Principal’s Message

Welcome to our first Term 3 College newsletter, highlighting many significant events our community has celebrated recently.

Today is the Feast Day for St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, Australia’s First Saint. At Mass this morning in our College Chapel we gave thanks for Mary MacKillop, a life lived in faith, hope and service despite the challenges she endured throughout her life. 

Two of her quotes, “Never see a need without doing something about it” and “Have courage no matter what your crosses are”, continue to inspire us to live a life of service, courage and faith, like Mary Mackillop did.

God of compassion, God of all people, we praise you for your servant, Mary MacKillop, who gave her life to serve you in the poor and oppressed.
As she is honoured in our world, may we continue to learn to share her vision.
Help us to recognise, as she did, that the poor of our time will hear the gospel in the way we serve them. 
Be with us as we strive to follow her and carry out our mission of service and care. 

Amen

Grandparents Mass

The Church celebrates Saints Anne and Joachim, Jesus’ grandparents and the parents of Mary annually on 26 July. They are reminders of the vital role grandparents play in passing down faith, values, and love through generations. This special day, celebrated this year on Sunday 27 July, is a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the importance of our own grandparents, not only as family members but as spiritual guides, storytellers, and pillars of wisdom. Their presence enriches our lives in countless ways, offering love that is unconditional and support that is steadfast.

As a school community we came together on Tuesday 29 July, and welcomed our grandparents to a special Grandparents Mass. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr Casey for celebrating this special mass and to our talented musicians for their beautiful contribution to the music ministry.

A highlight of the morning were the touching reflections shared by Elizabeth Lansdown, our Resource and Information Coordinator—and proud first-time grandparent, and Year 11 student, Isabella Xenos.

Following the Mass, guests enjoyed a light lunch in the Clune Centre. I’m especially grateful to our hospitality students for their wonderful work in helping to prepare and serve the lunch with care and professionalism.

As always, sincere thanks go to our Religious Education and Music departments and support staff for their presence and dedication in making both the Mass and the lunch a memorable occasion.

HSC Trial and IB Examinations

Year 12 began their examinations this week. We keep these students in our prayers. May they remain calm, focussed and confident, knowing they are well supported by their families and teachers.

Awards for service to the community

I was thrilled to learn that two members of our St Ursula’s community—a parent and a grandparent—have recently received prestigious awards in recognition of their outstanding service to the wider community.

Mrs Annette Ruhotas, mother of Georgia in Year 7, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours. This honour acknowledges her significant contributions to the community through her impactful work with for-purpose organisations and her leadership in governance roles. We are especially proud to welcome Annette to our St Ursula’s Parents in Action (SUPA) committee this year.

Mrs Maria Canu, grandmother of Gemma in Year 12, was awarded the Dempsey Medal by the Archbishop of Sydney, recognising over 30 years of dedicated service to the Catholic Parish of Earlwood (Our Lady of Lourdes). A heartfelt article written by her granddaughter Gemma is featured in this newsletter.

These remarkable women exemplify the spirit of Serviam—serving with love and purpose—and are inspiring role models for their families and our broader community. We extend our warmest congratulations and deepest gratitude for their generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Service in Cambodia

Thirteen students and two staff members have returned from a transformational immersion to Cambodia. As part of the immersion, they spent time working in an Ursuline Primary School that the College has been supporting for the last eight years. More information about this trip is included in the newsletter and here is a video that showcases their life changing and memorable time in Cambodia. I am incredibly proud of these 15 women who have returned with their hearts full of compassion, with their minds opened to greater understanding and their hands ready to serve and act on behalf of a Sister community that continues to need so much support.

Academic Awards Assembly

Our Year 7 to 10 Awards Assemblies, held on the first Friday of Week 1 in Term 3, are a significant event on the College calendar. They provide a valuable opportunity to recognise and celebrate students who  have achieved outstanding academic results. A list of award recipients are included in this newsletter.

I wish all members of our community a wonderful weekend. On Sunday, I will be at the Conservatorium of Music where two of our talented musicians, Marion and Audrey Choi have been invited to perform at the Sydney Catholic Schools Classical Music and Scholarship Recital.

Warm regards

Vivienne Awad
Principal

Gospel Reflection

Luke 12:32–48 opens with reassurance: “There is no need to be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.” Jesus speaks tenderly yet urgently—discipleship is a call to courageous generosity and attentiveness. We are not left empty-handed; we are entrusted with treasure that must be shared: compassion, presence, wisdom, and hope.

