Principal’s Message

As Term 1 draws to a close I feel incredibly blessed and grateful. It has been an enormously busy term filled with so many special events that demonstrate school spirit and pride that this community has for our wonderful College.

‘Never cease to cultivate the vine that has been entrusted to you’ by Angela Merici

On Monday 8 April, the College Leadership Team had the privilege of being in the company of Sr Leone Pallisier osu, College Principal 1976 to 1982. Sr Leone provided the team with inspiration, wisdom and accompaniment as we reflected on the words of Angela Merici. Her writings gave us great insight about leadership within a Catholic school through an Ursuline lens. Angela Merici’s words, ‘never cease to cultivate the vine that has been entrusted to you’ will continue to inspire and challenge us in our discernment and decision making. We felt blessed and grateful to have Sr Leone with us and we thank her for leading us.

Fear less and say yes!

Last week at our College Assembly I congratulated the students who have embraced the many co-curricular and club offerings at the College. Each of these offerings provides our students with opportunities to nurture them holistically, and develop themselves spiritually, physically, emotionally and / or creatively. I also challenged students who have not yet signed up for an activity to ‘fear less and say yes’ to something new in Term 2.

I would like to pay tribute to our generous and incredibly talented staff who provide such a huge array of co-curricular activities. Here are a few photos:

Rhythm and Brews…hospitality and music

Ursula Voices

Knitting Club

Gardening Club

Ignite the News

Our students launched their first edition of the newspaper, “Ignite the News”, for this year. Congratulations to our editors, Stephanie and Sofia, and all the students who have contributed to this edition. Click on this link to view the newspaper and enjoy the efforts of these talented and budding journalists, designers and creatives.

Staffing Update

At the end of this term, we farewell Garry Lynch, HSIE teacher, who is taking leave until the end of 2024. We wish him all the best and look forward to hearing about his travels. We will welcome Ms Maeve O’Shea next term who will replace Mr Lynch whilst he is away. We also farewell Margo Byrnes, Bursar, who will be on leave until the end of 2024. Sally Screnci will be stepping into this role whilst Margo is away.

Have a safe and relaxing school holiday.

A reminder we have a Staff Professional Learning Day on Monday 29 April. All students return on Tuesday, 30 April in full College winter uniform.

Vivienne Awad

Principal

Gospel Reflection – Sunday 2nd Week of Easter

“He then opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.”

We sometimes use the expression ‘changing the goal posts’ to describe a situation when a new, previously unknown, condition is prescribed. Today’s Gospel does just that. The Old Testament had given some information about the long awaited saviour of Israel, the Messiah, or in Greek, the Christ. He was to be in the line of King David, he was to be born in Bethlehem, and he was to be God’s chosen one. Jesus adds a new criterion for being a Messiah – that he must suffer and die.

Nothing in the Scriptures suggested this, which is why the death of Jesus destroyed the hopes of his first disciples. To them, his death meant failure. God had abandoned him and their hopes were in vain. But Jesus changes the goal posts to include suffering and death as part of his being the Messiah. Rather than a sign of rejection by God, his death needs to be understood in another framework.

I have always found this helpful. There is much about God’s ways I do not understand. There are times I just have to accept that God’s goal posts are different to mine. God’s perception is bigger than mine. Jesus reveals this to his disciples, ‘your way of understanding wasn’t big enough’. Notice how even when they see Jesus, the Gospel says, ‘they could not believe it’. Jesus needed to explain to them and stretch their understanding to accept what their eyes saw. Jesus is raised. A new dimension of human living is revealed. God’s love is stronger than death!

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles this Sunday expresses a similar viewpoint, that ‘Christ would suffer’. But remember that the Acts and the Gospel of Luke were written by the same author so there is continuity between the two texts. In both the Gospel and the Acts, Luke draws upon the long history of God’s participation in the story of Israel. Mention is made of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. In this way, Luke is trying to make sense of the Jesus event in the light of the people’s past experience of God. Luke is trying to show that there is continuity between Israel’s story and the new Christian movement, and thus to show that God is faithful to the ancient promises.

A major issue facing both the Jewish people and the early Christians in the first century was the traumatic experience of the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome in the year 70 CE. What did this event mean? Had God abandoned Israel? Can God be trusted to keep faith? It is these questions about God’s fidelity that shape the way Luke tells the Jesus story. Sensitive to the needs of the early Christian community, Luke affirms that God is faithful and that the blessings promised to Israel are now being fulfilled by the inclusion of all nations in God’s promises. Jerusalem is the starting point for a movement that will reach out to the world.

