Principal’s Message

Welcome to the start of the 2024 school year. I am delighted to be the Principal of this vibrant community and I thank you all for your lovely welcome. 

I extend a warm welcome to our new students and families joining us and we look forward to journeying with you and your daughter throughout her high school years. 

We are excited to be welcoming new staff to our College. Later in this newsletter there is an introduction to each of them. 

Welcome to Year 7 students and parents

It was wonderful to see so many parents at the Year 7 Meet and Greet Evening last Tuesday. Thank you to our St Ursula’s Representative Council for setting up and cooking the sausages so our students and parents could enjoy some time getting to know each other before heading off to meet their daughter’s Pastoral Care teachers.

Opening Mass and Investiture of New Principal

On Friday 9 February we celebrated our College Opening Mass and my commissioning as new Principal. I was delighted that our Ursuline sisters, Sr Kari Hatherell, Provincial of the Australian Ursulines; Sr Leone Pallisier and Sr Mary O’Neill who are both ex-principals of the College; and Sr Fran Milledge, Sr Patty Andrews and Sr Venera Nicolosi, were able to attend. Sr Leone Pallisier was my Principal when I was a student at St Ursula’s so it was extra special for me to have her there.

I would also like to thank special guests, Mr Anthony Cleary, Director of Mission and Identity, Sydney Catholic Schools; ex-students and archivists Elizabeth Steinlein and Peta Geldard; and ex-staff member and teacher Joy Short, for joining our community for this event.

High Achievers Assembly

On 7 February we celebrated our annual High Achievers Assembly and the success of the Class of 2023. It was a delight to have so many family members and friends join us to celebrate this event and to rightly take pride in the wonderful achievements of our high achievers.

St Ursula’s is widely acknowledged as developing graduating students who make a difference in the world in a variety of fields of endeavour and two of the highlights of this celebration were hearing from our 2023 Dux Jacqueline and our 2020 College ex-student Bianca.

You will find a separate article later in this newsletter but I wanted to share with you Jacqueline’s and Bianca’s speech which they kindly agreed to share with us. It is evident that both these girls understand the meaning of being Serviam girls and true change agents following in the footsteps of St Angela Merici and ready to change the world.

College Theme Launch

Congratulations to our student leaders on their successful theme launch. The whole community was very excited with the idea of “Our Flight to the Stars”.

I look forward to getting to know our students and families this year and I wish everyone a personally rewarding 2024.

Vivienne Awad

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.

Assistant Principal’s Message

As we embark on an exciting new school year at St Ursula’s College, it is with great pleasure that I write our first newsletter for 2024. I extend a warm welcome to both returning families and those who are joining our school community for the first time. I want to take a moment to express how much I value the partnership between our school and your family. Working together is not just a catchphrase; it is the heartbeat of our school’s success. As we venture into the new academic year, I am committed to fostering an environment where collaboration, open communication, and shared responsibility are at the forefront.

I thank all of our families for their constant support of the College. It is with this in mind that I remind you about some of our school processes.

Reminders:

Lost property 

It would be appreciated if you could put your daughter’s name on uniform items and equipment. This is so we are able to easily return lost items.

Before and after school pick up

We have a collective responsibility to ensure that students arrive at school and leave school safely. Too often students are crossing the road in front of cars.  Families can assist by encouraging their daughter to walk up to the crossing near the primary school, rather than crossing the road in front of the College particularly when the traffic is congested. I also remind families that they cannot park in the bus zone in front of the school. If you are using the parent pickup area you must stay in your car and be there for a maximum of two minutes. Council rangers regularly patrol the area and impose fines.

Attendance

Regular attendance at school is essential to assist students to maximise their potential. The College is required by the NSW Education Act 1990 to promote and support regular school attendance. This means that we systematically monitor attendance rates and inform families if a student’s attendance drops below the national minimum standard of 90%. This is regardless of whether the absence is explained or not. We ask that parents explain absences within 7 days.

Late arrival / Early leave

Students are required to be in class by 8.45 am each day. Students who arrive late to school without reason more than 3 times in a cycle will be issued with an afternoon detention. Students who arrive late to school must check in via the Student Services office. A reminder that medical appointments should be made outside of school hours where possible. If your daughter does have a medical appointment during school hours, please ensure a medical certificate is requested and supplied to Student Services to be entered in compass. If on the odd occasion your daughter does need to leave early, she must present to Student Services with a note preferably in compass or handwritten. It is your daughter’s responsibility to let her teachers know and make her way to the Student Services office to be signed out.

