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OLSH College Newletter - July 2025

Vol. 54 No. 6
July 2025

Dear family and friends of OLSH College,

Semester 2 is now underway, and the beginning of a new term brings with it a renewed sense of curiosity, focus, and engagement as students encounter fresh content, perhaps a new teacher and maybe even new faces in the classroom.

This spirit of exploration and direction was further fostered at our recent Learning and Pathways Expo. The event provided students and their families with valuable insights into the subject offerings available to senior students and the chance to engage directly with tertiary education providers.

Our Issoudun students have also embraced opportunities to pursue areas of personal interest and passion through independent research projects. Their Canberra presentations and Heart Project expo showcased the depth of their engagement and the diverse topics that captured their curiosity. Such meaningful learning experiences play a vital role in helping students identify their interests and inspire them to play an active role in their educational journey.

“Find the thing that stirs your heart and make room for it” 
– Joan D. Chittister OSB

Regnet Christus
May Christ Reign
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart pray for us

Always united in our shared OLSH Spirit.

Megan Donohue
Acting Principal

Lenten appeal funds clean water project 

We are delighted to share that our school community raised a total of $8,127 during our Lenten Appeal. This money raised is split between Caritas’ Project Compassion and OLSH Overseas Aid where the OLSH Sisters in the Philippines are overseeing a project which is working to provide clean drinking water for the people whom they live with and minister to. Thank you to our entire OLSH College Bentleigh school community for your generosity and enthusiasm to assist those most in need.

We received a lovely message from the OLSH Sisters in the Philippines to thank everyone in our community for this support.

Good afternoon everyone at OLSH College Bentleigh. My warm greetings from the Philippines!

Thank you very much for the loving support for the poor people in the Philippines, particularly in a squatter area in Punta Engano and the families in a dumpsite in Soong Lapulapu City, Cebu, Philippines- who encounter problems of clean water supply for their daily consumption and sanitation. Be assured that we will use this money from OLSH Overseas Aid for the completion of this project.

Sr. Cetah OLSH


Issoudun retreat highlights 

Our Group 1 Hartzer students had their retreat day last week, spending the day connecting with each other and with our OLSH charism. Here are their reflections from the day. 

"My highlight was the journaling and getting the compliments, they touched my heart." - Lily

"My heart was touched when we went around in the homerooms and wrote little messages and my highlight was the newspaper fashion show." - Alexis

"My highlight was when we did the then versus now and it made me nostalgic. I found I had a lot in common with my peers and what touched my heart was when I read everyone’s nice messages." - Anthi

"My highlight was the fashion and my heart was touched when we did the messages." - Grace

"My highlight is the magazine model creation and what touched my heart was the kind messages from my group’s circle." - Nei-Temoro

"My highlight was when we made our family coat of arms and what touched my heart was when we got to read all of the sweet messages that everyone wrote for me." - Isabella

Outreach opportunities in Terms 3 and 4

    If you would like to be involved in the following outreach activities, please email your name to the email address below:


    Reflections from our newest staff members

    Our newest staff members spent time with the OLSH Sisters recently, to learn more about the history of the Sisters and the College, and to understand more about the OLSH charism. Here are their reflections. 

    What I learned from spending time with the OLSH Sisters

    "How simultaneously incredible and down to earth they are. I never fail to be inspired by their company." - Ailish

    "The global reach of the Sisters and the many ways they have served." - Bronwen

    "Sr Delia has spent almost 40 years in PNG and that she is willing to adapt to wherever she is." - Simon

    "How incredibly brave and hard working they are, even travelling to places where no others will go, to make a difference." - Anna

    "The humbleness of the Sisters despite the extraordinary lives they have lived." - Isabella

    "How many places they work in for their mission." - Steven

    "The history of the OLSH Sisters, who were captured as prisoners of war by Japanese soldiers during WWII." - Jett

    "How adventurous they really were. Fearless and so enthusiastic about making a difference in the various places they were serving as missionaries." - Sal

    What remains with me most strongly about our OLSH story and history?

