Principal’s Message

Welcome to our latest College newsletter. 

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

International Women’s Day

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

An excerpt from her speech captured this beautifully:

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

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

CSDA Public Speaking Competition

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

Year 11 Retreat: Women Leading with Service

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

Student Leadership Conference

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

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

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

Many blessings to you all.

Regards

Vivienne Awad
Principal

Gospel Reflection

“Lord, open my eyes… and make me an instrument of Your light.”

The Fourth Sunday of Lent, we encounter the man born blind – a man who begins in darkness yet ends the Gospel seeing more clearly than anyone else. His journey from blindness to belief mirrors the spiritual journey we are invited to make during Lent.

In this Year of St Francis, the Gospel takes on a deeper meaning. Francis of Assisi was a man whose inner eyes were opened through a profound conversion of heart. He learned to see the world with God’s eyes — with humility, compassion, and a deep reverence for every person and every creature. His life reminds us that true sight is not just about vision, but about recognising Christ in the ordinary and the overlooked.

This theme of spiritual sight is also beautifully echoed in the Maronite Catholic tradition. Consider St Charbel Makhlouf, whose life of silence, prayer, and deep union with God allowed him to “see” with extraordinary clarity. Though he lived hidden in a hermitage, people were drawn to him because he saw them with the eyes of Christ – with tenderness, healing, and spiritual insight. Like the man born blind, St Charbel teaches us that when we allow Christ to touch our hearts, we begin to see the world in a new and grace‑filled way.

The Greek Orthodox tradition offers a similar witness in St Porphyrios of Kafsokalivia, a modern saint known for his spiritual vision and profound love. St Porphyrios often spoke about seeing Christ in every person and every moment, even in suffering. He encouraged believers to “look at everything with love,” trusting that God’s light is always present, even when circumstances seem dark. His life reminds us that spiritual sight grows when we cultivate gentleness, humility, and a heart open to God.

Together, these saints – Francis, Charbel, and Porphyrios – show us what it means to live with eyes wide open to God’s presence.

Today’s Gospel invites us to pray with their spirit:

• to see Christ in the poor, the vulnerable, and the overlooked
• to notice beauty where others see nothing
• to respond with peace where others choose conflict
• to walk humbly, trusting that God’s light is enough for the next step

As the man born blind proclaims, “Lord, I believe,” may we echo his words with the same courage and clarity. And as St Francis prayed, may we ask:

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your light.”

May this Lent be a time of seeing anew – with the eyes of Christ, the heart of Francis, the faith of St Charbel, and the gentle wisdom of St Porphyrios.

Antoinette Nader
Religious Education Coordinator

Youth Ministry News

Purpose Camp 2026

If you are currently in Years 9–12, come and have the time of your life at Purpose Camp these upcoming holidays! This is your opportunity to make lots of new friends and enjoy four incredible days filled with games, activities, talks, discussions, prayer, and opportunities to grow in your faith.

• When: 9:30am, Monday 13 April – 1:00pm, Thursday 16 April, 2026
• Where: Benedict XVI Retreat Centre, 347 Grose Wold Rd, Grose Vale
• Cost: $170 for Sydney Catholic School’s students (Use code SCS2026 when registering) (full price $330)

Purpose Camp is so popular and only runs once a year—so if you would like to attend, sign up now or you might miss out! Click here for more information and to register.

Upcoming Events

Finding silence with Saint Joseph

Finding silence with Saint Joseph means embracing a “holy silence” marked by inner reflection, prayer, and trust in God, rather than simply the absence of noise. As a model of attentive listening and faithful action, Joseph’s silence creates space to hear God’s will, deepen one’s prayer life, and reflect on his role as the protector of the Holy Family.

2026 Young Voices Awards

Explore the theme, ‘To go boldly: The path of faith and justice’, and share stories of courage, conviction, and faith in action. Open to Years 5–12, students can submit articles, photographs, or digital media, with prizes for each category and age group. 

