Principal’s Message

Welcome to our third newsletter for 2024 which includes the commemoration of International Women’s Day and a celebration of the extraordinary talents of the women in our community. From rising superstars in the sporting arena, triumphs in the Public Speaking competition, Girls Night In, and special awards for two of our teachers to an annual favourite, this newsletter is full of joyful experiences to celebrate our Ursuline company of women. We hope you enjoy reading our latest newsletter.

International Women’s Day Breakfast with student leaders

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Australia International Women’s Day Breakfast with six of our student leaders. It was held in the new wing of the Art Gallery of NSW. The CPA championed the theme, “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress. The students were very impressed with the fantastic lineup of women leading in the business world and had their horizons widened to the career opportunities available to them.

International Women’s Day Assembly

On Friday 8 March the College community gathered to commemorate International Women’s Day. Our guest speaker was Mrs Therese Abela-King from Zonta and she inspired us with how this global group is empowering and supporting women around the globe.

As we gathered in the Merici Hall, we could feel the incredible power and potential of being in the company of women in an all-girls school. By providing opportunities to be inspired by speakers, we can broaden our horizons and help shape the future for ourselves and the generations to come.

Open Day: Why a Girls’ school?

Last week we held a hugely successful Open Day. Our staff and students welcomed hundreds of visitors 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.

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

Firstly our parents have a choice in the St George area so they can choose the environment that suits their daughter best. However, there are many reasons to choose a girls’ school for your daughter. This article is a great one and provides ten reasons. I hope you enjoy reading it.

St Ursula’s College is now accepting enrolments for Year 7 2026. Please note that applications close at the end of Term 1.

Judith Locke is coming to St Ursula’s

Judith is a registered clinical psychologist and Visiting Research Fellow at the Queensland University of Technology. Judith delivers dynamic training sessions on parenting and resilience in schools. She has been featured in newspapers, magazines, on television and radio around Australia.

Most recently, Judith has authored The Bonsai Child, a parenting book with modern parenting trends, and offers practical and realistic strategies for parents, which have worked for hundreds of parents she has helped.

***SAVE THE DATE*** Judith will be at St Ursula’s on Thursday night 4 July to offer a presentation to our parents. Please keep this date free. More details to come.

In the meantime, if you are not familiar with Judith Locke, she is the guest speaker on this podcast.

Girls Night In

On Thursday night our piazza was filled with all things pink, a load of fun and a beautiful spirit of female joy and empowerment. Our annual fundraiser for Breast Cancer was a triumphant success. More details about this event are in this issue. Thanks to everyone involved in running stalls and to all who came along to support this event. A special thanks to our Year 12 Student leaders and Ms Sukkar for their organisation of this fabulous initiative. 

Professional Teachers Council NSW Awards

On Wednesday 28 February at the NSW Professional Teachers Council (PTC) Awards celebration, two of our staff members were recognised for their ongoing support and professional learning of colleagues across the state in their subject areas.

We congratulate Emily Aitken for her outstanding contribution to the Society and Culture Association of NSW and Lara Summersford for her outstanding contribution to the History Teachers Association of NSW.

Both of these teachers are experts in their field, wonderful educators and we are thrilled (but not surprised) on their recognition by the NSW Professional Teachers Council.

Thank you all for a wonderful fortnight of special celebrations for the amazing women in our community.

God bless and I wish you all a safe and restful weekend.

Vivienne Awad

Principal

Sunday 17 March

This week’s first reading from Jeremiah is a very powerful image and a foreshadowing of the message and ministry of Jesus. In the Jeremiah reading, the Lord announces that (yet again) a new covenant will be made between the people and their God. This time however, the covenant will not be a collection of rules written in stone as was the case with the covenant of the Ten Commandments after the people had been led out of slavery in Egypt. The people have demonstrated that they are not able to uphold that covenant. This time, God declares that the covenant will be ‘planted deep within them’ and ‘written on their hearts’. This is a wonderful image: I will write my covenant on your heart! It is the message that Jesus tried to convey over and over again – the Law of God is not to be found in a multitude of rules and regulations but it is a Law of the heart, calling for compassion and love.

