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OLSH College Newsletter - 28 March 2024

Vol. 53. No. 3
March 2024

Dear Family and Friends of OLSH College,

In this holy week as we move to our Easter break we remember and enter into our Christian story. These words of Fr John Lynch SJ, in his book The Woman Wrapped in Silence recalling, the journey of Mary, the mother of Jesus on that first holy week are worth pondering…

'She did not turn away. The one thing that we know of her is this: she did not turn away, not fail before Him for an instant. It is not recorded that she wept or asked a pity. It has not been writ of her she languished, crushed and broken, on a drawing length of hours when He stared above their heads, and felt His warm blood spurting at the nails.

She stood beside His cross. John tells us that. She stood and spoke no word. And He could find her there, unflinching, statured by the long preparing – grown to this – and strong enough to meet his last need and to wear her last tremendous majesty. She was his mother.'
(John W. Lynch, A Woman Wrapped in Silence p.225)

The journey of Jesus...suffering...death...resurrection... his story is our story.
Yes, Jesus is at the Heart of our journey.

Were not our hearts burning within us while
Jesus was talking to us on the road?
Luke 24:32

Always united in our shared OLSH Spirit.

Anne O'Loughlin
Principal

Celebrating Jules Chevalier

Our very special celebration for Jules Chevalier’s 200th birthday was a day of joy, music and gratitude. The morning started with commemorative badges for all students and staff as they arrived, balloons and ribbons and French party music soaring across the grounds. We had a wonderful assembly and cake cutting and were blessed to hear wisdom shared by Sister Elaine who reminded us to replicate the values of Jules Chevalier – have dreams and pursue them with determination and those who share them to change the world. Our youngest and oldest students cut the cake along with our Principal Anne O'Loughlin and Sister Elaine. 

The day continued with opportunities for a selfie with Jules, near his statue and with our life-size cut out of him who made it to morning tea and a few classes! There were French-inspired snacks available at the canteen and a lunchtime concert under the Jacaranda tree. Happy Birthday Jules…we were so grateful to be a part of this special anniversary.

Do good. Be good. Spread good news

'Do good. Be good. Spread good news' is the theme of the Australian Catholics 2024 Young Voices Award. Do you have a good news story to share?

Entries can be in the form of a photograph, written piece or digital (video or audio) presentation. Choose a topic that reflects your passion and find a way to engage the audience and promote discussion. The judges are looking for creativity, innovation and stories of inspiration. 

The competition closes on Friday 24 May 2024 and more details are available on the Australian Catholics website. 

Enhancing Catholic School Identity: Parent Survey

Parents and caregivers were recently sent an email from the Principal asking that you complete the Enhancing Catholic School Identity Parent Survey. Could you please complete the parent survey to help us better understand how our Catholic identity is expressed here at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College? Please email your certificate of completion of the survey to dlanz@olsh.vic.edu.au to go into the draw for a $20 canteen voucher.

Ms Megan Donohue
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission

The importance of the learning journey

In the last fortnight there have been many opportunities to celebrate the academic growth of our students. The Ceremony of Excellence for the 2023 cohort was a wonderful celebration of the results of this group of students. Highlighted within the ceremony was the idea that the learning journey is more important than the result at the end. At our first of the Parent Teacher Evenings last week, the journey was again highlighted by our teachers. We want to equip students to drive their own push for personal excellence with the support of the teachers and parents.

Going into these holidays, we should all take time to rest and decompress from the term so that we can come back ready for Term 2. Our senior students will undoubtedly study throughout the break, but taking time away from the laptops will support a structured study plan. In Term 2, we should all set our learning goals with the intention of improving our learning processes and personal achievements.

Mr Joshua Di Pietro
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching

Our VET Dance students attended the Ausdance Industry Day at The Space Dance and Arts Centre earlier this month. Students were involved in two stylistic workshops and a mock audition with range of professional artists. Students from each year reflected on their experience.

