St Ursula's College Newsletter Term 4, Week 6

From the Principal

Mrs Deidre Young

I hope this message finds you well, as we move past the hump week in Term Four, and are well and truly in the final weeks of 2024. It is never too late, however, to revisit the importance of attending school each and every day. Success in education, much like in life, begins with showing up and being present. Regular attendance is not just about fulfilling a requirement; it is about building a foundation for lifelong learning and success. When students attend school consistently, they are more likely to engage fully in their studies, participate in class discussions, and develop the skills necessary for future success.

One of the key principles we strive to instil in our students is the value of consistency and persistence. Once again, these traits are beautifully illustrated in the book “The Slight Edge” by Jeff Olson, which I referred to in my article in Week 2 of this term. Olson explains how small, positive actions, when performed consistently over time, can lead to significant achievements. This concept applies perfectly to school attendance. Each day a student is present, they are taking a small but crucial step towards their academic and personal growth. Missing school means missing out on these incremental gains, which can add up to a substantial difference over time.

Moreover, regular attendance helps students develop a sense of responsibility and discipline. It teaches them the importance of commitment and the impact of their choices on their future. By attending school every day, students learn to prioritize their education and understand that their presence matters. This habit of showing up and being present will serve them well beyond their school years, preparing them for the demands of higher education and the workforce.

I urge you as parents, to help your daughter prioritise her school attendance.  Your support in ensuring your children attend school daily is invaluable. Together, we can help our students harness the power of consistency and persistence, setting them on a path to success. For more insights on the benefits of these principles, I highly recommend reading “The Slight Edge” by Jeff Olson. Let’s work together to make every day count!

Across the term, our Pastoral Care teachers, as well as our Heads of House will regularly review attendance. At times, it will be necessary to send a letter to formalise our concerns, as part of our accountability. Your accountability as a parent is to ensure your daughter is at school, and when she is absent, that there is a known and valid reason communicated to the College. A number of parents may have received a letter last week and we appreciate those who have reached out, as we work together to make this a priority.

End of Term

As we near the end of the year, please be mindful of dates for the end of school. Assessment will certainly be occurring right up until the final days, especially for our Year 10 and 11 students. A reminder that parents who may be taking holidays where their daughter will be absent from normal school term, should, in the first place, email the College Principal. I will then respond, outlining next steps. Remember, when we are talking senior schooling, family holidays are not valid reasons to miss assessment.

End of term days are as follows:

• Year 12 – Friday 15 November
• Year 11 and 10 – Friday 22 November
• Years 7 to 9 – Thursday 28 November at 12.39pm

Parents & Friends Association

Last week, the College Parents and Friends had their Annual General Meeting (AGM). I extend my thanks to the members of the St Ursula's College Parents and Friends Association for their work across the year. I have appreciated the support offered to me as I commenced my time at the College, as well as their practical support with improvements around the College. Notably this has included the air conditioning of the College classrooms; contribution to the Liverpool Football Club International Academy partnership, support of our College musical and the generous 'thank yous' extended to the staff through the coffee van, to name a few!

The Merici Spring Supper has gone from strength to strength and I thank the team of parents who worked to ensure its success. In particular, I acknowledge the drive of Jaime Thomas to make this vision a reality. It has been wonderful to see this event promoted for parents, but also to see it linked to our Past Students and staff, as a reunion style occasion. This will only see our Merici Spring Supper grow into the future.

Thank you to Andrew Ward for his work as Treasurer, and to Tahnee Coombs for her time overseeing our Grant applications. Finally, I am appreciative of the leadership of Megan Ford, as our President.  Megan, Jaime, and Andrew are well supported by a faithful group of parents… and for this we are truly grateful.

I also take this opportunity to welcome our new committee for 2025 and thank them for volunteering their time to take on this important role for the College.