This message is no better demonstrated than in this week’s gospel passage. Jesus declares that, ‘unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest.’ He is speaking of course about his own life, but he is speaking also to those around him and those of us who read the words today. Unless we are prepared to let go of our ego, our status, our ‘reputation’, for the sake of others and respond to them from the heart then we can never experience the breadth and depth of what it means to belong to a community. When we are prepared to let go of our hang-ups and reservations to make a difference in the lives of others then the ‘harvest’ that will be gathered from those actions will be great indeed!

Gospel Focus – Love of life

Jesus says, ‘Anyone who loves (their) life loses it; anyone who hates (their) life in this world will keep it for the eternal life.’ This can seem pretty tough! It challenges us about how much we cling to the ‘things’ of this life. Are we concerned about the labels on our clothes; the number of our friends; how much money we have; the sort of house we live in? If this is the ‘life’ that we place meaning on, then we will surely lose it. However, if we put aside the world’s focus on material things and focus our attention on others then we are assured of eternal life.

Everyone is part of God’s Kingdom

The gospel reading begins with some Greeks wanting to meet Jesus. Why is it significant that they were Greeks? The Jews were very clear about the distinction between Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles). Regardless of their intentions and goodwill, a Gentile was simply not a Jew. Greeks, who worshipped an entire pantheon of gods, were regarded as almost as far from Jewish belief in one God as was possible. Yet Jesus made clear that his message was for everyone: Jew and Gentile alike. His death and resurrection would bring a ‘rich harvest’ of belief among Gentiles as well as Jews. John is drawing on the Old Testament, particularly Zechariah 8 where the prophet proclaims that in the last days, foreigners would come to Jerusalem seeking salvation. ‘Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem . . . In those days, ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”’ (Zech 8:22-23) With the coming of the Greeks, Jesus realises that the last days have begun.

Scriptural context – The Final Days

Today’s reading reminds us that we are closing in on the events of the Passion that we will remember more closely over the next couple of weeks. Although the Gospel of John appears to have Jesus in and around Jerusalem quite often, the events described in this week’s reading take place in the preparation for Passover, immediately before the final days leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is a fitting culmination to the Sunday gospels of Lent. It prepares us for the account of the Passion that will be the gospel next week.

Prayer of Confession (inspired by John 12:20-33)

Lord, we confess that we love our lives as they are. 

We struggle with even the idea of change. 

We wrestle with the thought of doing things differently. 

But we know that the life we cling to is only a half-life. 

Only you, O Lord, can give us true life in full. 

Forgive us for holding onto the wrong things. 

Teach us by your Spirit to let go of our agendas and assumptions. 

Help us to let go of our self-righteousness and false notions of power. 

Give us the strength and courage to try new things. 

Encourage us – and even push us –

to let go of ourselves so we can fully embrace you, Holy God. 

We pray these things in the name of Christ Jesus.  Amen.

Julie Monk

Religious Education Coordinator

Archbishop Fisher’s Newsletter

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

Religious Education Assessments

All students in Years 7-10 and most senior classes have now received their assessment notification for their first Religious Education Assessment Task. These can be found on Compass under Learning Tasks for your daughter. 

While the tasks vary in style and submission dates, I would like to draw to your attention that all our tasks are accompanied by a video explaining the task that can be viewed by students and parents as many times as they like. This is usually a zoom recording with a password which is clearly shown in the notification. This was something that we started during remote learning that we feel is helpful for students, and so have continued.

Also attached to each notification is a marking criteria so that students can see exactly what they need to do to achieve success in the task. Additionally all junior tasks, except in-class tests, will have attached a scaffold for the task so that students can see what is expected and to help start them in their preparation. For any tasks that are research or digital tasks, students are given two lessons of class time to prepare the task and ask questions of their teacher. This also allows our staff to “check-in” on student progress on the task.

