Dear Parents/Guardians, Students, Staff and Friends of OLSH College

Last Friday (11 September) we celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, one of the most significant days in the life of our OLSH community. It was a rich and meaningful occasion, providing an opportunity to reflect upon, celebrate and renew our commitment to the charism and mission entrusted to us by our founders, Father Jules Chevalier and Mother Marie Louise Hartzer.

Earlier this month, the leadership teams from the three OLSH Colleges in Australia - New South Wales (Kensington), Victoria (Bentleigh) and South Australia (Enfield), gathered for the annual OLSH Links Leadership Conference hosted by OLSH College, Bentleigh. Joining us were Sister Philippa Murphy, Provincial Leader, Sister Lorraine McCleary, and several OLSH Sisters from Bentleigh. The conference was enriched through a keynote address by renowned clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller, who challenged and inspired us through his reflections on neuroscience, learning, wellbeing and leadership. Importantly, the gathering also provided time for deeper reflection on our OLSH heritage and charism, renewing our understanding of the vision of Father Jules Chevalier and Mother Marie Louise Hartzer and our shared call to live with a Heart that is compassionate, welcoming and hope-filled.

Following the OLSH Links Leadership Conference, our staff further embraced this call through our Staff Reflection Day on Friday 4 September. More recently, on Friday 11 September, we came together as a community to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, sharing in prayer, reflection and thanksgiving as we renewed our commitment to the OLSH mission and charism.

We were delighted to celebrate Mass alongside our OLSH Sisters in Adelaide and warmly welcomed students, staff and families from our partner primary schools, including Immaculate Heart of Mary School (Bowden), St Brigid's Primary School (Kilburn), St Gabriel's Primary School (Enfield) and St Martin's Catholic Primary School (Greenacres). It was also a pleasure to welcome some of our future Year 7 students who will join the College in 2027, reminding us that the OLSH story continues to flourish through future generations.

Our Feast Day celebrations also provided an opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate the students participating in the semi-finals of OLSH Has Got Talent. Their enthusiasm, courage and creativity were on full display, and we look forward with great anticipation to the Grand Final on Friday 25 September.

A reflection on the Feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart:

As we gather as one community to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, we are reminded that this feast invites us to pause and remember who we are, why we are, and the mission we have inherited.

More than 150 years ago, Father Jules Chevalier dreamed of a world transformed by the love of the Heart of Jesus. Together with Mother Marie Louise Hartzer and the first OLSH Sisters, that dream became a reality through lives dedicated to faith, compassion, courage and service.

Their vision was never intended to remain in the past. It was a living vision, entrusted to each generation and handed on to us today. Every act of kindness, every gesture of welcome, every commitment to justice and every moment of compassion ensures that their mission continues to flourish.

Earlier this month, leaders from the three OLSH Colleges gathered and were reminded that while our campuses may be separated by distance, we are united by a common spirit and a shared mission. We are connected through something much deeper than geography; we are connected through our OLSH identity and through the charism that calls us to know and make known the love of the Heart of Jesus.

This same spirit has been evident in our Staff Reflection Day, in the life of our classrooms, in our service of others and in the many relationships that shape our community each day throughout the school year.

With the passing of the Feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, may we be renewed in our commitment to live with generous hearts, to be people of hope in a world that often needs encouragement, and to continue the mission entrusted to us with courage and faith.

May Our Lady of the Sacred Heart continue to guide and inspire us, and may we always be known as a community that leads with heart, serves with compassion and walks together in hope.

Term 3 Concludes

As Term 3 draws to a close, I wish all students, families and staff a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday break. Thank you for your ongoing support of our College and for the many ways you contribute to the life of our community.

Together, we continue to honour our rich OLSH heritage while embracing the future with confidence, trusting that the same spirit that inspired Father Jules Chevalier and Mother Marie Louise Hartzer continues to guide us today.

A reminder that the final day of Term 3 is Friday 25 September, with students dismissed at the normal time of 3:25pm. As we look ahead to Term 4, I remind all students and families that school resumes on Monday 12 October, and students are expected to be dressed in the full and correct summer uniform from the first day of term. Please take the opportunity over the holiday break to ensure all summer uniform items are ready for Day 1.

As we come to the end of another busy and rewarding term, we reflect with gratitude on the many opportunities, achievements, and moments of growth experienced across our College community. While Term 3 has brought its share of challenges, it has also been marked by resilience, learning, service and celebration.

I extend my sincere thanks to our hard-working staff for their ongoing commitment and care, and to our girls for embracing the call to be "full-time students" through their engagement in learning, participation in College life, and the kindness and respect they show one another each day.

I hope the holiday break provides every girl, family and staff member with an opportunity to rest, recharge and enjoy time with those who matter most. May the coming weeks bring renewal and refreshment as we prepare for a productive and successful final term of the year.

Wishing you all a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 4.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be Everywhere Loved, forever.

