Principal’s Message

As we move toward the midpoint of the school year, I am reminded once again of the energy, resilience and spirit that defines our community. Term 2 so far has been filled with meaningful events, joyful celebrations, and opportunities for our students to shine, both in their learning and in the many activities that enrich school life. You can read more about these and many other events and celebrations throughout this edition of the newsletter.

Mother’s Day Mass

We were delighted to host one of our largest Mother’s Day Masses and morning teas to date. The church was filled with warmth and gratitude as our community came together to honour the remarkable women who support and nurture our students each day. It was a beautiful reminder of the strength of our school community.

Year 12 Retreat

I was fortunate to visit our Year 12 students during their retreat at Kiah Ridge. Their engagement, reflection and sense of unity were inspiring, and it was wonderful to see them taking time to pause and prepare for the final stage of their school journey.

The Orbispace Program

This term, our students had the opportunity to engage with The Orbispace Program through two remarkable experiences, PowerHer and Sunrise. Both programs offered our girls a window into the future of innovation, leadership and emerging industries, allowing them to connect with experts, explore real‑world challenges and consider the many pathways available to them beyond school. These experiences encouraged our students to think boldly, collaborate thoughtfully and recognise the impact they can have as young women stepping into rapidly evolving fields. Their insights capture the depth of their learning and the inspiration they gained. 

Creative and Performing Arts 

Our Creative and performing Arts students have also enjoyed a range of enriching opportunities. I accompanied a group of CAPA students to the Capitol Theatre to see The Lion King. It was an extraordinary performance, and our students were captivated by the music, staging and storytelling. One of our Year 10 CAPA students has written a piece for this newsletter, sharing their experience of the production.This year has seen St Ursula’s return to Theatre Sports for the first time in quite a while, and our students rose to the occasion with enthusiasm and confidence. The girls performed well against experienced teams and have made it through to the next round.

Our Performing Arts students have also been busy in the SCS Eisteddfods. We are pleased to celebrate the achievements of our Hip Hop troupe, who were awarded First Place, and our Senior Jazz group, who received Second Place (Highly Commended). Both groups earned a ‘stand‑by’ ticket for the SCS Showcase, and we are thrilled to share that the Hip Hop routine has since received a ‘Golden Ticket’ for the SCS Eisteddfod Showcase at the Seymour Centre on Friday 26 June.

Please enjoy reading about all that has taken place in this vibrant and talented community.

God Bless,

Vivienne Awad
Principal

Vale – Mrs Christine Dryden

The St Ursula’s College community mourns the passing of Mrs Christine Dryden, an exceptional educator whose life and work have shaped generations of students and staff. A proud Ursuline alumna, Christine returned to the College as a young teacher and went on to serve for more than forty years as a dedicated English teacher, mentor and English Coordinator. Her lifelong commitment to Serviam, service in faith and love was evident in every aspect of her vocation.

Christine was known for her passion for teaching, her deep love of literature and her remarkable ability to bring stories to life. An avid reader, she was forever recommending books, guiding students toward texts that would challenge, comfort, or inspire them. She taught with humour, creativity, and narrative flair, believing wholeheartedly in the power of story to shape young minds. Many who now teach English credit Christine as the person who first inspired them to step into the classroom.

Her colleagues will remember her warmth, her generosity and her unmistakable presence: the bangles that gently jingled as she walked, the perfectly manicured nails tapping across a keyboard, the perfume that lingered in the corridor and the impeccable style that made her instantly recognisable. Christine brought a sense of fun and exuberance to even the busiest school days, lifting spirits and reminding us of the joy in our shared work.

Christine’s contribution to the life of the College extended far beyond the classroom. She led debating for many years, hosting teams with her characteristic hospitality complete with homemade sandwiches and a warm welcome for every student and family who crossed her path. She created and curated the Serviam magazine long before computers made such work easier, pouring care, creativity, and pride into every page. Christine also composed the College’s first school song, giving generations of Ursuline students the enduring words: “On the road of service we will make our way, love and life and friendship are the gifts we share.” A line which captures not only the Ursuline mission, but Christine’s own approach to life, steady, purposeful, and grounded in service.

Above all, Christine was devoted to her family, a loving wife, mother and grandmother whose joy in her home life was evident to all who knew her. She spoke of her family often and with great affection, drawing strength and happiness from the people she loved most.

Christine’s excellence was formally recognised when she received an award for outstanding teaching, but her true legacy lies in the thousands of students she taught, encouraged, and believed in. She knew her students deeply, loved them fiercely and taught with a combination of intellect, compassion, and imagination. 

To borrow the words of author George Eliot, “What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?”  
Christine lived this truth every day.
We give thanks for her life, her leadership, and her unwavering dedication to St Ursula’s College. She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.
Eternal light grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.

