Principal’s Message

Welcome to our latest newsletter.

Our Year 12 students have now successfully completed their HSC and IB examinations. This marks the culmination of six years of dedication and hard work. They have been an outstanding year group — resilient, committed, and inspiring — and we look forward to celebrating their results with them later this term. We are also excited to see all that lies ahead as they embark on the next stage of their journey.

Purposeful Use of Technology

It has been two years since we began our journey as a community, engaging expert Dr Danielle Einstein, working with parents, staff and students to compile surveys to gauge community experiences, introducing changes to our mobile phone guidelines and lesson routines based on data collected and then re-surveying the community to collect data on the impact of these changes.

Dr Einstein and her team once again conducted the surveys and she delivered her findings to staff, parents and students on November 9. The introduction of the mobile phone pouches this year has been hailed as a success by the teaching staff. 100% of the staff feel the mobile phone guidelines are effective compared to only 33% last year. Reasons given include both social and academic gains. Students are more interactive and engaged both in conversations in the playground as well as in lessons and Year Co-ordinators noted they have seen an increase in their levels of confidence. Students are far less distracted and more focussed in class. Whilst the students are not as happy about having to pouch their phones, they have also acknowledged the greater focus in classrooms. Students have also said that given every student has to pouch their phones, they do not feel like they are missing out on anything as they are all doing the same thing. There were logistical concerns raised with the introduction of the pouches and the school has responded. These concerns were shared at the Parent and Student Forum on November 9 and will be shared with students at upcoming Year Assemblies. Dr Einstein is also producing a report which will be shared soon with the community.

The introduction of lesson routines to reduce screen time and increase handwriting in exercise books has been met with positive responses by parents, staff and students. The use of textbooks rather than screens in Years 7 and 8 for Mathematics homework has also produced positive results, particularly as students are able to keep these books at home and not have to carry them to school. Based on results gathered, we will continue with the pouches and lesson routines in 2027. 

It is interesting to note that as a community we embarked on this journey well before the government legislated that social media apps were only to be used by students over the age of 16, before NESA made the decision to restrict hand in assessment tasks in Stage 6 and before the recent Department of Education Guidelines on screen time in public schools which come into effect in 2027. Our College has been a leader in the area of purposeful use of technology and the recent changes mandated by NESA and the Department of Education are a great affirmation for the changes we have made and the work we are doing as educators.

It was not an easy decision to introduce these changes as we knew it would be challenging for many of our students and families but the survey results show that these changes are making a positive impact on the learning of our students and this is our priority.

Leadership Formation Retreat

I was delighted to accompany the new senior student leadership team at their two day Leadership Formation Retreat. This time provided an opportunity for our student leaders to gather and collaborate as companions, reflect on the leadership and service through a Catholic and Ursuline lens and plan initiatives for 2027. During the retreat, the leaders had time to cultivate the College Theme for 2027 which will be launched at the start of next year. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these students. They are impressive, enthusiastic and committed to inspiring the College community with their energy and ideas. The leaders have already been busy at work. They celebrated the teaching staff beautifully on World Teachers Day and are in the midst of preparing activities to celebrate World Kindness Day with the community this Friday. 

In 2027 St Ursula’s will be 70 years old!

We are looking forward to commemorating our 70th year and celebrating the rich history of our College. This will begin with a very special Opening Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral celebrated by Archbishop Anthony Fisher on Friday February 26. There will also be an event on Sunday August 29 for our alumni to return to our College. More details to follow. One community project we are excited about is the development of a large mosaic depicting our history that will be installed in the Piazza. The mosaic is being created by students, staff and Ursuline Sisters. Our Parish Priest, Father Thu, will also leave his mark on the mosaic. We have engaged artist Kate Ng, arts educator and mosaic muralist to assist with this project. This artwork will be completed midway through next year under Kate’s guidance. We cannot wait to see our finished product. 

