OLSH Newsletter

OLSH College Bentleigh 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… Faith Filled… Reverence Relationships… Pursue Excellence…. Touch the Hearts of Others

Dear Family and Friends of OLSH College Bentleigh,

In our newsletter this week we celebrate the wonderful diversity of all that happens at OLSH College. Congratulations to students, parents and staff – indeed we are proud to be OLSH College.

This is why we rejoice with each other in the gift of life, of learning and the gift of our Heart spirit here at OLSH.

Always united in our shared OLSH Spirit.

Anne O’Loughlin Principal

NEWSLETTER

Volume 45, Number 5 Friday 6 May 2016

HEART MATTERS

God is not far from each one of us...

For in him we live and move and have our being... Acts 17:28

Generations’ Assembly Celebrating Mothers

Premiers! Junior and Senior SCSA Badminton

Congratulations to Indianna Robertson

Year 11 on her selection in the Under 18 1st Girls’ Hockey State team and will compete in the Nationals in July.

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Kiribati 2016 Mauri-oh! (‘Hello’ in the Kiribati language) In partnership with Catholic Mission, the College is able to provide an immersion to Kiribati in September 2016. During the two weeks, students will:

• experience first-hand the great work of the OLSH Sisters • live in the boarding community of IHC, Taborio (a secondary school run by the Sisters) • learn to weave mats and cook as the locals do • teach English conversational lessons • volunteer with KiriCAN (Kiribati Climate Action Network) • hear from young I-Kiribati people about issues that concern them • visit the Australian ambassador and learn about Australia’s commitment and

contribution to the people of Kiribati.

As a consequence of our partnership with Catholic Mission, we will conduct a series of fundraising activities. This fundraising will:

• Assist in the financial viability of this immersion • Raise valuable funds for the people of Kiribati

Our target is $5000 If you are interested in contributing to our fundraising efforts, please contact Sr Megan Donohue mdonohue@olsh.vic.edu.au

Lenten Fundraising Sausage Sizzle

Sr Megan Donohue fdnsc Assistant Principal Faith and Mission

Faith and Mission

Thank you

$10,567

raised for Lenten Appeal!

What a wonderful achievement and a testament to our generous and caring

community. The funds will be shared between Project

Compassion and the OLSH Sisters in Matantubig, the Philippines.

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NAPLAN 2016 is coming……

May 10 – 12

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) 2016 for students in Year 7 and Year 9 (Issoudun) will be held on Tuesday 10 May, Wednesday 11 May and Thursday 12 May. During the test week, catch-up tests will be available for individual students who are absent on test days.

NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skills across four key areas - writing, reading, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The results of the tests provide information for students, parents, teachers and principals which can be used to improve student achievement. Later in the year parents will receive a personal NAPLAN report for their daughter/s which will describe her particular skills across these four areas. The report will also show how your daughter performed in relation to national minimum standards - the minimum acceptable standards for students across Australia.

NAPLAN tests cannot be prepared for in the same way students might prepare for an end of term test. NAPLAN tests skills that develop and improve over time. These are skills that should be continuously developed throughout the year and not just in the lead-up to NAPLAN. The best way to get your daughter ready for NAPLAN is to help her to continue to develop literacy and numeracy skills.

It is best to view the NAPLAN tests as good learning experiences rather than tests designed to put students under pressure.

Please read the NAPLAN ‘Information for Parents’ document attached to the email with this newsletter.

Please ensure your daughter has a scientific calculator for one of the numeracy tests on Thursday - - Issoudun students may not use their Ti-Nspire CAS calculator.

Ms Lynn Egan Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

The Maths Hub tutorial program will be held weekly, after school on a Monday, in the Library from 3.30pm - 4.30pm. Maths Hub is open to all students at OLSH. It is to support students and help them gain confidence with their Mathematics. Homework can be completed, help can be sought or students can work quietly on their own and get help when required. Teachers and peer tutors will be available to support students. Students will be required to sign in and out for attendance records as these will be used for College Colours.

