Dear family and friends of OLSH College,
As our world focuses on the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad it is worth reflecting on the origins of the spirit of the modern Olympics.
The Olympic motto is made up of three Latin words: "Citius, Altius, Fortius", which means "Faster, Higher, Stronger".
These three words encourage the athlete to give her or his best during competition, and to view this effort as a victory in itself.
The sense of the motto is that being first is not necessarily a priority, but that giving one's best and striving for personal excellence is a worthwhile goal. It can apply equally to athletes and to each one of us.
The most important thing is not to win but to take part!
Participation in our journey in life is essential – this participation is about entering into all that comes our way. It is about actively seeking to be the best we can be. In our own OLSH Tradition it is being Heart People…being the heart of Christ in our world, whatever we do and wherever we are.
The authentic Olympic and Paralympic spirit is an antidote against the tragedy of war and a way to put an end to violence may sport build bridges, break down barriers, and foster peaceful relations.
Pope Francis
Always united in our shared OLSH Spirit.
Regnet Christus
May Christ Reign
Anne O'Loughlin
Principal
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the OLSH Sisters and we are marking this special milestone with a number of activities throughout the year.
We would love you to join us for an evening of celebration and appreciation for the work of the OLSH Sisters, on Thursday 5th September at the Huntingdale Golf Club.
Further information below. Book now via Trybooking.
Year 8B and their RE teacher, Ms. Zoe Favre prepared and lead a beautiful Wednesday Morning Prayer to celebrate “World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly” which was celebrated for the fourth time on Sunday 28 July - the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the Grandparents of Jesus.
We had around 15 parents and grandparents join the Year 8s onsite in our Regnet Christus Chapel this week for prayer together followed by morning tea in the OLSH Centre. The prayer presented by the Year 8s was a beautiful tribute to all our Grandparents – both those with us and those who have gone before us. Thank you to Year 8B and Ms Favre!
We received a lovely comment from our Facebook page about the prayer service - "A wonderful start to the day. Thank you girls! You all spoke so well! The artistry on the slides was impressive!"
Image: Br. Mickey McGrath
Ms Megan Donohue
Deputy Principal Faith and Mission
Last Thursday night a group of Year 11 and Year 12 girls participated in OLSH's second Winter Sleepout, to raise awareness for challenges of homelessness. Di and Rozzi from the St Kilda street community joined us to speak about their experiences with homelessness, shedding a light on how fortunate we are to be in the position we’re in.
Our group of OLSH students were led in a discussion by Tracey and Gabby, volunteers from St Kilda Soup van, and we learned from their stories of being volunteers. Bonding over dinner and tea, we learned about the truth of what it is like to be in the unfortunate situation of homelessness and how pivotal it is to spread awareness about this important cause.
Thanks to the generosity of the students and staff who participated in the Sleepout, we were able to give Tracey and Gabby more than $400 to go towards their great work in St. Kilda. This experience was deepened our awareness of the hardships faced by those experiencing homelessness and provided us with the opportunity to spend a night in solidarity with those who are struggling.
We were all very thankful to be joined by these inspirational women and we look forward to the next OLSH Winter Sleepout next year!
Roma and Eva - Faith and Mission Leaders
We received a lovely card from the Sisters at Kilburn in South Australia, to our Year 12s:
Dear Girls of OLSH Bentleigh Year 12,
We are pleased to pray for you during this important year for you all. We know you will work hard, but you can depend on our prayers for you.
God Bless! The Sisters at Kilburn
Welcome to Term 3! This term we have many exciting and eventful moments that will help shape our student learning. We have Parent Teacher Interview sessions on 7 August and 3 September via Zoom, which is a fantastic opportunity to discuss how all students are working on their learning. The feedback from these sessions will support student growth and allow for parents to gain insights into the content, assessment and classroom application. There is a slightly later start the morning after the first set of Interviews, however, students will still have all lessons that day. On 3 September, the students will be learning from home to facilitate the full day of Parent Teacher Sessions.
