
Dear family and friends of OLSH College,

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone.
Isaiah 9:2
The words in this beautiful graphic are found in our Sacred Scriptures. These very words are the Word of God. Speaking to our hearts, our minds, our very being. The brightness of the Star is the very presence of our God, who loves us without limits, who comes into our world in the person of Jesus Christ. This mystery we call in our Christian tradition the Incarnation.
Last week the College received an anonymous Thank You card letting us know that this very Christmas graphic speaks to the hearts of many. Christmas the time to allow our hearts to be touched by the truth and message of the birth of Jesus: the coming of “Immanuel,” a name which means God is with us (Matthew 1:24).
Always united in our shared OLSH Spirit.
Anne O'Loughlin
Principal
![]() | ![]() |
| Belinda Baillie | 99.45 |
| Zara Bennett | 95.7 |
| Isabelle Gleeson | 95.15 |
| Ellie Cheeseman | 94.3 |
| Niamh Campion | 94 |
| Amritha Raviprasad | 92.25 |
| Mash Ilin | 92.15 |
| Sienna Webb | 91.4 |
| Ava Flavian | 91.35 |
| Kadence Del Castillo | 90.65 |
| Anoushka Peck | 90.45 |
| Hannah Fennessy | 90.4 |
| Keiva Kell | 90.1 |
In recognition of the ongoing efforts of the OLSH College Bentleigh community in raising much needed funds for the OLSH missions overseas, Sister Philippa Murphy, Provincial Leader of the OLSH Sisters has presented us with this beautiful certificate.

Thank you to all for your generous support and generous support and compassionate care of those in need throughout 2025.
Thank you to parents, caregivers, students and staff for your generous support of our Advent Festival! Across the days, we raised $3342.45 which will go directly to our local St Vincent De Paul conferences who provide much needed food, clothing and gifts to those in need this Christmas. A special mention also goes to our VM students who ran a recess Christmas stall and raised and additional $511. Thank you one and all!

Last Friday, we came together as a school community for our College Advent Mass, celebrated by Fr Martin Tanti. We lit the first candle in our Advent wreath for the first week of Advent. We sang, prayed and celebrated this special Advent time of waiting for Jesus. Our liturgical singers and band were brilliant as they led us through our eucharistic celebration with such a spirit of anticipation and joy!

At communion, we received Jesus so as to become Jesus for our world this Advent season. We heard from Sarah Miller (Youth Coordinator SVDP) and Herbert Portanier (local St Vincent De Paul member) who thanked us for our generous, ongoing support of St Vincent De Paul society throughout 2025. Sarah also took the opportunity to thank our Vocational Major (VM) students who held a stationery drive earlier in the year for St. Vincent De Paul.
Thank you to our Faith and Mission Captains who led us so prayerfully though our final Mass for 2025.
Wishing Christmas blessings and peace to all.
Ms Megan Donohue
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission
Our Year 11 Faith and Mission Captain, Sophia, spoke at our recent Advent Mass about Advent and how we might bring Jesus' love into the lives of others. Here is her speech.
"Thank you to all who have contributed to our Advent Appeal, your generosity and compassion have truly uplifted those in need. I also want to acknowledge the remarkable work St Vincent de Paul continues to offer within our wider community.
Advent is a season of spiritual preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth. It calls us to refocus our hearts, give back to those in need, and ground ourselves in what truly matters. Advent is a time of waiting, waiting for Jesus, who loved us so deeply that He chose to walk among us. As we journey through this season, may we remember that this hopeful waiting lies at the very heart of Advent.
I also recognise that faith looks different for each of us. Here at OLSH, it is our individuality, our unique stories, questions, and beliefs that enriches our community.
In my own life, I have often surrendered to expectations of who I thought I needed to be. I shaped myself to fit into ideas imposed upon me. But my faith and relationship with God have rewritten that narrative.
In my relationship with Jesus, I am no longer confined by external noise. Instead, I am free to grow, to question, to learn, and to be wholly myself.
Romans 8:38–39 tells us: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God.” This scripture reveals the permanence and certainty of God’s love, a love that does not waver with our successes or failures. It simply endures.
Jesus is the reason we are who we are as a school community. With all our differences, we are united by a shared heart for love, for social justice, and for genuine care for one another. The love and compassion of Jesus, at the very centre of OLSH, transcend the boundaries our differences and unite us in purpose.
Our world stands in deep need of this light. As we reflect today, I invite you to pause and consider how you might bring Jesus’ love into the lives of others this Advent."