Application for Extended Leave

Last year we updated out College attendance procedures to reflect Sydney Catholic Schools policy:

Absence of 1-4 days

If you are planning for your daughter to be absent for 1-4 days:

1. This leave can be entered into Compass by the parent/carer however please note that it is your daughter’s responsibility to check if they are missing an assessment task(s).
2. A family holiday, overseas trip and the like, are not considered valid reasons to miss an assessment task. In this instance, the student will receive a zero result for missed tasks.

Extended leave of 5 days or greater

The Guidelines for Parents/Carers: Application for Extended Leave can be viewed on the Compass parent portal.

If you are planning extended leave for 5 days or greater, please follow the process below:

• SCS Guidelines for student leave for 5 days or greater specify that Principal approval via this Form A-1 Application for extended leave including travel is required.
• To ensure that this process is followed, parents are asked to complete the A1 Form and email with a covering letter to info@stursulakingsgrove.catholic.edu.au.
• The Principal will review this leave application and parents will be notified via Compass.
• Any leave approved is based on the assumption that your daughter will catch up on any missed classwork.
• Please note that a family holiday, overseas trip and the like, are not considered valid reasons to miss an assessment task. In this instance, the student will receive a zero result for missed tasks.

We are looking forward to a productive and successful term at the College. Thank you in advance for your support.

Ms Janet Cairncross

Assistant Principal 

First Sunday in Lent

We are beginning the liturgical season of Lent, a privileged moment to turn our gaze to Jesus. This year our theme for our College 2024 is Our Flight to the stars – so how can that influence our view of Lent?

Let us take a moment of silence in our hearts and look at ourselves with the eyes of God, asking ourselves: 

• How is the path of my life going?
• Do I always look at the route that God is pointing out to me?
• Like a good navigator, do I keep my hope on the horizon and not lose sight of the route?
• Amid the loneliness that I sometimes feel, do I look at the stars that help me to see the direction of my journey?
• And when there are storms in my life, do I ask for help from the Lord who always helps me, who calms the storm that sometimes rages within me?
• Do I trust the voices around me who try to help guide me on my journey?

We are reminded in Sunday’s Psalm, that in any trials that come in our lives, we should look to “my refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:2).

And the Lord, with that look full of peace and mercy towards each one of us, invites us not to get used to this time that is repeated every year, but to take advantage of it to meet more with our heart. To let ourselves be stripped of some things that are barriers to the love of God. We are called to allow the love of God to fill the voids that we discover within us. Do not be afraid of entering in our hearts, because our Heavenly Father is a God for all, with “no distinction… enriching all who call upon him” (Romans 10:12).

Echoing the words of Pope Francis, who in his homily on Ash Wednesday 2019, said to us that Lent is “the time to rediscover the path of life, because on the path of life what really matters is not to lose sight of the goal.” We must on “Our flight to the stars” not lose sight of the path God lies before us.  

As the Church is journeying towards Easter, we must renew ourselves in these three essential means of living this time: prayer, fasting and charity (almsgiving). These three stages, as the Pope says, “bring us back to the only three realities that do not pass away. Prayer unites us anew with God; charity with our neighbour; fasting with ourselves. God, our brothers and sisters, and my life: these are the realities that do not end in nothingness. To look upwards with prayer… to go towards our brothers with charity… finally to look within ourselves with the fasting that frees us from attachment to things…”.

Let us ask the Lord for the Grace to start this Lenten season, with our eyes fixed on Him and on the path, He lays out for us amid temptations. As the Gospel of Sunday reminds us that Jesus remains steadfast, never once giving into temptation, and this gives us an example of how we can trust in the Lord, our God. 

Prayer for the week.

Lord Jesus, thank you for this Lenten journey that we begin at your hand. 

We ask you to help us to always look to you and not to let go of you. 

May our prayer be a profound encounter with You, who always seeks us, who bends down to us, who loves us so much. 

