St Ursula's College Newsletter 2025 Term 2, Week 2

From our Principal

On Sunday, at my normal church service, I was moved by the way in which Father connected the recent passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, with that of the Spirit of the ANZACs. Of course, so much has been said about Pope Francis, who was widely recognized for his efforts to modernize the Catholic Church, making it more inclusive and focused on social justice. His outreach to the marginalized communities and his emphasis on environmental stewardship were defining aspects of his papacy.

It is reported that amongst his final words were that of gratitude for his nurse. He certainly modelled for us his commitment and dedication to faith, service and the dignity of all people. His teachings encouraged us to live with compassion, courage, and a deep commitment to others—values that resonate strongly with the spirit of the ANZACs, whom we commemorated this week. The soldiers who served under the ANZAC banner embodied a profound sense of sacrifice, unity, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Their selflessness and enduring spirit mirror the virtues that Pope Francis championed.

In our school community, we are called to honour both the legacy of Pope Francis, the ANZACs and indeed, Angela Merici, by living lives of service and gratitude. Let us be inspired by their examples to foster a culture of kindness and resilience, to support one another, and to stand strong together, even in challenging times.

As we “Strive to Thrive”, we need look no further than these examples of those who gave so much so we in turn could flourish and thrive.

There are two opportunities as a community to show that we care for one another, and to support the dignity of all people.

The upcoming events are the Blush Cancer Care Mother’s Day Evening on Friday 9 May from 5.00 pm, and the Protea Place Trivia Night on Thursday 29 May from 5.30 pm. See flyers below and try and find time to join us for these two wonderful community occasions.

Mother's Day Ticket link for entry tickets and raffle tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DAQDE

This term we have welcomed a number of staff. Firstly, we welcome Mr Benn Tracy, who is joining us for the term to support our classes in Food Technologies and Hospitality. We are grateful that Mr Tracy has accepted the position to teach at St Ursula’s College for the term.

We also welcome back to St Ursula’s College, Mrs Mary Conaghan. Mary was on leave for 2024 and returns in a part time capacity in Term 2, including taking on the role of our Subject Discipline Literacies Coach. And finally, we welcomed back Mrs Ingrid Renken. Mrs Renken will teach with Mrs Denny across a full teaching load, in the Science and Mathematics area.

Please join with me welcoming Mr Tracy, and welcoming back Mrs Conaghan and Mrs Renken.

Farewell Mr Denis Davey

On behalf of the College, we were saddened to accept the resignation of our current Facilities Manager, Mr Denis Davey.

Denis is the consummate gentle man and professional, who works tirelessly to ensure the College runs smoothly with regards our facilities, from their general presentation to the safety components that create ideal learning environments for our students. Denis has been instrumental in his work across the area of compliance and has subsequently overseen the development and review of College Policies and Procedures. As a busy College, we are forever reliant on the smooth operation behind the scenes to set up and bump out for each event… this is all under the watchful eye of Denis.

We are indeed grateful to Denis for the time he has given to the College since February 2022 and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

 Thank you Denis.

As this newsletter is being sent, we are eagerly awaiting the annual Cross Country event on Thursday 1 May. A day full of fun activities that promote both the competitive opportunity for our sporting women to excel, as well as the opportunity for all students to be involved and participate across our baton challenge and trivia afternoon. Many thanks to Mrs Elyce Ruhle for her work in organizing our program for the day. I feel safe to say, it is like no other.

Together, we thrive,

Deidre Young

Principal

Deputy Principal

I hope the break brought you and your families some real connection and moments of joy….Stop. I sound like Katy Perry when she returned to earth after her 4-minute space flight.  Except I’m talking about the kind of connection that’s grounded, not floating in the vague platitudes of a pop star’s post-spaceflight musings about "creating space for love." (If only it were that easy.) 

Being a woman — and raising girls to be women of depth, courage, and substance — demands far more than sentimental soundbites. It calls for conscious action, honest reflection, and a clear sense of direction. 

As we settle back into our routines, it feels timely to pause and ask: “How are we travelling”? Are we still moving towards the kind of growth, strength, and kindness we aspire to? 

For our students, this point in the year offers a valuable opportunity for self-reflection — not under pressure, but with gentle curiosity and purpose. We'll be encouraging them to take stock in the coming weeks, to celebrate their growth and to refocus where needed, with authenticity and heart. 

