St Ursula's College Newsletter 2025 Term 3, Week 6

From our Principal

As we journey through Term 3, and our College community reflects on the value of compassion, I am delighted to share a significant milestone in our shared story. As part of Gratitude Week, on Thursday 21 August during our Grandparents and Significant Elders Mass, we will officially launch the St Ursula’s College Strategic Plan 2025–2029. This event is not only a celebration of our future direction but also a moment of gratitude for the wisdom and presence of those who have shaped our past.

The Strategic Plan is a living document that reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and faith-filled learning. It outlines our key priorities for the next five years, ensuring that every decision we make is grounded in our mission and values. This plan is the result of thoughtful collaboration and discernment, and it will guide us as we nurture the potential of every student and strengthen our community.

It is fitting that this launch takes place during Gratitude Week, a time when we pause to acknowledge the blessings in our lives and the people who make our College a place of welcome and growth. The presence of our grandparents and significant elders at this Mass reminds us of the intergenerational compassion that enriches our community and inspires our vision for the future.

Thank you to the many members of our community who have provided feedback that has shaped our Strategic Plan.

Our new Strategic Plan is titled STRIVE, a name chosen with intention. The word strive holds deep meaning within the Ursuline tradition. It is a word favoured by Saint Angela Merici, who reminds us that perfection is not the goal—but effort, energy, and heart are. She calls us to act, move, believe, strive, hope, cry… for without doubt you will see marvellous things. This plan is our collective commitment to that vision.

Together we move forward—boldly and purposefully.

At the same time, our College Parents and Friends (P&F) will launch their Strategic Plan that complements and aligns well with the College’s plan, whilst setting a strong direction for the important work of our P&F. I acknowledge and thank Megan Ford, President, the P&F Executive and all members of the group who have contributed to this document that provides a strong focus for the work of our parents across the coming 3 to 4 years.

Both documents can be found on our College Website, following the launch.

Resourcefulness… How is your daughter travelling?

I love the word resourcefulness, and I have only recently been challenged to think about supporting our young people, focusing less on the word resilience and reframing this to the concept of resourcefulness.

Resourcefulness is a trait that empowers students to think creatively, solve problems independently, and adapt with initiative. While resilience is often about enduring challenges and bouncing back from setbacks, resourcefulness is about proactively navigating those challenges with ingenuity and confidence. It’s the difference between weathering a storm and finding a way to build shelter.

By encouraging curiosity, flexible thinking, and a willingness to seek solutions, we help our students become not just strong, but capable and self-directed learners. Let’s work together to foster this vital quality, preparing them to thrive in an ever-changing world.

I reflect on this word as we navigate the challenges of Term 3, Week 6… where the batteries are low and patience is thinning. It is now, more than ever, that skills around resourcefulness are critical. Let us work with our young people to teach them to turn to themselves for solutions, rather than deferring always to others, whether that be to blame or to problem solve for us.  

On that note, as I sign off for the fortnight, I have just been rereading our Culture Statement. It is interesting to see the use of the words, strive and resourcefulness, and I am again inspired by the forward vision of the Ursuline Sisters in this legacy statement that has shaped and guided who we are for so many years. Especially today, I write about the relevance of strive and resourcefulness for our community.

“We strive to create learning opportunities that will encourage students to take responsibility for their own thinking and learning, so that they may become more resourceful and empathetic young women…” 

Enjoy the newsletter that brings much to celebrate and be grateful for.

Together, we strive.

Deidre Young

Principal

Deputy Principal

It was truly heartening to see so many parents engaging with teachers during our recent Parent Teacher Student conversations on Thursday of last week. These moments of connection are invaluable—not only for strengthening the partnership between home and school, but also for giving students a clear sense of the support surrounding them.

These conversations offer a timely opportunity to reflect on progress made so far this year, celebrate growth, and identify areas where further development is possible. As we move into the second half of the academic year, it’s an ideal moment for students to revisit the habits and routines that underpin successful learning.

Good practices—such as consistent homework completion, active participation in class, regular revision, and effective time management—are not just academic strategies; they are life skills that build resilience and confidence. Or as Mrs Young has mentioned in her article this week, build resourcefulness in our young people that allows them to proactively prepare for and engage in the learning cycle.

