OLSH Newsletter

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College

We Believe! We Achieve! 111 Jasper Road, BENTLEIGH 3204 Ph (03) 8520 9200 Fax (03) 8520 9299 Absence Line (03) 8520 9250

Email: office@olsh.vic.edu.au website: www.olsh.vic.edu.au

Education in the OLSH Tradition: Faith Filled

Dear Family and Friends of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, On the eve of the departure of the first group of Issoudun students and staff to our Hartzer Campus we pray that ‘your light may shine in the sight of all, so that, seeing your good works, all people will praise and thank God in heaven’ (cf Mt 5:15) To the staff who will give so much of themselves for each student we say thank you for your witness for your courage and for your generosity. Issoudun students, staff and parents know that we are inspired by your journey. Like Jules Chevalier who lived his story in Issoudun may you discover the greatness of the life that is within you and around you!

At Hartzer Campus we capture: Connection, Courage, Curiosity, Compassion, Celebration

Regnet Christus! Anne O’Loughlin Principal

NEWSLETTER

HEART MATTERS And above all, watch over your children with the greatest care, in the dormitory, when out walking, and everywhere.

Marie Louise Hartzer FDNSC

Friday 31 May 2013 Volume 42, Number 8

We Believe! We Achieve!

Congratulations to:

Kate Kelly-Oman, Year 8, selected as the emergency for U15 School

Sport Victoria Netball Team.

An outstanding achievement!

Hartzer Campus Students and Staff

God’s blessings on your journey.

OLSH Newsletter

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, known here at OLSH as ‘Sacred Heart Day’. Our day of celebration begins with Mass and then we enjoy a BBQ lunch together. This is then followed by our Performing Arts Spectacular in the afternoon. As a sign of solidarity with those in need and as an expression of our love, we have been gathering blankets to be distributed to those in need over these winter months. Students and staff have also been reflecting on the question, “This Sacred Heart Day, if you could send a message to the world, what would your message be?” Responses have been collated on large canvases in the lead up to our celebrations as each one of us has taken time to reflect on the call of Jesus at this time in our world. Happy Feast Day one and all.

For us as an OLSH community, this week is a special week of both remembering and celebrating. Being National Reconciliation Week, we remember the injustices of the past and promise to actively work towards reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. We gathered under our College flagpoles on Monday morning and raised our Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags as part of our morning prayer. Each of us will walk our Reconciliation Trail during the course of this week, share special morning prayers each day and wear the colours of the Aboriginal flag on our uniforms.

Year 10 Retreat

Monday 20 May St Joseph’s, South Yarra

Sr Megan Donohue fdnsc Assistant Principal Faith and Mission

Faith and Mission

For our retreat day this year, the theme was ‘The wisdom within’. We went to St Joseph’s – St Thomas Aquinas’ – South Yarra where we were hosted by Chris Doyle. Through singing, dancing and story-telling, he taught us many wise things and gave us lots of valuable time for reflecting on our past experiences and aspirations. During lunch break, we had 50 minutes to stroll around the area; and being girls, most of us went shopping on Chapel Street. It was an amazing day. Belinda Srea

Year 10 retreat was an extremely inspirational and motivational day. We learnt to enjoy the positive things in life and to focus less on the negatives. It was a great day; we had lots of fun and all gained so much from the experience! Stephanie Chappell and Chrisoula Alisandratos

The retreat day was very good and an enjoyable experience for our year level. Chris was very funny and made us all feel a part of the special day. It made us think about how our outlook on life is and to be grateful for what we have. Lucy Rochford

The Year 10 Retreat was a fun and enjoyable experience that we can honestly say we won’t forget anytime soon! Chris Doyle was full of funny jokes and was amazing on his guitar. It was a great day of singing and dancing and simply living the moment. Chris’ advice for us was inspiring and we have taken home so many stories and new outlooks on life. Alexandra Moulton and Natasha Ockenden

OLSH Newsletter

Reconciliation Week Aboriginal National Reconciliation Week was launched at OLSH College with the induction ceremony of our FIRE Carriers. Ms Vicki Clark from the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry joined us for the ceremony as Senior FIRE Carrier Emma Moss inducted the new FIRE Carriers.

On Monday, 27 May OLSH College began the school day with the raising of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to officially open Reconciliation Week. All students gathered around the school flag poles where prayer and reflection united us as a community committed to working for future reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. Reconciliation Week commemorates three significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum where Aboriginal people were included in the census, the High Court Mabo decision where native title was recognised, and the moment when Nicky Winmar lifted his St. Kilda top and announced “I’m proud to be black”. These events are included in the OLSH Reconciliation Trail that was designed by the Year 10 History classes who studied ‘Rights and Freedoms of Indigenous Australians’ as part of the new History Australian Curriculum. The trail chronicles nine significant events and achievements of the Aboriginal people in struggling for civil rights and equality. Students walk the trail, reflecting and praying for a future that sees equity and justice for all Aboriginal Australians.

