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

A little quieter week this week as the College settles down after last week’s Year 12 Leaver’s Week where some farewell rites were celebrated with our Year 12 students including – the last ringing of the school break, breakfast, liturgy, and assembly. We extend our best wishes to all our Year 12 students as they move into the examination period and final assessments.

Welcome to our 2027 - Year 7 Families

Amid the farewells that naturally come at this time of year, we are also delighted to celebrate new beginnings. On Monday evening, 26 October, we warmly welcomed our newest OLSH parents and caregivers, and on Thursday 29 October, we look forward to welcoming our incoming Year 7 students for 2027 for their second Transition Day. We hope this marks the beginning of six wonderful years at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, a journey filled with learning, discovery, friendship, personal growth, and a genuine sense of belonging to our OLSH College community.

As we begin to farewell our Year 12 students and celebrate the completion of their journey at OLSH College, we are reminded of the wonderful cycle of College life. As one cohort prepares to leave us, another is beginning its journey. Having met our incoming students, we have already had the privilege of welcoming the young people who, in just a few short years, will become our Year 12 Class of 2032. It is a lovely reminder of the continuity of our OLSH College community, where each farewell makes way for a new beginning and another generation of OLSH students begins to write its own story.

At this time of the year, once again, I take the opportunity to recognise and acknowledge all OLSH College staff. I am very aware of the many demands, initiatives and events that have occurred throughout the year, as well as those currently being planned and prepared for. These successful events would simply not be possible without the incredible dedication of our school community. I sincerely thank our incredible staff for their hard work, commitment, and professionalism. Their dedication to planning, teaching and supporting our girls, often going above and beyond, is what makes OLSH College the special place it is.  Their collective efforts are central to every success our students achieve.

World Teachers’ Day & Staff Appreciation Day | Friday 30 October 

Staffing Updates

Sandra Ficara, Accounts Receivable Officer, will conclude her time at OLSH College on Wednesday 4 November 2026. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sandra for her hard work, commitment and valued contribution to the College, particularly within Accounts Receivable and the Finance Team. We are grateful for all Sandra has contributed during her time with us and warmly wish her every happiness and success for the future.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be Everywhere Loved,

Maria Urbano
Principal

Growing into Leadership: Small Actions, Strong Foundations

The 2026 and 2027 Student Leadership teams are also navigating a period of transition. Before the 2027 team officially commences its roles, the students are informally handing over responsibilities and sharing leadership duties.

As we conducted and concluded the leadership discernment process, many girls talked to me about how they can ensure they are a leader in the future. This is a question that can not be answered. At OLSH College we are privileged to have such a high number of students applying for roles, making the process highly competitive. However, it might be timely to reflect on how one grows into Leadership, whether that be to attain positions in the future or simply growing in leadership so that all girls can lead throughout life in whatever they undertake.

Leadership is not something that suddenly begins when a student is appointed to a formal position and it is certainly not a list of tasks that can be ticked off to say you have reached leadership capability. Long before a title is given or a badge is pinned on, leadership is being shaped through everyday experiences, relationships and choices.

At its heart, leadership begins with character. It is found in the student who includes someone who is standing alone, who speaks respectfully when opinions differ, who takes responsibility when something goes wrong, and who chooses what is right even when it may not be the easiest or most popular choice. These moments may seem small, but collectively they build the foundations of authentic leadership.

Courage is equally important. All girls have opportunities to step beyond what feels comfortable: contributing an idea in class, volunteering for something new, speaking at an assembly, joining a co-curricular activity, leading a College Tour or simply having the confidence to ask a question. Courage does not mean being without fear or uncertainty. It means being prepared to have a go despite them.

Future leaders also learn to listen. Leadership is not about having the loudest voice in the room. Strong leaders notice others, seek different perspectives and understand that they do not always have to have the answer. Developing empathy, curiosity and an openness to feedback enables all girls to build relationships based on trust and respect.

Another important quality is initiative. Rather than waiting to be asked, emerging leaders begin to see themselves as people capable of influencing their College community positively.

Importantly, leadership also requires resilience. Not every idea will succeed. Throughout life, girls will experience disappointment, make mistakes, miss opportunities and occasionally discover that something they tried simply did not work. These experiences are not evidence that they are not leaders. They are often the very experiences through which leadership grows. Learning to reflect, adjust and try again develops humility, perseverance and confidence.

We want all OLSHies to recognise that there is no single personality type for leadership. Leaders can be confident and outspoken, but they can also be thoughtful, quiet and reflective. Leadership may be highly visible, or it may occur quietly through service and encouragement of others. What matters is the willingness to contribute with courage, compassion, integrity and purpose.

All girls have the capability to grow their leadership by:

• getting involved in College life and trying new experiences
• developing consistent habits in relation to attendance and study
• showing kindness and including others
• listening to and learning from different perspectives
• taking responsibility for their choices

• demonstrating initiative rather than waiting to be asked

• responding positively to feedback

• persevering when things do not go according to plan

• serving others without expecting recognition

• developing the confidence to use their voice when something matters

In a Catholic school community under the charism of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, leadership ultimately calls us beyond ourselves. It invites all OLSHies to ask not simply, “What position might I hold?” but rather, “How can I use my gifts to make a positive difference for others?”

Our challenge, therefore, is not simply to identify our future leaders, but to grow leadership in every girl. When OLSHies are given opportunities to participate, take responsibility, serve, make mistakes, reflect and try again, they begin to discover both who they are and the contribution they can make.

Tomorrow's leaders are already among us in the OLSH community. Leadership begins today, through small acts of courage, kindness, responsibility and service that, over time, shape young women ready to lead with confidence, compassion and heart.

I thank the 2026 Student Leaders for their vision, sense of fun and the commitment they have shown to grow into their roles. Congratulations also to the 2027 team who will carry on the legacy of Student Leaders who have served before them with courage, compassion and great care for their OLSH community.

Sonia Venour
Acting Deputy Principal

2027 Student Leadership Team

College Captain
Ruby

College Co-Vice Captain
Kaitlyn

College Co-Vice Captain
Mae

Arts Captain
Nikita

Social Justice Captain
Tahlia

Sports Captain
Eliza

Chevalier Captain
Ana

Chevalier Vice Captain
Alessia

Hartzer Captain
Amber

Hartzer Vice Captain
Roya

Roncalli Captain
Amy

Roncalli Vice Captain
Vivian

Xavier Captain
Aurellie

Xavier Vice Captain
Agnes

Congratulations to the students appointed to leadership positions for 2027. We wish them every success as they lead with courage, compassion and heart.

As another graduating class prepares to leave OLSH College, we are reminded that education is about much more than examinations, university pathways and career choices. At its heart, Catholic education seeks to form young people who know their worth, recognise the dignity of others, and ‘have life, and have it to the full’.

These themes are beautifully captured in Charlie Mackesy's The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. The story follows four companions travelling through life's uncertainties while sharing conversations about courage, friendship, loss and love. Through their journey, readers discover a simple but powerful truth: we all need one another, and we all need hope.

Recently, this text featured in a staff professional learning session. As I listened, I could not help but think of Tony de Mello, the Jesuit priest whose work underpins an important unit of study for our Year 12 students. De Mello often challenged people to awaken from fear and illusion so that they could see God's presence within themselves and others.

Mackesy's characters offer similar wisdom. "I'm so small," said the mole. Yet the story gently reminds us that significance is not measured by size or success. Indeed, when the question arises, "What do you think success is?" the answer points us towards love and friendship, not achievement.

The story also reminds us that "everyone is trying to get home." For Christians, this journey is both literal and spiritual. We seek belonging, purpose and ultimately fullness of life in God.