For our students, this point in the year offers a valuable opportunity for self-reflection — not under pressure, but with gentle curiosity and purpose. We'll be encouraging them to take stock in the coming weeks, to celebrate their growth and to refocus where needed, with authenticity and heart. Please encourage your child to: 

• Reflect on their Semester One PC goals set in Term 1: Did they set any academic or personal goals? How are they tracking? 

• Identify areas for focus: Are there any subjects or skills where they feel they could push themselves further? 

• Embrace challenges as opportunities: Encourage them to see difficulties not as roadblocks, but as chances to learn and grow stronger. 

• Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge and praise their efforts and achievements, no matter how big or small. 

As parents, your support plays an invaluable role in this process. 

Term 2 is packed with exciting learning opportunities, decisions about future subjects, events, and activities designed to engage and inspire our students. We look forward to sharing these with you throughout the term  

Together, let us empower our students to reach their full potential! 

Bernadette Witham

 
Key Information: Ways to Engage with the College 

Year 12: 

• Unit 3 Reports will be published in the parent Sentral Dashboard by Tuesday 6 May afternoon. 

• Term 2 promises less assessment than Term 1. All students will be working on their final Internal Assessment.  As soon as the QCAA publishes the External Exam timetable we will publish it to your daughter and family. 

• Academic Care Interviews will be held this term with Mrs McIlroy. This will give your daughter the opportunity to explore future pathways, scholarships and life after Year 12. 

Year 11: 

• Unit 1 Exams will run from Wednesday 20 May to Tuesday 27 May.  

• The exam schedule and letter will be sent out this week. 

Year 10: 

• An important term for our Year 10’s as they discern subjects and possible pathways for Year 11 and 12. 

• Tuesday 6 May we will run a parent and student information evening. All are invited to come to gain valuable insight and meet our Careers Practitioner, Director of VET and Heads of Faculties. 

KEY EVENTS:  

Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

Merici CARE Model

Building Connections and Community at St Ursula’s College 

C is for CONNECT: Making Connections and Building Community 

At St Ursula’s College, fostering a sense of community among our students is essential for creating a positive and inclusive school environment. This sense of belonging can reduce feelings of isolation and improve both academic and social outcomes. We achieve this by: 

Fostering Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and encourage respect for our students by creating a culture of inclusivity. Our students learn about different cultures and backgrounds through various activities and events, such as Harmony Day, which highlights the importance of unity and respect. We have an Inclusivity Officer who works closely with students and we operate a Culture Room where students are invited and encouraged to attend. 

Encouraging Communication: We provide numerous opportunities for students to share their thoughts and ideas. Through class discussions, student-led service groups, and extracurricular activities, our students, especially leaders, have a platform to voice their opinions and lead the College community both strategically and operationally. 

Providing Mentorship: Our Pastoral Care structure allows older students to mentor and support younger students. This mentorship helps younger students feel more comfortable and provides older students with valuable leadership opportunities. 

Planning Community-Building Activities: We organise activities that bring students together and encourage collaboration and teamwork. These activities include sports teams, music ensembles, volunteer opportunities, and events organised by the Student Leadership Team and SRC. Sorella Week in Week 3 is a prime example of a strong community-building activity that fosters a sense of unity and involvement. 

Making connections and building community among our students is critical for creating a positive and inclusive school environment. By fostering inclusivity, encouraging communication, providing mentorship, and planning community-building activities, we can help our students feel more connected to one another and to our wonderful College community. 

In the next few newsletters, the remainder of the Merici CARE Model will be explained. 

  Maria Gibson

Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

It was with deep sorrow that we heard the news of the passing of Pope Francis, who died peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in his residence at the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. Pope Francis dedicated his life to serving the Lord and the Church, embodying the Gospel values of courage, universal love, and special care for the poorest and most marginalized. His humble and compassionate leadership has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for Catholics worldwide.

Many of our Year 12 students were able to attend a Requiem Mass at the Cathedral on Monday 28 April, celebrated by Bishop Ken Howell at St Patrick’s Cathedral to celebrate his life and ministry. As we mourn his loss, we also reflect on his remarkable legacy. Pope Francis was known for his heartfelt concern for the marginalized, his commitment to social justice, and his efforts to bring mercy and kindness into the Church and the world. His papacy reminded us to see Christ in every person and to live our faith with humility and courage.

Looking ahead, the Catholic Church now prepares to elect a new pope. The conclave of cardinals is scheduled to begin on May 7, 2025, when 135 cardinal electors will gather in the Vatican to discern and vote for the next Bishop of Rome. This process is guided by prayer and the Holy Spirit, as the Church seeks a leader who can continue the mission of Pope Francis and address the challenges of our times.