“Sell your possessions and give alms… Get yourselves purses that do not wear out, treasure that will not fail you…” At St Ursula’s, this teaching finds visible expression. In preparing and sharing meals with those experiencing hardship through One Meal, students and staff embody Gospel almsgiving—not only offering food, but dignity, time, and encounter.

“See that you are dressed for action and have your lamps lit…” Our Catholic schools are communities where students are formed to be young people of hope, awake to the knock of Christ in daily life. Whether it’s honouring intergenerational faith at our Grandparents Mass, or journeying with vulnerable communities in the Cambodia Immersion, we strive to be ready—not with fear, but with open hearts.

“Happy those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes…” Awake service is faithful, not performative. Pope Leo XIV recently reminded digital missionaries: “It is not simply a matter of generating content, but of creating an encounter between hearts… Be agents of communion, capable of breaking down the logic of division.” In our school’s outreach and presence, we reject superficiality and strive for deep connection: the “network of God” formed by love, justice, and shared humanity.

“When a man has had a great deal given to him, a great deal will be demanded of him…” Students are invited to name their “treasures”—what they’ve been given in family, faith, friendship, intellect—and ask how these gifts can be used to build the kingdom. The life of Blessed Carlo Acutis models this beautifully: “To always be close to Jesus—that’s my life plan.” Through digital evangelisation and Eucharistic love, he lived simply and served joyfully.

Like Carlo, we are called to live with readiness—whether in the classroom, around the family table, or within our College communities—recognising that our true treasure lies in the relationships we nurture, the service we offer, and the hope we embody.

Antoinette Nader
Religious Education Coordinator(Acting)

Grandparents Mass

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for this year’s Grandparents Mass—a beautiful occasion honouring the love and wisdom of our cherished elders. Inspired by Saints Anne and Joachim, we gathered to recognise the vital role grandparents play in nurturing faith across generations. Their quiet guidance remains a treasured gift in the lives of our students.

The Mass, presided over by Father Casey included readings and prayers offered by students, along with a heartfelt tribute of gratitude. It was a true joy to hear Isabella Xenos and Mrs Lansdown share their personal reflections on the influence of grandparents in their lives. Isabella’s words spoke to the quiet wisdom passed through generations, while Mrs Lansdown’s heartfelt tribute to her new grandson offered a glimpse into the fresh, radiant love that accompanies the arrival of a grandchild. 

Lunch, lovingly prepared and served by our talented Hospitality students—under the guidance of Ms Smith and supported by our dedicated College Support Staff—created a truly warm and welcoming space for stories and laughter. The care and hospitality shown throughout reflected the spirit of the occasion and reminded us of the joy that arises when community comes together in love and service.

We also extend special thanks to the Choir and musicians, led by Ms Olsen, Mrs Watson, Mr Valente and Ms Josifovski whose music uplifted the celebration with beauty and reverence. The skilled Amadus tutors brought further depth and harmony to the occasion and their contributions were deeply appreciated.

Antoinette Nader
Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)

Cambodia Immersion

Walking alongside our students in Cambodia was one of the most powerful and deeply moving experiences I’ve had as an educator. It touched my heart and reminded me why this work matters—connecting with others through faith, learning and compassion.

In Phnom Penh, we stood together in places marked by sorrow and resilience. The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum taught us about deep injustice and loss. I watched our students move from silence to empathy, learning that remembering is a brave and loving act. These moments invited us to think about peace, dignity and the healing power of truth.

At the Arrupe Centre in Battambang, joy and dignity lived in every corner. Children living with disabilities were welcomed, celebrated and empowered. Bishop Kike’s work reminded us what it means to live our faith—to serve with both hands and a compassionate heart.

Then, at Mother of Peace Primary School, the Ursuline Sisters showed us the Gospel in action. Their classrooms were full of laughter, learning, and love. Our students saw how education is not just about facts, but about restoring dignity and building hope. The Sisters’ faithfulness and presence reflected the charism of St Angela Merici and the heart of Catholic Social Teaching. Our girls spent two full days teaching and working in the classroom and I believe a new found respect for how tiring this is was felt. Our third day saw us visit the homes of four students in the local villages. Despite the difficult living conditions and lack of what we consider ‘essentials’ our girls witnessed homes filled with love and hope. Homes where families all work together to provide and homes where elderly grandparents are lovingly cared for. What our girls thought was poverty – were homes rich in spirit and left us questioning what treasures we spend time chasing. 

