A Connected Community: Strengthening relationships

It is a human trait that we all need to be connected - girls in particular love to be connected and relationships are so important to them. Dr Tori Cordiano states “what we know is that strong powerful relationships with trusted adults are a protective factor for girls at all levels of development. As we begin this new year, we remember the important ways that our girls can be connected to one another, to their teachers and their families.

Big Sister / Little Sister - our Year 7s were welcomed by their Yr 12 Big Sister in their Learning Mentor class. Symbolically they were each welcomed to their House as they received their House badge and blessing at our opening school Mass.

Red Heart Crew - the importance of remaining connected and giving back to the OLSH community was witnessed by the generosity of members of the Class of 2023 volunteering on the first few days of school. They assisted all students in particular our new students and Year 7s to settle into the College on the first few days of the school year.

Celebration, a big part of who we are at OLSH was also witnessed as our Year 12s enjoyed their Year 12 Formal together. It is through these events that healthy relationships with peers develop.

Forming new connections - Our Year 7s have spent 3 days together at Lake Dewar forming new relationships and making new connections with others. By participating in a series of outdoor activities, House performances and spending time together relationships have been formed.

As we travel throughout this year, we remember the many different ways and opportunities that students can be connected to one another. Through the Learning Mentor group, the House they belong to, their core class, clubs run at lunchtime, sport, music and all the many activities on offer at OLSH. It is through these groups that healthy relationships are formed and students can feel a sense of belonging and connection.

OLSH belongs to the ICGS (International Coalition of Girls Schools). This year’s theme “The connected girl” consists of a podcast series that offers expert insights into important aspects of girls’ healthy development. I encourage you to follow the QR Code to listen to the episodes listed. 

• Forging powerful relationships- Dr Tori Cordiano Episode 1
• Connecting with Parents – Dr Judith Locke Episode 2
  
• Setting Healthy Boundaries- Elizabeth Zeigler

Ms Dina Oro
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Information program to reduce risk-taking behaviour

The Alfred’s P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth) program are presenting an event on Tuesday 5th March so that older youth and their families and friends can be better informed about the consequences risk-taking behaviour.

This free 2.5 hour program, suitable for young people aged 17 to 25, will run from 5pm to 7.30pm with a combination of video, demonstrations and live presentations with Alfred Health clinicians and a past Alfred trauma patient.

We had the team from the Alfred's PARTY program come to speak to our Year 10s last year and it was very positively received by the students. 

Find out more about the PARTY program.

Introducing our new House Tops

We are thrilled to be introducing our new House tops this year, featuring our newly designed House crests and mottos. The tops will be part of the compulsory uniform purchase for Year 7 2024 students, and optional for current students in Years 8 to 12.

House tops will be worn on the following days:

• House Swimming Carnival – worn with College PE uniform
• House Athletics Carnival – worn with College PE uniform
• Sacred Heart of Jesus Day – worn with school tracksuit pants for Mass.
• House days – special days designated each term for celebrations or as a fundraising activity. The top would be worn with the College PE uniform. If students don’t have a House Top, they would wear PE uniform.

The tops may also be worn for part of the day for special activities:

• Students vs staff sports matches
• House fundraisers – only for the house running the fundraiser and only during the period of the fundraiser (e.g. recess on a bake sale stall)
• As requested by PE staff for House-based PE activity

In these instances, the House top is only to be worn during the activity.

The tops are now available from our uniform supplier, Academy Uniforms, via their website for $56.