Ms Josie Dilettoso

Justice and Peace Leader

Faith and Mission

Emma Moss (Senior FIRE Carrier) inducting new Year

11 FIRE Carrier Tara Drysdale-Stevens, right

Our New FIRE Carriers with Vicki Clark from Aboriginal Catholic Ministry after the ceremony, Tara Drysdale Stevens, Isabelle Paraskevopoulos, Evangelia Vlahandreas, Ms Vicki Clark, Rochelle Theophilus, Emma Moss and Mrs Jan Callanan.

from left below

Students participating in the Reconciliation Trail

at the College

OLSH Newsletter

Assessment and Exams Term 2 has the capacity to be a difficult term on many fronts. It is term in which winter sets in. The days get shorter and colder, students start coming to school with cold weather sniffles. Students will bring home their Semester 1 reports.

Parents with Students in Years 10 and 11 should be aware that an examination is only one of a multitude of assessment tools that teachers employ. Exams are not a better indication of a student’s performance than any of the other assessment tools that are reported against. Teachers strive to use a variety of these tools so that we are effectively catering of the variety of learning styles that our 21st century students possess. The point I am emphasising is that an examination mark should be looked at in the context of all the other information that appears on the subject report. Year 12 subjects also have a variety of assessment tools, although their course content is mandated. School Assessed Coursework (SACs) and School Assessed Tasks (SATs) are the school assessed components of the VCE. All students doing a Unit 3 subject will be sitting the General Achievement Exam (GAT) in this examination period.

Exam tips for parents: Make sure that your daughter does all her homework and assignments this will help make sure she is prepared for the

exam. Take an active interest in your daughter’s school work. Encourage your daughter to space out their studying and homework assignments so that they won't be forced to cram

on the night before the exam. Encourage your daughter to do well but don't pressure her. You may stress her out. It is important for your daughter to

stay relaxed. Keep a positive attitude about exams. Provide a quiet, well lit area with little distractions to help your daughter study efficiently. Mark down exam days on your calendar so you and your daughter are both aware of examination dates. Make sure that your daughter gets enough sleep on the night before the exam. Ensure that your daughter eats a healthy breakfast and avoid heavy foods that may make her groggy and avoid high

sugar foods. Make sure that your daughter gets up early enough so that she will be on time to school. Let your daughter relax for a few hours before bedtime, it can be stressful for her to study all night. Talking about the exam with your daughter can relieve stress about exam taking. Encourage them to do better if they don't do well but also make it clear to them that and exam is just one assessment

tool...

I hope this goes some way to allaying anxiety in students and assists parents in dealing with stressful time in their daughter’s school year.

Ms Tania Tickyj Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

We remember

We pray for the repose of the soul of:

Irma Polimene, Grandmother of Olivia Polimene, Year 7

May Our Lady of the Sacred Heart hold her gently in her care and may her soul rest in peace.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, pray for us!

Curriculum Matters

OLSH Newsletter

Congratulations to our Newly Elected Year 7 Leaders for 2013

Georgia Sheppard Isabella Hum Bianca Schragger Dakota Warren Angela Edgley

OLSH Girls supporting Beyond Blue Congratulations to our VCAL students for organising this day of awareness for the College community.

We are proud of each one of you.

Ms Dina Oro

Assistant Principal Student Wellbeing

Student Wellbeing Matters

Bianca Shragger with her mother following the ceremony

The newly elected Year 7 Leaders

Angela Edgley receives her badge from School Captain

Emily Carroll

OLSH Newsletter

2013 Lenten Appeal The 2013 Lenten Appeal was a great success! With the participation of all students and teachers, this year OLSH College was able to raise a grand total of $5,851.80, with the Year 7s contributing an extremely impressive $1,838.35 from their Basketball Shoot out. All money raised this year will be going to the organisations we support in Sudan, Bakhita Village and Kiribati, in order to assist them with funding education and the everyday necessities in life that we are fortunate enough to take for granted. This was a great outcome for 2013’s Lenten Appeal, with our OLSH spirit running high. On behalf of the Student Leadership Committee we thank all students for being so willing to participate and really demonstrating our 2013 OLSH motto “One small step for OLSH community, one giant leap for OLSH kind”. Keep up the good work girls!