We also returned to the Community Kitchen—essentially the lunch room of the Mother of Peace Primary School—where local mothers are now employed and earn a stable income. Over the past two years, we have witnessed transformation: women who now have choices—about their work, their future and how they share their gifts with others. The Kitchen provides daily meals for students and nourishment for families at home, while also offering mothers the opportunity to support their children through an average monthly income of $100.

Our College’s support, especially through the Ursuline Cookbook project, has contributed meaningfully to this change. The cookbook provided vital resources, celebrated their culinary heritage and honoured their talents. The women were visibly delighted to see their faces and recipes featured—taking pride in a publication that now holds a special place in their school library. The sharing of recipes became a bridge of dignity and hope, where lives were nourished, stories uplifted, and solidarity deepened.

In Siem Reap, we spent time at the Metta Karuna Reflection Centre, a Jesuit-led space of interfaith dialogue, prayer, and learning. Here, our students were invited to see Cambodia through the eyes of the poor and reflect on the “cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.” The Centre’s mission of peace, justice, and ecological awareness deepened our understanding of global solidarity and Gospel action

What stays with me most is the quiet transformation I witnessed. Our students leaned into unfamiliar experiences and emerged more compassionate, more aware, and more open-hearted. They departed as 13 young women  – full of excitement and curiosity; they returned as a company of women; strong, courageous and ready to make a real difference to their community. Many commented that they expected to go and change the people they were visiting, what humbled them was how much change they experienced.

As we return to our own community, I carry their questions, their tears, and their joy with deep respect. This journey didn’t just change our perspective—it invited us to live the Gospel: to “act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). In every home, classroom, and conversation, we were called to Serviam—not just as a motto, but as a mission.

I could not be prouder of our students and I am deeply grateful to Mrs Gaby Habashy, my Immersion partner, whose presence was a blessing throughout. A woman of profound faith and quiet strength, Gaby and I were humbled to walk this journey together—learning, praying, and witnessing with open hearts.

We also wish to thank Sister Veronica Rosier OP who was our Catholic Mission facilitator for her guidance, wisdom and deep faith. She sang, danced, laughed, and cried with our girls—always holding us close in prayer and love. Her presence was a living embodiment of grace and Gospel joy. For all your prayers and well wishes, I say thank you.

We look forward to offering this Immersion again in 2027 and if you are currently in Yr 8 or 9 – this is an amazing opportunity to develop your lived understanding of Serviam. 

Antoinette Nader
Coordinator of Service and Outreach

Dempsey Medal recipient

‘The Dempsey Medal is awarded annually by the Archbishop of Sydney to members of the Catholic clergy and laity. The Dempsey Medal is an honour named in recognition of a lay Catholic pioneer from Sydney’s early European settlement. James Dempsey was transported to Sydney in 1802 for his involvement in the Vinegar Hill rebellion in Co. Wexford. The Dempsey Medal seeks to encourage and to recognise outstanding contributions and service by members of the Sydney Archdiocesan community to the local Catholic Church or the wider society. Although the Dempsey Medal is awarded for outstanding service or witness to parish, diocese or community, it is primarily intended to recognise those who have made an outstanding contribution in the context of their local parish.’

 – The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney

On Sunday 6 July, my nonna (grandmother), Maria Antonia Canu, was one of the proud recipients of a Dempsey Medal (36 others across Sydney also being nominated for their hard work). 

The Dempsey Medal was presented during a special Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney. The Mass was celebrated by the Archbishop of Sydney, The Most Reverend Archbishop Anthony Fisher, with 12 other parish priests celebrating with him. 

The medal was presented to my nonna for her more than 30 years of service within the Catholic Parish of Earlwood (Our Lady of Lourdes) supporting the Italian Community as well as her ongoing support to the local parish itself. Her service involved taking the eucharist to those who were sick, ensuring they got the body of Christ, taking part in the Italian Stations of the Cross (Via Crucis), reading at the Italian Mass, participating in the walk with Christ annually and the general laity of the parish. 

It was a great honour for my nonna to receive this award, amongst many other well recognised individuals who received the award, and a great pleasure to see her receive it and be recognised for her work. 