• Megan Ford – President
• Ben Kidd – Vice President
• Andrew Ward – Treasurer
• Tahnee Coombs – Secretary
• Jaime Thomas – Fundraising

Parent Listening Forums

As we near the end of 2024, and prepare for the start of a new year, I am keen to meet with a small group of parents as part of four listening forums. The listening forums will work twofold. The College has gained much feedback across the year, across a number of different platforms including the School Renewal Improvement Process (SRIP). The staff have been working collaboratively to draw on this feedback to shape our Strategic Plan for the next five years.

The Parent Listening Forums will be an opportunity to ensure parent voice has been captured and priorities from a parent perspective are reflected in our plan to direct our work over the next five years. It will also provide me with an opportunity to canvas parent feedback on a few matters.

Please click on the link below that will allow you to see the four proposed times. Unfortunately, each group is limited to 10 participants to ensure each person has a chance to contribute, as well as listen to the feedback provided.

https://www.trybooking.com/CWWMR

St George Fete

It was wonderful to be part of the St Patrick’s Parish Fete on Saturday 2 November in St George. It is important, as a boarding community, to continue to ensure St Ursula’s College is considered as an option for our families in our Catholic Primary feeder schools in regional and rural areas. Please, if you know of any families, in remote or rural areas who are considering schooling options for their daughter, please encourage them to reach out and give us a call.

The next newsletter will be all about our final celebrations with our Year 12 students as we near their final week, as well as celebrating our students who achieved across all areas of College life and were acknowledged as part of our Presentation Assembly to be held on Wednesday 13 November.

I also share with parents the news that Daniel Bailey, Director of Learning Enrichment has tendered his resignation due to personal reasons. Daniel had only just started with us, but for reasons beyond the College, was unable to honour his commitment to our community. We wish him all the best.

I was also saddened to accept Annie McKeiver’s resignation. Annie has held the role of Enrolment Registrar for just over 18 months, and we will miss her capacity to make our families feel welcome as their first contact with the College. Annie has been a friendly smile and assuring voice to many as they navigated the enrolment process and schooling decisions for their daughter. We wish Annie all the best in her future endeavours and thank her for her work at St Ursula’s College. Annie will conclude on Friday 8 November.

All enrolment enquiries should still be directed to enrolstursulas@twb.catholic.edu.au.

Have a great fortnight.

Together, in Serviam,

Deidre Young

Principal

Deputy Principal

Ms Bernadette Witham

We ended last week with All Souls Day to remember those who have passed - particularly those who have touched our lives in such a significant way that they give us inspiration, energy and example to walk a path paved by God rather than one shaped by our egos and desires.  

Self-discipline, perseverance, and sacrifice do not simply foster success; they build character and deepen our commitment to each other and our community. Through the challenges of study, competition, and friendship, your daughters are learning to balance achievement with compassion, and purpose with humility. 

As teachers, it’s always inspiring when your daughter who is deep in study preparation or focussed on a sporting goal, segways to an act of kindness such as a helping hand extended to a friend, a welcoming smile to a new student, or a gesture of gratitude to teachers and staff. Each small action contributes to a culture of respect and empathy, building a community where every student feels valued and supported. 

In the coming weeks, let us continue to support each other in this journey, drawing strength from those who have gone before us and those who stand beside us now. We are proud of the young women they are becoming and look forward to the milestones ahead. 

 Have a good fortnight.

Bernadette Witham

Deputy Principal

Student Email Update

Our students are now able to send and receive emails from and to their school email account. It is important to remain vigilant of potential spam and ensure if your daughter is receiving spam that they contact our IT department immediately.

