Newsletter 4 2024 - 28 Mar 2024
Principal’s Message

Principal’s Message

An Easter Prayer

O Lord,

How amazing is your love,

A love that overcomes, endures and redeems.

How astounding is your life,

A life that sustains, heals and creates.

How awesome is your hope,

A hope that promises, restores and inspires.

How absorbing is your truth,

A truth that releases, changes and rebuilds.

How we worship you, as we remember the moment when your love conquered.

When out of the cave of sorrow Jesus arose to release forgiveness to the world.

And each time we encounter this resurrection day we are again lifted to an eternal place.

Our sin, brokenness and darkness fall away and your light and peace flood our lives.

How we thank you for this incredible celebration we call Easter. 

Amen.

As we near the end of the Lenten season and approach the Holy Week of Easter, I hope that you take strength from this prayer which is a reflection on God’s love, life, hope and truth for us all.

I wish our families and everyone who is part of our Ursuline community a blessed and Holy Easter, where the resurrection of Christ can offer new hope. 

International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Conference

Heather Jesuadian, Leader of Teaching and Learning Innovation and IB Co-Ordinator; Amy Bosnich, Leader of Curriculum; and I, attended the IB Global Conference in Daegu, South Korea last week.

There are currently 5,700 IB World Schools in 160 countries and 206 schools in Australia. This conference brought together 1,300 educators from 38 countries and the graph below shows the percentage of attendees by the country they are from and the role they have in schools.

As the only IB World School within Sydney Catholic Schools that offers the Diploma Programme in Years 11 and 12 as an alternative to the HSC, it was a highly informative and extremely important gathering for us to attend.

The mission of the IB is to: develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through an education that builds intercultural understanding and respect.

This mission aligns well with our Ursuline values, and the IB fits our learning culture and framework very well.

This mission was evident in Daegu. Learning from and networking with educators from North and South America, Asia, Europe, the UK, the Middle East and Australia was very powerful. We came together passionate about the holistic learning experiences of young people with a common mission and curriculum and intercultural understanding and respect was evident throughout the conference. 

At St Ursula’s College, whether a student chooses to study the IB or the HSC in Years 11 and 12, they will be educated in a learning environment underpinned by values of acceptance, respect, unity, action, empowerment and service. During my time in South Korea, I reflected on the challenges and conflicts many people are experiencing in our world today. I feel grateful that I lead a school that provides a challenging curriculum that makes students learn and think critically and deeply about global issues and enables them to act and contribute to a more just, caring and peaceful world in the future. 

Our Year 10 students will be deciding this year whether they will choose a HSC or IB pathway in 2025. Further information will be provided this Tuesday, 2 April at 6:00 pm, at our Stage 6 Information Evening for Year 11 2025.

In this Issue

Enclosed within this newsletter are many faith, classroom and co-curricular activities that highlight the amazing individuals that are part of our fantastic College.

Congratulations to our students who made it through to the Public Speaking Grand Finals and to Laura from Year 8 who placed 4th in her cohort. Thank you to Ms Stefanie Chan for providing this opportunity for our students.

We thank our generous community for your support of Project Compassion and we know that the money we have raised will make a difference to the lives of others.

Happy and Holy Easter. I know that our families will focus on the importance of the crucifixion and resurrection story as they attend Mass together this weekend. I also wish you much joy in your homes as you gather with your loved ones. 

A tradition in my family is the boiling of eggs with onion skins to create red eggs. Over the Easter weekend, my competitive family will seek out the egg they believe will withstand the annual egg fighting competition!

Whatever traditions are part of your Easter celebrations, enjoy!

Vivienne Awad
Principal
Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday

On this, the most important celebration in the Christian calendar, we have the symbol of Easter revealed – the empty tomb. Certainly, within the gospel reading we have the discovery of the empty tomb by Mary of Magdala; the disbelieving disciples running to find things exactly as Mary had described; and the dawning realisation of what Jesus had meant when he so frequently spoke about rising from the dead. However, if the editors of the Lectionary had chosen to also include the next nine verses of the Gospel we would have also heard the magnificent encounter between Mary and the risen Lord, confirming that it was a woman, Mary Magdala, who was the first witness to Christ’s resurrection. As it is, we never hear this account as part of the cycle of Sunday readings.