Holy Trinity Parish (St Peter’s, East Bentleigh; St Paul’s, Bentleigh; St Catherine’s, Moorabbin) are about to commence our Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) & Teen Sacramental Program on 7 December, 2025.
This program is available to any child between the ages of 12 – 17 years old, who is seeking one or more of the following sacrament(s): Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.
The program will be delivered in St Paul’s Pastoral Centre, Bentleigh. Please intact Irna Kostic: outreachhtp@cam.org.au if you would like to find out more. Program dates and more information are available here.
GOSPEL Lk 11:2-11
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
R. Glory to you, O Lord.
Are you the one who is to come, or must we wait for someone else?
John in his prison had heard what Christ was doing and he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else?’ Jesus answered, ‘Go back and tell John what you hear and see; the blind see again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised to life and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor; and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.’
As the messengers were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the people about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No? Then what did you go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes? Oh no, those who wear fine clothes are to be found in palaces. Then what did you go out for? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he is the one of whom scripture says: Look, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare your way before you. I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.’
The Gospel of the Lord.
R. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
The One who is to come

Today’s Gospel focus continues with John the Baptist, introduced to us last Sunday. From prison he sends his followers to Jesus to find out if he is the ‘one who is to come or have we to wait for someone else?’ This question picks up an early memory that some thought John might have been the Messiah. Jesus explicates his Messianic credentials to John’s enquirers: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear and the dead raised to life. In other words, Jesus affirms that he is the one who brings restoration, community and healing. Jesus’ self-identification further affirms the blessedness of those who remain faithful to him.
In the biblical world, ‘faith’ was another way of affirming fidelity and commitment to another. This leads Jesus to attest, in this spirit of fidelity and commitment, John’s prophetic mission of desert ascetism and preparation for the coming of the Messiah. As we come into these final days before Christmas, our role becomes like John: we align ourselves in fidelity and faith to the one who is to be born, who will bring healing and hope to our world that struggles to know this.
But we also hear Jesus’ affirming words – the final sentence in today’s Gospel passage addressed to us. Despite John’s greatness as the one who prepares for the coming of Jesus, ‘yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he’. The Gospel’s audience, including us, are affirmed. We have unique status in the eyes of God. This divine promise accompanies us in the days ahead.
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.
As we approach the end of 2025, we have had a wonderful year of learning at OLSH. This season is a time to slow down, reconnect with loved ones, and reflect on the blessings we have received throughout the year. In the busyness of school life, it is easy to overlook the importance of renewal, yet it is in these moments of stillness. Rest is not just a break, it is an opportunity to recharge our minds so that learning can flourish in the year to come.
Looking toward the new year, let us enter 2026 with a renewed sense of focus on learning. Our mission as a Catholic school calls us to nurture hearts and minds, and together we will continue to grow in faith, knowledge, and understanding. Learning is a lifelong journey, and every challenge we face is an opportunity to deepen our curiosity and resilience. As we plan for the year ahead, let us commit to our personal leading goals, striving for excellence in all we do.
