Principal’s Message

Welcome to our last Serviam Newsletter for 2024.

As our lives become increasingly busy with all that must be done before the end of the school term and in the lead-up to Christmas, I am reminded of the wisdom shared by Joan Chittister—to slow down and embrace the grace of Advent:

“The function of Advent is to remind us what we’re waiting for as we go through life too busy with things that do not matter to remember the things that do.

Advent asks the question:

What is it for which you are spending your life?
What is the star you are following now?
And where is that star in its present radiance in your life leading you? Is it a place that is really comprehensive enough to equal the breadth of the human soul?”

Advent invites us to reflect on these profound questions. Let us take inspiration from the wise, who discerned the star they should follow, and in doing so, found themselves transformed by the birth of Christ.

As we approach the end of the year, I am deeply grateful for all that 2024 has brought and I am delighted to share the many wonderful events that have enriched these final weeks of term.

Year 7 to 11 Award Assemblies

This week we welcomed many parents and carers to the College for our end of year Awards Assemblies for Year 7 to 11 students. We gathered to celebrate the achievements, hard work, and dedication of our students. These ceremonies are a testament to the spirit of excellence that defines our College community. A list of award recipients is included in this newsletter.

I also congratulated the students who may not have received the highest marks but who have shown great dedication to their learning. The following is an excerpt from my address:

I am equally proud of many students sitting here today who will not receive an award but have practiced and worked hard to improve their grades. You may not have received the best mark but you have worked to your best. You may have shown commitment to learning, or have taken a risk and tried something new. Have a look at the Learner Profile section in your report. If your teachers have used the word ‘consistently’ in all your subjects then you have shown dedication to your learning and you should be giving yourself a pat on the back. Perhaps your grades have improved this semester in some of your subjects, from a C to a B, for example. If that’s the case, then give yourself a pat on the back. We cannot recognise everyone today but you know who you are. Your report is a document you should be proud of and it reflects your dedication and persistence.

Congratulations to all who have worked to the best of their abilities. We are very proud of you all.

100 Club

On Wednesday this week, I invited 25 students in Year 7 to 11 to join the Year Coordinators and myself for a pizza lunch to celebrate their 100% attendance at the College in 2024.

Research has shown that regular school attendance offers numerous benefits, including improved student outcomes and we congratulate each member of our 100 Club.

St Ursula’s Parent Association (SUPA)

Last week, SUPA Year level representatives joined the College Leadership Team for an end of year celebratory dinner. I sincerely thank this great team of parents and carers who generously give their time and expertise to organise wonderful community events for all to enjoy. We are already planning for 2025.

Next week SUPA have organised a staff thank you morning tea and I particularly wish to thank Sabine Chalhoub and Marisa Corniola for their organisation of this event. Thank you to our generous parents and carers who have kindly donated food and drinks to support this event. It is very much appreciated by our staff.

Staff Farewells

I extend my heartfelt thanks to our incredible teachers and support staff. Their unwavering commitment to nurturing not only the academic growth but also the personal development of our young women is a wonderful gift to our community.

I would especially like to recognise and thank the staff who are leaving St Ursula’s this year. Their generous contributions in and out of the classroom 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.

Niki Brimmer

Nikki joined the College in 1999 and has been a valued member of both the English and HSIE faculties. Throughout her time at the College, Nikki also took on significant roles, including Assistant English Coordinator and Public Speaking and Debating Coordinator. Her expertise in English and HSIE has been exemplary, and her dedication to students, particularly in public speaking and debating, has been unparalleled. Nikki’s unwavering commitment to attending out-of-hours events embodies the true Serviam spirit. After 25 remarkable years at the College and 37 years in the teaching profession, Nikki is now retiring. We wish her every happiness as she embarks on this new chapter, enjoying a well-deserved retirement and cherishing the opportunity to spend more time with her grandchild.

Mark Markovic

Mark joined our English department in 2017 and quickly became an integral part of the team. Shortly after, he took on the coordinating role of Public Speaking and Debating, guiding many students to success in various competitions. His dedication to the students and out of hours events showed true Serviam spirit. As Mark embarks on a new chapter in his teaching career, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his contributions and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.

Lorena D’Souza

Lorena joined the College community in 2020 as a Year Coordinator and a valued member of the HSIE department. Her exceptional pastoral care for our students was outstanding, reflecting her deep commitment to their well-being. It was no surprise that Lorena chose to further her studies in social work, a field where she is sure to make an equally profound impact. As Lorena embarks on this new journey beyond the classroom, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her contributions to St Ursula’s and wish her every success in this exciting new chapter.

Stefanie Chan

Stefanie joined the English Department in 2021 and took over the role of Public Speaking and Debating Coordinator. She successfully led our students through a rewarding debating year, showcasing her dedication and expertise. As Stefanie embarks on the next chapter of her teaching career at a school closer to home, we want to take this opportunity to wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Ashleigh O’Neill

Ashleigh joined the Religious Education team in 2023 and additionally took on the role of Year Coordinator. Her dedication and support for our students was outstanding and greatly appreciated. As Ashleigh embarks on her teaching career at a school closer to home, we wish her all the best in this new chapter of her professional journey.

Thank you to Nikki-Rae Semaan, Marisa D’Ippiloto, Georgina Watney and Helen Elachi for their dedication and service in temporary positions this year. We wish them every success in their chosen careers.

I would also like to extend my best wishes to teachers, Lauren Martin, Jesselyn Mann, and Jacqueline Chidiac, who will be on parental leave in 2025. I pray for the safe arrival of their babies.

Father Casey is 60

Last Saturday our Merici Hall was filled with our parishioners celebrating Father Casey’s 60th birthday. We wish Father many blessings on his special day and we were delighted to be with him to share in the festivities.

ATARS and Year 12 results

We eagerly anticipate the ATARs and results for Year 12 2024 IB and HSC students which will be released next week. The Class of 2024 has demonstrated remarkable dedication and effort throughout the year. I look forward to celebrating their achievements with students and staff at a special HSC morning tea on Wednesday and sharing their news with the community.

2025 Dates to Remember

The College Office will reopen on Friday 24 January 2025.

Year 7, 12 and new students start at the College on Tuesday 4 February.

All students return on Wednesday 5 February.

I wish all our families a safe, healthy and peaceful holiday period and may the joys of Christmas provide each of you with many blessings.
We look forward to seeing you all in 2025.