Year Level Updates
Year 12:

• Week 3 of External exams for our Year 12’s. They are on the home front!
• Please ensure your daughter has:
  • Logged onto their MyQCE account and can access all information
  • If applying for university, they have:
    • Put in their QTAC application and have their QTAC access ready for receiving offers.
    • If they are wanting an ATAR, they have applied through QTAC for an ATAR – this is different to applying through QTAC for a university placement.
    • If they are unsure or would like further advice and support Mrs. Louise Delahunty is at the College Wednesday and Friday up until Friday 22 November.
  • All Laptops are to be returned at the completion of students last exam. All College resources are also asked to be returned no later than Wednesday 13 November.
  • Wednesday 13 November: Whole School Presentation Assembly. Year 12 need to be at the College by 8:15 in Full Academic Uniform for a rehearsal. Students are to go straight to SALO.
  • Thursday 14 November: Year 12 are to be here at 8:35 for Final year level meeting followed by graduation Mass practices
    • Students will depart the College at 11am
    • Graduation Mass starts at 6pm in SALO. It would be great to have all year 12’s there by 5:50pm. All Year 12 must attend.
  • Friday 15 November: All year 12 at the College to meet in SALO in Full Academic uniform by 8:30am. Students can depart the College at 9:55am.
    • Year 12 Formal – Friday night.

Year 11:

• All students have started Year 12 Unit 3 assessment that counts towards their ATAR. Week 6 and 7 all students will be busy working on assessment and studying for exams in week 8.
• Student Leadership Team – our 2025 Leaders will spend this coming weekend exploring what is meant by leadership, exploring the Strategi plan and setting goals for 2025. We wish them all the best and thank the community members joining us for this weekend.
• Year 11 exam week is Week 8. A letter went home on Friday the 1 November providing the details.
• Last day of attendance for year 11 is Friday 22 November with classes finishing at 3:05. This time will be important for students as their Unit 3 work continues over the break and Friday’s lessons will provide them with the opportunity to gain further insight and feedback on assessment.

Year 7-10:

• Students will be working on assessment and preparing for exams.
• The last Day for Year 7 to 9 is Thursday 28 November.
• It is important that students ensure all College resources that are no longer being used are returned to the College.

Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

Mr Joe Kelly

On Friday, 1 November, I had the opportunity to spend the day with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, affectionately known as Vinnies, and their partner organizations. I learned about the extensive work they do, which goes far beyond their charity shops, and assisted them with their future planning. This organization has been a cornerstone of support and compassion in our community, providing essential services to those in need for 130 years.

Vinnies is dedicated to offering a hand-up to those experiencing hardship. Their mission is to tackle poverty and social injustice by providing practical assistance, advocacy, and friendship to the most vulnerable members of our society. In Queensland, they employ 650 staff, have over 5,200 volunteers, and 2,600 members – 180 of whom are in Toowoomba.

Key Services Provided by Vinnies:

Emergency Relief: Vinnies offers immediate assistance to individuals and families in crisis, providing food, clothing, and financial aid to help them get back on their feet.

Homelessness Support: They run shelters and provide housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness, ensuring they have a safe place to stay and the support needed to transition into stable living conditions. In Toowoomba, there are more than 1,800 people on the government housing waiting list, and on average, it takes two years to secure a home.

Education and Employment: Vinnies helps people gain the skills and confidence needed to secure employment through training programs and job placement services.

Youth Programs: They offer a range of programs aimed at supporting young people, including mentoring, educational support, and recreational activities. In Toowoomba, there are 40 members of the Youth program.

Advocacy: Vinnies advocates for social justice, working to influence public policy and raise awareness about issues affecting the disadvantaged.

How Can We Help?

There are many ways to support Vinnies’ mission. We can donate goods, volunteer our time, or participate in fundraising events. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant impact. At St Ursula’s, we have had staff volunteer their time to work in the Vinnies retail shop and are currently supporting the Vinnies hamper appeal. Julie Inskip, the Youth Development and Engagement Coordinator, has been working with our Year 11 students, and in the spirit of Serviam, students are exploring further volunteering opportunities with Vinnies.

Our school is proud to partner with Vinnies, and we encourage everyone to get involved. Whether it’s through a donation drive, volunteering at a local Vinnies shop, or simply spreading the word about their important work, we can all play a part in making our community a better place.