Gemma Canu
Year 12

Member of the Order of Australia

Annette Ruhotas, mother to Georgia Morgan (Year 7) was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her impactful for-purpose and governance roles.

Please click here to read an article published in Charles Sturt University’s Alumni publication “Thrive”.

Youth Ministry

Students from Years 8 and 10 attended the 10:10 Parish Night at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Randwick and Marcellin College, Randwick. Here is what two students had to say about the evening:

On Friday 1 August, students from the 10:10 Youth Group, accompanied by Ms Katacos, came together for a night full of prayer, fun and reflection. The evening began with Mass at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Randwick, celebrated by Father Shane. It was a truly beautiful and peaceful Mass where we were accompanied not only by other schools, but also by members of the local community. Despite coming from different places, there was a strong sense of community and belonging amongst all who were there. 

The evening started at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart with prayer, reflection and gathering. As students gathered into the church, there was a strong sense of community and coming together in Faith. It was a great way to end a busy week at school and allowed us to take a chance to slow down and connect back to God. The one thing that really stood out to us during Mass was the Prayers of the Faithful. Instead of reading prepared intentions, Father Shane invited us to call out our own personal prayers so that as a community, we could pray for them.

Near the end of the Mass, Father Shane invited the older members in the Church to give us a blessing. Looking around and seeing strangers come together and pray for a community was truly special and felt incredibly sacred.

After the Mass, we made our way to Marcellin College Hall for a shared meal and an evening of trivia, bingo, dancing and icebreakers. Although we felt a little bit awkward at first, it didn’t take long for everyone to feel at ease with each other. Conversations started to flow, games brought everyone together and very quickly the room was filled with energy and joy. By the end of the night, it didn’t matter where you were from or how old you were, we all became connected both through Christ and Community. 

As the night concluded, there was this overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the sense of community and for the reminder that the presence of God is not only found through prayer, but also in those around us and in simple and sacred moments of connection.

We left with full hearts and a renewed perspective of our faith, as well as a greater respect for each other and for the moments that made us realise how important it is to live life to the full.  

“I came that they may have life and have it to the full” – John 10:10

Ciara Ancevski & Kristy Chalhoub
Year 10

Students from Years 7-12 are invited to attend an exciting 10:10 Youth Night. This event is proudly sponsored by The 10:10 Project and presents a fantastic opportunity for Catholic schools to come together.

The focus for the evening is on outreach to the elderly, allowing your daughter/s to engage in meaningful interactions through prayer, meals, and fun activities.

Please see the video and the flyer for more information.

A Compass note has been sent out for students wishing to express their interest in attending. A request for consent will be sent out to those parents/carers whose daughters have indicated their interest in attending in Week 5.

Please email nicole.katacos@syd.catholic.edu.au for all queries.

Nicole Katacos
Youth Ministry Coordinator
Assistant Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)

2025 Semester 1 Academic Awards

On Friday 25 July we were proud to acknowledge our hardworking students in Years 7 to 10 at our Award Assemblies.

Award recipients

Please click on the below links to view all our Years 7 to 10 Semester 1 Academic Award recipients.

Years 7-8 Semester 1 Academic Awards

Years 9-10 Semester 1 Academic Awards

NAIDOC Week

We had a wonderful response to our NAIDIC Week activities celebrating the cultures, stories and languages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

On Tuesday, students were greeted with the opportunity to wear wrist bands and invited to paint wooden discs at lunchtime. 

On Wednesday, Mrs Lansdown and Mrs Wilson helped cook 901 pancakes so all the students could sample jam from native plants – either fingerlime, quandong or rosella. Up Club volunteers served them up with a swish of whipped cream and all went away happy. A big thank you to the families who donated the pancake mix! 

Thursday saw students attempting to pass the possum skin football into our NAIDOC decorated backboard as our version of the traditional game of marngrook. Those who managed to hit the target were rewarded with a Sherrin Football to continue the fun at home.

The final activity was Friday’s kahoot run by Isabelle Ung. The winners received wallaby shaped chocolates in line with our native theme. 