Sandra Kasses
English Teacher

Gospel Reflection

The celebration of Pentecost invites us to remember that the story of the Church begins not with certainty but with waiting. Yesterday’s readings draw us into that upper room where the disciples gathered, unsure, hesitant and still carrying the weight of Good Friday. Yet it is precisely into that space that the Holy Spirit arrives. The breath of God that once moved over the waters of creation now fills a room of ordinary people and transforms them into bold witnesses. What happened at Pentecost was not the disciples finding their courage; it was God breathing courage into them.

Acts tells us that a sound like a rushing wind filled the house and tongues of fire rested on each of them. It is striking that the Spirit does not descend as a gentle whisper but as wind and flame—signs that God’s presence is not meant to leave things as they are. Pentecost is God’s reminder that the Spirit disrupts our fears, rekindles our hope and pushes us outward when we would rather stay behind closed doors.

Paul’s words to the Corinthians deepen this truth. The Spirit gives different gifts to each person, not for personal achievement but for the good of all. Some speak, some serve, some encourage, some lead, some heal. None of these gifts are accidental. None are small. Pentecost teaches us that the question is never whether we have been gifted but how we are being called to use what we have been given. The Spirit does not give gifts for storage; the Spirit gives gifts for mission.

In the Gospel, Jesus breathes peace upon the disciples before sending them out. That order matters. We are not sent into the world as frantic workers or anxious performers. We are sent as people rooted in Christ’s peace, carrying His presence into every place we go. Pentecost is not a command to work harder; it is an invitation to live from the peace Jesus breathes into us.

Taken together, these readings remind us that Pentecost is not a historical anniversary but a present reality. The same Spirit who filled the upper room continues to move through our communities, our conversations, our acts of compassion and even our moments of uncertainty. The Spirit still breaks into closed rooms. The Spirit still gives gifts for the good of all. The Spirit still sends us with peace, not pressure. Pentecost is God’s promise that we are never left to our own strength. We are carried, equipped and renewed by the same Spirit who set the early Church ablaze.

Antoinette Nader
Religious Education Coordinator

Mother’s Day Mass

We offer our sincere thanks to all the mothers, grandmothers and mother‑figures who joined us for our Mother’s Day Mass. Your presence brought a sense of joy and togetherness to our celebration and it was a privilege to honour the important role you play in the lives of our students and our community.

We also turned our hearts to Mary, the Mother of God, whose faith and devotion continue to guide us. Our Catholic tradition gives us many examples of motherhood — women who showed courage, compassion and deep trust in God. Their stories remind us of the sacred influence mothers have in shaping the lives of those they love.

We hold in prayer mothers across the world who continue to face hardship, conflict, or loss. May they find strength, comfort, and hope through God’s loving presence.

A warm thank you to our CAPA staff, in particular Ms Josifovski and Ms Hong for the beautiful music that enriched our liturgy. Your dedication helped create a prayerful and uplifting atmosphere for everyone present. A special thank you to Ms Katacos for her leadership and gentle support of the Readers and ministers serving at the Mass. 

We are also grateful to our support staff for the hospitality offered throughout the morning. Your care ensured that our guests felt welcomed and appreciated.

Antoinette Nader
Religious Education Coordinator

Youth Ministry News

PURPOSE CAMP

During the Term 1 school holidays, a group of students attended Purpose Camp at the St Benedict XVI Retreat Centre, where they took part in activities, talks, discussions and prayer. Over the 4 day experience, students were given opportunities to deepen their faith and build new friendships. Here is a reflection from one of these students.

This year’s Purpose Camp led by Sydney Catholic Youth at Benedict XVI retreat centre in the school holidays gave students from years 9-12 the opportunity to step away from the usual busyness of school and focus on our relationship with God through a three night retreat. With many social activities, good food and most importantly, the opportunity to grow in our faith, Purpose Camp 2026 was one of the most fulfilling events in terms of growing in a relationship with God. 

We started the retreat by getting to know each other through various icebreaker activities, one including an amazing race which helped us make connections with people in our team and others we competed against. We ended the day with all of us participating in a beautiful Mass. The next day we had the opportunity to hear from Madeleine and Simon Carrington who gave separate talks to the guys and girls. We discussed how to navigate Godly relationships, along with learning about self worth for the girls and boys about love so they would get different perspectives and insight on true love and how to respect women. These talks prepared us for an event called ‘Honouring Night’ later that evening, where the boys and girls would share a formal dinner and put these ideas of mutual respect into practice. On the last day, we spent two hours playing a sports round robin which was one of the best activities for friendly competition among other campers. Later that evening, we processed through the grounds and said the Rosary together as a final way of praying together, then had the opportunity for confession and all-night adoration which was my personal favourite. 

