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:

We are Heart people who Touch the Hearts of Others

Dear Family and Friends of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Our OLSH Community celebrates the talents of so many students and staff who have prepared these past months to take us on the journey down the ‘yellow brick road!’ We congratulate each of you on your outstanding commitment to presenting an excellent musical production. We look forward to supporting you and enjoying your energy as we too are...

…off to see the wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz!

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart is the title that Jules Chevalier gave to Mary. Although we often refer to our College as OLSH – it is important that we never lose sight of the name behind the abbreviation. We are Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, known as OLSH. Today we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. It is a time for us to pause and allow our hearts to be touched...

As for Mary, the mother of Jesus, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart

Luke 2:19

Anne O’Loughlin Principal

Friday 7 September 2012 Volume 41, Number 14

NEWSLETTER

HEART MATTERS

As Jesus was lifted up on the cross, he gave Mary to us as our mother

and placed in her heart an immense love for us. Jules Chevalier msc

We Believe! We Achieve!

Congratulations to:

Samantha Davies (Year 11), recently selected into the

National Youth Science Forum.

An outstanding achievement!

For further details, please see Page 6.

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Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Feast Day The Feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, which we celebrated today, is a day when we celebrate a mother’s unconditional love for her child, the relationship they shared and the way it deeply affected those around them. Mary was the one closest to Jesus, the one who nurtured and formed him from a little child, she was the one who really knew him and knew his heart. As a school community, we call her and honour her as Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Called to be big-hearted lovers for each other and our world, the funds raised in our walkathon will see money sent to Bahkita Village in South Africa where the OLSH Sisters are living and ministering among the AIDS orphans.

Faith and Mission

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Assistant Principal Faith and Mission

Happy Birthday Mother Marie Louise Hartzer

On Monday, 27 August, we celebrated the birthday of Mother Marie Louise Hartzer, the first Superior General of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Staff and students came together to pray and take time to reflect on the life of this incredible woman and all that she faced in being faithful to God throughout her life. At the conclusion of our prayer, each homeroom enjoyed a lovely sponge cake which had been made especially for us by our local Patterson bakery.

Blessings on you and yours, Sr. Megan Donohue fdnsc

Assistant Principal, Faith and Mission

Faith and Mission

Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart

Overseas Aid Fund Dear Sr Megan Please thank the students for their continuing support of the people of the Philippines through the ministry of Sr Marife Mendoza and the other OLSH sisters in Matantubig. Because of the assistance of donors such as you, our Overseas Aid Fund continues to be able to finance many of the Sisters’ projects for the very poor. These programs include educating many extremely poor students in the Matantubig area; providing nutrition programs for babies and children in Marigondon and Surigao, initiating income-producing projects such as pig-raising, and the support of the OLSH Clinic in Marigondon. The Sisters truly appreciate all their benefactors. Please keep them and their work in your prayers. Yours gratefully Ms Barbara Davis Executive Officer

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Immunisations Parents are reminded that the last course of immunisations will be distributed to our Year 7 students on Monday, 17 September. If your daughter is away on this day, parents are asked to refer to the Glen Eira website for alternative dates. Please contact Ms Oro if you have any queries.

Nomophobia Do you have an inability to ever turn your phone off? Do you obsessively check for missed calls, emails and texts? Do you constantly top up your battery life? Are you unable to go to the bathroom without taking your phone? If you answered yes to these questions then you are possibly suffering from nomophobia - a relatively new condition that is mostly prevalent in the modern western world.

What is nomophobia? No mobile phone phobia - a fear of being without your mobile phone. Think about when a plane is taxiing to the terminal, how fast do people reach for their phones? How many teenagers check their phone as the first thing they do in the morning? How many teens sleep with their phones? So how do we address these behaviours before it causes genuine anxiety? Addressing these behaviours through education and role modelling is important. It is our role modelling as adults that is paramount for our girls. Communal family boundaries such as no mobile phones at the dinner table and agreed bedtime restrictions are some ways of addressing such an issue.

