Message from the Principal

Another wonderful fortnight at St Ursula’s with teachers and students working together to create and explore so much learning.

From collaborating with professional musicians to compose their own music; to Year 11 performing in a school production over two nights, to Year 10 hospitality students creating a delicious 3-course meal and serving over 80 staff and family members; the variety, curiosity, and skills are abundant within this community. I also took great delight in learning of our victories in string ensemble, rock band, and drama, and the senior titration competition which required great precision and skill. Our girls are generally keen to do their best and I am so grateful to the teachers for the extra support they give well beyond the confines of the classroom to help each girl go beyond their expectations of success and achievement. 

As you would be aware, all schools are facing the prospect of teacher shortages. Like them, we advertise and are not getting suitable applicants, and rather than just appointing anyone, the staff, particularly in Maths and Science, are collaborating to ensure that our classes are well supported. Creative timetabling including the possibility of some remote days for some year groups for Term 3 may be needed if our current shortfall can not be met by an external appointment.  

Our most recent Teachmeet explored the topic of AI and how it can be used in school settings. Volunteer teachers shared how they were already using various AI platforms in their classes and there was much discussion about the implications, especially for assessment moving forward. 

Many thanks to the parents who completed the Tell Them From Me Survey. As I said in my video sent home to you last week, we welcome your constructive suggestion for how to improve. 

Of interest during my most recent pilgrimage, Archbishop Fisher spoke about mutual cooperation between parents as the first educators and schools:

“….educating young people is a shared endeavour, demanding shared purpose and quality relationships. We must care about each other, and make the good of our staff and young people part of our own good…”

I was then disappointed, but not altogether completely surprised, to read the most recent report on the number of teachers leaving the profession because of increasingly negative interactions with parents. 

As a community, we have many positive opportunities to work together so that each girl can thrive. I saw this last Friday night when I attended the Year 10 hospitality dinner. Those parents who attended got to see their daughter’s learning in action and all were very impressed and appreciative of the effort and demands this places on their teachers.  

Another way to work together is through the upcoming reporting sessions for Year 7 to 10. I strongly encourage you to take the time to read the report prepared by your daughter’s teachers regarding her learning during Semester 1 2023 and then ask your daughter for her input. Especially take note of her attitude to her studies. Is she making the most out of each class? Is she coming prepared and ready to learn? How can she support her own learning? 

There is never a dull moment in school or in the field of education. Perhaps that’s why I love it so much! 

God bless each of you and your loved ones in the coming weeks. 

Mary Leask

Principal

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Mt Nebo

Unexpected torrential rain and wind gusts met us as we made our way to Mt Nebo, the mountain from which Moses was able to see the Promised Land even though he would never enter it.  

Even through the rain, I could see the expanse of land which stretched to the horizon. These lands have been contested for the four millennia since Moses. I stood, saturated to the bone despite my bright green raincoat, and looked out, trying to imagine looking at this sight through the eyes of Moses.

I felt quite sad that while he could marvel at the view, he would not be able to enjoy the next chapter in the story of the Israelites. He had put up with the grumbling and whining of the Israelites for so long. I know that the scriptures are clear about why this was taken from him and given to Joshua (Joshua 1:6-9) because of his act of disobedience towards God (Numbers 20 7-8). Nevertheless, I stood,  looking out, the wind whipping across my face, getting wetter and wetter, and felt sorry for him. I wondered if he had felt regret and disappointment. I wondered whether he was angry with God who meted out this punishment. I wondered. 

We visited a Franciscan church where ancient mosaics have been carefully restored. We were able to walk above them on carefully constructed walkways with newer mosaics covering the walls reminding all of the stories of Moses. Its been possible for archaeologists to identify this sanctuary, thanks to the records left by two pilgrim travellers to the region in the 4th and 5th centuries. One of the travellers was Egeria, the pilgrim nun. Prior to this, there was little information. 

From ancient mosaics to a modern artisan workshop where artists work painstakingly using tiny pieces of cut tiles to produce beautiful works of art. This workshop is staffed by people with disabilities which provides them with meaningful and highly skilled employment.

Bethany beyond the Jordan

From here we continued to nearby Bethany Beyond the Jordan, one of the most recent archaeological and religious discoveries. The five springs here form a tributary of the Jordan River, believed to be the Baptismal site of Jesus by John the Baptist. So authentic is this site that Pope Francis chose this as an essential place to visit on his last pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Because of the rain earlier, the river was brown and muddy.

