Principal’s Message

Welcome to our latest College newsletter.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Ms Elizabeth Denny for overseeing the College during my recent leave.

In this issue, the central focus of my editorial is a reflection on my pilgrimage to retrace the footsteps of Angela Merici, founder of the Company of St Ursula. While there is far too much to share in one piece, I have selected a few highlights that I hope you will enjoy.

In the Footsteps of Angela Merici

I had the privilege to join 35 pilgrims from across the world — Ursuline Sisters, leaders and teachers from Ursuline schools and communities — on a journey to Lake Garda, Brescia and beyond to learn more about St Angela Merici and walk in her footsteps in the places she lived, prayed and led. We visited her home in Desenzano del Garda, the churches she would have attended and Brescia where her mission began. Our shared pilgrimage reminded us that Angela’s vision of faith, education and service is not bound by borders or backgrounds, but continues to inspire communities across continents — including ours here at St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove. 

Angela’s Home in Desenzano Del Garda 

One of the most moving moments of the pilgrimage was visiting Angela’s family home in Le Grezze, Desenzano del Garda. The house, though simple, still preserves the atmosphere of Angela’s early life. Walking through the rooms, we reflected on her early life and the daily rhythm of prayer and work. Whilst close to Lake Garda, Desenzano is also surrounded by beautiful countryside, vineyards and olive trees. Angela’s words, “Cultivate the vine that is entrusted to you” came alive as we could see the influence for her words in her surroundings. The challenge to us as leaders to take care of the vine and keep it flourishing was no longer just words that we had read in a book. The experience of being in her world, in her house, seeing the vineyards through her eyes was a significant experience for us and we felt the need to live out her vision even more deeply.

One of the most powerful images I have included is that of two Sisters sitting in Angela’s bedroom. She always preferred to sleep on a mat on the floor. Some of the Sisters on the trip were experiencing Desenzano del Garda for the first time, like us, and it is here that many of us felt Angela’s presence. Angela’s words came alive “Do not lose heart… He who called you will not desert you.” Her early life reminds us that holiness often begins in ordinary places — homes, families, and daily routines. 

We stayed in the St Angela Merici, Mericianum, a Spirituality Centre in Brodazzo, Desenzano del Garda run by the Ursuline Sisters of St Charles. A place of significance as it is here that St Angela had a vision for a Society of St Ursula. It is a beautiful and tranquil place and these surroundings provided us with an insight into the early life of St Angela. 

During the pilgrimage we celebrated Mass in many churches including St Angela’s Parish Church in Desenzano del Garda. In the church is a large and beautiful wooden statue of St Angela.

Brescia and the Company of St Ursula

In 1535, Angela founded the Company of St Ursula in Brescia, in the Church of St Angela Merici (Sant’Afra) where Angela’s remains rest today. Below the large basilica is a smaller church where the original painting of Angela with her Company of women is hung. It is in this small church that Angela would have come to pray and it is here that she gathered her company of women. This was also another powerful moment of our pilgrimage where I felt Angela’s presence and I asked for her intercession for our school community — that we may carry forward her vision of faith, education, courage, loving relationships and service. Angela’s reminder echoed in my heart “Strive to be faithful to that which God has called you.” 

The Gift of Pilgrimage Together 

What made this pilgrimage especially meaningful was being part of a group of 35 pilgrims from across the world — from Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia. Though diverse in background, we were united by Angela’s vision and the Ursuline tradition. Our conversations, prayers and shared meals became living examples of Angela’s call to cultivate loving relationships with each other. Walking together reminded us that pilgrimage is not only about places, but about people — discovering God’s presence in community. This global fellowship showed me that Angela’s legacy is alive and vibrant, connecting classrooms, convents and families across continents. From the humble rooms of Angela’s home to the sanctuary where she rests and in the company of pilgrims from around the world, I was reminded that our school is part of a global living tradition.

Our last days were spent in Rome where we were fortunate to gather in St Peter’s Square for an audience with Pope Leo XIV as well as at the Generalate in Rome, the leadership headquarters for the Ursulines.

It is here where we met Sr Sue Flood, the Prioress General of the Ursulines of the Roman Union and Council members. She is the first Australian Sister to hold this position and is also an ex student of our beloved College.

This pilgrimage has been an extraordinary opportunity of inspiration, formation, companionship and renewal. I am very grateful to Sr Kari Hatherell, Provincial Leader of the Australian Ursulines, for providing me with the honour of being one of two Australian delegates to participate. 

In this issue, the stories reflect the legacy of Angela Merici’s vision: to cultivate women of faith, service and knowledge that can step into their future making a real difference to the lives of others.

