Principal’s Message

Dear Friends of St Ursula’s

Welcome to our third issue of Piazza for 2025. As this term draws to a close, I am delighted to share with you a celebration of the significant events that have taken place in this vibrant College.

Farewell to the Class of 2025

In the final week of Term 3, we bid a heartfelt farewell to our Year 12 Graduates. As Serviam women, they have embraced our College motto in both word and deed. Their strength of character, compassion, generosity, gratitude, school pride, and infectious sense of fun have left an indelible mark on our community.

It was a privilege to celebrate this exceptional cohort through a series of graduation events. The festivities began on Wednesday 24 September with a Graduation Assembly honouring the Class of 2025’s many achievements. We were delighted to welcome several distinguished guests who joined us in recognising and applauding the accomplishments of these remarkable young women:

The Honourable Ms Courtney Houssos MP, Acting Minister for Education for NSW
The Honourable Mr Mark Coure MP, Member for Oatley
Mrs Danielle Cronin, Executive Director, Sydney Catholic Schools
Mr Kevin Carragher, Director Education and Research, Sydney Catholic Schools
Ms Jodie Alvaro Specialist, System Performance & Finance, Catholic Education Foundation
Mr Ian Todd, Chief Executive Officer, Kingsgrove RSL Club
Mr Bernie Deady, President of Kingsgrove Conference St Vincent De Paul
Fr Casey, Parish Priest, Our Lady of Fatima Kingsgrove
Sr Leone Pallisier osu (College Principal 1976 to 1982)
Sr Frances Milledge osu
Ms Louise Maguire, Principal Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School Kingsgrove

The Assembly concluded with a moving Guard of Honour, as the entire College community came together to send off our graduates.

In the evening, Year 12 students and their families gathered for a beautiful Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, followed by a celebratory Supper in Merici Hall. It was a magical day from start to finish, and we were thrilled to see so many parents and family members join us.

Upgrade to facilities

The refurbished student amenities block, near the Canteen were completed, and they truly look stunning. Our Year 12 students were thrilled to be part of the official opening ceremony, marking a new chapter in College comfort and design.

Book Week Brings Joy and Imagination to the College

Week 5 was a vibrant celebration of literature as Book Week swept across the College, thanks to the creativity and dedication of our Library staff. The campus came alive with storytelling, costumes, and a shared love of reading that united students and staff alike. The highlight of the week was Friday 22 August, when the College staff came together in red-and-white stripes for a spirited “Where’s Wally?” dress-up day. From classrooms to the playground, Wallys popped up everywhere, sparking laughter and delight. The Library hosted a lively parade and engaging activities that captured the imagination of all who participated. It was a joyful reminder of the power of books to inspire, connect, and entertain.

St Ursula’s Day Celebrations

Our College came together in joyful celebration for our Feast Day, honouring the legacy of St Ursula. We were especially delighted to welcome our Ursuline sisters who joined us for our special Mass, making the occasion even more meaningful:

Sr Kari Hatherell, Ursuline Provincialate
Sr Leone Pallisier, Principal 1976–1982
Sr Mary O’Neill, Principal 1989–2007
Sr Frances Milledge
Sr Joan Brennan
Sr Patty Andrews
Sr Venera Nicolosi

Their presence was a beautiful reminder of our rich Ursuline heritage and the enduring spirit of service and community.

Following the Mass, students and staff embraced the sunshine with a spirited walkathon to raise funds for the Mother of Peace Primary School in Cambodia. The generosity and energy on display were truly inspiring. Once back at the College, our Year 10 Commerce students showcased their entrepreneurial flair by running vibrant market stalls for lunch—an impressive effort that added flavour and fun to the day.

The celebration concluded with a concert that, true to tradition, was full of talent, heart, and joy. It was a fitting finale to a day that brought our community together in faith, purpose, and celebration.

In the Footsteps of Angela Merici

At the start of term 4, I will be travelling to Italy on a pilgrimage, In the Footsteps of Angela Merici, with Ursuline sisters and leaders from Ursuline schools around the world, and I look forward to sharing this journey with you in the next Piazza.

Regards