Principal’s Message

I recently read an article by Fr Brendan Byrne SJ in Australian Catholics, 20 November 2023, about the feast day of Christ the King. Fr Byrne said:

“What Matthew’s Gospel on this feast day wishes to communicate with great seriousness is that the final outcome of one’s existence is irreversibly determined by the attitude one takes towards fellow human beings here and now. The final judgement will ask whether we have acted with active care and compassion to those in need”.

These words reminded me of a Christmas card I received many years ago from Sr Mary O’Neill osu, former Principal of St Ursula’s College. Mary had made the card herself and had included this verse inside the card:

Around us, we can all find examples of why this work of Christmas is needed more than ever and we don’t have to always look to places far away. The work of Christmas must begin in each of our hearts, in each of our homes. 

That is what Advent reminds us to do. To prepare our hearts again for the birth of Jesus.

The work of Christmas is hard work. It doesn’t begin at the start of Advent or end on 25 December and it has very little to do with lights or brightly wrapped gifts as lovely as these all are. It is about how each of us is a light for another person, each of us is a gift to another, and each of us meets the other with compassion and mercy every day.

 Let us pray that we do all we can to promote peace in our hearts, our families, our communities and our world and that we practise justice, mercy and faith.

As we approach the end of this academic year, I am continually inspired by the resilience, compassion, and dedication that our students, staff and parents display. Our last newsletter of the year is always jam-packed with so many wonderful accomplishments of those in our vibrant community however I do want to make a special mention here of one event brought to life this term.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

I know that the College had a rich history of producing musicals but somehow they had dropped off the College calendar. We have been blessed for the last 7 years with the wonderful “College Spectacular” with singing, dancing and acting, a mini version of a musical showcasing the talented students in a teacher-composed flow of a story, but this year we returned to the staging of a musical which took over 8 months to prepare, plan, rehearse and perform.

What impressed me about this event was the number of students who were involved both in front and behind the scenes. Singers, dancers, actresses, musicians, VET Entertainment lighting and sound producers, our hospitality team and candy sales girls, ushers, costumers, make-up artists as well as choreographers.  All of these girls, along with so many staff and no doubt parents, doing their bit to make such an amazing event happen in our Merici Hall. We were mesmerised by the standard of the musical from every perspective. I hope that this now becomes part of the College calendar. 

Staff Farewells

In this final newsletter of the year, I wish to extend my thanks to our incredible teachers and support staff. Their commitment to nurturing the academic, spiritual and personal growth of our young women is a great gift to our community. I especially want to thank and recognise the staff who will be leaving St Ursula’s. Their many and varied generous contributions both in and outside the classroom are what make the College such a harmonious community.

Mary Hayman 

Mary has been at St Ursula’s since 1990 and is synonymous with the Visual Arts Department. As the Visual Arts Coordinator for over 20 years, she has ensured that the creativity of each student could find its way into an artistic piece of work which was always proudly displayed each year. Many students would say that Art was and is their favourite subject where their individualism can find an expression and outlet. This is a magnificent accomplishment and I know Mary is highly respected by her colleagues and students. We are incredibly grateful for her valuable contribution to our College. We wish her all the best as she commences this wonderful chapter of retirement knowing full well that Mary will find her ways of expressing her creativity beyond the College.

Lorraine Khoury

Lorraine joined the staff in 2016 working in the Science area. A young gifted female scientist, she instilled a passion for science in her students until she began her family. She has been on extended parental leave for the last few years and has decided to resign to be with her three children as they grow. 

Matthew Sells

Matthew joined our community in 2019 working in the English, History and Business Services areas.  Matthew has also been busy co-leading our Voices of Tomorrow forum enabling students to develop an informed voice in the issues around the world that matter to them. We wish Matthew all the very best as he takes on a new venture beyond the classroom.

Jessica Touma

Jessica joined our community in 2020. When she came to our College I knew it was only a matter of time before she would gain the confidence to take up a formal leadership role in the area of Religious Education. While we were saddened that she has accepted the role of Assistant REC, we know that she is more than ready for this role. I thank her especially this year for accompanying our girls on World Youth Day and sharing her faith so generously with all of her classes. 

Claire Mulcahy

Claire joined our English department in 2023 bringing with her a wealth of expertise and skill. We wish her all the very best as she pursues interests beyond the classroom.  

Audrey Noonan

Audrey joined our Visual Arts team at the beginning of 2023 in a temporary role and has successfully secured a position at another school in 2024. We thank her for her creativity and passion for all things textiles and wish her all the very best in the future. 

Thank you to our St Ursula’s Representative Council (STURC)

I take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the parent representatives of the STURC and the many families who supported the STURC initiatives to build our community through the events they generously coordinated. We are all the better for your work and efforts.

In particular, our staff this morning were delighted by the staff thank you morning tea organised by Year 7 parent representatives. Special thanks to Marisa Corniola; Peter Shori; and Diana Nasr for their wonderful organisation of this special event.