One of the things that surprised people on Friday, was just how much Vinnies does in our community, offering a vast range of services to their companions. St Vincent de Paul said, “Charity is the cement which binds Communities to God and persons to one another.”  May we always be charitable and be bound to God and one another.

Joe Kelly,

Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

Mrs Maria Gibson

Balancing School and Part-Time Work: The Pros and Cons  

As students progress through their high school years, many consider taking on part-time work. While this can be a valuable experience, it's important to understand both the benefits and potential drawbacks. As parents, it’s crucial to emphasise that part-time work is not a necessity. If work begins to interfere with schooling, education should always take precedence. 

The Pros: 

Part-time jobs can help students develop essential skills such as time management, responsibility, and teamwork. These skills are not only beneficial for future employment but also enhance academic performance by fostering a disciplined approach to studies (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023). Earning their own money allows students to gain financial independence and learn valuable lessons about budgeting and saving. This can reduce financial pressure on families and provide students with a sense of accomplishment (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023). Working part-time can be a significant advantage when applying for future jobs or university programs. It demonstrates a student's ability to balance multiple responsibilities and shows a proactive attitude (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2021).  

The Cons: 

However, balancing work and school can be challenging. Students who work long hours may find it difficult to keep up with their studies, leading to lower grades and increased stress (Queensland Government, 2023). Juggling work, school, and extracurricular activities can be overwhelming. Without proper time management, students might struggle to meet deadlines and maintain a healthy work-life balance (Queensland Government, 2023). Working after school or on weekends can lead to fatigue, which can affect concentration and overall academic performance. It's crucial for students to ensure they get enough rest and downtime (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2021). Attendance should not be affected because your daughter is too tired to attend school because of work.  

To make the most of part-time work while maintaining academic success, students should consider limiting work hours to no more than 10-15 hours per week during the school term to ensure there is enough time for homework and rest. Using planners or digital tools to keep track of assignments, work shifts, and other commitments can help prioritise tasks. Keeping open lines of communication with employers about school schedules and workload is also important, as most employers are understanding and willing to accommodate students' needs. Support from teachers, family, or College counsellors when feeling overwhelmed can be beneficial. 

What does the law say? 

The Queensland Government (Restrictions on children working in Queensland: 2024) states that on a school day, a school-aged child can work a maximum of 4 hours, and it is prohibited to employ a school-aged child when they are required to be at school. Employers must not allow school-aged children to work between the hours of 10pm and 6am.  More information can be sourced from this website: Restrictions on children working in Queensland (other than in the entertainment industry) | Business Queensland

 Maria Gibson

Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

Director of Sport

Mrs Elyce Ruhle

Rugby 7’s

The Year 7/8 and Year 9/10 Rugby 7s team have been playing on a Monday and Thursday night. All teams have exceeded Miss Cash’s expectations. Congratulations to all girls who have participated. It is great to see girls try a new sport and do well.

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Hike for Homeless

On Saturday 19 October a group of staff, students, parents and siblings set out on the Base Services Hike for Homeless. This entailed a 5km, 10km or 20km hike through Jubilee Park. This event raises much needed awareness of homelessness in Toowoomba and funds for the Base Services so they can continue to provide lunch time meals, blankets, clothing and essential services to people who are homeless or at high risk of homelessness in Toowoomba. We had our biggest team yet, with over 40 students and staff representing the College. Thank you to everyone who supported this event, it is a great way to build community spirit.

VETO Futsal

Our Under 14 Team have been playing in the VETO competition and have qualified for the Plate Final to be played on the 5 November. We wish them luck!