Term 3 is a big term when looking at the 2024 programs as we begin our subject selection process for all year levels. Our year 11s and 10s have made their selections for 2025 with the support of our Pathways Coordinator, Ms Girolami. We will send information regarding each year level’s subject selection in the coming weeks, which will include some key dates for each of the year levels.
Mr Joshua Di Pietro
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Congratulations to Class of 2023 students Mary M and Ava T who received Premier’s VCE Awards. Mary received two Premier’s VCE Awards – for Art Creative Practice and Art Making and Exhibiting. Ava received a Premier’s VCE Award for Community Services. We’re so proud of you both.
The annual Premier’s VCE Awards recognise students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the VCE.
Congratulations to Class of 2023 students Mary M and Ava T who received Premier’s VCE Awards. Mary received two Premier’s VCE Awards – for Art Creative Practice and Art Making and Exhibiting. Ava received a Premier’s VCE Award for Community Services. We’re so proud of you both.
The annual Premier’s VCE Awards recognise students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the VCE.
Congratulations to Class of 2023 students Mary M and Ava T who received Premier’s VCE Awards. Mary received two Premier’s VCE Awards – for Art Creative Practice and Art Making and Exhibiting. Ava received a Premier’s VCE Award for Community Services. We’re so proud of you both.
The annual Premier’s VCE Awards recognise students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the VCE.
Congratulations to Class of 2023 students Mary M and Ava T who received Premier’s VCE Awards. Mary received two Premier’s VCE Awards – for Art Creative Practice and Art Making and Exhibiting. Ava received a Premier’s VCE Award for Community Services. We’re so proud of you both.
The annual Premier’s VCE Awards recognise students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the VCE.
Congratulations to Class of 2023 students Mary M and Ava T who received Premier’s VCE Awards. Mary received two Premier’s VCE Awards – for Art Creative Practice and Art Making and Exhibiting. Ava received a Premier’s VCE Award for Community Services. We’re so proud of you both.
The annual Premier’s VCE Awards recognise students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the VCE.
Our Year 10 Sports Science students have been studying Sports Psychology and were very fortunate to hear from St Kilda AFLW players Serene Watson and Olivia Vesely from the Danny Frawley Center about Mental Fitness. The session focused on looking after our mental fitness just like we do our physical fitness and how to use anchors to bring our attention back to the present moment.
Our Year 10 Sports Science students have been studying Sports Psychology and were very fortunate to hear from St Kilda AFLW players Serene Watson and Olivia Vesely from the Danny Frawley Center about Mental Fitness. The session focused on looking after our mental fitness just like we do our physical fitness and how to use anchors to bring our attention back to the present moment.
Great competitive spirit at our lunchtime Jeopardy competition, one of our Humanities Week activities. The students answered questions from history, politics, economics and geography, then put their points on the line to answer the final Jeopardy question - "Jamaica is the only country in the world with no red, white, or blue on its flag. Instead, it has these 3 colours." Do you know the answer? Congratulations to all competitors and Year 11 winner Ellie.
Great competitive spirit at our lunchtime Jeopardy competition, one of our Humanities Week activities. The students answered questions from history, politics, economics and geography, then put their points on the line to answer the final Jeopardy question - "Jamaica is the only country in the world with no red, white, or blue on its flag. Instead, it has these 3 colours." Do you know the answer? Congratulations to all competitors and Year 11 winner Ellie.
Great competitive spirit at our lunchtime Jeopardy competition, one of our Humanities Week activities. The students answered questions from history, politics, economics and geography, then put their points on the line to answer the final Jeopardy question - "Jamaica is the only country in the world with no red, white, or blue on its flag. Instead, it has these 3 colours." Do you know the answer? Congratulations to all competitors and Year 11 winner Ellie.