Our mass was said in a half-finished church which will be no doubt beautiful when it is finished with its stained glass windows, etched doorways, and circular design. But today the ceiling was leaking and we had to make do with a makeshift altar in one of the alcoves.  

In his homily, Archbishop Fisher op, recounting church father, Thomas Aquinas, suggested that we consider the baptism from a different perspective, to focus not so much on what the waters of Baptism did for Jesus, as on what He did for the waters of Baptism:

“Christ ‘baptises’ the waters, so they might mediate transforming grace to the recipients. Where once Baptism merely signified repentance, now it brings about continuing conversion. Rather than a moment in which Jesus was adopted as the Christ, it’s the moment when we are adopted into God’s family.”

This site of Jesus’s baptism, a choice he made, challenged me to think about the choices that I make and the pathways that I choose either through my actions or inactions. By way of affirming our choices as Catholics, instead of the creed, we renewed our Baptismal promises.

Our journey in Jordan was coming to an end as we prepared to cross the border into the Holy Land of Israel. We were detained at the border for about an hour or so as the Israelis detained one of our party, Fr Lewi.  This was to be the first of several experiences of Israeli control. We were grateful to see Fr Lewi emerge from the border control building.  We were soon on our way to Bethlehem, the City of David.  

I hope the video created by one of my fellow pilgrims whets your appetite for Bethlehem.  

Mary Leask

Principal

Fulfilling our role as Jesus’ apostles

The parallel pattern of behaviour between Jesus and His apostles is nowhere more striking than in Matthew’s Gospel. A strong sense of identity – knowing who we are and to whom we belong – is crucial to the wellbeing of any group or individual. The Scripture readings for this Sunday – at least the First Reading and the Gospel – offer texts fundamental to the sense of identity of the People of God.

In our Gospel passage, the narration zooms in, first on Jesus Himself (9:35-36), then on the disciples in general (9:37-38), then the twelve apostles by name and vocation (10:1-8). With the movement from Jesus’ own ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing (9:35) to that of His followers, we might expect a thick line to be drawn between Him and His “apostles” (the only occurrence of this word in Matthew). There is only one Jesus, after all, and even His closest followers are but a pale reflection of Him.

Just look at the makeup of the twelve: the “first” apostle, Peter, will deny the Lord three times and the “last” apostle, Judas, will betray Him to death, while two apostles in between held opposite positions on the Roman occupation (tax collector Matthew worked for them, while Simon the Cananaean or “zealot” worked against them). And yet, the passage ends where it begins, but this time with these assorted apostles now entrusted with Jesus’ work of proclamation (10:7) and healing (10:8). The number of 12 is very significant and immediately suggests that what He is about in this choice is nothing less than a renewal or reconstitution of Israel, traditionally based upon the twelve tribes deriving from the twelve sons of Jacob

The litany of powers designating the apostles in 10:8 could double for Jesus’ own resume: “Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.” Jesus not only sends them out with power to authenticate the Kingdom’s nearness but to announce it by using the very same words as their teacher: “The Kingdom of Heaven has come near” (10:7; Jesus in 4:17; John in 3:2). In Matthew, Jesus’ followers include the original audience as well as us. We are expected to resemble Him in word and deed. To be sent by Jesus is, in some sense, to be sent as Jesus.

Naturally, we may bristle at such a thought, ever sensitive to the dangers of saviour complexes and self-aggrandisement. Nevertheless, Matthew does not hold back from reminding us that master and apprentice, while clearly distinct in their roles, inevitably bear a resemblance to one another. In fact, a good teacher should be recognizable in her student as much as a master craftsman’s craft is evident in the work of an apprentice. As Jesus makes clear a bit later: “It is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master” (10:25). Jesus seems to be in the thick of fulfilling His Father’s mission – preaching, teaching, healing – when He inducts His disciples into the same vocation. While the narrator’s word about Jesus’ compassion for His sheep (9:36) reminds us of the foundation of Jesus’ mission, His commission introduces a different image: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (9:37-38). Paired with Jesus’ compassion is a sense of urgency. The time is ripe for their mission, so he summons them and gives them “authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness” (10:1).

The emphasis on identity in mission continues after the list: “These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions…” (10:5). Their mission is not one that they must work out on their own. Jesus gives specific instructions on where to go and whom to visit, on what to say and what to do. We are left with the distinct impression that the twelve are defined by their participation in the ongoing movement of the Kingdom into the world.

