Assistant Principal’s Message
Throughout my years teaching there are certain events and milestones that I look back on with great fondness. The special assembly to farewell Mrs Leask last Wednesday is certainly one of these milestones.
Mrs Leask began at St Ursula’s as College Principal in 2016 and has worked tirelessly to build a wonderful school community based on Angela Merici’s teachings about Insieme and Serviam. The love and esteem that Mrs Leask is held in was evident by the fact that each of the College Captains from 2016 to 2023 either sent messages or attended the assembly in person to reflect on their memories of her leadership at the College.
Our current 2024 College Co-Captains, Annabelle Johnson and Daniella Haklane said these beautiful words in their address:
“Mrs Leask, as you look back over your eight years at St Ursula’s College you must be very satisfied. While this chapter of our school is coming to a close, you have served our school well, and have left us with a wonderful legacy to write the future chapters of our story. We are brave, innovative, capable and empowered women, and we have been collectively inspired by you. You have shown us that compassionate and kind leadership is a strength and that much good can happen when we strive for excellence and support each other to be the best versions of ourselves.”
Students from each year group presented Mrs Leask with gifts which represented their year group values. These included a hand-knitted doll made by the Year 9 crochet and knitting club who united to make this gift; a hand-decorated pot plant holder from Year 8 Visual Art students representing the values of respect and nurture; and cards from every homeroom representing the value of accept that thanked and affirmed Mrs Leask. Empowered Year 11 student, Angelina Castelli, beautifully sang one of Mrs Leask’s favourite arias, Puccini’s “O Mio Babbino Caro”, which brought the house down and Mrs Leask to tears, and talented Year 10 student Jacinta Drumond performed her original composition for Mrs Leask based on the value of act.
The assembly concluded with students and staff making a Guard of Honour through the Piazza, resplendent with bubbles and applause!
On a personal note, I would also like to thank Mrs Leask for her constant support, and for being such a compassionate, diligent and caring leader. Her actions certainly embody the Serviam spirit that the College was founded on. She will be greatly missed. On behalf of the College community, I wish Mrs Leask every success with her new school community at St Patrick’s College Campbelltown.
I think Annabelle and Daniella, 2024 Co-Captains, summed up Mrs Leask’s tenure perfectly:
“So, while you may be leaving us now, your legacy will always be alive here at St Ursula’s. You, among all people, embody Serviam in your service to us, to this leadership team, to the staff, to the students and the community. You have lit up this school with joy. So, on behalf of the whole College community, we want to say thank you. Thank you for teaching us from the age of 11 that we shouldn’t settle for good, but strive for great.”
Finally, I would like to thank you, our parents, for your ongoing support of the College.
2023 has been a wonderful year and I wish you a safe and happy Christmas.
Janet Cairncross
Assistant Principal
