St Ursula's College Newsletter 2025 Term 1, Week 2

From the Principal

I hope this newsletter finds you well as we near the end of our first full week of 2025, and if we can believe it, the end of Week Two of this term. It has already been an actioned packed term that promises to keep delivering.

On Friday, students will be given the opportunity to sign up for Service, Cultural and Sporting opportunities that will operate across the College this year. I have included in the newsletter a link to the booklet created by our Student Leadership Team that show the comprehensive range of activities and co-curricular groups on offer at St Ursula’s College. I urge parents to discuss this at home, to see what your daughter can commit to for the year, as she ‘strives’ to give her best.

Getting involved in school life beyond the classroom offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your overall experience. Research consistently shows that active participation in school activities, clubs, and events positively impacts your academic performance, social skills, and personal growth. By engaging in extracurricular activities, you can discover new interests, develop valuable skills, and build lasting friendships. This involvement not only makes school more enjoyable but also helps you develop a sense of responsibility and leadership. Moreover, being an active participant in school life fosters a strong sense of community and belonging, making your school experience more fulfilling and meaningful.

Beyond academic and social benefits, getting involved in school activities plays a crucial role in supporting your mental health and wellbeing. Being engaged in school life can build resilience, boost your self-esteem, and promote overall emotional wellbeing. Active participation is invaluable in creating a positive and supportive environment where your daughter can thrive and reach her full potential.

In 2025, where we “Strive to Thrive”, what better way to set some goals than to consider how your daughter might be involved in life at school. The benefits are clear to both her, as well as the College. It is part of what makes our place so great… so much of what happens is by the girls, for the girls, and about the girls.

This week, our Year 9 students headed off to camp. By all accounts, a successful, albeit a little bit damp, adventure. I am always very appreciative of staff who give of their time to attend activities like this, that require the giving of their own time, away from their families. In particular I acknowledge Ms Hayley Grabham for her coordination of the camp, and to those staff who attended, including Mrs Kilgour, Mr Lee, Mrs Clarke, Mr Broderick, Ms Scott and Mrs Spencer.

Year 9 Camp

It was wonderful to come together with the community to celebrate the start of our academic year, with our Opening Mass. We were thrilled that the Most Reverend Bishop Ken Howell could join us to celebrate mass, joined by Fr Michael and Deacon BJ Perrett. We will share photos in the next edition of our newsletter, but at this time, we congratulate our Senior 2025 students who received their badges on this occasion, and the leaders of each of our Service, Cultural and Sporting groups.

I am looking forward to catching up with parents at the upcoming Parent Welcome BBQ on Friday evening. This is an important opportunity for parents to engage and connect with other parents. A reminder that from 5.00 to 5.30 pm is a session for our new families, and from 5.30 pm, we welcome all of our families for barbeque and social opportunity. As well I include two further items for parents’ consideration and attention.

As a member of Toowoomba Catholic Schools (TCSO), at the end of last year, I informed parents that we would now be operating under the new Enrolment Agreement, regardless of the time of when your daughter enrolled at St Ursula’s College. As we now operate under the direction of TCSO Policies and Procedures, I refer to you the newly developed Parent Code of Conduct. This information was shared with all parents at the end of last year, but I revisit this and attach the relevant communication to all parents regarding this change.

Next fortnight, I hope to be in a position to share with parents our Annual Action Plan, shaped by our Strategic Plan 2025 – 2029 (Draft). As part of our priorities for this year, is the development of the College Masterplan. Last year, I invited parents to contribute feedback; and I include below the link again to seek your insights and views to guide this body of work.

Please make sure you can navigate to our website, to view the College Calendar, as a way of staying informed of what is coming up.

Have a great fortnight,

Together, we strive,

Mrs Deidre Young

Principal

Deputy Principal

Welcome to a Year of Striving and Thriving!

The energy is palpable, the classrooms are ready, and we are absolutely thrilled to welcome you back for a new year filled with exciting possibilities. We are eager to embark on this journey of learning and growth together, partnering with you to create an environment where every girl can truly thrive.