The purpose retreat was the highlight of my holidays and I would highly recommend it for anyone who is even slightly interested in going next year! I have left with newfound friendships and a much stronger faith and words cannot explain the joy and acceptance you will feel while at purpose camp, so why not experience it yourself?

Aalia Elachi
Year 11

DID YOU KNOW?

During the month of May, we pause and reflect on the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of God, a model of faith, humility and discipleship. Mary holds a special place in the life of the Church because of her faithful “yes” to God’s call and her unwavering trust in His plan. She is honoured as our spiritual mother, guiding believers closer to her Son through her example of prayer, courage and love. Throughout the Month of Mary, Catholics are invited to reflect on Mary’s virtues and seek her intercession as they grow in their own relationship with Christ.

There are many meaningful ways young Catholics can honour Mary during May, including praying the Rosary. At our College, students are warmly invited to participate in “Mondays with Mary”, where we gather in the College chapel at lunchtime each Monday to pray the Rosary together. 

Here are some other ways Catholics can honour Mary and deepen their relationship with her:

1. Pray a Marian Novena
2. Grow a Marian Garden
3. Read a book about Our Lady
4. Set up a Home Shrine to Our Lady
5. Deepen your knowledge of the great Marian Artworks

For information on any of these ideas, click here.

Source: The Catholic Weekly

As we honour Mary this month as our spiritual mother and model of faith, we are also reminded with gratitude of the mother figures in our own lives – those women who nurture, guide and love us with generosity and care.

Nicole Katacos
Youth Ministry Coordinator

Archbishop’s Student Leadership Luncheon

On Tuesday 23 April, Ava and I attended the Archbishop’s Student Leadership Luncheon at the historic Cathedral House. 

The event gathered student representatives from across the Sydney Catholic Schools network for a day of reflection and dialogue, centered on the theme for the day “Trust in the Lord: For True Peace and Strength”. 

We received an address from Archbishop Anthony Fisher, where he invited us to share our honest concerns, questions and hopes as representatives of our school communities and all students in Sydney Catholic Schools. 

As we ate lunch, His Grace moved between tables, directly engaging us in conversation. It was a unique opportunity to discuss the dynamic role of young people in the Church, how students can find “True Peace” in the pressures of modern life and the future direction of the Sydney Catholic Schools community. 

We also heard from the University Chaplaincy and Sydney Catholic Youth. They shared insights into the vibrant faith life waiting after graduation, demonstrating how the transition to university and adulthood can be supported by the welcoming Catholic community. 

To conclude the afternoon, His Grace offered a blessing to all the student leaders, asking us to take the spirit of the day back to our schools. Ava and I even managed to take a selfie with the Archbishop to commemorate the occasion! 

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent the College and look forward to implementing the spirit of peace and faith in our student body.

Olivia H
College Co-Captain

PASTORAL CARE – Year 12 Retreat

Isabella B
Year 12

Kedron

PASTORAL CARE – Year 11 Red Frogs Presentation

Year 11 had the privilege of seeing the Red Frogs Organisation talk about the necessity of partying safely, especially in the presence of drugs and alcohol. Through a variety of interactive activities and videos, our cohort learned about Red Frog’s presence at festivals, concerts, university campuses and sporting events, and how their help can encourage young people to make positive and safe choices. As a result of this opportunity, we now know what to look out for and notice when attending popular and open events. Overall, it was a very thought-provoking and worthwhile experience that taught us important life skills that we will take into adulthood.

Georgia T
Year 11

PASTORAL CARE – Year 7 Reflection Day Excursion

The Year 7 Reflection Day invited us to pause, breathe and look inward, but it also opened a window to something far bigger than ourselves. Experiencing the Sistine Chapel, even through a recreated or guided encounter, helped students step into a world where art, faith and imagination meet. Michelangelo’s ceiling, with its sweeping story of creation and humanity, reminded us that every person carries a spark of God’s creativity. For many students, seeing the detail, colour and emotion of the artwork became a moment of wonder, an invitation to think about their own gifts and the story they are beginning to write in high school.

What made the day meaningful was how these experiences connected. The quiet moments of reflection helped students recognise that, just like the figures painted across the Sistine Chapel, they are part of something larger: a community, a tradition and a journey of growing into the people they are called to be. The day encouraged gratitude, curiosity and a deeper awareness of God’s presence in beauty, in silence and in one another.

Antoinette Nader
Religious Education Coordinator

PASTORAL CARE – Backflips Against Bullying

Last week, our Year 7 students were treated to an energetic and engaging performance by the Backflips Against Bullying team. Through a combination of acrobatics, humour and powerful storytelling, the performers delivered an important message about the impact of bullying and the role young people play in creating a positive school community.

The show blended impressive gymnastics with relatable scenarios, helping students understand how even small actions or comments can significantly affect someone’s wellbeing. The performers highlighted the importance of kindness, empathy and speaking up; reinforcing strategies students can use if they ever experience or witness bullying.

