{"id":21230,"date":"2025-07-04T08:23:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T22:23:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/serviam\/?post_type=article&#038;p=21230"},"modified":"2025-07-04T13:42:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-04T03:42:40","slug":"principals-message-61","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/serviam\/article\/principals-message-61\/","title":{"rendered":"Principal&#8217;s Message"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Welcome to our end of Term 2 College newsletter, highlighting many significant events our community has celebrated recently.<\/span><\/p>\n<h6><b>Matilda JR<\/b><\/h6>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Our highly anticipated 2025 College Musical \u201cMatilda JR\u201d was a resounding success with audiences wowed by the talent and professionalism of our actors, singers, dancers and musicians. The sell-out production not only showcased the talents of our performers but of all the students working behind the scenes, whether it be in set design, hair and make-up, backstage, lighting and sound, front of house or hospitality. We are extremely proud of all students involved. The production would not have been possible without the wonderful staff who dedicated their time and efforts into putting it all together. Thank you to everyone who came along to watch the performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h6><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1ACpzGuSRS9Y86qL-AFKmqRFRlab90HVw\/view?usp=sharing\">Please click here<\/a> <span style=\"color: #000000\">to view a highlights reel of this wonderful production.<\/span><\/h6>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-21230 gallery-columns-5 gallery-size-medium'>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/DSC9435-Enhanced-NR.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/DSC9435-Enhanced-NR-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/DSC9989-Enhanced-NR.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/DSC9989-Enhanced-NR-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/DSC9772-Enhanced-NR.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/DSC9772-Enhanced-NR-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/DSC9625-Enhanced-NR.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/DSC9625-Enhanced-NR-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<figure class='gallery-item link-'>\n<div class='gallery-icon'>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/2025-Newsletter-Header-Tiles-57.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase:1:slideshow\" title=\"\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/2025-Newsletter-Header-Tiles-57-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class='gallery-item__overlay d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center'><span class='fal fa-plus fa-2x'><\/span><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<h6><b>Winter Sleepout<\/b><\/h6>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Congratulations to the students involved in the Vinnies Winter Sleepout Appeal. Our generous community raised an incredible $24,000 approximately for this worthy cause. The students spent the evening engaged in activities and listening to speakers to raise awareness on the number of people in Sydney sleeping rough. A special thank you to our Outreach and Service Co-ordinator, Mrs Antoinette Nader, for organising this event and to all the staff who assisted to make this event possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/07\/IMG_1439.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-21492 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/07\/IMG_1439-113x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"113\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/07\/IMG_1439-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/07\/IMG_1439-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/07\/IMG_1439-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/07\/IMG_1439-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/07\/IMG_1439.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 113px) 100vw, 113px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/IMG_1432.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-21489 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/IMG_1432-113x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"113\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/IMG_1432-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/IMG_1432-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/IMG_1432-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/IMG_1432-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/06\/IMG_1432.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 113px) 100vw, 113px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h6><b>Year 11 Empower Retreat<\/b><\/h6>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Our recent Year 11 Empower Retreat provided our students with the opportunity to further deepen what it means to be a servant leader within a Catholic and Ursuline school. The students looked at leadership lessons from Jesus, Mary our Lady, St Ursula and St Angela Merici. Students also reflected on the qualities needed to lead the school in 2026 as Year 12 and the impact they can have on younger students as the most senior student role models.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I was delighted to attend this retreat, engaging with students throughout as they reflected on their leadership journey so far. The retreat program highlighted the\u00a0 importance we place on student voice, responsibility and our shared commitment to nurturing faith filled, confident and compassionate leaders of service.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A highlight was celebrating mass with Fr Tom from the Holy Family Menai Parish and we are grateful to Father Tom for coming to Stanwell Tops to be with us. We are incredibly proud of our Year 11 cohort and look forward to seeing their involvement in the leadership discernment process during Term 3.<\/span><\/p>\n<h6><b>Year 12 Preparation for HSC Trial exams<\/b><\/h6>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As our Year 12 students prepare for their upcoming HSC Trial exams commencing in Week 3 next term, we commend them for their commitment to their learning. These trials are an important milestone and our staff are working closely with students to ensure they feel confident and well-supported. Revision sessions, study strategies and wellbeing resources are all in place to help them navigate this busy time. In addition, the College Library will be open Monday to Thursday until 6.00 pm in weeks 1 and 2 to provide Year 12 a space to study independently or in groups with their peers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Families can continue to support their daughters by encouraging healthy routines, balanced study habits and plenty of rest these school holidays. We\u2019re incredibly proud of how our Year 12 cohort is working together to rise to the challenge so that everyone achieves their best.<\/span><\/p>\n<h6><b>Mock Trial<\/b><\/h6>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Our Year 11 Legal Studies students competed against Domremy College in the latest Mock Trial Round. St Ursula&#8217;s won the case 269-268!\u00a0 A special thanks to Mr Steve Baker for his commitment to ensuring the students are enriched through experiences such as this competition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/07\/68D1FD07-7B3C-462C-A441-5EF22D359250-rotated.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightcase\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-21570 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/07\/68D1FD07-7B3C-462C-A441-5EF22D359250-113x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"113\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/07\/68D1FD07-7B3C-462C-A441-5EF22D359250-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/07\/68D1FD07-7B3C-462C-A441-5EF22D359250-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2025\/07\/68D1FD07-7B3C-462C-A441-5EF22D359250-rotated.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 113px) 100vw, 113px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h5><b>Reports &#8211; Parent Teacher Conferences &#8211; Year 7 to 10 Awards Assembly<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">By now, Year 7 to 10 students will have received their Semester 1 Reports. These reports offer valuable insight into each student\u2019s progress and achievements, and I hope parents and carers have had the opportunity to review with their daughter and her teachers at this week\u2019s Parent Teacher Conferences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We look forward to the Year 7 to 10 Awards Assembly on Friday 25 July, Week 1 Term 3. This is a special occasion to recognise and celebrate the outstanding effort, growth and accomplishments of our Year 7 to 10 students. Parents are invited to join us at this assembly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>Gala Dinner<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I look forward to seeing parents and friends at our Inaugural Dinner on Saturday August 30. Details are enclosed in this newsletter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wishing all our wonderful families a joyful and relaxing holiday. Keep warm and may your days be filled with laughter, love and well-deserved rest. For those traveling, we hope your journeys are safe and memorable. Thank you for being such a special part of our College community \u2014 we look forward to seeing you refreshed and recharged in Term 3.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Warm regards<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><em><strong>Vivienne Awad<br \/>\nPrincipal<\/strong><\/em><\/h5>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to our latest College newsletter&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":13703,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","class_list":["post-21230","article","type-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/serviam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/21230","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/serviam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/serviam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/serviam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21230"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/serviam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13703"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/serviam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21230"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}