Finally, I want to express how proud I am of all we have achieved in 2025. We are so proud of the achievements of the Class of 2025 and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors. But I also like to highlight the classes coming behind them… Your opportunity for success at year 12 begins from day one next year which ever year you’re in. We know that hard work, consistency, and application to your studies will provide you with every opportunity for success.
Mr Joshua Di Pietro
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Our Regnet Christus Awards recognised academic achievement, consistent application to studies and a demonstration of the OLSH College values by students across all year levels. Principal Anne O’Loughlin spoke of the pioneering spirit of the first OLSH Sisters and how that has been a recuring theme in 2025 in the initiatives of our students – from representing Australia at the APEC Stem Conference, to developing the student theme that has left a legacy of creating a ripple of kindness. It was a joy to celebrate growth, excellence and all that it means to be a Heart person
Jules Chevalier Award |
Year 12 – Keiva Kell |
Marie Louise Hartzer Award |
Year 12 - Gabrielle Trajer |
Principal’s Award |
Year 10 - Lucy Bartleman |
Sr Mary Fyfe Memorial Leadership Award |
Year 12 - Keiva Kell |
College Vice Captain Award |
Year 12 - Gabrielle Trajer |
Karen Park Memorial Award |
Year 11 - Tianna Kamal-Eddine |
Amy Taylor Encouragement Award |
Year 9 - Abigail Collett |
Ampol Best All Rounder Award |
Year 12 - Zara Greco |
Regnet Christus Cup |
Hartzer House |
ADF Future Innovators Award |
Year 12 - Jessica Lee |
ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award |
Year 12 - Keiva Kell |
2023 Sportsgirl of the Year |
Year 7 - Eva Liptrot |
Regnet Christus Outstanding Sportswoman Award |
Year 12 - Jessica Lee |
Josie Gleeson Cultural Award |
Year 7 - Alice Wade |
Regnet Christus Outstanding Performing Arts Award |
Year 12 - Madeleine Di Conza |
City of Glen Eira Student Achievement Awards |
Year 7 - Ha Duong Nguyen |
Lorraine Francis Community Award |
Gabrielle Trajer |
Goldstein Medal Award |
Year 11 - Sarina Azad |
| Simon Crean Award | Year 10 - Sophia McLellan |
Year 7 |
Charlotte Collett |
Year 10 |
Imogen Murphy |
Year 8 |
Emily O'Donnell |
Year 11 |
Lily Knights |
| Issoudun | Ruby Lancaster | Year 12 | Charli Dickson |
Year 7 |
Hannah Mathew |
Year 10 |
Mika Antonopoulos |
Year 8 |
Hayley Draper |
Year 11 |
Keira Edge |
| Issoudun | Claire Flanagan |
Year 7 |
Laura Bennett |
Year 10 |
Kate Benedek |
Year 8 |
Cristina Chiodo |
Year 11 |
Holly Anstee |
| Issoudun | Chloe Abdulbaki |
Year 7 |
Tahlia Benton |
Year 10 |
Alyssa Angelis |
Year 8 |
Sienna Benvenuto |
Year 11 |
Tianna Kamal-Eddine |
| Issoudun | Ruby Lancaster |
Our final day of school was a true celebration of community, we had moments filled with laughter, music, and togetherness. We sang with enthusiasm at our Advent Mass, expressed gratitude to our House Leaders and Learning Mentors during assemblies, and shared carols with our Learning Mentor groups. The sense of joy and anticipation was palpable as Santa made a grand entrance in an unconventional sleigh, and the cheers on the field, could be heard all the way down Jasper Road!
We ended the day dancing as one in the Hall, a simple yet powerful reminder of what makes our community special. It was the little things, the shared smiles, the carefree dancing, the joy of being present, that made the day unforgettable. How good it is to embrace simplicity, to enjoy traditions like OLSH Santa and the OLSH Elves, and to celebrate without worry or inhibition. These moments remind us of the strength and beauty of our OLSH community.
Our final day reminded us that, no matter our age, there is something truly beautiful about embracing the wonder of Christmas. The joy, gratitude and shared experiences of the day helped strengthen our sense of belonging, build community, and enrich our overall wellbeing.
Congratulations to the many girls who were selected for positions in 2026. We look forward to welcoming you and your parents to your investiture at our Opening School Mass next year. You took a risk, put yourselves forward, and should feel very proud.
To all who applied, we also say thank you. When we stretch ourselves into new areas and take risks, disappointment can sometimes follow, but we are equally proud of you. Thank you for being such wonderful OLSH girls!!