It was wonderful to see Year 7 so captivated throughout the performance. Their enthusiasm, laughter and active participation reflected just how effectively the presenters connected with them.

A highlight of the event was the grand finale, where the performers showcased their incredible skills by leaping over seated, and then standing volunteers, including our very brave Miss Ibrahim. The combination of humour, suspense and athleticism made for a memorable finish.

We extend a heartfelt thank‑you to the Backflips Against Bullying team for delivering such an inspiring and exhilarating presentation. Year 7 left the session with a deeper understanding of the effects of bullying and a renewed sense of confidence in how to respond to challenging situations.

The message of looking forward with hope, supporting one another, and contributing to a kinder world resonated strongly with our students.

Maria Di Mattia
Year 7 Coordinator

ENRICHMENT – Senior Ethics Olympiad

ENRICHMENT – Year 11 Talented Maths Day Competition

The Year 11 Talented Maths Day was a really enjoyable and rewarding experience. Throughout the day, we were challenged to think critically, solve problems under pressure and work together as a team. Although some of the questions were difficult, it was exciting to push ourselves and try different ways of solving problems.

One of the best parts of the day was being able to work with other students and meet people from different schools, some who could do impressive mental maths like 99 squared, and others who enjoyed the thrill of problem solving. The activities helped us build our teamwork and communication skills, especially when we had to rely on each other to complete questions correctly and quickly.

Overall, the experience was both fun and challenging, and it allowed us to strengthen our mathematical thinking in a different environment outside the classroom. Although it was a tough competition, the team managed to place in the top 15, which we are extremely proud of. We are very grateful to Miss Ibrahim for providing guidance to the team and giving us the chance to represent our school, and a big thanks to the Sydney Technical High School for hosting such a fun yet challenging event.

Lillian N, Victoria P, Angel-Jade S, Gloriana Yand Emily Z
Year 11

ENRICHMENT – The Orbispace Initiative Program

PowerHer

On Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 April, ten Year 10 students took part in an inspiring two day experience through The Orbispace Initiative, a charity dedicated to equipping the next generation of female leaders with the STEAM skills, confidence and networks to thrive in tomorrow’s industries.

This excursion formed part of the PowerHer Program, a future focused initiative delivered in partnership with the UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute. PowerHer involved students’ immersion into real world roles across emerging industries. Students explored how diverse skills in technology, engineering, policy, design, communications, community leadership and ethics can translate into purposeful, impactful careers.

Day 1 – Inside the Future with UNSW

Students began their journey at UNSW, where they met researchers and witnessed real innovation in action. They explored how technology, environment, culture and the economy shape the careers of tomorrow and where their own strengths might fit.

A standout moment was meeting the engineering team behind the next Sunswift prototype, an electric car redefining sustainable travel. Students also viewed Australia’s leading solar electric development project, crowned champions of the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, a 3,000 km race from Darwin to Adelaide competing against universities worldwide. This encounter offered a powerful glimpse into the future of clean energy and engineering.

Day 2 – Simulation City: Design the Communities of Tomorrow

On Day Two, students stepped into Simulation City, where they participated in a hands‑on Hackathon. Acting as engineers, planners, analysts and designers, they were challenged to reimagine the future of a regional town. This immersive experience helped them understand how complex systems shape communities and how their own ideas can influence real‑world outcomes.

Working collaboratively, they balanced sustainability, liveability and economic growth, gaining insight into the multidisciplinary nature of future industries.

Jacinta

Sunrise 

A one-day festival run by venture capital firm Blackbird. It focused on startups, creativity, technology, and innovation that brought together founders, investors, creatives, and operators from Australia and New Zealand. The event included talks, workshops, networking, and community events.

Cielo

Attending the Sunrise event was a unique opportunity where we got to talk to investors and hear from many entrepreneurs about their ideas and experiences in creating and running a startup business. Out of everyone we got to hear from and talk to, my favourite person was a man, named Mark, who started a non for profit company that teaches women in underprivileged communities how to start their own small businesses as a way to support themselves and their families. I really liked his company because it tackles an important issue and helps those who really need support, rather than just being a profitable business. It was really empowering hearing from everyone, especially so many young entrepreneurs, and being reminded of how important it is to be resilient and make meaningful connections with other people, especially as an entrepreneur. 

Sophie

During our experience at Sunrise, we got to hear from many inspiring and successful entrepreneurs about their journey as business owners. It was a great opportunity to network with investors and other entrepreneurs, learning the importance of building connections for people working on a startup. It was insightful to see how the innovative ideas of the businesses have changed the way that people work and live, such as the Claude AI agents by Anthropic and Heidi Health. My favourite speaker was Ben Woodington, whose company, Coherence Neuro, has made a computer implant that is designed to treat brain tumours through electrical signals. I found this talk the most interesting because of how their creation can benefit brain cancer patients and how it can change the treatment for people with brain implications, showcasing how entrepreneurs can help solve real world problems. Attending the Sunrise event was a valuable opportunity where we learnt more about entrepreneurship and using problem solving skills to create something that can change society for the better. 