• Deadline: 5pm (AEST) Friday, 8 May 2026
• Please click here for more information.

Day of the Unborn Child

Join the Marian Procession through the streets of the Sydney CBD as we publicly bear witness to the dignity of every unborn child. Led by Anthony Fisher, this day of prayer and remembrance in the lead-up to the Solemnity of the Annunciation begins at St Mary’s Cathedral.

Nicole Katacos
Youth Ministry Coordinator

Open Day Success!

On Wednesday 4 March we held a hugely successful Open Day. Our staff and students welcomed nearly 500 families to our school and showcased our fabulous learning environment. Our students were wonderful ambassadors for our College, taking families on tours around the school, engaging with them in the different faculty areas, performing, cooking and so on.

The prospective parents commented on how wonderful our staff were and the amazing facilities that we have on offer. However, what was overwhelming was the feedback regarding our students. With over 250 students assisting as student helpers on faculty displays, or as tour guides to families, it is obvious that our girls are living Serviam in action.

Enrolments are open for 2028. Know a family who might be interested? Let them know applications are now online! Visit our website and follow the steps to enrol: Enrol Now. 

For more information check out the FAQs.

Over the years I have often been asked why choose a girls school?

There are many reasons to choose a girls school for your daughter. The following article is a great one and provides ten reasons. I hope you enjoy reading it.

https://girlsschools.org/advocacy/blog/2023/09/13/top-10-reasons-to-attend-a-girls-school/ 

Julie Monk
Assistant Principal

International Women’s Day “Give to Gain”

Our College community gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day, reflecting on the global theme for 2026, “Give to Gain.” The assembly beautifully connected this message with our College theme for the year, “Set Sail into Sisterhood,” introduced on the first day of term.

Set Sail into Sisterhood expresses our shared commitment to unity as St Angela Merici’s company of women. As we journey through the year, students are encouraged to support one another, lift each other up, and recognise that every individual voyage strengthens our whole fleet. We move forward not as separate ships, but as one united sisterhood.

The theme “Give to Gain” extended this message by inviting us to accelerate gender equality through generous, collaborative action. When we give our time, skills, effort, or advocacy, we create space for others to grow, and in doing so, our whole community gains. It is through serving, uplifting, and empowering one another that meaningful change occurs.

Our Guest Speaker, ex‑student Josie Charbel from St Vincent de Paul, brought this theme to life. Josie shared her experience supporting women facing disadvantage and spoke passionately about the transformative impact of giving. Her words inspired both students and staff, offering a living example of how Serviam women can make a difference in empowering others.

Josie’s message reminded us that each of us has a role to play in strengthening our sisterhood; by stepping forward with courage, serving with generosity, and helping to shape a community where every woman can thrive.

Danielle McManus
Leader of Wellbeing

CPA International Women’s Day Luncheon

Attending the CPA International Women’s Day Luncheon was a truly inspiring experience.

Listening to the women in industry speak about their career journeys was both motivating and empowering. Each speaker shared honest reflections about the challenges they faced throughout their career, the importance of maintaining balance and fluidity, and the necessity of believing in your own capabilities. The event also highlighted how important it is to support and uplift other women in professional spaces and beyond.

Being surrounded by so many driven and accomplished individuals created a positive atmosphere which made their achievements seem accessible to us. The speakers even left us with an interesting fact, as the only school girls there, that women who play sports in high school are more likely to end up in leadership roles in their professions. It was a great opportunity to visualise life outside of high school and to meet industry professionals. 

Giulia Pappas
Year 12

Student Leadership Conference

The College hosted the 2026 Student Leadership Conference on Friday, 13 March, welcoming students from twenty schools within Sydney Catholic Schools.

The event, initiated by our Senior Student Leadership Team, provided a valuable platform for like-minded students to come together for an afternoon dedicated to collaborative discussion regarding various facets of leadership.