Reflecting on this Gospel passage, Pope Francis draws our attention to the three key verbs: look, touch, and eat.

‘To look is not only to see,’ the Pope points out, adding that ‘it is more; it also involves intention, will.’ When Jesus asks the disciples to look at his hands and feet, therefore, he is not only offering visual proof of identity. Rather, Jesus is inviting his disciples to look at his wounded limbs as ‘a first step against indifference, against the temptation to look the other way before the difficulties and sufferings of others.’ Jesus’ wounds are still present for those with the courage to look at them.

Similarly, Jesus’ invitation to the disciples to confirm his presence by touch has a teaching element too. ‘By inviting the disciples to touch him,’ the Pope suggests, ‘Jesus indicates to them and to us that the relationship with him and with our brothers and sisters cannot remain “at a distance”.’ Having seen the wounds, we must be close to the wounded.

Finally, by eating with his disciples Jesus again did more than prove he was physically present at that specific moment. As the Pope points out, ‘eating, when we do so together, among family or friends … becomes an expression of love, and expression of communion.’

Once again, the Gospel suggests Jesus’ action had a deeper meaning about Jesus’ continuing presence among his followers. As St Augustine said of the Eucharist, we become what we consume, which means something truly amazing: The Risen Jesus still eats with us!

Prayer for the week

Lord Jesus, we are grateful of your sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. 

You showed us the real meaning of service when you committed and sacrificed your life as a ransom for many. 

Please forgive us for having little faith in You. 

Remind us to always listen to your word and nurture our spirit of Serviam so that we can become worthy to be called your servants. 

Help us to live lives worthy of your sacrifice in our words and actions, especially towards others. We make this prayer in your name, Amen.

Julie Monk

Religious Education Coordinator

Assistant Principal’s Message

As Term 1 draws to a close I would like to thank our staff and students for their ongoing diligence to create a great environment where we can work and learn together. Much has been achieved throughout this very busy term and we are fortunate to have an opportunity to pause for a well earned break. I would also like to thank you, our parents for your ongoing support of the school.

Important dates for your calendar

• Monday 29 April 2024 –  This is a pupil-free day to allow staff to engage in important professional learning. Your daughter is asked to use the time to revise her Term 1 work or to complete homework or assessments.
• Tuesday 30 April 2024 – Term 2 will commence for students on Tuesday 30 April 2024 (day 2) The day will start with extended homeroom and liturgy to commemorate ANZAC day. Period 1 will be shortened, but the rest of the day will run as per the day 3 timetable.
• Friday 10 May 2024 – We will celebrate Mothers Day with a liturgy and breakfast commencing at 8am at OLF Church. Our families are warmly invited to attend.
• Monday 13 May 2024 – Athletics carnival at ES Marks Athletics . Students meet at the College at 8.30am for buses to transport them to the venue. 
• Tuesday 14 May 2024 – Yr 11&12 Parent-teacher interviews, face to face at the College (3.30pm – 8.00pm)

Uniform and Grooming

The beginning of Term 2 signals a change to the College Winter Uniform and details can be found in the student diary on pp 13-15. However, I would like to highlight the following:

• The College blazer is the outer garment when students travel to and from school during Term 2&3. The jumper may only be worn under the College blazer. 
• We understand that some students feel the cold, therefore a long sleeve blouse is available for purchase as part of both the junior and senior uniform. Your daughter may choose to layer a singlet or spencer underneath, provided that they cannot be seen. Long sleeve T Shirts or hoodies are not to be worn.
• The College sport uniform consists of a polo shirt, tracksuit and shorts. The college jumper should not be worn with the track suit. Please note that lycra shorts are not part of the  sports uniform. 
• Students have the option of wearing their white St Ursula’s socks with their winter uniform for the first two weeks of term. After this time they will wear black tights. 

Janet Cairncross

Assistant Principal

Easter Liturgy – Tuesday 2 April

On the first day after the Easter break the whole school community came together in Period 1 to celebrate the Resurrection. As we reflected in the liturgy – 

On Christmas, we celebrate the Incarnation—God becoming human – with Jesus’s birth. 

During Lent, we recall the cross—Jesus’s crucifixion and death.