It seems the students who took the opportunity to participate were rewarded with greater knowledge and appreciation of our First Nations peoples which will surely lead to better outcomes for all Australian society. Huge thanks to Up Club members and student volunteers:

Maya Robinson
Olivia Holt
Alyssa Truant
Isabelle Ung
Olivia Curto
Charlotte Milligan
Sofia Papadimas
Emily Le
Kathy Pham
Georgia Morgan
Sophie Ung
Lily Ancevski
Alana Vaz
Isabella Xenos
Aya Elachi
and the generous staff members who made it all possible

Karen Horder
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Support Teacher

Park Royal Hotel Visit

Year 11 Hospitality students were fortunate to visit the Park Royal Hotel by Darling Harbour. They toured various areas of the hotel, including the dining spaces, accommodation conference and event rooms and enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Abode Bistro. The visit offered valuable insight into the dedication and effort required by staff to create a memorable experience for every guest.

Students had the opportunity to meet with staff and learn about the hard work, planning, and organisation that goes into running an efficient hospitality establishment. They explored how management addresses customer needs while balancing financial responsibilities and sustainability goals. The tour provided a clear understanding of the various departments involved in hotel operations and the importance of collaboration.

A highlight of the day was the kitchen tour led by Chef Josh. He provided valuable insight into the inner workings of kitchen operations, where the high standards of organisation, productivity and cleanliness clearly reflected why the hotel holds its 4.5 star rating. This experience was particularly valuable for students as they prepare for their upcoming trial exam.

Sarah Davis
Year 11 

The excursion to the Park Royal Hotel was an eventful and exciting experience where we met with the hotel staff to experience and gain exciting knowledge of the day-to-day life of a marketing manager and the rigorous life within the kitchen as a chef.

Additionally, we gained knowledge of sustainable practices within the hotel including Hydration Stations and ORCA, which composts food waste on site. Other fun and exciting initiatives suitable for all guests included Christmas and Easter decorative pancakes and uniquely customised rooms for specific customers. We were also informed of the requirement for a perfect resume which is guaranteed to capture the employer. The staff prepared a delicious meal and allowed us to ask as many questions suitable for our upcoming 2025 HSC examination. This was truly a one-of-a-kind experience.  

Monika Gerges
Year 11

Hospitality Work Placement

Our Year 10 Hospitality students have recently been experiencing life in busy restaurant kitchens across Sydney. Work placement is an excellent opportunity to expand their skills and learn a range of new skills. We have received impressive feedback on all of our students, who are enjoying the experience. Our students have been lucky to be working in venues such as the five star Capella and Sheraton on the Park hotel, Opera Bar, Rydges, Bankstown Sports Club and St George Motor Boat Club.

Emma Smith
VET Teacher

Last week, Katalina and I completed our one-week work placement at Cappella, a 5-star hotel in the city, for Hospitality. We rotated through different areas including the pastry kitchen and breakfast team, completing various tasks such as making Anzac biscuits, decorating chia puddings and cutting fruit among others. We also learnt about work health and safety in a real kitchen environment. This included following hygiene procedures like keeping our workspace clean and there were also signs up everywhere to remind everyone what is expected. We really enjoyed being part of a professional team and seeing how a five-star kitchen operates behind the scenes. It was a great experience and we loved learning new skills and building confidence in a real hospitality setting.

Chrystalla Kranidiotis & Katalina Reskakis
Year 10 

Year 10 BStreetsmart Excursion

On Tuesday 5 August, Year 10 travelled to Homebush to experience BStreetsmart, a road safety education initiative for students in Years 10-12. The initiative by Westmead Hospital’s Trauma Department, is designed to reduce crashes among young drivers. With road accidents being a leading cause of death and serious injury among young people, we aim to educate and empower them to make safer choices. 

BStreetsmart uses interactive experiences, real life crash survivor stories and engaging content to deliver a powerful learning experience – building a safer future for everyone.

The BStreetsmart excursion was an incredible experience, undergoing many road safety challenges and incidents. Being given the opportunity to experience this presentation allowed me to understand and be aware of how to stay safe while driving and making sure that I don’t break any rules such as drink driving, using a mobile phone and letting distractions control my actions. Although there were some parts of this presentation that were quite heart stopping and emotional, it ensured that I know what the consequences of unsafe driving practices are and can prevent me from making life threatening decisions. Overall, this excursion was an unforgettable experience.

Wendi Fan

Attending BStreetSmart was an eye-opening and emotional experience that I will never forget. Seeing real-life stories of young people whose lives were changed in a split second was deeply confronting. It made me realise how one bad decision on the road can lead to devastating consequences not just for the driver, but for families, friends and entire communities. BStreetSmart didn’t just teach us road rules, it taught us about the value of life. I’m truly grateful for the chance to attend and will carry these lessons with me always.