"The Industry Day provided me with an insight into the world of dance beyond school. I learnt new movements and skills that will improve me as a dancer, and I was inspired by the elite level of VET dance students from across Victoria."

"It was an amazing opportunity as I gained so much insight and knowledge from the professional artists running each workshop. I learned that it is both a rewarding yet challenging career pathway, and I left feeling inspired to follow my future dreams as a dancer. My favorite workshop was Commercial Jazz with Jason Teasdale. It was a very enjoyable class and challenged me with fast syncopated movement sequences."



Golden Check Ins

As the holidays fast approach and the term comes to a close, we are called to reflect on the first part of this year. Anthony Robbins reminds us that the “The quality of our life is a direct reflection of the quality of the questions you are asking yourself and others”. 

In a recent professional learning on Rites of Passage facilitated by Dr Arne Rubenstein, we were reminded of the importance of golden check ins, building and deepening relationships with each other. It’s all in the questioning we were reminded. Often the first question we ask our loved ones at the end of the day is “Did you have a good day?”, with the reply generally being a one word answer and evoking a negative response. Instead of focusing just on the negative parts of the day, our conversations can be so much deeper if, as Dr Arne suggests, we do a golden check in with each other.

G - How are you going overall?

O - What have you been occupied with?

L - What have you really liked recently?

D - Has anything been difficult?

E - What are you excited about?

N - What support do you need?

As we end Term 1 we check in with our Year 8s about their experience at Camp Manyung.

What have you learnt about yourself today?

'Whilst I was scared of heights, I am proud that I went on the giant swing, and I pulled the rope to come down.'- Alice 

'I loved the giant swing and the tree top challenge. I have learnt to be brave. At the start of the giant swing activity, I was scared but others encouraged me. My teammates said “you can do this”, and I did!' - Anna 

'I learnt that I have found a new leadership skill in myself, and that I don’t need to always follow others.' - Sasha 

'Today I connected with people that I didn’t know I could be friends with.' - Karly and Charmaine 

What are you most grateful for today?

'I am grateful for the staff who came to Camp Manyung and gave us this opportunity.' - Ella, Teela and Jade 

'I am grateful to have clean water, a good family and a good environment.' - Ava 

'I am grateful for the support of friends, school and a good learning environment.' - Gia 

'I am grateful that I get a great education and my friends.' - Bella 

Ms Dina Oro
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Inspirational leaders

Some of our student leaders were fortunate to attend the International Women's Day breakfast at Queens Hall, Parliament House earlier this month. They heard from guest speakers Professor Katie Allen and Ms Georgie Crozier MP on the inspiring topic 'Invest in women: Accelerate progress'. Thank you to Ms La Greca and Ms Byers for attending with our leaders. Here are some of the reflections and highlights from our leaders.

"It was so inspirational to hear about the journeys of three female politicians. They were very transparent about the challenges they have faced and how they worked to overcome them. They gave us some very insightful advice that we will definitely be able to use in the future!" - Ava

"Something that really stood out to me was how the women spoke with so much confidence in themselves. They would share stories about how many times they were knocked down but it only gave them more motivation to try harder the next time, which I was really inspired by." - Eve

"After hearing from three fantastic female politicians, one key message that really resonated with me was given by Dr Katie Allan. She modeled the importance of resilience and perseverance; to be true to yourself, profound in what you believe in and reach for your goal, no matter what!" - Mia

"Something that stuck with me was that sometimes you need to be brave to achieve your dreams. If you want to do something that is going to make you happy, you have to be prepared to step out of your comfort zone and get knocked back a few times. Our story is not of the barriers that prevented us from achieving something, but rather of what we did to overcome those barriers." - Charlotte

Reflecting on a great first term

We have had a busy, exciting first term as College leaders. Over the duration of Lent, the student leadership team have created so many wonderful fundraising activities, with all proceeds being donated to the OLSH Sister's Overseas Aid Fund and Caritas Australia's Project Compassion appeal. 

Through Hartzer's sausage sizzle, Xavier's bake sale, Sweeney's snow cones and Chevalier's ice cream stall, along with a few other initiatives, we were all able to donate and truly support those in need.

