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 At Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College,

we pursue excellence

Dear Family and Friends of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College,

The first International Women's Day was held in 1911. The theme for International Women’s Day 2014 is ‘Inspiring Change’.

Some interesting facts to ponder from statistics gathered worldwide…

On average, by age 18, girls receive 4.4 years less education than boys.

Women account for two thirds of the world’s 774 million illiterate adults – a proportion that is unchanged over the past two decades.

Primary education of 72 million children – 54 per cent of them girls – occurs out of school.

Around the world, women continue to be under represented in national parliaments; on average only 17 per cent of seats are occupied by women. The highest positions are even more elusive: only seven of 150 elected Heads of State in the world are women, and only eleven of 192 Heads of Government. (Source: United Nations Statistic Division)

As a College that is “passionate about the education of young women and their success” we recognise International Women’s Day. It is essential that, as a community and society, we continue to educate our girls to be compassionate and strong advocates who respect the dignity of all people, and strive for justice and equality in all areas of living.

During this past week we commenced the season of Lent. As we walk the path of Lent we are reminded of our need to be aware

of God’s call deep in our hearts. It is a call to change of Heart – are we ready to change?

I shall give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you. Ezekiel 36:26

Anne O’Loughlin Principal

Volume 43, Number 3 Friday March 7, 2014

Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God! Teilhard de Chardin SJ

NEWSLETTER

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During Lent we are encouraged to find our own ways of expressing our thanks for God’s love. The penitential action we undertake should have both a spiritual and a practical dimension. For example, our self-examination might lead us to identify what we need to abstain from in order to live better. Perhaps we need to fast from being so critical of each other so that others are spared our negativity; from too much work in order to spend more time with those we love; from our ceaseless activity so that we can put a little breath back into our lives, to really become aware of God’s presence in us, making us easier people to live with.

Sr Megan Donohue fdnsc Assistant Principal Faith and Mission

Last Tuesday we attended the official launch of Project Compassion in at Federation Square. There was a focus on the practical action Caritas gives to those in need. This was demonstrated through the main presentation which was about the favelas in Brazil, the poor slum areas where millions of people live. Unfortunately the favelas are known to be places where gangs are prevalent and where there are numerous drug issues and family problems. Caritas is actively working to improving living conditions for families in the favelas. Caritas is also working to challenge long held perceptions so the people in the favelas don't live with as much prejudice. We also heard from Archbishop Denis Hart. He kept reminding us of the theme for this year which comes from Jesus' words, "I have come that you may have life and have it to the full'. We also heard from Jessica and Andre da Silva, leaders and educators with the movement for the defence of favela residents in São Paulo, Brazil. As you know our money in this year's Lenten appeal is being split between Project Compassion, (a work of Caritas), Comboni high school in South Sudan and Kiribati. These last two places are where we have OLSH Sisters living and working with those in need. We are focusing on the 3 s's – sacrifice, service and selflessness in our Lenten activities. Chloe Hart, Aviva White, Aisling Atkins (Faith and Mission Captains) Maria Farag and Brittany Marshall (Justice and Peace Leaders)

Faith and Mission

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Wellbeing @ OLSH Matters OLSH was fortunate enough in the past week to have two great speakers - Dr Michael Carr Gregg and Kelly Nash (see page 7 for further detail) - speak to our girls on all matters of wellbeing.

Dr Michael Carr Gregg has had a long association with the College and was warmly welcomed by Year 12 students, parents and staff last Wednesday morning for breakfast. His topic for the day was Surviving Year 12, however, his message and tips can be integrated in all of our lives. Over the next few newsletters his 20 tips on ‘surviving well’ will appear, along with a number of very good apps.

An action for happiness - if you can't change it, change the way you think about it 20 tips for Surviving Year 12/Life Well

Tip 1 Make sleep a priority - 90% of Year 10-12 students are not getting enough sleep. They require 8.25-9.25hrs (Adolescent Sleep Patterns- Mary A Carskadon 2002). A lack of sleep has physiological, psychological and cognitive effects.

To sleep effectively: dim lights on screens 30 minutes before bed, implement routine times to sleep and wake, cool down (no hot showers) minimise anxiety, avoid stimulants, turn digital clock lights away. Drink warm milk, camomile tea, peppermint tea, chillax (natural relaxation and sleep drink) 30ml twice a day.

Apps SleepBot app Sleep Cycle Alarm clock Sleep Time

Tip 2 Eat brain food – cereal, eggs, yoghurt, orange juice, fish oil/flaxseed oil, blueberries, walnuts, yoghurt, avocado. Tip 3 Time your study session - for productive study sessions break them up into 50 minute sessions with a 15 minute break and then repeat it. Tip 4 Sip water every 20 minutes while studying. Tip 5 No coffee after 5pm.