We encourage families to talk with their daughters about what’s working well and where small adjustments might make a big difference. Whether it’s setting up a quiet study space at home, using a planner to track assessments, or simply getting enough sleep, these habits support students in reaching their full potential. With the strong foundation of support from both school and home, we’re confident our students can continue to grow as capable, curious, and committed learners.

Enjoy the fortnight ahead, as we near a significant period for our Year 11 and 12 students with Exam and Mock Exam blocks approaching.

God Bless 

Bernadette

Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

Cultivating Compassion 

At St Ursula’s College, compassion is not just a word - it’s a way of being. Compassion is one of our core values and this term we have been focusing on what it means and how we can be people of compassion.  

Daily, I see how this core value shapes our community, our relationships, and our mission. In a world that often moves too quickly, compassion invites us to pause, to notice, and to respond with kindness and understanding. Compassion is the deep awareness of others, coupled with the desire to alleviate any suffering or hardship. It goes beyond sympathy - it’s active, intentional, and transformative. Compassion asks us to walk alongside others, to listen without judgment, and to offer support even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. 

Compassion is the foundation of a healthy, connected community. It fosters empathy, reduces conflict, and builds resilience. For our young women, learning to be compassionate helps develop emotional intelligence, strengthen their relationships, and empower them to be agents of positive change. In a society that can sometimes reward competition over care, compassion reminds us that true strength lies in lifting others up. 

At St Ursula’s, we encourage our students to live compassion through: 

• Listening deeply to friends and peers, especially when someone is struggling. 
  
• Standing up for those who are excluded or mistreated.
• Volunteering their time and talents to help others, both within and beyond the College.
• Practising self-compassion, recognising that kindness begins with how we treat ourselves.
• Reflecting on their actions and considering how they impact others. 

 These everyday acts—small but powerful—create a ripple effect of care and connection. This is how our Ursuline Way, a way of living in our world, is connected within our Merici CARE model.  

Our College motto, Serviam - “I will serve”- is the living expression of compassion. It calls each of us to serve not out of obligation, but out of love. Whether it’s through social justice initiatives, community outreach, or simply being present for a friend in need, Serviam reminds us that service is most meaningful when it is rooted in compassion. 

As parents and caregivers, you play a vital role in nurturing this value at home. Encourage your daughters to reflect on how they can be compassionate in their daily lives. Share stories of kindness, model empathy, and celebrate the moments when they choose to serve others with open hearts. 

Together, let us continue to build a community where compassion is not only taught - but lived. 

 Mrs Maria Gibson

Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

Joe Kelly

Upcoming Events

We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to you for our Father's Day Breakfast, celebrating the extraordinary father figures in our students' lives.

Date: Tuesday, 2 September 2025
Time: 7am - 8:15am
Location: Dining Room, Corner of Warra & Rome Streets
Cost: $10 per person (adults and students). Any surplus funds will be donated to charity.

Our Father's Day Breakfast promises to be a delightful morning filled with love, appreciation, and fun activities. You will be treated to a hot breakfast, with a selection of hot beverages & juice available for your enjoyment.

The morning will include interactive games and a chance to win some fabulous prizes in our raffles. All monies raised will be donated to "Its a Bloke Thing" for Prostate Cancer.

Please let us know if you can attend, by completing the Registration.

We look forward to welcoming guests to a special morning to celebrate Grandparents and Significant Elders.

The morning will include a beautiful mass, commencing at 9:00 AM, followed by morning tea and student-led entertainment.

📍 Salo Centre, St Ursula’s College
📅 Thursday 21 August
🕘 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

This event is a heartfelt opportunity to celebrate the cherished bond between generations and the lasting impact of our grandparents on the lives of our students.

During the celebration, we will also proudly launch the St Ursula’s College Strategic Plan 2025–2029, outlining our vision for the future.

Please ensure you book for catering purposes.

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.

Newtown Cup

St Ursula’s College has once again made its mark in the annual Newtown Cup showdown against The Glennie School, claiming five out of six matches in a powerful display of athleticism and school spirit.

Across the courts, our players showed skill, strategy, and teamwork, dominating in every age group. The only close defeat came in the Senior A match, where our team battled fiercely but fell short by just two goals in a nail-biting finish.