Emily Carroll and Marisa Cafasso

School Captains

Debating News Round 3 DAV Our OLSH Senior Debating team powered their way to another victory in Round 3 against De La Salle. This week was the first week of secret topic debates where teams had 60 minutes to brainstorm arguments and formulate a speech whilst adhering to debating structure and regulations. The limited preparation time also meant that students had to ‘think on their feet’, assisting each other in rebuttals and extending ideas. The Best Speaker award for this round went to Georgette Collins, Year 11 (right) for her detailed content and strong delivery. Congratulations to the senior team on their tremendous efforts! Our D-Grade teams missed out on victories this round, losing in very tight battles! With only two rounds to go, students have been working hard in refining their skills and are stepping up as leaders in public speaking. Well done to all involved and keep up the incredible work! Junior Public Speaking Competition Year 7 students have been involved in public speaking recently with Aisling Atkins, Hannah Layzell and Georgia Sheppard entering the Junior Public Speaking competition held at Mentone Girls’ Grammar School last week. Alongside various other schools in the region, students were provided with a training session that included strategies in formulating different types of speeches. The girls were asked to prepare a 4-5 minute persuasive speech using a prompt which they presented on the day. The prompts included: - Africa: A Land of Opportunity - Animal Rights - A Borderless World After presenting their prepared speeches, students advanced into the impromptu component of the day in which they had five minutes to prepare a speech choosing one of three topics and presenting to an adjudicator, teachers and peers. Not an easy task! They received feedback on their method and manner and walked away with new skills and knowledge that they can adapt to their classes. Overall, the day was highly beneficial for the girls in preparing them as great public speakers! Miss Candice Saliba Public Speaking and Debating Coordinator

Aisling, Hannah and Georgia at the Junior Public Speaking Competition

College News

OLSH Newsletter

International Brunch On Sunday, 26 May, the OLSH World Challenge team held a fundraiser brunch for our upcoming trip. This money is raised for the Community Project component of the trip in Lao. The delicious food was prepared and cooked by the World Challenge girls and they all did an extremely great job! We would all like to say a massive thank you to Mrs Singh and Mrs Rayment and all the parents and friends who attended; the morning was a great success thanks to you all! Big thanks also to Ms O’Loughlin for allowing us to use the multi-purpose room.

Chloe Lewis and Alisha Fissenden Year 11

Urban Seed Walk On the Friday, 17 May, two Year 11 Health classes travelled to the city for an excursion. The walks were generally around Central House - a building at the back of the Collins Street Baptist church - and 1to 2 city blocks. The walk was not physically demanding. We walked around this precinct, which could easily be called the ‘Paris’ end of Melbourne, yet these were also spots where homeless people also live. Our tour guide gave us a brief description about the significance of the area to homeless people.

We finished our tour off with a visit to the Credo Café which is run by volunteers and homeless people. This cafe welcomes all people, specifically the homeless. It was a warm cosy end and welcoming – soup was on the stove and there was a buzz around. The whole excursion was a great experience and a real eye opener for many of us as statistics show that that every night 22,000 teenagers are homeless. Another point to note was that homelessness among young people is caused by mainly domestic violence. It made us realise how lucky we are to have a warm place that we can call home.

Mairead McCaffrey Year 11

College News

OLSH Newsletter

Enhancing Catholic School Identity Project http://web.cecv.catholic.edu.au/projects/identity/ecsip.htm

Catholic schools today are challenged to: • articulate their identity and vision • express their distinctiveness as Catholic schools in a society where the Christian faith is increasingly marginalized

To assist Victorian schools in facing these present realities the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd. (CECV) and the Catholic Education Offices have entered into a research partnership with the Catholic University in Leuven, Belgium (KULeuven) to profile and develop the Catholic Identity of Catholic Schools. The project is to assist schools to understand better how their Catholic identity is expressed in work and practice and to support them in their future development. Participation in the project involves the completion of a number of surveys by staff, students, parents and Board members in each school. All groups access the surveys online and are given password-protected access when undertaking the surveys. The surveys take approximately one hour to complete. The main questions being explored are about attitudes towards religion and about the school and its practices. The results will contribute to a reliable picture of our school’s Catholic Identity, which we will use to inform our School Improvement Plan for the next four years. OLSH Bentleigh Embracing the Project – what can you do? Last week all OLSH staff, both teaching and non-teaching, completed the surveys during our Wednesday afternoon Professional Learning Session. We are now organising for the surveys to be completed by a sample of our parent and student populations. All surveys are completed online using individual usernames and passwords and at no time will parents or students be identified individually. To complete this next stage we have been requested to gather a sample size of approximately 100 parents and 250 students. Samples such as these are usually generated randomly, but we would like to give all parents the opportunity to volunteer to complete these surveys. We will still randomly select parents if we do not get enough volunteers, but if you would like to participate, please send an email to Donna Lanz at dlanz@olsh.vic.edu.au.