After a welcome lunch, the afternoon commenced with an icebreaker activity to facilitate introductions, before listening to an inspiring address delivered by the Sydney Catholic Schools Executive Director, Mrs Danielle Cronin. Mrs Cronin then participated in a Q&A session, answering questions from our College Co-captains, Olivia and Ava, concerning her personal leadership experiences.

Students received a presentation from St Mary’s Cathedral College detailing their unique parliamentary-style leadership structure. This was followed by our College presenting its own leadership framework, including the various student-run initiatives and activities implemented at the College.

Table discussions followed the formal presentations. These table discussions provided students the opportunity to share ideas, reflect upon the day’s activities and brainstorm new initiatives. Key points from each table were then presented to the room before wrapping up for the day.

Year 12 – their final year starts!

This collection of reflections captures the heart of what it means to begin Year 12 standing at the edge of something familiar yet entirely new. As students step into their final year of school, they carry with them years of growth, shared memories, and the anticipation of what comes next. The following piece highlights the excitement, responsibility, and sense of sisterhood that shape their experience, offering an honest glimpse into the emotions and aspirations that define this milestone moment. It celebrates not just the beginning of Year 12, but the journey that has led them here and the legacy they hope to leave behind.

Last First Day

Our last first day of school was a mix of excitement, nerves, and a strange sense of disbelief. Walking through the gates as Year 12s felt surreal, for some of us it was overwhelming at first, but we eased into the day together. There was a real sense of unity as we stepped into our final year, knowing we’ve grown so much since Year 7 and that this chapter is ours to finish. It was a day filled with nostalgia, pride and the quiet realisation that this is the beginning of the end of our school journey.

What We’re Excited About in Year 12

Year 12 brings a unique kind of excitement, the chance to challenge ourselves academically, to step into leadership, and to make memories that will stay with us long after graduation. Many of us are excited to move forward into the next stage of life, but also to embrace this final year with the people who have shaped our high‑school experience. There’s something special about knowing we’re all working towards our goals together, supporting each other through the highs and lows, and celebrating every milestone along the way.

Big Sister/Little Sister Program

The Big Sister/Little Sister program has been one of the most meaningful parts of starting Year 12. Spending time with our Year 7 sisters is always a highlight, it’s fun, grounding, and reminds us of where we began. Helping them settle into high school gives us a new perspective on how far we’ve come, and it’s rewarding to know we’re making their transition a little easier. Being a “big sister” isn’t just a title; it’s a chance to guide, encourage, and show our younger peers what sisterhood at St Ursula’s truly looks like.

Last Year of School and Being Leaders

Being leaders in our final year is both a blessing and a responsibility. It can feel overwhelming at times, but the reward always outweighs the pressure, even something as simple as seeing others smile or feel supported makes every effort worthwhile. Leadership at St Ursula’s isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, giving back and helping create a community where every student feels valued. As we move through our last year, we’re grateful for the opportunity to lead with kindness, courage, and the hope of leaving a positive legacy.

Written by Year 12 Student Leaders

Iftar Dinner

Oil Painting Workshop

On Saturday 7 March, a group of enthusiastic students, in Years 10-12, took part in a full‑day oil painting workshop with SCS Artist in Residence, Joshua McPherson. The session offered students a rare opportunity to learn directly from a practising artist and deepen their understanding of traditional oil painting techniques.

Throughout the day, students explored foundational skills including underpainting, alla prima, colour mixing, and the essential concepts of hue, value, and colour relationships. Guided step‑by‑step, each student created their own still life painting, applying their new knowledge in a supportive and creative studio environment.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, Principal Ms Awad joined in for the entire day, painting alongside students and staff. Teachers Ms Baldwin, Ms Markas, and Ms Mihaljevic also rolled up their sleeves and took part, modelling the joy of lifelong learning.

The workshop was a wonderful celebration of artistic curiosity, technical skill, and community. Students left with an artwork but also a deeper appreciation for the craft of oil painting. The Visual Arts team hope to run more extended workshops in the future to continue to build the technical skills of St Ursula’s students. 