While students may be active Church attendees and very committed to their faith, success in Religious Education as an academic subject, depends on continued commitment to their classwork and effort in their assessment tasks. Like other subjects, grades are awarded based on performance in these areas. 

If you have any questions regarding your daughters Religious Education Assessment Tasks please do not hesitate to contact your daughters teacher, Mrs Nader, Assistant REC, or myself at the College. 

Julie Monk

Religious Education Coordinator

Here’s why we are fundraising for Project Compassion

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

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

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

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

Who are we supporting?

Ronita

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

Leaia

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

Memory

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

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

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

St Ursula’s College Caritas Fundraising Page

Antoinette Nader
Assistant REC & Youth Ministry Coordinator

CSDA Public Speaking Competition

We are thrilled to share the outstanding achievements of our talented students who have been participating in the CSDA Public Speaking Competition. The remarkable and eloquent speeches highlighted students and their articulate expression of ideas on important issues. 

The 2024 Public Speaking topics: 

1. Starting over
2. Turmoil 
3. Strong and constant
4. Stop, listen…
5. Is it worth it?

Students have embraced these topics with passion and dedication, each delving into pressing societal issues with profound insight and personal reflection. Whether unpacking problems associated with perfectionism, examining the pervasive influence of social media, or realising the importance of gratitude – many of these speeches highlighted reminders of challenges, complexities and moments of appreciation in shaping our lives.

Public Speaking Round 1 began at St Patrick’s Sutherland on 1 March, resulting in 4 out of the 12 students at the College being selected for the Zone Finals at Aquinas, Menai on 8 March.  We are very fortunate to announce that 3 of our students (Laura Mogan, Yvonne Pearce and Ava Burns Bonnici) are making their way to the Grand Finals this evening, 15 March, at Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta. The selected students for the Grand Finals are one in 12 students chosen across all Sydney Catholic Schools participating in the CSDA Public Speaking Competition. A fantastic achievement!

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all public speaking participants this year and commend them for their courage and commitment in sharing their voices with the world. 

Public Speaking participants (2024): Tiana Vitale, Sarah Shidiak, Laura Mogan, Mariah Skarmoutsos, Yvonne Pearce, Rosslyn Chan, Aya Elachi, Ava Burns Bonnici, Lilyana Mitrevska, Alexia Giannakis, Amelia Waters, Harikleia Kizi 

Stefanie Chan

English Teacher

Celebrating International Women’s Day

Do you know what’s special about 8 March? National Peanut Cluster Day? Yes… but what’s more important is (drum roll, please) the International Women’s Day! It’s a global celebration dedicated to honouring the achievements of women and promoting gender equality. 

International Women’s Day is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights, as well as the importance of continued advocacy around the world. This day not only recognises women’s remarkable contributions in a variety of fields, but also emphasises the significance of addressing systemic barriers to their advancement.

Throughout history, women have played crucial roles in shaping social norms, yet their contributions have often been overlooked or undervalued. International Women’s Day provides a harmonious platform to amplify their voices and recognize their immense impact on cultural, economic, and political landscapes. From groundbreaking scientists such as Marie Curie to inspiring footballers such as Sam Kerr.

However, the journey towards gender equality is far from over, as women still face myriad challenges, including discrimination, violence, and unequal opportunities. International Women’s Day serves as a catalyst for change, embarking on conversations and initiatives targeted at dismantling entrenched gender biases and fostering inclusive environments where women can thrive. 

At St Ursula’s College, we had a series of events to celebrate this special day throughout the week: 

• Walk of Fame: 

Star papers are plastered on the walls with biographical information about inspirational women to enable students to have a better understanding of how powerful women are both in the past and in the present. 

• Badge Making: 

Inspiring quotes and cartoon templates for badge-making are provided to students to colour and be creative for International Women’s week!

• Science activity: 

The Science Club, this year conducted experiments on the structure of DNA and allowing students to be engaged in innovative activities

As we commemorate this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a more equitable world where every woman can realise her full potential and contribute to a brighter future for all. See ya and Ciao!