We finished Humanities Week with a lively staff versus students debate, on the topic 'that students should be able to grade their teachers'. The arguments were creative, pithy and insightful, delivered with humour and eloquence. Well done to student debaters (Ava, Matilda and Sienna) and staff (Mr Nikakis, Mr Bourke and Mr Helps) and congratulations to the winning team, the students!
We finished Humanities Week with a lively staff versus students debate, on the topic 'that students should be able to grade their teachers'. The arguments were creative, pithy and insightful, delivered with humour and eloquence. Well done to student debaters (Ava, Matilda and Sienna) and staff (Mr Nikakis, Mr Bourke and Mr Helps) and congratulations to the winning team, the students!
We finished Humanities Week with a lively staff versus students debate, on the topic 'that students should be able to grade their teachers'. The arguments were creative, pithy and insightful, delivered with humour and eloquence. Well done to student debaters (Ava, Matilda and Sienna) and staff (Mr Nikakis, Mr Bourke and Mr Helps) and congratulations to the winning team, the students!
We finished Humanities Week with a lively staff versus students debate, on the topic 'that students should be able to grade their teachers'. The arguments were creative, pithy and insightful, delivered with humour and eloquence. Well done to student debaters (Ava, Matilda and Sienna) and staff (Mr Nikakis, Mr Bourke and Mr Helps) and congratulations to the winning team, the students!
We finished Humanities Week with a lively staff versus students debate, on the topic 'that students should be able to grade their teachers'. The arguments were creative, pithy and insightful, delivered with humour and eloquence. Well done to student debaters (Ava, Matilda and Sienna) and staff (Mr Nikakis, Mr Bourke and Mr Helps) and congratulations to the winning team, the students!
We finished Humanities Week with a lively staff versus students debate, on the topic 'that students should be able to grade their teachers'. The arguments were creative, pithy and insightful, delivered with humour and eloquence. Well done to student debaters (Ava, Matilda and Sienna) and staff (Mr Nikakis, Mr Bourke and Mr Helps) and congratulations to the winning team, the students!
We finished Humanities Week with a lively staff versus students debate, on the topic 'that students should be able to grade their teachers'. The arguments were creative, pithy and insightful, delivered with humour and eloquence. Well done to student debaters (Ava, Matilda and Sienna) and staff (Mr Nikakis, Mr Bourke and Mr Helps) and congratulations to the winning team, the students!
Last Friday Issoudun Group 3 ventured to Sydney in a day where they connected with our OLSH story, beginning with the first five OLSH Sisters that arrived in Botany Bay, visiting the first OLSH school to be established in the world, namely St Bernard’s Botany Bay and then spending the afternoon with the OLSH Sisters for afternoon tea. In a life where we often prioritize physical and mental health our social health and building relationships is imperative to be healthy individuals.
Kasley Killam, author of The Art and Science of Connection, discusses the importance of social health and how much it matters as much to our well-being as mental and physical health. Our visit to St Bernard’s Botany Bay, helped our girls to put down their worries, their concerns, their problems, their inhibitions and their technology and they were free to feel real JOY!!! Their actions were guided by love, kindness and innocence of those that they met. To the children of Kindergarten Green and White at St Bernard’s thank you for the true joy that you brought each one of us. Sharing this time with you helped us to find real joy!!!
“At St Bernard’s I got to meet the little kids and we played lots of new games outside. Some people got “married”, others got invited to parties and some even got a sneaky little kiss!!” Cinzia V
“Felix was a little cutie, he made me feel so happy and he brought great enjoyment to my day. Visiting St Bernard’s has been one of my highlights of Hartzer so far.” Isla V H
“Playing with the kindergarten children from St Bernard’s brought back memories of my own childhood. I met Serene who was so cute, showed me around her school and introduced me to new games. It brought great joy.” Savannah
“It warmed my heart seeing the kids run around and it made me so happy and appreciative to play soccer with the kinder kids at St Bernard’s.” Alyssa
“Going to St Bernard’s was an eye opening experience to see how schools are different in Sydney. It was heart warming.” Arianne
Our visit to St Bernard’s reminded me of my favourite reflection:
“Do what brings you joy! Do that…….Be that……Share that……Spend more time with that and get more JOY!!!