The discovery of the empty tomb – although so simply told – is an astounding event that completes the Paschal Mystery: the passion, death AND resurrection of Jesus. Whilst Christ’s willingness to go to his death on the cross was an extraordinary statement of God’s love for humankind, it is his rising again from death that offers all Christian people hope. It is the second disciple – the one whom Jesus loved – who is the first to grasp the meaning of what has happened inside the tomb. The gospel tells us that upon entering the tomb and seeing Jesus’ burial cloths lying there, ‘he saw and he believed’. Unlike the later encounters with the risen Lord, this disciple recognised the truth and significance of what he saw in the empty tomb. He didn’t need to see the risen Lord to believe. Perhaps it is he that we today can best identify with. Not in a position to physically encounter the risen Christ, we are capable of seeing the signs of his resurrection and continuing presence in the world and choose to believe.

Mary Magdalene, or Mary of Magdala, plays an important role in the gospel accounts of the resurrection. She was obviously a significant follower of Jesus, being named as a witness to the crucifixion, discovering the empty tomb and the first to encounter the risen Christ. One would think that she would hold a prestigious place in the Church, but for many years she was confused with another character identified in the gospels and was portrayed as a prostitute and sinner. Mary is named in each of the four gospels and not once is it indicated that she was a sinner or prostitute. She has been a victim of mistaken identity for 2000 years.

The story of the resurrection, sometimes called the resurrection account, is so familiar to us that we can sometimes lose sight of how stunning it must have been for Jesus’ closest disciples to arrive at his burial place, only to find an empty tomb. For, as the Gospel writer John points out, they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead (Jn 20:9).

Yet, what today we may take for granted, these same disciples – these Apostles of Jesus Christ – would later lay down their lives for the truth of what they believed, for the truth of what they professed, for the truth of who they would come to know as died, buried, and risen from the dead. The Christian martyrs down through the centuries are the heroic witnesses of this Profession of Faith.

Jesus Christ invites each of us – He invites all of us – to new life. We begin by opening our hearts to him in the mystery of the Resurrection. Two-thousand years later there are many who, for whatever reasons, do not believe, they do not profess, they do not yet recognize with the eyes of faith. But we, by virtue of our baptism, are called to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ, truly risen from the dead for the salvation of the world, to the world that still lives in darkness.

Jesus is the Light of the World. Easter morning he opened heaven for the salvation of all who come to believe in him. Be not afraid! Jesus is waiting for you when you find nothing else in this world satisfies you. Wishing you a blessed Easter season, filled with the peace and presence of the risen Lord. May the hope of Easter fill your heart with joy and your soul with everlasting peace.

A prayer for Easter Sunday
Lord Jesus Christ,
today your light shines in us,
Source of life and joy.
Send the Spirit of love and truth, so that,
like Mary Magdalene, Peter and John, we too may
discover and interpret in the light of the Word,
the signs of your divine presence in our world.
May we welcome these signs in faith
that we may always live in the joy of your presence among us,
even when all seems to be shrouded in the darkness of sadness and evil.
May we rejoice in your love as Easter people,
serving others, loving others, and striving to live your word.
Amen.

 

 

Julie Monk
Religious Education Coordinator
Working Together to Prioritise Attendance

Working Together to Prioritise Attendance

Regular school attendance is essential to helping students maximise their potential. The NSW Education Act 1990 requires the College to promote and support regular school attendance. This means we systematically monitor attendance rates and inform families if a student’s attendance drops below the national minimum standard of 90%, regardless of whether the absence is explained. When required, the school will work with families to develop an Attendance Improvement Plan to support attendance at school. 

While occasional absences due to illness or family emergencies are understandable, chronic absenteeism can have serious consequences:

  • Missed Learning Opportunities: Every missed day of school is a missed opportunity to learn and progress academically. Over time, these absences can add up and affect your child’s overall performance.
  • Disruption in Routine: Frequent absences disrupt the learning routine, making it challenging for students to stay organized, follow along with lessons, and complete assignments on time.
  • Negative Academic Outcomes: Studies show a direct correlation between absenteeism and lower academic achievement. Students who are consistently absent are more likely to fall behind, struggle with grades, and experience difficulties in catching up with their peers.