We will include an article in each newsletter dedicated to our 70th year celebrations. In this edition look for the article titled, Serviam: Past, Present, Always.

2028 Eucharistic Congress Ambassadors

Recently, during a Mass at St Brigid’s Parish, Marrickville, Year 9 students Susannah and Hazel were formally commissioned as Student Ambassadors for the 2028 International Eucharistic Congress.

This special opportunity will see Susannah and Hazel help promote and strengthen Eucharistic life within our College community in the lead-up to the Congress, which will be held in Sydney in 2028. Through prayer, worship, and service, they will encourage their peers to deepen their faith and become actively involved in the spiritual life of the College.

We are incredibly proud of Susannah and Hazel and thank them for their commitment to this important role.

SUPA Meeting

Thank you to the parents who attended the last SUPA meeting for the term. Our SUPA Year level representatives have been a great support for our College this year, providing great advice and guidance to our College Leadership Team. They have also provided community events such as Mother Daughter Movie Night and Father Daughter Bowling Night and I am incredibly grateful for their generosity. Thank you to the following parents for their support: Year 7 – Cynthia Ong-Ricketts and Anita Limanto; Year 8 – Annette Ruhotas and Jerry Wang; Year 9 – Sam Crosby, Delicia Tan and Deborah Cheung; Year 10 – Peter Shori, Marisa Corniola and Diana Nasr; Year 11 – Dany Elachi and Sabean Chalhoub; Year 12 – Lou Lou Fortunato and Theresa Shafik.

Warm Regards,

Vivienne Awad
Principal

Gospel Reflection

In the Gospel for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 25:1–13), Jesus shares the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom. Five of the bridesmaids were wise and brought extra oil for their lamps, while five were foolish and brought none. When the bridegroom was delayed, the lamps began to flicker out, leaving the foolish bridesmaids unprepared when he finally arrived. Jesus concludes this parable with a clear and vital call to spiritual readiness: “Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

At first glance, it might seem uncharitable that the wise bridesmaids refused to share their oil with the others. However, Jesus uses oil as a symbol for something that cannot be borrowed or transferred at the last minute: our personal relationship with God and our daily practice of faith. We cannot rely on someone else’s character, prayer life, or acts of kindness when a moment of challenge arrives. Instead, the extra oil represents the small, consistent choices we make each day, choosing patience over anger, setting aside time for quiet prayer, showing compassion to a peer, and acting with integrity even when no one is watching.

For our students and school families, this parable offers an encouraging reminder that faith is built in ordinary, everyday moments. In the classroom and on the playground, building “oil in our lamps” looks like welcoming someone who feels left out, lending a hand to a classmate, or taking honest responsibility for our actions. At home, preparing extra oil means establishing simple routines, such as sharing a brief family prayer before meals, practicing daily gratitude, and treating one another with grace during busy school weeks.

When we nurture our spiritual lives continuously, we no longer need to live in fear of being caught unprepared. Our faith becomes a steady, burning light that guides us through life’s unexpected challenges and brightens the world around us. To bring this message into your home this week, consider gathering as a family to reflect together. Younger children might share one kind act they can do to keep Jesus’ light burning bright in their hearts, while older students and parents can reflect on what “oil” whether through prayer, rest, or acts of service, they need to replenish in their weekly routine to avoid running on empty.

Antoinette Nader
Religious Education Coordinator

COMMUNITY – Grandparents Mass & Morning Tea

It was a privilege to welcome so many College grandparents to our annual Grandparents Mass and Morning Tea.

This special gathering provides a wonderful opportunity to honour our grandparents, allowing students to express their heartfelt gratitude and show just how deeply cherished grandparents are in their lives.

COMMUNITY – Remembrance Day

Eliana M and Yvonne P
Year 11

I have been a cadet for two years now. My mum originally pushed me into joining the cadets however after listening to what was involved l ended up agreeing and I’m glad l said yes.

