Principal’s Message
During Palm Sunday Mass last week, Pope Leo focussed on the many Christians living and suffering in countries experiencing conflict and war. He rejected the idea that God and religion justifies war, instead reminding us that God and Jesus are the Father and Son of Peace. Many of our families have relatives living in the Middle East and other parts of the world and are very worried for their safety and welfare. It is devastating to see the destruction in countries that represent their ancestry. Many family trips have had to be cancelled and it will be sometime before families can be reunited again. During this Holy Week, let us continue to pray for peace. The death and resurrection of Jesus is a reminder of God’s love for all humanity. It is a time of hope and renewal and we pray our world leaders can find it in their hearts to see the face of Christ in the people they are at war with and to end all wars.
Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Executive Director’s Awards for Excellence and Teaching Scholarship
Last Tuesday night, SCS Executive Director, Mrs Danielle Cronin, presented awards to our students of excellence from the 2025 graduating class at a special awards evening held at Sydney Town Hall.
- Twelve students were presented with a First in Course in SCS across a range of subjects.
- Three students were awarded a Future Teachers Scholarship.
Congratulations to these amazing young women for their dedication, resilience and commitment to their studies.
SCS Step Up into Teaching Sponsorship Programme
Sydney Catholic Schools is proud to sponsor 50 Year 12 students to complete the Step Up Into Teaching Programme through ACU.
This concurrent enrolment and early entry scheme allows aspiring teachers to complete two first year university units while still in Year 12. Successful completion guarantees entry into their chosen Teaching degree at ACU, with credit applied for the completed units.
I am delighted to announce that the following Year 12 students have been selected and have already completed their first university level unit.
- Mary-Anne Elazzi
- Anabel McNamara
- Brianna Merlino
- Sienna Pagaimo
We congratulate these students. Our teaching profession is in very good hands.
Commissioning Mass for new teachers at St Mary’s Cathedral
Last Thursday night, Sydney Catholic Schools held a Mass to commission staff new to Sydney Catholic Schools and staff new to the role of Principal, Assistant Principal and Religious Education Co-ordinator. Celebrated by Archbishop Anthony Fisher, the Mass was a beautiful expression of faith, vocation and new beginnings.
Religious Education Coordinator
We warmly congratulate Mrs Antoinette Nader who has been appointed as the substantive Religious Education Coordinator at the College.
This position is an SCS appointment and the interviews take place with a panel that includes the Parish Priest, Director of Mission and Identity, Mr Anthony Cleary and a member of his team, as well as myself. Antoinette’s passion for Faith Formation and Mission as well as for our College is evident and our community benefits from her leadership.
Vale Sr Marjorie Carroll
It is with profound sadness that I inform our College community of the passing of Sister Marjorie Carroll on Saturday 21st March 2026.
Sister Marjorie, was an Ursuline sister and taught at St Ursula’s for many years in the 1960’s and 1970’s as well as from 1883 to 1985. More information about her life and service appears later in this newsletter.
Basketball Grand Finalists
I was delighted to see our students competing in the Basketball Grand Finals last week. All three teams, Junior, Intermediate and Senior made it through to the Grand Finals with our Senior Team winning their match.
Our students represented the College beautifully and we are incredibly proud of them. Thank you to our coaches Mrs Peterson, Mrs Whitfield and Mr Russo.
Mother Daughter Movie Night Wed May 20
This much loved event, organised by our St Ursula’s Parent Association, is always a highlight for our Mother’s and daughters. Please keep this date free.
Movie: The Devil wears Parda 2
Location: Event Cinemas, Hurstville
Date: Wednesday, 2 May 2026
Time: Doors open 6.30pm, Movie starts at 7.00pm
Details for purchasing tickets will be released soon via Try bookings. I look forward to seeing you at this event.
As we prepare for a two week holiday period, I hope everyone can take some personal time to rest and to enjoy the small things that bring joy into our lives. I especially want to acknowledge our senior students, who have worked incredibly hard throughout their recent assessment blocks. This time of rest is well deserved.
We also continue to hold in our prayers the members of our community who have experienced family loss, suffering and hardship. May peace, compassion, and understanding guide us all.
I wish every family a safe, restful, and blessed Easter break. I look forward to seeing our students on Tuesday 21st April.
Many blessings to you all.
Regards,
Vivienne Awad
Principal





