St Ursula's College Newsletter 2025 Term 2, Week 10

From our Principal

It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of Term 2, marking the completion of the first half of the Academic Year for 2025. Last week, Abbie Mills and Lucy Ryan, our College and Vice Captains, were gathering insights from students and staff, asking them to name their favourite highlight or moment from across the past 20 weeks. I must admit, I was speechless for a little while, struggling to even remember the breadth of opportunities offered to our girls across each day; let alone naming the most memorable! There is no shortage of choice, ranging from sporting, cultural, service to academic… it is endless.

Research consistently highlights the positive impact of active participation and community involvement on mental health and overall wellbeing. Engaging in school activities, volunteering, or simply connecting with others fosters a sense of belonging and purpose—key protective factors against anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Studies show that individuals who are socially connected and involved in their communities report higher levels of self-esteem, resilience, and life satisfaction. For students, staff, and families alike, creating opportunities to participate not only strengthens our school community but also supports emotional wellbeing and personal growth. Encouraging involvement is more than just building engagement—it's an investment in mental health.

So, in 2025, as we Strive to Thrive, it is really a call to be involved, to participate, and in doing so, not only benefiting our College, but also investing in your own health, sense of belonging and connection, and wellbeing.

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And so, what was my answer… of course, it was that every day is a highlight at St Ursula’s College. In the last week, I loved the following three moments…

The first highlight… It was a pleasure last Friday night to watch the fruits of many months of hard work, as I joined a crowd of nearly 250+, to enjoy the Junior Play, “Wizard of Oz”. And it did not disappoint. In front of the huge crowd, the students from Years 7 to 9 did a wonderful job presenting a classic. I congratulate and acknowledge the Co-Directors, Grace Thomas and Sienna Stockwell, our Year 12 Drama Captains, under the expert guidance of Ms Beth Toleman Glasse. Well done to all involved.

The second moment… On Monday, we were joined by a number of members from the Zonta Club of Garden City to assemble 400 birthing kits. What a wonderful service opportunity, creating a simple kit that will increase the chance that a woman in a developing country will have a safe birth, and increase the chance of both her survival and that of her baby. I am extremely grateful to the many girls who assisted with some folding plastic, to those who added the other items to complete the kits.

And lastly, I enjoyed our Term 2 “Be an Ursie Girl for a day”, coupled with our Principal Tours across the day. Eighty (80) girls were welcomed from Years 5 and 6 to enjoy a day in our community, along with a number of parents and families who took advantage of the opportunity to learn a little more about our College.

As we head into the end of the term, I take this opportunity to say thank you and farewell to several staff.

After 25+ and 20+ years respectively, Mrs Jeannie O’Reilly and Mr John Harman will resign from St Ursula’s College at the end of this term. Both Jeannie and John commenced at St Ursula’s College when I was teaching here in the 1990’s, and I was lucky to teach with them both across the areas of Chemistry and Science, and Mathematics respectively. They have contributed in many ways to the identity of our College and will be greatly missed for their expertise and comradery. Both will return at different times shifting to supply work, but it will be different, and we are truly grateful for their contribution across many years.

We also thank Mr Benn Tracey who joined us this term, to cover classes in the area of Hospitality. We are grateful for his willingness to help out for this period.

We are also grateful to Ms Samantha Moorhouse who completed a short-term contract assisting in the Learning Support Team, whilst Nancy filled a vacancy in the Front Office.

We wish Miss Laura Booth all the best as she commences twelve (12) months leave, as she peruses an opportunity to engage in further study and development in Japan. We wish her all the best and know she will have a wonderful time and look forward to welcoming her back in Term 3, 2026.

With these farewell and thanks, will come a number of new staff commencing in Term 3, and I look forward to introducing them to you in our first newsletter next term.

We wish Mrs Bernadette Witham all the best as she will enjoy three weeks long service leave at the start of next term.

Enjoy the break, I hope our girls have the chance to unwind and recharge their batteries. Term 3 already promises to be another great opportunity for our girls to engage and participate, and so we remind them to choose to get involved and Strive to Thrive.