Perhaps the most important lesson for our graduates is to remember that "you matter and are loved, and you can bring this world things no one else can." In a society often focused on division, this message is complemented by another beautiful insight: "Sometimes all you hear about is the hate, but there is more love in this world than you can possibly imagine."

As our students depart OLSH College, our prayer is simple. May they continue to "be less afraid," live with courage and compassion, and never forget that "to love and to be loved is why we are here."

Damian Creazzo
Assistant Principal - Religious Identity & Mission

Youth Jury Representative for the 2026 Adelaide Film Festival Youth

Congratulations to Nikita, who was selected as part of the Youth Jury for the 2026 Adelaide Film Festival Youth (AFF Youth).

"It was quite the experience where I got to view and judge remarkable films created by students across South Australia. Throughout the program, I got the opportunity to meet other students with likeminded interests, and together we nominated films and decided on the winners for each category.

Last Wednesday, I attended the Schools Screenings Day which featured the screening of Fernanda Tovar’s debut film Sad Girlz alongside a filmmaking panel. The following evening, I had the privilege of attending the AFF Youth Gala at The Mercury where I had an amazing experience - taking photos on the Pink Carpet, chatting with other jury members, and got to watch the nominated films on a cinema screen.

If you have a keen interest in film and are turning 15 (or over) in 2027, then I’d highly recommend applying for next year’s Youth Jury program." - Bich-Ngan (Nikita) (11 Hildegard)

Volleyball SA Players Player Award

Congratulations to Ana, who received the 2026 Australian Youth Volleyball Championships (AYVC) U18 Girls Players' Player Award from Volleyball South Australia. A fantastic and well-deserved achievement, congratulations.

On Wednesday, 14 October, our Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) Student Advisory Body (SAB) representatives, Tahlia (10 Scott), Mia (10 Kahlo), Victoria (9 Gardiner) and Hayley (9 Kahlo), alongside six fellow OLSH College students, attended SAB's first student-led social justice event. The event was designed, planned and facilitated by Student Advisory Body representatives from 13 Catholic schools across South Australia.

The SAB brings together young people from Catholic schools across South Australia to work in partnership with Catholic Education South Australia (CESA). Through this collaboration, students contribute their perspectives, ideas and experiences to help inform the current and future directions of Catholic education across the state. At its core, the SAB recognises that students are not simply participants in their education, but active partners in shaping it.

Over the past year, our four representatives have dedicated countless hours to workshops, meetings, planning sessions and collaboration with students and staff from across the state. Seeing their vision come to life at this event was a proud moment and a testament to the hard work, passion and commitment they have shown throughout the year.

The focus of the day was social justice, encouraging students to recognise that meaningful change does not always require solving the world's biggest problems. Instead, it begins with understanding issues, using your voice, taking action when needed and recognising the difference each person can make within their own community.

The event brought young people together from across South Australia to share ideas, learn from one another and reimagine how we approach social justice in our schools and communities. Students explored and discussed data that had been collected by students, for students, throughout the year. These discussions sparked curiosity, reflection and meaningful conversations about the issues young people care deeply about.

One of the highlights of the day was watching our own students step confidently into leadership roles. From facilitating activities to presenting in front of a large audience, they demonstrated tremendous growth in confidence, communication and leadership. The energy in the room was remarkable, with students actively engaging, questioning, collaborating and learning from one another.

The event also provided leaders from CESA with the opportunity to hear directly from students about their experiences, concerns and aspirations. It was inspiring to witness the impact that student voice can have when young people are given authentic opportunities to contribute and lead.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Tahlia, Mia, Victoria and Hayley for their dedication and commitment throughout the year. They have embraced every opportunity, attended meetings, contributed to planning, collaborated with peers from other schools and consistently represented our College community with pride. It has been wonderful to watch their confidence grow, their leadership flourish and their willingness to step outside their comfort zones.