Warm Regards

Vivienne Awad

Principal

Gospel Reflection

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

As the liturgical year draws to a close, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Christ the King – a feast that redefines kingship through the lens of love. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is crucified between two criminals. One mocks Him; the other, broken yet hopeful, whispers: “Jesus, remember me…” And Jesus responds not with judgment, but with promise: “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

This is the heart of Christ’s reign: mercy in suffering, dignity in despair. His throne is the cross. His crown is compassion.

At St Ursula’s, we see this Gospel come alive in our support for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Through hampers, donations and acts of kindness, our community embodies the spirit of Serviam, serving Christ by standing with those in need. In doing so, we echo the vision of Pope Leo XIV, who recently reminded the Church “In love, God will gather us together with our loved ones.”

As we prepare to enter Advent, a season of waiting and welcome, we are reminded of the deep longing that lives in every human heart. St Augustine named this longing with timeless clarity,“You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”

This restlessness is not a flaw, it is a grace. It draws us toward justice, mercy and Christ Himself. It stirs us to act, serve and  remember. And it finds its home in a community where Christ truly reigns. 

We also recognise that this longing for truth and belonging is shared across cultures and faith traditions. Whether expressed through prayer, service, or reflection, the search for meaning is sacred. In every act of compassion, no matter the creed, we glimpse the kingdom Christ proclaimed, a kingdom shaped by love, animated by mercy and open to all who seek.

May this Advent awaken in us a deeper desire to build that kingdom, not someday, but today.

Antoinette Nader
Acting/Religious Education Co-ordinator

Leadership Formation Retreat

Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre, Baulkham Hills

Our newly elected Senior leaders recently participated in a formation retreat at the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre in Baulkham Hills. The retreat provided a valuable opportunity for students to come together as a team, engage in leadership formation and reflect on what it means to lead in the spirit of St Ursula and St Angela.

Throughout the retreat, students took part in a series of team-building workshops and explored the qualities of both Ursuline and contemporary leadership; considering how faith, service and collaboration can work hand in hand to inspire their work in the year ahead. Together, they also developed the College Theme for 2026, which will guide our community’s focus and actions throughout next year.

The group concluded the retreat by beginning to plan their initiatives for 2026, projects that promise to strengthen school spirit, promote wellbeing and continue our commitment to justice and compassion.

We look forward to seeing the creativity, energy and passion that this inspiring team of leaders will bring to St Ursula’s in the year ahead.

Anne Sukkar
Leader of Wellbeing

Reflections from our College Co-Captains

The Senior Leadership Formation Retreat at the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre was a truly special experience. It gave us the chance to connect as a team, reflect on our roles and begin shaping the year ahead. The icebreaker activities were a fun way to start, helping us bond, laugh and build trust from the very beginning.

One of the highlights was creating our College Theme for 2026. We loved working together to develop a message that reflects our values and vision, and we’re so excited to launch it at the beginning of next year. It was empowering to know that our ideas will help guide the College community.

Most importantly, the retreat helped us unite as a company of women, inspired by the leadership of St Angela Merici.

We’re ready to lead with creativity, compassion and purpose, and we’re so grateful to Ms Sukkar, Mrs Hemmings, and Miss Magee for supporting us on this journey.

Olivia Holt and Ava Zygouras
College Co-Captains

Junior Leadership Training Day

Our newly elected Junior Student Leaders took part in an inspiring Leadership Training Day led by our 2025/2026 Senior Student Leadership Team. The day was designed to equip our incoming leaders with essential skills through engaging workshops, hands-on activities and peer-led discussions.

Throughout the day, our Junior Student Leaders explored key leadership themes; teamwork and team building, active listening and empathy, communication skills, achieving balance and the practical side to leadership.

Our Senior Leaders guided each session with enthusiasm and insight, fostering a supportive environment where our Junior Student Leaders could grow and connect. The day ended with reflections, goal-setting and planning the year ahead, leaving participants energised and ready to lead.

We’re proud of both our senior mentors and junior participants for making the day a resounding success!

Anne Sukkar
Leader of Wellbeing

Reflections from our Year 11 2026 Student Leaders

We took part in the Junior Student Leadership Training Day in preparation for our leadership roles in 2026. The Senior Student Leadership Team ran workshops that strengthened our teamwork, communication and active listening skills, and introduced us to the practical aspects of leading with purpose. Hands-on activities and peer discussions encouraged us to step outside our comfort zones and reflect on the type of leaders we hope to become.