The media try to guess who will be the next Pope with many suggesting the leading candidates are Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, known for his diplomatic experience and steady leadership; Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, who represents a youthful and pastoral vision aligned with many of Pope Francis’s reforms; and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy, recognized for his peacebuilding and outreach to marginalized groups. However, there is a saying that he who enters the conclave a pope, comes out a cardinal!

As members of an Ursuline community, we are called to pray for the repose of Pope Francis’s soul and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the selection of his successor. May we remember Pope Francis’s example of faith in action and remain hopeful for the future leadership of the Church.

Joe Kelly

May Date Claimers

May is Packed with Exciting Events!

We have another busy month ahead, so be sure to mark these important dates in your calendar:

Director of Sport

Training Days and Times

Please note that training days and times are subject to change depending on coaches' availability. Changes will be communicated to student via email and student notices.

Interhouse Cross Country

Date – Thursday 1 May, 2025

Venue – College Oval and Salo Centre

Time – 8.30 am to 3.05 pm

Cross Country Program

Darling Downs Representative

Congratulations to the following students who have been successful in making Darling Downs Teams for their chosen sport/s.

Mrs Elyce Ruhle

Athletes of the Week

Head of Faculty: Arts

Exciting Start to Term 2 at St Ursula's College

Term 2 has kicked off with a flurry of activities, including engaging incursions and heartfelt ANZAC Day ceremonies both at school and within the community. Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce our upcoming winter concert, which will showcase the incredible talents of our music department students.

Our "Fusion of the Arts" event promises to be a vibrant celebration of creativity at St Ursula's College. Attendees can look forward to an array of dance performances, drama, media arts, visual arts displays, and music from both instrumental and vocal ensembles, as well as captivating solo acts.

Last week our Year 11 and 12 Film students were fortunate to hear from Christopher Boyd, a lecturer at Bond University and Executive Producer, who offered invaluable insights into the intricacies of post-production, the art of cinematography, and the fundamentals of production. A big thank you to Bond University for facilitating this connection!

St Ursula's College Shines at ANZAC Day Ceremonies

Last Friday, our St Ursula's College choir had the distinct honor of performing at the ANZAC Day ceremony held at Mother's Memorial. Their beautiful and heartfelt hymn singing during the mid-morning service added a touching and memorable element to the event. We are incredibly proud of our talented students for their significant contribution to this important commemoration.

In addition to the choir's performance, many of our students participated in ANZAC Day marches across the region. The accompanying images showcase our students marching proudly in Toowoomba and Pittsworth. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our students for their dedication and for representing St Ursula's College and their families with such pride.

Ms Lydia Pickard

P&F News

Our P&F meetings are always held in Kerrielaw from 5:45pm. You are welcome to join us either in person or via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent out the Monday before the meeting, or you can request the link by emailing stursulaspfa@gmail.com

Please join us for our next P&F Meeting on Tuesday 20 May.

Tahnee Coombs, P&F Secretary

Sorella Week

Sorella Week is a significant event celebrated at the College with the aim of cultivating a stronger sense of sisterhood amongst students. The very essence of "sorella," signifying togetherness, underscores the spirit of this week. Throughout the week, the Student Representative Council will be hosting a series of fun activities for the girls to jump in and participate in to grow the bond of togetherness. This will all be happening in Week 3 from the 6^th - 9^th of May. 

Mother's Day: Blush Event

Join us for our Mother's Day event which is run by our Blush Student Service Group.  Ticket link for entry tickets and raffle tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DAQDE

Protea Place Trivia Night

Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.trybooking.com/CZBUO

Qld Catholic Education Awards

Nominations for the Catholic Education Week Spirit of Catholic Education Awards (SOCE) close soon. You can also find all the information about the awards at https://catholiceducationweek.com.au/soce-awards/about-soce-awards/, however some key details are:

• The Awards are a way to celebrate school teachers, leaders and support staff, as well as parents, carers and volunteers who support Catholic school students and communities 
• Individuals and teams can be nominated 
• There are 7 Awards across two categories: 
• Spirit of Catholic Education Award: to be awarded to a recipient from each diocese and one Religious Insitute/MPJP school (6 Awards total)
• Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award: to be awarded to one recipient from across Queensland (1 Award total)
• Each recipient (individual or team) receives a memento and a grant of $1,000 to support the work for which they are nominated for