Maria Urbano
Principal

Last week, we welcomed Tyler Colthorpe to OLSH College as our new Maintenance and Grounds Officer. We are pleased to have Tyler join our staff team and look forward to the contribution he will make to our College community.

We recognise and celebrate two staff members for their dedicated years of service to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College.

Carol Adams
20 Years

Kathryn Knight
20 Years

Staff Reflection on ‘Encountering the Hearts of People’

Last week, our staff participated in a beautiful Reflection Day hosted by Brother Damien Price. Damien is a Christian Brother of the Oceania Province. Brother Damien teaches two masterclasses, one on Service Learning and one on School Retreats. Recently Damien published his new book, ‘Encounter a Lost Art’. Brother Damien’s passion is the power of story to bridge the dualistic divide that so polarises our world.

He spoke to staff about what an authentic spirituality of the heart looks like by applying it to both our own lives and the lives of the students we encounter. The day was very well received by staff and served as a reminder that what we do in schools is a privilege and an opportunity rather than merely a job. Like all good spirituality, it served to rejuvenate the soul.

I leave you with some of the many inspirational quotes we heard;

Wellbeing Week 2026 – Spreading Positivity

The week began on a high with a fun-filled lunchtime Karaoke session. Students and staff gathered in the middle courtyard to sing along to their favourite tunes, creating a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere. The session helped to lift moods, reduce stress, and strengthen social connections, while singing out our favourite tunes and dancing to them. While in the middle and senior courtyards, students shared a positive note, affirmation, quote and or comment to ‘spread positivity’ around the college community.

On Tuesday, students and staff slowed down and refocused with a peaceful yoga session. This moment of calm gave everyone the chance to stretch, breathe, and reset. It was a welcome pause from the busyness of school life and left participants feeling energised, grounded, and more centred for the week ahead.

The focus shifted to emotional, social and mental wellbeing on Wednesday. During Pastoral Care Lesson, we were fortunate to welcome back Madhavi Parker, Director of Positive Minds Australia and one of Australia’s leading experts on Wellbeing and Resilience, who also presented to our students earlier this year.

During her presentation, Madhavi shared practical strategies that students can use in their everyday lives to support both their own wellbeing and that of others. She highlighted four key messages:

1. You do not have to love school to benefit from it. School plays an important role in our growth and future opportunities.

2. Growth comes from experiencing challenges and discomfort. Facing difficult situations helps us develop resilience, learn new skills, and become stronger.

3. There is no shortcut through this stage of life. Students do not need to have everything figured out. School provides a safe environment to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow.

4. Be yourself. Authenticity and self-acceptance are important foundations for wellbeing.

Thursday brought a burst of energy with a whole-school push-up challenge, where students and staff collectively completed an impressive 2,223 push-ups, beating the 2025 total of 1,623. It was a fun and engaging experience, with students challenging each other and their teachers while also pushing themselves to new heights. A huge congratulations to the Year 11 students, who led the way with a remarkable 655 push-ups. Year 12s followed with 538 push-ups, staff completed 313, Year 10s achieved 258, Year 8s recorded 254, Year 9s completed 155, and Year 7s contributed 69 push-ups.

While the challenge involved doing push-ups, it was really about something much bigger than physical strength. It was about how we can build each other up every day, encouraging a friend when they're having a tough time, including someone who feels left out, celebrating each other's successes, and helping one another through challenges. This was evident with students cheering for each other, with the most noticeable being senior students cheering the Year 7s, 8s and 9s, who rose to the challenge!

Thursday was also the day we recognised R U OK? Day, a national initiative that encourages open, supportive conversations about mental health. Staff and students wore yellow ribbons as a visible show of support and awareness. While R U OK? Day happens once a year, its message is one we live by every day, where asking the simple question, "Are you OK?" can change a life. Checking in with peers, friends, and family is something we can all do regularly. A simple question, genuine listening, and a willingness to be there for others are key steps in building a caring and connected community.

Throughout the week, our school embraced the opportunity to reflect, recharge, and reconnect. From music and movement to conversations and challenges, each activity reminded us that wellbeing isn’t just a one-off event—it’s a daily commitment.

Mohammad Jafari
Assistant Principal - Student Wellbeing

The Push for Books! 

Books have the power to transport us to different worlds, challenge our thinking, spark our imagination, and help us understand the experiences of others. At OLSH College, our English teachers and library staff are passionate about placing the right book in the right hands at the right time and creating opportunities for students to discover the joy and value of reading. 

The benefits of reading extend far beyond the classroom. Reading for pleasure can improve sleep, reduce stress, build empathy, strengthen critical and creative thinking skills, and support academic success. Through a wide range of literary experiences, our students are developing not only as readers but as thoughtful, curious, and engaged learners. 