At Easter, we rejoice in the empty tomb—Jesus’s resurrection. Easter is the day Jesus rose from the dead after being crucified. The empty tomb means that Jesus’s words rang true. He fulfilled the promises of Scripture and conquered sin and death. Had Jesus not risen from the dead, the world would have seen Him as just a prophet or teacher instead of who he is: the Son of God, the Messiah. 

Jesus overcoming death is the reason we know His name today. It’s the foundation of all Christianity. With His death and resurrection, Jesus opened heaven to all of us. Because of Easter, we know that no matter what sufferings we experience or what sins we struggle with, God is always with us. Easter is everything in our faith. 

During the liturgy we read the readings from Easter Sunday – First Reading – Acts 10:34,37-43, Second reading – Colossians 3:1-4, and the Gospel Reading – John 20:1-9. Reflecting on the readings we particularly took note of what Pope Francis has said about Easter. Pope Francis highlights the importance of ‘walking away from the tomb.’ Once found, faith must be lived. As Saint Peter said, ‘we have eaten and drunk with him after his resurrection from the dead – and he has ordered us to proclaim this to his people.’ Easter is, in a sense, the starting point of our Christian responsibilities. We must, therefore, be open to action and change. We cannot become stuck in our ways, crippled by doubt, despair or habit.

The annual celebration of Easter reminds us that what we celebrate is present here and now. Ours is a living faith. As the Pope adds, ‘faith is not an album of past memories; Jesus is not outdated. He is alive here and now.’ Easter is a celebration of the mystery that Jesus is present. He is here, in both the needy of the world and through the actions of His followers. We must be open to the power of the risen Christ each day. Jesus’ life must become a model for us of self-giving and self-sacrifice. May this Easter season bring us joy and hope as we rise with Christ in the newness of life.

Julie Monk

Religious Education Coordinator

Vinnies School Sleepout

On any given night in Australia 122,000 Australians are experiencing homelessness. Vinnies provides vulnerable people with essential support to rebuild their lives and reconnect with the community. Together with Vinnies, you have the power to shape awareness and inspire action in your own community and can help make a real difference in the lives of the 1 in 208 people experiencing homelessness every night in Australia. 

We are once again hosting a Serviam Sleepout on Friday 28 June to raise much needed funds for our local Vinnies Conference.  This year we are collecting donations and sponsorship money electronically. The QR code is included for you to share among your networks and the link here is live.

All donations above $2 are tax deductible. 

It is a wonderful evening where we raise much needed funds for the Kingsgrove Conference. We will be packing snack packs and toiletry packs, listening to some amazing guest speakers and coming together in prayer and solidarity. More information will be shared early Term 2. 

Antoinette Nader
Assistant REC & Youth Ministry Coordinator

10:10 Parish Night

On Thursday evening, I had the pleasure to accompany 23 students to St Vincent’s College, Ashfield for a 10:10 Parish Night. 

We spent the evening in conversation around the theme of human dignity. We enjoyed dinner with new friends and a candlelit procession to the beautiful St Vincent’s Catholic Church for Adoration and Reconciliation.

Our girls were, as always, engaged and respectful. They were complimented on the manner in which they participated. 

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Antoinette Nader
Assistant REC & Youth Ministry Coordinator

Archbishop Fisher’s Newsletter

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

Celebrate Mother’s Day

We invite you to join us for a Mother’s Day Mass and breakfast on Friday 10 May.

Please click on the RSVP link below to reply.

Zonta Bake Sale

 

On 10 May, the ‘Z’ club is hosting a bake sale after the Mother’s Day Mass. The proceeds from this bake sale will support another birthing kit packing day in November and in cause will assist the safety of vulnerable mothers in developing countries.

 

Sara Ruggero

Year 11

 

Lest We Forget

On Tuesday 9 April, 8 students from the Year 10 Newman History class joined the Kingsgrove RSL club for an Anzac Day service. 

Anzac Day is the commemoration of Australia and New Zealand for victims of war, their families and for recognition of the role of their armed forces in both nations. It marks the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. During the service and our time at the Kingsgrove RSL we learnt about and looked at a multitude of historical pieces from defence forces such as the Army, Navy and Airforce, as well as a look at the Vietnam War display which is in the foyer of Kingsgrove RSL. 

The students joined other local primary and high schools outside for a moving service to commemorate Anzac Day. During the service everyone listened to student speakers talk about the significance of Anzac Day and the importance of symbols like the poppy and rosemary. 

