St Ursula's College Newsletter 2025 Term 1, Week 10

From our Principal: Mrs Deidre Young

As we continue to nurture confident and courageous young women, it is vital to emphasize the importance of mutual support and solidarity among them. It is a message well aligned with our theme for this year, of Strive to Thrive. Research highlights that when women uplift and empower one another, they create a ripple effect of positivity and success. For instance, studies show that fostering collaboration and mentorship among women not only builds self-esteem but also strengthens resilience and leadership skills. In a world where women already face numerous societal barriers, it is crucial that these challenges do not stem from within their own gender. Instead, we must encourage our young women to be each other's allies, celebrating achievements and offering support during setbacks.

Our vision is to cultivate a community where young women feel empowered to break barriers and redefine possibilities. By fostering an environment of encouragement and mutual respect, we can help them develop the confidence to pursue their aspirations fearlessly. As parents, your role in modeling and reinforcing these values at home is invaluable. Together, we can inspire your daughters and our girls to embrace the power of collaboration and kindness, ensuring they grow into leaders who uplift others and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Let us work hand in hand to instill these principles in our young women, shaping a future where they not only overcome obstacles but also pave the way for others to do the same. Thank you for your continued support in this shared mission.

What can you do?

As a parent, here are some practical actions you can take…

1. Model Supportive Behaviours – Show your daughter what mutual respect and encouragement looks like. Use examples of women supporting each other.
2. Foster conversations about collaboration – Talk about the value of teamwork and kindness. Reinforce the idea of uplifting others and how this can contribute to everyone’s growth.
3. Celebrate Achievements – Make it a habit to praise not just your daughter, but the accomplishments of other young women in her circle. Build a culture of mutual empowerment, rather than competitiveness.
4. Encourage Mentorship – Help your daughter connect with mentors or role models.
5. Create Opportunities for Collaboration – Get involved in group activities, projects, or organizations where teamwork and shared goals are a priority. This is a practical way to see how women achieve more together when they support one another.

Of course, by choosing St Ursula’s College, so much of what is outlined above as practical actions are things we work to embed in our day-to-day teaching and opportunities, highlighting a strength in an all-girls’ education for our young women. All that happens around our College is “By the girls, for the girls, about the girls”.

Where our young women are most harsh on each other is across social media platforms. It is here our girls can be cruel to each other. This is a good place to start as a parent to educate, monitor and where necessary, DELETE and BLOCK.

Staffing

In Week 9, we were most pleased to welcome to our team, Mrs Kathy McDonald. Kathy has taken on the role of Administration Support in Academic Care. She will become a familiar face for our students as they pop in to see Heads of House, or members of the College Leadership Team. Kathy comes with incredible experience in the Senior schooling space, as well as a familiarity with Sentral and other TCS systems. I know when you get the opportunity you will make Kathy feel most welcome.

In the Boarding House, we also welcomed two new Part Time Boarding Supervisors, namely Eve Bonell and Samantha Moorhouse. Eve and Samantha have already settled in well, but we welcome them to our community.

Thank you and farewell…

At the end of each term, we say thank you and farewell to a number of staff. Our thanks is extended to Mrs Carol Steele, who again has assisted in covering classes in Term One, until the return of Mrs Mary Conaghan in Term Two. We have also appreciated the support of Mrs Theresa French who has covered our technologies class.

We also wish Mrs Maree Ford all the best as she commences her maternity leave at the end of this term, and their family awaits the arrival of their second child. I am sure big sister, Bronte, is excited.

Please find attached an invitation to our ANZAC Day Liturgy on Thursday 24 April, starting just after 11.30 am in the Salo Centre.

I also encourage you to speak with your daughter about her willingness to get involved in the ANZAC Day Marches, either in Toowoomba or Pittsworth, where St Ursula’s College will have a strong representation. Please email or contact the office if you have not received a permission note and your daughter would like to be involved.