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank every one of you for the opportunities and challenges that you have provided me in my tenure as Principal over the last 8 years. I have been so very blessed to have led this remarkable community and sincerely wish it continues to grow in faith, knowledge, mercy and compassion.

May the coming weeks be filled with joy, love, and a renewed and re-energised sense of purpose as we prepare our hearts for the arrival of Christmas and the work to come. 

Thank you for your continued support to make St Ursula’s a place where all are welcome.

Wishing you all a blessed and holy Christmas so when the song of the angels is stilled you will be ready.

Goodbye and God bless,

Mary Leask

Principal

Assistant Principal’s Message

Throughout my years teaching there are certain events and milestones that I look back on with great fondness. The special assembly to farewell Mrs Leask last Wednesday is certainly one of these milestones.

Mrs Leask began at St Ursula’s as College Principal in 2016 and has worked tirelessly to build a wonderful school community based on Angela Merici’s teachings about Insieme and Serviam. The love and esteem that Mrs Leask is held in was evident by the fact that each of the College Captains from 2016 to 2023 either sent messages or attended the assembly in person to reflect on their memories of her leadership at the College. 

Our current 2024 College Co-Captains, Annabelle Johnson and Daniella Haklane said these beautiful words in their address:

“Mrs Leask, as you look back over your eight years at St Ursula’s College you must be very satisfied. While this chapter of our school is coming to a close, you have served our school well, and have left us with a wonderful legacy to write the future chapters of our story. We are brave, innovative, capable and empowered women, and we have been collectively inspired by you. You have shown us that compassionate and kind leadership is a strength and that much good can happen when we strive for excellence and support each other to be the best versions of ourselves.”

Students from each year group presented Mrs Leask with gifts which represented their year group values. These included a hand-knitted doll made by the Year 9 crochet and knitting club who united to make this gift; a hand-decorated pot plant holder from Year 8 Visual Art students representing the values of respect and nurture; and cards from every homeroom representing the value of accept that thanked and affirmed Mrs Leask. Empowered Year 11 student, Angelina Castelli, beautifully sang one of Mrs Leask’s favourite arias, Puccini’s “O Mio Babbino Caro”, which brought the house down and Mrs Leask to tears, and talented Year 10 student Jacinta Drumond performed her original composition for Mrs Leask based on the value of act.

The assembly concluded with students and staff making a Guard of Honour through the Piazza, resplendent with bubbles and applause! 

On a personal note, I would also like to thank Mrs Leask for her constant support, and for being such a compassionate, diligent and caring leader. Her actions certainly embody the Serviam spirit that the College was founded on. She will be greatly missed. On behalf of the College community, I wish Mrs Leask every success with her new school community at St Patrick’s College Campbelltown. 

I think Annabelle and Daniella, 2024 Co-Captains, summed up Mrs Leask’s tenure perfectly:

“So, while you may be leaving us now, your legacy will always be alive here at St Ursula’s. You, among all people, embody Serviam in your service to us, to this leadership team, to the staff, to the students and the community. You have lit up this school with joy. So, on behalf of the whole College community, we want to say thank you. Thank you for teaching us from the age of 11 that we shouldn’t settle for good, but strive for great.”

Finally, I would like to thank you, our parents, for your ongoing support of the College.

2023 has been a wonderful year and I wish you a safe and happy Christmas.

Janet Cairncross

Assistant Principal

Baptism of Jesus

This week’s Gospel beautifully captures the spirit of preparation and waiting that characterises the liturgical season of Advent. John the Baptist is portrayed as fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah and others as the one who comes before the Lord preparing the way. He is a messenger, sent by God to ‘do the groundwork’ preparing the people for the coming of Christ. Although this passage is used during Advent as preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, we know that John was a contemporary (indeed cousin) of Jesus and the time of preparation was immediately prior to Jesus’ public ministry.

John appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism for the forgiveness of sins. It may seem odd to think of going to the wilderness to try to influence people. Today we might think that the city centre or street corner might be the better venue to preach something. What is it about the wilderness? Reference is made to the wilderness several times in scripture. It is used as a place of preparation and encounter with God. The wilderness referred to was a vast expanse of emptiness on the eastern side of the Jordan River. It was not uncommon for wandering preachers like John and Jesus to go out into the wilderness as a way of making a break from their previous life and getting themselves ready in body and spirit to begin their ministry. The wilderness to the east of the Jordan River was also the place in which many of the rebels based themselves. There was a sense that challenge and unrest came out of the wilderness. In many ways that is what Jesus – heralded by John – brought out of the wilderness as well.

The understanding that we generally have of baptism today has not always been the case. At the time of John and Jesus, the Jewish tradition used baptism as a ritual bath to cleanse a person who had become ritually unclean and make them able to participate in religious rituals. It was called a mikvah and Jewish adherents still use this form of ritual purification to this day. What John was preaching was a baptism for the forgiveness of sins – a new interpretation at the time. He emphasised that repentance was essential for forgiveness and that there needed to be a conscious returning to God. John’s baptism was a symbolic act to signify the willingness of the person to renounce their sins and make a more conscious return to God.