Curriculum News

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Congratulations and Thank You Thank you to our Student Leaders who were instrumental in ably leading the fundraising for both Caritas and the OLSH Sisters in the Philippines. As a school community we have certainly lived out our pillar of being “Heart People who Touch the Hearts of Others”. The children of the Philippines say Thank You!!

Issoudun Parents All Issoudun parents are reminded of the upcoming pre-departure night for Hartzer on Tuesday 24 May at 7.30pm in the Theatrette. This evening is for all students and parents, Group 1 and Group 2. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Immunisations The second round of immunisations for Year 7s will take place on Friday 13 May. Students are permitted to wear their PE uniform on this day. Please contact Dina Oro or Cheryl Bullen if you have any questions

Communication at OLSH OLSH is committed to ensuring that all families are notified and well informed. We have a variety of formats that we use to communicate with our families. Below is a list of these formats and how they are used:

• Newsletter – fortnightly and delivered electronically via email, also available on the College website. • Care Monkey – used to provide information and gain parent permission; this is accessed by either email or mobile device.

• Text Message – from time to time OLSH will send out a text message for reminders and important events. • Facebook – provide parents with news on happenings at OLSH on a day to day basis. Also used to send reminders and

invitations.

• Flame Magazine – mailed to families and alumnae twice a year. This is a hard copy 16 page magazine which highlights key stories about OLSH and its alumnae.

As would be expected parents may also receive phone calls and emails from OLSH and individual staff members. Our reception is open from 8am until 4:30pm daily.

Ms Dina Oro Assistant Principal Student Wellbeing

Congratulations… ….to Year 12 student Zoe Quinn on her 2016 Premier’s VCE Award presented on Thursday 28 April 2016 at the Palladium Ballroom at Crown. There were 312 awards presented to 289 students from across Victoria, based on their outstanding 2014 and 2015 study scores. Well done Zoe!

Student Wellbeing News

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‘Celebrating Special Women in our Lives’ Assembly

We thank all of the mothers and women who joined us in celebrating special women in our lives on Wednesday 4 May. We recognised and gave thanks for all that these women do for us and our families. We also acknowledged Year 7 students whose mothers/grandmothers attended OLSH. Each student received a certificate highlighting their generational connection, whilst mothers and grandmothers received a candle with the words “Always an OLSH Girl”. The assembly also included a beautiful performance by the vocal ensemble and finished off with the College dance. Mothers and special women were then invited to join us for a special morning tea.

Mr David Formosa

Director of Development

College News

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Choral@Montsalvat On Sunday 1 May, a combined group of OLSH girls from the Junior Choir and the Senior Vocal Ensemble attended the Choral@Montsalvat in Eltham. The venue in itself is one of Australia’s oldest communities that celebrated all forms of art. The beautiful grounds hold many unique buildings with secret passages, extensive gardens and courtyards scattered around the rich cultural history of the location. Throughout the day 16 choirs performed within 14 concerts. OLSH College performed a variety of works from unison singing to three part harmonies with body percussion. The highlight was the final combined item Ancient City. The sound was gorgeous, and filled the packed Great Hall with much enjoyment for all present. It was a first for many, and everyone was excited about being at Montsalvat. For me, it was my fourth time performing at the event. The sheer beauty of the gardens, the buzz in the atmosphere and the indulgence of the performances, keeps bringing my family and I back, even though the drive is a fair distance from Bentleigh. My mum explained to me after our performance how she had a tear in her eye, due to it being my last year to perform at Montsalvat and with the way the choir sang. She has already stated that she and I will return again next year to listen and watch other choirs at the event. Congratulations to all the girls who went to Montsalvat, we did a brilliant job! A big thank you to Mrs Kellie Mentlikowski and Sister Megan Donohue, for using their own time to teach the choirs the songs and especially taking a day out of their weekend to conduct, support and perform with us at Montsalvat. Thank you.