Last Thursday our Year 12 students launched their theme for this year, "Strive to Thrive”, perfectly capturing our commitment to nurturing ambition, resilience, and holistic development. We believe each girl has the potential to flourish, reach her full potential, and positively impact the world. "Strive," in its essence, speaks to the dedicated effort and determined pursuit of our goals, the kind of will Angela Merici alluded to when she said, "Act, move, believe, strive, hope, cry… for without doubt you will see marvelous things." It's about that inner drive, that "good will" that fuels our efforts. Angela's words remind us that striving is not passive; it requires action, movement, belief, and hope. "Thrive" represents the joy of learning, the satisfaction of achievement, and the confidence gained from overcoming challenges.

Learning is a collaborative adventure, and your partnership as parents is invaluable. Open communication, shared goals, and mutual support are essential for a successful learning journey. We encourage you to actively engage in your daughter's academic life, celebrate her successes, and offer encouragement when she faces obstacles. Together, we create a powerful synergy that empowers each girl to reach her full potential. This partnership reflects Merici's emphasis on relationship, understanding that true growth comes from valuing and esteeming each individual.

The path of learning isn't always smooth. It's a journey with twists, turns, occasional stumbles, and unexpected discoveries. We want our girls to understand that mistakes are not failures, but valuable learning opportunities. Wisdom, resilience, and self-understanding grow from our missteps. As Thomas Edison famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." We encourage our girls to embrace challenges, take calculated risks, and view setbacks as stepping stones to success. Falling forward is a crucial part of growing and striving.

This year, we encourage each girl to set meaningful goals, both academic and personal. These goals should be ambitious yet attainable, reflecting individual aspirations. Breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable steps makes the journey less daunting and provides a sense of accomplishment. Remember, progress comes from consistent effort and small victories. As Angela’s leadership exemplified, we encourage our girls to listen to their own inner voice, discern their strengths and passions, and then act accordingly. This process of listening, discerning, and acting, combined with that "good will," is a powerful force.

St Ursula’s College provides a nurturing, supportive environment where every girl feels safe to learn, grow, and express herself. We offer diverse academic programs, co-curricular activities, and support services catering to individual learning styles and interests. We encourage our girls to explore these opportunities, discover their passions, and develop their unique talents.

We're excited to witness the incredible things our girls will achieve this year. With hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of family and teachers, we are confident they will not only strive but also thrive. Let's begin this academic year together, empowering our girls to embrace all learning opportunities and become the best versions of themselves.

We look forward to a successful and fulfilling year ahead!

Ms Bernadette Witham

Opportunities ahead:

Some of the upcoming College Opportunities for our girls to embrace all aspects of themselves:

· 7 February – Service, Sporting and Cultural sign on. Our diverse co-curricular activities will be on offer for all to sign up and be involved. 

· 10 February – All students will be setting goals and direction for the year in their PC

· 20 February – Interhouse Swimming Carnival

Opportunities for you as parents to join with us:

Great sources of information and communication:

· Student Diaries

All students have a diary containing vital information about the College for the whole family such as:

          § Key Dates

          § Lesson times

          § Map of the College

          § Key contact people- who to go to for what

          § Uniform guidelines

          § And so much more

I encourage you to have a look at your daughter’s diary this week to see what lessons were held, their homework, and upcoming events.

Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

We are thrilled to welcome everyone back for another exciting school year at St Ursula’s! As we embark on this new journey together, we are filled with enthusiasm and anticipation for all the wonderful experiences and opportunities that lie ahead.

The start of a new school year is always a time of fresh beginnings. It’s a chance to set new goals, make new friends, and embrace new challenges. Whether you’re a returning student or new to our school community, we are here to support you every step of the way.

This year the Staff Spirituality Day was held on Friday 24 January with Br Damien Price exploring Catholic Identity in our world today, with special emphasis on our Ursuline charism. We have also celebrated Angela Merici’s Feast Day (27 January) and students have reflected on how they live out the Ursuline values of Service, Courage, Compassion, Justice and Respect in their everyday lives.

Our opening assembly introduced the Holy Year theme announced by Pope Francis of being “Pilgrims of Hope”. This Thursday, 6 February we welcome Bishop Ken who is coming to celebrate our Opening Mass for us.

