St Ursula's College Newsletter Term 4, Week 8
From the Principal
Mrs Deidre Young
Across the past week, there have been many occasions where the Year 12 students have been celebrated, as they completed their schooling journey. I loved the message delivered by our Past Student and Guest Speaker at our Presentation Assembly, April Cavanagh (nee Mannix, 1995). April talked to the students about finishing Year 12 as merely the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another. And whilst you cannot change what has happened, you can change what happens next.
Having just engaged with parents across four Listening Forums last week, I am reminded of our strengths as a college so explicitly embedded in our College song.
Serving you will stand and face the road
No flinching and no retreating… As courageous and compassionate young women…
Loyal and true in whatever you do… women of integrity
Our SERVIAM repeating. …shaping the future and making a difference.
For our graduating students, their heart beats to the drum of serviam… service, the lesson, the test, the goal… these values are forever a part of who they are. It was certainly evident in April’s address, nearly 29 years since she graduated, the foundations that continue to shape who she is are clearly connected to the values espoused as part of an education at St Ursula’s College, and this can still be seen in how she lives her life today.
As our Year 12 students conclude their time at the College, we thank them for their contribution to the very fabric of who we are. Each one influencing and shaping our character and identity, as we in turn, have shaped and influenced them. I hope the friendships and memories they have made here will always be a part of them, no matter where life takes them. Guided by the teachings of Angela Merici, they have learnt the importance of being good people, showing kindness, the support of a sisterhood, the richness that comes from serving others, and the call to live with integrity. “Down the road of service, you must now make your way.”
This week, we welcomed the new students for 2025. It is the cycle of life… as one cohort graduates, we welcome the Year 7 2025 class, or as they will become known, as the Seniors 2030! On Sunday, we welcomed our new boarders for an orientation and sleep over. It was lovely to join with the parents for both some afternoon tea, and then dinner on the Sunday night. It is a big decision to choose a school to send your daughter to, but even bigger when the decision is coupled with them leaving home and creating a new home with 40+ other girls.
On Monday, it was lovely to welcome our Year 7 2025 cohort, just over 60 in total, and nearly 12 new students across Years 8 to 11. I am appreciative of our staff who organised and delivered an orientation program that was all about ensuring our new students and their parents felt welcomed and at home with our school community. In particular to Mrs Siobhan McIvor, Mrs Bernadette Witham and Ms Jodi Marshall… thank you for your coordination of our Orientation Programs.
Orientation Day 2024
Following consultation with our staff and parents, there will be changes implemented in 2025 to our College Mobile Phone policy. This has been something that has been raised by parents for nearly two years as a concern, and across my time at the College, I have had my own concerns.
The Why?
The students are issued with a learning device, their laptop, and this is managed across the College to ensure it is used for its intended purpose. Currently, students are allowed to have their mobile phone or smart devices on them, but they must remain out of sight. This is challenging for our young people, who like us all, when they have their smart devices on them, are drawn to check them, and engage on their social media apps across the day. The students themselves will admit that smart devices are checked and accessed across the course of any day.
And so, for us, removing smart devices from being on our students, we hope will teach them that they can ‘disconnect’ from this world for a short period of time, being the school day. For a large number of our young people, they already do this as part of their work, where many employers expect students not to have their smart devices on them whilst working. It will now be the same for school… whilst we are working across the day, we are not distracted by our mobile phone or smart devices.
What we are proposing is certainly not counter cultural to what is happening across all sectors. Education Queensland this year has moved to ban mobile phones and smart devices. They have seen a direct correlation between improved student behaviour and the removal of these devices. Whilst I see our community is not seeing a spike in behaviours due to the smart devices, we can certainly attribute most of our work in supporting our young people with their behaviours, connecting in some way to activity on various apps on their smart devices. This occurs both during school time and outside of our ‘office’ hours.
There is a direct correlation between mobile phones and smart devices, and the apps our students are accessing, and the rise in mental health and anxiety. Earlier this year, I was referred to the work of Jonathan Baird who discusses the impact of mobile phones and smart devices on mental health and anxiety, highlighting both positive and negative aspects.
In particular, on the negative impacts, he notes these devices contribute to heightened anxiety and stress. The constant notifications and the pressure to stay connected can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and reduce the quality of sleep. Baird emphasizes the importance of mindful usage and setting boundaries to mitigate these negative effects, suggesting that users take regular breaks and engage in activities that do not involve screens to maintain a healthier balance.
It is good food for thought for us around how many hours are our young people on their mobile phones and smart devices. With the move by the government to lift the age to 16 years of age, to access many social media applications, it reinforces for us the importance of monitoring and managing the hours our young people are connected… as ironically this type of connection can create further disconnection for many.
In 2025, the change to our policy will be as follows:
Your mobile phone and smart devices must be turned off and left secured in your locked locker for the full school day from the first bell at 8:30am to the 1st bell marking the end of the day.
Enjoy the final days of the school year for 2024.
A reminder that our Year 10 and 11 students finish on Friday 22 November 2024. We will conclude the day with a whole school liturgy in Period 5.
Our Year 7 to 9 students return for a final week and conclude on Thursday 28 November, at 12.39 pm. They will enjoy some fun activities on this final day and are welcome to wear their College Sports uniform for the half day.
Please see below a link to a survey as we commence our masterplan for St Ursula’s College. It is part of our Annual Improvement Plan for 2025, and our first stage is to gather feedback from our stakeholders. Thank you for engaging and providing invaluable feedback as we shape our future for our girls and the College.
Please enjoy, attached, the Year in Review for 2024. We have much to celebrate but equally as much to look forward to in 2025.
Together, in Serviam
Deidre Young
Principal
St Ursula's College Masterplan
This is the first step in developing a new masterplan for St Ursula's College to guide improvements to our facilities over the next few years.
The questions will help us to engage our stakeholders, being staff, students and parents, and this will shape our masterplan for the future. Please follow the link to give your feedback.
Thank you for your contribution.
Regards
Deidre Young, Principal
Deputy Principal
Ms Bernadette Witham
Last Wednesday, we celebrated the outstanding achievements of our students in service, academics, engagement in learning, and sports. These accomplishments are a result of their daily commitment, their willingness to step outside their comfort zones, and their relentless pursuit of knowledge and growth. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our students and their families for their unwavering support and encouragement.
As we head into the final two weeks of the year with assessment and exams, I offer you this wisdom from April Cavanagh - our Presentation Assembly guest speaker and past student. “Whilst we may not be able to control what happens to us in life, we can control how we respond to life’s challenges and opportunities”. SERVIAM, our College motto, meaning I will serve, provides a way to respond to life challenges that promotes the dignity of others and allows us to be the change we wish to see in the world. Responding to life through the lens of SERVIAM, is a counter-cultural way to find peace and freedom.
Peace be with each of you.
Bernadette Witham
Correction:
In Term 4 Week Newsletter there was an error in the information on Year 9-10 Academic Awards. Please see below the correct information with regards to awarding Academic achievements in Year 9-10.
- Year 9-10:
- Principal’s Award: awarded to students who have received all A’s
- Academic Distinction: awarded to those students who receive no more than 3 B’s or lower or all A’s and no more than 2 B’s and 1 C
- Academic Merit: awarded to those students who receive no more than 5 B’s or all A’s and no more than 4 B’s and 1 C or all A’s and 3 C’s
Key Dates: 2024
- Friday 22 November – last day for Year 10 and 11
- Saturday 23 November – Liverpool Football International Academy Community Day
- Thursday 28 November – last day for Years 7-9
Key Dates: 2025
- Wednesday 29 January – Orientation Day for Year 7, New students; All Year 12 to be at the College
- Thursday 30 January – Day 1 of 2025. Photo Day 1
- Friday 31 January – Photo Day 2
- Monday and Tuesday – 3 and 4 February – Year 9 Camp
- Thursday 6 February – College Opening Mass
- Friday 7 February – Sport and Service Sign up
Year Level Information:
Year 11:
- Exams start this week. These exams mark the first assessment in Unit 3 that counts towards the ATAR. The exam schedule and letter is attached here: Letter Year 10 Exam Block Term 4 2024.docx
- Thursday 21 November and Friday 22 November classes as timetabled
- It is important students are in full attendance over these days. Learning will continue with guidance on assessments due in early Term 1 of 2025.
- Friday 22 November Period 5: End of year Liturgy
Year 10:
- When students are not in exams, they will be in classes completing valuable learning.
- Friday 22 November Period 5: End of Year Liturgy
Year 7-9:
- Students will be completing assignments and exams over the next two weeks.
- Thursday 28 November:
- Final day for Year 7-9
- Classes finish at 12:39pm
Asst Principal Mission and Identity
Mr Joe Kelly
At St Ursula’s College, we believe that service is not just an act, but a way of life. It is through serving others that we truly embody the values of compassion, empathy, and community. It is no surprise therefore that our students have suggested extending our service learning for 2025 with two Catholic organizations that exemplify the spirit of service.
Firstly, with Vinnies, also known as the St Vincent de Paul Society, which has a long-standing tradition of helping those in need. From providing food and clothing to offering support and advocacy, Vinnies is a beacon of hope for many. Our students will have the opportunity to volunteer with Vinnies, learning firsthand the impact of their efforts on the lives of others. Whether it's participating in a food drive or helping out at a local Vinnies shop, our students will be making a difference in their community as well as advocating for Vinnies within the College community.
We are in discussions to become a partner school for the start of 2025 with St Vincent's Foundation Qld. This partnership will give us more opportunities for service learning in our community. This will make us the first partnership school on the Darling Downs.
Service is at the heart of our Ursuline education. It teaches our students to look beyond themselves and to see the needs of others. It fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages them to be active, engaged citizens. By working with organizations like Vinnies, our students learn that they have the power to make a positive impact on the world.
We are incredibly proud of our students and their commitment to service. Their efforts are a testament to the values we hold dear and a reminder that together, we can create a brighter future for all.