How Parents Can Support:

As parents and guardians, you play a crucial role in promoting regular attendance and setting a positive example for your child. Here are some ways you can support:

  • Emphasize the Importance: Talk to your daughter about why attending school regularly is essential for their success and future opportunities.
  • Establish a Routine: Set a regular schedule for bedtime, waking up, and getting ready for school to ensure your daughter is well-rested and prepared for the day.
  • Communicate with the School: If your daughter needs to be absent due to illness or other reasons, please notify the school promptly and provide any necessary documentation. We ask that you explain the absence within 7 days. The most efficient way of doing this is by adding a note to Compass. Here is a link to some tips on how to do so.
  • Encourage Engagement: Encourage your daughter to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, and events at school to stay engaged and connected to their learning environment.

At St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove, we are committed to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for all our students. By working together to prioritise regular attendance, we can help our girls to reach their full potential and achieve success both academically and personally.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in promoting a culture of attendance and academic excellence.

Janet Cairncross
Assistant Principal

 

 

 

 

Scriptural Stations Of the Cross – Holy Thursday

Scriptural Stations Of the Cross – Holy Thursday

On Thursday 28 March the whole school community took part in the Scriptural Stations of the Cross. The Scriptural Stations of the Cross is a modern version of the traditional Stations of the Cross, first used by Pope John Paul II at the Good Friday service in 1991. They use a scripture passage for each station as a way of reflecting more deeply on the Gospel accounts of Christ’s passion. Please click here to view an explanation.

Station 1 – Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane – Matthew 26:36-41
Station 2 – Jesus, Betrayed by Judas, is Arrested – Mark 14: 43-46
Station 3 – Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin – Luke 22: 66-71
Station 4 – Jesus is Denied by Peter – Matthew 26: 69-75
Station 5 – Jesus is Judged by Pilate – Mark 15: 1-5, 15
Station 6 – Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns – John 19: 1-3
Station 7 – Jesus Bears the Cross – John 19: 6, 15-17
Station 8 – Jesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Carry the Cross – Mark 15: 21
Station 9 – Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem – Luke 23: 27-31
Station 10 – Jesus is Crucified – Luke 23: 33-34
Station 11 – Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief – Luke 23: 39-43
Station 12 – Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple – John 19: 25-27
Station 13 – Jesus Dies on the Cross – Luke 23: 44-46
Station 14 – Jesus is Placed in the Tomb – Matthew 27: 57-60

I’d like to thank the student readers, Olivia Holt and Mary-Anne El Azzi (Year 10), Mrs Nader and Mr Valente for their assistance. May our reflection on Jesus’ passion and death on the cross which reconciles us all to God, remind us of the true meaning of Easter.

Julie Monk
Religious Education Coordinator
Easter Mass Times

Easter Mass Times

Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Kingsgrove

 

 

St Declan’s Parish, Penshurst
 
 
 
 
 
Our Lady of Lourdes, Earlwood

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Lady of Fatima, Peakhurst

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 
 
St Joseph’s, Oatley

 
 
 
 
 
Regina Coeli Parish, Beverly Hills

 
 
 
Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, Riverwood

Holy Thursday

–    (Chrism Mass at Cathedral 10.30am: all welcome)

–    7.30pm Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday

–    10am Stations of the Cross (followed by confessions)

–    3pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion (followed by confessions

Holy Saturday

–    7.30pm Easter Vigil (until approximately 9pm)

Easter Sunday

–    7.30am Easter Sunday Mass

–    9.30am Easter Sunday Mass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faith Formation for Families

Faith Formation for Families

Archbishop Fisher’s Newsletter

Archbishop Fisher’s Newsletter

To view the latest edition of Connect, please click here.

Youth Ministry News

Youth Ministry News

Thank you to all the families who generously supported our Lenten fundraising for Caritas through Project Compassion. As a College community we have now raised $7,091.80.  These generous donations and contributions will make such a difference in the lives of those supported by Caritas.

Term 2 traditionally sees St Ursula’s College support the work of local outreach services that minister to the elderly and vulnerable in our community. We have a strong relationship with Vinnies Kingsgrove and One Meal Kingsgrove, a partnership that is strong, visible and doing great work in the local community.