Candace Ho

Year 12 Senior Captain

Open Day Reflection

Our recent College Open Day was an outstanding achievement and a true reflection of the hard work and commitment of the College’s staff and students. It was very well attended with many more prospective students and their families visiting the College than anticipated. The event was more than just a showcase of our wonderful facilities. It brought together over 300 individuals, all showcasing their diverse talents and accomplishments.

All student helpers were fine ambassadors for the College, exhibiting exceptional manners, service, helpfulness and school pride. I had several Guests comment that they were wonderful role models to the young visitors. 

It was truly inspiring to witness everyone coming together on an ordinary school day, despite other commitments and responsibilities. This was a genuine demonstration of our Serviam spirit!

Janet Cairncross

Assistant Principal

Girls Night In

We are thrilled to share that the recent Girls Night In fundraising event hosted by our senior student leaders and student body was a great success. The night was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and, most importantly, an unwavering commitment to raising funds for research, prevention and support for all women’s cancers.

From the moment the doors opened, the energy in the Piazza was palpable.  The evening served as a testament to the strength of our community; as staff, students, families, and supporters gathered to raise funds for a worthy cause.

The highlights of the night were the diverse range of activities and entertainment on offer. From our buskers and sausage sizzle, our student run stalls ranged from sweets and cookies, DIY bracelets and candles, to pre-loved clothing. There was something for everyone to enjoy!

Through generous donations, our community came together to make a difference to the lives of others. Due to the overwhelming support and generosity of everyone involved, Girls Night In exceeded all expectations, raising an impressive amount for women’s cancer.

A special thank you to Annabelle Johnson and Danielle Haklane for their leadership of such a successful evening.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of Girls Night In. Your generosity and support have made a meaningful difference, and we look forward to continuing this tradition at St Ursula’s College.

With gratitude,

Anne Sukkar

Leader of Wellbeing

Thank you for your kind donations to Girls Night In

A big thank you to all the businesses that supported our Girls Night In:

• First Education Earlwood – INSTAGRAM: @firsteducationearlwood
• Balloon Decorations Co – INSTAGRAM: @Balloondecorationsco
• Deja Vu Travel – INSTAGRAM:@deja_vu_travel
• WDP – Wieser Design Photography – INSTAGRAM: wieser.design.photography
• Luna Park
• Enmore Theatre
• The Baked Lab – INSTAGRAM: @bakedlab_
• Alpha Academics Tutoring – INSTAGRAM: @alphaacademic
• F45 Hurstville
• FS8 Hurstville
• Plus Fitness Kingsgrove
• High St Hire
• Officeworks
• Juiced Up Nutrition Earlwood – INSTAGRAM: @juicedup_nutrition
• Ellen Mar Lashes & Brows – INSTAGRAM: @ellenmarlashes
• Didi Nails Marrickville – INSTAGRAM:didinails288
• Glam by B – INSTAGRAM: @glambyb_
• Al Aseel Lebanese Restaurants
• Eleni – INSTAGRAM:@eleniclothing
• Australian Meat Emporium – INSTAGRAM: @ausmeatemporium
• Gabriella’s @ The Grove – INSTAGRAM: @gabriellasatthegrove
• Edmonds & Greer Oatley – INSTAGRAM: @edmondsandgreer
• Sweet Avenue – INSTAGRAM: @sweetavenue.au
• Bunnings Kingsgrove
• Sax Cafe & Lounge Bar
• Sneaker Spa Bondi – INSTAGRAM: @sneakerspasydney
• Mary’s Flowers and Events – INSTAGRAM: @marysflowersandevents
• MediAdvice Pharmacy Earlwood – INSTAGRAM: @mediadvice_earlwood
• Eye of the Styler Earlwood – INSTAGRAM: @eyeofthestyler
• U Know Thai Kitchen Earlwood – INSTAGRAM: @uknowthai
• I Capelloni Oatley
• Marks Oatley – INSTAGRAM: @marksatoatley
• Kinsgrove RSL
• Meeting Morgan Kingsrove – INSTAGRAM: @meetingmorgan
• Manoosh Pizzeria – INSTAGRAM: @manoosh_pizzeria
• Melthouse Pizza Kingsgrove – INSTAGRAM: @melthouse.pizza
• Oatley Hotel – INSTAGRAM: @oatelyhotel
• French Cargo – INSTAGRAM: @frenchcargo
• Loop Beauty Bondi
• Shellicious (Wattle Grove)
• Build-A-Bear – INSTAGRAM: @buildabearaust
• Adora Chocolates – INSTAGRAM: @adorahandmadechocolates
• Amour by Fleur
• Fernwood Fitness
• Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL
• Dulwich Hill Gourmet Meats
• Coles Supermarket
• Raine and Horne Bexley/Beverly Hills – INSTAGRAM: @peter_georgiou_raineandhorne
• VUE Pilates Kingsgrove – INSTAGRAM: @vuepilates
• French Cargo – INSTAGRAM: @frenchcargo