Adapted from ‘Generation Next’ September 2012

Year 9 Camp We wish our Year 9 students and staff all the best as they embark on the Year 9 Camp. We encourage the girls to embrace the challenges that lie ahead and to make the most of this opportunity that will certainly push the boundaries for some of them. Girls, these are the times that you learn the most about yourself and others, and are the times where life long memories are created. Remember my saying “that a boat kept in the harbour cannot face the storms”. This is your chance to take risks in a safe environment and to learn some life-long skills. We wish you well and thank Mrs Bertschik and the Year 9 Homeroom Teachers for providing you with this opportunity.

Ms Dina Oro Assistant Principal, Student Wellbeing

We remember

We pray for the repose of the soul of:

Shirley Allen, grandmother of staff member Anthea Sholl

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!

Student Wellbeing Matters

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Ski Trip The 2012 Ski Trip began on Thursday, 30 August when the Unit 1+2 Sport and Rec class made their way to the Bright Chalet for a huge weekend of snow skiing. The trip was amazing and I recommend it to every single person who has the opportunity. We were fortunate enough to have had amazing weather and the best snow Mt Hotham has seen in about 25 years. The ski instructors were extremely helpful; the Bright Chalet was fantastic and our teachers were the best.

We would all like to say a big thank you to the teachers that came along and made the whole ski trip happen. They put up with us for the weekend and spent hours trying to improve our skiing technique. Thank you so much Mrs Rayment, Mr Wanless, Ms Watson, Mrs Coetzee, Mrs Logan and Ms Brock - you were all amazing.

By Chloe Lewis Year 10

College News

College Colours White Tia Horrobin Matina Kiriakos

Jessica Rogalsky Green Elise Collier Alex Savvides Red Bianka D’Souza Alishia Francis

Sasha Hermosa Tara Rohan Blue Lara White Congratulations to these students!

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National Youth Science Forum Congratulations to Samantha Davies, Year 11, who has been accepted into the National Youth Science Forum. Now in Canberra and Perth, the National Youth Science Forum is the only program in Australia that offers students currently in Year 11 the chance to test-drive a wide range of universities and careers in the sciences. The two-week program consists of a mix of scientific, formal, personal development, and social activities. These range from laboratory visits to sports evenings and from a bush dance to group dynamics. Acceptance criteria includes science and mathematics results and an interview with a Rotary Club. Only 400 students are selected nationwide out of over 2000 applications. Samantha is the first student to be accepted into this program from OLSH in four years. Phil Carmody Science Coordinator

Year 10 Work Experience

This year the Work Experience program has taken a different format. Students in Year 10 were given the opportunity to go out on work experience in Term 2 or Term 3. The program was no longer compulsory and students could nominate a week that would best suit the placement and the student. Some students also took the opportunity to go out for two weeks, most taking this option by doing a week in the school holidays and a week during school. There have been some excellent placements including: a variety of hospitals, the Herald & Weekly Times, vets, the RSPCA, lawyers & solicitors, architects, publishers, physiotherapists, libraries, the Reach Foundation, Conservation Victoria, Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Centre, pre-schools & kindergartens, World Vision Australia, Youth Connect, the Melbourne and St Kilda Football Clubs, the Sandringham Football Club, pharmacists, hairdressers, accountants, florists, photographers, County and Children’s Court, Melbourne Theatre Company and St Martin’s Theatre Company. One student, Maddison Moore in Year 10, had an interest in media and was able to gain experience at two football clubs. Below is an excerpt from an article written by Maddison for the St Kilda website. Congratulations Maddison.