More details will come early Term 2 

Antoinette Nader
Youth Ministry Coordinator

 

 

Project Community Kitchen Cambodia

Project Community Kitchen Cambodia

The Ursuline Academy Wilmington (USA) and St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove (Australia) have been awarded the 2023-2024 ICGS Moulton Student Global Citizenship Grant for their joint project: a Community Kitchen, in collaboration with the Ursuline community in Battambang, Cambodia. This initiative aims to embody Ursuline values, fostering leadership, service, and global citizenship through a project that emphasises reciprocal learning, intercultural understanding, and a significant impact on women and society. By adopting a culturally responsive approach and engaging with local Ursuline leaders in Cambodia, the project is designed to meet the community’s needs and aspirations. The project includes creating a visual framework to teach sustainable business practices, transcending language barriers and respecting Cambodian culinary traditions. Additionally, by documenting and sharing Cambodian women’s recipes and stories in an Ursuline Global Cookbook, the project seeks to legitimise and empower these women, challenge traditional gender roles, and encourage economic participation among the younger generation.

I look forward to sharing this project at the upcoming ICGS Conference in Melbourne and sharing the final cookbook which we will be selling in the second half of 2024. All funds raised will directly support the women of the Community Kitchen – another way we live Serviam and empower the community we serve in Cambodia. 

Antoinette Nader
Youth Ministry Coordinator

 

10:10 Project

10:10 Project

Fifty students from Year 10 have accepted the invitation to participate in a Youth Ministry initiative called ‘The 10:10 Project’. It is a response to the need for better sexual consent education in schools from a Catholic perspective. It is Sydney Catholic Schools’ response to consent education being mandated in all Australian schools in 2021. The catalyst for this mandate was the result of the ‘Teach Us Consent’ campaign which gathered over 44,000 signatures, and a further 6,600 personal stories of sexual assault. Furthermore, Catholic Schools NSW, one of the three NSW school sectors, signed a Statement of Intent as a commitment on behalf of Catholic schools to strengthen young people’s understanding of consent.

Taking its name from the Scripture passage, John 10:10: ‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly’, utilises Saint Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body as a foundation for teaching Year 10 students about their purpose, worth and respectful relationships through authentic, self-sacrificial love.

The program also aims to address numerous societal issues that can significantly impact the decisions and lifestyles the school students can potentially adopt if not addressed early. Some of these issues include pornography, promiscuity, addiction to social media and the use of different substances which have become a substitute to the happiness that can be found in living a more virtuous, Christ-centred life.

I look forward to supporting our young women through the Program and we will share our highlights as the year unfolds.

Please keep these young people and their leaders in your prayers.

Wishing you all a Holy Easter and may the promise of the Risen Christ fill your homes with peace.

 

Antoinette Nader
Youth Ministry Coordinator 
 

 

 

Celebrating Diversity

Celebrating Diversity

Harmony Week is meant to recognise diversity and inclusion and to celebrate Australian multiculturalism. Our St Ursula’s community is made up of a very diverse community, because of this we wanted to create a memorable and fun week to celebrate our Harmony.  

We started off the week by distributing orange ribbons under our orange balloon arch, the orange colour meaning the importance of social communication and meaningful conversations. On Tuesday, we organised a ‘Guess the Flag’ Kahoot in Merici, testing our community on their geography skills, it is safe to say we were thoroughly impressed! The Kahoot provided an understanding of the diverse communities that span the globe. 

On Wednesday we hosted a cultural tablecloth activity where we invited girls to express their cultural heritage through drawings of flags, images, or words in various languages. This allowed our community to come together through art and creativity. On Thursday we hosted a NAIDOC week football toss where the girls tried their best to get the football through the goal. The reason behind using the NAIDOC Week board was that it proudly displays the diverse tribes of Australia, honouring the ancestral roots of our nation.

Finally, Friday culminated in a captivating cultural performance by Sarah Kami and her friends, who mesmerised us with a traditional Tongan dance, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture of our neighbouring nation. The event concluded with cultural songs and communal dancing, uniting us all in a joyous celebration of diversity and inclusion.