Teach us to be silent, to listen to you, to contemplate you, to be attentive to your Word and to make our desires in tune with yours and thus fulfil your will. 

May our Holy Mother Mary, Star of the Sea, light of every ocean, continue to guide us to reach the haven of peace prepared by You, Jesus, who calmed the sea. Be our light on our journey to Easter this year. 

AMEN.

Julie Monk
Religious Education Coordinator

Celebrating our 2023 High Achievers

On Wednesday 7 February, we gathered together to celebrate the success of the HSC Class of 2023 at our annual High Achievers Assembly.

We were joined by special guests, Sr Leone Pallisier (former Principal), Mr Anthony Weir (OLF Principal) and our guest speaker Bianca Stranghieri (2020 College Captain).

Awards were presented to our 50 High Achievers who received an ATAR above 90:

• 5 All-round Achievers received the highest band possible in 10 or more subjects;
• 4 students received a first place ranking within Sydney Catholic Schools;
• 4 students who were nominated for the Shape exhibition;
• High Achievers in accelerated HSC examinations; and
• College Dux, Jacqueline Keir, who achieved an ATAR of 99.4.

Please click here to view a full presentation of all our High Achievers.

College Theme Launch – Our Flight to the Stars

We are very excited to have presented to the College community the theme for 2024, “Our Flight to The Stars!!”

At our leadership camp last year, the senior student leadership team spent many, many hours brainstorming and articulating what we wanted for our community in 2024. After much deliberation, we created this theme, because it represents a variety of things for us:

• “Our” symbolises the collective journey we are taking together, as a community, towards our goals and dreams. The inclusion of this word aims to promote inclusivity and foster a sense of support and camaraderie among students
• “Flight” represents the journey towards our hopes and aspirations. While there may be some turbulence on the flight, and it may take time, we will eventually reach our destination. We recognise that this journey will be different for each individual
• “Stars” convey the goals, dreams, aspirations and ambitions of the St Ursula’s community. While everyone has different stars they will be striving towards, we are all supporting one another to get there. The idea of stars also links closely with the Ursa Bear constellation – while we are all trying to reach our own stars, together we make up one constellation.

We were very excited to launch our theme to the students and staff with an exciting assembly that included our signature song ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ – Coldplay;  a lightshow with our fellow leaders “directing the flight”; the reveal of our logo and our physical symbol; and best of all, the excitement of the students!

In order to carry this excitement and empowerment throughout the year, we created a big, canvas passport to symbolise the beginning of our journey. It will give us the opportunity to decorate it with star-shaped stamps that will represent every initiative we have created, mirroring the landmarks we will pass on our journey. Through this, we will be able to remember, with every aspect of this year, to truly embrace our journey and strive to achieve our full potential in all that we do!

We are so excited to begin this journey as a community, and can’t wait to see what each student can achieve on “Our Flight to the Stars”.

Daniella Haklane and Annabelle Johnson

Year 12, College Co-Captains

Ash Wednesday

This year Easter is earlier than ever in our calendars and we began the season of Lent with Liturgies on Ash Wednesday. All staff and students were given an opportunity to receive ashes. Our ashes were blessed by Fr Casey from Kingsgrove parish and are made from the burnt palm leaves from Palm Sunday last year. 

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the Christian season of Lent. Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, where we pray, act kindly and with mercy towards other people, give up things we enjoy and give to others, as we prepare to celebrate the great feast of Easter.

For 40 days, we accompany Jesus on his passionate journey to Calvary and we see the mercy he shows, despite his suffering. Like Jesus, we try to show mercy to others, just as God shows us mercy. During these 40 days, let us take time to reflect on our lives and say sorry for any wrongdoing. This repentance and reflection helps to lead us towards a meaningful Easter. In this very nature then, Lent is a time of hope as we renew our relationship with God. 

These blessed ashes remind us that we belong to God and are preparing for Jesus’ death and resurrection. The ashes symbolise our need for repentance and renewal. The cross that is made on our forehead is a sign to remind us that just as Jesus gave of himself for others, we need to do the same. We need to live “Serviam” and be people of service for others in the world. 

This Lent, we are also making our journey with families around the world living in poverty,  especially those who are unable to earn enough money to have the basic things they need like an education, medicine, food or clothing. This year, over the next 40 days as we prepare for his death and resurrection, let us be motivated to give all of ourselves to Lent. Let us really give and be present “for all future generations” as Caritas urges us to do with Project Compassion. 