The Gospel of Mark is sometimes portrayed as a ‘no fuss’ Gospel. Many years ago, when I was completing my Certificate A in Religious Education here at St Ursula’s College, my lecturer said “Mark the Stark” because there is so much less imagery and prose in this Gospel. Nowhere is this more clearly seen than in this week’s passage. We have the first eight verses of the Gospel and the author wastes no time in announcing the purpose, ‘The beginning of the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.’ The Gospel of Mark does not give any infancy narrative or genealogy like Matthew or Luke, nor a theological foreword like John. It jumps straight in with a declaration that Jesus is the Son of God and almost immediately begins to explore his ministry.

The Gospel passage quotes the prophet Isaiah (although text combines Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:3; and Exodus 23:20) and casts John the Baptist in the role of fulfilling the prophecy of the voice that cries in the wilderness, ‘Prepare a way for the Lord’. The description of John in camel-skin and eating locusts and wild honey is designed to align him with Elijah, the great prophet of Jewish history. In a very short and sharp passage the Gospel ties the coming of Jesus to the expectation of a Messiah that has run through Jewish history and been foretold by the great prophets.

That is why St Mark took the term ‘Gospel’ (Good News) which was used on inscriptions announcing an Emperor’s birth or victory, and used it to describe his inspired rendering of the mission of Jesus Christ, which was to inaugurate the ‘Kingdom of God’, overcoming the pretensions of all Emperors of any kind throughout history.

We could pause for a moment to thank God for the Good News of our being baptised with water in the ‘Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ Our Lord loves us so much, I pray everyone in our community feels His love this Christmas.

Prayer for Advent

Dear Lord, please allow me to embrace Advent in the way the Church intends: as a way to prepare for Your arrival. May everything I do – every gift I send, every party I attend, every meal I share – remind me to prepare space in my heart for You. Help me to love more fully, to forgive more generously, to wait more patiently for Christmas, embracing each day and hour knowing the joy that awaits. In Your name I pray. Amen

Mary, our Lady of Inclusive Love – Pray for us

St Angela Merici – Pray for us

St Ursula – Protect our future

Giving Thanks for 2023

On Friday 1 December, the College community came together to celebrate our year together. Fr Peter Kwak presided over a Mass of Thanksgiving for all the gifts of this year. I’d like to thank all the staff and students who were involved in the Mass, especially Mrs Nader and Mrs Watson for their expertise. It was lovely to see some parents who were able to make the mass and the video from the students thanking everyone for the year was a great expression of gratitude. Please see the photographs below.

At this special time of preparation for the birth of our Saviour, I wish all the members of our community a very happy, holy and blessed Advent season and a Merry Christmas. May our God’s love be with you and your families. 

Julie Monk

Religious Education Coordinator

Above Average Results in the Archdiocesan Religious Education Tests

We have received the results of the Archdiocesan Religious Education Tests for Years 8 and 10, which were held in week 1 of the term. These tests were online for the first time this year.  The test in Year 8 examines the work of the whole of stage 4, which means it includes content from Years 7 and 8. The test in Year 10 examines the work of the whole of stage 5, which means it includes content from Years 9 and 10.

I can report that we are significantly above average in both years, as has been the great tradition at the College.

In Year 10 we achieved 10 High Distinctions, 69 Distinctions, 81 Credits and 25 Participation certificates. We had 185 students sit the test with an average of 32.2/50, while the Archdiocese average was 29.2/50. Our highest score was 45/50 and lowest was 14/50.

In Year 8 we achieved 19 High Distinctions, 61 Distinctions, 81 Credits and 19 Participation certificates. We had 180 students sit the test with an average score of 32.6/50, while the Archdiocese average was 29.1/50. Our highest score was 47/50 and lowest was 10/50.

Students will now receive these certificates next year. Each student will receive a certificate, a report with a breakdown of their results into the strands with a comparison to the Archdiocesan average, and a page with the analysis of the question with content area assessed, question number, their answer, the correct answer and a percentage of how many candidates got the question correct.

For our analysis we have the results in class breakdowns and breakdowns into strands. It is interesting to note that our students are above archdiocesan averages in the Strands 

A – Scripture and Jesus

B – Church and Community

D – Prayer, Liturgy and Sacraments

and closer to average on

C – God, Religion and Life

E – Morality and Justice.

I’d like to thank the Religious Education teachers at the College for their work in preparing the students for these tests. Thank you to the Year 7 and 9 teachers from 2022 and the Year 8 and 10 teachers of 2023. We are very pleased with the results.

Julie Monk 
Religious Education Coordinator

Our Parishes: Christmas Liturgical Celebrations

Our Lady of Fatima Parish Kingsgrove

St Francis Xavier Ashbury

St Declan’s & St Joseph’s

Semester 2 Academic Awards

We congratulate all students who received an award at the recent Year 7-10 Awards Ceremonies.

Commencing with Academic Excellence awards, the ceremony recognised students who exhibited exemplary performance in their subjects. The awards highlight the dedication and diligence these students have applied to their studies.