Mollie:

During the visit to Sunrise tech’s event at Carriageworks, I got to listen and interact with many entrepreneurs, investors, and people who genuinely wanted to get to know people or inspire. I listened to women talk about apps they had created from scratch and people’s personal experiences, as well as a 14 year old boy and his journey to create a new AI assistance app. The main takeaway and advice I gained was to get to know others, put yourself out there and to really persist on an idea if you believe in it. Overall, it was a great day with valuable takeaways and knowledge gained and I think the girls and I enjoyed it.

ENRICHMENT – Kids’ Lit Quiz

On Monday 4 May, eight Year 7 students represented St Ursula’s in the Northern Sydney Heat of the Kids’ Lit Quiz at Moriah College. Both teams had met weekly in the library to learn about the quiz and practice their skills. Congratulations to Abigail Shori, Samantha Shori, Elora Lam, Ella Ricketts, Emilie Mifsud, Pari Jayrajh, Melinda Malkoun and Persia Chau. Particular congratulations go to Abigail, Samantha, Elora and Ella who placed third out of 30 teams.

Hosted by author Nat Amore the day was filled with fun and fierce competition to find the team who knew most trivia based on literature. 

Elizabeth Lansdown
Resource & Information Coordinator

Student Reflection

What is black and white but red all over? A sunburnt penguin!

At the Kids’ Lit Quiz, questions were challenging, but we had loads of fun. The maxi taxi started our day by driving us to Moriah College, Waverly. We were greeted by students, junior and senior, who guided us to the hall in which the competition was held. Our first task for the day was to pick our double points round. Once we had chosen, the competition commenced. The topic that started our quiz was ‘animal rights’. Once we completed round 1, we had to give our result sheet to the runners. From there, our answers were given to the scorers who tallied up our points. Each round was worth 10 points – if you get all the questions right – which was not guaranteed. The topics were animal rights, bad characters, bears, riddles, big cats, bridges, characters from mythology, confectionery, gates and residences. Overall, we had an amazing time filled with laughter and joy. We are proud of our teams, and one of them came third!

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE – Harvard Model United Nations Australia

Over the course of four days, our IB Global Politics students attended Harvard University’s Model United Nations Australia, a simulation for high school students at the University of Technology, Sydney. 

Our ‘delegates’ gained insight into the workings of the United Nations and the dynamics of international relations by assuming the roles of world leaders and international decision-makers.

It has been a wonderful opportunity for our young women to debate the most pressing issues of the day and to draft innovative, creative solutions, and develop their public speaking, negotiation, teamwork, leadership, and policy crafting skills.

Tanya Perrit
HSIE Teacher

CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS – SCS Eisteddfod: Dance

This year we were given the chance to choreograph for the SCS Dance troupe and we could not have been more grateful for this opportunity. Seeing our ideas come to life and working with all the girls was truly a moment that we will never forget. It was also a great learning curve for us. As first time choreographers, we learnt that leading a group like this requires lots of communication and patience. Even when things didn’t go exactly as planned, we learnt how to problem solve, support one another and trust the process. Watching everyone grow and seeing the dances come to life reminded us why we love dance in the first place, and how much of an impact it has on our lives. 

This has taught us that hard work pays off but also that leadership is about staying positive and creating an environment where everyone is confident and feels that they belong. What we enjoyed about the competition wasn’t just the results, it was staying together and walking away knowing that we did our best and that we were proud of what we created together. We’re incredibly grateful for the trust placed in us and for the chance to step into a role like this which challenged and inspired us in a positive way. Above everything, this strengthened our love for dance even more, and it was an honour to represent our school through something we’re so passionate about.

The Hip Hop troupe was awarded First Place in their section, the Senior Jazz was awarded Second Place (Highly Commended) and both groups were given a ‘stand by’ ticket for the SCS Showcase in June. We are delighted to announce that subsequently, the Hip Hop routine was given a ‘Golden Ticket’ for the SCS Eisteddfod Showcase to be held at the Seymour Centre, Friday 26 June. Tickets can be purchased through this link https://www.seymourcentre.com/event/sydney-catholic-schools-eisteddfod-showcase/ 

Ekaterini M, Alessia S & Alicia B
Year 11 Hiphop & Jazz Choreographers

CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS – Year 11 Drama

This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing by Irish/Australian playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer is a production that will be performed by Year 11 Drama. The play follows the story of three sisters whose lives follow an unexpected trajectory after the loss of their dear mother. 

