Four Houses, One Shared Spirit

Last Friday, as we celebrated all that our Class of 2025 has brought to our community, we took a special moment to wish them well at both a House and Learning Mentor level. While ten minutes each morning may not seem like much, over six years the girls have spent approximately 9,600 minutes with their Learning Mentor and House. It is in this space that they develop pride in their House, a healthy competitiveness to succeed, and a strong loyalty to their colour. But it’s more than that — it’s where they grow, mentor others, and take on leadership roles as they journey through the school. This daily connection fosters a deep sense of belonging, community, and shared identity. Our four colours may set us apart, but it is our one OLSH spirit that brings us together.

These are a few reflections from each Heads of House about the Class of 2025 ……….

"Year 12 Chevalier, 2025 as you leave the school gates for the final time as students, know that you are not leaving behind your experiences here, they will remain a part of who you are. The values, lessons, and memories you have gained at OLSH will travel with you into whatever comes next." - Ms Angela Rando

"Hartzer Year 12 2025, thank you for embodying the Heart of Hartzer and creating such an amazing Hartzer family, which will be cherished for years to come." - Ms Kate Scalzo

"Year 12 Sweeney 2025 , from Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go! "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose" and "Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away!" - Dr Kit McPhee

"Year 12 Xavier, 2025 thank you for entering this year with confidence and embraced every challenge the year threw at you. You supported each other, the other Xavier students, and embodied the true meaning of leadership. You have shown genuine care for one another, and your camaraderie has been inspiring. Not only did you participate enthusiastically, but you also encouraged and empowered every Xavier student to get involved in all that OLSH has to offer. Thanks to your spirit and involvement, we shared some wonderful, memorable experiences." - Ms Julie Freeman Smith

Congratulations to our newly elected school leaders

We held our Jules Chevalier Leadership Handover Ceremony last week, transferring the leadership roles and responsibilities from our current year 12s to our 2026 Year 12 leadership team. After a symbolic washing of hands and anointing with oil, our 2026 leaders received their badges and read a prayer of leadership, before exchanging places with the 2025 leaders. Our 2025 leaders have shown dedication to their roles, initiative and a true Heart spirit, and we thank them for all that they have contributed. We wish our 2026 leaders all the very best in their new roles.

OLSHLinks

We have two more reflections from students who attended the OLSHLinks immersion in Adelaide last term.

"I was lucky enough to be selected for the OLSHLinks Adelaide immersion and I am so incredibly proud that I applied to be a part of such a rewarding experience. When we first arrived at OLSH Adelaide, we were welcomed by smiling faces and the reminder that all three OLSH schools across the nation, have the same four pillars as the cornerstone of catholic education. Meeting new people from varying backgrounds and faiths was inspiring, as it is a true testament to our combined OLSH spirit. In addition, after the school day ended, we were fortunate enough to spend dinner with the OLSH Sydney girls, where we continued to foster new relationships and an innate sense of belonging to a wider community than our own school. On the Feast of Sacred Heart, we were immersed in a new way of celebrating. Although all three OLSH schools have vast differences in education and opportunities, at the end of the day each school shares a common understanding of love and compassion, stemming from our founder Fr Jules Chevalier. I came away from this experience with a sense of pride in being an OLSH girl who goes to school in Bentleigh Melbourne!" - Ava G

"I had the privilege of participating in the OLSHLinks immersion to the OLSH school in Adelaide, accompanied by teachers and fellow OLSH students from Sydney. This experience was a walk in another OLSH girl’s shoes, as we explored the city of Adelaide, took part in their everyday classes, and of course participated in their very own Feast Day. Over the course of this three-day immersion, us OLSH Bentleigh girls exchanged our own experiences and differences between the three colleges over delicious group dinners, sharing movie nights, and shopping in Adelaide’s Rundle Mall. The OLSHLinks trip, built lasting friendships with all the girls, as well as strengthening the bond between the OLSH community’s faith and spirit, by discovering we aren’t so different from them. This experience reinforced that the OLSH community extends far beyond the classroom, to many corners of our country. I am extremely grateful to be given this opportunity as it has definitely been the highlight of year 10, knowing I have now built lasting memories and connections." - Jaimie C

Opportunity for Parents: Raising BodyKind Teens

Glen Eira City Council will be running a parent and carer information session co-hosted by the Butterfly Foundation. Raising BodyKind Teens will be presented by Danni Rowlands who has led and developed the prevention portfolio at Butterfly since 2007 working to reduce and prevent body dissatisfaction, disordered eating and eating disorders in young people. 

This work has reached over 2.3 million young people and over 20,000 professionals and parents. This session will provide practical strategies to support positive body image in young people.

The session will be held on Wednesday 19 November 2025, 7pm – 8.30pm online via Zoom. To book, visit www.trybooking.com/DBBLS or call 9524 3333. Cost is $11 to register.

SchoolTV: Year 12 Exam support

There is a special report on SchoolTV that covers supporting Year 12 students through their exams. You can view it here.

Ms Dina Oro
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing