Principal’s Message

Principal’s Message

Welcome to our College newsletter, highlighting many significant events our community has celebrated recently.

Week 5 was a Celebration of Books

Our Library staff brought Book Week to life across the entire College, sparking excitement and creativity throughout the campus. The festivities reached their peak on Friday 22 August with a lively dress-up day, complete with engaging activities and a vibrant parade in the Library.

Students and staff alike embraced the theme with enthusiasm—Wallys were spotted everywhere! From the office to the classroom, and even out in the playground, the College was awash with red-and-white stripes and playful shouts of “Where’s Wally?” echoing through the halls. It was a joyful celebration of literature, imagination, and community spirit.

A huge thank you to our Library staff for orchestrating such a memorable week and to our staff for embracing the dress up opportunity. Here’s to keeping the magic of books alive all year round!

Week 6 Events
Archbishops Award for Student Excellence

I am delighted to announce that Stephanie Paino was this year’s worthy recipient of the Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence. Ms Celeste Martinez, Year 12 Coordinator, and I attended this very special event at St Mary’s Cathedral with Stephanie and her family. Year 12 student, Jacinta Drummond, performed her original song, ‘A Call to Hope’, and our College Co-Captain, Zara Sly, read the citation for Stephanie.

Congratulations Stephanie. The St Ursula’s community is very proud of your true Serviam spirit.

St Ursula’s Day

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.

Week 7 Events 
Year 9 2026 Subject Selection Evening

Our Year 8 students, along with their parents and carers, attended an informative Subject Selection Evening in preparation for Year 9 in 2026. These information evenings provide a valuable opportunity to explore the wide range of subjects available, understand course structures, and gain insights into future academic pathways. Year 8 were also able to learn more about the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program offered at the College. The collaborative atmosphere on the night encouraged meaningful conversations between students and their families, so they can make informed decisions that ensure choices align with personal aspirations and future opportunities.

HSC Visual Arts Showcase Evening

The talent of our Year 12 Visual Arts students was clearly on display at this year’s Showcase Evening—a celebration of creativity, dedication, and artistic growth. The event offered a wonderful opportunity to exhibit the culmination of each student’s HSC journey, with major works that reflected months of exploration, experimentation, and refinement. The gallery space was transformed into a vibrant reflection of student imagination and perseverance demonstrating not only technical skills but also the courage to express complex ideas and emotions through art. Thank you to our Visual Arts faculty for their guidance and support.

HSC Music Showcase Evening

On Wednesday evening, we had the pleasure of witnessing our talented Year 12 students take the stage for the HSC Music Showcase Evening. Their performances were a testament to months of dedication, creativity and passion, and each piece reflected the unique musical journey of our students. It was a truly inspiring night that highlighted the depth of talent within our College community. Thank you to Ms Josifovski for her guidance of these students and the the Music and Creative Arts Department for their support during the evening.

Father’s Day Mass and BBQ Breakfast 

Today we celebrated all the incredible men in our community – fathers, grandfathers, uncles and carers – with a beautiful Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church, followed by a joyful breakfast at the College. It was truly heartwarming to see our community come together in appreciation and love. I know your daughters truly value sharing these events with you. Thank you to Mrs Nader and our Religious Education faculty for their organisation of the Mass and to our volunteer staff and students for their true Serviam spirit, arriving from 7.00 am to start cutting 500 x bread rolls, cook sausages and serve with a smile.

Upcoming community events
SUPA Father Daughter Bowling Night

We hope to see many dads, grandfathers, uncles, and carers sharing in the joy, connection, and spirit of our College community on Thursday 11 September. This is one of our most loved events and it is nearly full! For $30 per person, enjoy bowling, shoe hire, unlimited pizza, hot chips, and soft drinks. Don’t miss this special night for dads and daughters. Grab your tickets before they sell out!

Parent Forum – Purposeful Use of Technology Survey Results

Thank you for taking the time to complete the parent survey. We truly appreciate your time and thoughtful responses. The collective results will be shared at a special interactive evening in the Merici Hall on 17 September, from 6:00 to 8:30pm. I hope you can join us.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the parents, students, and staff who were part of our working parties alongside Danielle Einstein and myself this term. Their collaboration and commitment have been instrumental.

I wish all members of our community a wonderful weekend and to our fathers and father figures a very happy Father’s Day.

Warm regards

Vivienne Awad
Principal