Despite the narrow loss, the overall result was a success. With four convincing wins, St Ursula’s proudly retains the Newton Cup for another 12 months, a testament to the strength and depth of our netball program.

Congratulations to all who participated—you’ve not only brought home the silverware but also upheld the proud tradition of excellence that defines St Ursula’s.

Here’s to another year of holding the cup high!

UHLSport Cup - Football

Last week, our St Ursula’s Football Team made the journey to Brisbane for an elimination final in the Uhlsport Cup—marking our first showdown with Brisbane State High School since 2001!

It was a hotly contested match, with both teams showing great skills. In the end, Brisbane State High edged ahead to secure their spot in the quarter finals.

While the scoreboard didn’t reflect the outcome we hoped for, we couldn’t be prouder of our girls’ grit, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Vicki Wilson State Championships

On Thursday 7th and Friday 8th August, our Senior A and Junior A netball teams proudly represented the Darling Downs and Southwestern Region at the prestigious Netball Queensland Vicki Wilson State Championships. With only 20 teams statewide qualifying in each division—Cup for Seniors and Shield for Juniors—earning a place was a remarkable achievement in itself.

Our Senior team faced a challenging draw and early injuries but displayed unwavering resilience, finishing strong in their final matches to secure 18th place in the state. Their determination and team spirit were commendable.

Meanwhile, our Junior team dominated the pool rounds undefeated, showcasing exceptional skill and grit. Despite a few hurdles in the finals, they clinched an impressive 6th place—an outstanding result that reflects their hard work and talent.

A special moment of the tournament was meeting our namesake school from Yeppoon and capturing a Junior team photo together—a tradition usually reserved for Senior teams at QISSN.

A heartfelt thank you to our netball mums—Sonia Gillis, Emma Farrow, and Kym Cavanagh—for your care, encouragement, and tireless support throughout the trip. You made the experience unforgettable.

We’re already looking ahead to 2026, eager to build on this year’s success and return even stronger!

West Zone Track and Field Carnival

On Thursday 14 August, a group of our 10-12 years athletes took to the field at the West Zone Track and Field Carnival, delivering some fantastic performances and representing St Ursula’s with pride.

Congratulations to the following students for their standout performances:

• Heidi Carrigan – 3^rd Discus
• Mia Aylward – 2^nd 800m
• Delilah Wenham – 3^rd 100m
• Emily Moses – 4^th 200m

A big thank you to Sienna Carr (Sports Coach) for supporting our athletes throughout the day.

Champion of Champions Futsal

On Thursday 6 August, our U14 team took to Nissan Arena for the highly anticipated Champion of Champions tournament—and what a rollercoaster of a day it was!

A traffic incident on the Ipswich Motorway meant we had to forfeit our opening match to Kawana Waters (who went on to win the entire competition). But our team didn’t let that setback define them. They rallied with a 1–1 draw against Ferny Grove, followed by a nail-biting 3–2 victory over Lindisfarne Grammar—powered by an incredible hat-trick from Erin Irvine.

In the quarter finals, our girls battled fiercely against St Saviour’s College, ultimately going down 3–0 to the eventual runners-up. Their grit, teamwork, and sportsmanship were on full display all day.

A huge thank you to our players for their commitment and resilience, and a special shoutout to all our teams that have competed throughout the year. St Ursula’s reached the quarter finals in U14, U16, and U19, with our U16s crowned Champion of Champions!

Darling Downs Representatives

Congratulations to the following students who have been successful in marking a Darling Downs Team:

• Sophie Hick – Futsal
• Kaleesha Hall – Futsal

Queensland AFL

Last week, Year 10 student Amelia Kidd proudly donned maroon as she represented Queensland at the School Sport Australia National AFL Championships. In a thrilling grand final showdown, the team narrowly missed gold, going down to Victoria by just one point—33–32—earning a well-deserved silver medal.

Adding a special touch to the experience, Amelia was coached by none other than former Ursie Girl Alex Farrell. We love seeing our past students leading the way and inspiring the next generation.

Huge congratulations to Amelia on this incredible achievement. Watch this space for her next journey with Queensland Cricket just around the corner.