Students also viewed the catafalque party from the local cadets program and listened to poems such as ‘In Flanders Field’ by John McCrae and ‘Sir’ by Damian Morgan. Two representatives from each school carried a wreath accompanied by a military veteran towards the front of the stage. The ceremony concluded with a lunch provided by the Kingsgrove RSL club. 

Students got to experience a special ceremony commemorating those who have served for our country. Lest We Forget.

Bianca Fortunato and Aya Elachi

Year 10

Mock Trial News

The newly-formed Mock Trial team commenced the year in a civil matter against Sylvania High last week. As the plaintiff, the girls had to prove negligence in an equestrian event, which they were able to do with success. Despite narrowly losing the points to the defence team, the girls performed extremely well, and the presiding magistrate was very impressed with the advocacy of both sides.

Well done to Lilyana Mitrevska and Siena Taouk (barristers), Sofia Awad and Brianna Serrao (witnesses), Jessica Carlisle (solicitor) and Zara Sly (magistrate’s clerk).

The next round will be a criminal case in May.

Steven Baker

HSIE/Religion Teacher

TOK Exhibition

On Wednesday 10 April during lunchtime, St Ursula’s hosted the very first Year 12 Theory of Knowledge Exhibition in the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme. 

The exhibition within Theory of Knowledge provides students with the opportunity to reflect on the nature of knowledge and what we claim to know.  For this task, students were required to create an exhibition of three objects. An object can be almost anything, however it is important that students can clearly critique how each object connects to the select knowledge question as outlined by the IB.

During the lunchtime exhibition Year 12 TOK students were joined by the College Leadership Team, Mrs Mary Leask, Year 11 IB students and prospective Year 10 IB students. Year 12 TOK students engaged in rich and passionate conversations which were related to different ways their chosen exhibition objects illuminate ‘how’ knowledge manifests in the world around them. 

Theory Of Knowledge (TOK) is a mandatory subject at the heart of the International Baccalaureate Diploma program. The course is diverse in content and cultivates students critical thinking skills, enabling students to approach complex problems with analytical and logical reasoning.

Amanda Newell

IB Teacher

Kids’ Lit Quiz

Kids’ Lit Quiz is an international competition called ‘the sport of reading’. It offers students from 10 – 14 years the opportunity to compete in a team to test their knowledge of books and reading. This year, 13 students from Year 7 represented St Ursula’s against 84 students from 11 schools. All students worked hard as a team to win individual rounds during the day. 

Congratulations to:

• Zyva Chau
• Sienna De Bonis
• Rani Khanna
• Sophia Dang
• Susannah Johnson
• Harriet Carlon
• Isabel Camarda
• Audrey Hatem
• Trinity Chambers
• Bella Beaumont
• Chloe Tsoi
• Grace Floro
• Madeline Singles

Elizabeth Landsdown

Resource and Information Coordinator

Girls Night In: Update from our College Co-Captains

We would like to take this opportunity to extend a huge thank you to the College community for supporting the 2024 Girls Night In and making it such a great success. We are so grateful to the over 150 students that volunteered to run stalls, supervise, or assist with the planning and organising of the night

Also a big thank you to everyone who attended Girls Night In and bought items, whether it was a sausage sizzle, Dippin’ Dots, handmade resin objects, guessing the number of balloons in the car, raffle tickets, lolly bar or second hand clothing. The night was very successful, with over 500 attendees and over 45 stalls. 

We are truly honoured and humbled to have had the opportunity to lead this amazing student initiative for the fourth year in a row and also make it our own. Whilst raising a significant amount of money for the Cancer Council it was also a wonderful sense of community on the night.

We are SO EXCITED to announce that this year we have raised $18 527.66.

These funds will go straight to the Cancer Council, towards a cause that affects so many people in Australia each and every year. One in seven women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Approximately one woman under the age of 40 is expected to die each week from breast cancer. That’s nine Australians a day dying from the disease. In the last ten years, breast cancer diagnosis has increased by 21%. 

Girls Night In not only raised funds in support, but also much needed awareness for this cause. Finally, we would like to thank our leadership team for their ongoing support! Without the dedication of our fellow Yr 12 leaders, and the student leaders from year 7 to year 11, this event would not have been possible! A special thanks also to Ms Sukkar for her ongoing dedication and support – we couldn’t do it without you! 

Thanks again to everyone for your engagement and support of this event, we look forward to many more amazing initiatives throughout the rest of this year.

Annabelle Johnson and Daniella Haklane

College Co-Captains

Peaceful Kids Groups

We have been running Peaceful Kids Groups this Term for Year 7 students. 