Student Wellbeing News

Students, parents and staff enjoying the Michael Carr Gregg presentation last week

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On Wednesday February 19 the College was invited to take a tour of Parliament House at night.

Students and their parents were given the opportunity to visit both houses of Parliament, the library and other rooms not generally available to the public. Hosted by Elizabeth Miller MP, Member for Bentleigh, the students were able to mix with other schools in the local area and met the Treasurer of Victoria The Hon. Michael O’Brien, MP, the Minister for Education The Hon. Martin Dixon, MP and the Minister for Youth Affairs, The Hon. Ryan Smith, MP.

We thank Elizabeth Miller MP for providing us with this unique opportunity and are grateful to Natasha Ockenden (Year 11) and her parents Heather and Nick, and Georgie Sturt (Year 10) and her parents Neale and Tanya, for representing the College community.

Parents and students are reminded that the Athletics Carnival is a compulsory day for all students.

All students are expected to be in attendance. A medical certificate must be supplied for absence on this day. Students are reminded to be in full school PE uniform.

How do I raise a Resilient Child?

The 32 emotional and social skills involved in building resilience at any age Wednesday March 19 at 7.30pm

Location: Rosstrevor Hall, Brighton Grammar Old Middle School, entrance off Allee St, opposite the new Middle School

and the Girrawheen Chapel.

Presenter: Melissa Anderson – Director of SHINE Academy for Girls and LONGFORD & FRASER for boys, resilience coach, counsellor, pharmacist.

Cost: Nil. A gold coin donation to a selected charity is warmly welcomed.

Bookings: 9592 4948

Ms Dina Oro Assistant Principal Student Wellbeing

Student Wellbeing News

From left, The Minister for Education The Hon. Martin Dixon, MP, Georgie Sturt, Elizabeth Miller

MP, Natasha Ockenden, and The Minister for Youth Affairs, The Hon. Ryan Smith, MP

Neale, Tanya and Georgie Sturt, with Natasha Ockenden, and her parents Heather and Nick

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Arts have had a very successful start to 2014. Beginning the year was Zoe Kostopoulos, Year 12, attending the National Gallery of Australia Summer School, followed closely by Isabelle Burns, Year 12, winning the prestigious Shaun Tan Drawing Prize.

The photograph of Zoe (left) shows the books that were donated to the College on behalf of the National Gallery as part of Zoe’s prize. Congratulations to both girls for their winning entries but also these awards are a tribute to their hard work and commitment to their art. The Year 7 students have been exploring the human face and the faces of themselves and their friends. They will use the knowledge gained to create an art work for ‘Harmony Day’ on March 21. Year 8 and 9 students have been working on their drawing and painting skills, while the Year 10 students have been examining closely the insect world (pictured). Year 10 students have also explored etching. Year 11 have begun the year strongly with wonderful drawings and experiments with media. Year 12 are well and truly into their studio practice exploring their own individual passions and creating unique works.

Mrs Bronwyn Cottrell Head of Arts

On Tuesday February 11, Demika Tantra and I attended the Rotary Youth Service Cluster Seminar at the Buckingham Conference centre, from 6pm to 9pm. Our sponsors had invited us to speak about our participation in the Rotary-based activities. The evening included presentations from activities organised through Rotary; namely, Youth Exchange, the National Science Forum and the annual Year 10 Four-Way Test Public Speaking Contest – one which I was involved in. Last year, Demika and Dariyn Girton were involved in the Model United Nations Assembly. Both Demika and I were invited to speak about our experiences last year, with a focus on how we had benefited from both programs. It was quite a daunting experience presenting to a large audience; however, we managed it quite well and enjoyed ourselves in the process. Personally, I think we were great ambassadors for OLSH College!

Sarah Jones Year 11

College News

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In Pastoral Care, Kelly Nash, alias Evelyn Summers, gave a provocative and very funny presentation on ‘Body Image’ to students in Issoudun and Year 10 - focusing mainly on how media is pressuring us into wanting to fit into the “what’s hot” category of culture, She explained to us why it is okay to be “what’s not hot”. Using various leaves as a metaphor for body types, Kelly debunked the myth that women should feel obliged to all fit into one category. If we were to walk past a tree, would we criticize each leaf for having flaws or for not being as ‘perfect’ as other leaves? No, because that would be ridiculous. So why isn’t it deemed ridiculous that we criticize our so-called flaws? Just like leaves in a garden we all come in different shapes and sizes, so rather than criticize ourselves, we should celebrate that we are all individual and unique.