Mrs Elyce Ruhle

Head of Faculty: Arts

Week 4 was a busy time for our Dance students. Our Year 11 and 12 Dance students saw Bangarra Dance Theatre’s performance of Illume at QPAC and two of our dance troupes competed at the QUOTA Beenleigh City of Logan Eisteddfod. We congratulate our Junior Contemporary Troupe as they received their first placing of the year!

It’s all happening for our Drama students as well. Some of our Drama students recently attended the Junior Impact performance of Soul Trading at the Empire Theatre; a great opportunity to see a local youth cast in action. Senior Play rehearsals are well underway – keep an eye out for ticket details in the coming weeks!

Arts – What’s Happening

· Clay Club: Mondays after school

· Sydney Dance Tour: Thursday 21 August – Sunday 24 August

· Choir performing at First Nations Mass (St Pat’s Cathedral): Friday 10 October

· Senior Play: Friday 10 October

· Music Awards on Assembly: Friday 16 October

· Dance Night Friday 17 October

Miss Lydia Pickard

Finance

📌 Reminder: Term 3 Fees Due

 A friendly reminder that Term 3 Fees are now due for payment.  Statements were issued via email on 8 August 2025. If you haven’t received your statement, please get in touch with our Finance Team on 07 4632 7611 or  accountsstursulas@twb.catholic.edu.au.

If you are not currently on a payment plan, we kindly ask that your Term 3 fees are paid promptly. 

We understand that financial challenges can arise, and the College is here to help.  Early communication is the key – please do not hesitate to reach out if you need support.  St Ursula’s is committed to working with families to find a solution that helps manage school fees. 

Kerry Chrusciel

Business Manager

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 9 September.

We are desperately keen for sponsors and donations for our major fundraising event this year, the Merici Spring Supper. If you are able to donate anything, please advise the office and we'll be in touch. Thanks for your consideration.

COMEDY NIGHT

Please note the Comedy Evening has been postponed for this Friday night and will be rescheduled for 2026. Stay tuned.

Tahnee Coombs, P&F Secretary

PIE DRIVE: CARE FOR CAMBODIA FUNDRAISER

The St Ursula’s College Care for Cambodia service group, enacted in 2010, was established to create awareness and support for families and children living in poverty in and around Siem Reap, Cambodia. Through the ongoing fundraising efforts of the Care for Cambodia service group, in combination with Grace House a key partner, the lives of many Cambodian children have been transformed through the provision of food, medical aid, education and training.

The major 2025 fundraiser for the Care for Cambodia service group is the O’Donnell’s Bakehouse Pie and Cake Drive. To ensure the invaluable work of Grace House can continue helping Cambodian families and children, we encourage your family, friends and relatives to support this year’s fundraising event. Please complete the order form sent home earlier this month and return the form with payment to the college office on, or before, Friday 10^th October. Your delicious baked goodies will be available for collection in the college dining room directly after school on Friday 31^st October.

Adair Donaldson: Parent Info Evening

St Mary’s College is thrilled to welcome renowned speaker Adair Donaldson, and they're excited to invite families from St Ursula’s College to join this powerful and insightful event. In this interactive workshop, Adair will share his 27 years of experience working with organisations like the NRL and Universities Australia. He’ll explore how students and parents can take proactive steps to reduce the impact of:

📱Social media & mobile phone misuse

🚫Discrimination & harassment

❌Domestic & family violence

🛜AI image abuse and the law

No matter what career path your child is considering, these issues affect every industry—and this session is a chance to reflect, learn, and prepare.

🍽️ Light refreshments provided | 🍷 Drinks available for purchase 📅 RSVP by Friday, 29 August

🔗 Book your spot here: https://ow.ly/ZYyq50WCAzf

Don’t miss this engaging, thought-provoking, and entertaining evening!

Ladies Night with The Salvation Army – 13 September

The Salvation Army is hosting a Ladies Night for all ages on Friday, 13 September, and it’s set to be a fantastic event for a great cause!

Following the closure of Ally Fashion at Grand Central, The Salvation Army received a large donation of brand new Ally clothing—perfect for teens and younger women. They’ll be holding a massive sale on the night, giving you the chance to grab some stylish bargains while supporting the community.

If you're interested, come along and be part of this wonderful initiative. Your support will make a difference!