Logno Halsona 

A journey through the great outdoors

While most of the school was enjoying a continuation of the holidays, many of my peers and I spent the first Monday of term bushbashing through Marramarra National Park as part of our participation in the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. In addition to our hours dedicated to a skill, physical activity and voluntary service of choice, we were required to show our competence in the outdoors by completing a short overnight camping expedition (it sure didn’t feel that short). For some, it was our qualifying journey and for others, it was a practice. Regardless of this, it was definitely a memorable experience to say the least!

Before delving too deeply into how much I realised that I am absolutely not destined for anything in the “great” outdoors, it is important to know why so many of us partake in this out of school commitment. Personally, I hadn’t ever heard of this award until my friends mentioned it! The award gives students like me opportunities to properly experience the world first-hand. It encourages us to make a difference in our lives and communities beyond the classroom. A defining factor, that stood out to me the most, was the opportunity to continue doing things I love in everyday life and being able to further explore my passions. Since beginning the award, I have discovered my love for playing the guitar, improved my tennis skills, far more than I would have expected, and helped the elderly with technology concerns (Mario, I hope you are finding WhatsApp okay!). Before beginning this program, I didn’t do nearly as much. The program has inspired me and has given me a sense of fulfillment and purpose in my everyday life.

“This journey has challenged my limits, helping me build resilience, strength and is fostering my sense of collaboration and enthusiasm.”
Zoe Mokas, Year 9

Back in Marramarra, our journey saw us navigating the trails of the national park with our compasses and maps. We ate whatever “nutritious” snacks we had managed to fit in our packs and realised that even in winter, you really can’t escape the Australian heat. All this only to return back to camp and realise we were going to have to repeat it all again the next day. As much as my friends and I love to joke about how we “barely” made it through, the trip had its fair share of highlights that far outweighed the lowlights. For me, the most memorable experience of the trip was cooking dinner together in our little circle, gathered around our stoves under a sky so packed with stars it barely looked real (it was unlike anything I’d ever seen before!). We learnt so much about natural topography and (somehow) learnt to find the beautiful things in the midst of our endless bushwalking.

This is only the beginning of our long award journey and it has already given us new outlooks on life as we try to live it to the fullest. Duke of Ed has without a doubt made an impact on my life and I would genuinely encourage others to give it a go!

Ella Rentzepis
Year 9

Former student Stephanie Dalzell engages with students on a very personal topic

Former student Stephanie Dalzell (Class of 2005) is a political reporter in the ABC’s Parliament House bureau in Canberra. Last term we were delighted to have Stephanie conduct a Zoom chat with our Year 9 students on a topic that she has a very personal connection with and has become quite a champion of!

Can you briefly explain your health journey and how your experience led you to be an advocate for health and in particular endometriosis awareness?

One of the only upsides to having two benign brain tumours during my teen years and early adulthood was that I stopped having my period. But once the tumours were removed my period – and the debilitating pain that comes with it – returned swiftly. After living with that paralysing pain for years and being dismissed by doctors, I was diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 25.

Having endometriosis can be debilitating and isolating, and part of my motivation for talking about it is so other women and girls with this disease to know they are not alone. I want women – and young girls in particular – to know that having excruciatingly painful periods is not normal, and something that’s worth getting checked out by a doctor. I’ve also sought to ensure that women are equipped with the information they need to advocate for themselves in a system where medical misogyny can occur.

Despite battling many health issues, you have gone on to have a successful career as a political journalist for the ABC. Who/What inspired and motivated you to keep going and pursue your career in journalism?

Part of what I love about journalism is that it gives a voice to the voiceless. The stories I like telling the most examine the entrenched social inequities which see Australians from lower socio-economic and diverse backgrounds fall through the cracks. My own experience navigating the health system has helped inform my reporting over the years and is part of why I’m interested in politics and health reporting.

I’ve learned how to maximise the good health days and manage the bad ones during my 15-year career, and am lucky to work for a supportive organisation that understands the health challenges I deal with on a daily basis. 

Many people have helped and inspired me along the way, but I was lucky enough as a cadet to have a mentor in Perth who helped me navigate my health struggles while I was learning to be a journalist and who still helps me today.