Pope Francis said that “love and charity are service, helping others, serving others. There are many people who spend their lives in this way, in the service of others. When you forget yourself and think of others, this is love”. (Jubilee Audience, 12 March, 2016)
Joe Kelly
Assistant Principal Mission and Identity
Asst Principal Pastoral Care
Mrs Maria Gibson
2025 Student Leadership Professional Learning Program
On the weekend of the 9 and 10 November, the 2025 Student Leadership Team (SLT) came together for their Professional Learning Weekend. This was a weekend filled with enthusiasm and anticipation. The program featured a series of insightful presentations and interactive activities designed to equip these future leaders with the essential skills and knowledge for their upcoming roles. Rianna Gibson, past student, presented Leadership Essentials and highlighted the importance of expectations of self and others when being a leader. Tia Dyson, from Toowoomba Toastmasters, challenged the team with individual impromptu speaking and gave valuable insights into how to deliver a polished speech
The weekend was not only an invaluable learning experience but also a chance for team members to strengthen their bonds. It served as a springboard for early preparations and strategic discussions about the challenges and opportunities they will face in 2025. The 2025 team worked with Mrs Young to brainstorm possible themes for the new academic year. One of the memorable moments was the team's participation in the Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes on Sunday morning.
I look forward to seeing the SLT apply their newly acquired expertise as they embark on their leadership journey with confidence and determination.
Maria Gibson
Director of Sport
Mrs Elyce Ruhle
Rugby 7s
The Under 13, 15 and Open Rugby 7s teams have been competing in the Downs Rugby Cup on a Monday or Thursday evening in Term 4, showcasing their skills, determination and sportsmanship. All teams played exceptionally well, with the Opens losing the Grand Final to Downlands and the Under 15s capping off a stellar season by triumphing in their grand final against TAS. This success is a testament to their hard work and commitment, as well as the dedication of Miss Cash, whose countless hours of coaching and organising were instrumental in the teams’ achievements. Congratulations to all players and Miss Reaghan McMillan (coach) , Jade Hubbard (coach) and Miss Cash for an incredible season.
Sports Recap 2024
This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for our sports program. From the court to the field and beyond, our students have excelled in futsal, football, hockey, basketball, touch football, rugby league, rugby 7s, netball, and a number of individual achievements. A standout achievement was having 220 individuals competing in one sporting discipline, with a total of 943 participants engaged in our sports program. 120 students contributed their time and skills by providing a service to the sports program. 40 of our students made Darling Downs teams and 2 students made QLD teams and 1 student made 2 QLD teams, and incredible testament to their talent and hard-work.
We showcased our talents at this year’s interhouse carnivals, which were filled with energy, excitement and plenty of fun! We competed in the standard events for swimming, cross country and track and field, with outstanding efforts from all our age champions. Alongside the competition, we embraced the novelty events, with KLW/RGD taking home the Golden Flipper for their brilliant Synchronised Sisters routine and JGD claiming the Rose Gold Runner for the Exercising Sisters Relay Event. The houses cheered loudly, dressed up in creative costumes and participated with enthusiasm, making it a memorable celebration of spirit and camaraderie. What a fantastic way to come together as a school community.
Our dedication was rewarded with several grand final appearances and some trophy wins:
- Under 15 and Opens Swans Schools Cup runners up
- Under 15, Bill Turner Football, runners up
- Under 14, Veto Futsal Cup, runners up
- Year 7/8 Basketball, Friday Night Division 2 runners up
- Under 14 and Under 15 Futsal, Southwest QLD Futsal Championship, runners up
- Under 15 , Australasian Futsal Cup, runners up
- Under 14, Veto Futsal Knockout Cup, winners
- Senior A Netball, Queensland Catholic Open Division 2 Winners
- Senior A Netball, Wednesday Night Division 2, Winners
- Merici Cup Winners
- Year 7/8 AAG Basketball Grand Final Winners
- Under 15 Rugy 7s, Darling Downs Schools Cup Winners.
But what shone brightest was our unwavering sportsmanship. It has been a year filled with growth, camaraderie and excellence – a true celebration of what it means to be part of our sporting community. Here’s to an even greater 2025 and remember never underestimate an Ursie Girl.
Term 4, Week 4: Athletes of the Week
2024 Sporting Recap
Parents & Friends
Our next P&F Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 11 February 2025 in Kerrilaw. We warmly invite all parents to join us and engage with our community as we discuss ways to best support the wider St Ursula’s Community. More details will be provided in the new year, but please mark these P&F dates in your diaries now.
11th February
11th March
13th May
10th June
12th August
9th September
14th October
18th October -4th Annual Merici Spring Supper
28th October AGM
Booklists 2025
Please find attached the booklists for each year level. These booklists will also be found on our website at www.st-ursula.qld.edu.au
All General Stationery Requirements and Specific Stationery Requirements can be pre-ordered and purchased in kit form from the St Ursula's College Retail Outlet.
Please contact the Retail Outlet on 07 4638 8715 as soon as possible to order your kit.
Retail Store is open 11am - 5pm Monday to Friday
Host Families Needed