Please, if your family attends an alternate service and your daughter marches, it would be lovely if this was done in her full College uniform, including hat and blazer; and images were shared with Jaime Thomas, Marketing and Communication. (marketingstursulas@twb.catholic.edu.au )

A reminder that the new school term commences on Wednesday 23 April 2025. It is a short week of only two days, but classwork will commence.

Take care, and enjoy the Easter break,

Together, we strive…

Deidre Young

Principal

Deputy Principal: Ms Bernadette Witham

A Season of Transformation and Purpose

As we approach the end of the term and look ahead to Easter, I find myself reflecting on why this season holds such deep significance for me. Easter is not just a celebration; it is a moment of transformation. It marks the turning point for the apostles—ordinary men who, in the days after Christ’s crucifixion, were consumed by fear, doubt, and disillusionment. They had followed Jesus, believed in His vision, and yet, after His death, they found themselves questioning everything. Had they been wrong? Had they given their lives to a cause that had ended in defeat?

And then, something changed. The same men who had hidden in fear became fearless. The same men who had doubted became unwavering. The resurrection was not just a story they told—it was a truth they lived, so deeply believed that they carried it to their graves. I once read that the twelve closest men to President Nixon during Watergate, could not hold on to a lie for forty days. Yet the apostles held to the truth of the resurrection for the rest of their lives, even at the cost of suffering and death. That kind of conviction is not built on illusion; it is built on absolute certainty.

In the same way, we see transformation in our own community. Our Year 12 students have demonstrated remarkable dedication in completing their demanding Unit 3 exams and assessments. Similarly, we commend our Year 7 students who have embraced the significant transition to high school with enthusiasm, tackling a diverse curriculum, forging new friendships, and discovering their place within our community. Their participation in service groups and their spirited involvement in events like the Interhouse Swimming Carnival and Pastoral Care Synchronized Sisters' dances are testaments to their courage and willingness to engage. Each of them has taken on new challenges and grown in confidence and resilience.

This Easter story reminds us that true strength comes from living with purpose and integrity. In our own lives, we may not face the same trials as the apostles, but we do encounter challenges that test our character. There will be moments of doubt, times when we wonder if our efforts matter, and days when we feel like giving up. But it is in those moments that we are called to stand firm—to choose hope, to act with integrity, and to pursue a life that is not just about success, but about meaning.

For our students, this message is especially important. As we move into Term 2, I encourage each of you to set goals, work hard, and strive for excellence. But let that journey be guided by something deeper than achievement alone. Let it be shaped by purpose. Whether it’s through study, friendships, or the way we treat others, the strength that comes from a life lived with integrity is what truly endures.

May this Easter be a time of renewal and inspiration for us all. May we embrace the hope that comes from knowing that even in our moments of doubt, there is a greater truth that calls us forward. And may we, like the apostles, find the courage to live lives of purpose, faith, and unwavering conviction.

Wishing you all a blessed Easter and a restful break.

Bernadette

Deputy Principal

Asst Principal Pastoral Care: Mrs Maria Gibson

Understanding Today’s Teens: Insights from Dr. Jean Twenge’s Research 

Teenagers today are growing up in a world very different from past generations. Technology and social media play a huge role in their lives, shaping how they think, feel, and interact with others. 

American psychologist, Jean Twenge (2019) has studied this generation, which she calls "iGens"—those born between 1995 and 2012. Her book, iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood, explores their unique traits and the challenges they face. 

Key Insights About iGen: 

• More Screen Time: iGens spend around five to six hours a day on their phones—texting, gaming, watching videos, and using social media. Research suggests that too much screen time can lead to anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. 

• Less Face-to-Face Time: Many teens are spending less time with friends in person, which can affect their social skills and emotional well-being. Seeing idealised lives online can also create unrealistic expectations. 

• Delayed Independence: This generation is taking longer to do things like getting a driver’s license or starting romantic relationships. They tend to spend more time at home with family rather than pushing for independence. 

• Stronger Focus on Inclusion: iGens value respect and fairness and are more accepting of diversity than previous generations. However, they also prefer safer, more controlled spaces where difficult topics are carefully handled. 