This year, our Year 10 and Stage 1 and 2 students have immersed themselves in a range of significant literary works, including Of Mice and Men, The Great Gatsby, A Doll's House, An Inspector Calls, and The Penelopiad. These enduring texts invite students to grapple with complex ideas, explore different perspectives, and develop the sophisticated analytical skills required for senior English Studies. Stage 1 and 2 students have also discovered that picture books are far more than children's stories, using them to sharpen their visual literacy skills and explore how authors and illustrators communicate powerful messages through words and images. 

We were delighted to welcome OLSH College's own picture book author, Robyn Clifford, into the classroom. Students gained fascinating insights into the creative process, learning how stories are shaped for different audiences and what happens behind the scenes when a book is selected for publication. Robyn's recently released picture book, Brother Pym, provided an inspiring example of how a story can move from idea to bookshelf. 

Our Stage 1 students also enjoyed an engaging session with Pink Shorts Press, exploring effective communication and the many possibilities in the publishing world. Students learned how strong writing skills are valued across creative industries, business, and government, while also gaining practical strategies to strengthen their own communication. The session encouraged students to think critically about language, refine their writing, and develop confidence in sharing their ideas with others. 

Our Year 9 and 10 students were thrilled to welcome back Poetry in Action, whose energetic performance brought poetry vividly to life. Through works such as Wilfred Owen's Dulce et Decorum Est, students explored both the craft of poetry and the devastating realities of war. The performance complemented learning in both English and HASS, while demonstrating how literature can deepen our understanding of historical events and human experiences. 

As part of our Book Week celebrations, Year 8 students participated in a workshop with Adelaide author Adam Cece. His latest novel, Locked Room, has quickly become a favourite among OLSH readers. Adam encouraged students to experiment with their own writing, explore opportunities such as competitions and writing groups, and embrace creativity with confidence. It was wonderful to see students eagerly borrowing books from the library following his visit, inspired by his enthusiasm for stories and storytelling. 

Several classes, including our Year 10 EALD English class, Year 8 English class, and Year 8 Language Enrichment class, have also been involved in a fast-paced reading program designed to build reading stamina, comprehension, and engagement. During these sessions, teachers read aloud from carefully selected novels while students actively followed the text and completed activities focused on vocabulary, comprehension, and discussion. 

Reading for pleasure is thriving at OLSH College thanks to the initiative of several enthusiastic students who were keen to start a Book Club. Roma (11 Hildegard) was especially instrumental in launching the club, creating opportunities for students to discuss their favourite novels and take part in fun, book-themed activities. Supported by Liz Crispe, English teachers, and ESOs, the library now buzzes with conversation every Thursday lunchtime as students gather to celebrate all things books. 

Research suggests that young readers benefit significantly from becoming immersed in complete, engaging novels, particularly when reading is supported by discussion and explicit comprehension strategies. By making extended reading a central part of classroom learning, students are developing confidence, strengthening their understanding, and discovering the pleasure that comes from becoming completely absorbed in a great book. 

As we continue to celebrate reading at OLSH College, we look forward to helping students discover new authors, new perspectives, and the lifelong rewards that books can bring. We encourage everyone to pick up a book and read today! 

Bianca Hodgkiss
Leader of Learning | English, EALD & Languages

International Students Enjoy a Memorable Adelaide Hills Excursion

Our new long-term international students and study tour student from Japan recently enjoyed a wonderful day exploring the beautiful Adelaide Hills.

Our first stop was Gorge Wildlife Park, where the girls had the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals. They enjoyed hand-feeding wallabies and experienced one of the highlights of the day, holding a koala. For many students, this was a truly memorable Australian experience.

The excursion continued with a visit to the historic German village of Hahndorf. The girls enjoyed exploring the picturesque main street, browsing local shops for souvenirs, and immersing themselves in the unique culture and history of this Adelaide Hills town.

For most of the girls, this was their first visit to the Adelaide Hills, making the day even more special. Beyond sightseeing, the excursion provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect outside the school environment, build friendships, and share experiences together.

It was a fantastic day filled with fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

Student Quote:

Thank you for taking us on this wonderful trip. We had a great time and really enjoyed it. Especially holding the Koala. It was a great experience for me as an international student. We all loved it and it helped us to just get away from school work and have some fun. Mandakini, 10 Kahlo

"The immersion showed me that sometimes stepping outside of your comfort zone and saying yes to an opportunity can lead to experiences that change the way you see yourself and the world around you. I would strongly encourage other students to take part in an immersion if they are given the opportunity. Not only is it a chance to travel and experience new places, but it is also an opportunity to meet new people, build confidence, create friendships and learn more about yourself and the wider OLSH community."

Calisthenics State Team Success in Perth

National Pool Rescue Championships

Congratulations to Daniela (9 Scott), who competed in the Australian Pool Rescue Championships, held in Adelaide last month. Pool Rescue is a competitive lifesaving sport that combines swimming, lifesaving techniques and rescue equipment in a range of individual and team events designed to simulate real-life rescue situations

Poetry Mentoring Workshop