At first, I had no idea what to expect but I quickly got hooked on the hands-on outdoor challenges, and learning fieldcraft and navigation. Being involved means attending weekly unit nights, developing real leadership and first aid skills, taking part in drill and ceremonial parades, include the catafalque party and marching through the city during Anzac day, as well as heading out on weekend bivouacs, which are camps, that push me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible.

Yanika B
Year 8

LEADERSHIP – SSLT Retreat

Our Senior Student Leadership Formation Retreat at the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre was an incredibly valuable experience, providing us with the opportunity to step away from the busyness of school and take time to reflect, not only on ourselves as individuals and leaders, but also on the aspirations and vision we hold for the year ahead. It allowed us to strengthen our connections and grow as a leadership team, share ideas and consider how we can work together to create a positive and meaningful impact across our College community and guide our company of women inspired by St Angela Merici.

One of the most exciting highlights was the opportunity to begin preparing for the launch of our 2027 College theme. It was incredibly rewarding to collaborate, share our ideas and bring together a vision that we hope will inspire every student and staff member throughout the year. We are so excited turn our ideas and aspirations into action and feel ready to lead the school with compassion and dignity, and work towards unity.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Ms Awad, Mrs Peterson and Mrs Wirth for organising and facilitating such a meaningful retreat. We are incredibly grateful for their guidance, encouragement and support, and for creating an environment where we could reflect, grow and begin our journey as senior leaders. We left feeling inspired, connected and excited for all that lies ahead. 

Keira Y, Liana K, Indiana U, Tabitha C
2027 Senior Student Leaders

ENGLISH – Literature Tour: In the Footsteps of Literary Greats!

On 25 September, 22 Year 10 and 11 students and three teachers set off for an unforgettable tour around England. The purpose of the tour was to have an authentic and immersive experience in the wonderful world of literature (which we certainly did) but it ended up being so much more than that. Between walking in the footsteps of literary greats, uncovering centuries of English history and bonding over (probably too much) Oxford Street shopping, the trip gave us memories and friendships we would have never had otherwise. 

Our journey started in Lancaster, where we visited William Wordsworth’s cottage, explored the Lakes District that inspired his poetry, and saw the home of Beatrix Potter. Once in York, we had plenty of free time to explore the winding medieval streets and even had a tour of the city that taught us some old Viking language! English history truly stretches back far beyond the authors we were there to see. 

In Stratford-upon-Avon, we visited Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s cottage, getting a glimpse of the everyday life behind the world’s most famous playwright. In between Bath, and its stunning ancient Roman Baths, and the Jane Austen Centre was Oxford with its several scattered universities, particularly prompting for some of us who are considering studying overseas!

Our final and busiest stop was London: the British Museum, the London Eye, a performance of Much Ado About Nothing, a night of watching Wicked, and of course, Oxford Street shopping. Watching Shakespeare’s words come to life at the Globe Theatre, just as they would have 400 years ago, was one of the standout moments of the whole trip. 

We are all so grateful to have been a part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. More than just a tour of famous places, these two weeks reminded us of the importance of literature; books and authors from over 400 years ago to the present day. Standing in the very rooms where writers lived and worked brings their stories to life in a way we just cannot describe. We came home inspired (and very tired), as once you’ve walked through the pages, you can never quite read them the same way again.

Yvonne P
Year 11

HSIE – Year 7 Chau Chak Wing Excursion

Over two great days on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 October, Year 7 enjoyed visiting the Chau Chak Wing Museum at The University of Sydney. This Year 7 History excursion complemented their current unit of study of Ancient Egypt.

Students are currently learning about the defining characteristics and legacies of Ancient Egypt, including the physical features of Ancient Egypt and how they influenced that civilisation. The University of Sydney excursion was the perfect opportunity to understand and experience the antiquities of Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome first hand.