There is a lovely distinction in this Gospel passage between disciples and apostles. Jesus calls His twelve disciples, commissions them and sends them out to continue His work. From then on, they are referred to as “apostles”. Disciples are followers, but apostles have been sent out. In our own lives, we are called to accept the challenge of being apostles, not disciples. For we are not just followers, we have been sent out by Jesus to continue His work. To be a disciple is just the first step. Disciples follow a path; apostles take the initiative and forge their own path.

Prayer for the week

Lord, may we be filled with compassion when we see the lost around us. 
Break our hearts for what breaks Yours. 
May we remember that the harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few. 
Give us strength to keep up the good work until the day we see Your face. 
Help us to be people of service to others, particularly to our parishes and school.
May we take the initiative to work for the Kingdom in our own spheres of influence.

Julie Monk
Religious Education Coordinator

Reports and Parent Teacher Conferences

Semester 1 Reports

Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will soon receive their Semester 1 Reports. These reports will provide you with a snapshot of how your daughter is progressing in her subjects thus far this year. 

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conferences are a valuable way to meet your daughter’s teachers, ask questions about her progress and clarify information from her Semester 1 Report. 

Conferences are now available to book via Compass. The dates for these conferences are as follows:

• Year 7 – Wednesday, 21 June 2023 from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. 
• Years 8, 9 and 10 – Thursday, 29 and Friday, 30 June 2023. Bookings on Thursday, 29 June are from 8:00am to 8:30pm and on Friday, 30 June from 8:30am to 1:30pm.

All conferences are being held at the College and will be in Merici Hall. Students are required to attend and should be dressed in their full school winter uniform.

Amy Bosnich
Leader of Curriculum

You’re invited!

Success at the SCS Eisteddfod

St Ursula’s students have been achieving great success at the Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod which commenced in Week 4 this term. It runs until Week 8, and features events across dance, drama, instrumental, vocal and ensembles.

First Place – Classical Chamber Ensemble

Congratulations to the students in the String Ensemble who were awarded first place in the Classical Chamber Ensemble, Open Grade 3 plus. The group played a beautiful rendition of “Sinofina in D Major” and took out the top prize against some very tough competition. The students rehearse every Friday morning before school with our external string tutor Alena Melicher and demonstrate a strong passion and commitment to their instruments and the group. The group included Marion Choi, Emerence Chien, Rachel Dang, Abigayl Faheem, Jean Law, Marisa Lew, Natalie Suseno and Valerie Tan.

First Place – Rock Band

Congratulations to the members of the St Ursula’s College Rock Group, who were awarded first place in the Stage 6 – Advanced, Rock Band category. The group consisted of students from Years 9 to 11, including Jacinta Drumond on vocals and guitar, Bethany Lui on lead vocals, Nadia Winata on guitar, Sienna Reddy on bass, Samantha Osorio on drums. The band played “Still Into You” by Paramore and were up against a very tough group. The feedback they received referred to their beautiful harmonies, great energy and tight tempo. 

First Place – Drama

Congratulations to Year 10 Drama students Emily Moubarak, Lavinia Cacouratos, Sofia Awad and Brianna Serrao, who took out first place in the Drama Ensembles, Scripted Performance Small Group Developing category. The students performed The Witches from Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Well done to these students on their amazing performance! 

Second Place – Rock Band

Congratulations to the members of the Year 10 St Ursula’s Rock Group who were awarded second place in the Stage 4-5 – Advanced, Rock Band Category with their rendition of “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush. The group consisted of Lavinia Cacouratos, Emily Moubarak, Brianna Serrao, Zara Bottaro, Paige Corbo and Verity Chambers. 

Third Place – Choir

Congratulations to the Ursula’s Voices choir which was awarded third place in the Stage 4-6 Open, Small Vocal Ensemble category. The choir consisted of students from Years 7 to 11 and they performed an amazing rendition of “Pure Imagination” from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and “Towards Infinity” by Paul Jarman. Led by music teacher Stephanie Josifovski, the choir rehearses at lunchtime and entry is based on auditions. 

Encouragement Award – Dance

Congratulations to the Hip Hop troupe which was awarded an Encouragement Award in the Dance Ensembles, Hip Hop/Funk category. It was choreographed and led by Year 12 student, Arianna Markas. The students involved attended early morning rehearsals and worked hard to create a dynamic performance.

Additionally, College dancers entered the Jazz category, performing “Firestarter“, and the Lyrical/Contemporary category, performing “Survivor”. Whilst they were unsuccessful in placing in these categories, the students danced exceptionally well in a very competitive field. The students attended early morning rehearsals with an external dance teacher and demonstrated leadership in working collectively to refine and clean the choreography in the lead-up to the competition. 

