OLSH girls can certainly do anything!

As we look back on the last few weeks there are so many examples of our students doing extra-ordinary things.

Nyah Evans in Year 7 completed the Kokoda trail, 96 kilometres through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea. Her mum reflected that “there were early morning starts at 4.15am and long days of walking. Overbearing heat at certain times of the day followed by torrential rain and walking up steep climbs on muddy clay mud that looked like a river flowing back down the opposite way!”

We asked Nyah why she decided to do the trail and what were her key learnings.

My journey started with my desire to raise money for the Emergency Services Foundation in support of those who protect us every day.

I was also looking forward to what was going to be my most physical challenge yet. During my preparation for trekking Kokoda and whilst on the track itself, I realised that this journey was a lot bigger than I thought. I learnt through the sacrifice of our diggers the true meaning of mateship, sacrifice, courage, and endurance. It was the most challenging experience of my life. I had to embrace the jungle elements and everything that Mother Nature threw at me. Scorching heat and sudden rain downpours are only a few of the natural, environmental challenges that I had to face.

I also reflected along the way on just how difficult the track would have felt for our ancestors in the heat of battle.

What do you think that you have learnt and what will you take away from this experience?

Through this experience, I was physically, psychologically, socially and emotionally challenged. I have realised that I am stronger than I realised physically and emotionally. The power of the mind is amazing, and mindset and perspective can change a challenge or your approach to and through it.

I also learnt that age doesn't define you. Value can be found in integration with different age groups and different diversities of all types of people. Through this experience I learnt to have more gratitude and appreciation - to never take anything for granted, appreciate all I have and never lose sight of the value of family.

I had my struggles during my time at Kokoda.

I met so many children of my age on the track and whilst the poverty was real, I was pleasantly surprised to see them so happy with a raw dedication to family. They had little to nothing to live with except the clothes they were wearing, the crops they grew and the family that they had. This I will never forget. I have so much gratitude and memories from this trip. I know that I will never forget this experience. It has and will continue to change my life forever.

I will be forever grateful for those that gave their lives for us on the Kokoda track, and I am thankful for their sacrifice.

I am so proud of myself and the others who I trekked the Kokoda track with. This is an experience I will never forget, and I hope to grow in the lessons that I have learnt through this trip.

Congratulations Nyah on a wonderful effort. You certainly demonstrated great grit, determination and fortitude to complete the trail. We are extremely proud of your effort!!

World Teacher's Day

The Senior Executive Team worked together to recognise the work of the OLSH College staff on World Teachers Day. There were a number of different surprises throughout the day where the girls thanked the staff for providing them with the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community. They thanked all staff for their work and effort, by greeting the staff as they arrived with stickers and placing windshield notes on cars. We all know that “ice cream makes everything better” and so a gelati van was organised for the day!

Kindness from our Year 7s

So, what do you do when you see a need for other students and you have a solution? A group of Year 7 students recently found themselves in this situation, organised a meeting with Leadership, formed a working committee and promoted an event to raise money for supplies for student reception. Thank you Zara L, Alexandra C, Lily K, Eva H, Eva S, Giaan P and Sophia M for living out our OLSH Pillar of touching the hearts of others by your generous and thoughtful act. “Kindness - It costs nothing but means everything”.