St Ursula’s Netball Club Breakup

The 2024 Netball Season is officially over and the players enjoyed an afternoon of Ten Pin Bowling to celebrate. We congratulate the following students who received the various team awards:

Junior Player of the Year: Meila Beckett

Umpire Encouragement Award: Annabel Bond  

Senior Player of the Year: To Be Announced at Senior Break Up

Umpire of the Year: To Be Announced at Senior Break Up

Retail – return jerseys / uniforms

As the end of the school year is approaching fast. Please go through your cupboards and return any borrowed items to the Retail Outlet. For every item not returned your account will be charged $150 replacement fee. Please try and get these back before the end of the week. 

Darling Downs Representatives

Congratulations to Molly Toms who has been selected to represent Darling Downs at the State Championships in February for Triathlon. We wish all the girls the best of luck.

It is GOLD GOLD GOLD for Brooke Newberry, who was the State Champion for the 5000m race walk at not one but 2 state championship over the past few weekends, what a great achievement. We look forward to seeing you in the 2032 Olympics Brooke.

Liverpool Football International Academy

Mr James Darlington, our head coach of the Liverpool Football International Academy, travelled to Melbourne and rural Victoria to engage in a two-day coaching forum. The opportunity was a chance to network with other Site Leads from all over Australia, and see best practice in action, through globally-awarded LFC IA sessions delivered by Tom Dempsey (Senior Technical Support Coach, LFC IA, Victoria) and Stephen Selwood (Site Lead, Salesian College, Chadstone). However, the highlight for Mr Darlington was the opportunity to meet and learn directly from Daniel Gavin, of LFC International Academy, Liverpool.

Term 4, Week 6: Athletes of the Week

Josie Harrington & Claire Ward

Head of Arts Faculty

Ms Lydia Pickard

DANCE NIGHT

Another successful Dance Night was had at the College on Friday 11 October with $268.60 raised for Protea Place. Thank you to Amy Therse Photography for capturing the moments throughout the evening.

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SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY EXCURSION

Our Senior Dance students travelled to the Brisbane Powerhouse to see Sydney Dance Company’s Twofold. This was a rare opportunity for our girls as it has been ten years since Sydney Dance Company toured to Brisbane. After engaging with the company through live stream, online workshops and workshops at their Sydney studios, it was great for our Dance students to see their work in person, in Queensland.

Liverpool Football Club IA Toowoomba Community Day

⚽ Exciting News! ⚽

Bookings are OPEN for our free LFC IA Toowoomba Community Day on Saturday 23 November 2024!
Join us for a 30-minute LFC IA training session and learn to play "The Liverpool Way."

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now!  LFC IA AUSTRALIA | TOOWOOMBA COMMUNITY DAY

We can't wait to share the Liverpool experience with you!

Uniform Change - Week 6 and 7

In both weeks, we are asking students to wear their full Formal Summer uniform on Wednesday, and their Sports Uniform on Thursday. This will support a range of events happening across the next few weeks. Students have been informed of this change via their Pastoral Care groups.

To confirm, the following is required:

• Wednesday 6 November – Formal Summer Uniform
• Thursday 7 November – Sports Uniform
• Wednesday 13 November – Formal Summer Uniform including Blazer (Presentation Assembly)
• Thursday 14 November – Sports Uniform
  
• Friday 15 November - Formal Summer Uniform including Blazer (Final Assembly)

Thank you for your assistance at home with reinforcing the correct uniform and presentation across the final weeks of the year.

New Student Orientation

If you have a daughter joining us for her first year at St Ursula's in 2025, be they commencing in Year 7 or another year level, you should have already received an invitation to join us at the upcoming Orientation Day on Monday 18 November. New students to Boarding have also been invited to a sleep over at Brescia House on Sunday 17 November.

If you haven't already done so, please complete your daughter's registration for Orientation via the below links.

• Year 7 (in 2025) Orientation: https://www.trybooking.com/CWAFT
  
• Year 8-12 (in 2025) Orientation: https://www.trybooking.com/CWDFT
• All Years Boarding (in 2025) Orientation: https://www.trybooking.com/CWDDQ