Then on Friday, 7 February we have our Sign-Up day for Service, Cultural and Sports groups. This year, we have an array of exciting programs and activities planned. From Sports teams and Music ensembles to academic clubs and community service projects; there is something for everyone to get involved in. We encourage all students to explore these opportunities and find their passion.

We are looking forward to a fantastic year filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences. Let’s make this school year the best one yet!

Mr Joe Kelly

Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

Merici CARE at St Ursula’s College

Welcome back to all our students! It's wonderful to hear the hallways filled with laughter and chatter again. I hope our returning families had a refreshing break, and to our new families, a warm welcome. We're thrilled to have you with us.

The St Ursula’s Merici CARE Model captures the essence of our community, focusing on relationships, individual and collective needs, self-awareness, and collaboration. It aligns with our unique educational approach, The Ursuline Way, which includes:

• A model of living in the world: Preparing students for fulfilling lives in today's environment.
• A way of learning in the world: Emphasising a holistic educational experience.
• A manner of contributing to the world: Encouraging active and meaningful participation in society.

Our Pastoral Care program is a key part of the Merici CARE Model. Each student joins a small, mixed-year Pastoral Care group, guided by a dedicated teacher who brings the Model to life. This program ensures that every student receives personalised care and support.

For effective communication and support, it's crucial to establish a strong relationship with your daughter's Pastoral Care teacher. They can assist with various concerns, or you may contact:

• Classroom teacher: Academic queries or concerns, such as homework or assessments.
• Head of House: Family and friendship-related concerns impacting student wellbeing and academic performance.
• Director of Learning and Teaching: Subject selection queries and any issues affecting Senior subjects.
• College Counsellors: Emotional and mental health support.

The Vital Role of Heads of House at St Ursula's College

At St Ursula's College, the Heads of House play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for students. These dedicated leaders are responsible for ensuring that each student receives support across emotional, social, and academic domains.

They provide a safe space for students to express their feelings and concerns. By offering guidance and counselling, Heads of House help students navigate the challenges of adolescence, promoting mental wellbeing and resilience.

Socially, Heads of House organise events and activities that promote a sense of belonging among students. They encourage participation in House competitions, helping students build lasting friendships and develop teamwork skills.

They monitor student progress and collaborate with teachers to address any learning needs. They offer personalised support, ensuring that each student can achieve their full potential.

The Heads of House collaborate closely with our College Counsellors and other key staff to create a safe and nurturing environment where your daughter feels valued and respected. Essentially, the Heads of House at St Ursula's College are fundamental to a holistic educational experience, committed to fostering confident and competent young women.

Welcome Carita families to 2025! We're so excited to embark on another year of learning and growth together. This year, we're focusing on building an inclusive community where everyone feels valued. We'll also be nurturing creativity in all its forms, encouraging our students to explore new ideas and express themselves, especially through our House carnival theme of ‘Christmas’. Above all, we aim to fill this year with heart, fostering kindness, compassion, and a strong sense of community. I look forward to a wonderful year working with you as Head of House, Carita.

The year 2025 promises to be exceptional as we implement the chosen theme of 'Fierce Fiducians'. I am excited to witness the various costumes you will design to embody this theme. During our first House Meeting, I conveyed to the Fiducia students my goal for the year: to strive to uphold faith, courage, and joy within Fiducia House. I am eager to collaborate with and meet all the families of Fiducia in my role as Head of House.

I am delighted to be the Head of House for Speranza. This year, our House theme aligns closely with our College’s theme, encouraging the girls to ‘Strive to Thrive in 2025’, while we in Speranza embrace this by ‘Striving for Hope in the World’. Hope brings courage, and courage is one of our key touchstones. It is the courage to face challenges, to dream big, and to make a positive impact on the world around us. In Speranza, we believe in nurturing this spirit of hope and courage in our girls, empowering them to become compassionate and resilient individuals. 

I am honoured to be the Head of House for Stella. This year, our House theme aligns closely with our College's theme. While our College encourages the girls to "Strive to Thrive in 2025," we will embrace this in Stella by "Striving to Let Our Light Shine." It is only through self-discovery, hard work, and personal reflection that we truly understand who we are and how we wish to present ourselves in the world. I challenge the girls not to hold back but to allow their inner selves to shine brightly.