The focus of the excursion was on the Ancient Egyptian Mummy Room (called The Place of Truth) of the Museum which contains the coffins and mummified remains of four people who lived in Egypt between 1200 BC and 100 AD. Their names are Meruah, Padiashaikhet, Horus and Mer-Neith-it-es, and CT technology has allowed us to learn a lot about their daily lives, including nutrition, health and disease.

Students were delighted to visit such an impressive museum guided by the museum’s expert tour guides. It is a truly unique museum in the Southern Hemisphere for its vast collections and exhibitions.

Finally, our Year 7 students should be commended because they were perfect representatives for our College with their mature behaviour in the museum and their respect shown towards the guides.

Joe Russo
HSIE Coordinator

PDHPE – Surf Awareness

On Monday 19 and 26 October, Year 9 participated in a Surf Awareness Day at Manly.

The long bus ride was all worth it, when we saw the glistening blue water, felt the sun heating our skin (this should have been a sign to put more sunscreen on) and heard the crashing waves. Across the two days we learnt about the importance of being safe in the water.

Guided by our group leaders, we took part in fun and enjoyable activities such as surf skills and the significance of floating when in a rip. Despite the tiredness and exhaustion at the end of the day, our grade united and came together to have an exciting day in the water.

Lastly, we finished the day on a high note by participating in beach relays, where we practiced our newly learnt skills of dolphin diving and wading. These activities allowed us to gain knowledge on how to stay safe while also having a fun day! Overall this experience taught us about the importance of beach safety and rip knowledge.

Thank you to all the teachers and the instructors who helped teach us these skills and made this day so fun!

Susannah J, Emilie J, Harriet C & Hazel S
Year 9

LOTE – Modern Greek Beginners 2027

We are very excited to announce that St Ursula’s College will be offering Modern Greek Beginners for Year 11 students starting in 2027, marking the first time this course is available at the College.

As part of this exciting initiative, George Mpliokas, President of The Greek Australian Society, visited the College last week to connect with our community and support the launch of the new program.

CLUBS – Model United Nations

St Ursula’s College continues to expand its presence in Model United Nations (MUN), with students developing their diplomatic skills, engaging with global issues and representing the College across Sydney’s leading conferences.

Throughout 2026, St Ursula’s College participated in conferences across Sydney, including Harvard MUN Australia, Sydney University Schools MUN and the UN Youth NSW State Conference. Representing nations in simulated United Nations committees, students engaged in international debate, diplomacy and collaborative problem solving. The College celebrated several significant achievements, including a Best Delegate award at the UN Youth NSW State Conference, an Honourable Mention at Harvard MUN Australia, recognition for all four delegates at Sydney University Schools MUN, and a place among the top 15 teams in NSW at the Evatt MUN Grand Finals. Students also undertook leadership roles as committee chairs and conference convenors, reflecting the continued growth of MUN at St Ursula’s.

Sara C (Year 11) – Secretary-General

As Secretary-General, one of the most rewarding things this year has been seeing St Ursula’s participation in Model United Nations increase, both in the number of students taking part and the level of ambition displayed. In addition to the chance to discuss difficult global issues and improving my own diplomatic abilities, I have especially appreciated the links I have been able to build with students from various schools and the different viewpoints they have offered at each conference. I have learnt from MUN that effective diplomacy involves more than just making persuasive arguments. It also requires empathy, the ability to adapt and a readiness to seek common ground. Most importantly, I am proud of the enthusiasm and initiative shown by our delegates, and I hope that we can keep working towards creating a community in which more students feel able to find their own voice.

Chelsea Serrano (Year 8) – Under Secretary-General

Being Under Secretary-General this year has been a really rewarding experience! I’ve loved helping run our weekly MUN meetings, learning more about global issues and getting to know other students who share my interests. MUN has helped me develop my public speaking skills, especially when discussing international affairs, and it has given me opportunities to grow as a leader. My favourite part has been being involved in such a welcoming and enthusiastic club, and I’m excited for what’s ahead!

