Dear family and friends of OLSH College,

What an outstanding Term 1 it has been. Our students have excelled in so many areas of school life, supported by our dedicated staff who work both in and beyond the classroom to create enriching learning opportunities. The energy, enthusiasm, and commitment across the school have been truly inspiring, making these fast-moving ten weeks both meaningful and rewarding. We are grateful for the blessings of the term and take great pride in all that has been achieved.

This term break we find the celebration of Holy Week and Easter at the end of the term. These days are the most holy of days in a Christian tradition. Fr John Lynch SJ, in his book The Woman Wrapped in Silence recalls, the journey of Mary, the mother of Jesus on that first holy week…

"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

Regnet Christus
May Christ Reign
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart pray for us

Always united in our shared OLSH Spirit.

Anne O'Loughlin
Principal

The Lifelong Benefits of a Catholic Education

We often speak of the impact of a Catholic education—not just during school years, but for life. Now, new research confirms what we have long known: attending a Catholic school leads to lasting benefits in employment, health and life satisfaction.

A study conducted by Victoria University’s Centre for International Research on Education Systems (CIRES), using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, found that Catholic school graduates are more likely to be employed and earn higher wages—between 4 per cent and 11 per cent more on average—than their peers from government schools. They are also more likely to work in fields that directly benefit the community and are more inclined to give back through charitable donations.

Beyond career satisfaction, the research highlights that Catholic school students report better overall health and life satisfaction. This reinforces our commitment to educating the whole person—academically, socially, and spiritually—so that our students leave school well-educated, compassionate and ready to make a meaningful contribution to society.

These findings are a testament to the dedication of our staff, the strength of our school community, and the values that underpin Catholic education.

For those interested in reading the full report or watching a video by lead researcher Andrew Wade, you can visit: www.vcea.catholic.edu.au/lifelongbenefits

SiSi Ni Moja: Our gift to the OLSH Sisters 

We shared the video of SiSi Ni Moja with students at our final assembly of Term 1. SiSi Ni Moja was performed at our Feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart last year by the students and staff of OLSH College as a gift to the OLSH Sisters on the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.