Additionally, we acknowledged the recipients of Commitment to Academic Studies awards, which reward students who demonstrate unwavering determination and a commendable work ethic. These awards aim to recognise sustained effort and a positive attitude in the academic journey.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of Special Awards, designed to acknowledge outstanding contributions in diverse areas such as leadership, creativity and community service. These awards celebrate the many talents and qualities of our students.

We extend our gratitude to parents and teachers for their support and guidance of these students throughout the year. The collaborative efforts of the school community are important in fostering the success of our students. We congratulate all recipients on their achievements

Heather Jesuadian
Leader of Teaching & Learning Innovation

Please click on the below links to view all our Award recipients

2023 Semester 2 Academic Awards Years 7 & 8

2023 Semester 2 Academic Awards Years 9 & 10

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Takes the Stage by Storm

We are thrilled to share the extraordinary success of St Ursula’s College first musical production, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”! The entire College community came together to create a magical experience that captivated audiences and showcased the incredible talent within our walls.

A Stellar Lead Cast that Shone Bright:

The spotlight shone on our remarkable lead cast, led by the talented Olivia Barsoum, Year 11 and Ava Andrews, Year 9, who embodied the characters of Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket with unparalleled skill and charm. Alongside a stellar lead cast which included the Grandparents, Mrs Bucket, the ticket winners, reporters Cherry and Jerry, Mrs Green, their dedication to their roles and the countless hours of rehearsal truly paid off, bringing the beloved characters to life in a way that left the audience in awe.

Ensemble Cast and Dazzling Dancers:

The magic of Willy Wonka’s world wouldn’t be complete without the vibrant ensemble cast and energetic dancers who filled the stage with life and excitement. From the Oompa-Loompas to the high-energy dancing which accompanied many of the songs, each performer brought their unique flair to the production, creating a rich tapestry of characters that delighted audiences of all ages.

Pit Band and Choir Perfection:

The musical wouldn’t be complete without the incredible melodies and harmonies provided by our pit band and choir. Their skillful execution of the score added a layer of emotion and excitement to the production, creating an immersive experience for everyone in the audience. The band played a professional Broadway musical score which was incredibly challenging and they worked alongside some professional musicians to bring the diverse score to life.

Backstage Heroes and Creative Crew:

Behind the scenes, our dedicated backstage crew worked tirelessly to ensure seamless scene transitions, dazzling special effects, and an overall enchanting atmosphere. We had Year 11 and 12 VET Entertainment students, ex-students and student volunteers assist backstage and behind the scenes, assisting with lighting, vision, sound, backstage with sets and props. Students also assisted with set decoration and the creative minds behind the scenes made Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory come to life. Their commitment to excellence truly elevated the production to new heights.

Masters of Make-Up:

A special round of applause goes to our talented make-up artists who transformed our cast into fantastical characters with their artistry. The vibrant colours and intricate hair added an extra layer of enchantment to the visual spectacle, creating a high level of professionalism throughout the cast. 

A Feast for the Senses:

In a delightful fusion of culinary artistry and musical magic, our talented Hospitality students helped prepare a delectable spread of gastronomic delights, including savoury dishes, sweet treats, and irresistible confections. The students even made Wonka Bars with winning golden tickets and a decadent Wonka-licious dessert. Their culinary creations not only satisfied the appetites of our enthusiastic audience but also added a flavourful dimension to the entire musical experience. The seamless collaboration between these culinary maestros and the musical performers showcased the diverse talents within our College community, leaving everyone with a taste of the extraordinary.

The success of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is a testament to the collaborative spirit and exceptional talent that thrives within the St Ursula’s College community. The thunderous applause and standing ovation from the audience were a well-deserved acknowledgment of the hard work, passion, and creativity poured into this production.

A heartfelt thank you extends to our exceptional College teaching staff who played a significant role in bringing the musical to life and whose unwavering dedication and passion transformed the recent musical into a resounding success. Their commitment to nurturing talent and fostering creativity was evident in every note played, every line spoken, and every scene performed. The collaborative spirit between our talented educators and students created an inspiring atmosphere that resonated with artistic brilliance. It’s through their tireless efforts, guidance, and infectious passion that our college community witnessed the magic of the musical come to life. We extend our deepest gratitude to the teaching staff for their invaluable contributions, shaping not just a performance but an unforgettable experience for all.

As we reflect on this remarkable achievement, let’s celebrate the unity, dedication, and artistic brilliance that define St Ursula’s College in the Creative and Performing Arts. We look forward to more magical performances in the future as we continue to nurture and showcase the extraordinary talents within our school.

Thank you for your unwavering support and congratulations to everyone involved in making “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” an unforgettable success!

Gemma Baldwin

CAPA Coordinator and Producer 

Maths ICAS Competition 2023

Earlier this year, the Year 7, 8 and 9 Newman and Accelerated Maths classes participated in the ICAS Maths Competition.