CLUBS – Drama Club 2026: that’s a Wrap, Me Hearties!

Drama Club is a co-curricular program offered by the Creative and Performing Arts department at the College. For many years, this group has been an opportunity for like-minded students to develop skills in acting and devising theatre. This year we entered 3 categories of the SCS Drama Eisteddfod and plan to do the same in 2027.

In Semester Two the group has worked collaboratively to devise an original piece of theatre based on a parody of Pirates film tropes and slapstick comedy throughout time. Beginning with a sea shanty cover of ‘Wellerman’ we embark on a comic tale of mystery and adventure. With references to Pirates of the Caribbean and Peter Pan within the plot, Pirates of the Pacific Ocean saw a ragtag bunch of pirates led by Captain Lily’o’ Lea (Lucia C) arrive at an Island in search of treasure only to have their plans thwarted by General Montgomery (Simran N).

Che Walsh-Kemp
Drama & VET Entertainment Industry Teacher

Drama Club was freshly revived this year thanks to Ms Walsh- Kemp and it was really heartwarming to see the collaborative effort between all members. I loved all the opportunities I had to work together with my friends to create our “ Pirates of the Pacific Ocean “ play. To see a culmination of all our hard work, early mornings, creative input from all girls combined was something I will treasure. I also enjoyed the participation in the SCS Drama Eisteddfod this year, my favourite part of the self devised performance where I was able to see the year 7s really step out of their shells and put on a performance about freedom and rights – things that are relevant in the world that we are shaping ourselves to be apart of. But most of all I enjoyed all the new friends I’ve made. Through Drama Club, I was able to meet Year 7 students who hadn’t quite found their footing yet. Seeing them grow and become more confident and sure of themselves through drama has been incredibly rewarding, and that’s what keeps me coming back. 

Lucia C – Year 10

For our performance of “Pirates of the Pacific Ocean”, I played the role of Sienna, a wise and quick-witted character who is one of the four lost girls on the island. Looking back, my absolute favourite part of the entire experience was getting to collaborate closely with students from all different year groups. This really helped me build my personal confidence and develop my drama skills alongside my peers. As this was a completely new experience for me, it felt like an exciting challenge and ultimately turned into an incredibly fun and rewarding journey. We owe a huge thank you to Ms Walsh-Kemp, who worked very hard to bring the creative vision to life, and everyone in the Drama Club is immensely grateful for her guidance. Ultimately, while there is always room for personal and collective growth in any performance, the final show was an amazing achievement that we are all so proud of. I would absolutely love the chance to do it all over again and make the next even better! 

Charlotte L – Year 8

PASTORAL CARE – Wellbeing Workshops for Year 7 and 11

Finding Your Place: Year 7 Wellbeing Incursion

On Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 October, our Year 7 students participated in Finding Your Place, a wellbeing incursion facilitated by Susie Edmonds from Inner Directions. The program was designed to support students as they continue to navigate the transition to secondary school by strengthening their sense of belonging, connection and confidence within the St Ursula’s community.

Through storytelling, collaborative activities, reflective exercises, role plays and games, students explored the importance of meaningful relationships and the role each individual plays in creating an inclusive and supportive school environment. The workshops provided opportunities for students to connect with peers beyond their usual friendship groups while developing a deeper understanding of themselves, their emotions and their responses to challenges.

Throughout the program, students explored what helps healthy friendships flourish, learnt practical strategies for managing emotions when situations do not go to plan, and examined how thoughts, feelings and actions can influence their experiences. They were also encouraged to identify what is within their control and develop constructive ways to respond to difficult situations.

A key theme of the incursion was recognising that belonging is not only about feeling connected ourselves but also about helping others feel included, valued and supported. As our Year 7 students continue their journey through secondary school, the skills and insights gained through Finding Your Place will help them build positive relationships, contribute to a strong sense of community and continue to flourish both personally and socially.