This is a play for all ages and includes shadowplay, puppetry, fairytale elements and production design by the students as part of their study in Drama this term. The production cast includes Rita A as Narrator, Charlotte D as Albienne, Gabriella G as Beatrix, and Angelique P as Carmen with assistance from the Year 11 Entertainment Industry class and the St Ursula’s Stage Crew.

Charlotte

Albienne is a very courageous character. Although she is very sweet – aspiring to open a bakery and showcasing her strong love for baked goods, she’s not afraid to put up a fight in dangerous situations and acts as a dedicated leader amongst others. She is such a fun character to play! 

I’m loving how much creative freedom we get in our devising process, getting to express our own ideas and ways we could present a scene using different dramatic elements. I’m enjoying working with my fellow peers and Ms Walsh-Kemp and I can’t wait to see how it turns out in the end!

Rita

I play the Narrator who is the story teller that keeps the plot moving. I play other roles to support the cast such as Father and old Lady. I am learning about acting and directing during the process as well as the costume design process. I have learnt improvisation.

Angelique

The character that I play – Carmen, is more reserved compared to her sisters, yet quite observant when it comes to those around her. She is the only sister that stays exactly where she is, having a connection with the nature around her. I see myself in her at times, she’s very enjoyable to play. I can’t wait to see how our hard work comes together in the end.

Gabby

I play the middle sister, Beatrix, in the production and I think it’s fair to say she’s definitely the most dramatic. She goes through some emotional extremes along the way and has many adventures. I’ve loved building up Beatrix’s character and her relationship with her sisters, and I hope you’ll fall in love with our characters as much as we have over the course of this term. We hope you will come and see the play!

This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing will be held in The Studio (M21) at St Ursula’s College on Monday 29 June (Week 11), with two performances; 4pm & 6:30pm. Tickets will be available via Trybooking closer to the performance date. The production team would like to encourage all interested students and families to consider attending this show to support the students and as a wonderful opportunity to see live theatre here at the College.

Ché Walsh-Kemp
Drama and Entertainment Industry Teacher

CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS – The Lion King

On Wednesday 29 April, a collection of CAPA students, accompanied by our teachers and our College Principal, Ms Awad, travelled to the Capitol Theatre to experience the acclaimed production of The Lion King. From the moment the performance began, I knew that one of the key elements that would stay with me was the breathtaking visuals. In the incredible opening number “Circle of Life” the animals of the African savanna were brought to life through vibrant and highly detailed costumes while rich and harmonious vocals filled the theatre. The live musicians, in particular, added extra emotional depth to the performance, elevating significant moments like Mufasa’s death and Scar and Simba’s battle, while the choreography skillfully blended modern dance with the movements of various African animals.

As a drama student, the production was especially inspiring due to the clear dedication and passion that went into the musical. Having the opportunity to witness the different elements of performance seamlessly work together deepened my appreciation for the high level of skill and creativity required to produce a professional musical of this scale. It also made me reflect on my own performance work, particularly the importance of commitment to character and physicality. The actors truly embodied their roles, and multiple times reminded me of their characters in the Disney film of the same name.

Overall, seeing The Lion King was a wonderful experience that was both very enjoyable and motivating in regard to my own drama work. I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to attend the excursion, and it will definitely remain one of the highlights of this year.

Soraya A
Year 10 

CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS – Theatresports Competition

Being the first St Ursula’s team, for many years, to participate in the Theatresports Schools Challenge was undoubtedly nerve racking. However, our team of five pulled together and let our talents shine. Our Immediate team consisted of Lucia C, Mia F, Laura M of year 10 and Harriet C and Susannah J of Year 9.

At the heat, held at St Patrick’s College Strathfield, we competed in four rounds each with a specific game involving drama skills. There were three judges on the night who scored teams across three categories, Narrative, Entertainment and Technique. From the games our team did the following:

Round 1:

Gibberish scene: A scene is played where the performers can only speak in gibberish (a made up language). They play the actions, motions, events and reactions to create a story.

Round 2:

Human Props: The team plays a scene where one or two players are characters and the other players form every physical object in the scene as they’re named or needed. Players must interact with the human props & use them. Props players should change from one object to another throughout the scene.

Round 3:

Open scene: The team plays a scene, establishing their environment, characters and story. No handles or game structures may be used. The scene may have a style or genre (but it should be inspired by the title (not a set one practiced in advance). 

Round 4:

Soap Opera: The team performs a scene in the style of a soap opera; big reactions to every line, powerful silences, high emotional stakes, walking towards and away from each other, shock admissions etc. 

Each round of the competition was a really good opportunity to stretch our skills in drama. The first part of the evening consisted of a workshop where other groups and as well as us, practiced some of the games. We got a really good feel for what our strengths were and what we did want a part of our performances. 