How Parents Can Help 

Parenting in the digital age means finding a healthy balance. Twenge’s research suggests that limiting screen time, encouraging real-world friendships, and teaching teens how to handle tough conversations will help them thrive as they grow. It is pleasing to see that this aligns with our new Mobile Phone Policy. While technology isn’t going away, parents can help ensure it doesn’t replace important life skills. 

Mrs Maria Gibson

Asst Principal Mission and Identity: Mr Joe Kelly

For the last two weeks, RE classes have been conducting the BIG WALK FOR WATER in support of Project Compassion. Students have walked carrying buckets of water/weights to try and raise funds for people in Africa, Asia and the Pacific who walk to collect water every day. Unlike those people who walk each day hail, rain or shine we did not make students go and walk in the rain. Instead Plan B was to utilise the Chapel when it was too wet to be outside. Students realised how tedious this was and how many times they would have had to walk each day if they wanted enough water to survive on. The fact that over 280 million people must do this each day in order to survive is staggering.

Whilst students gained an insight into the lives of those people in Africa, Asia and the Pacific and have shown great empathy, we are also hoping that they show charity and fundraise to help raise enough money to purchase a water tank for a school in one of those countries, so that the school can remain open for the duration of the day.

If you would like to help us, then it is never too late to donate – please use the QR code below to donate and thank you in advance for your support. In the words of Angela Merici: “Remember, the more you give, the more will be given to you.”

Mr Joe Kelly

Director of Sport: Mrs Elyce Ruhle

Futsal

U14 Futsal Team Shines at South West Futsal Titles

Our U14 Futsal team showcased their talent and determination at the South West Futsal titles held at UniSQ on Monday, 24 March. The team performed admirably, advancing to the semi-finals against St Saviours College, who had previously beaten St Ursula's in a group match. The semi-final was a nail-biter, ending in a tie at full time and extending into golden goal extra time for 10 minutes. Despite their valiant effort, St Ursula's was narrowly eliminated with just 2 minutes remaining.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the students who participated and a special thank you to our dedicated coaches and enthusiastic supporters. Your hard work and commitment have made us incredibly proud!

Our U16 and U19 Futsal teams competed at the Souith West Titles on Thursday last week. 

Our U19 squad secured 3rd place out of 15 teams, after being knocked out by St Joseph's College in the semi-final.

Our U16 squad took out the top place in their division, winning the Grand Final in a gutsy 1-0 victory over Mary Mackillop.

Interhouse Cross Country

Get ready to lace up your running shoes and mark your calendars because our Cross Country carnival is just around the corner! On 1 May (Thursday, Week 2, Term 2), we invite (compulsory school day) all students, staff and supporters to join us for a day of exhilarating races and fun-filled activities.

This year we continue the tradition of the “Exercising Sisters Relay Event” where PC groups will team up and foster a sense of camaraderie and sisterhood.

But that’s not all! We are partaking in the ‘Pastoral Pursuit – Who will be our Quiz Quest Champions’’ where pastoral care groups will compete in a thrilling quiz challenge, testing their knowledge and teamwork skills.

The Cross Country isn’t just about competition, it’s about celebrating health, fitness and community spirit. Whether you are a seasoned runner of just looking to have some fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

So, gather your friends, put on your running Gear, and join us for a day of laughter, excitement and friendly competition at our 2025 Cross Country Carnival on Thursday 1 May. Let’s make this year’s event one to remember! See you at the starting line.

 Mrs Elyce Ruhle

2024 Highlights

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 13 May.

Tahnee Coombs, P&F Secretary

Protea Place Trivia Night

Join the student-led Protea Place service group for an exciting Trivia Night to support Protea Place Toowoomba! This fun-filled social event is perfect for a night out with a purpose.

You can book tables for 4 to 8 people in advance through the TryBooking link below. Pre-order delicious pizzas and garlic bread to enjoy during the event. Embrace the gender bender theme by dressing up in your best iconic male and female outfits—interpretation is up to you, just keep it classy!

Whether you dress up or come as you are, make sure you don't miss this fantastic event!

To book a table, use this TryBooking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CZBUO