Happy Pi Day!

Pi Day is a mathematical event typically celebrated on 14 March since the decimal approximation of Pi begins with 3.14, which corresponds to the third month and 14th day of the month. At St Ursula’s, we celebrated the day by completing activities that included discovering Pi, running Pi Memorization Contests, and reciting the Pi to 200 decimal places! We also sold Pi cookies, which were kindly donated by Isabella Cicco (Class of 2023). Thank to the Amaroo committee for helping. We raised $300 for Girls Night In in support of Breast Cancer.

Evelyn Zaczek

Mathematics Coordinator

Year 7 Reflection Day

On Monday 4 March Year 7 took part in their first Reflection Day at the College with a theme of the Ursuline value of Acceptance, Diversity, Inclusivity and Affirmation. Students engaged in activities in large groups and PC classes with their PC teachers to explore the concepts and how they apply to their lives at the school with the scripture focus of John 13:20  “Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.” 

Our Year 7 students responded very positively and are to be congratulated for their high levels of participation and enthusiasm on the back. I’d like to thank the Year 7 PC staff, Ms Chronopoulos, Ms Murray and Mrs Nader for their invaluable assistance on the day.

Julie Monk

Religious Education Coordinator

Swimming Carnival success

Our infamous annual swimming carnival for 2024 was definitely one to remember!

Following on with the ‘Tropical theme’, girls across all year groups definitely DRESSED the part with flower necklaces, hula skirts, and many more! It was particularly great to see the costume efforts made by ALL of the Year 12 students. Costumes ranged from movies such as Shrek, Despicable Me, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and many more! 

In multiple races, including the final Year 12 swim and the Teacher v Student boat race, the Class of 2024 highlighted the communal spirit of Serviam that has been instilled into each of us for years to come! 

Another highlight of the swimming carnival was the newly introduced activities established in the Indoor Pool! It was great to witness recreational involvement from students across all year groups that kept all girls having fun with their friends whilst also winning House Cup points. 

The atmospheric energy of the day was also a massive credit to the Splash Zone, and our yearly Volleyball Match that ran throughout the day. 

What a splendid day filled with countless memories that we all will not forget!

Thank you to all the teachers, student helpers, and in particular, Mrs Mott for helping the day run safely and smoothly.

Sarah-Angelina Kami

Year 12

St Ursula’s Girls Make a Splash!

On Monday 4 March, 16 Urshies Swimmers went on to the Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 3 Swimming competition. We all put in immense effort and collectively scored lots of points for our school! We had good fun reminding each other to go down to marshalling, snacking in between races and laughing as we stood soaked on the awards podium. Ms Murray cheered us on and everyone supported one another!