Peaceful Kids is a mindfulness and positive psychology skills-based program and we are still open to any nominations for students who would like to participate in Term 2. 

There has been a lot of research into the health benefits of mindfulness. You may find this article from Monash University useful. 

With the up and coming assessments and stress for students at school currently here are some tips for parents and how you can support your child with anxiety. 

Georgina Watney and Katrina Newey

College Counsellors

Innovate Now Entrepreneurship Bootcamp

Heather Jesuadian

Leader of Teaching and Learning Innovation/IB Coordinator

Thursday Sport

Bronze for Senior Touch Football

On Thursday 12 April, our Senior touch football team travelled to Holy Cross College in Ryde to compete in the SCS Championship Finals Day.

St Ursula’s lost their semi final match against Mount St Joseph (3-8). They then went on to win against Brigidine College (6-4), earning 3rd place in the Championships.

Congratulations! A great end to the season.

Please click here to view the LIVE STREAM recording. St Ursula’s match can be seen from approximately 04:47:06.

Living her football dream: Alexia and the Young Matildas

Year 12 student, Alexia Apostolakis recently travelled to Uzbekistan to represent Australia with the Young Matildas in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup. The team came home with a bronze medal, earning their place in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Columbia later this year.

When did you start playing football and what inspired you to play?

I started playing football when I was around 5 years old. At the time I was following in my older brother’s footsteps and joining whatever sports he was doing. I really enjoyed the competitiveness of football and being the only girl in a boys soccer team challenged me well!

How did you feel representing Australia in Uzbekistan, what were the highlights?

The preparation and hard work amounting to the first game in Uzbekistan made playing all the more honourable. Not many people can say they’ve represented their country at an international level, so although it comes with a little pressure, the memories and experiences you gain feels amazing. The highlights were definitely qualifying for a youth World Cup which will be held later this year. We were the first u20 team to do so since 2006 (when I was born)! Another highlight would honestly be just the interactions I had with my teammates, coaches, staff and other teams, it was truly memorable.

How do you feel about heading to the Women’s World Cup in Colombia?

I feel keen to start the process. Of course, no squad selection is guaranteed at the moment, so I feel super motivated to work hard and make my mark in the team. If I do make it, it will be my second time at a Youth World Cup – when Australia was nominated in place of a team that pulled out two years ago, I was fortunate enough to go. I was super young and that meant I didn’t really get picked to play so it’s been a huge goal of mine to make a World Cup and play this time around! Also off the back of a super successful and vibrant Women’s World Cup in Australia, I can’t wait to create the same legacy.

How do you juggle the stresses of school life and your football commitments (particularly in your HSC year)?

Not many people know but I was supposed to graduate last year! With the support of my parents and the school (especially Mrs Bosnich), I decided to split my HSC up into two years so I could find a balance. I think the key to juggling the stresses of both lives is to celebrate small successes from both worlds, such as handing in an assignment or finishing a training session. I think there also needs to be a fine line between being disciplined and doing schoolwork whilst I’m on the plane and actually taking my own time as well to have a break and hang out with friends.

What are your plans after your HSC year?

Of course football will be a massive priority after school. I’m working hard towards perhaps moving overseas to pursue a career there. In the meanwhile, I am super keen on going to university and getting a degree.  

Please click here to read Football Australia’s article about Alexia.

A Swimming Success!

Rugby Holiday Camp

Click here for more information.

Free Running Training

WHO:

Anyone interested in getting fitter for upcoming winter sports,
cross-country and athletic events (from 800m to 6k).

WHEN:

1:30pm – 2:30pm on Saturday 13 April

WHERE:

Scarborough Park, Hawthorne Street, Ramsgate (meet at Syd Frost Hall
at 1:30pm)

ACTIVITIES:

Warm-up + drills, relays, short race (1K or 2K or 3K)

COST:

NIL

BYO:

Running gear, hat, water bottle and ENTHUSIASM!!!

CONTACT:

Greg Breen (SCS Employee and President of St George District Athletic Club)

Phone – 0421985775

Email – gregory.breen@syd.catholic.edu.au

To register or enquire, please ring (leave a text or voice-mail message) or send an email.

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.

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

TALEB Uniform Shop

Please click here to access the TALEB Uniform shop website.

For more College uniform information, please refer to page 15 of the 2024 student diary.

Alumni Class of 1963 and1965

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.