This Lent, may we be blessed with a spirit of giving and sacrifice. May we be inspired not just to give something up, but to take something up in the service of others and in doing so live out our school motto of “Serviam”.

Julie Monk
Religious Education Coordinator

Project Compassion

Here’s why we are fundraising for Project Compassion

Inspired by our Ursuline charism, and as a living dynamic Parish, we aim to develop an understanding of justice issues and heighten our sensitivity and awareness to the needs of others living within situations of poverty and disadvantage. As a community we then aim to give practical support through actions of solidarity.

Our school is raising funds to help support Project Compassion, Caritas Australia’s annual fundraising campaign. Project Compassion brings together supporters from across Australia to address the challenges of poverty today, and drive lasting change for a better tomorrow.

Join us to help support remote and vulnerable communities across Asia, Africa, the Pacific and in Australia. Your generosity today can help communities access clean water, food security, skills training, health and sanitation and disaster risk reduction training.

Together with your support, we can create lasting change today, and For All Future Generations.

Who are we supporting?

Ronita

After the birth of her children, 22-year-old Ronita was at risk of having to leave school permanently. But with the support of Caritas Australia’s partners in the Philippines, she resumed her studies and secured a job at a call centre to support her family.

Leaia

Not having access to clean water for their daily lives has caused Leaia and her extended family a lot of worry and anxiety. Caritas Australia supported the installation of a water tank at their home, improving their health and living conditions.

Memory

As the eldest child in a low-income farming family, Memory faced many barriers to her education. But with the support of Caritas Australia she enrolled in a technical school and became the first female carpenter in her village.

We will be holding a regular Tuesday morning collection in PC classes. I have been asked by many families how they could support the work of Caritas. All donations over $2 are tax deductible and this is a worthwhile organisation to support as part of Lenten Almsgiving. 

We have created a College fundraising page and invite you to male your donation under our College page:

St Ursula’s College Caritas Fundraising Page

Antoinette Nader
Assistant REC & Youth Ministry Coordinator

Open Day 2024

The College will be holding it’s annual Open Day on 6 March. Campus Tours will be held on Thursday 7 March and Friday 8 March between 9:00am-10:30am.

Registration for Open Day and Campus Tours are essential. Please see the below flyer.

Enrolment for Year 7 2026 are open

Enrolments for Year 7 2026 are now open. If you are planning to send another one of your daughters to St Ursula’s, we encourage you to submit an online application as soon as possible. If you know other families who are planning to apply to enrol at our College, please share this information with them.

Applications are completely online and interested parties may follow the steps on our website to enrol now. If required, FAQs are available to assist you in completing your online application.

If you would like to visit St Ursula’s College, our next Open Day will be held on Wednesday 6 March 2024. Register to attend here.

Do you want to be a One Meal Volunteer?

Inspired by our Ursuline charism, and as a living dynamic Parish, we aim to develop an understanding of justice issues and heighten our sensitivity and awareness to the needs of others living within situations of poverty and disadvantage. As a community we then aim to give practical support through actions of solidarity.

In response to the local needs of the Kingsgrove area and the centrality of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, a One Meal service commenced in January 2021. In partnership with Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, our weekly meal service is an active way of living the Gospel values and allows a visible expression of Serviam in our local community. We are blessed that we have not missed one single service since January 2021. You may follow the service on Instagram @onemealkingsgrove

What will be required?

• A commitment on a Wednesday every 10-12 weeks. 
• You will be required at the Clune Centre from 4:10pm – 5:20pm
• You will work as part of a team of 8-10 volunteers. Each team will have a designated team leader. This number will allow the work to be spread out and shared. 
• You will be asked to bring a home cooked meal to the dinner service. (Main courses, side dishes, soups, fruit or dessert) Meals need to be nutritious, healthy and include a range of protein and vegetables. 
• The team will set up, serve and clean up after the dinner. 
• The dinner service will run outside of the Clune Centre at 89 Shaw St Kingsgrove, 
• All volunteers are required to complete a Volunteer Registration through One Meal and obtain a Working with Children Check number.
• All volunteers will be covered by insurance from One Meal.