Ms Dina Oro
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing
Our final rotations of the Issoudun program for 2024 commenced at the start of term, with Group 3 making their way to Hartzer Park and the two other groups commencing their Nous Sommes and Je Suis programs.
We spent three days in Canberra and had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on their inquiry project question “How does Canberra tell the stories of Australians?”.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
We spent three days in Canberra and had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on their inquiry project question “How does Canberra tell the stories of Australians?”.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
We spent three days in Canberra and had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on their inquiry project question “How does Canberra tell the stories of Australians?”.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
We spent three days in Canberra and had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on their inquiry project question “How does Canberra tell the stories of Australians?”.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
We spent three days in Canberra and had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on their inquiry project question “How does Canberra tell the stories of Australians?”.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
We spent three days in Canberra and had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on their inquiry project question “How does Canberra tell the stories of Australians?”.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
We spent three days in Canberra and had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on their inquiry project question “How does Canberra tell the stories of Australians?”.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
We spent three days in Canberra and had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on their inquiry project question “How does Canberra tell the stories of Australians?”.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
We spent three days in Canberra and had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on their inquiry project question “How does Canberra tell the stories of Australians?”.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
We received a lovely Certificate of Appreciation from the Australian War Memorial for the way in which our Group 2 students conducted themselves during their recent visit. Thank you to these students for the respect they showed when they were representing the College.
We had a wonderful Open Morning last week, welcoming more than 200 people who are considering OLSH College for their secondary education. Our student performers, presenters and ambassadors played a very important role in the success of the morning, sharing their talents and experience of life at OLSH College. The feedback we received from families was very positive.
We have one more Open Morning for 2024, scheduled for Thursday October 10th. You can register here to attend.
Applications for Year 7 2026 close on Friday August 16 so if you have a daughter currently in Grade 5, please submit your application to registrar@olsh.vic.edu.au before this date.
We invite our OLSH College fathers, grandfathers and caregivers to celebrate Father's Day with your daughters and members of the OLSH College staff. We will be serving a stand-up breakfast from 7.15am. Tickets are $20 per person - please book a ticket for all attendees (adults and students).
We would love to see you and your daughters on this special morning.
Book now
On Thursday the 25th of July, we had the immense privilege of participating in the Winter Sleep Out along with other Year 11 students. After school on Thursday, we gathered our sleeping bags and decided to take on the challenge of spending a night in the shoes of someone less fortunate than us.
We were able to share a meal, set up our sleeping quarters and truly resonate with those who don't have the privilege of having a roof over their heads.
This experience was something that we will never forget!
With Ms Donohue and Mrs La Greca by our side, we were fortunate enough to hear from guest speakers from the St Kilda Soup Van who enlightened us on the harsh living conditions of those who are underprivileged on our Victorian streets. They granted us the opportunity to truly understand the severity of homelessness in our local community whilst also sharing with us ways that we, as young OLSH girls, can support and stand in solidarity with others.
We were blessed with this unique experience which was filled with love, compassion and education and is something that we hope everyone in the years to come can also experience.
This week was also the launch of our "School Tree" initiative, where each homeroom was posed with the word "Growth". Their jobs were to write on paper hearts with what they believe is essential to personal, emotional, social and academic growth. Over the duration of the term, a new word will be shared every fortnight which will then be added to our "blank" tree logo.
Starting next week is our OLSH House Olympics Competition. It is time for all our girls to reach out to their competitive side and participate in activities, branching from karaoke, skipping, debating and dodgeball. We are very excited to get this initiative underway and cannot wait to see which house wins the most points. Don't forget to get involved and enjoy all the fun-filled activities the student leaders have planned for the remainder of Term 3.