Together, we strive,

Deidre Young

Principal

Deputy Principal

As the term draws to a close, I recall the words I shared at the beginning of Term 2, inviting all to embrace self-reflection not as a burden, but as a gentle journey of discovery. I encouraged our students to pause, to celebrate their incredible growth, and to refocus their energies with authenticity and genuine heart.  

Now, as we stand at the threshold of a new break, those questions resonate even more deeply: How are we truly travelling? Are we still moving forward, guided by the light of growth, strength, and kindness that we aspire to embody? 

This is a beautiful moment for all of us, students and families alike, to reflect on our journey so far. Let's consider these prompts with an open heart: 

• Revisit your Semester 1 goals: Did you set academic or personal aspirations? How are you tracking on this path, and what have you learned along the way? 

• Discern areas for growth: Are there subjects or skills where you feel a gentle nudge to push yourself further, knowing that our Creator has bestowed upon each of us unique talents? 

• Embrace challenges with faith: Let's remember that difficulties are not roadblocks, but rather sacred opportunities to learn, to grow stronger, and to witness God's unwavering presence in our lives. 

• Celebrate every victory, big and small: In the grand tapestry of our lives, every effort, every small achievement, is a testament to our perseverance and a blessing to be cherished. Let's celebrate these moments with joy and thanksgiving. 

For me, this term has been a profound testament to the beauty of God’s creation and His unwavering love. Whilst it has been difficult, it has also been a sacred opportunity to meet challenges not with trepidation, but with love, hope, and an unshakeable faith. This journey has cemented even more firmly the belief that Love is a divine decision, an active choice, and a profound commitment to care for and serve others. It is a daily calling, a whisper from the Holy Spirit, to extend love beyond the familiar embrace of family and friends to all — even those whom we might find challenging or perceive as undeserving.  

To every student who has navigated the ups and downs of this term, know that your efforts, your resilience, and your unique spirit are seen and deeply valued. You are each a precious part of our community, capable of incredible things with God's grace guiding your path. 

As we step into the break, my prayer for all is that you find moments of peace, rest, and renewal. May you feel the embrace of God's love and the quiet strength that comes from knowing you are part of a community that cares deeply. Let us carry forward the lessons learned, the kindness shared, and the faith that lights our way. May you find inspiration in the quiet moments and renewed energy for the term ahead. 

God Bless 

Bernadette 

Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

Reimagining Camp Experiences 

Traditional off-site camps have long provided students with valuable experiences, but we recognise the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in today’s changing world. This has meant, since early 2024, we have been reviewing our current camp program to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our students and supports their ability to strive in meaningful ways. 

With this in mind, we are excited to share that we will be introducing a thoughtfully designed 1–2 day on-campus experience in place of the usual camp for some year levels. This tailored initiative will deliver the same core objectives—team building, resilience, leadership, and personal growth—while also allowing us to directly address specific concerns and dynamics within each group. 

We are currently exploring a range of engaging alternatives, including service-learning projects that foster empathy and social responsibility, along with leadership development sessions designed to challenge and inspire. The goal is to create an environment where students can step out of their comfort zones, connect deeply with their peers, and build confidence in themselves and each other. 

At the same time, we will be maintaining key elements of our traditional program: 

• Year 7 and Year 10 students will continue to have the opportunity to participate in traditional off-site camps, offering them valuable experiences in independence, outdoor learning, and social connection. These camps are designed to foster resilience, build community, and support students as they navigate important developmental transitions. 

• Year 11 will retain their Leadership Program, which focuses on cultivating initiative, teamwork, and leadership development. This experience plays a vital role in equipping our senior students with the skills and mindset to lead positively within the College and beyond. 

• Year 12 students will continue to participate in their much-anticipated Retreat, providing a reflective and meaningful space to bond, celebrate shared experiences, and prepare emotionally and mentally for the final stages of their schooling journey. 

We appreciate your continued support as we adapt to provide the best possible experiences for our students.  

 Mrs Maria Gibson

School Holidays

School resumes on Tuesday 15 July 2025. 

Enjoy your holiday break everyone!

NAIDOC Week

Celebrating NAIDOC Week at Our School

Yaama (Hello)!