Gemma Baldwin
CAPA Coordinator

Year 11 Retreat

Year 11 students attended Retreat from 9 -10 March. It was an opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle and immerse in an experience that allowed students to reflect on their choices and to think about the impact they can have on themselves and the St Ursula’s community, now and in the future. The girls participated with enthusiasm, encouragement and gave each other the time and space to speak and share about their stories. As always, I was incredibly proud of how the girls embraced new experiences and included friends. 

Deanna Peterson
Year 11 Coordinator

The Year 11 Retreat was a wonderful experience and a rare chance to step back from school, breathe and enjoy life. It helped our year group connect on a deeper level and reminded me of the importance of community. I also learnt that servant leadership is about putting others first through small acts of kindness and support. It showed me that real leadership grows from serving others and helping them feel valued.

Logno Halsona
Year 11

As a Year 11 cohort we were given the opportunity to step away from our everyday school life and commitments which really allowed us to connect with our faith and our peers around us. Being in this new environment gave us the chance to connect more deeply with our St Ursula values, reflecting on the type of leaders we hope to become in our senior years.  

Through group activities, Mass, prayer and shared reflections, we were encouraged to embody the spirit of St Angela and her teachings by leading with compassion, humility and gentleness.

This amazing time spent at Kiah ridge allowed the cohort to grow together, build stronger connections and develop into strong, independent young women.

Indiana Udit
Year 11

Brewing Up Barista Skills

Our Year 10 Hospitality students recently took part in an exciting barista incursion led by Jaydyn from 4 Wheel Grind. Jaydyn visited the school to share his expertise and guide students through the art of making the perfect coffee.

Throughout the session, students learnt the essential skills behind great coffee, including how to correctly extract espresso, texture milk, and present a café-quality drink. After learning the techniques, students had the chance to put their new knowledge into practice by making coffees for teachers around the school.

This hands-on experience is just the beginning of their barista journey. Students will continue developing their skills through on-the-job training while running the school café, Ursulattes. The café has become a popular spot where teachers gather for coffee, conversation, and a little music during our “Rhythm and Brews” sessions.

Jesselyn Whitfield
Technology/Hospitality Teacher

Two Year 10 students share their reflections on the day and what they learned from this valuable experience.

I really enjoyed the Barista training course because it gave me the chance to practise making different coffees and learn how to steam and pour milk properly. I made a cappuccino with Jaydyn for practice, and I also made a piccolo for Ms Rasmussen, which helped me understand the difference between foamier milk and smoother, silkier milk. The part I enjoyed the most was pouring the milk into the coffee. It was really satisfying to watch it blend with the espresso and create a neat, professional-looking finish. The training made me feel more confident using the machine and proud of the drinks I made.

Phoebe Yeung
Year 10

I really enjoyed my experience in the Barista training course because it gave me the chance to learn how to use the espresso machine properly and make a range of different coffees. I practised making espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites and mochas, and I learned how important it is to get the grind, tamping and milk‑steaming techniques right for each drink. My favourite part of the course was making mochas because I loved mixing the chocolate with the espresso and creating a smooth, rich flavour. Overall, the course helped me build confidence and made me enjoy the process of making coffee even more.

Isabella Natoli
Year 10

Year 7 Religion Excursion

On Tuesday 3 March, Year 7 students participated in an excursion as part of their unit of work, ‘What it Means to be Catholic’. Students visited two Eastern Catholic Churches, St John the Beloved Melkite Catholic Church and St Charbel’s Maronite Catholic Church, to help them develop a deeper appreciation of the unity and diversity within the universal Catholic Church.

The excursion concluded with Mass celebrated together as a united community at Our Lady of Fatima Church.