The week was one to remember, the Amaroo team is so grateful for the amazing turnout that we had during the week. We hope that the activities provided insight into why harmony in our community is so important and how we should strive to maintain it. 

 

Jasmine Lattouf
Amaroo Co-Captain

 

Beyond the HSC

Beyond the HSC

In a post school world where conventional career paths often reign supreme, Bianca Lombardo is a shining example of someone who dared to defy norms and forge her own path to pursue her passion for acting. With an impressive ATAR of 98.6, Bianca decided to forego the traditional university route and immerse herself in the world of performing arts.

Choosing to pursue her aspirations at Sydney Actors School, Bianca enrolled in an Advanced Diploma in Screen and Media, recognising that her heart lay firmly in the realm of acting. This decision was a testament to her commitment to nurturing her creative talents and realising her dreams. Bianca’s dedication was evident as she delved into her studies, embracing a rigorous schedule that allowed her to fully immerse herself in this craft.

Bianca’s passion and determination shone brightly throughout her time at Sydney Actors School, earning her recognition and opportunities that would propel her journey forward. Bianca and a friend collaborated to clinch the Short-film Pitch Project funding, which enabled them to bring their creative vision to life by producing their short film, “The Book Nooks.” This mockumentary web series, now available on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, serves as a testament to Bianca’s creative capabilities.

In addition, she ventured into the realm of filmmaking, demonstrating her versatility and flair for storytelling. Her talent as an actor garnered attention when she took on the role of “Tiffany” in the award-winning short film “Delivery Deadline,” directed by Luke O’Donnell, further solidifying her reputation as an artist capable of delivering compelling performances across various mediums.

Throughout her journey, Bianca had the privilege of working with esteemed directors such as Shane Anthony and Janine Watson, experiences that not only enriched her craft but also broadened her perspective on the art of acting. Her participation in a workshop led by acclaimed director Kim Farrant proved to be a pivotal moment, providing her with invaluable insights into the nuances of performance and the importance of connecting with authentic emotion, a lesson she continues to carry in her work today.

As Bianca prepares to embark on the next phase of her journey, she is equipped with a wealth of experiences, skills, and a boundless passion for the Arts. Her dedication to her artistry serves as a reminder that success is not confined to conventional paths but is developed out of courage, perseverance, and belief in your passions.

Heather Jesuadian
Leader of Teaching & Learning Innovation/IB Coordinator
Public Speaking Grand Final

Public Speaking Grand Final

Our Public Speaking Grand Finalists (Laura Mogan, Yvonne Pearce, Ava Burns) competed against many other students at the Grand Finals on 15 March at OLMC, Parramatta.

Over 400 students across 65 different schools competed in the CSDA Public Speaking Competition this year. Only 72 students were selected for the Grand Finals, with 3 of our students successfully selected in representing the College for their respective year groups.

While it was a tough competition, we are very proud of our girls for making it so far into the competition.  At the Grand Finals, Laura Mogan (Yr 8) was awarded 4th place! A significant achievement against many other talented competitors.

Our students were exceptional in their passion and dedication to perfecting their craft. Their success reflects not only on the individual efforts of these students, but also the commitment of our community to fostering a supportive environment for personal and academic growth. We welcome and will continue to build upon their communication skills, critical thinking and confidence. We look forward to witnessing their continued success on the public speaking stage and beyond.

Stefanie Chan 
English Teacher/Public Speaking & Debating Coordinator
Unleashing Creativity in Drama Club

Unleashing Creativity in Drama Club

Attention all budding actors and performers! Have you ever wanted to step onto the stage and bring characters to life? Look no further than our vibrant Drama Club, where creativity knows no bounds.

Led by ex-student and NIDA student Kayla Ingle-Olson, our Drama Club offers an exciting blend of improvisation and theatre sports games. Through these dynamic activities, students learn to think on their feet, hone their acting skills, and unleash their creativity in a supportive and collaborative environment. Students from Years 7-12 have been attending Drama Club and have been loving the opportunity to perform.

Why is drama important, you ask? Well, aside from being incredibly fun, drama cultivates essential life skills such as communication, confidence, and teamwork. Whether you dream of treading the boards of Broadway or simply want to explore your creative side, drama provides a platform for self-expression and personal growth.