A special thank you also goes to Tahlia Sully, Student Formation Support Officer at CESA, for her ongoing support, guidance and encouragement of the students throughout this journey. Her commitment to empowering young people to find and use their voice has provided invaluable opportunities for growth, connection and leadership.

We are incredibly proud of what our students have achieved and look forward to seeing where their SAB journey takes them next.

Juliet Rapetti 
Year 9 and 10 Student Wellbeing Coordinator

RAA Street Smart High is a powerful road safety initiative designed to help reduce South Australia’s youth road toll by bringing the realities of road trauma to life. RAA Street Smart High conduct an impactful one-day event, where students gain valuable knowledge and practical insights that empower them to make safe, informed decisions as current and future road users.

The Year 11 Students experienced the RAA Street Smart High event in Week 10 of last term which aimed to empower young drivers through giving students a powerful insight into the realities of road trauma. This one-day experience equipped current and future drivers with the knowledge and awareness needed to make safer choices on the road, while helping secondary students across South Australia recognise risks and avoid situations that place themselves and others in danger.

The event featured a realistic crash scene re-enactment involving vehicles, emergency services and actors. The aim of this re-enactment was to be as close as possible to a real-life crash. It was not designed to shock, but to realistically portray the events of a fatal car crash and to provide some education for learning. Throughout the day, the students also heard from people whose lives have been affected by road trauma either through personal experience or by families left behind. They thought of students by providing counsellors to help students who found the topics explored too confronting, or if they need assistance dealing with memories of loved ones who have been involved in a car crash.

During the lunch break students were treated to stalls and give away items to bring home the message of safety. Emergency vehicles and personnel were on hand to answer questions about emergency situations and the SA Police provided virtual reality headsets to show case driving techniques and information.

This event, though confronting, yet an important experience, encourages reflection, builds awareness of risk-taking behaviours, and reinforces the importance of personal responsibility. By fostering safer attitudes and responsible decision-making, the RAA Street Smart High event supports young people with the understanding and confidence needed to protect themselves and others on our roads.

Rosa Santopietro
Year 11 & 12 Student Wellbeing Coordinator

Celebrating Languages

The Mid-Autumn Festival occurred on 25 September this year, so at OLSH College, we decided to commemorate it a little earlier to avoid missing the opportunity to learn about this important cultural celebration. The Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the Moon Festival. It honours the end of the autumn harvest when fruits, vegetables, and grain have been gathered and stored for use in winter. Acknowledged in many East Asian countries, including China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The festival is one of the most important traditional events in the Chinese and Vietnamese calendar.

On Thursday, 17 September, all Year 8 students gathered in the Languages Centre to engage in various activities to mark this cultural celebration. Students made paper lanterns, ate mooncakes, and made delicious Bruschetta Al pomodoro and dessert cold rolls. The girls enjoyed all the delicious foods on offer and appreciated the opportunity to come together to celebrate the festival. Special thanks to Co Pham, Seng Chau and Grazia Marciano for their planning, preparation and supervision on the day.

Italian Film Festival

Viewing and listening to authentic Italian in context is an invaluable experience that enhances one’s understanding of cultures and their interconnectedness and extends one’s language of everyday life. On the 21 September Year 7 and 8 Students of Italian had the opportunity to attend the screening of Incanto a magical family tale about the importance of imagination and kindness. The plot followed a fairy-tale style structure and contained magical elements centred around a mysterious circus. Incanto is the debut feature film from writer/director Pier Paolo Paganelli.”, a light comedy that explores family dynamics. The students found the film extremely enjoyable and amusing, after which they treated themselves to a generous serve of gelato from Gelatissimo in Rundle St.

Special thanks to Grazia Marciano, Elizabeth Crispe and Anne-Marie Chorlton for their planning, preparation and supervision on the day.

Celebrating Poetry in Term 3

Our English teachers have supported and encouraged our students to enter several writing events this year, including the Young Writers’ Award and Spring Poetry Festival. The Young Writers’ Award is run by the Australian Association for the Teaching of English. Namita’s entry was shortlisted, and as a result she was invited to participate in a Writer’s Workshop last term. The Spring Poetry Festival is a South Australian Poetry Competition where a selection of the best entries is published in a special edition Spring Poetry Festival OPINION Journal. The successful young poets, their families and teachers are invited to attend the Spring Poetry launch later this term. Mia (10 Kahlo) and Jasleen Johal Kaur (7 Keller) had their poems selected and will attend a ceremony later this month. Please see below for a snapshot of their entries.

Bianca Hodgkiss
Leader of Learning - English, EALD and Languages

A reminder to all current Year 9-11 families, from 2027 all students must have an OLSH College blazer. Students wear their blazer to and from school, on school excursions and at formal occasions.

If your daughter doesn’t have one already or hasn’t recently ordered one, an order MUST be placed asap to ensure she has it for the beginning of the 2027 year. The cost of the blazer has recently increased in price and is $220. It can be ordered on QKR! App (available from the app store). Once an order is placed, your daughter will be fitted for her blazer and a blazer ordered with the supplier for delivery later this year / early next year.

The OLSH stage was transformed into a world of storytelling, creativity, and imagination as students captivated audiences in this year's Dance Showcase, Motion & Myth. Inspired by music, mythology, iconic figures, and stories that have resonated across generations, the evening explored how dance can bring history, legend, and imagination to life. Through movement, our dancers reinterpreted timeless narratives, celebrated influential icons, and honoured the myths and stories that continue to inspire us today.

Throughout the showcase, audiences were treated to a diverse collection of performances that highlighted the talent, passion, and dedication of our students. Each work brought a unique perspective to the stage, demonstrating how movement can become a powerful bridge between history, memory, and artistic expression. As the showcase theme reminded us, “Every movement tells a story, and every story finds new life through movement.”

The evening showcased the incredible talent of our Year 8-10 Dance students and Senior Dance students in Years 11 and 12, alongside performers from the Dance Enrichment Program and Hip-Hop Crew. Audiences were treated to a diverse range of performances inspired by music, mythology, iconic figures, and legendary stories. Each dance reflected months of dedication, collaboration, and creative exploration, highlighting the passion, growth, and artistic expression of students across the Dance program.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the evening was witnessing the strong sense of community that developed throughout the rehearsal process. Students supported, encouraged, and inspired one another, creating an atmosphere where confidence, collaboration, and artistic growth could flourish. The joy, pride, and energy that filled the stage reflected the spirit of our Dance Program and the meaningful connections formed along the way.

Motion & Myth celebrated the connection between the stories we inherit and the stories we create. Through dance, our students honoured influences from the past while sharing their own voices, perspectives, and creativity with the audience.

We are immensely proud of every student who performed and extend our sincere gratitude to the families, staff, and wider College community whose support made this evening possible. Thank you for your ongoing encouragement, commitment, and belief in the value of the performing arts. Your support empowers our students to learn, create, and shine.

A heartfelt congratulations to all involved in Motion & Myth. Your creativity, courage, teamwork, and passion for dance made this showcase an unforgettable celebration of storytelling through movement.

Skye Westwood
Dance Teacher

In the coming days, the Catholic Church will celebrate All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. These special occasions provide an opportunity for our OLSH community to give thanks for those who inspire us through their faith and to remember in prayer those who remain forever in our hearts.

All Saints' Day | 1 November

All Saints' Day celebrates the lives of the saints, known and unknown, who inspire us through their faith, courage and commitment to God. Their example reminds us that holiness is found not only in extraordinary deeds, but also in everyday acts of kindness, compassion and service.

All Souls' Day | 2 November

On All Souls' Day, we remember and pray for our loved ones who have died. It is a special opportunity to give thanks for those who have shaped our lives and to entrust them to God's loving care.

As an OLSH community, may these days encourage us to live with hope, gratitude and faith, inspired by those who have gone before us.