"The session we had with Kelly Nash was great! She was funny, and she made us all realise that we should be happy with the bodies that we are in. Kelly is a very inspirational woman." Jessica Thatcher (Issoudun)

“Kelly convinced us that we are beautiful no matter what shape, size or colour we are. I'm really glad we had that session with Kelly Nash! Sweta Prashad (10 Red)

In the words of Kelly herself, “We should only ever aspire to be the perfect version of ourselves.” She reminded us that beauty is also about courage, wit, kindness, generosity and intelligence and not simply flawless skin or cellulite-free body.

Brooke Stevens Issoudun Green

College News

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A huge thank you to everyone who helped out with the Year 7 Swim Carnival last Friday afternoon. The Vet Sport and Recreation class did a superb job, organising and running the event to help out with an upcoming assessment; I’m sure Mrs Rayment was very proud. The student leaders from Year 8 (Micaela Harvie, Zoe Moran, Hannah Layzell and Ashleigh Meredith) and Issoudun (Brooke Stevens, Genevieve Gallucci, Claudia Carter and Emily D’Rose) were also fantastic organising the Year 7 students for their races. Also thanks to Mrs Bullen, Mrs Canty, Mr Vatta, Mrs Rayment, Ms Schocker and Ms Byers who were all a great help on the day.

Also congratulations to the following students who qualified and raced in the 50m Invitational for the prize of:

College News

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Special thanks to Mrs Bullen, Mrs Naylor and Mrs Petering on preparing the impressive tennis teams for our annual SCSA Tournament. OLSH once again produced some excellent results with two teams narrowly missing premierships coming 2nd and just missing out in the Grand Finals.

Mr Nick Wanless Sports Coordinator

College News

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How to make a bid?

1. Send an email to groberts@olsh.vic.edu.au with your name and

the amount you wish to pay.

2. Come into the office where you can view the picture and see

Dagmar Emmery to make a bid.

3. The latest date for accepting bids is Friday March 21.

Picture goes to highest bidder!!!

Kiribati is one of the poorest nations in the world.

Your support is much appreciated.

College News

VIP DAY

Thursday March 13 10am – 7pm

Receive 20% off full price merchandise 6% rebate back to OLSH

Moorabbin Store, 85 Cochranes Road

VIP number 800339 quote to receive your discount!

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As part of their work in Drama this year, Year 8 students attended a performance titled Impro Zone on Thursday February 20.

Impro Zone is an exciting and motivating performance that illustrates and inspires creativity and risk taking. Built around the fundamental skills of improvisation – spontaneity, character and scene building – Impro Zone practically demonstrates skills which can be applied to any chosen area of improvisation, including Theatresports.

Our Year 8 students were treated to a wonderful demonstration of improvisation and several students participated in some of the activities with the actors.

The inaugural Catholic Schools Performing Arts Gala will be staged at the Palais Theatre on September 13, 2014. This event run by the Catholic Education Office Melbourne will be a Variety concert of the highest quality. Enthusiastic and dedicated singers, dancers and musicians have been asked to audition for the 400 strong student gala.

A number of OLSH musicians, dancers and singers have auditioned for this exciting new event and we are delighted to announce that Year 8 student Angela Edgley has landed a lead role. Congratulations, Angela; we are very proud of you. News of our other students will be posted in forthcoming newsletters.

Our VCE Drama students attended a fabulous workshop last week to assist them in the development of their ensemble performances, a major assessment task in their Unit 1 and 3 Drama studies.

The girls joined the Education Ensemble Team at The Malthouse for a day of exploring non-naturalism and how it can be manipulated to create group devised drama. This valuable workshop focussed on conventions and dramatic elements, allowing students to observe, direct and finally create an ensemble performance.

Our girls participated with great enthusiasm and commitment; and they are already devising their own ensembles, using techniques that were learnt at the workshop.

Mrs Michelle Fenton Performing Arts Coordinator

College News

Cameron Davis, Lily Aldridge, Jaimee Woods-Scamporlino and Cindy Ve with actor Rik Brown from Impro Melbourne

Amorise Byers, left, having fun performing with Impro Melbourne actors

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College News

70 Years at

the Heart of

Girls’ Education

OLSH Canteen

Please be aware that Pastoral Care, including home visits and ongoing support, is available to the OLSH Community.

Please contact Sister Elizabeth Taylor

at the College on 8520 9200 if you would like any further information.