Our Senior Leaders were inspiring role models, demonstrating Ursuline values through insightful sessions, activities and shared experiences. We explored our school values, ACCEPT, RESPECT, UNITE, ACT, EMPOWER and SERVE, and considered how to put them into action within our committees.

The day reminded us that, as Ursuline women, we are called to serve our faith, community and school with confidence and compassion. We are grateful to belong to a community where women uplift one another and build a foundation of inclusion. Overall, the training day was motivating and meaningful, equipping us with the skills and values we need as we step into our 2026 leadership roles.

Dimitra Thomas and Indiana Udit
Year 11 2026 Student Leaders

Youth Ministry News

ACU: Faith In Action Workshop

On Wednesday, we were fortunate enough to attend a Faith in Action Social Justice event hosted by ACU. This opportunity deepened our understanding of how St Vinnies faith and charitable work fosters connections. It encouraged us to reflect on how we can take action, stand up for what is right and make a positive difference within our community. 

The day’s focus on ‘servant leadership’ helped us reflect on the leadership roles we hold within school and how we can lead with compassion and empathy to make a real difference in our community. 

Throughout the day we heard from a range of speakers who shared stories of hope, wisdom and justice as well as participating in workshops that allowed us to deepen our understanding of injustices. 

We also had a chance to collaborate and meet students from other Sydney Catholic schools. We learnt of a range of social justice initiatives that other schools partake in and we shared our thoughts and beliefs working towards the goal of creating a more just and equal world. 

Indiana Udit, Liana Kazzi, Keira Yazbeck, Gabrielle Coorey, Olivia Gois
Year 10 Leaders

Street Feast

On Friday November 14, the Mirrabooka Committee, along with the Year 12 College Co-Captains, Mrs Nader and Ms Katacos, travelled to St Mary’s Cathedral to volunteer at Street Feast, a joyful gathering that brings our community together to welcome those facing tough times to share a meal on the forecourt.

The atmosphere was filled with energy and kindness as we volunteered our time to serve food to people who may not always have the opportunity to enjoy a warm meal. It was definitely an eye opening experience to see the gratitude on their faces and to realise how even small acts of service can make a big difference in someone’s day.

Before serving, the crowd gathered to listen to Archbishop Fisher, who delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech. His words reminded everyone of the importance of compassion, generosity and unity, especially during times when many people are struggling. The speech created a sense of hope and togetherness, leaving us all with a deeper appreciation for the value of community service.

Overall, the day was not only about giving but also about learning. We discovered how powerful it can be when young people step up to help others and how these experiences shape us into more empathetic and responsible individuals. It was a memorable event that showed us the true meaning of service and reminded us that kindness is something we can all share, no matter how big or small.

Lily Elias
Year 8

Mondays with Mary & Advent

We have just finished the month of October which is designated as the Month of the Rosary in our Catholic tradition. It is a time to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary by praying the Rosary. At the College we spend “Mondays with Mary” in the College Chapel and each week we have many staff and students attend. The Rosary is a powerful way to grow closer to Jesus by meditating on His life through the eyes of His mother. It also provides a time for the girls to sit quietly with our Lord and hear his voice in a world full of noise and distractions.

As the Advent season approaches it is even more important that we take time to sit with Mary and prepare for the coming of our Lord. During this time it is important to realise that Christ dwells within us but we need prayer and to communicate with him to realise this. We need to pause and reflect on Mary as a heavily pregnant woman journeying on a donkey to Bethlehem and what worries and concerns she would have had on her mind. During these busy times we also have many things on our minds. The Rosary provides us with a time-out to sit with our Mother and reflect on what really matters during this busy season. Jesus is the reason for this season of joy, love, hope and family.

The Rosary is said in the Chapel every Monday at lunch time – all students are welcome.

Book of Remembrance

In the Catholic tradition, November is dedicated to remembering all who have died, particularly our loved ones. During this time, we pray for them and for the repose of their souls, while also celebrating the gift of their lives. We hold in our hearts not only those close to us but also those who passed away alone with no one to pray for them.

You are invited below to add the names of departed loved ones.

These thoughts and prayers will be recorded in the Sydney Catholic Schools’ Online Book of Remembrance.

Nicole Katacos
Youth Ministry Coordinator

10:10 Retreat

On 18 and 19 November, a select few Year 10 students experienced the Catholic Youth 10:10 Retreat at Benedict XVI Retreat Centre in Grose Wold. Inspired by John 10:10 “I came that they may have life, and have it to the full”, the retreat offered a sanctuary for spiritual growth, moving beyond classroom learning to foster a deep, personal relationship with God.