A big congratulations goes out to Isabella Esposito who set three conference records. Here are some amazing achievements from the carnival;

Isabella Esposito

1st Place – (NEW CONFERENCE RECORD) Girls 14 Years 50m Freestyle

1st Place – (NEW CONFERENCE RECORD) Girls 14 Years 50m Butterfly 

1st Place –  (NEW CONFERENCE RECORD) Girls 14 Years 100m Freestyle 

3rd Place – Girls 14 Years 50m Backstroke

4th Place – Girls 14 Years 50m Breastroke

Savannah Rose

1st Place – Girls 15 Years 50m Butterfly

2nd Place – Girls 15 Years 50m Freestyle  

2nd Place – Girls 15 Years 100m Freestyle 

2nd Place – Girls 15 Years 50m Backstroke 

3rd Place – Girls 15 Years 50m Breastroke

Chiara Ruggero 

2nd Place – Girls 14 Years 100m Butterfly 

4th Place – Girls 14 Years 50m Freestyle 

4th Place – Girls 14 Years 50m Butterfly 

Sophia Nguyen

3rd Place – Girls 16 Years 50m Breastroke 

Gemma Makatoa 

4th Place – Girls 12 Years 100m Freestyle 

4th Place – Girls 12-13 Years 100m Breastroke

5th Place – Girls 12 Years 50m Freestyle 

5th place – Girls 12 Years 50m Butterfly

5th Place – Girls 12 Years 50m Breastroke 

Lucy Makatoa 

4th Place – Girls 12 Years 100m Backstroke 

4th Place – Girls 12 Years 50m Backstroke

Alanna Griffiths

4th Place – Girls 17 Years 50m Breastroke 

5th Place – Girls 17 Years 50m Butterfly 

Katalina Reskakis 

4th Place – Girls 15 Years 100m Breastroke 

Courtney Carey

5th Place – Girls 16 Years 100m Backstroke

5th Place – Girls 16 Years 100m Freestyle 

5th Place – Girls 16 Years 50m Backstroke 

Relay Teams;

2nd Place – Girls 17+ 4×50 Medley Relay – Sarah Ilacqua, Natalie Esposito, Alanna Griffiths, Lilyana Mitrevska

3rd Place – Girls 17+ 4×50 Freestyle Relay – Alanna Griffiths, Sarah Ilaqua, Lilyana Mitrevska, Natalie Esposito

4th Place – Girls 12-14 Years 4×50 Freestyle Relay – Chiara Ruggero, Gemma Makatoa, Lucy Makatoa, Isabella Esposito 

4th Place – Girls 12-14 Years 4×50 Medley Relay – Chiara Ruggero, Gemma Makatoa, Lucy Makatoa, Isabella Esposito 

4th Place – Girls 15-16 Years 4×50 Medley Relay – Savannah Rose, Sophia Nguyen, Monika Kozub, Courtney Carey

4th Place – Girls 12-19 Years 6×50 Freestyle Relay – Courtney Carey, Savannah Rose, Isabella Esposito, Natalie Esposito, Emilia Helou, Gemma Makatoa

Our age champions;

2nd Place – 14 Years Girls Age Champion – Isabella Esposito

2nd Place – 15 Years Girls Age Champion – Savannah Rose

3rd Place – 12 Years Girls Age Champion  –  Gemma Makatoa

Overall it was an enjoyable experience and a great way to both socialise and exercise! Isabella Esposito, Chiara Ruggero, Savannah Rose will represent St Ursula’s at the SCS Championships – good luck!

Lilyana Mitrevska

Year 11

Thursday Sport

Our Sporting Stars

We have many students at the College who are achieving amazing feats in the world of sport. We would like to congratulate the following students on their recent accomplishments and we wish them the all the very best for their upcoming competitions. 

Bocce  

Melissa Danelutti (Year 12) recently represented Australia in Bocce for the Australia Vs France friendly matches in Sydney and Melbourne. She has a series of competitions coming up. Her next competition will determine her place in the NSW Women’s team for the Women’s Nationals held in Perth. She will also be representing NSW for the Junior Nationals in April. If Melissa places first in an event at Nationals, she will be considered to represent Australia again in Monaco and for the Junior World in Puerto-Rico.