This is a worthwhile opportunity to support our College charism of Serviam and give witness to the values of the Gospel. It is a great way to meet new parents and develop relationships with families who support our outreach initiatives.  Your daughter may choose to serve with you and each service will provide three hours of Community Service for her to record in her College diary. 

If you would like to be added to the One Meal Team for 2024, please contact me at the College on 95023300 or reach out via email on antoinette.nader@syd.catholic.edu.au

Antoinette Nader
Assistant REC & Youth Ministry Coordinator

Meet our new staff members

Please get to know the wonderful new team members who will be helping support our students to learn and grow in 2024:

	Nikki-Rae Semaan – Mathematics and Religious Education Teacher I feel very blessed to be joining the College community. I am passionate about learning and look to create an environment where your daughters can flourish and achieve their full potential.  I look forward to the year ahead and all of the challenges and opportunities it will bring.
	Helen Elachi –  Religious Education Teacher I am thrilled and blessed to be returning to the College after a seven-year absence. I come back as a mum of three children, motherhood has truly reignited my passion for teaching and more specifically the teaching of our Catholic faith. I am passionate about empowering each individual to achieve their personal best and to further your daughter on her faith journey.  I look forward to the year ahead and to working with the amazing staff of the college.
	Evelyn Papalexandris – English Teacher I am so excited to be teaching at the College this year. I am highly committed to ensuring that our girls are achieving their absolute best whilst also maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment in the classroom. I am looking forward to meeting and chatting with staff, students and parents throughout the year.
	Louisa Stanford – Learning Support Teacher I am excited to be joining such a warm and supportive team. I look forward to a fulfilling year brimming with laughter, learning and collegiality. I aim to help promote a culture of inclusivity, by engaging each student to be confident learners and assist them to achieve success in class and beyond.
	Marisa D’Ippolito – English Teacher I wish to create a learning environment that fosters inclusiveness and that acknowledges each student’s strengths and areas of improvement and thus, enriches the educational experience for all students at the College.
	Rachel Maiden – Admin Assistant Reception (Thursday/Friday) I am excited to be joining this vibrant school community and I look forward to getting to know the students and parents. I have a background in school administration and a personal passion for music and singing. I will be on deck in the front office on Thursdays and Fridays – please do come and say hello!
	Katrina Zenere – Science Teacher I am very excited to be joining the College community this year. I am dedicated to fostering students so they can achieve their best and reach their full potential. I am also particularly passionate about teaching girls and aspiring the next generation of young women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). I am looking forward to working with staff, students, and the community throughout the year.
	Melina Mihaljevic I am delighted to be joining the College community this year as a new member of the CAPA faculty. I’ve received such a warm welcome from the staff and students and I’m looking forward to contributing to the rich artistic legacy of the College.
	Emily Aitken & Amanda Newell – HSIE Teacher & IB & Library We are excited to be working together within the HSIE faculty this year teaching Psychology and also teaching Theory of Knowledge within the International Baccalaureate Program. We are passionate about working with students to maximise their potential. We strive to work with our students to find ways to help them succeed and develop, particularly in fields of research and writing.
	Deborah Crombie I am very grateful and excited to be joining such a wonderful College. I aim to foster an environment where all students feel valued and supported and strive to achieve their personal best.  I look forward to working with and getting to know the College community.
	Dion Bozikis I am eminently grateful for the opportunity that I have been granted to work in the context of the wonderful staff and school community of St Ursula’s. I desire to foster a learning environment which brings out the best in students across a range of domains. I look forward with anticipation to the unfolding of the coming year.

Musical opportunities for all in Year 7 with Amadeus!

Sarah Olsen

Music Educator and Amadeus Coordinator

Thursday Sport

Elevate Education

St Ursula’s values the explicit teaching of study skills in order to develop good habits for study. To enhance the work of our teachers, we have subscribed to Elevate Education to provide study skills seminars to all students in Years 7-12 for a number of years. Drawing upon over 20 years of research into the habits of the country’s top students, Elevate’s high impact seminars and workshops help students improve their study techniques, increase motivation, build confidence, and lift exam performance. At St Ursula’s, each girl will attend an Elevate study skills seminar throughout the year.