Through prayer and quiet contemplation, they were encouraged to reflect on their purpose and values, while team-building activities strengthened their sense of community and belonging. The students embraced the chance to disconnect, reflect, and support one another on their faith journeys.

The students returned with a visible sense of peace, stronger bonds, and a renewed commitment to living a life “to the full’ engaging with the themes of faith, fellowship, and personal growth.
The retreat was a powerful reminder that our faith is a living part of our daily lives, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to share that light and positive energy within our College community.
We thank Mrs Gabi Habashy for accompanying our students.

This what the students had to say about their experience:

	Aalia Elachi “We had the meaningful opportunity to visit the Bush Chapel, a space surrounded by God’s creation and participated in Lectio Divina. Through this form of contemplative prayer, we reflected deeply on scripture and what it means to practice love in our lives today. As Lectio Divina is a form of prayer we do not typically engage in at school or home, it was a valuable experience and a wonderful opportunity to truly connect with God within such a calming and natural setting.”
	Olivia Gois “The 10:10 retreat offered the chance to participate in the beautiful spiritual experiences of Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Adoration was deeply spiritual and moving; I felt the presence of God within my heart. It was heartwarming to witness so many youth wholeheartedly embracing their faith and the opportunity for a beautiful interaction with God. The significant line for Confession felt like a powerful revival for us Catholic youth, showing how many were seeking forgiveness.”
	Olivia Katacos “The 10:10 retreat was an absolute gift, providing an environment filled with young people full of faith and hope. Witnessing everyone actively engage with their beliefs throughout all the activities was truly amazing. Seeing such profound engagement throughout the day undoubtedly strengthened my own faith and hope, and I am certain it did the same for every student who attended the retreat.”
	Isabelle Saroufim “At the 10:10 retreat, Adoration was a profound and unifying event, bringing all the youth together to experience the presence of Christ and the Eucharist. During this quiet time, the line for the Sacrament of Reconciliation grew consistently longer, a truly powerful sight. Seeing everyone in silent prayer during Adoration was an incredibly heartwarming and uniting experience for the entire group.”
	Alessia Stumpo “The 10:10 experience fostered valuable connections, particularly through a challenging escape room activity involving trivia and word puzzles. Working collaboratively as a team with students from other schools required us all to remain open-minded. This process allowed us to successfully form connections and grow significantly from the experience.”

One Meal – call for help in 2026

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, the One Meal service commenced in January 2019. In partnership with Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, our weekly meal service has now been running faithfully for six years. It remains 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 a single service since its beginning in January 2019.

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 contribute to the meals and this may include main courses, side dishes, soups, fruit or dessert.
• 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 would be required to complete a Volunteer Registration through One Meal and obtain a Working with Children Check number.
• All volunteers would 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 two hours of Service for the Insieme- Faith in Action Program.

If you would like to be added to the One Meal Team for 2026, please contact me at the College on (02) 9502 3300 or reach out via email on antoinette.nader@syd.catholic.edu.au

Antoinette Nader
Acting Religious Education Co-ordinator
Service & Outreach Co-ordinator

Year 7 Camp

We had a truly fantastic time at the Year 7 Camp in Week 6! The camp was an undeniable success, offering students incredible opportunities to challenge themselves, forge new friendships and make lasting memories.

Students eagerly tackled exciting activities like the high ropes course, the giant swing, and various team initiatives. These experiences weren’t just fun, they built resilience, promoted teamwork and instilled a real sense of personal accomplishment.

One of the most inspiring parts was seeing your daughters support each other. From cheering on friends on the high ropes to collaborating in team challenges, it was wonderful watching new friendships bloom and the entire year group grow into a cohesive, supportive community. 

A huge thank you goes to our dedicated and enthusiastic staff. Their encouragement and guidance were essential, ensuring every student felt included and empowered to step outside their comfort zones. We are fortunate to have such exceptional people making these experiences so meaningful.

The students returned home tired but with a visible sense of pride and confidence. We’re excited to see the strong friendships and sense of community they built this week continue to thrive throughout their time at the College.

Natalie Quail
Year 7 Coordinator

Orbispace Workshop at Canva

On Monday 17 November, the winners of The Orbispace Initiative (TOI) were treated to an unforgettable series of experiences designed to spark creativity, deepen curiosity, and empower future leaders. This program brought together industry experts, innovators, and leaders who generously shared their knowledge, stories, and careers with our students.

The day began at Canva Head Office for an exclusive STEM Experience Session where the Canva team delivered a hands-on look into the inner workings of a world-leading tech company. Software engineers, project designers, project managers, program designers and data scientists opened their doors and minds by showcasing the creative and technical processes behind Canva’s globally used platform. From interactive demonstrations to candid Q&A sessions, our students were able to see firsthand how collaboration, innovation and curiosity drive modern STEM careers.

