Year 12 Final Classes and Graduation

One of the many joyful moments in the rhythm of a school is the time of great pride and celebration when Year 12s reach the point of their graduation. Warm congratulations are offered to all members of the Class of 2026, who have this week completed the last classes of their secondary education, and have celebrated this milestone achievement in their final Year 12 Assembly and Graduation Mass.

The Year 12 Assembly brought together the entire College community, from Years 7-12, for one final gathering with the Class of 2026. It was an opportunity to reflect on a journey that began as Year 7 students in 2021 and to celebrate the many achievements, friendships and memories formed along the way. The assembly also featured the presentation of several special awards, acknowledging excellence, leadership and contribution to the College community.

Year 12 Awards Ceremony Booklet

A meaningful part of the Year 12 Final Assembly was the official transition of leadership from the 2026 Senior School Captains and Cabinet to the incoming 2027 student team. Outgoing leaders welcomed the new Captains and Cabinet members by presenting them with their leadership badges, while the 2027 College Captains received their blazers in recognition of the important role they will undertake in the year ahead.

A noticeable absence from the assembly was College Captain Sam Haslett, who has recently relocated to the USA after accepting an offer to attend Iowa United Preparatory Academy in Des Moines, Iowa, an elite basketball preparatory academy. We were delighted to include a video message from Sam as part of the assembly, allowing him to share in this important occasion despite being overseas. We are incredibly proud of all that he has achieved and wish him every success as he embraces this exciting international opportunity. Further details of his achievement can be found in the letter below.

Later that evening our Year 12s and their families gathered in Quambi to celebrate the Graduation Mass. This offered a time for faith filled contemplation on the years spent at the College and what it means to be a person of Mercy. We prayed that our students remain connected to the Mercy story and challenged the Class of 2026 to live their lives as shining lamps, as beacons of hope, as bonfires of Mercy - or in the words of Catherine McAuley, “…be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.”

For the many who are now beginning their preparations for the VCE exams, we offer our best wishes and remind them to make good use of the study supports available at the college over the coming weeks. For those who step more immediately out into the world of apprenticeships, vocational education and workforce entry, we congratulate them on their accomplishments and hold excitement in our hearts for the adventures they will encounter. We look forward to celebrating with all Year 12 students and their families at the Graduation Dinner, which will be held following the end of the VCE exam period.

Year 12 Continuing the Tradition - Walking Through the Mercy Doors

Mercy Day Celebrations at Sacred Heart College

Mercy Day is an annual celebration across the global Mercy family, recognising the opening of Catherine McAuley’s first House of Mercy on Baggot Street, Dublin, in 1827. This worldwide celebration is traditionally held on 24th September, however adjustments are made for our own context, due to the timing of the school calendar.

While Kyneton’s challenging weather patterns have interrupted our plans in recent years, we are looking forward to relaunching our own Mercy Day celebrations this year, with a day of fun, food and activities. This special event will also be an opportunity for us to put our Mercy values of Compassion and Service into action. You will by now have received an invitation to pre-purchase a $10 package of tickets for the event, with the profits from these purchases to be donated to Mercy Works. Mercy Works is the development arm of the Sisters of Mercy in Australia and Papua New Guinea, and their projects take place in Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Timor-Leste, supporting access to education, healthcare and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.

Pre-purchasing a $10 package of tickets for the day will provide students with their casual clothes contribution, as well as five tickets that may be used to purchase a BBQ lunch, a snack and participation in some fun activities. There will also be an opportunity to purchase additional tickets, which can either be used on the day or offered as further donation to Mercy Works.

We are looking forward to a gentle celebration on the day, with plans to rebuild towards a significant event in the school calendar from 2027 - in which year Mercy communities across the globe will be celebrating the 200th Mercy Day.

2027 Student Digital Device Provision

The college will continue with current arrangements for the provision of student digital devices, with students entering Year 7 and Year 10 in 2027 purchasing their device for school use via the college process. Digital devices must be purchased via this process in order to access the school network and maintain the onsite technical support. Current Year 9 families are reminded to refer to the updated email sent on Tuesday 6th October, which details the options for making this purchase.

The choice of digital device purchased for Year 7 and Year 10 is made in collaboration with the College’s IT teaching specialists and IT system staff with a strong focus on students' education needs and value for money. The recommended device for both Year 7 and Year 10 in 2027 has similar specifications and performance to more expensive options and therefore offers our families value-for-money along with high performance. Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) warranty and support are included within the purchase price.

We do appreciate that purchasing a student laptop is an expensive component of modern education. Families who require financial assistance are encouraged to lodge a confidential concession application, which is available via this link.

Bereavements:  Your prayers are asked for the following families who are mourning the passing of a loved one recently.  The Williams family on the passing of Danny Williams, grandfather of Freya Year 8, the Lander family on the passing of Kenneth Roger Tobias, grandfather of Jarvis Year 10, and the Ellis family on the passing of Mick Clover, uncle of James Year 11.  Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.