Cricket 

Juliette Morton (Year 12) has just been named in the Australia Cricket team for the 2024 Australian Women’s Under-19 Tour of Sri Lanka and she will be heading to Sri Lanka to represent Australia at the end of the month.

Football 

Alexia Apostolakis (Year 12) is one of the Young Matildas. She is currently in Uzbekistan, representing Australia in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2024.

Rowing Foundation Program Success

During Term 1 and Term 4, Sydney Catholic Schools offer a 5 week Rowing Foundation Program.

Bianca McKenzie (Year 10) is one student who took the opportunity to partake in this program and she recently competed in the NSW Schoolgirls Rowing Head of the River Competition which was held at Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith on On Sunday 3 March. Bianca is St Ursula’s first student to have ever competed in this event!

Here is her reflection of the day:

“I had an awesome time at the NSW Schoolgirl Head of the River. It was my first time at such a big event, and girls from all over the country showed up to compete. There were hundred of girls there, cheering for their schools.
I raced in the Year 10 single scull for St Ursula’s, and let me tell you, it was tough. The weather was scorching and the 2-kilometre race felt really hard, but halfway through, I glanced back and saw that I was ahead of three other girls, which gave me a boost.
In the end, I came fifth in my heat, setting a new personal best. Right after the race, I rushed to check my time and was thrilled with the result.”

Please speak with Mrs Mott if you are interested in getting involved in the Rowing Foundation Program offered by SCS.

MyStrengths Parent Package

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

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

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

As part of our package, we receive “Parent Article-of-the-Month.” In this month’s article Dan Hardie explores the principle of Delayed Gratification and shows how students who learn to work hard now will get greater rewards later. It’s a simple idea, and he goes into detail of how parents can grow this in their child through the “No Regrets” Course, available FREE through our Parent Subscription. 

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

NCCD and supporting students with disabilities

The NCCD is an annual collection of information about Australian school students with disabilities. The NCCD enables schools, education authorities and governments to better understand the needs of students with disabilities and how they can be best supported at school.

Please read this letter for parents and carers outlining the NCCD process.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Learning Support Department.

Lara Summersford
Leader of Inclusive Education

Beyond the HSC

Chelsea’s journey in the realm of hairdressing began as a School-Based Apprentice and Trainee (SBAT), where her dedication and talent quickly set her apart. An SBAT requires students to attend TAFE one day per week and work in the industry one day per week across Year 11 and 12. This is balanced with a non-ATAR pattern of study at school.

Chelsea earned her spot as one of seven first-year apprentices selected to represent her craft at Melbourne’s prestigious World Skills event in 2023. This achievement highlighted Chelsea’s exceptional skills and her unwavering determination to excel in her field. 

Chelsea is also an accelerated VET student who completed her HSC in Hospitality as a year 11 student in 2022. Over the past three years, Chelsea consistently strived for excellence in both the classroom and the kitchen, maintaining a high standard of work that reflected her unwavering commitment to her VET courses.

Chelsea now works in a prestigious Sydney salon, where the skills built across her SBAT have developed her into an outstanding hairdresser.

We congratulate Chelsea on this wonderful achievement!

Heather Jesuadian
Leader of Teaching & Learning Innovation/IB Coordinator

Second Hand Uniform Shop

We have received many donations of good, clean second-hand uniforms over the past few weeks and we are pleased to advise that the second-hand uniform shop will be OPEN from 1.30 pm to 2.00 pm on Friday 22 March.

Please come to the College office at 1.30 pm and if you would like your daughter to try on a uniform please ask her to meet you at Student Services at the start of lunch.

College socks

We are pleased to advise that Taleb Australia is offering to St Ursula’s families a special $3.00 discount on a 4-pack of College socks. So if you need to stock up on College socks please contact Taleb directly.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

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

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

Our handle on both Facebook and Instagram is @stursulascollegekingsgrove.