Mrs Maureen Malone Pathways Coordinator

More than a Game As a Saints member, there is nothing more exciting than listening to the roar of the crowd at a game as the Saints’ faithful cheer in unison to support our team. The smell of hot pies fills the air as the crowd makes its way to the seats before the starting siren. Thousands of spectators lean forward with their eyes glued to the field as the players leap through the air to take spectacular marks. Throughout four quarters strangers laugh and clap together as though they have been friends for years. When the final siren buzzes through the air supporters celebrate the victory they’ve witnessed by chanting the club song as loudly as possible. Five years ago I never would have imagined that I would become a St Kilda fan. I had never taken an interest in football until my grandma surprised me with a St Kilda membership. Ever since I attended my first game I have been hooked on watching the football. Each week I am excited to see the team run through the banner and watch the players take on their opponents. It is amazing how complete strangers can bond and unite over a game of football. Over the past few years I’ve met amazing people who have become a part of my Saints family. Though we do not share the same last name, we do share the same passion for supporting the Saints. I have shared some unforgettable experiences with these people such as members’ days, open trainings, season launches and even Best and Fairest nights. Each week I look forward to catching up with my friends while we cheer for our team. For me, the best part about being a member is not the things we do but the people we do them with.

College News

Kim Koelmeyer at the County Court of Victoria

Maddison outside the St Kilda Football Club

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Science/Maths Week

The week beginning Monday, 27 August was Science/ Maths Week at OLSH, and what a week it was! The school week was filled with much excitement as each day brought forth a challenge of some kind in which the students could be involved. On Monday the “Scream Off” competition was a roaring success. Mr Liston recorded the ear splitting scream with his hi-tech audio equipment. The loudest scream came from Bethany Supple. A visit to the Melbourne Museum was held on Tuesday where students investigated the Human Body Systems and were involved in the Melbourne Experience. On Wednesday the students were presented with the challenge of using a square of aluminium foil and four drinking straws to make a raft that could hold the greatest amount of weight. The winning boat held 270 grams. Congratulations to Elise Collier (1st prize), Laura Webb, Josie Cappadona, Stephanie Ziada and Hannah Peters. Thursday brought with it the Quintessential Quiz – brimming with Sizzling Science questions and Marvellous Maths problems. With each emerging question the excitement in the room grew. In the final round the tension was palpable as students pitted their wits against each other. Congratulations are extended to the winners: Natalia Genovese and Sarah Carneiro (1st); Faye Valladares and Raphaela Alexopoulos (2nd); and Jacqui Cox and India Hawkins (3rd).

On Friday lunch the OLSH Hall transformed into the OLSH aerodrome. Paper planes of all designs and descriptions were launched. Some flew far, some flew long and some flew, well…. short! Some planes were basic and some were exotic. Of the best on the day, congratulations to Marisa Cafasso, Jessica Thatcher, Belinda Srea and Mokshitha Katneni. Every day, in the Morning Notices, there were challenging Mathematics and Science problems. The winners were Grace Perriam (year 7), Anya Serpanchy (Year 7) and Elaine Tsang (Year 12). Overall the week was a huge success. It was wonderful to see so many girls from all year levels being involved and with such abounding enthusiasm and excitement. OLSH girls can achieve anything

Ms Dianne Byers, Acting Science Head of Department

Ms Bernadette McGill, Mathematics Head of Department

China Town Excursion

Our VCE 3/4 Chinese class made a trip to the rich and colourful world of China Town, to the Beijing Roast Duck restaurant, in order to discover one of our focal topics for our oral exam. In the restaurant we were able to witness the techniques of preparing a historically significant dish, from how the meat was skilfully cut to how it is served. Of course, there was more to the excursion than this. We also discovered more on Beijing food culture, different flavours, textures and history behind it. As our Chinese oral exam draws near, we felt lucky to be given this opportunity to have a close to real life experience to understand our topic. by Rebecca Chijioke and Tess McCaffrey Year 12

College News

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Arts News

It has been a busy couple of months for the ARTS domain. Many weeks have been spent practising music, learning songs, acting, learning lines and set painting for the upcoming musical, The Wizard of Oz. The Musical affords all students interested in the Arts an opportunity to become involved in its production in some way, whether it is in the form of creativity, design or performance. The Arts Festival was mounted and displayed on OPEN DAY on 23 August. It was wonderful to see so many students walking through the exhibition enjoying the visual display of colour, light, imagination and skill. The official opening was in the evening and was accompanied by a musical soiree in the hall. Many parents enjoyed the concert and the chance to celebrate the arts with their daughters and teachers.