Nicole Katacos
Acting Assistant Religious Education Coordinator & Youth Ministry Coordinator

Here is what one Year 7 student had to say about the day: 

On Tuesday we went on an enlightening excursion to visit a Maronite and Melkite church to explore, find out and observe the differences. We went to St Charbel’s in Punchbowl and St John the Beloved in Greenacre. As a maronite, I really enjoyed looking at the differences. I found it interesting to observe the differences in the looks and the way they conduct Mass. I learnt new things like how they focus on different languages and how the priests wear different clothes. At St Charbel’s, a monk that was also a priest spoke to us. He told us basically everything about St Charbel’s life, how he became a saint, where he grew up, where he lived, and even more. At St John the Beloved, a priest spoke to us and told us everything about the type of religion. Overall, I extremely enjoyed the excursion and next time I go to Mass, I’ll notice the differences. 

Lara Hassoun
Year 7

Urshie Welcome Packs

On Friday 27 February during Year 7 L@unch, Year 7 students received an individualised gift from Year 8 2026 in the form of a Urshie Welcome Pack. The welcome packs were designed in Term 3 2025 by Year 7 as part of their project based learning in Year 7 L@unch. The aim of the task was to create a welcome pack for students that captured the charism of St Ursula’s and to assist new students in feeling a sense of belonging and shared identity. In the Urshie Welcome Packs, Year 7 students were given a personalised welcome letter, reflection/affirmation bookmark and a red reflection journal to assist in documenting their journey into secondary school. A huge thank you to Year 8 students Diana Karam and Mary Rose Semrani for helping present the Urshie Welcome Packs to Year 7, 2026. We hope that these individual packs can be a practical way of communicating how excited we are to have the new Year 7s join our college community.

As part of the Urshie Welcome Pack the students designed a ‘day in the life of’ short video. Please feel free to access the following link https://clickv.ie/w/fKl5 and view with your family.

Thank you, Year 8 2026 and the Year 7 L@unch Team

Amanda Newell
Teacher

Sydney Pharmacy School First Nations Camp

In the January school holidays, two of our students had an incredible opportunity to attend the Sydney Pharmacy School First Nations Camp run by the University of Sydney.

Under the guidance of current lecturers and students, True Johnson and Violet Parmagos were able to learn about the different roles of pharmacists by going to compounding labs at Pfizer, Westmead hospital and the university pharmacy labs. They also experienced cultural excursions around Sydney on the Tribal Warrior. 

Karen Horder
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Support Teacher

I liked looking at the lab and seeing everything that’s in there and also watching as the reactions happened with all the ingredients that we put in. It was fascinating.

True Johnson
Year 10

I learnt a lot more of the behind the scenes with pharmacy. Before I just saw pharmacy as getting pills and prescriptions. The whole experience opened my eyes to a career in the medical field.

Violet Parmagos
Year 10

Public Speaking News

Our students shone brightly at the recent CSDA Public Speaking heats, delivering powerful, creative, and engaging speeches on this year’s thought‑provoking topics: Crisis? What Crisis?, Masquerade, Nobody Does It Better, and What’s in a Name? Their confidence, originality, and poise were truly inspiring.

We are delighted to announce that the following students won their heats and will be representing our school at the Zone Final this Friday:

• Year 7: Melinda Malkoun
• Year 8: Jolie Hanna, Annabelle Tarbuck
• Year 9: Harriet Carlon

These students impressed adjudicators with their compelling interpretations of the set topics, demonstrating maturity, creativity, and strong public speaking skills.

We also proudly acknowledge the outstanding efforts of the students who participated in the heats and represented our school with distinction. Their courage, preparation, and commitment were evident in every speech delivered:

• Year 7: Emily Mifsud
• Year 9: Susannah Johnson
• Year 10: Evie Cubelic, Daniella Botene
• Year 11: Yvonne Pearce, Rosslyn Chan
• Senior: Aya Elachi, Ava Burns Bonnici

Each of these students brought their own voice and perspective to the stage, contributing to a memorable and uplifting evening of public speaking.

We congratulate all participants and wish our Zone Finalists the very best as they prepare for the next round. Their achievements reflect not only their individual talent but also the supportive learning community that surrounds them.