We are also excited to announce that Elevate Education will be hosting a free webinar for our parents on motivation on Wednesday 14th February. Elevate presents a number of parent workshops throughout the year, which are free of charge. All St Ursula’s parents are welcome to attend.

Elevate works with our students, delivering high-impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series, you’ll learn how you can help support your children at home by reinforcing the skills they’re learning at school.  

Their upcoming webinar on motivation will give you some easy-to-implement strategies to help your child get focused on achieving their goals this year.   

Live  Parent Webinar: How to Get (and Keep!) Your Child Motivated 
Wednesday 14 February 6:30-7:30pm 

Click here to register for free 

Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:   

• Using praise and reassurance to motivate your child   

• Setting relevant and effective goals for your child   

• Helping your child to stay motivated long-term  

We hope to see you there!  

Heather Jesuadian
Leader of Teaching & Learning Innovation/IB Coordinator

Media Consent for 2024

This is a reminder for all parents and carers to complete the Media Consent via Compass insights. We have had approximately 65% of families already complete the 2024 Media Consent form. It is a requirement for consent to be provided annually. 

If you have not already done so, can you please complete the Media Consent form for 2024 as soon as possible? If the consent form has not been completed for your daughter by Thursday 22 February then we will assume that consent has been given.

Please note that if you do not provide Publication / Media Consent, your daughter’s image will not be used in social media and will not be included in the Serviam newsletter or in the Yearbook. The College will always obtain additional media consent from parents and carers if we intend to use your daughter’s image for any promotional material.

If you have any difficulties using Compass insights, please call the College on 9502 3300 and we will be happy to assist you.

For more information on how you could be using Compass (in the browser and on the app), visit the Compass Website: https://www.compass.education/guide and watch the latest videos.

College Uniform Policy

Welcome back! It has been wonderful to see students reconnecting with their peers and teachers following the Christmas holidays. There is a lovely excitement in the air!

We remind students that it is expected that they adhere to the College’s Uniform Policy. This can be found on pages 13-15 of the College Diary.

We encourage parents and carers to have a conversation with your daughter about her uniform, in particular about how variations to the College uniform are not acceptable. As per College guidelines, any uniform infringements that cannot be rectified will result in the parent/carer being contacted and the student being sent home until the issue is resolved. 

These infringements may include, but are not limited to:

• Artificial nails and nail polish
• Cosmetic enhancements (e.g. false eyelashes or eyelash extensions)
• Make-up (foundation, eye-liner, mascara, coloured lip gloss) 
• Jewellery, which must be limited to one small watch and one pair of small studs or sleepers worn in lower earlobes
• Multiple earrings, facial piercings and clear plastic studs are not permitted
• Religious bracelets and beads 
• Hair left loose or untidy. Hair that is shoulder-length and longer must be completely and securely tied back. It must be tidy and natural in colour and style, in such a way as not to invite comment
• Long or short-sleeved coloured t-shirts are not permitted to be worn underneath College shirts.

As always, we thank you for your support in this matter.

Anne Sukkar
Leader of Wellbeing

Finance News

2024 SCHOOL FEES

At St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove, we believe in providing every child with the opportunity to access a quality Catholic education. We understand that circumstances vary for each family, and we are committed to supporting those in need.

If you require financial assistance, we encourage you to reach out to our school office. Our Principal is available for a confidential discussion to explore the available support options tailored to your situation. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we’re here to help.

Sibling Discounts:

Sibling discounts are applied for families with more than one child attending Sydney Catholic Systemic Schools.

Building Levies:

An additional building levy of $928 will apply to the eldest sibling in the family attending a Sydney Catholic Systemic School.

Payments:

School Fees are invoiced annually at the beginning of each school year in February.

Parents/Carers have the option when enrolling to nominate their preferred payment method either by term (over the first 3 terms), month or fortnight. If a nomination is not made, payments will be set to the default monthly method.
All fees must be paid in full by the due date shown on the fee statement.

Catholic Education Foundation:

Through the generosity of individuals and organisations, the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) provides school fee support for families in need, giving every child the opportunity to reach their full potential. Eligible students can apply for support for the below bursaries funded by CEF:

1. Financial Hardship Bursary
2. Indigenous Bursary
3. Refugee Bursary
4. Foster Child Bursary

Please contact the College Finance Office for more information.

