Structure Chart Board of Directors Staff Parent Engagement Network House System Culture
St Ursula's College, Yeppoon, is governed under the sponsorship of Mercy Partners. The ministry was entrusted to Mercy Partners by the Presentation Congregation in 2014.
The Mercy Partners ministerial PJP assumes the role of the canonical sponsor of St Ursula's College, Yeppoon. The civil relationship is that Mercy Partners Limited is the sole Member of the organisation that operates the Ministry. The day-to-day operations of St Ursula's College, Yeppoon, remains under the governance of its Board.
Mercy Partners commits to ensure that their ministries flourish as a Catholic ministry that contributes to the emergence of a world where the healing, liberating and life-giving mercy of God is experienced.
St Ursula's College Board of Directors
In 1992, the Presentation Sisters incorporated the College as a Company, St Ursula's College Limited, and established a Board of Directors. This was done with careful preparation and ongoing formation.
The Presentation Sisters, like many Congregations, faced the challenge of declining numbers and looked for a governance model to meet the needs of the future. When the decision was made to incorporate the College, the Sisters developed a constitution that provides for the governance of the College through an appointed Board of Directors. St Ursula's College is thus a 'stand alone' Religious Institute School, unlike other Secondary Schools and Colleges in the Rockhampton Diocese that are controlled by the Diocesan Catholic Education Office (DCEO) and, ultimately, the Bishop. Of course, St Ursula's enjoys valuable working relationships with the DCEO.
In June 2014, the Canonical sponsorship of the College was transferred from the Presentation Sisters to Mercy Partners. The College continues in the Presentation tradition under the guidance of the St Ursula's College Board and with the dedication and commitment of the Principal, College Leadership Team and staff.
The College Board has a membership of 8 Directors:
Mr Justin Power BEcon, MSustDev (Chair)
Mrs Bridget Wells BA LLB GDLP
Mrs Ann Marie Pawsey MEdL, BA, Dip.Ed, Grad Cert RE
Ms Jayne Maresse BBus (Accounting), CA
Mr Tim Cole CA
Mrs Julie Payne BCom(Acc), GradCertBusAdmin, GradCertEd, FCPA
Mr Anthony Arnold BA LLB (UQ) DipModLang (UNE)
Mrs Louise Cook BHLTSC, DAPPSC, GradCertComm&PrimHlthCareNsg, GradCertCritCareNsg, MACN
Mrs Angela Noy; Company Secretary
Unless they choose otherwise, members remain on the Board for a maximum of nine years, served on a rotational basis.
College Leadership Team
Principal – Deborah Ryan
Deputy Principal (Learning & Teaching) – Belinda Connolly
Deputy Principal (Spiritual & Pastoral) – Deidre Pascoe
Business Manager – Peta Tomkins
Acting Director of Operations & Analytics – Laura Kann
Middle Leaders
Year Level Coordinators
Junior School – Megan Slade
Middle School – Kelly Melvin
Senior School – Kathy King
Arts and Instrumental Music Coordinator – Ms Shannon du Plessis
Design and Technology and eLearning Coordinator – Mr Luke Tree
Mathematics – Mr Kevin Wallis
Science – Mrs Kim Reddy
Social Science (including Business and Library) – Mr Mark Avery
English – Ms Debbie Owens
Religious Education (including Ministry) – Ms Kathy Strelow
Health and Physical Education – Mr Daniel Ramirez
Languages – Mrs Emily Willis
Head of Boarding – Kerry Thompson
The Parent Engagement Network (PEN) is an integral part of the College community. Our PEN provides the opportunity for parents to share their opinions on issues relevant to the College and assist in improving the educational opportunities available for their children.
New and continuing parents and carers are encouraged to join the St Ursula's PEN.
The Committee aims to:
Keep parents and carers informed about educational issues;
Provide a forum for exchange of information and for consultation and discussion;
Promote parenting programs, parent/teacher interaction, and parent support;
Foster a sense of belonging, i.e. parents as part of the College Community; and
Support College activities through fundraising or attendance in an official capacity.
Executive Committee Members 2022
President: Jo Couper
Vice President: Natalie Salisbury
Secretary: Kellie Hill
Treasurer: Maria Harms
Diocesan Delegates: Colleen Cranny and Natalie Salisbury
St Ursula's Parent Engagement Network Constitution
At St Ursula's College, each student belongs to one of four College 'Houses' for the duration of their enrolment: Kennedy (Green); Madden (Red); Nagle (Blue); and Shiel (Yellow).
The House system provides a structure for competition in Sporting and Cultural activities at St Ursula's College. Smaller groups within each House also meet twice weekly for pastoral care activities and mentoring under the guidance of a staff member, in a set area. Students are encouraged to regard their House Group Teacher as their primary staff contact person. The House Group Teacher's role is to take a special interest in the welfare of those students in the group and to report to parents on the general progress of those students in their care.
Where a student is experiencing difficulties, she could approach:
The Subject Teacher (if the problem relates to a particular subject) or her House Group Teacher;
Head of Junior School (Year 7 & 8), Head of Middle School (Year 9 & 10) or Head of Senior School (Year 11 &12);
Deputy Principal Spiritual & Pastoral, or Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching.
At St Ursula's College, Yeppoon, we cultivate an environment of belonging, so that each and every member of our community knows they are respected and welcome. A culture which empowers and encourages each student to seize leadership opportunities, know their self-worth, and reach their potential is evident throughout the College. Our staff are dynamic and dedicated professionals who specialise in the education of young women. A prominent and active well-being program supported by three Heads of School, a School Counsellor and a School Nurse, is based on the principles of Positive Psychology and Growth Mindset, and ensures that girls are well supported as they navigate adolescence.
The multicultural atmosphere of the College fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion among all students. Students and staff from various cultural backgrounds share their knowledge and skills within the College Community and are appreciated for their contribution to campus life. Harmony Day is celebrated annually, and the Cultural Captain, a Student Leader, works with staff to create opportunities to celebrate cultural awareness and acknowledge diversity in a respectful and affirming manner.
A Yarning Circle, created at the College in 2016, provides a sacred space for students to remember, pray, and relax. Designed and built by Indigenous Elders, staff and students, the Yarning Circle has unique Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural influences.