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Boarding Week: Introducing Ursula

This term Ursula Isgar joins the Boarding community as House Supervisor. We asked Ursula to share a little about herself with us.

Welcome to Santa Maria Ursula, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am South African and trained as a nurse after my schooling.  Following that, I worked in a hospital and as a private nurse.  I then decided to see the world and worked as an au pair in France for six months and then went to the UK.  I ended up staying for around 18 years – initially as a nanny, then as a nurse and finally moved into boarding, working at St Edward’s in Oxford as a house matron. I moved back to South Africa in 2008 and worked as Head of Boarding at St Cyprian’s School. I came to Australia in 2015 and worked at Edmund Rice College as a residential carer and Deputy Head of Boarding.

What is your role in boarding?
House supervisor in Sylvester House.

What does your role entail?
Caring for 38 boarding students when they are well and when they are sick. Basically, doing what a nan/mother/aunt/older sister might do in a home situation – but with a firmer hand.

What do you hope the girls can learn from you?
I would hope they learn that life is to be lived and to take an opportunity when they have it – you never know what is around the corner. Live life to the full, but be mindful of people around you and always tell the truth.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy baking and cooking for my family. I love reading and doing cross stitch embroidery.  I also enjoy working in my garden.

What A Term! So Many Opportunities – Jennifer Oaten

As I look back on the past nine weeks, I am so grateful for who we are as a community and what we have achieved. Through the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm of our students, we have established new connections, immersed ourselves in opportunities and worked through challenges.

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