200 years of Catholic Education: Houses at St Ursula’s
In 2021, the College introduced six new Houses to galvanise school spirit, embed the history of the College in everyday life and build activities around promoting the House Cup.
Each House has been named after a significant woman involved in our Ursuline story. Each House also has a symbol, motto and colour.
This week, we will explore the significance of three of the Houses – Girelli, Sheahan and Rowland.
GIRELLI – Insieme: United in Thought
The Girelli House was named after the Girelli sisters, Elisabetta Girelli and Maddalena Girelli. They established an organisation with the aim of providing maternal love to many pregnant women, as well as a spiritual preparation for youth. The Girelli’s established boarding schools, the Angelini Orphanage, and also set up a nursery school.
The Girelli sisters reinvigorated the Ursuline Sisters in Italy after the were nearly wiped out by Napoleon. They restored the Merician Institute in Brescia – the birthplace of the Ursulines. The House symbol of two women united in thought represents the Girelii sisters who had a common goal to look after and care for young women. They had a common desire and commitment to the spiritual training of young women.
Zafira Leontsinis, Year 11 House Captain, hopes to build community spirit by encouraging others to get involved in House activities. The competitive nature of the activities allows each student to unlock their potential and have fun!
Teacher House Leader – Mr Boscov
SHEAHAN – Insieme: United in Growth
The Sheahan House was named after Sister Ursula Sheahan, who offered spiritual guidance to young people and intellectual awakening. Sister Ursula Sheehan was the first Principal of St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove, when it opened in 1957. She detailed the history of the Ursuline sisters in Kingsgrove in her book Green Pastures.
In the House symbol, the crucifix represents Christianity and the religious school St Ursula Sheahan established. Wheat symbolises growth, guidance and prosperity – all principles of this Ursuline community.
Alice Mason, Year 11 House Captain, enjoys leading the House as all students experience a sense of belonging and develop skills in teamwork.
Teacher House Leader – Mrs Nader
ROWLAND – Insieme: United in Integrity
The Rowland House was named after Sister Cordula Rowland, as she was an Ursuline nun and taught at a boarding school run by the Ursuline Sisters. She was very focused on creativity, teaching Art and English, and advocated for equality, development and growth in education for all students. When the Ursuline Sisters journeyed to Australia, she painted an image of their ship, the Duchess of Edinburgh. She was a gifted educator who placed emphasis on the formation of character.
The symbol of the paintbrush and palette represent Sister Rowland’s creativity and the way in which she integrated it into all her work.
Stephanie Zygouras, Year 11 House Captain, seeks to provide a positive environment that encourages all girls to participate in all activities, both involving sport and other pursuits.
Teacher House Leader – Mr Fewkes
