St Ursula's College Newsletter 2025 Term 1, Week 1
From our Principal
Welcome back to another exciting school year! As we embark on the journey of 2025, I am filled with optimism and enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead. We continue to prioritize a nurturing and supportive environment where every student can thrive. Let's work together to make this year one of growth, achievement, and memorable experiences. Here's to a fantastic year ahead!
I hope students have had a chance to relax and recharge their batteries over the break. I know I enjoyed the opportunity to travel to India for 16 days, as a way of disconnecting. I shared with the girls on our opening assembly on Thursday, not quite my whole holiday slide show, but some images of the Taj Mahal. Indeed, easy to see why it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The Taj Mahal, often hailed as one of the most beautiful structures in the world, stands as a testament to timeless beauty and architectural brilliance. Its gleaming white marble, intricate carvings, and symmetrical gardens captivate visitors from around the globe. However, beneath its stunning exterior lies an intricate support system and foundation that ensures its stability and longevity. This hidden network of engineering marvels, including deep wells and a complex drainage system, that play a crucial role in preserving the monument's grandeur.
As we begin this new year, we can draw inspiration from the Taj Mahal's hidden strength. Just as the monument's beauty is supported by a robust foundation, our success is built on the small, often unseen efforts we make every day. By focusing on these foundational tasks—whether it's consistent study habits, teamwork, or personal growth—we create a strong base that allows us to achieve our goals and reach new heights. Let's embrace these small actions, knowing they contribute to our collective success and the lasting impact we can make.
Our theme for 2025, is “Strive to Thrive”. Strive is one of Angela Merici’s favourite words. She does not talk about perfection but rather setting goals and working to achieve our best. It is no wonder Angela offers us much inspiration, and in a year where we launch our new Strategic Plan, setting goals and working hard with intentional actions to achieve these is clearly what we will strive to do this year.
Across the break a number of staff indicated they would not be returning. We acknowledge and thank the following staff for their contribution to our community. Each will be farewelled and thanked in an appropriate way including Mrs Nicole Rehner, Technologies Teacher, Mrs Shontiele Iddles, Marketing Manager, Mrs Wendy Cudd, Administration Officer (Academic Care), Mrs Cindy Priest, Senior Boarding Supervisor and Ms Jessica Ryder, Boarding Supervisor.
A number of these positions are in the process of being advertised and filled. We are pleased to announce that following the advertising of the Marketing and Communication School Officer role, that Mrs Jaime Thomas has been successful in being appointed to the substantive role. Jaime is familiar to our college having worked in this role last year, and we are pleased she was successful in being appointed to the ongoing position.
As well, we welcome three new staff to the College (L to R):
Mrs Rachelle Becker, School Officer Inclusive Communities, Mrs Jacqui McIIroy, Career Development Practitioner and Mrs Louise Lehmann, Director of Learning Enrichment
It is lovely to welcome back Mrs Lynne Elphick and Mr John Harman following some time on leave across 2024.
In addition, we share the lovely news of Mrs Christle Power’s (nee Cash) wedding over the holidays, and the arrival of Mrs Helen Winten’s baby girl, Stella Grace.
Following in this newsletter, are a number of key invitations we hope you will consider as a way of connecting and embracing all aspects of the St Ursula’s College community. These include –
Parent Welcome Barbeque – Friday 7 February
This will commence at 5.00 pm for our new families. We will gather in House groups and take 30 minutes to just cover some key aspects of College life that will help you and your daughter as part of our orientation and transition processes.
It will also be a great time to ask questions and connect with other new families.
From 5.30 pm, we welcome all families to share a welcome barbeque, meet staff and members of our College Parents and Friends, and connect with other families.
International Women’s Day Breakfast – Friday 7 March
This is another great way to connect with other members of our community. Tickets are limited and we encourage mothers and daughters to embrace the opportunity to share a meal together and engage with our wonderful keynote speaker.
Otherwise, key dates are noted elsewhere in our newsletter, as well as accessible on our College Calendar.
I hope the 2025 year commences well. Next week, I will include key staff and contacts as reminders for parents of the support network here for your daughters as we navigate these critical formation and foundation years.
Together, we strive,
Deidre Young
Principal
First Day & Year 12 pics
Assistant Principal Mission and Identity
The Diocesan Social Justice Committee have asked parishes and schools if they could support the case of a young woman originally from Sri Lanka who has been a refugee in Australia for most of her life. She has lived in Toowoomba since 2013 with a family who have strong links to St Ursula’s.
Mr Joe Kelly
Key Dates for the upcoming month
Website Navigation
Did you know, all dates for this upcoming year are on the calendar on the website so if you're ever out and unsure, you can check it online.
From the Home page, go all the way to the bottom of the page and Select from the grid at the bottom, School Calendar (hover above the wording then click to access).
This will then take you to the dates in the school calendar for this year.
Immunisations
Early Reminder: School Immunisations
We'd like to remind parents and guardians about school immunisations. Consent cards for Year 7 and Year 10 students will be distributed later this year.
- Year 7: Consent cards were issued at Orientation Day 2024.
- Year 10: Consent cards will be issued in Term 2, 2025.
Please keep an eye out for these important documents to ensure your child is protected. Thank you for your cooperation!
Dates for immunisations are end of June for Year 7 and 10 and end of October for Year 10 only.
If you do not wish to have your child/ren vaccinated at the school, please indicate this on the consent form and return it anyway.