Loving God,
your spirit of wisdom fills the earth and teaches us your ways.
As we celebrate World Teachers Day,
Look upon the teachers and educators in our own school and community.
Let them strive to share their knowledge with gentle patience
and endeavor always to bring the truth to eager minds.
Grant that they may follow Jesus Christ,
the way, the truth, and the life,
forever and ever.
Amen
This week’s prayer speaks to World Teachers Day, which is celebrated across Australia on Friday 30 October. The theme for World Teachers Day 2026 is “Shine a Light on Teachers”, with the Australian government noting that this theme “recognises the important role teachers play in supporting student learning, wellbeing and success.” We encourage all families to join in our prayers for teachers, and to consider with gratitude the many teachers that have had a role in nourishing our lives and benefitting our communities.
While there is always plenty happening in the daily life of our College, the past fortnight has seen a number of key events take place. In this edition of the newsletter you will find articles about our recent Junior School Showcase, Mercy Day celebrations and annual Art Exhibition. Hearty congratulations are offered to all involved in each of these events, and warm thanks are due to the many students and staff who worked to ensure they were each a success. Amidst these moments of celebration, many of our Year 12 students have now begun their final exams. It has been impressive to see many Year 12s choosing to conduct their exam preparation and study on-site at the college, and we hope all Year 12s are proud of giving their best in the exam room.
Sacred Heart College will write to all families in the coming weeks confirming school fees for the 2027 school year. Along with this letter, we will share details of a new arrangement for fee payments that will be available for families, in order to achieve greater flexibility for payment options.
Aside from students and staff involved in VCAA exams next Monday and Wednesday, the College will be closed until next Thursday 5 November 2026. We hope that all families enjoy some gentle time in the coming days, and a well earned rest in the middle of a busy term.
Bereavements: Your prayers are asked for the following families who are mourning the passing of a loved one recently. The Pelham family with the passing of Martin Loof, grandfather of Joel, Year 11, and the Hurren family on the passing of Antonio Arena, grandfather of Ciena, Year 8. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Darren was appointed Principal of Sacred Heart College in January 2019. Darren has had almost 30 years experience in teaching and leadership across a number of Victorian Catholic secondary schools. These include eight years as Principal of Mercy Regional College, Camperdown; nine years as Deputy Principal and Director of Mission at Mount Lilydale Mercy College; seven years as a Chemistry, Religious Education and Science teacher as well as REC at Sacred Heart College, Geelong.
Darren has been committed to a lifetime of study and professional development. After completing his initial degree of Bachelor of Science and Graduate Diploma of Education at the University of Melbourne, he continued his study by completing a Graduate Diploma of Religious Education, a Masters of Religious Education and a Doctor of Education, all at Australian Catholic University. In 2018, Darren participated in the Enhancing Catholic School Identity programme in Leuven, Belgium.
Darren has a deep and passionate affiliation with the Mercy tradition and charism and believes that Mercy schools must be “…committed to holistic education; determined to ensure that each student flourishes academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically”.
The purpose of the Catholic school is to provide “… an authentic Christian education, where students are called to embrace the essence of the Gospels, to flourish as whole human persons” and “… to provide exemplary learning experiences for the students who attend”.
Darren was appointed Principal of Sacred Heart College in January 2019. Darren has had almost 30 years experience in teaching and leadership across a number of Victorian Catholic secondary schools. These include eight years as Principal of Mercy Regional College, Camperdown; nine years as Deputy Principal and Director of Mission at Mount Lilydale Mercy College; seven years as a Chemistry, Religious Education and Science teacher as well as REC at Sacred Heart College, Geelong.
Darren has been committed to a lifetime of study and professional development. After completing his initial degree of Bachelor of Science and Graduate Diploma of Education at the University of Melbourne, he continued his study by completing a Graduate Diploma of Religious Education, a Masters of Religious Education and a Doctor of Education, all at Australian Catholic University. In 2018, Darren participated in the Enhancing Catholic School Identity programme in Leuven, Belgium.
Darren has a deep and passionate affiliation with the Mercy tradition and charism and believes that Mercy schools must be “…committed to holistic education; determined to ensure that each student flourishes academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically”.
The purpose of the Catholic school is to provide “… an authentic Christian education, where students are called to embrace the essence of the Gospels, to flourish as whole human persons” and “… to provide exemplary learning experiences for the students who attend”.