What are your fondest memories of your time at St Ursula’s?

I have many fond memories of my time at St Ursula’s but the highlight is the lifelong friendships that were forged. At school I was lucky enough to meet many incredible people who are still my close friends two decades later.

I also benefited from the tutelage of a range of talented teachers who helped guide me, especially when I was too sick to come to class. I was diagnosed with my first brain tumour in Year 10 and the surgery to remove it resulted in meningitis. As a result I missed months of school, and many special teachers at St Ursula’s went above and beyond to help me catch up and ensure I did the best I could. 

We hope you enjoy reading these two student reflections:

In Week 9, we had the privilege of hearing from former student, Stephanie Dalzell, now a Political Reporter for ABC news. She shared her experiences with serious health challenges, including two brain tumours and endometriosis. Stephanie shared her powerful journey of growing up with a brain tumour, which disrupted her high school years. She even spent her 15th birthday in hospital. The tumour later returned when she was a young adult, requiring another surgery. She also spoke about living with Endometriosis and how it affected her daily life. I’m very inspired by Stephanie’s story because she faced the pain with strength and determination, especially since she was around my age when she got diagnosed with these health challenges.

Sophie Steel
Year 9

Through hearing her story, we gained a deeper insight into women’s health issues and the physical and emotional impact it can have on young women. The presentation connected with our ‘Staying Alive’ unit in science, increasing our understanding of the inner workings of the body and helping us connect the scientific concepts we have learnt in class to the experiences of individuals in our world. By listening to someone who once sat in our seats, it made the experience incredibly real. We were moved by her resilience and her ability to thrive in high school even while experiencing these health issues. She encouraged us to use our voices to raise awareness on endometriosis and to listen to our bodies and their needs. 

Lia Pappas
Year 9

Eisteddfod Success!

SCS EISTEDDFOD

Public Speaking Solo – Secondary Open

FIRST PLACE

String Solo  – Grade 7

AUDREY CHOI
HIGHLY COMMENDED

String Solo  – Grade 8

CHELSEA WANG
HIGHLY COMMENDED

MARION CHOI
HIGHLY COMMENDED

Contemporary Instrumental Duet – Grade 2-4

CHLOE TSOI & JULIE HING
FIRST PLACE

BELLA BITONG & TERESA SANTOSA
ENCOURAGEMENT 

Classical Instrumental Duet/Trio/Quartet – Grade 6-8

MARION CHOI, CHELSEA SERRANO, AUDREY CHOI
FIRST PLACE

Classical Piano Solo – Grade 5

AUDREY CHOI
SECOND PLACE

CEANA TAN
THIRD PLACE

Classical Piano Solo – Grade 7

CHELSEA SERRANO
THIRD PLACE

Classical Piano Solo – Grade 4

CATHERINE ERWIN
HIGHLY COMMENDED

Contemporary Religious Vocal Solo – 15-17 Years

JACINTA DRUMOND
FIRST PLACE

Contemporary Piano Solo – Grade 7-8

CHELSEA SERRANO
ENCOURAGEMENT

Contemporary Vocal Solo – 15-17 Years

JACINTA DRUMOND
SECOND PLACE

ST GEORGE EISTEDDFOD

Baroque Strings – 12U

CHELSEA WANG
FIRST PLACE

Open 11/12 Years Study/Etude All Strings

CHELSEA WANG
FIRST PLACE

MyStrengths

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

Gala Dinner

Dear Parents and Carers

We regret to inform you that the St Ursula’s Parent Association (SUPA) Gala Dinner, originally planned for 30 August 2025, has been cancelled due to low ticket sales.

This inaugural Gala Dinner was an initiative by the SUPA Committee, designed to unite parents across all year levels and support fundraising efforts for air conditioning in Merici Hall. While we’re disappointed it won’t go ahead as hoped, we’re grateful to those who purchased tickets—please rest assured that full refunds will be issued.

SUPA remains dedicated to fostering connection within our parent community and is excited to invite you to our upcoming Father–Daughter Bowling Night on Thursday 11 September 2025. Further details will be shared shortly.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Kind regards

SUPA Committee
(St Ursula’s Parent Association)

OLF Parish News

Please see below for upcoming events at Our Lady of Fatima Church Kingsgrove.

Archbishop Fisher’s Newsletter

Please click here to view the latest newsletter from Archbishop Anthony Fisher.

Follow us on socials

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