As Term 2 came to a close, our school community proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week, a time to recognise and honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s celebrations were vibrant and meaningful. Our lunchtime activities were a big hit, with face painting being the most popular among students. A special congratulations goes to the six Year 10 students who graduated from the Carbal Miyay program—a leadership and cultural initiative supporting First Nations girls. We are so proud of your achievements! These girls have also entered an artwork called “Tree of life” into the Grand Central NAIDOC exhibition. It will be on display during the July school holidays on Level one outside of Rozzi’s.

Our Pastoral Care groups joined in the spirit of NAIDOC with a creative “Deadly Doors” competition. Congratulations to RGD for taking out first place, and to the reception staff and Ms Grabham, who earned a well-deserved second place for their beautiful door displays.

A highlight of the week was seeing eight of our First Nations students lead cultural activities for 60 Year 4 students from Our Lady of Lourdes. It was a wonderful opportunity for leadership, learning, and connection.

We also acknowledged 30 years of the Torres Strait Islander flag during Reconciliation Week, which was marked by the creation of a symbolic Bridge to Reconciliation along our sky walkway. This served as a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to reconciliation.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this week so special. Together, we continue to walk forward in unity and respect.

Rachelle

Inclusive Communities Officer

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Director of Sport

Interhouse Track and Field Carnival results

Karyn Murphy Cup

The 2025 Karyn Murphy Cup was a fantastic day with our school proudly entering two teams into the competition. The growth in our Rugby League skills was clear to see, with both teams showing strong teamwork, improved confidence and solid gameplay across the day.

Our players tacked hard, ran the ball with purpose and supported each other on and off the field. The effort, determination and sportsmanship; displayed makes the girls great ambassadors for our College.

A big thank you to the coaches and supporter who have helped make the day possible. It’s exciting to see how far we have come, and even more exciting to imagine where we are headed.

Holy Name Track and Field Carnival Helpers

A huge thank you to the wonderful group of girls who volunteered their time to assist at the Holy Name Track and Field Carnival. Your support was invaluable in helping the day run smoothly and your positive attitudes and willingness to pitch in did not go unnoticed. You all represented the College with pride and professionalism, and thus I thank you for your service to the wider community.

QISSN

Best of luck to our Senior A Netball Team as they head off to compete at the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) carnival this week. We know you will represent the College with pride, play with heart and support each other every step of the way. Enjoy the experience and give it your all, we will be right behind you, watching on the livestream.

VETO – 19 Years Finals Series

St Ursula's competed in the U19 Veto Futsal Cup finals held at Nissan Arena on Wednesday 11 June. The Cup Final involved the remaining 12 teams out the 40 teams that contested the 3 gala days held during Term 1 and Term 2.

St Ursula's started well with a 5- 3 win over Mansfield SHS, followed by a 5-3 win over Murrumba State College. In their next match against Lowood SHS, a win was required to reach the semi-finals as Lowood had a better goal difference. St Ursula's dominated the match with numerous shots saved by an exceptional Lowood keeper; however, time eventually ran out for St Ursula's with Lowood winning 5-4 and securing a place in the finals.

Overall St Ursula's finished 6th out of 40 teams and considering half of the team were from Year 9 and 10, the results were excellent.

Congratulations to all students for your outstanding efforts and sporting spirit displayed throughout the competition. Also a big thank-you to Lynnene Hick for filling in as a supervisor at the last minute.

Community Sport

We would like to wish the best of luck and safe travels to two of our newest Ursie Girls, Elliza (Year 11) and Bethany (Year 10) Moore-Kirkland, as they travel to Canada to compete in two track and field events—including a Canadian National Athletics Championship.

The girls earned their place through outstanding performances at the Queensland All Schools State Championships last year and will be representing as part of Sports Travel Australia on this international stage.

They’re excited for the chance to test their skills against top athletes from across Canada in their favourite events and have been training hard to achieve some new PB's.

We look forward to hearing all about their achievements and experiences when they return!