    "Their stories - just listening to the Sister at lunch what they have done, their experiences." - Steven

    "How relevant the ideas of the founders still are today." - Isabella

    "The courage and compassion of the OLSH Sisters, as well as the significance of Mary and her connection to Jesus." - Jett

    "How integral the OLSH Sisters are to OLSH Bentleigh." - Simon

    "The more I learn about the history of OLSH and its origins the greater the understanding of the spirit and ethos of our College." -Sal

    "The connection between the MSC and the OLSH Sisters." - Bronwen

    "How everything grows out of love, with the heart being central to everything. It's such a strong symbol, that resonates with people young, old and anything in between." - Anna

    "That Marie Louise Hartzer had a whole life before becoming a Daughter of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart." - Ailish

    Gospel and reflection

    For your personal prayer, reflection and interest we will include the Sunday Gospel reading and a reflection on the Gospel in our College newsletters. I hope this helps you to deepen your faith as you engage with the Jesus of the Gospels.

    GOSPEL  Lk 10:1-12, 17-20 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke. Your peace will rest upon him.

    The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit.

    He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, “We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.” I tell you, that on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.’ 

    The seventy-two came back rejoicing. ‘Lord,’ they said, ‘even the devils submit to us when we use your name.’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.’

    The Gospel of the Lord.

    R. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ

    PEACE BE WITH YOU

    We live in a world of fear. It surrounds us: the political aggression evident globally, the social issues that depress, even personal challenges that come from relationships and life choices. The fear of tumultuous unrest or personal failure dominates our hearts at times.

    Today’s Gospel offers us a calming voice. Pentecost is a celebration of God’s Spirit present, efficacious and penetrating—even into those areas of life and our world that seem so strained, tense and violent. Jesus comes into a room of fearful disciples. They are afraid of the religious authorities—what they did to Jesus could also happen to them. Into their midst the Risen Jesus comes. He stands among them, not away from them, or outside them. But in the midst of their fears. Twice he offers them the word that they need to hear, ‘Peace be with you.’ It’s a word that we need to hear personally, and that the world needs to know.

    ‘Peace’ comes from the gift of Jesus’ own spirit. His reassurance of his presence, the evidence of his suffering before them in his wounds, and his gift of peace is a strong affirmation. ‘Peace’, ‘shalom’ in Hebrew, is a prayer for wholeness in the midst of fear and suffering. It is the gift that Jesus wants for us, and for the world. The Gospel ends with the invitation to mission, to spread this peace that brings wholeness and forgiveness of sin.

    Fr Michael Trainor

    Gospel reading from The Jerusalem Bible, Copyright © 1966 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd. and Gospel Reflection, © St Pauls Publications 2025, are published with permission of St Paul's Publications. Strathfield NSW. All rights reserved.

    Ms Megan Donohue
    Deputy Principal Faith and Mission

    A time to reflect and set goals

    With the end of term upon us, Learning at OLSH has enjoyed a wonderful and productive 11 weeks.

    Our students and teachers should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved this term. Senior students have completed their exams, demonstrating that assessment is not just about results, but also about the process of learning. As I keep reminding my Year 10s, now is the time to begin preparing for the end-of-year exams — create mind maps, write study notes, and collaborate with friends through group study sessions.

    The Nous Sommes program concludes today for the first group, and the quality of work has been exceptional. Many students have fully embraced the Design Thinking process, producing thoughtful and creative final products.

    Our Year 12s will undoubtedly take this break to rest and recharge, but they will also use the time to study and revise. Most Year 12 courses will conclude by the end of next term, and exam preparation will begin in earnest. Over the break, students are encouraged to complete exam-style questions for their Unit 3 studies.

    For all students, this break is a valuable opportunity to reflect and set meaningful, achievable learning goals for Semester Two. We look forward to the journey of Term 3 — a shorter term, but one filled with purpose and momentum.

    Mr Joshua Di Pietro
    Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching 

    Managing screen time: When being disconnected is a good thing

    Over the past four weeks, 57 students and 10 staff members have been living and learning together in the beautiful surroundings of the Southern Highlands in New South Wales. A unique aspect of the Hartzer program is the intentional disconnection from technology during the day. Students have limited access to their devices, with a short window in the afternoon to contact home, while mobile phones are securely stored away for the rest of the day and overnight. Although this can be a challenge at first, many students come to experience a sense of freedom in being less tied to their phones.

    Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt argues that there is a strong link between the rise in mental health issues among young people and increased smartphone use. Recent studies show that 77% of teenagers spend more than five hours per day on screens. However, it's important to recognise that not all screen time is the same.

    Parents have a vital role to play in modelling healthy and balanced screen use. Rather than simply monitoring device habits, it is more effective to mentor and model thoughtful usage. Children are far more likely to imitate what we do than follow what we say.

    It can be an ongoing challenge to manage screen time at home. This SchoolTv edition provides parents with a range of guidelines and strategies to help manage screen time at home. 

    Ms Dina Oro
    Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

    Issoudun XIII 

    Our Year 9 students have been immersed in the Issoudun program for the last four weeks, with Group 1 enjoying their time together at Hartzer Park in Bowral, NSW and Group 2 here at Bentleigh participating in a range of incursions and excursions as part of the Nous Sommes program.

    Here are some of the highlights from the program.

    Canberra: Exploring our Nation’s Capital

    Issoudun XIII Hartzer Group 1 spent three days on an educational tour of our National Capital, Canberra. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on their inquiry project question “How does Canberra tell the stories of Australians?”.

    Over the three days, we visited our Nation’s Capital Canberra, we visited the Australian Electoral Centre and took part in a mock election, the Royal Australian Mint to observe coin production, and both houses of Parliament. We toured the Governor-General’s residence, listened to inspiring stories of those who served our country at the War Memorial, explored the design of our nation’s capital at Regatta Point, and learned about both historic and contemporary artworks at the National Gallery of Australia.

    The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

    Here are some reflections from Hartzer Group 1.

    "In Canberra I enjoyed visiting the Australian War Memorial because I was able to learn more about Australia’s history during the War." - Summer

    "In Canberra I enjoyed the Australian Museum because we were able to have an interactive experience with the artefacts from different points in our history." - Leni

    "I enjoyed visiting the War Memorial because I learnt new things and the place was calm and pretty." - Lucy

    "I enjoyed going to the Australian Electoral Commission because we did a mock election." - Lola M

    "The trip to the Mint was my favourite as I was able to learn about the history and production of money in Australia." - Krya C

    Projects from the Heart

    The Nous Sommes program concluded today with an inspiring expo, where each student presented their Heart Project to the wider College community. These projects reflect topics of personal passion and deep interest - truly projects from the heart. Students explored a diverse range of presentation formats and spoke with confidence as they responded to questions from visitors. Congratulations to all students for the high standard of your work and the creativity and thoughtfulness you brought to your presentations.

    Nous Sommes Performing Arts Program ignites creativity and confidence

    Over two dynamic days, students immersed themselves in a world of imagination, collaboration, and performance as part of the highly anticipated Nous Sommes Performing Arts program. This enriching experience brought together aspiring performers for a unique exploration of musical theatre, culminating in inspiring student-devised productions.

    Day one of the program featured a professional workshop led by NIDA graduate Olivia, who guided students through a range of musical theatre activities. With her industry experience and vibrant energy, Olivia introduced students to voice work, stage presence, movement, and character development. The day was filled with laughter, learning, and the spark of creative potential as students stepped out of their comfort zones and into the spotlight.

    On the second day, students put their new skills into action. Working in small groups, they were tasked with devising their own original musical theatre piece, using a well-known play or movie as inspiration. The rehearsal spaces buzzed with ideas, choreography, melodies, and storytelling as each group worked collaboratively to bring their creative visions to life.

    The program culminated in a series of intimate performances, with each group presenting their unique musical interpretations to a small but appreciative audience. From heartfelt moments to comedic twists, the students showcased their creativity, teamwork, and growing confidence on stage.

    Nous Sommes is more than a performance program — it’s a celebration of student voice, artistic expression, and the power of storytelling. Congratulations to all involved for their outstanding commitment and bold creativity over two unforgettable days.