“ICAS Assessments are designed to recognise academic excellence, students are assessed on their ability to apply classroom learning to new contexts using higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills.” www.unswglobal.unsw.edu.au

The students who achieved awards for these assessments are listed below. Congratulations to them!

Lara Summersford
Leader of Inclusive Education

Thank you to our student volunteer readers and writers

Throughout 2023, we were fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteer readers and writers who generously offered their time to support students in their assessment tasks. They played a crucial role in ensuring that every student had the opportunity to perform at their best, despite any challenges they may have faced.

To show our appreciation, a special thank you pizza party was organised to acknowledge these students’ commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment here at the College. The girls who volunteered truly made a difference in the lives of their peers, enabling them to excel in their assessments. It is heartening to see such a strong sense of community spirit within our student body.

As we look ahead to the next school year, we will need more students to get involved! Volunteering as a reader and writer not only allows students to contribute to the success of their peers but also counts towards community service hours. Look out for this in the Daily Notices in early Term 1.

Lara Summersford

Leader of Inclusive Education

Year 10 Prepare for their Senior Years

Weeks 8 and 9 of Term 4 have brought along the highly anticipated Senior Transition Program for our Year 10 Students. This program aims to best prepare students for their senior years at the College, with activities designed to encourage teamwork, nurture their wellbeing, live out our ‘ACT’ Ursuline Value, equip them with life skills and provide them with some insight into their recently chosen senior subjects. I was so impressed with how our girls stepped up during this program with maturity and enthusiasm. Many took on activities and challenges that for some, they had never done before, whilst others really took this as an opportunity to give back to our community.

Many thank-yous must go out to the various staff members involved throughout the program, those who volunteered their time, assisted in planning, rooming, running taster lessons, reflection day, first aid and other workshops throughout the fortnight.  Our girls are beyond blessed to have such supportive teachers.

Many of our students have recounted their favourite parts of the program below, providing an insight into their experiences over the past two weeks. I have no doubt our year 10 girls are ready to take on the challenges that come their way over the next two years, be it senior schooling or in a world beyond our school gates. In the meantime, the school holidays await.

Miss Celeste Martinez
Year 10 Coordinator 

Ineke Chessari:

Within the transition program, Year 10 students were provided with two opportunities to receive a brief outlook on how their senior classes will operate the following year through the taster lessons. As students, we were required to move around each period to a different class, representing the classes we have enrolled in for the next two years. This included any form of science, English, Religion, Mathematics, Technology, PDHPE or HSIE. Here we were greeted with each course’s teachers, allowing them to go through a series of activities to help us develop our understanding of the subject and what we can expect in these approaching years. This experience was truly eye-opening, and strongly assisted in resolving any confusion of what a course may look like, alongside relieving a significant amount of nerves associated with moving into senior school. This especially allowed us students to get considerably excited for the years ahead. Both days were incredibly informative, enjoyable and overall a terrific way to reinforce the great deal of work and thinking that both students and teachers have placed this year around subject choices for years 11 and 12.

Zara Sly:

As part of our transition program, we engaged in various workshops on Thursday that helped us discover and develop our skill set, preparing us for senior classes and life after school. These workshops included “My Strengths,” where we took a quiz to identify our top five traits and learn how to work with them effectively. We also participated in a Qi Gong meditation session, a job interview and resume workshop, and a Galmatic workshop where we learned how to change a car tire through a hands-on demonstration. These workshops provided us with guidance and helped us recognize and develop our skill set.

Emily Moubarak:

During our transition program we embarked upon an orienteering day in the city to get more familiar with travelling and navigating independently. We were all given different routes and expected to find our way to different locations throughout the day with tools such as Tripview and Google Maps. My group got to visit UTS, Hyde Park, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Sydney Museum. We also stopped at Westfield and had Sushi for lunch! Overall the experience was very informative and fun; we were given the responsibility of figuring out our own routes and the opportunity to have fun with our friends throughout the activities. We are very grateful to all of the teachers who helped out at the checkpoints and had to wear orange high vis in the middle of the city. 

Valerie Tan:

As a part of the Year 10 Transition Week, we had the opportunity to participate in different workshops, including Skincare & Relaxation! The workshop was led by nurse Mandy, owner of Skinroom by Mandi. We learnt about different skin types and skin conditions, and were advised on how to properly take care of our skin. We were also recommended products to implement into our skincare routines, as well as products to avoid. On top of that, we were each given a personal skin analysis, using a device that allowed us to see what was hidden beneath our skin. Finishing off, we made and applied our own clay masks. Overall, it was an experience we all got a lot out of, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

Christina Elia:

For the final two weeks of term 4, year 10 have taken part in the senior transition program, which included participating in teacher-led workshops. The Mock Trial group led by Mr Baker was an exceptional workshop to provide insight for those with an interest in the legal environment, as he explained what a Mock Trial is, how the competition works and the different components that go into it. Mr Baker described the different roles including barristers, solicitors, witnesses, court officers and magistrates, as well as what students in a role should aim to achieve in order to be successful against other schools, which was further demonstrated through videos, scripts and other fruitful materials from past Mock Trials. It was comparable to a real trial, which was extremely beneficial for those who wish to pursue a path within law. Overall, this workshop was an amazing way to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities provided to senior students at the college and introduce year 10 students to law beyond year 9 and 10 commerce. The whole experience sparked the interest of many students in the room who wish to be a part of the 2024 team.