Solos

Congratulations to the following St Ursula’s students on their outstanding performances and achievements in the Solo categories at the SCS Eisteddfod. These students attended the Eisteddfod on the weekend and demonstrated a high level of skill, passion and ability in their relevant categories. 

Congratulations to Lavinia Cacouratos, Year 10, who came first with her performance of The Receptionist. Lavinia was competing in the Open – Scripted Performance Monologue Stage 4-5 category.  

Congratulations to Angelina Castelli, Year 11, who came second in the Stages 4-6 Classical Vocal section at the Eisteddfod. Angelina sang “Habanera” from the opera Carmen by the French composer Georges Bizet. 

Congratulations to Olivia Barsoum, Year 11, who came third in the Advanced – Musical Theatre, Stage 6 category. Olivia performed “They Said I Was A Dreamer”.

Congratulations to Arianna Markas, Year 12, on receiving a Highly Commended award – Dance Solo, in the Hip Hop / Funk Advanced Stage 5-6 category. 

Congratulations to Marion Choi, Year 7, on receiving an Encouragement award for String Solo, Stage 2-6, Open, Grade 5 and above, playing “Czardas” on violin. Marion also earned third place in the Piano Solo, Stage 2-6, Advanced, Grade 6. This is a significant achievement as Marion was up against much older students in a very competitive category. 

Congratulations to Zoe Deng, Year 11, who received first place in the Piano Solo, Stage 2-6, Advanced, Grade 8 and above category. Zoe demonstrated her outstanding skills by playing “The Cat and The Mouse”, which is an incredibly complex piece of music. Well done! 

Gemma Baldwin
CAPA Coordinator

Senior Ethics Olympiad 

On Tuesday 30 May 2023, five Year 11 students competed in the Senior Ethics Olympiad that took place over Zoom. This year’s competition examined eight ethical cases on topical issues such as national service, lookism, the fifth industrial revolution and the role of anger in politics, to name a few. The competition involved discussing and refuting cases with other students at schools across NSW. The debates were judged on ethical theories and moral objectivism.

The following eth-letes represented the College, earning an honourable mention from the judges:

•         Annabelle Johnson
•         Anna Richards
•         Natalie Petrykowycz
•         Stephanie Avgoustou
•         Margaret Oszywa
•         Hayley Thompson (reserve)

Through this competition, our eth-letes developed their critical thinking skills through engaging in important discussions with each other and students from a range of Australian contexts. The team worked well together and came close to placing in this rigorous competition! 

Lara Grimm
Leader of Inclusive Education

Students shine in theatre production

Anne Sukkar
Drama Teacher/Leader of Wellbeing

Girls compose with Hot Potato Band

On 6 June, Elective Music students and all Year 8 students enjoyed an incursion with the Hot Potato Band; a roving brass and woodwind band known for its high-energy musicians who dance while performing with their instruments.

The band members shared with the girls what it is like to be a performer and their experiences as musicians and composers. They worked with the students in workshop format to compose an original piece of music by the end of each session. Some of these compositions will be featured at the TAS/CAPA showcase on Monday 19 June. Please come along from 5:00pm to 7:00pm to enjoy the work and performances of students from Year 7 to Year 11.

Sarah Olsen
Music Teacher

Japanese drums and French crêpes!

On Wednesday 7 June 2023, students in Year 8 Language had the opportunity to experience a performance and workshop in Japanese Taiko drumming by Tyke-Oh. Tyke-Oh presented a fun journey through the high-spirited energy of the Japanese taiko drum, blended with percussive sounds, festive song and dance. The students learnt about Japanese culture, rhythm, movement and song in this workshop. 

Students also had the opportunity to taste a French crepe from YNOT Crêpes Food Truck and participate in French cultural activities. The students ordered their sweet street-style crepes in French and used the language they have been learning in class to converse with each other.

Katie Fisher
LOTE Teacher In Charge

Students design board games

In PDHPE, Year 8 students have been learning about the five dimensions of health. Recently, we were assigned the task of creating board games to promote a deeper understanding of the physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual aspects of health.

Making board games was an enjoyable way to consolidate what we have been learning in PDHPE and we were pushed to think critically and creatively and collaborate with our peers. Working in groups, we came up with creative ideas for our games, with concepts including “Let’s Get Physical” and “Cognitive Party”. All groups worked hard to develop entertaining board games which captured the idea of their topic. The classroom was filled with laughter, learning and friendly competition when we had the opportunity to play our peers’ board games.