As you plan your subjects for Year 9 and Year 11, we encourage you to consider drama as an enriching and rewarding option. It’s not just about memorizing lines; it’s about discovering new perspectives, building empathy, and finding your voice on and off the stage.

Join us in the Drama Club and embark on a journey of imagination, exploration, and endless possibilities. Let your creativity shine – the spotlight is waiting for you! Every Wednesday morning 8:00am – 8:45am, M21 Drama room. See you there!

Gemma Baldwin
CAPA Coordinator
Innovative Engineering Challenge

Innovative Engineering Challenge

Our Year 7 Technology students partnered up to design and construct shoe prototypes using just five sheets of newspaper and tape. The challenge sparked remarkable teamwork and ingenuity, resulting in various shoe styles including casual slides, sandals, ballet flats, ballet point shoes, and high heels. The students showcased exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and problem-solving skills, making the most out of the resources at hand. It was a lesson filled with excitement and innovation, demonstrating the incredible potential of hands-on learning experiences. Well done to all the girls for their fantastic work!

 

Jesselyn Mann
Technology/ Hospitality Teacher
 
Symbio Wildlife Park

Symbio Wildlife Park

On Friday 22nd March Year 8 Science went to Symbio Wildlife Park to provide an immersive education experience focused on understanding animal adaptations. Students embarked on a journey through diverse ecosystems, encountering a range of species and observing first hand animal adaptations to allow organisms to thrive in their natural environments. 

The day began with an introduction to the concept of adaptations, emphasising how organisms have specialised traits to survive in their habitats. As students explored the park, they encountered a variety of animals, each showcasing unique adaptations suited to their ecological niche. Students also learnt about the conservation programs at Symbio Wildlife Park for endangered Australian animals.

Throughout the excursion, educators facilitated discussions and interactive activities to reinforce key concepts and encourage critical thinking about Australian animal adaptations. Students were asked to compare and contrast adaptations across different species.

At the reptile enclosure, students faced their fears learning about the importance of scales for protection and thermoregulation in reptiles such as snakes, lizards and crocodiles. They observed how camouflage enables certain species to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, evading predators and hunting for prey.

Overall, the Year 8 Science excursion to Symbio Wildlife Park provided an engaging and enriching first hand experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wonders of evolutionary biology and the interconnectedness of life on Earth.

 

Kaitlyn McDougall
Newman Teacher in Charge/ Science Teacher

 

 
Understanding Urbanisation in Year 9 Geography

Understanding Urbanisation in Year 9 Geography

On Tuesday 26 March, Year 9 enjoyed a wonderful excursion to Pyrmont and Barangaroo to complement their current unit of study of Changing Places in Geography. Students are currently learning about the nature of urbanisation through urban policy and development, and the Geography excursion was the perfect opportunity to understand and experience the changes in our city of Sydney first hand. In particular, the excursion focused on the consequences of urbanisation such as the economic, social and environmental consequences. The focus of the excursion was on the urban dynamics of change, including urban decay and
urban renewal, using Barangaroo and Pyrmont (Jacksons Landing) to emphasis these issuers. At Pyrmont students were able to explore the conversion of the area from an industrial, run-down precinct to a modern, vibrant urban area in which to live. Buildings such as the Boiler Room, the Cooperage and Distillery were of significant interest because of their changes into modern day office and apartment spaces, but also because they were architecturally maintained in their original structure. Finally, our Year 9 students should be commended because they were perfect representatives for our College with their mature behaviour in the city and their respect shown towards the guides from the Auseco company that led the walks. Students were overwhelmingly positive about the experience, including the ferry ride, the walk through the
historic precinct of Pyrmont and the observations done in the modern precinct of Barangaroo.