Veronica Fell Year 12

College News

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Time to Shine On Saturday 30 April, Lillian Casey, Paris Leveque, Sophie Savage, Lauryn Schellebeck, Ashley Watters, and I had the privilege of performing in the 2016 Time to Shine Performing Arts Gala at the Regent Theatre. The week leading up to the big day was filled with performance and dress rehearsals, but nothing could prepare us for the one of a kind experience we would have on Saturday. Performing to full houses with standing ovations was very fulfilling after the many months of effort and dedication. Auditions began in early 2015 with a video audition before progressing into phase two, two more rounds of face to face auditions. Rehearsals then began later in the year, bringing together Catholic students from all over Victoria. Having been in the first Catholic Schools Gala back in 2014, I knew I needed to be a part of this amazing production again. Not just because of the glitz and glamour of the production but because of the amazing and talented people I would meet and the opportunity to work with incredibly inspiring professionals. It was also a once in a life time opportunity to perform at the Regent Theatre, a dream of mine since I was young. I know this experience is one I will treasure for a long time. I would encourage anyone to get involved in this professional show. I look forward to the opportunity to participate again in 2018.

Angela Edgley 10 Green

OLSH BaldPrize 2016 Congratulations to the winners!

College News

1st Prize "Untitled"

by Grace Hartle-Lynch

2nd Prize "Dame Edna"

by Ashley Pyrczak

3rd Prize “Joe Sugg “

by Madison Loughlin

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Mock United Nations Assembly (MUNA) 2016 MUNA took place at the magnificent Victorian Parliament House over the weekend of 30 April and 1 May. Maria Farag and Piwainashe Kahonde from Year 11 participated in the two day event. They were allocated to represent Ireland. The Rotary Club of Cheltenham sponsored the students. 41 teams took part representing 41 countries from all parts of the world. Throughout the weekend the discussion and debate of eight resolutions was fairly well balanced with no team able to dominate. The Legislative Assembly chamber was full of colour and action. The days were divided into assembly sessions where separate resolutions were rigorously debated, amendments submitted and eventually voted upon. The final week leading up to the MUNA was filled with last minute preparation and getting to know the rules and putting final touches towards the resolutions. While the girls were nervous with anticipation, they ended up having a lot of fun. It was heartening to have our girls participate with great confidence alongside their peers from 40 other Victorian Schools! It also gave them an opportunity to network with their peers, meet like people with similar interests to them. Congratulations to both Maria and Piwainashe for their sterling efforts!

Mrs Jyotika Singh Year 11 Coordinator

College News

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Food and Technology Top Designs Excursion On Wednesday 20 April, the Unit 3/4 Food Technology class attended the Top Designs exhibition at the Melbourne Museum and embarked on their primary research for their folios at Lygon Street, Carlton. This excursion provided the girls with a great opportunity to listen to VCAA examiner Christine Whintle give expert advice on the folio, and to be able to view first hand the effort and dedication that had gone into last year’s folios. We all received quite a shock at the level of work required and, even though the bar was set so high with Year 12 student Emily Casaceli having her folio displayed in Top Designs this year, we knew we could achieve this.

As well as the folio viewing and seminar at the Melbourne Museum, we also had the opportunity to visit the cafés and restaurants in Lygon Street that would attribute to the primary research component of our folios. Overall, the excursion was a great success and benefited us all greatly. Thank you to Mrs Brown and Ms Burgess for giving us the opportunity to view such excellent pieces of work.

Zoe Quinn and Rebecca Kofler

Geography Unit 1 Fieldtrip Kinglake – Black Saturday Bushfires

On Monday 18 April, Unit 1 and 2 Geography students travelled to the township of Kinglake. The students were investigating the Black Saturday bushfires that occurred during the summer of 2009. The students were aiming to collect data and evidence that a bushfire had occurred and analyse the risk of future bushfires to the area. We were very lucky to hear from Anne Maher, a teacher of Geography at Melbourne University and a long-time resident of Kinglake, who lived through the Black Saturday fires. Her insights into the short and long term impacts on Kinglake were extremely valuable.

We would like to thank Mrs Rayment for driving the bus for the day and being great support.

College News

The Unit 3/4 class outside the Melbourne Museum and Zoe and Rebecca and Brunetti’s where they found lots of product inspiration!