    Welcoming future OLSH students

    We were delighted to welcome girls in Years 4, 5 and 6 to our Discover Day yesterday. It was a great opportunity to introduce them to OLSH College, engage them in classroom experiences, and connect them with others considering OLSH for their secondary education. A highlight of the day was seeing many of our current students lead activities and reconnect with friends from their former primary schools. Keep an eye on our website for upcoming Open Mornings and our next Discover Day.

    If you'd like to join one of our Term 3 or Term 4 Open Mornings, register here. Applications for Year 7 2027 close on Friday 15 August. 

    Keep those ripples of kindness going

    Our busy Term 2 is done and dusted and we want to acknowledge all the hard work and growth that has occurred. As we close this chapter may we look back with pride of our efforts and look forward with purpose. Be proud of how far you have come!

    The past few weeks have been a very busy time for many students, with the pressure of exams and many assignments taking place. The year 10s and 11s just completed their exam block, you should all be very proud of your efforts and your ability to embrace these challenges, creating growth.

    Time at Hartzer for our Issoudun Group 1 is coming to an end. We hope the experience was full of memories and growth! Best wishes to the group leaving next term - it is such an exciting time and all of us here at school are thinking of you all during this wonderful adventure. Make sure to cherish every moment and approach every opportunity with an open mind and heart.

    Our Learning and Pathways expo was held last week. This was an important afternoon for our senior students in years 10 to 12, as they gained insight into subjects for their VCE, VM and VET programs and future pathways. In this process remember to stay true to yourself, do what you are passionate about, ask questions and enjoy the process. The Expo also included tertiary education institutions where students explored life beyond high school and where to next. It was a really beneficial event in guiding the students, in the various stages of school and their decisions.

    Recently the new Year 7 leaders were elected which completes our leadership team for 2025. It was so inspiring to see so many students go for roles stepping outside of their comfort zone, taking the dive of courage. Speeches and leadership nominations are always a daunting time so we truly congratulate everyone for their efforts.

    As a leadership team we have been working on how we can implement our 2025 theme “Take the dive, Start the ripple” into our school culture through actionable changes. During pastoral care we spent time in homerooms connecting with one another, completing our water droplets on how we will take the dive of courage and how we will start the ripple of kindness in our own lives. As well as connecting with some fun questions, aimed to start spark discussion between year levels. The team has a busy next term, with our specialist captains weeks kicking off, allowing our students to work in their specific area, engaging the student body.

    So as we move into a fresh term we encourage everyone to keep showing up as the best version of yourselves. The energy you bring, the kindness you show and the courage you take, all make an impact. Well done this semester, you are all doing amazing and should be so proud of yourselves.

    We want to wish all staff, parents, students and members of the OLSH community a safe, relaxing and peaceful term break. Let's carry our commitment of courage and kindness into our break and we are looking forward to seeing you all back soon!!

    Lots of Love
    Student Exec Team - Keiva, Gabi, Eve and Lucille


    Congratulations to Isabelle G (Yr 12) who was invited to be a part of the CGSAV Representative Team at the Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria (AGSV) Cross Country Event, following her outstanding run at the CGSAV Cross Country event!

    OLSH College Bentleigh

    Showcasing our talented musicians

    We held our Junior and Senior Winter Music Concerts last week, showcasing the wonderful musical talents of our OLSH students, with performances featuring a wide variety of instruments, vocals, and ensembles.

    A highlight this year was the Year 7 music classroom band program, where students have the opportunity to learn and play an instrument as part of their music curriculum.

    It was an absolute pleasure to MC this year’s Junior and Senior Music Concert. Each performance was a delight, and witnessing the hard work and dedication of our OLSH students was truly inspiring. Seeing their pieces come to life on stage, and the unique presence each performer brought, was a remarkable experience.

    We also enjoyed performances from our VCE Contemporary Music students, including Ava, Adi and Charli. The music they chose to bring to life in their own unique way was exceptional.

    Niki Georgas
    Performing Arts Captain

    Wishing Year 8 student Maddie all the best for the National Australian Teachers of Dance competition from the 17th to 20th July. Maddie competed at the State Championships in May, qualifying 3rd in the Junior Hip Hop section. She dances at Broadbent Dance Academy in genres including Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and Acro.

    OLSH College Bentleigh