Opening College Mass and Commissioning of our New Principal

Opening College Mass and Commissioning of our New Principal

Last week we joined together to celebrate our opening Mass. While we were separated on two sites for Mass on the day,  we were one community coming to the altar. We were honoured to be joined by:

  • Mr Anthony Cleary, Director of Mission and Identity from Sydney Catholic Schools
  • Sr Kari Hatherell OSU, Australian Provincial of the Ursulines
  • Sr Leone Pallisier OSU, Ex-Principal of St Ursula’s College
  • Sr Patty Andrews OSU 
  • Sr Venera Nicolos OSU 
  • Sr Fran Milliedge OSU
  • Elizabeth Steinlein, Archivist and ex student
  • Peta Geldard, Archivist and ex student
  • Joy Short ex-staff member and teacher
  • Many of Ms Awad’s family and friends

Mr Cleary, Sr Kari and our College Co-captains commissioned Ms Awad in her new role at the College. It was wonderful to have a representative from Sydney Catholic Schools, our Ursuline sisters and student community there to be the the custodians of this community as it moves into the future. As an ex-student of the College, Ms Awad understands the power of a Catholic education to form and nurture young women. She pledged to lead and support us as a community of teachers and learners, striving together for excellence in the classroom, and inspiring us to ignite the spirit, and guide us in forming relationships that are based on respect, honesty, and love.

Fr Casey celebrated Mass with us and we welcomed our newest members of the community. Year 7 and Year 12 both received a blessing from Fr Casey before Year 7 received their “Serviam” badges and Year 12 their “Senior Bars”. We also welcomed other new students and staff to the College. New students received their “Serviam” badges and we presented our new staff with Serviam Candles, which symbolise the light of Christ in our world and a Serviam Bear, which is a reminder of the Ursa Minor or Little Bear constellation on our “Serviam” crest.

I’d like to thank all the students and staff who assisted with the Mass either as readers, altar servers, in music ministry or in procession. It was a beautiful way to start the year. Special thanks to Fr Casey who is such a great support to the school.