Principal’s Message

Welcome to our latest College newsletter. 

Over the last few weeks, our College has been enriched by a series of events on female empowerment, leadership and service. Values that lie at the heart of our mission to form confident, compassionate young women. As this goes to press we are preparing to celebrate one of our favourite calendar events, Girls Night In, a fundraiser for breast cancer.

International Women’s Day

To mark International Women’s Day (IWD), we were honoured to welcome alumna Josie Charbel, NSW Manager for Vinnie Vans. Josie delivered an inspiring address at our IWD assembly, speaking passionately about the transformative power of giving and the importance of lifting others through acts of service. Her message resonated deeply with students and staff alike, reminding us that leadership is most meaningful when it is grounded in generosity and purpose.

An excerpt from her speech captured this beautifully:

“Here at St Ursula’s we are taught to advocate, we are taught to stand up, we are taught to put our faith into action and that leads to a challenge I want to leave you with today. The world does not need more bystanders if we stay silent. The world needs more bystanders who are going to stand up. Women who recognise injustice and choose to respond with courage, women who restore hope when it has been lost, women who work to bring about change where it is needed, and that is what it means to be a Serviam woman.”

In addition to the assembly, several of our Year 12 leaders attended an IWD luncheon hosted by CPA Australia, where they had the opportunity to connect with women working in business and finance. This experience offered valuable insights into leadership pathways and the importance of women supporting women in professional spaces.

CSDA Public Speaking Competition

Last Friday evening marked the conclusion of the CSDA Public Speaking Competition. We are incredibly proud of our four grand finalists, Harriet Carlon, Jolie Hanna, Annabelle Tanbuck, and Melinda Malkoun, who each delivered thoughtful, polished, and compelling speeches. Although the competition has now come to a close, the courage, confidence, and dedication shown by all students who participated this year is truly commendable. Public speaking demands vulnerability and strength, and our students demonstrated both with grace.

Year 11 Retreat: Women Leading with Service

Our Year 11 students recently participated in their annual retreat, centred on the theme “Women Leading with Service.” Throughout the retreat, students reflected on their emerging roles as senior leaders and considered the impact they hope to have on the College community this year and into 2027. The retreat provided a meaningful space for connection, reflection, and growth as they prepare to step into leadership with intention and integrity.

Student Leadership Conference

To round out an inspiring fortnight, the College hosted a Student Leaders Conference for Year 12 leaders. We welcomed school principals and student leaders from across the region for a day of collaboration and shared learning. The keynote address was delivered by Mrs Danielle Cronin, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, who spoke powerfully about authentic leadership and the responsibility young people carry as role models in their communities.

Our own student leaders played a central role in hosting the event, demonstrating professionalism, hospitality, and initiative. Their efforts were widely praised and reflect the strong leadership culture we continue to build at the College. 

Finally, we continue to pray for peace in the Middle East and other parts of the world experiencing conflict. We pray for the many families impacted by war, for the loss of life and the hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes. 

Many blessings to you all.

Regards

Vivienne Awad
Principal