We would like to thank our local member, Ms Elizabeth Miller, for officially opening the show. Thank you too, to all the teachers who organised displays and worked with students to create a ‘gallery space’ that came alive with the sounds of music. We would also like to thank our art technician, Ms Lauren Bamford for ‘hanging’ the exhibition so expertly. Parents and Friends have been committed over many years to having the Arts’ staff select a work from the Art Show which becomes part of the school art collection. This year there were so many wonderful works that we have decided to award three prizes. The works that were selected for acquisition were submitted by Alecia Wong, Feebie Andrinopoulos, and Veronica Fell. We would like to thank the P & F sincerely for their support of the Arts and congratulate these three students. This term we have also started an Art Club. Art club is on Monday at lunchtime and all year levels are welcome. We intend to create an atmosphere where students learn something new, practice skills and awaken their senses to the beauty of the world around them.

Mrs Bronwyn Cottrell The Arts, Head of Department

Chocolate is good for you…

.....as well as a great fundraiser for the school.

However, we need you to return all monies raised from the sales of your chocolates NOW. We have two weeks left in the term and would like all monies and/or chocolates returned before the school break BUT if you think you can sell one more box then don't hesitate and grab one from Student Reception. Thanks to everyone who has supported this fundraiser, and yes chocolate is good for you. There are books to verify this fact.

Ms Jennifer Greer President P & F

College News

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Performing Arts News The Wizard of Oz Next week is ‘Production Week’ and THE WIZARD OF OZ team is ready to delight audiences over four performance nights, 11 – 14 September. The journey along the yellow brick road has been a long and happy one. It is indeed both exciting and rewarding to witness the involvement of over two hundred students and staff, with the support of families and friends, all working towards a very special event. We wish everyone involved in the production a wonderful and memorable experience.

Open Day Performing Arts events on Open Day, Thursday 23 August, provided an excellent showcase of what is offered at OLSH in Music, Dance and Drama. We had an open rehearsal of THE WIZARD OF OZ in the Theatrette; and Music, Dance and Drama performances in the Hall. A highlight was certainly the Music Soiree held in the Hall, with fine performances from the Choir as well as ensembles – Chamber, Guitar, Percussion and Jazz. The Rock Band, Flute, Piano and Voice items completed a varied and stylish programme. Congratulations to all students who shared their talents with visitors to the College.

‘Say it to my Facebook’ On Monday, 27 August Year 9 and 10 students were treated to a wonderful performance of a play, SAY IT TO MY FACEBOOK, by Shake and Stir Theatre Company. Based on true stories, this production was a direct result of in-school research. Students were asked to reveal their internet experiences – the good, the bad and the downright scary. This stirring production delves into the myriad of internet addictions including Formspring, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Google, MSN, texting, emailing, blogging and photo tagging. Students are invited to observe a combination of assorted techno devotees as they muster the courage to temporarily part with their computers to attend Internet Addicts Anonymous. Here they divulge their deep dependence and utter obsessions in the quest to overcome their addictions and start living their lives. SAY IT TO MY FACEBOOK was a most engaging performance, leaving our students thinking a little bit harder before sitting down at the computer or pulling out their mobile phone. It certainly was a performance with a serious thought provoking twist.

Mrs Michelle Fenton Performing Arts Coordinator

College News

Stephanie Harrison in a dance performance on Open Day

Martha O’Hagan performing in a scene

from Little Women, above, and left, a ‘Flute Duet’

from Roschelle Chaudhary and Amy Meredith

Emily Savvides, Carly Murphy and Claudia Roszkiewicz with the SAY IT TO

MY FACEBOOK actors

Office Staff supporting The Wizard of Oz

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BOOKWEEK IN THE LIBRARY 2012