Talia Petaccia:

On Friday, during the first week of our transition program, we had the privilege of listening to Melissa McGuinness, founder of You Choose Driver Safety. Despite having already heard her story at our BStreetsmart excursion in August, it was no less heartbreaking.

Melissa’s son was involved in a horror crash in 2012, where he was speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. He took the lives of 4 innocent teenagers, as well as his own. Since then, Melissa has been an advocate for driver safety, being Queensland’s Australian of the Year runner-up two years in a row, and founding You Choose with her husband, Peter, in 2017. Through You Choose, they aim to deliver student-led workshops and programs, along with facilitating authentic personal accountability for negligent driving.

After Melissa spoke to our grade, we returned to our classrooms, where we completed a number of activities regarding driver safety. This included, but was not limited to, reflection on Melissa’s speech and the emotions it caused us to feel, learning about the different causes of car crashes, and information about those more likely to be involved in a crash. This workshop was eye-opening for so many people, especially hearing Melissa’s story from a first hand perspective. Melissa left us with a very important message to reflect on, that not only applies to taking care when driving, but also everyday situations, ‘Intentions are irrelevant when actions harm ourselves or others.’

It’s safe to say that Year 10 actively enjoyed the You Choose Driver Safety workshop, despite it being confronting at times, it was a lesson well learned to educate us about the dangers of reckless driving, as well as hopefully preventing irresponsible driving behaviours

All My Own Work

As part of their preparation for beginning their senior courses, Year 10 students have participated in a range of activities to learn about academic honesty and they have learned about the penalties for cheating and how to avoid malpractice.

Last Friday they viewed a range of short films aimed to inform teenagers about the concepts covered by the program.

Congratulations to Jessica Carlisle, Sarah Conte, Jacinta Drumond, Jesslyn Iswanto who won first prize.

Thank you to Mrs Leask, Mrs Jesuadian and Mrs Fisher who acted as judges. 

Elizabeth Lansdown
Resource & Information Coordinator

Knitting and Crocheting for the Sydney Children’s Hospital

On 27 November, Kristina, Phoebe, and Olivia set out with Mrs. Lansdown to the Sydney Children’s Hospital to give them our annual donations from the Knitting and Crochet Club. 

The Knitting and Crochet Club spends the entire year looming, knitting, and crocheting beanies, blankets, and toys for premature babies, and young children at the Sydney Children’s Hospital. 

We are proud to say that this year, we had the pleasure of donating forty baby beanies, seven blankets, and one toy. We all took the train to Central during Period 2 and caught the Lightrail to the Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick. 

Once we arrived, we were met by a lovely worker at the SCH, Dhani, and we gave her the donations, took some photos outside the hospital, and made our way back to the College. 

We are so grateful and proud of every student and teacher who worked with us in order to make and deliver the beanies, blankets, and toys and we hope that you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Elizabeth Lansdown
Resource & Information Coordinator

Zonta Club Packs Birthing Kits

On Saturday 2 December, a group of 30 St Ursula’s students and 10 Botany Bay Zonta volunteers assembled 600 birthing kits to be sent to disadvantaged pregnant women in developing countries.

One significant initiative embraced by Zonta clubs across Australia involves the assembly of birthing kits. The motivation behind this effort stems from the alarming statistics that indicate every hour 33 women die of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, and an estimated 385,000 women die annually in childbirth, many from preventable infections. Zonta Australia works with Birthing Kit Foundation Australia to pack and supply these kits for expecting mothers around the world. The birthing kits contain materials and equipment that are intended to mitigate the risks associated with childbirth in developing countries and to support hygienic practices and environments during childbirth. 

We had set out multiple tables where the students and volunteers would sit and pack the birthing kits using the materials provided. Each station was equipped with a detailed instruction manual to guide participants through the assembly process. The materials and equipment required to pack into the birthing kit included a pair of gloves, a block of soap, a sterile scalpel, a sheet of plastic, five pieces of gauze and three pieces of string. Thanks to the efficient and dedicated team, all 600 birthing kits were assembled and packed ahead of schedule.

The volunteers take pride in knowing that because they volunteered a small amount of our time to pack these birthing kits, they have increased the safety of multiple mothers and babies across the world and have potentially saved the lives of these individuals.

The St Ursula’s Zonta Club is planning to hold more initiatives similar to the birthing kit day, so if you would like to join the movement, mark your calendars for every Day 6 (Monday) and gather in LG21 during lunchtime. Let your voice be heard as we strive for a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Brianna Serrao
Year 10

Year 8 Students in TIMMS Assessment Participation

We are excited to share the news of a number of our Year 8 students’ active participation in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) assessment on 20 November 2023. TIMSS is a global benchmarking test that evaluates the mathematics and science knowledge of students from around the world.