Our Year 8 students recently had the opportunity to spend half a day with the boys from St Bede’s. Icebreakers, an Amazing Race, a shared BBQ lunch, dodgeball and trivia gave them great opportunities to connect. New friendships were formed and old primary school connections were rekindled. We were delighted to see students from both schools engaging and interacting positively with one another. Shared experiences like these are vital in supporting the social development of our girls. Thank you, Year 8s, for being wonderful ambassadors for OLSH.”
“I wonder what will be in my time capsule in 2030!”
I’m sure this is a question many of our Year 7s asked themselves this week as they prepared their time capsules, to be opened on their final day of Year 12. Memories, letters, photos and special mementos from their first year at OLSH were carefully included.
While these items are the physical keepsakes, it’s just as important to acknowledge the joy, hopes and dreams they represent. This activity offers each Year 7 student a meaningful opportunity to reflect positively on their year and to imagine the possibilities that lie ahead.
What wonderful surprises will await you in 2030!
As families around the world prepare to celebrate Christmas by decorating their homes, singing carols, buying gifts and planning feasts, often the true meaning of Christmas can be lost due the commercial exploitation of this time of year. Many people see it as a joyous occasion to spend with family and friends, but for others it is viewed as a stressful and challenging time attributed by a combination of things such as financial pressures, relationship issues, and quite often, loneliness. View the special report here.
As we reach the end of another big year at OLSH College, a sense of completion and celebration fills our community. It’s a time to look back on all of our accomplishments, journey and the many memories we’ve created all together. This year has been a remarkable one with our OLSH girls travelling to China, teachers exploring our school’s heritage in Issoudun and the introduction of our new mascot, Lizzie! We are incredibly grateful for these opportunities, which have brought our community even closer.
As we got to term 4 all the year levels had a chance to reflect on their progress throughout the year and adjust to new classes and build stronger connections with one another this transition also allowed us to continue striving for excellence with teachers newly assigned to guide and support all the OLSH girls learning This allowed the girls to get fresh stationary to stay organised and take the next step in learning on how to manage a heavier and more demanding homework load. It allows the girls to build stronger and important study habits. This year's theme, " Take the Dive and Start the Ripple", encouraged our school to embrace kindness and with this focus, our school has grown stronger and more connected, and the leadership team for 2026 is so excited to take the next step and create more memorable experiences for next year.
Recently, the 2026 year 7’s came in for their orientation day. The event involved interacting with some of the current leaders running activities, getting to know each other in their house groups for their time at OLSH, playing fun warm-up games that got everyone on their feet as well as taking tours of the school. Within the different classes they looked at, the new year 7s tried out textiles, music, food tech and art in their fun-packed day to see the unique and engaging qualities OLSH has to offer. It was so exciting to see these friendships form that will be connected to a friendly face when the girls revisit on the first day of high school. This is also when they officially meet their year 12 big sisters, which we are especially excited for!
This week, we were able to congratulate our new leaders for next year, forming the 2026 leadership team! We are so excited for our newly appointed leaders, and we sincerely acknowledge all those who pushed themselves to apply for these positions. We are incredibly proud of each one of you, as leadership is shown through your actions every day
As we look toward next year, we feel a strong sense of pride. We know our new leaders will bring passion and commitment to shaping a positive future for our school community. We are so thrilled to work with this new team next year, as we can't wait to see what wonderful things we achieve together.
Advent is a wonderful time for reflection, especially after a busy year. As a school we have been focusing on the four symbols of hope, peace, joy and love, as well as how we can support those in and outside of our community. Together as the student executive, we have encouraged contribution, support and donation in our festival to help St Vincent de Paul. Organising the Advent appeals and encouraging students has been a great opportunity for us for the start of our year 12 leadership journey. Each house and the VCE VM students organised a fun fundraising event alongside the leadership raffle organised by the entire leadership team.
Together as a school, we can understand that when we contribute to this Advent season, we are creating the ripple effect on those less fortunate than us. It has been so much fun being involved in these fundraisers and have loved all the delicious foods from these stalls!
On behalf of the Student Executive team for 2026, we are so enthusiastic as we prepare for the wonderful year ahead. The very best to everyone for the summer break, remember to relax in the sun, have fun and get ready for a fantastic year to come.
Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Sarina, Tianna, Catherine and Syanne
Student Executive Team 2026
Two of our senior students, Faith (Year 12) and Fernanda (Year 11), represented OLSH College at the All Schools Australian Athletics Championships in Perth last week.
Faith came 5th in the 100m Hurdle final with a time of 14.53 which was a personal best. Fernanda came 1st in the U17 Hammer Throw and broke the meeting record. We are so proud of Faith and Fernanda, well done on your achievements!

We celebrated our sporting achievements for 2025 at the OLSH College Sports Awards recently. Across the year, our students had the opportunity to participate in 17 sports, competing against other schools to represent OLSH, develop their skills, take on coaching roles and form friendships with their teammates. We recognised best athletes and those who demonstrated team spirit in each sport, as well as our overall sports champions, rising star, all rounder and team player of the year. Congratulations to all who were recognised and thank you to all students, staff and coaches who have contributed to a fabulous year of sport at OLSH.