We will also randomly select our student population from Year 7 – Year 12. If you would prefer that your daughter did not participate in this activity, please send an email to Donna at the above email address.

Ms Lynn Egan Assistant Principal College Organisation

Staff v Students Netball Game Friday, 24th of May marked the return of probably the biggest date on the OLSH Calendar...the staff versus students netball match. The last time it was held was in 2009 where the staff obliterated a good student team. 2013 saw an embarrassment of riches for the students. I can’t remember any point in my years at the College where we have had so many students playing representative netball at such a high level. The same could be not be said of the staff, with the retirement of OLSH netball legend Mrs Maureen Malone and Mrs Rayment leaving gaping holes in our lineup. New players Mrs Natalie Roussell and Mr Nick Wanless joined wily veterans Mrs Suzy Pask, Mrs Bronwyn Verrell, Mr Phil Carmody, Mrs Sarah Logan and Mr Howard Liston. The game started well, with Mr Wanless zipping around the circle and dropping a few goals in for the staff. At the other end, Paris Tatter and Emma Vakis were also making the most of their chances. As the students found their groove, the staff just had to sit back and watch the show. The final score was an embarrassing 28-6 loss. All I can say is wow! We really do have some incredibly talented players and it was great to watch them on an angle other than the sidelines! Thanks for the game girls and I better get to work on assembling a competitive team for 2014. Mr Paul Miller

Netball Coach

College News

OLSH Newsletter

SCSA Basketball MSAC

Intermediate Premiership

Congratulations to all the students who represented the College at the SCSA Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at MSAC. The coaches all commented on how wonderful it was to coach such fantastic basketball teams, with great sportsmanship and behaviour. Congratulations to Master Coach Mr Liston on a fantastic result with his Intermediate team.

Mr Nick Wanless Sports Coordinator

Junior Intermediate Senior MVP Kate Kelly-Oman Melissa Peet Shannon McInnes Encouragement Rebekah O’Brien Ruby Harkness Hannah Thomas

College News

Junior Congratulations to the junior team and Miss Shocker

on their great effort to finish 3rd.

The highlight of the day was a great 30 point win against Marian College.

The girls were undefeated after the group stage and in a good position, but lost a close semi-final to PCW.

Well done girls on a great team effort.

Intermediate PREMIERS!!!

Congratulations to the formidable Intermediate

team who comfortably won the Grand Final against PCW. A special mention goes to Ruby Harkness who

was awarded best player in the Grand Final.

A particular highlight was a crucial four point victory against SESG rival Sacred Heart, to set up a good

ladder position after the group stage.

Senior Well done to the Senior team, finishing 3rd on the day

was a great result.

Well done to the Year 12 students (Shannon McInnes, Hannah Thomas, Madi McClure, Abby Mackie, Lisa

Papacostas and Jessica Murphy) who have played their final game of Basketball for the school.

Also great to see the ‘old guard’ back to help out with Bridie Malone providing fantastic support on the day.

OLSH Newsletter

Heath, Physical Education & Food News Year 10 Advanced PE Mini-Triathlon On Thursday, 16 May, all the hard training that the class had been doing over the last 6 to-8 weeks was put to the test. We began on the bikes and rode for 4kms, followed by the 2.4km run. Then a quick dash to the pool area, we stripped down to swimming gear and jumped in for the third leg which was a 200m swim. It was a challenging event and all competitors pushed themselves to get their best time. First over the line was Gillian Lantouris (centre) in the time of 28 mins, 27 secs. She was closely followed by Ashley Kappa (right) and Stefani Savic (left) took out third place. Well done to all who had a go and gave it their best shot.

Food Technology As part of the Issoudun café catering curriculum this term, the students designed and

decorated their own cupcakes. These are a few of their amazing creations!

Mrs Robyn Rayment

Head of Heath/PE/Food Technology

Parents & Friends Fundraiser

College News

Emily Casaceli’s Apple ‘App’ cupcakes

Rebecca Kofler and Tessa Aldridge

Alecia Wong

Kaitlyn White

APRONS FOR SALE

Support OLSH College by purchasing this stylish apron!

Treat yourself, or mum or family and friends

Aprons are $12 each or 2 for $20

Made from sturdy black cotton drill, they are easy to wash and don’t show the dirt.

To order phone College Reception on 8520 9200.