The leadership team also started a new initiative this year - chocolate covered strawberries!! It was truly an amazing sight to see so many students gathered in the Hall courtyard, ready to support such a fantastic cause. We worked as a team to bring it all together and united as a whole school to bring this innovative idea to life. 

Our final fundraiser for the Lenten Appeal was the Easter egg basket raffle, which is always very popular. The current Lenten Appeal total is over $5,300 and we're hoping to get that up close to $6,000 with our final Easter Egg raffle sales.  

As a leadership team, we are extremely grateful for all the amazing opportunities this term and can't wait to see you all back here next Term. Have a safe and happy holiday break. 

Mia, Emilia, Chanelle and Alexandra
Student Executive  

Here's another opportunity to get to know two more of our Year 12 leaders, Olivia and Georgia. 

Olivia Witham, Regnet Christus Leader

I am honored to serve as one of the five Regnet Christus leaders for 2024. My passion lies in subjects like Health and Human Development, as well as my university studies in Disability, Diversity, and Inclusion. Next year, I hope to pursue a degree in Special Needs Education.

As a leader, I eagerly anticipate building meaningful connections with students across different year levels and furthering positive initiatives within our school community. For me, leadership transcends mere words; it's about taking action, showing up for others, demonstrating care, empathy, and providing support. I am absolutely ecstatic about what 2024 can bring!

Georgia Kostakis, Chevalier House Captain

This year I am looking forward to the House competitions. With PAS and Athletics coming up, I am really excited to inspire Chevalier House to ignite their House spirit. 

To be a leader at OLSH is to live out our four pillars every day; Pursuing excellence, always trying my very best, be faith filled, living out my values every day, Reverence relationships, having good relationships with those around me and finally, touch the hearts of other, constantly being kind and living out the OLSH spirit. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a leader and I cannot wait for the year ahead!

Mother's Day breakfast - Tuesday 7 May

We invite our OLSH College mothers and caregivers to celebrate Mother’s Day with your daughters and members of the OLSH College staff.

We will be serving a stand-up breakfast of muesli and yoghurt cups, fruit salad, croissants and muffins, from 7.15am. The café will also serve tea, coffee and hot chocolates. Please remember to purchase a ticket for your daughter as well as yourself. 

We would love to see you and your daughters on this special morning. Book now via TryBooking or the QR code below. 

Open Mornings and Tours

We've welcomed more than 220 people to the College for our Term 1 Open Morning and College Tours. It is always lovely to welcome new families and to have our wonderful Student Ambassadors take them for a tour of the College and share their experience of life at OLSH. 

There are three more Open Mornings and three College Tours planned for the rest of the year. Please visit our Open Mornings page for more details or to book in for a tour. 

Four weeks to go!

Our students are having a great time rehearsing for our upcoming school production of Mama Mia, presented in partnership with De La Salle College. They'll be spending the next five weeks putting the finishing touches to the production, in readiness for five performances from 1 to 4 May. Here is what Poppy, who plays Donna, had to say about the experience.

"Our rehearsals for Mamma Mia are well underway and I’m looking forward to presenting everyone’s hard work from our weekly and holiday rehearsals early May. It has been such a rewarding experience to be able to be part of this cast, to share, learn and develop our skills together, through our love for musical theatre. I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of playing Donna in this musical and have loved watching my confidence and self grow. I’m looking forward to some fantastic shows to share with our family, friends and community. Hope to see you there for a sing and dance to some of ABBAS greatest hits!"

Taylor's making baseball history

Good luck to Year 7 student Taylor who will represent Victoria in the All Girls National Baseball Championships in Lismore next month. This competition is the first all girls under 13 baseball championships in the world! Taylor plays for the Sandringham Royals and is a leader in the Victorian team, the Belles, sharing her knowledge and welcoming new players to the team. In the nationals, she will be the starting pitcher and will also play short stop. Wishing you all the best Taylor!

OLSH College Bentleigh