Mrs Elyce Ruhle

Head of Faculty: Arts

Junior Play

On Friday 20 June, our 2025 Junior Play, The Wizard of Oz, went off with a bang! With an audience of 400, our students in Year 7 – 10 brought to life the magic of the yellow brick road. Huge congratulations to our Drama Captains and Junior Play Co-Directors, Sienna Stockwell and Grace Thomas, on a fantastic production. Make sure you put our Senior Play date into your calendars – Friday 10 October (Term 4, Week 1).

Clay Club

Our Clay Club continued to be a great addition to our Visual Art department on Monday afternoons. We thank our ceramicist, Jane Orme, for her work this term and can’t wait to see more Clay Club creations in Term 3!

Fusion of the Arts

Tickets are now on sale for our highly anticipated Fusion of the Arts event. Fusion of the Arts is a showcase of curricular and co-curricular Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music & Visual Art, showcasing work from students across Year 7-12. The evening will commence in the Salo courtyard for drinks and nibbles, accompanied by students from our Music department. You will then be taken into the Salo Centre Gallery to view various Media Arts & Visual Art works from our students. From here, you will take your seats to watch performances and films from our Dance, Drama, Media Arts & Music students.

Cost: $10.00 adults (admission to Fusion of the Arts and nibbles)
$6.00 students (admission to Fusion of the Arts and nibbles)

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will also be available to purchase.

Secure your tickets now! https://www.trybooking.com/DCVEU 

Ms Lydia Pickard

Music Department

This term, the staff and students of the Music Department presented our annual Winter Concert. With the theme of Ballads, Beats and Blues, our vocal and instrumental ensembles shared their talents to bring to life some all-time greats spanning the musical genres of jazz, rock, pop, classical music, and musical theatre.

Thank you to staff, students, and families for helping to make our concert a success.

Upcoming events

Fusion of the Arts – July 18

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Rosies

St Ursula’s Seniors warmed up hands and hearts on a blustery and freezing winters evening, along with Rosies Friends on the Street at Harlaxton Park. They cooked and served barbeque food to the hungry and cold Rosies patrons that braved the elements. Our St Ursula’s community generously provided homecooked takeaway meals, scarves, blankets, children’s books and scrumptious sweet treats. Serviam in action within our community bring kindness to those in need.

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 15 July.

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.

Tahnee Coombs, P&F Secretary

Host a Japanese Student

🌏 Host a Japanese Student – Share Culture, Create Connections! 🇯🇵🇦🇺

We’re excited to welcome 26 students from our Japanese sister school, Hachinohe St Ursula, who will be visiting from 25 July to 6 August!

We’re looking for host families to open their homes and hearts to these students during their stay. Students will be placed in pairs, and all arrangements are managed through Unique Australian Host Families.

Why host?

Experience a rich cultural exchange right from your home Help foster global friendships and understanding Give your family a “taste of Japan” – perfect if you’re planning a trip in the future! Create lifelong connections – many of our past host families have stayed in touch and even reunited in Japan or Australia!

📅 It’s a busy time of year for hosting, so your support is especially appreciated.

🔗 Learn more and register your interest here: https://ow.ly/GMXy50WcBo4

Let’s make this a memorable experience for our visitors and our community!

Website Spotlight

📅 Access Your Daughter’s Assessment Calendar Anytime

Did you know you can easily view your daughter’s Assessment Calendar on the St Ursula’s College website? It’s a simple, stress-free way to stay on top of what’s due and when.

Just head to the LEARNING tab at the top of the homepage, then click on Assessment Calendars to find the relevant year level.

School Holiday Fun

🎭 Mary Poppins is Coming to the Empire Theatre! ☂️

The talented performers of the Toowoomba Choral Society Youth Choir Productions are bringing a touch of magic to the stage with their upcoming production of Mary Poppins!

Join the fun on Saturday, 12 July at the Empire Theatre, with two enchanting performances only — at 2:00pm and 7:00pm.

Looking for a way to beat the school holiday boredom? This delightful musical is the perfect family outing — full of music, magic, and a spoonful of fun!

Don’t miss your chance to see this beloved classic come to life!

Ticket link: Mary Poppins - Empire Theatre

Youth Leaders Program