Mr. Joe Russo
HSIE Coordinator

 

Photography Students Capture Sydney Harbour

Photography Students Capture Sydney Harbour

A group of student photographers from Year 9 and 10 Photography and Digital Media embarked on an exciting and educational excursion around north Sydney on Wednesday the 27 March. Photography students began their journey at Milsons Point, making their way around the harbour foreshore, photographing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and its spectacular architecture. The class then walked around the outskirts of Luna Park enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and attractions, resulting in an array of colourful, vibrant, and dynamic shots. This was followed by a trip to Lavender Bay where the students captured the beauty of Sydney Harbour waters and the marvellous surrounding buildings. Finally, the journey came to an end at Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden; a hidden oasis of lush greenery and flora, where, by sheer chance, the class happened to stumble upon Wendy Whitely herself, tending to her very own garden. Wendy Whitely proved to be friendly as well as famous, and even had a chat with some of the group. The city, in all of its aspects, provided endless opportunities for the students to hone their skills and explore their artistic expression.

Scarlet Giveen
Year 10

 

Culinary Delights for Year 10 Hospitality

Culinary Delights for Year 10 Hospitality

Our Year 10 Hospitality students recently embarked on an unforgettable excursion to The Grounds Cafe and William Angliss Hospitality Training School in Alexandria, immersing themselves in the world of culinary delights and professional hospitality.

The journey commenced at The Grounds Cafe, renowned for its fresh and wholesome culinary approach. Led by the esteemed Executive Chef Paul McGrath, who has not only graced Masterchef as a guest judge but also prepared meals for dignitaries including the Queen, students were treated to an insightful tour of the cafe, restaurant, and function area. Chef Paul McGrath shared the restaurant’s philosophy of sourcing local and seasonal ingredients, providing a glimpse into the meticulous planning and creativity behind each menu item. Students had the privilege of witnessing a bustling commercial kitchen in action and savoured morning tea in one of the function areas, soaking in the vibrant hospitality atmosphere.

Moving on to the second half of our excursion at William Angliss Hospitality Training School, students were treated to a sumptuous Mediterranean Banquet prepared by the trainee chefs. Their impressions were overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the great plating, presentation, and service. The shared plates featured a mouthwatering array of dishes, including za’atar flatbread, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, baba ghanouj, and beet dips to start. The main course showcased braised lamb tagine, Fried cauliflower with labneh, Turkish-filled eggplant (Karniyarik), Sumac roasted pumpkin ravioli, and chicken shawarma, accompanied by share sides such as Persian rice, fattoush, and Israeli couscous salad. The indulgence didn’t end there; dessert was a delicious platter of Middle Eastern dessert.

This excursion served as a source of inspiration for our upcoming three-course formal dinner assessment task event. Students gained insights into the importance of plating, presentation, and creating an appetizing menu that matches the theme consistently. They also learned valuable lessons about teamwork, customer service, and kitchen efficiency, which will undoubtedly enhance their preparations for the upcoming event. We look forward to witnessing the creativity and skills our students will showcase in their formal dinner assessment task event.

Bronwyn Hayes
TAS Teacher

 

Year 11 Visual Arts Students Inspired by ARTEXPRESS Exhibition

Year 11 Visual Arts Students Inspired by ARTEXPRESS Exhibition

Last week, Year 11 Visual Arts students embarked on a captivating journey to the ARTEXPRESS exhibition at Hazelhurst Arts Centre. This annual showcase celebrates the artistic achievements of high school students in New South Wales. This exhibition included 50 exemplary artworks from students across the state in HSC Visual Arts. They heard from Natalie O’Connor, Public Programs & Education Coordinator, who discussed curatorial choices, themes and qualities of works in the exhibition. 

Immersed in a world of creativity, students explored a diverse array of artworks, from bold photographic and video works to intimate portraits. The experience was not only about appreciation but also about gaining insights into techniques and creative processes. 

Students will take this opportunity with them into Year 12 where they will create their own Body of Work for their HSC examination. ARTEXPRESS served as a wellspring of inspiration, igniting sparks of creativity that will undoubtedly influence their own artistic endeavours. We extend our gratitude to Hazelhurst Arts Centre for hosting this transformative experience.