Year 11 HSC Stress Management Workshop

On Wednesday 28 October, Year 11 students participated in a HSC Stress Management Workshop delivered by a clinical psychologist from The Kidman Centre at UTS. The session provided practical, evidence-based strategies to help students better understand stress and recognise how, when managed effectively, it can enhance motivation, focus and performance.

Students were introduced to a personalised three-step approach to managing stress:

• Identifying and challenging unhelpful patterns of thinking
• Taking proactive action to reduce stress
• Maintaining and enhancing self-care

Students explored common thinking traps that can increase stress, learnt strategies to develop more balanced and constructive thinking, and considered proactive ways to manage academic demands before they become overwhelming. The workshop also reinforced the importance of self-care practices such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, social connection and downtime in supporting both wellbeing and academic success.

As students begin preparing for their HSC journey, these strategies provide a valuable foundation for building resilience, managing pressure effectively and maintaining a healthy balance between achievement and wellbeing.

Danielle McManus
Leader of Wellbeing

SPORT – Semester 2 – high level sporting achievements

ATHLETICS

SCS Representative  Ana C (Year 7) 12 Years 200m
SCS Representative  Isabella M (Year 12) 17 Years 1500m & 800m
SCS Representative & NSWCCC Representative Zoe S (Year 9) 15 Years Shot Put (also achieved a Conference record of 10.62metres, SCS Representative – 3rd place Shot Put)

SERVIAM: Past, Present, Always

Memory. It is a much more engaging word than history…memory joins us to the past. History sometimes keeps us distant from the past. There are tears in memory, laughter, love, pride and anger. There are paradoxes and contradictions in memory, like life itself…memory is something we can share.

Historian Professor Greg Denis, launching the UNESCO Memory of the World Australian Register at the NSW State Library, 2001

A year after I started working at St Ursula’s my daughter graduated from the College as a Year 12 student. On her last day of school, most of the Year 12 students wore junior uniforms, and makeup including bright red lipstick. She didn’t know why she and her classmates were doing this, just that it was something that had always been done. Just one tradition that has shaped our ex-students memories of their time at the College.

Schools are multifaceted, busy places, and a lot of different interactions, events and activities can take place over the course of one single day, let alone over the course of 70 years, but celebrating this landmark anniversary gives us all the opportunity to fondly remember and commemorate what has stayed consistent during this time, as well as commit to the longevity of those special elements that sets St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove apart from other Catholic girls’ schools. 

It is also important to recognise the fact that many of our current students have had older relatives also attend the College – sisters and cousins, mothers and aunts, and even grandmothers and great aunts.

A 70th anniversary also gives us an opportunity to initiate new ideas and programs including an artwork which will be placed within the main playground that will reflect our story from Angela Merici to Germany to England to Armidale to Kingsgrove, as well as the creation of a museum space within our historic first building known today as Angela Block. In this space we hope to provide tangible connections to items that reflect our individual and collective stories so that future Urshie girls will learn about important things like that special day each year when Year 12 students wore bright red lipstick to school to celebrate their last day at the school.

A few staff members have begun looking through our archive collection and thinking of what items we could place into our new museum space. A few of them you can see below. However, just like the red lipstick, in 2026 we don’t always know the full story of how and why certain things happened, and this is where we would like your help.

Are you a former member of the College? Was one of your relatives or friends? Do you have  pieces of the uniform you used to wear? A copy of a certificate you were awarded? A photo of your friendship group in the playground complete with a story? If so, we would love to hear from you with as much details as you can provide about the item, the dates, the people involved, the occasion…your memories, your legacy…We have many traditions here at St Ursula’s, formal and informal, individual and College based. With your help we would love to capture as many of those as we can.

Bibby Brooks
College Historian and 70th Anniversary Coordinator

You can contact me through the following avenues:
E: info@stursulakingsgrove.catholic.edu.au
T: (02) 9502 3300

Follow us on Social Media

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