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

As we begin Term 4, I extend a heartfelt welcome to all members of our OLSH College community. This final term of the year is a time of reflection, celebration and anticipation. We give thanks for all that has been achieved, continue to grow in faith and learning, and prepare for the transitions that lie ahead. Guided by the spirit and mission of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, we are called to live with courage, compassion, and hope as we accompany one another through this important time of the year.

To our dedicated staff, thank you for your continued commitment to nurturing the spiritual, academic, social, emotional and physical growth of every OLSH girl. Through your generosity, professionalism, and care, you bring to life the OLSH Pillars of Education that sit at the heart of our College. Your daily efforts foster a community where every girl and young woman is known, valued, and encouraged to flourish, and where excellence is pursued in an environment of belonging, inclusion and hope.

To our students, I encourage each of you to embrace the opportunities this term presents. Whether you are completing assessments, participating in co-curricular activities, strengthening friendships, or serving others, every experience provides an opportunity to grow as a learner and as a person. At OLSH College, we believe each girl has the capacity to make a meaningful contribution to the world around her. Continue to strive for your personal best, support one another generously, and approach each day with confidence and gratitude.

A special message to our Year 12 students: as you approach the conclusion of your secondary education, know that you carry with you the hopes, prayers and pride of the entire OLSH College community. Throughout your years at the College, you have grown as learners, leaders and young women of faith. Your journey has been marked by resilience, courage, and commitment. As you prepare for examinations and the next chapter of your lives, remember that the OLSH spirit will always remain part of who you are. While your time as students is drawing to a close, your journey of learning, service, and leadership is only just beginning. We look forward to celebrating your achievements and accompanying you through these final important weeks.

To our parents and caregivers, thank you for your continued partnership and trust. The strength of our College community lies in the relationships we share and the collective commitment to supporting each girl and young woman entrusted to our care. We are grateful for the role you play in helping your daughter/s grow into confident, compassionate and capable young women.

As a community inspired by the love of the Heart of Jesus and the example of Mary, let us move forward together with hope, gratitude and purpose. May Term 4 be a time of achievement, growth, and joyful celebration as we continue to write the next chapter of the OLSH story together.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be Everywhere Loved,
Maria Urbano, Principal

Our prayers and deepest sympathies are extended to the family and loved ones of alumna Jillian Mary Hutt, who passed away on Sunday 13 September.

Jill commenced her education at OLSH College in 1962 as a Year 8 student and remained a treasured member of our College community throughout her life. She attended our 70th Anniversary Celebrations in 2021 and continued to maintain a keen interest in the life, growth and development of the College. While she was unfortunately unable to attend the Opening and Blessing of the Hartzer Building on 11 August 2026, she generously conveyed a message of congratulations and support in recognition of this significant milestone.

We remain grateful for Jill's enduring fondness and connection to OLSH College and the interest and affection she held for her alma mater throughout the years. We give thanks for Jill's lifelong connection to OLSH and pray that she now rests in God's peace and love.

May Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May the souls of all the faithful departed 
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
- Amen -

Drawing New Maps of Hope: Pope Leo XIV’s Vision for Catholic Education

In his Apostolic Letter Drawing New Maps of Hope, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the mission of Catholic education sixty years after Gravissimum Educationis. He reminds educators that education is not simply about passing on information. Rather, it is one of the Church’s most important ways of sharing the Gospel and helping young people discover purpose and hope. In a rapidly changing, digital world, the Pope argues that Catholic schools must continue to build bridges between faith and reason, knowledge and justice, and learning and service. He describes the Gospel as a living source of wisdom that remains relevant in every generation, helping educational communities respond creatively to contemporary challenges while remaining rooted in Christ. Catholic schools are called to form not only capable students, but compassionate, thoughtful and faith-filled people who can contribute positively to society.

A Beacon in the Night: The OLSH Religious Education Vision

At OLSH College, our Religious Education vision closely echoes Pope Leo’s message. As the Apostolic Letter beautifully states, the Gospel and the educational traditions it has inspired have been “a lifeline” in stormy weather, “a sail unfurled” in calm weather, and “a beacon in the night to guide navigation.”

Our Religious Education program seeks to present the wisdom of the Gospels in ways that connect with the real concerns of young people in 2026. While technology has transformed almost every aspect of life, the deepest human questions remain unchanged. Students still seek meaning and belonging. They want to know what it means to live a good life.

The Gospel offers more than rules or beliefs. It provides wisdom about the virtues that help people flourish: compassion, integrity, humility, resilience and forgiveness. It also helps us recognise the character flaws that can derail our lives, such as selfishness, pride, greed and indifference. In a culture where social media can sometimes reward comparison, outrage and superficiality, Gospel wisdom offers a different path.

By helping students engage critically with the world and reflect deeply on what it means to be fully human, Religious Education becomes a beacon in the night, guiding them towards lives of purpose and human flourishing.

Damian Creazzo | Assistant Principal, Religious Identity & Mission

Wednesday 23 September, Heart’s Kitchen concluded after another successful year. Across 10 sessions held throughout Terms 2 and 3, senior students prepared more than 145 litres of pumpkin soup, a range of vegetarian savoury dishes, an assortment of sweet and savoury pastries, muffins and a variety of biscuits.