A number of Year 8 students demonstrated commendable engagement during the assessment, showcasing not only their individual commitment but also the high standard of education provided here at St Ursula’s. The TIMSS assessment serves as a valuable tool to measure and compare our students’ performance on an international scale, providing insights into our education system’s effectiveness.

The dedication of our teaching staff and the active involvement of our students are evident in their enthusiastic participation in the TIMSS assessment. We want to extend our appreciation to each student who took part in this international evaluation.

As we continue to foster a culture of learning and excellence at St Ursula’s, we look forward to more opportunities for our students to actively engage in global assessments. The TIMSS participation has not only highlighted our students’ commitment to academic growth but also reinforced our dedication to providing a world-class education that prepares them for success in an ever-evolving world.

Thank you to our Year 8 students for their active participation in the TIMSS assessment. We are confident that this experience will contribute to their continued growth and success.

Heather Jesuadian

Leader of Teaching and Learning Innovation

Year 7 Embrace the Challenges of Camp

Excitement filled the atmosphere as Year 7 students eagerly boarded buses for the Yarramundi Y Camp. Central to the Year 7 camp was a dedicated emphasis on our Ursuline value of acceptance, highlighting themes of belonging, inclusivity, and embracing diversity.

Our girls showcased their adventurous spirit by fearlessly taking on the Giant Swing and Flying Fox. These activities, requiring trust and courage, served as powerful lessons, encouraging them to step beyond their comfort zones. The High Ropes course and rock climbing further illustrated that, with determination and support, our girls could conquer any obstacle.

Meal times turned into occasions for sharing camp stories, and evening activities added an extra layer of excitement to our days. The girls dancing joyfully into the night, adorned in their favourite band t-shirts. Our students also forged a unique connection with the local wildlife, befriending a brushtail possum we affectionately named Ringo Starr.

I must commend our girls for their exceptional behaviour, their willingness to try new things, and their unwavering support for one another throughout the demanding camp activities. It was heartening to witness the bonds of friendship and encouragement that blossomed among them.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the incredible team of teachers, my fellow campmates, who dedicated their time and filled the camp with boundless energy and positivity.

The Yarramundi Y Camp was more than just a camp, it was a journey that strengthened our girls’ resilience, fostered a sense of belonging, and left them with lasting memories. 

Margaret Amore

Year 7 coordinator

All Abuzz at the Year 7 Spelling Bee

This week at St Ursula’s, the buzz was all about words – specifically, the thrilling Year 7 Spelling Bee held on Tuesday, 5 December. This eagerly awaited event brought together our brightest young spellers, showcasing their impressive linguistic skills in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere.

The following students either competed directly in the competition or were the runners up for their respective classes:

First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to Mrs Helen McCarthy, whose dedication and hard work in organising the event and arranging the prizes made the day truly special. Her tireless efforts behind the scenes ensured everything ran smoothly, and her enthusiasm running the competition was contagious!

Our esteemed presenter, Ms Karen Horder, and judges Ms Sandra Kasses and Ms Kalli Glynatsis, also deserve a round of applause for their fair and expert adjudication. Their task was not an easy one, given the high calibre of spelling talent on display.

And let’s not forget Ms Stefanie Chan, who donned the role of our in-house ‘Paparazzi’. Her keen eye for capturing the day’s excitement and tension added a fun and memorable element to the event. We can’t wait to see her fantastic photos!

A special acknowledgment goes to all the students who participated, including the runners-up from each class, who demonstrated admirable spelling prowess. Your hard work and preparation shone through in every round.

Laura Morgan from 7.2 deserves a special mention for coming in a very close second. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular, and she showed great sportsmanship throughout the competition.

And of course, a big congratulations to Eden Vonhoff from 7.4, for clinching the title of this year’s Spelling Bee Champion! Eden’s skill and calm composure under pressure were truly commendable. Well done, Eden!

The entire event was not only a testament to our students’ academic abilities but also a lot of fun. It’s heartening to see such a vibrant display of talent and teamwork. Each participant, teacher, and organiser contributed to making the Spelling Bee a huge success.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s competition. Until then, keep spelling and exploring the magic of words!

Go Team Year 7!

Matthew Sells

English/VET Business Teacher

Festive Baking for Charity

Term 4 has been very busy in the kitchens. All of the Year 7 Food and Technology students made a selection of delicious slices and cookies for the Kingsgrove One Meal service. They made so much they had enough for two services! The year 7 students learned about the One Meal program and were encouraged to get involved in this important initiative. The year 10 Hospitality students assisted with the cutting, wrapping & packing.

During their Transition Program, Year 10 students made 40 beautiful gingerbread houses ready to donate to the Kingsgrove One Meal service next week.

The Year 10 Hospitality students also made 100 mini Christmas cakes, professionally decorated and wrapped, to be donated to the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry to add to their Christmas hampers.