Gemma Baldwin
CAPA Coordinator/ Visual Arts Teacher

 

Thursday Sport

Thursday Sport

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Ursula’s Shines at the SCS HSC Visual Arts Showcase

St Ursula’s Shines at the SCS HSC Visual Arts Showcase

Congratulations to the 2023 HSC Visual Arts students Olivia Dabboussy, Ginia Ysabella Caldwell and Lisa Ost, who had their HSC Bodies of Work selected for exhibition at the McGlade Gallery, ACU, alongside other outstanding HSC artworks from across Sydney Catholic Schools. The exhibition opened on Friday 22nd March and it was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to see their work exhibited in a professional gallery, alongside their peers from across SCS. The HSC Showcase provides a professional platform to celebrate exemplary students of Visual Arts whilst also serving as a benchmark of excellence for younger emerging talent. 

Lisa’s body of work consisted of a series of circular acrylic painted portraits, decorated by small intricate hand-cut paper flowers and red string to explore the connection between family members and culture in her work “Gàtìhng (family): Ancestral Gaze”. Ginial’s artwork explored postmodern themes including religion, faith and science in the age of fake news in “Sancta Disjunction (The Holy Disconnection)”. She used a range of materials including watercolour, felt-tip pen, collage elements and text. Olivia’s body of work looked at themes of anonymity at night in “Eyes in the darkness: Unseen voyeurs”. She was influenced by representations of figures at night in film stills and used oil paint on timber board to create these paintings. 

Gemma Baldwin
CAPA Coordinator 

 

 
Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Duke of Edinburgh Awards

In 2022/23 myself and a few of my fellow peers from St Ursula’s undertook our Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, with our final award taking us through the picturesque landscape of Kosciuszko National Park. The Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition saw many obstacles and achievements, physically, mentally, and emotionally. It saw the birth of relationships with new people and the environment, as well as the teaching of many lessons of perseverance, courage, and failure.
My most prominent takeaway from this journey was undeniably my mental ability to persevere through “impossible” situations. This is evident in our climbing of Mt Jagungal, an unforgettable experience that taught us all many valuable lessons and remains a testament to the discovery of myself, my abilities, and aspects of my personality that I have built along the way.

In partaking in the award, we were to embark on a variety of projects to augment our ability in a desired skill and sport and submit ourselves to a chosen area of volunteer work. Through partaking in all 3 sections, I was able to develop myself all around in a variety of skills and sports as well as my time management and judgment as I coordinated such with my senior studies.

As a reward for all our efforts, myself and fellow St Ursula’s alumni, Chrystalla Kospetas, Alessia Briscas, and Ananya Nand were presented with our Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards on the 21st of March at Accor Stadium by the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC. Meeting Her Excellency and hearing her insight into the award as she spoke about what it meant to be a Gold Award recipient and its legacy, was an honour that myself and many others hold truly valuable and applicable for all our future endeavours.

In summation, I speak on behalf of all Gold Award holders as I send the greatest of thanks to our award leaders and guides at YouthAdvance Australia, as well as our family, friends, and teachers for their unwavering support along the way and seeing us through to the end of our 4-year journey.

 
Angela Youd
Year 12 2023
 

 

SCS Sport Term 1 Holiday Camps

SCS Sport Term 1 Holiday Camps

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) is providing a number of exciting opportunities for students to participate in the upcoming Term 1 holiday period. Please click here to see our flyer. Further opportunities during the holiday period can be found on the SCS Sport website.

In addition to our holiday program please see our SCS website for our interschool sport program.

Jaclyn Mott
Sports Plus Coordinator

 

 

MyStrengths Parent Package

MyStrengths Parent Package

MyStrengths is a strengths based program that we have been running at the College with both our staff and students. They have a background in positive psychology and positive wellbeing, and have become an integral part of our Pastoral Care program. 

St Ursula’s has a subscription to the full MyStrengths Parenting package. This is now active for all members of our community, both parents and staff.

MyStrengths parents provide short parenting courses, workshops and resources which provide easy practical steps drawing on a strength-based approach.

To access this fabulous resource simply go to:http://stursulas.mystrengths.com.au/

We encourage you to go online and explore.

 

Anne Sukkar
Leader of Wellbeing
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Members of the school community are invited to follow St Ursula’s on Facebook and on Instagram. If you know anyone considering high schools for their daughter, you may also like to share our accounts with them. 

Our social media platforms feature photos and videos of our students’ many achievements and learning experiences, latest events and other exciting news from around the school.

Our handle on both Facebook and Instagram is @stursulascollegekingsgrove.