Sandra Kasses
English Teacher

Clubs Showcase ‘Helping Students Connect and Thrive’

At St Ursula’s College, co‑curricular clubs play a key role in supporting student wellbeing. They give students opportunities to explore interests, build skills, and connect with peers outside the classroom, helping to foster a supportive and inclusive school culture.

These connections are especially important for our Year 7 students. Joining a club offers a simple and welcoming way to meet new people, create friendships, and feel a genuine sense of belonging within the College. These shared experiences help students feel more grounded, confident and connected as they settle into high school life.

Our recent Clubs Showcase, held at lunchtime on 23 February, brought this to life. With more than 18 clubs on display, students enthusiastically explored a wide range of opportunities and signed up for activities that matched their interests. The excitement around the stalls reflected the strength and diversity of our co‑curricular program.

A warm thank you to our Dulkara Captains, whose organisation and leadership ensured the event ran smoothly and successfully.

We encourage parents and carers, especially those with daughters in Year 7, to talk with their daughters this week about their interests, passions, and which clubs might help them build strong connections at school.

For more details, please see the Clubs Timetable.

Danielle McManus
Leader of Wellbeing

Amadeus Music Program – A Fantastic Start to 2026

Amadeus has begun for 2026 with wonderful energy and enthusiasm.

Many of our Year 7 students, particularly those who came from our feeder schools, started learning an instrument in primary school and are eager to continue developing their skills in high school. Other students are just starting their musical journey. To ensure every student is supported appropriately, we offer differentiated classes ranging from beginner to advanced levels. This allows each student to learn at a pace that challenges and supports them.

Students should begin checking Compass for their updated class allocations. Please note:

• Year 7 classes will run on Wednesdays
• Year 8 classes will run on Thursdays

We are incredibly fortunate to have a team of outstanding professional musicians teaching in the program. These highly accomplished artists regularly perform across Sydney and bring a wealth of expertise and real-world experience to their lessons.

This year, students will have the opportunity to practise at school on Wednesdays and Thursdays, before and after school, as well as during recess and lunch. As instruments will remain at school, students will not be taking them home. The exception to this applies to students participating in Orchestra or Stage Band; these students may take instruments home but must contact Ms Olsen to arrange this.

We look forward to sharing our students’ progress with you at concerts later in the year – we hope to see you there!

Sarah Olsen
Amadeus Coordinator

St Ursula’s swimmers make a splash!

The SCS Conference 3 Swimming Championships held on Tuesday 10 March, showcased our Urshie girls and their swimming talents.

The following students represented the College at the Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 3 Swimming Carnival

• Aisha Castro Ceballos
• Sophia Da Silva
• Isabella Esposito
• Grace Haskins
• Emilia Helou
• Amber Herlihen
• Sarah Ilacqua
• Gemma Makatoa
• Lucy Makatoa
• Sophia Nguyen
• Rose Savannah
• Emma Ruggero
• Charlotte Saliba
• Amelia Tang

Our students swam extremely well, and we saw a lot of success, placing 3rd overall in the combined points score. A heartfelt thank you to our parents, carers and siblings who came out to support our swimmers. 

This carnival also marked a special milestone for our Year 12 students competing in their final school swimming event. We want to acknowledge their leadership, commitment, and the example they have set over the years. We wish you every success as you move through your final year at St Ursula’s.

We congratulate all our students who competed on the day, and to those who have progressed to the SCS Championships, set to take place on Monday, 23 March. 