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Meet the Teachers Meet two of our newer staff members

Ms Mara Vivarelli Having newly returned to teaching after maternity leave, I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to teach at an all girls school, and to have been so warmly welcomed into the community of OLSH. Previously, I was engaged by Oakleigh Grammar as a teacher of English, and prior to this taught across several methods including English, Literature, Religious Education, Humanities and LOTE (Italian) at Emmaus College in Vermont South and St Bede’s College in Mentone. This year, I am thoroughly enjoying being a Homeroom teacher to an absolutely delightful group of Year 7s, as well as teaching English at Years 8 and 12, RE at Years 7 and 11, and VCE History. After having taught for the largest part of my career only boys and then co-ed, I am so excited to be finally teaching girls. As a parent of a little girl, I take a keen interest in the educational and developmental needs of girls in particular, and thus, I hope to be able to make a positive contribution both educationally and pastorally to the students and community here at OLSH.

Ms Eliza Weinberg I am extremely excited to be part of the Maths department this year at OLSH. I am currently teaching Year 7 and 8 Mathematics and Unit 1 & 2 Further Maths. I completed a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education last year and I feel very privileged to start my teaching career at OLSH. Outside of school I love to travel, play sport and enjoy the amazing food that Melbourne has to offer! All the girls and staff alike have been incredibly welcoming and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store!

House Murals House Murals created during

Monday's lunchtime competition

College News

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Sports News SCSA Badminton

After a couple of years out of the SCSA competition, the OLSH Badminton team returned with a bang! Having trained hard prior to the tournament, all three teams performed very well last Thursday at MSAC in Albert Park. The serves, smashes, and drop shots of the Junior and Senior teams earned them the trophies at the end of the day! Congratulations to all players, and to Mrs Bullen, Ms Logan, Ms Brock. Well done to Year 7 team member, Sonia Pujar, who was awarded the medal for Best Player in the Junior Grand Final. Mrs Bullen is always happy to see students at Racquet Club on Fridays at 8am to further develop their Badminton and Tennis skills.

Annemarie Petering and Bronwyn Verrell Sport Coordinators

College News

Junior SCSA Badminton Premiers!

Congratulations to the OLSH Senior Team, pictured above with their Premiership Award!

Sonia Pujar Best Player in Junior

Grand Final!

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Hairspray

A final thank you to all involved in the spectacular OLSH/De La Salle production of Hairspray. Our week in the theatre was a huge success that culminated in outstanding performances, sensational music, awesome dancing and singing and an efficient, snappy technical crew who kept our show moving. Special mention must go to the Elly Lucas girls, including ex-student Tara Drysdale-Stevens and the OLSH and De La Salle make up crew who put in a great effort getting 80 odd performers ready for four performances. Also thanks to the technicians Gordon Boyd and Gavin Faull at the National Theatre and Production Manager Linda Hum who worked with our technical crew teaching them a great deal about technical production and how to get a show running efficiently. All in all Hairspray was the success it was, because of the team effort that went into making it happen. A huge thank you and congratulations to all involved.

Bryan Smith Director

College News

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If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF.

Please contact the College for a form to be completed and returned to the College by Friday 20 May.

College News

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Dates for your Diary

Tuesday 10 May Year 7 and Issoudun NAPLAN

Wednesday 11 May Year 7 and Issoudun NAPLAN

Year 11 Retreat Thursday 12 May Year 7 and Issoudun NAPLAN

Year 11 Retreat Friday 13 May Year 11 Retreat

Year 7 Immunisations

Monday 16 May Reconciliation Awareness Week begins

Fire Carrier Commissioning Ceremony

VCE/VET Dance Performance 7.30pm Wednesday 18 May SCSA Indoor Soccer

Year 10 Drama Excursion (evening)

Thursday 19 May Performing Arts Evening Junior Dance Show 4.30pm VCE Drama Assessment 6.30pm VCE/VET Dance Performance 7.30pm Sunday 22 May 40th Reunion Class of 1976

College News

IF YOUR DAUGHTER IS LATE OR ABSENT

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.

Your cooperation is much appreciated

Extended Opening Hours For the Library

To provide additional support to students in 2016, the Library has extended its hours as

follows:

Monday 8:00am - 5:30pm Tuesday 8:00am - 5:30pm Wednesday 8:00am - 5:30pm Thursday 8:00am - 5:30pm Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm