive at least 30 minutes before the match starts.

          Best of luck to all teams in the final round!

          Mr Jo Schuler - Head Waterpolo Coach

          IGSA CROSS COUNTRY and FITNESS TRAINING

          Fitness Training with Tash continues every Monday and Wednesday for any students who would like to get fitter or get ready for the IGSA Cross Country Carnival next Term on May 16 at Frensham. All fitness levels will be catered for. This is a great way to get fitter for your sport like Touch, get ready for the IGSA Cross Country Carnival or just have some fun with your friends. Students will get changed after school and meet Tash outside the change rooms. They do a mixture of running and exercises around the Wooloomooloo and Rushcutters Bay area. If it is raining they stay at school and do boxing, circuits and stairs etc. It runs from 3.15pm - 4.30pm. Please email Ms Harmanis if you would like to join in.

          IGSA SWIMMING CARNIVAL

          The IGSA Swimming Team competed at the IGSA Carnival on March 14 at Homebush. We had some excellent results and qualified for 4 finals and held our own in Division 3. Congratulations to the following finalists:

          Matilda Dillon

          Waverly Martinius

          Ava Escudero

          Ruby Wales

          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

          Co-ordinator of Sport: Elyse: 0434 610 870 - elyse.harmanis@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

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

          Head of Water Polo: Mr Jo Schuler - 0450 886 973 - waterpolo@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

          Head of Tennis: Ms Tonya Hetreles - 0411 984352 - tennis@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

          Head of Volleyball: Ms Bianca Wallace - 0452 525 441 - volleyball@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/

          Show more

          COMMUNITY

          P&F

          P&F

          Parents & Friends Association

          Cocktail Party

          Thank you to all the parents who attended the Welcome Cocktail Party on Saturday night, 15 March 2024.

          It was an amazing night! It was so beautiful to see the homeless Jesus in person and benefit from the amazing sound system that the P&F had funded.

          A special welcome to the new Year 7 and new parents who attended for the first time and were able to connect with our wonderful Vinnies’ community.

          Cocktail Party Raffle Winner

          We are thrilled to announce that Auke Wicks, a Year 7 parent, has won our Cocktail Party Raffle!

          As the lucky winner, Auke will receive a fantastic prize of $4250 credited to their school fees.

          We are also excited to share that the raffle has raised an impressive $4250, which will go towards our goal of purchasing a brand new school bus for our girls to enjoy!

          Spring Fair and Art Exhibition .

          One of our major fundraising events is the Spring Fair.

          The Spring Fair is our annual tradition where we have our famous dog show, stalls & entertainment.

          This year it is even more special, the Spring Fair coincides with the College Art Exhibition, featuring an impressive array of artworks by artists and students for viewing and purchase.

          - Friday 12th September: Art Exhibition opening night

          - Sunday 15th September: Spring Fair

          Got skills? Join the force behind the scenes! Your expertise (marketing, design, management, art) can turn this event into a masterpiece. Let's make it lighter and brighter together! Sign up here

          Art Exhibition Sub-Committee

          Is a collection of Art inspired and passionate Parents, who are always eager to have you as a parent to come and join to be swept away in all things art and commitment to continue this remarkable event added to the college calendar by the inaugural event last year. Our ‘point of difference’ of this college event, is that all commission raised from the sale of the commercial artworks will be donated to our nominated charity for 2024 of “Open Support”. Please reach out to Danni Robinson or Matt Palmer if you are interested to assist.



          Spring Fair Sub-Committee

          Love to plan an event, enjoy logistics and coordination, like working on a stall; it is all a great opportunity to come together as a group of supporting parents to transfer our college grounds into a gala Spring event. We are calling for Stall Captains, marketing & comms people. Please reach out to Jenny Killinger

          Show more

          Mothers' Weekend 2025

          Mothers' Weekend 2025

          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

          Show more

          Canteen

          Canteen

          TOP UP & ORDER ONLINE
          SPECIALS
          ORDER ID CARD

          NB. Only students can log-in to order

          Dear Students,


          We kindly remind you of the importance of bringing your Student Card when visiting our canteen. It serves as an essential requirement for making purchases.


          For your daughter's convenience, please add funds to her card at least one hour before they use it. This timeframe allows for the necessary processing to generate funds onto your card effectively.


          We are delighted to inform those with dietary restrictions that we offer gluten-free products. However, please note that these products are only available for purchase through our online ordering platform My Student Account.

          If ordering online, please do so before 8:30 am.


          Thank you for your support.

          Show more

          Announcements

          Introducing Xtend@VinniesBoarding an extended day program to expand the support we offer to our senior students. Registrations will be opening soon. READ MORE

          BUY TICKETS

          2023 St Vincent’s College, Potts Point under the stewardship of
          Mary Aikenhead Ministries.

          Contact Us

          College Office (8am-4:30pm)
          (02) 9368 1611

          Student Absences Line
          (02) 8324 6630

          Address

          Street Address
          Rockwall Crescent,
          Potts Point NSW 2011 Australia

          Postal Address
          Locked Bag 2700,
          Potts Point NSW 1335 Australia