Please find below the 2024 annual school fees* for St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove.

* This does not include the building levy.

SCHOOL UNIFORM & STATIONERY ITEMS

The following items are available for sale from the College Finance Office. Payment can be made by card or cash. We accept Visa and Mastercard.

School Bag $85

Satchel $15

Diary $20

Calculators

FX-82AU Plus II (latest fx-82) $25

SX-II Matrix (Year 9, 2024 only) $25

FX-82AU Plus II (original fx-82) $20

FX-100AU Plus  (Senior calculator) $20

Building Wellbeing Capacity for the HSC

Once again the College will be offering opportunities for Year 12 students to prepare themselves for the emotional and psychological challenges of the HSC. Parents are encouraged to talk with their daughters about engaging with either or both programs as positive ways to manage their personal wellbeing this year.

Senior Meditation and Mindfulness 

Focus: Techniques that can assist in managing your stresses, with a focus on task and examination induced stress.

When: Wednesday mornings from Week 3 Term 1

Time: 8.20 am (15 minute session)

Where: College Chapel

How to join: Simply turn up!

Staff: Ms Kelly (Learning Support teacher)

Building wellbeing capacity for the HSC

Focus: Education regarding what causes anxiety and how that is experienced physically, emotionally and psychologically, and tools that students can use to manage their emotions. Students will be encouraged to attend with a friend. One-to-one counselling will not be offered with this program. 

When: Proposed meeting time is Thursdays at recess (30 minute sessions)

Where: Link rooms/ IB rooms/ Learning Support rooms

How to join: A Google Form will be distributed to students during Week 3 to gauge level of interest within and between friendship groups

Staff: College Counsellors, Dr Katrina Newey and Christine Cooper

The HSC year can be challenging for many students and their families, and when families, students and the College work together through the challenges that the outcomes are better for everyone. For more information about the above programs please contact Ms Bibby Brooks (Year 12 Coordinator) or Mr Nicholas Boscov (Assistant Year 12 Coordinator) through the College Office.

Bibby Brooks
Year 12 Coordinator

Duke of Edinburgh

Please click here to view the information brochure for Duke of Edinburgh 2024

Rowing Foundation Program

Dear Parents, Carers and Students

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) have an opportunity for students at our College to participate in the next Rowing Foundation Program which is run in partnership with the St George Rowing Club. As an Olympic sport, SCS wants to support its students in achieving their potential. By providing this opportunity, students may grow a love for rowing, and pursue further representation.

The Rowing Foundation Program consists of:

• 5 weeks of rowing before school (10 sessions)

• an orientation

• a mini regatta

Click on the following for:

• Flyer

• Further information refer to https://sport.syd.catholic.edu.au/scs-rowing-foundation-program

• Registration instructions

Be quick – spots in the next rowing foundation program numbers are filling fast!

If you have any questions or would like further information please contact Troy Moran on 0419 229 550 /  troy.moran@syd.catholic.edu.au

5 Weeks Sports Program

2024 School Travel Applications Now Open

Applications for 2024 student travel passes are open.

Students who need a School Opal Card or travel pass for 2024 can apply now. A new application will need to be submitted if they are applying for the first time, or if they are requesting an additional travel entitlement as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (e.g. joint custody). Most students using the Opal network will not need a new Opal Card and can continue travelling on their existing card each year. You may check if your child is eligible for a School Opal Card on the School Student Travel Scheme webpage. 

Students who change address, school, campus location, have repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport NSW for their school travel entitlement should renew or update their details. This will ensure that schools can endorse applications, and entitlements remain valid for the start of the 2024 school year. School Opal card holders will have the changes applied to their existing card.

Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition that is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to reapply.

Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal Card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their Student Opal Card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2024.

Bus operators are flexible and understanding, particularly at the start of the school year, and will ensure students can travel safely to and from school. However, to best support our operators, we encourage all students to have a valid ticket, as early as possible, from the start of the school year. 

Students using School Opal Cards are also reminded that they must tap on and tap off in line with the Student Code of Conduct and Opal Terms of Use. 

Canteen – Updated Price List 2024

Please click here to view the latest canteen menu.

Archbishop Anthony Fisher’s Newsletter

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

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.