We really learnt the value of energy and accepting offers in drama and that definitely helped our progress. The real performance was definitely nerve wracking but our team brought the energy with us, scoring high scores. We have progressed to the semi finals on Wednesday 3 June at St Patrick’s College and hope to make our College proud. Thank you so much Ms Walsh-Kemp for the opportunity to participate in an unique experience! If you would like to attend as a supporter, tickets can be purchased at the door at 6:45pm.

Lucia C
Year 10

TAS & VET – Textiles projects across the year groups

Year 11 “Pattern clash”

This project focuses on textile printing, dyeing and toy sewing skills. This is the first Year 11 project where students learn how to print their own textiles. They also learn how to follow sewing instructions to improve their sewing skills.

I really enjoyed the most recent assessment task, Pattern Clash, because I got to use my creativity and problem-solving skills to make my stuffed dog, Duchess. Her pattern prints were inspired by the cute and girly designs of Cath Kidston. One challenge I faced was that some of the fabrics I chose were too weak to hold all the stuffing, which caused some of the seams to rip apart while sewing. However, this helped me learn how to mend fabric and improve my sewing skills.

Sophia K
Year 11

Year 10 “Goodnight sleep tight”

In this project, students developed their sewing skills by making a PJ set. They focus on sewing skills to learn gathering, creating an overlocked small hem, french seam, doubled-folded hem, elastic waistband and bias binding. 

I have enjoyed the “Goodnight sleep tight” assessment task as it has given me the chance to be creative and design my own pyjama set. Choosing the fabric was a challenge for me as I needed to ensure that it matched my theme while also making sure the top was sewn neatly and correctly. During this task, I learnt new skills such as gathering, making my own bias binding and creating a french seam. Overall, this project has helped me improve my sewing skills and my confidence in textiles.

Phoebe Y
Year 10

Year 9 – “In the loop”

This project focused on learning felting, crochet and knitting. Students focus on learning new stitch/fabrication techniques as well as the fibre and their properties that work well for each technique. Students sample each technique before they “choose their own adventure” and make a larger project using their favorite of the 3 techniques.

I enjoyed the “Choose Your Own Adventure” assessment task because it allowed me to improve my crocheting skills and develop my knowledge of crocheting. One challenge I faced was maintaining consistent stitches and correcting mistakes throughout the process. Overall, I am very happy with my final project because it was successful and helped me further develop my crocheting skills.

Giselle D
Year 9

TAS & VET – Year 10 Hospitality students Explore the Inner Workings of Sydney Tower

Our Year 10 Hospitality students took their learning to new heights recently with an exciting excursion to the iconic Sydney Tower. The trip offered a fascinating look behind the scenes of a real, fast-paced commercial production kitchen, followed by some high-altitude sightseeing and dining.

The day kicked off deep downstairs in the tower’s production kitchen. It was amazing to see professional chefs in action and get a look at the scale of the machinery needed to feed thousands of people. Students got up close with serious commercial equipment like giant combi ovens, bratt pans and planetary mixers. We were then taken through the strict food safety routines that happen every single day, such as logging cool room temperatures, stock rotation techniques, labelling and cleaning schedules. It was a fantastic real-world lesson in how a top-tier kitchen actually runs.

After the kitchen tour, we took the lift all the way to the top of the tower to check out Bar 83. The retro decor was stunning, but the panoramic views of Sydney completely stole the show. While we were up there, we also picked up some great trivia about the tower itself. Did you know the entire structure is kept stable during high winds by a massive water tank at the very top? We also learned about Charlie, the tower’s resident window-washing robot who is kept busy cleaning all that glass!

To finish off a brilliant day, we were treated to an incredible buffet lunch at SkyFeast. The food selection was massive, featuring dishes from all over the world. It was great to see students stepping out of their comfort zones to try new things, while also indulging in crowd favourites—especially the fresh seafood!

It was a fantastic day out, and our Year 10s represented the school beautifully. A huge thank you to the team at Sydney Tower for having us!

Jesslyn Whitfield
Technology/Hospitality Teacher

TAS & VET – Architecture Unboxed at Sydney Opera House

15 of our Design and Technology students headed to the Sydney Opera House for the Architecture Unboxed workshop.

The session had students learning to draw and think like architects, exploring the legacy of the Opera House’s designer, Danish architect Jørn Utzon, and examining how architecture shapes the way people experience cities and public spaces. Sydney Opera House

From the building’s conception to completion, students discovered how it pushed the limits of engineering, construction and design. Key themes included drawing and model-making, environmental design, engineering, and global perspectives on placemaking. All a great fit for our Design and Technology curriculum. 

All materials were provided on the day, and students came away with a real appreciation for how bold, creative thinking can transform not just a building, but an entire city’s identity.