Alternatively you can email office@olsh.vic.edu.au

Delivery will be made once payment has been received.

OLSH Newsletter

Performing Arts News

MUSIC DANCE DRAMA MUSICAL SOIREE A wonderful Musical Soiree was held last Wednesday, 22 May. A feast of musical entertainment was provided by our Instrumental and Voice students and warmly received by a most appreciative audience of family members, staff and friends. The varied programme included: choirs; jazz, percussion, guitar and string ensembles; a piano/clarinet duo; flute; voice and piano performances and rock band. Congratulations to all students who performed superbly, showcasing what they have learnt this semester. Special thanks to choir director, Mrs Kellie Mentlikowski; and Instrumental staff: Ms Melanie Adams, Mr Chris Bieniek, Ms Diana Clark, Mr Magesh Magesh, Mr Peter Malberg, Ms Elena Polevaya, Ms Clare Roberts, Ms Kim Tan and Ms Enya Widdicombe. WAKAKIRRI INDUSTRY DAY A few members of the OLSH creative team were able to attend an Industry day offered by Wakakirri. Students worked with professionals within the performing arts industry, to gain insight and knowledge in terms of lighting, directing, acting, performing and designing set and costumes for their own performance piece. The students have begun this creative process and rehearsals are underway. The students had a wonderful day and represented OLSH proudly. . .

Last Wednesday six girls and I went to industry day for Wakakirri at Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance studios. It was an incredible experience as we were taught different techniques used to produce a dance performance; and given ideas that we can use in the future. It was amazing and I enjoyed every moment of it! Amelia Firfilionis

I had a great time on the Wakakirri excursion to the Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance studios. It was a really informative and interesting day during which I learnt so much about sound and lighting. The people who ran each workshop had great knowledge about the particular area they were working in and shared their knowledge with everyone. Rachel McKenna

SEMESTER ONE DANCE SHOW Congratulations to Ms Gina Coetzee and the Semester one Year 7, 8 and Issoudun Dance students who presented a brilliant Dance Show on Tuesday, 28 May in the College Hall. The girls presented dances that they had learnt during their Dance lessons this semester and performed with style and confidence to a very appreciative audience. The girls are to be commended for their professional behaviour as they prepared for the night. Their commitment, energy and enthusiasm were evident in the realisation of most engaging performances. Well done, girls; we are very proud of you.

Mrs Michelle Fenton

Performing Arts Coordinator

College News

OLSH Newsletter

Dates for your Diary

Monday, 3 June Hartzer Residential Group 1 Begins

Year 7 Cyberbullying Day Tuesday, 4 June Inter SESG Basketball and Volleyball Wednesday, 5 June Junior SESG Basketball and Volleyball

Year 12 2014 Web Preferences Closes Thursday, 6 June Unit 1 VCE Exams begin ICAS Science Competition

Friday, 7 June Year 10 Exams Begin

Monday, 10 June Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday Student Free Day

SESG Junior and Inter Finals Basketball and Volleyball Wednesday, 12 June GAT Exam

Year 11 2014 Pathways Counselling Day

Year 11 2014 Web Preferences Opens Parents & Friends Meeting Boardroom 7.30pm All Welcome Monday, 17 June Report Writing Day Student Free Day

College News

The OLSH Canteen Roster

Mon 3 June Need help please Tues 4 June Need help please Wed 5 June Carolyn Peet Thurs 6 June Need help please Fri 7 June Judy Rogalsky

Mon 10 June Queen’s Birthday Holiday Tues 11 June Cathy Pantelidis Wed 12 June Need help please Thurs 13 June Leanne Kerr Fri 14 June Margaret Degering Jan Drew

Please call the College if you are able to assist in the Canteen. Any help is much appreciated.

IF YOUR DAUGHTER IS LATE OR ABSENT FROM SCHOOL ...

Thank you to all parents who have been using the Absence

Telephone number: 8520 9250.

The Absence line is the number to call if your daughter will not be attending school OR will be late for school that day. Please do not leave a message regarding your daughter’s

absence on the voicemail of the College’s switchboard number as this will not be automatically retrieved by

Student Reception. Many thanks for your ongoing support.

PLEASE TAKE CARE DRIVING AROUND OLSH!

Parents dropping off and picking up their daughters outside the College on Jasper Road and Robert Street are asked to be mindful of how and where they park, including leaving the driveways of our surrounding residents

clear.

In the interests of the safety of all our girls, please do not stop in front of the crossing flag on Jasper Rd or across the main exit driveways in Robert Street and please obey all road rules and parking restrictions in the area.

Your assistance and cooperation is much appreciated.