That's all from us, don't forget to keep warm this winter, reach out to those in need and spread the love.
Mia, Emilia, Chanelle and Alexandra
Student Executive
The Junior tournament for Basketball, Badminton and Futsal was held towards the end of last term at Monash Uni Sports Complex and Beyond Badminton Centre, Clayton. As usual, the competition between OLSH, Kilbreda, Killester and Sacred Heart colleges was friendly but fierce! Improvements in skills and game strategies, as well as teamwork throughout the day were apparent throughout the day.
Congratulations to the Futsal A team who won their Grand Final. Special mentions to the following players who received the Most Valuable Player medals for their team on the day:
Our skillful soccer players represented OLSH at the Division 1 CGSAV Futsal Tournament at MSAC on Wednesday July 24th. Congratulations to the Seniors who improved their teamwork throughout the day to rise to third position on the ladder. Thanks to Year 11 student, Chloe for sharing her expertise as coach. The Intermediate team fought hard in a tough section under the coaching guidance of Mr Connor Bourke, and the Juniors, led by Ms Leonie Gilbert, experienced a mixture of wins and close losses and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. We look forward to seeing these players out on the field playing soccer later in the term.
Team selections and training session for the VNA, CGSAV and SEGAP Netball tournaments, CGSAV and SEGAP Volleyball tournaments, the CGSAV Aerobics competition, and CGSAV Soccer day are all underway. Selections are difficult but we love seeing so many of our students keen to be active, and so supportive of their friends!
Mrs Annemarie Petering and Mrs Bronwyn Verrell
Sports Coordinators
Congratulations to Year 7 student, Zara who recently travelled to New Zealand for the NZ Scottish Highland Dancing Championships and won the 12-13 years section. Zara started highland dancing when she was seven and has travelled around Australia, Canada and Scotland to compete. She’s heading off to Scotland again shortly for their Highland Games and championship season.
Well done to Year 10 student Lola P who has been selected for the Victorian All Abilities Netball Development Squad. The team will be training to represent Victoria at the national netball championship competing for the Marie Little Shield. Good luck Lola!
Our Year 7s have been enjoying lunchtime volleyball matches, where its House against House, lots of cheering from the sidelines and great team spirit. Thanks to our senior PE students for running these sessions.
Our Year 7s have been enjoying lunchtime volleyball matches, where its House against House, lots of cheering from the sidelines and great team spirit. Thanks to our senior PE students for running these sessions.
Our Year 7s have been enjoying lunchtime volleyball matches, where its House against House, lots of cheering from the sidelines and great team spirit. Thanks to our senior PE students for running these sessions.
Our Year 7s have been enjoying lunchtime volleyball matches, where its House against House, lots of cheering from the sidelines and great team spirit. Thanks to our senior PE students for running these sessions.
Our Year 7s have been enjoying lunchtime volleyball matches, where its House against House, lots of cheering from the sidelines and great team spirit. Thanks to our senior PE students for running these sessions.
Our Year 7s have been enjoying lunchtime volleyball matches, where its House against House, lots of cheering from the sidelines and great team spirit. Thanks to our senior PE students for running these sessions.
Our Year 7s have been enjoying lunchtime volleyball matches, where its House against House, lots of cheering from the sidelines and great team spirit. Thanks to our senior PE students for running these sessions.
Our Year 7s have been enjoying lunchtime volleyball matches, where its House against House, lots of cheering from the sidelines and great team spirit. Thanks to our senior PE students for running these sessions.
Our Year 7s have been enjoying lunchtime volleyball matches, where its House against House, lots of cheering from the sidelines and great team spirit. Thanks to our senior PE students for running these sessions.
Our Year 7s have been enjoying lunchtime volleyball matches, where its House against House, lots of cheering from the sidelines and great team spirit. Thanks to our senior PE students for running these sessions.
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