CHAMPIONS READ! Champions were everywhere in our library during BookWeek! Take Monday for example. Alex Mallis, Aviva White, Anthea Lam, Emma Medland, Alicia Catalano, Emer McAlinden, Marisa Cafasso, Isabella Fernandez and Celeste Caltabiano entertained our lunchtime crowd in CHAMPION performances! Showcasing various talents across the wide areas of music, acting, beatboxing, humour and magic, these performers shone! Our winner, Alex Mallis, won the popular vote with her stellar rendition of ‘The Muffin Man!’ Tuesday saw different and somewhat dubious talents displayed in the Contest of CHAMPIONS. Gabrielle Volpe, Rachael McNamara, Keilan Milwain and Taylor Barone challenged the formidable Miss Schocker in daunting challenges such as standing on one leg for two minutes with a book balanced on their heads; stuffing the most marshmallows in their mouths; drawing a self-portrait while blindfolded; and my personal favourite, composing and singing a song while standing on a chair! Who can forget Rachael McNamara’s stirring rendition of ‘a song about tragedy’ – ultimately scoring her the win for students. Miss Schocker however scored the most points in a tenacious and sometimes ruthless display!!!!! Wednesday proceeded at a calmer pace, with our CHAMPION speaker Sean Dooley. While not an Olympic athlete, Sean spoke with great humour about life, ambitions and following your heart. In his own life this has led him to combining a career of writing comedy for ‘Spicks and Specks’, Hamish and Andy, ‘Fast Forward’ (to name only a few!) with his passion for bird watching! Staff and students alike found him inspiring and hilarious! Our last day of celebrations took place on Friday with CHAMPION Theatre Sports. The splendid student team – Meagan L’Huillier, Isabel Quintal, Sarah Jones and Annie Aldridge – took on amazing staff members Mrs Fries, Mrs Coetzee, Miss Schocker and Mr Liston. To say the scenes and performances were outrageous would be an understatement! Bank robberies and plane crashes provided the scenes for Oscar winning performances! The students sang of their love for OLSH, while the teachers performed a mind boggling song about when they felt pretty! Combined with a Homeroom CHAMPION Competition, a whole School Quiz, questionable morning songs and a fantastic Library Display, the week was filled with fun and laughter! The library is an area of community – and this to me is as important as providing excellent IT resources, as well as promoting literature and all things reading. Congratulations and thanks to all winners, all participants – staff and students – and the fantastic library staff, especially Lin and Julie Cooper!

Mrs Brenda O’Leary Teacher/Librarian

College News

BookWeek Speaker Mr Sean Dooley

BookWeek Champions Hall of Fame Display, left, and below, ‘teachers’ in costume Mrs Jenny Fries, Mr Howard

Liston and Ms Gina Coetzee

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Dates for your Diary

Monday, 10 September Oz Rehearsals 9.00am – 3.30pm Tuesday, 11 September – Friday 14 September School Production The Wizard of Oz 7.30pm in the Theatrette Thursday, 13 September R U Okay? Day SCSA Softball Clinic Friday, 14 September Cake Baking

Monday, 17 September Year 7 Immunisations SCSA Softball Clinic Tuesday, 18 September – Friday, 21 September Year 9 Camp Tuesday, 18 September P & F Meeting AGM 7.00pm in the Board Room Wednesday, 19 September Early Finish 2.30pm Friday, 21 September Last Day Term 3 Students dismissed at 3.20pm

College News

The OLSH Canteen Roster

Mon 10 Sept need help please Tues 11 Sept Cathy Pantelidis Wed 12 Sept need help please Thurs 13 Sept Leanne Kerr Fri 14 Sept Margaret Degering, Jan Drew Mon 17 Sept Koa Kofler Tues 18 Sept need help please Wed 19 Sept Lisa De Fazio Thurs 20 Sept need help please Fri 21 Sept Claire Attard

Parents & Friends AGM All welcome

Tuesday 18 September 7.00pm

Boardroom

Position descriptions are available from jag.greer@gmail.com President, Secretary, Assistant President/Secretary, Treasurer, Committee Members

Please apply if interested in open positions or come along to discover more about P&F.

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