Who we are matters

In the wellbeing sphere of the College this term we have been constantly reminded through our events and our actions that “What we know matters, but who we are matters even more”. (Brene Brown). 

Being the best we can be, showing up and giving things a go with kindness, generosity and authenticity is what we are called to be. Our Issoudun students have been actively involved in a program, Digital Compass, facilitated by the Alannah and Madeleine Foundation reflecting on their online activities and the impact this has on sleep and their wellbeing. Students have had the chance to reflect on their own behaviours and how they can create positive changes to their online behaviours and experiences. Who we are online, matters! 

Our Year 7 students have started their student leadership journey, reflecting on their personal gifts and the gifts of each other – being and sharing who I am, matters! 

Our Year 8 students journeyed to Camp Manyung, working together in teams, being challenged personally and learning about self and others. Having courage to take risks in safe place and being myself matters! 

We constantly see acts of generosity of time from our students. Our Year 10 student ambassadors demonstrated what it means to be an OLSH student welcoming parents on our Year 7 Parent evening with such heart. Being generous and giving our time for others, matters!! 

As we move into Term 2 we need to constantly remember, who we really are, does matter!

Ms Dina Oro
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Our Student Ambassadors helping out at the Year 7 Parent Welcome Evening

Facing challenges and making connections on Year 8 camp

Our Year 8s finished the term with a three day camp at Mornington. The super autumn weather was perfect for a program of outdoor activities including surfing, raft building, kayaking, high ropes and team challenges. The evenings were spent enjoying some downtime and a meal together and reflecting on the achievements of the day. 

Some of the students shared their reflections with us. 

'I challenged myself during the giant swing activity. When I first looked at it, I would not have thought I would have done it!! I’m really proud I did it.' - Keeley

'I realised that I work well in a team and I am a better leader than what I thought I was.' - Amelia

'Even though I have boundaries as a person, I learn that if I push them then I can become a better person.' - Hannah

'I have learnt that even though things seem scary that if you put your mind to it you can always get passed it.' - Laura

'I’ve learnt that I can communicate with more people than what I first thought.' - Annabelle

'I have learnt that I can connect with other people other than my friends. I’ve made new connections with others.' - Lily

Leaders of the future

Our Year 7s recently spent time with the Student Leadership team, getting to know each other and focusing on what it means to be a leader at OLSH College. The girls spent time together discussing how leaders can work together as a team so that everyone has a voice and what skills are important for leaders. 

This activity is planned ahead of the nominations and elections for Year 7 leadership positions. Reflections from students involved in the activity were shared with us. 

'Friday's Year 7 leadership session was a great success that really inspired our Year 7s and made them interested in leadership. We ran activities and spoke about how important it was to be a leader, and how some skills such as communication, friendship and teamwork are essential for all leaders. I had a lot of fun at the launch and am excited to welcome the new Year 7 Leaders to the team!' - Imogen, Year 8

'On Friday March the 31st, we had our Year 7 leadership launch, which gave the Year 7s an idea of what leadership is really about. The activities required them to come up with certain strategies to ensure that they communicated and worked together as a team to reach the end goal. It was so much fun to get to see them all come up with different ways to work together, and how they helped each other out to make sure that everybody was included in final decisions. It was such a positive experience seeing them really understand the true meaning of leadership, whether that be with or without a badge. I am so excited to see the future leaders in the making.' - Emilia, Year 11 Faith and Mission Captain

'I loved how everyone got involved with all the fun activities this afternoon. I think the Years 8 to 12 leaders planned very enjoyable things to do as a year level! It was fun how Halle was so enthusiastic explaining what we had to do, it just made it that little bit more enjoyable!! Thank you for the leadership activities!!' - Isabella, Year 7

'Myself and the Year 8 leaders lead the Year 7s through a communication game. We chose to use the game from our y-lead incursion a few weeks back. Overall I really enjoyed meeting all the potential Year 7 leaders! I wish them all the best of luck with the election process.' - Amber, Year 8 Environment Captain

'I found the Year 7 Leadership launch super fun! It was amazing to see all of them participating and enjoying all the activities, as well as their excitement heading into leadership!' - Terri, Year 12 College Vice Captain

We wish the Year 7s well as they nominate and select their year level representatives. 

Ms Antonella La Greca
Director of Student Wellbeing

Let's reduce, reuse and recyle!

Finding ways to be more sustainable is a key focus for our Environment Leaders and last week they put that vision into action, by making beeswax wraps using fabric offcuts and unwanted clothing. Environment leaders Olivia, Amber and Ivory grated beeswax to prepare for the lunchtime session. As well as reusing fabric that would have gone to landfill, these wraps have the ongoing benefit of reducing the need for plastic wrap.

Tuning in to Teens

We are pleased to present a 6-week parenting program, called Tuning in to Teens for OLSH parents and caregivers. 

Tuning in to Teens is a University of Melbourne evidence-based parenting education program that focuses on teaching emotional intelligence.

Delivered over six weeks, it is a small-group, interactive course presented by Liz Kelly who is an education and parent education consultant.

Liz has worked for more than 30 years with children and their families. With post-graduate training in special education as well as child and adolescent mental health, Liz is an experienced facilitator of Tuning in to Teens.

Find out more here or via the QR code below.