It’s always exciting to participate in hands-on activities that excite us! Not only does this make the learning process more fun, but it also helps us to develop important skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving. Each board game was unique and engaging in its own way. The games our classmates designed will no doubt enhance our understanding of how to properly look after our physical and mental wellbeing. 

By exploring the five dimensions of health through games, we all gained a more comprehensive understanding of what it means to lead a healthy lifestyle.  

Zoe De Sousa and Sabrina Ghoubar
8PDE7 Students

A Mock Trial win

Steven Baker
Mock Trial Coach 

Peer Tutoring Reading Program

Congratulations to the Year 7 students who participated in, and completed, the after-school Peer Tutoring Reading Program.

This ten-week program helps students improve their skills in specific aspects of reading, such as identifying the main idea, drawing conclusions and reading for inference. Our generous and capable senior students who worked with the girls got to know the junior students and guided them in their reading. In addition, the senior students provided feedback to staff so that the program could be tailored to meet the needs and abilities of the readers.

The positive outcome of the program is evident in the students’ post-test reading scores. In the process, the junior students developed a good rapport with their mentors and appreciated their guidance. A big thank you to Rihanna Atra, Jacqueline Keir, Elle Lourandos,  Amelia Carlon, Harikleia Kizi and Grace Childs for their fabulous tutoring. 

Karen Plummer
English EAL/D teacher

SCS Chess Competition

On Wednesday 14 June 2023, eleven students competed in the Conference 3 Chess Competition at Marist College, Kogarah. Our College entered two teams in the Intermediate category and two teams in the Senior category, with one Intermediate team playing up in the Senior event. Congratulations to all the students: each girl participated with enthusiasm!

Intermediate competitors

Caitlin Cabansag
Kristina Nikas
Hanna Tandaovong
Gabby Okwechime
Anya Bolofer
Anjulia Bernard

Senior competitors

Marisa Lew
Julianna Kupresak
Matilda Nguyen
Rebecca Davis
Sarah Ventura

Elizabeth Lansdown
Resource & Information Coordinator

Our Table Tennis journey

On Friday 9 June 2023, the Junior and Senior Table Tennis teams travelled to Sydney Olympic Park to participate in the Sydney Catholic Schools Table Tennis Competition. The journey to this point was marked by countless hours of practise, strategising and mental preparation. A bond was formed between teammates that went beyond the confines of the table tennis court — a collective dream that pushed them forward.

As the competition day dawned, nerves and anticipation gripped the players. Yet, they walked into the courts with a fierce determination to showcase their skills and make their mark. With each swing of the paddle and every flick of the wrist, they poured their hearts into each match. The team’s journey was not without its ups and downs. There were moments of elation as they executed intricate shots and won hard-fought games, filling the hall with a sense of excitement. However, as the competition progressed, they encountered opponents whose skill and experience surpassed their own.

Though the teams did not emerge as champions this time around, their journey was far from a failure. It was through their losses that they discovered the true essence of sportsmanship, friendship and personal growth. They learned to celebrate their opponents’ victories, acknowledging the hard work and skill that went into their success. Creating representatives of the sport, embodying the values of resilience, determination and sportsmanship that transcend victories and losses. We thank Ms Brungs for her guidance and  support.

Taylor Velovski and Madeline Kahl
Year 12 Students

Thursday Sport results

Jaclyn Mott
Sport Coordinator

Isabella at NSW All Schools Swimming

Webinar: Minimising Stress and Maximising Marks

Elevate Education will be hosting a free webinar for parents on Wednesday, 21 June 2023 at 6:30pm.

Elevate Education works with our students, delivering workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing and exam preparation. By tuning in to their webinar series you will learn how you can support your children at home by reinforcing the skills they learn at school.

Here’s what Elevate will be covering in the upcoming webinar:

• What to do in the final days before any test or assessment.
• How to establish a good routine for the night before an assessment.
• How to optimise exam-room performance.

These webinars are available to St Ursula’s College parents for free. Click here to register.

Heather Jesuadian
Leader of Teaching & Innovation / International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Coordinator

MyStrengths Parenting package

Members of the St Ursula’s community have been granted full access to the MyStrengths Parenting resource. The online portal provides short parenting courses, workshops and resources which offer simple, practical guidance, drawing on a strengths-based approach to parenting.

The resources are free when accessed through this link: https://stursulas.mystrengths.com.au. 

Simply click the button that says “Access this course today” and create your own login.

We encourage you to explore the support the site offers.

Anne Sukkar
Leader of Wellbeing

Archbishop Anthony Fisher’s Newsletter

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

Our Lady Of Fatima Youth Gathering