Emma Smith

TAS/VET Teacher

Year 7 Orientation Day

Year 7 marks the beginning of an incredible adventure for students, and at St Ursula’s we believe in starting this journey on the right note. 

Our 2024, Year 7 students had their Orientation Day last week. This was a special event designed to ease the transition into high school and set the stage for a year filled with growth, learning, and friendship.

The day began with our incoming year 7 students meeting our Principal, College Leadership Team and their Year Coordinators. Students then experienced taster lessons ranging from Visual Arts to Languages and Science. They then went on a Campus Tour where they navigated the College with their Year 12 Big sisters with a passport tour. The day ended with a fabulous concert by our talented Music students.

At St Ursula’s we understand that the transition to high school is not only significant for students but also for their families. As such, it was lovely to see so many parents and carers at our Parent Information night where we discussed matters relating to curriculum, extracurricular activities, and ways to support their child during this transition.

Orientation day is crucial for easing the adjustment to high school, building confidence, and establishing the foundation for a successful and positive academic journey. We thank our parents, carers and their daughters for the way in which they engaged in both Orientation and the Parent Information Night. We are very much looking forward to working closely with you in 2024.

Anne Sukkar
Leader of Wellbeing

Thursday Sport

St Ursula’s College win the Sydney FC Junior Girls Invitational Cup 2023

On Tuesday, 28 November, a selected under 14s team represented St Ursula’s at the Sydney FC Junior Girls Invitational Cup held at Macquarie University Sporting Fields.

Led by their coach, Mr McGuire, the girls displayed exceptional teamwork, determination and skill that led them to having great success in the round games, finishing second overall in their group.  In the semi final, a tight match up with Clancy Catholic College saw St Ursula’s win in a penalty shoot-out to secure their place in the grand final against Marist Sisters’ College.

The team put on an amazing final performance and were victorious over Marist Sisters’, 4-1, making their coach Mr McGuire extremely proud. As winners of the tournament the team have been awarded with an un-catered box voucher to any Sydney FC home game!

Congratulations to the following team members:

Year 7

Gabriella Edwards

Sofia Santibanez

Victoria Vasiliou

Year 8

Hannah Brett

Olivia Cardoso 

Zoe Felice

Violet Knight Ortiz 

Charlize Krkovski

Christina Mermelas 

Clara Noun 

Keira Yazbeck 

Molly Nash

Year 9

Giulia Pappas

Jaclyn Mott

Sports Plus Coordinator

St Ursula’s Spirit at Badminton Gala Day

A small group of our students from 7-11 made a remarkable impression at the Badminton Gala Day, hosted by Sydney Catholic Schools on 6 December. This event brought together student badminton enthusiasts from right across Sydney Catholic Schools for a spirited one-day competition.

Accompanied by Mr Sells, the students participated across junior, intermediate, and senior categories. Despite varying experience levels, all our girls displayed incredible spirit and resolve, even when up against more seasoned opponents.

Special recognition goes to duos who excelled in their categories and made it as far as the semi finals: Renee Tsz Ching and Mayah Yeung (Juniors), Rena Liang and Valerie Kwong (Intermediate), and Zoe Deng and Archanna Sivanesan (Seniors). Their performances were impressive to watch.

Congratulations to all our students for their commendable performance, and we look forward to future events that highlight their sporting prowess.

Matthew Sells

English/VET Business Services Teacher

2024 NSW All Schools Triathlon Championships

This is the schools pathway to School Sport Australia

Registrations now open

Entries close 7 February 2024 – no late entries will be accepted.

Wednesday, 21 February 2024 – Individuals Event – $45 each registration

     This is the schools pathway to School Sport Australia

Thursday, 22 February 2024 – school based team relay event – $60 per team

Sydney International Regatta Centre

4 divisions – Junior (12-14), Intermediate (15 & 16), Senior (17-19), Multi Class (12-19)

Individual registrations are through the CSNSW.SPORT portal – requires a parent account and student registration.

School Teams entries via https://csnsw.sport/triathlon-form (you must be logged into the CSNSW.SPORT portal)

Please pass onto you your school community.

For more information – https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/triathlon or check out the attached information sheet.

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 before the end of Term 4. 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. 

Finance News

2023 School Fees Now Overdue

2023 School fees should now be finalised. If you have not yet paid your fees in full, please contact the College Finance Office to make payment on 9502 3300 or email accounts@stursulakingsgrove.catholic.edu.au.

School Bags For Sale

The following school items are available for sale from the College:

School bag – $75

Satchel -$15

Calculator – $25

Payment can be made by EFTPOS, cash (please have the exact amount) or over the phone with a credit card.

MyStrengths Parenting Package

Members of the St Ursula’s community have been granted full access to the MyStrengths Parenting resource. The online portal provides short parenting courses, workshops and resources which offer simple, practical guidance, drawing on a strengths-based approach to parenting.

The resources are free when accessed through this link: https://stursulas.mystrengths.com.au. 

Simply click the button that says “Access this course today” and create your own login.

We encourage you to explore the support the site offers.

Anne Sukkar
Leader of Wellbeing