Principal’s Message
Dear Friends of St Ursula’s
Welcome to our Term 4 issue of Piazza.
It is hard to believe that the 2024 school year has ended. Here are some highlights from Term 4:
UK Literature Tour
During the October school holidays, I had the pleasure of travelling with 22 delightful Ursuline girls and two fabulous teachers, Helen McCarthy and Kalli Glynatsis, on a Literature Tour around England. Over the two weeks, we explored many literary sites such as William Wordsworth’s family homes in the Lakes District and the cobble-stoned streets of Haworth where the Bronte Sisters lived. We loved the history and architecture of York. We also visited Chatsworth House, a historic site where the 2005 Pride and Prejudice was filmed, Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s cottage in the picturesque Stratford-Upon-Avon. Additionally, we visited Jane Austen’s Bath and the monumental city of London.
In London, the students saw many iconic landmarks including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The students experienced the magic of London’s West End enjoying Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre and The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre. They were also lucky enough to see The Taming of the Shrew at Shakespeare’s world-renowned Globe Theatre.
This was an experience our students will remember for a long time and the teachers had a wonderful time also.
HSC Major Works
Our Year 12 2204 students have achieved great success with their major works in Visual Arts, Design and Technology and Music. Sixteen students had their outstanding quality of works nominated to Art Express, Shape and Encore. More information can be found in this newsletter.
International Baccalaureate Graduates
Seven Year 12 students have completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. This is the first group to graduate from this program at St Ursula’s. We are extremely proud of the staff and students who embraced this alternative learning opportunity. Year 12 IB graduate, Annabelle Johnson, loved her study and said: “the IB has opened my mind up to a new way of thinking which allows me to conduct my learning with a global perspective”.
We welcomed Mrs Nicole Wirth as our new IB Coordinator this term. Nicole has taught in a variety of schools including 16 years at MLC where she immersed herself in the IB and brings a wealth of experience to St Ursula’s.
Meeting the Duchess of York
On Friday 8 November, our Year 8 students who won the Orbispace Initiative Pitch for the Planet Competition: Maria Katsaros; Ella Rentzepis; Isabella Saoud; Jacinta Shori; Sophia Steel; Elena Vidanovski; and Eden Vonhoff were invited to have morning tea with the Duchess of York, Patron of the program. They were asked to discuss their innovation, ideas and thoughts on sustainability and it was very affirming to have their voices and ideas heard. It was also a great opportunity for our students to mingle with other very impressive and inspiring young female innovators who have incredible ideas on living more sustainably and how technology can be used for good. Ms McDougall and I were delighted to join them at this very special event and we could not be more proud of these students. A special thanks to Ms McDougall who champions this program and has guided these students.
Staff Farewells
Two long standing members of staff are retiring this year. Their generous contributions over many years of service have helped make the College a place of true service and alive with community spirit.
Garry Lynch
Garry joined our College community in 1986 as a dedicated member of the HSIE department, specialising in Geography and History. Over the years, he became a valued colleague, frequently stepping in as HSIE Coordinator during staff absences. Beyond the classroom, Garry contributed significantly to the College community, serving as our Union Representative and playing an integral role in the staff social club. He organised memorable events such as morning teas, Melbourne Cup lunches, and farewell gifts for departing staff. With an incredible teaching career spanning 49 years, Garry’s dedication to education is remarkable. While he is stepping back from full-time teaching, he hasn’t entirely hung up his teaching hat—we look forward to seeing him continue to inspire students as a casual teacher next year. We are deeply grateful for Garry’s invaluable contributions and wish him all the best in this new chapter.
Margaret Byrnes
Margo joined St Ursula’s College in 1994, starting her journey in the Library and typing pool before transitioning to the Finance Department. As College Bursar, she expertly managed the College’s finances, overseeing debtors and accounts payable with precision and dedication. A valued member of the support staff team, Margo’s 30 years of service were marked by her adaptability and resilience. She embraced new processes, systems, and renovations with unwavering enthusiasm and professionalism. As Margo embarks on this exciting new chapter of retirement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her remarkable contributions to the College. We wish her every happiness as she enjoys well-deserved time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren.
Wishing you many blessings and thank you for your ongoing support of our College community.
Regards