Congratulations to our qualifiers:
Isabella Esposito, Chiara Ruggero, Charlotte Saliba, Amelia Tang, Emma Ruggero, Gemma Makatoa, Lucy Makatoa, Emilia Heliou, Grace Haskins

Relay Results 

Our relay teams performed exceptionally well, securing impressive finishes in multiple events, with our top 2 qualifiers to progress:

2nd Place – Girls 12-14 Years 4x50m Freestyle Relay: Emma Ruggero, Gemma Makatoa, Lucy Makatoa, Charlotte Saliba
2nd Place – Girls 15-16 Years 4x50m Freestyle Relay: Chiara Ruggero, Emilia Heliou, Grace Haskins, Isabella Esposito
3rd Place –  Girls 12-14 Years 4x50m Medley Relay: Amber Herlain, Emma Ruggero, Charlotte Saliba, Gemma Makatoa
3rd Place –  Girls 15-16 Years 4x50m Medley Relay: Isabella Esposito, Aisha Castro Ceballo, Chiara Ruggero, Emilia Heliou

A huge shout-out to our 6x50m all-age relay who dominated: Sophia Da Silva, Charlotte Saliba, Gemma Makatoa, Emma Ruggero, Emilia Heliou, Isabella Esposito, and Savannah Rose. The girls, although placing first, are unable to progress. 

Individual Results 

Our students excelled in their individual events with multiple placings across the board. We had multiple standout performances with Isabella Esposito, securing four gold medals in her division and placing 2nd in the age champ pointscore:
1st Place – Girls 16 Years 100m Freestyle 
1st Place – Girls 16 Years 100m Butterfly
1st Place – Girls 16 Years 50m Freestyle 
1st Place – Girls 16 Years 50m Butterfly

Charlotte Saliba stepped up her game this year, dominating in the 12-13-year category, placing 2nd in the age champion pointscore, just missing out by 1 point! Charlotte also achieved multiple personal bests on the day:
1st Place – Girls 12-13 Years 50m Freestyle 
1st Place – Girls 12-13 Years 100m Freestyle 
2nd Place – Girls 12-13 Years 50m Butterfly 
2nd Place – Girls 12-13 Years 50m Backstroke 
4th Place – Girls 12-13 Years 50m Breaststroke
5th Place – Girls 12-13 Years 100m Butterfly 

A special mention goes to Amelia Tang, who was crowned 12-15 Years Multiclass Age Champion, a fantastic achievement! Amelia Tang successfully achieved 3 gold medals:
1st Place – Girls 12-15 Years MC 50m Freestyle
1st Place – Girls 12-15 Years MC 50m Breaststroke
1st Place – Girls 12-15 Years MC 50m Backstroke

Some other great results from the day: 

Chiara Ruggero:
3rd Place – Girls 16 Years 50m Freestyle 
3rd Place – Girls 16 Years 100m Butterfly

Sarah Ilacqua 
3rd Place – Girls 17 & Over 100m Backstroke
3rd Place – Girls 17 & Over 50m Backstroke 
4th Place – Girls 17 & Over 50m Butterfly 

Amber Herlain
3rd Place – Girls 14 Years 100m Butterfly 
3rd Place – Girls 15 Years 100m Backstroke 
4th Place – Girls 14 Years 50m Butterfly 
5th Place – Girls 14 Years 50m Backstroke

Emilia Heliou 
3rd Place – Girls 15 Years 50m Breaststroke
4th Place – Girls 15 Years 100m Freestyle 
5th Place – Girls 15 Years 50m Freestyle 

Grace Haskins 
3rd Place – Girls 16 Years 100m Breaststroke 
5th Place – Girls 16 Years 50m Breaststroke

Sophia Da Silva 
3rd Place – Girls 13-13 Years 100m Backstroke 

Aisha Castro Ceballo
4th Place – Girls 15 Years 100m Breaststroke
5th Place – Girls 15 Years 100m Backstroke 

Sophia Nguyen 
4th Place – Girls 17 & Over 50m Breastroke
5th Place – Girls 17 & Over 100m Breastroke 

Emma Ruggero 
4th Place – Girls 14 Years 100m Freestyle
5th Place – Girls 14 Years 100m Breaststroke
6th Place – Girls 14 Years 50m Breaststroke

These incredible results reflect the dedication and perseverance of our swimmers. We are immensely proud of each competitor and look forward to seeing them shine at the upcoming SCS Championships.

Best of luck to all our athletes!

Samantha Murray
PDHPE Teacher/ IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science Teacher

Thursday Sport

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