These delicious and nourishing meals were lovingly delivered to St Vincent de Paul (St Vinnies), where they were distributed to community members through Fred's Van.

Fred's Van is a program operated by the St Vincent de Paul Society that provides meals, drinks, blankets, and other essential support services to people experiencing homelessness, social isolation, disadvantage, or other hardships within the community.

Throughout the Heart’s Kitchen sessions, the atmosphere was vibrant and purposeful, with students working collaboratively to create dishes for those in need. In doing so, they consistently demonstrated the four OLSH Pillars by being Faith-Filled, Reverencing Relationships, Pursuing Excellence, and Touching the Hearts of Others through their generosity, compassion, and service.

Towards the end of Term 3, two OLSH College students from Year 11 Legal Studies attended the annual SA Schools Constitutional Convention at Parliament House.

The day began when about 75 students from schools across the state gathered in the House of Assembly to listen to opening remarks from the Member for Colton, Ms Aria Bolkus. She introduced a speaker keynote, Associate Professor Joe McIntyre of Adelaide University, who delivered a dynamic presentation to address if there should be a preamble to the Australian Constitution.

Throughout the day, students were involved in group discussions and a fascinating Q&A session with a panel that included Ms Ellia Shaw MP (ALP), Hon. Heidi Girolamo MLC (Lib), Mr David Paton (ONP) and Senator Charlotte Walker (ALP), who became Australia’s youngest ever senator at 21 years of age. It concluded in the afternoon with student debates and voting back in the House of Assembly.

The thoughts and impressions of both students are included below and show that the convention again was a very worthwhile experience in the development of young citizens and future voters in Australian society.

Michael Roberts | Legal Studies Teacher

"Attending the SA Schools Constitutional Convention was an immensely rewarding and fascinating experience. Initially curious about the collaboration between different students, our discussions and conversations evolved into debates about the Australian preamble. One of the most memorable moments was sharing my opinions in the House of Representatives and listening to the diverse thoughts of the other participants. Additionally, the panel of politicians encouraged us to continue being civically engaged and seek expert perspectives on the preamble. By the end, I left with newfound knowledge of parliamentary processes, including referendums and debating, as well as new connections and a greater understanding of how my actions have the potential to contribute to the community." Sana - 11 Cowan

"To be able to attend the SA Schools Constitutional Convention was an empowering, enjoyable and memorable experience. It gave me the opportunity to learn more about Australian democracy, citizenship and the role young people can play in our community. I enjoyed participating in discussions, hearing different perspectives and sharing my own ideas in an environment where young people were encouraged to speak up. The experience helped me realise that our opinions and voices are valuable, and that young people have an important role in shaping the future of our community.
The convention was also a great opportunity to meet new people and connect with other young people who were interested in making a positive difference. The interactive activities, discussions and opportunities to ask questions made the day both educational and fun. Overall, the experience increased my confidence in expressing my opinions and encouraged me to become more involved in my community. It was a valuable experience that I will remember and take what I learned from into the future." Gitika - 11 Hildegard

The Year 11 Legal Studies class, accompanied by Ms Nicola Davis-Bedford and myself, visited the South Australian Law Courts in Victoria Square near the end of Term 3. The class firstly visited one of the Magistrates Courts, which are almost always busy dealing with a variety of summary offences. One experience the students had, which rarely occurs, was the chance to ask the magistrate questions about his duties once he had completed the first session. They then made their way to the Supreme Court, where they were able to observe the prosecutor of a well-known murder trial making his closing arguments. They also managed to witness a man in the District Court who was representing himself with a submission that sounded like it had been written using AI. This is a practice, we were told, that has become more common in recent times but was not recommended.

"It was really beneficial to see everything we’ve learnt in class play out in real life." Hadyah - 11 Hildegard 

"Going to the law courts excursion was an eye-opening experience and provided me with a firsthand look at a lawyer’s career." Zahra - 11 Shelley

"It gave me an insight into the real world." Krystal - 11 Shelley

"Attending the Magistrates, District and Supreme courts was enlightening where we saw a variety of cases dealing with topics such as driving offences, trespass, assault and even murder. It was an interesting experience that enabled us to gain a deeper understanding of everyday legal processes." Sana - 11 Cowan

While court scenes on television and in movies have the primary purpose of entertaining their audience, the excursion enabled students to realise that, in reality, courts of law appear to be a lot more laborious and are focused solely on careful analysis of the facts and the pursuit of truth and justice.

Michael Roberts | 11 Legal Studies Teacher

On behalf of Prospect/Kilburn Conference of St. Vincent De Paul Society SA (SVDPSA), we
sincerely thank you and the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) College for your generous
support of our Winter Appeal.
Your thoughtful donations of food provided hope and practical assistance to those in need at
our local community.
Thank you once again for your generosity.

With gratitude,
Marie Whitehead - President
Prospect/Kilburn Conference, SVDPSA