Next, students engaged in a coaching session hosted by the Delta Goodrem Foundation. Delta Goodrem is TOI’s newest Ambassador, who designed the workshop facilitated by the foundation, focusing on the essential skills of creativity, confidence, and communication. 

The day concluded with a guided, behind-the-scenes tour of NSW Parliament House in Sydney. The students met with The Honourable Emily Suvall, Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Small Business, who shared her personal journey in politics. She spoke honestly about the hurdles she faced and the determination required to forge her path offering an inspiring reminder that leadership begins with courage, persistence, and purpose.

This program not only celebrated the achievements of the TOI winners but also opened doors to new dreams and possibilities. With guidance from creative icons, innovative tech leaders, and influential policymakers, our students gained invaluable insights that will help shape their futures. We look forward to seeing where their curiosity and passion will take them next.

Kaitlyn McDougall
Newman Teacher in Charge

Middle School Ethics Olympiad

On Monday 3 November, two teams of five Year 9 students competed in the Middle School Ethics Olympiad that took place over Zoom. This year’s competition looked at eight ethical cases on topical issues such as should artists’ ethics affect our artistic judgement?, bullfighting, using AI in the classroom and civilian intelligence in war to name a few. The competition involved discussing and refuting cases against a range of schools in NSW, being judged on ethical theories and moral objectivism. 

The following eth-letes represented the College:

Team 1

• Jacinta Shori

• Eden Vonhoff

• Vivian Li

• Maria Katsaros

• Elena Vidanovski

Team 2: 

• Marion Choi

• Lucy Yoegiar

• Madeleine Sutedjo

• Sophie Wong

• Ella Rentzepis

Through this competition, our eth-letes developed their critical thinking skills through engaging in important discussions with each other and students from a range of Australian contexts. The Ethics Olympiad provides students with a creative vehicle for developing skills in communication and respectful discourse while dealing with important and interesting ethical issues.

Both teams received an Honorable mention from the judges with Team 2 placing 5th overall!

Kaitlyn McDougall
Newman Teacher in Charge

Talented Maths Day Competition

On 14 November, St Ursula’s College hosted an exciting Year 6 Mathematics Day, welcoming 52 students from 13 local primary schools. Each school arrived with a team of four enthusiastic young mathematicians ready to take on a series of four challenging rounds. 

As Year 10 Advanced Mathematics students, we were fortunate to be part of the event, helping out and seeing firsthand the focus, teamwork, and determination the students brought to every task.

The atmosphere throughout the day was energetic and full of curiosity as students tackled problems that encouraged them to think deeply, work together and enjoy the challenge of learning. After a competitive set of rounds, Regina Coeli Primary School, Beverly Hills claimed the top spot and earned the title of Talented Maths Day champions.

It was genuinely inspiring to watch primary school students push themselves, discover new skills, and enjoy being part of something that celebrates learning. Events like this remind us how important it is to give young learners opportunities to grow, gain confidence and realise what they’re capable of. Congratulations to all the students for their amazing efforts and positive spirit throughout the day.

Keira Yazbeck & Logno Halsona
Year 10

Inner West Council Urban Photography Competition 2025

We are delighted to share that Year 10 student, Clara Drummond, has been awarded First Place in the High School category of the Inner West Council’s Urban Photography Competition 2025. Clara is a highly talented Photography and Digital Media student, and this achievement is a testament to her creativity, technical skill and dedication to her art making practice.

This year’s theme “Unearthed” invited young photographers to reveal hidden layers within the local environment and explore the deeper stories embedded in the area’s heritage and built landscape. Clara’s winning photograph, titled Steps in Time, thoughtfully captures these ideas through a beautifully composed and conceptually rich image.

We congratulate Clara on this outstanding accomplishment and are proud to share her work alongside the images from the competition.

Joanna Markas
Visual Arts Teacher

Exciting opportunities await for Julianna!

Year 12 graduate, Julianna Kupresak, recently completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma. This pathway has opened up some interesting opportunities for Julianna and she has received early university offers for the University of London.

Have you always had an interest in studying abroad and was this possibility a deciding factor in choosing the IB over the HSC?

What did you enjoy most about studying the IB?

What are your ambitions for the future?

Representative Sport Results

MyStrengths

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

Archbishop Fisher’s Newsletter

Please click here to view the latest newsletter from Archbishop Anthony Fisher.

Follow us on Social Media

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