Mrs Maria Gibson

Director of Sport

Welcome to 2025 

Welcome to all new and returning families joining us for the 2025 school year! I eagerly anticipate working with the students and celebrating their athletic achievements throughout the year. We have already launched into Term 1 Sports with great enthusiasm, and I’m excited about the forthcoming activities. My wish for everyone at the College to seize the opportunities available to them.  

 Training Days and Times 

Training Days and Times will be published via emails, letters to parents and the St Ursula’s College Sport Facebook Group in coming weeks. We are just finalising coaching staff availability. The sports we offer are Netball, Volleyball, Basketball, Touch Football, Rugby League, Rugby 7s, Football, Futsal, Hockey, Gym for General Fitness, Swimming for General Fitness and Run for Fun Club.  

 Toowoomba and Darling Downs Trials 

A number of Sports are calling for nominations for either Toowoomba or Darling Downs, if your daughter is experienced in a Sport and would like to trial for Darling Downs, please ask her to fill in the Sports Interest Document that was emailed last week.  

 Sport Sign on Day 

The College Sign on Day is being held on Friday 7 February at First Break in the Salo Centre. Girls can sign up for the Sports that they are interested in to play. Following this, girls will receive emails about trials, games and competitions.   

 College Interhouse Swimming carnival 

The College Interhouse Swimming Carnival will be held on Thursday 20 February at Milne Bay Aquatic Centre. A parent letter will be sent out with all the arrangements via Edsmart. Girls will be required to sign up for all A events (50m and above) via links on student notices. Those swimming B events (25m) do not need to nominate for races. The girls will need to have parents drop them at the Centre by 8:25am and collect them around 2:45pm. Students on country buses will be transported to Milne Bay from the College and also returned at the conclusion of the day to catch their respective buses. The emphasis of the carnival is Fun, Participation and House Spirit.  

 Community Sport 

Congratulations to the following students: 

• Addi Jackson and Ana Jeffrey for representing Queensland at the Australian Indigenous Schoolgirls Netball Championships 

• Lucy Dyson for being selected in the Under 16 Australian All Star Futsal team.  

• Amelia O’Toole on becoming the Australian Junior Boxing Champion in the 56-60kg category.  

Please send through any questions regarding College Sport and any sporting achievements that your daughter has achieved. Email to - directorofsportstursulas@twb.catholic.edu.au 

I extend my best wishes to your daughter for a successful year representing the College in Sport. I appreciate the continuous support of the College’s Sporting program and eagerly await showcasing our accomplishments in the sporting arena.  

 Mrs Elyce Ruhle

SATURDAY NETBALL TRIAL CHANGE

Change of dates and times for trials are as follows:

Saturday 1 Mar 2025   8:30am - 11:00am - U12 & U13 (Born 2012, 2013, 2014)
Sunday 2 Mar 2025   8:30am - 11:00am - Cadets – Intermediate (Born 2011, 2010) 11:00am - 1:30pm - Cadets – Seniors (Born 2009, 2008, 2007) & Opens (2007 or older)

This may vary depending on the numbers that register in each group. We may also decide that we need to call some age groups back after school for another grading look.

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 first P&F Meeting on Tuesday 11 February.

Tahnee Coombs, P&F Secretary

Guest Speaker Invitation from OLOL

Our Lady of Lourdes was successful in 2024 in obtaining a Catholic Schools Parents Queensland Grant.

With this grant, they are engaging Susan McLean from CyberSafety Solutions to present to theirparents. The theme of her presentation is "Growing Up Online". I have attached her website for your information. Please note, this presentation is not suitable for children.

St Ursula's parent community has been invited to join them for this presentation in the OLOL school hall on February 25 at 6:30 pm. Everyone is very welcome.

Immunisations

School immunisations will take place later this year. Consent cards include all the necessary information about the vaccinations

Please return consent cards to the school by 01/6/25.  If you need another one, please see the office.

If you do not wish to have your daughter vaccinated at the school, please indicate this on the consent form and return it anyway.