Last Wednesday, myself and my Design and Technology elective class travelled to the Sydney Opera House for an Architectural Workshop. During this workshop, our friendly instructors first presented the role of architects in the modern world and the history of the Opera House’s construction. I found it very interesting to learn about the origins from a design submission into a competition by Danish architect, Jørn Utzon, and the inspiration and construction challenges. With this in mind, we were challenged to create two models with complementing sketches. For the first model, I was given a piece of folded cardboard. Taking inspiration from its natural bend and a female architect I admire, Zaha Hadid, I gently bent and stuck the piece onto a base using masking tape. I then sketched its circular shape and embraced the small section that bent the other way into the design. I was then given an opportunity to present this inspiration and how it would be a building in the real world. In the second model, following similar inspiration, I cut the piece of paper into three main pieces, curved each piece and stuck them onto each other and sketched its shape. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and found it allowed me to be creative and apply the design principles I learnt in class into different contexts and constraints.

Mariah S
Year 10

TAS & VET – Shaping Success: Year 8 Crafts Brilliant Timber Serving Boards

Our Year 8 Technology Mandatory students have been making quite a buzz in the timber workshop this semester! In their recent practical unit, students were tasked with designing and constructing a prototype for a timber serving platter.

This hands-on project challenged students to take their ideas from raw sketches to tangible products. They learned how to select timber, safely navigate a variety of machinery, and master the art of sanding and finishing. Having successfully completed their prototypes, the students are now ready to embark on crafting their final, polished boards for the remainder of the term.

Here is what some of our talented designers had to say about their experience:

Creating the board was a great learning experience as I learnt how to handle and work with timber. Through the process, I became more confident using different tools, machines and techniques. This project helped me grow my skills and appreciation for woodwork as a whole.

Ava M

Creating my chopping board was a mix of small victories and learning curves. The shaping and sanding went smoothly, and I was proud of how cleanly the grain came through, but getting the edges perfectly square was more challenging than I expected and I struggled a bit with achieving an even finish. My inspiration came from a cleaver knife because I thought it matched the theme I had in mind for my creation.

Ivy R

During this task, I learnt many skills such as cutting down timber with a saw, something I could never imagine myself trying. I overcame my fear of the scroll saw and overall I had a pretty fun time looking for inspiration on my board. This task helped me expand my imagination and creativity so if I had a chance to do wood tech again I would gladly do it!

Chloe X

Making my timber serving board was a fun experience and it taught me how to handle timber and use machines. My favourite part was using the disc sander and making my board smooth and finished. I found the scroll saw a bit difficult although my board came out satisfactory to me. 

Kristina V

It is wonderful to see our Year 8s building not only practical woodworking skills but also resilience, confidence and creativity in the workshop. We cannot wait to see the final serving boards come to life over the next few weeks!

Sporting results and achievements

NSWCCC (New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges)

We are thrilled to announce that Year 11 student, Isabella E, has qualified to represent NSWCCC at the highly anticipated NSW All Schools Championships. This significant achievement is a testament to Isabella’s dedication and hard work in the pool.

Isabella secured her place following an outstanding performance at the recent NSWCCC Swimming Championships, where she competed against some of the state’s best Catholic school swimmers. Her stellar results demonstrate her versatile skill across a range of freestyle distances:

• 1st Place: 100m Freestyle – Isabella not only took the gold medal but also set a new personal best time of 59.57 seconds.
• 2nd Place: 50m Freestyle 
• 2nd Place: 200m Freestyle 

Isabella will now join the elite NSWCCC team to compete at the state-level NSW All Schools Championships, where she will race against the top swimmers from all NSW schools (Combined High Schools – CHS, Combined Independent Schools – CIS, and Combined Catholic Colleges – NSWCCC).

We wish Isabella the very best of luck as she prepares for this prestigious event and look forward to celebrating her continued success.

We are incredibly proud to announce that Year 9 student, Amelia Hhas earned a selection for the prestigious NSWCCC 15 Years and Under Volleyball Team.

As a member of the NSWCCC representative team, Amelia will now have the opportunity to compete at the next level, playing against NSW All schools. 

We congratulate Amelia on this fantastic achievement and wish her the very best in this exciting phase of her volleyball journey. We look forward to following her progress and celebrating her future successes.

SYDNEY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS CONFERENCE 3 TABLE TENNIS GALA DAY

Our table tennis players had a tremendously successful day at the recent Conference 3 Table Tennis tournament.

• 2nd place -Aleyah & Emma H- Year 8

• 1st – Amelia P & Lucy Y – Year 10
• 4th place – Charlotte L & Madeleine S – Year 10

• 1st – Valerie K & Rena L – Year 12
•  3rd place – Chloe L & Leanne T – Year 11

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

THURSDAY SPORT RESULTS

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