It was a special pleasure to celebrate the achievements of our students at this week’s Learning Leadership Awards Assembly. These awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and acclaim the many students who quietly and consistently apply themselves in the classroom. Those recognised as Learning Leaders have demonstrated a consistent and dedicated approach to their studies, and have approached their learning with commitment, perseverance, and determination throughout Semester 1.
Each award recipient should be immensely proud of the positive learning habits, resilience, and work ethic they have demonstrated in their daily school work. Their commitment to learning enriches our College community and serves as an inspiration to their peers. We commend the enthusiasm, responsibility, and growth they have shown throughout Semester 1, and encourage all students to continue embracing the opportunities and challenges that are a part of the rich learning life at Sacred Heart.
We also extend a warm vote of thanks to our dedicated staff and supportive families whose encouragement and guidance play an important role in student success. The partnerships between home and school help create the foundations upon which these achievements are built.
The following wisdom was offered by Ms Kim Twilley, Director of Learning Culture, to all students as part of the assembly:
“At Sacred Heart, we celebrate the behaviours and habits that are at the centre of learning. Things like asking questions, persisting when learning gets hard, taking pride in your work and consistently showing up to class prepared and ready to learn. These are the habits that we commend when we notice them, as these are the things that last beyond your time here at the college. Working hard, being curious and always persisting will set you up for success in every part of your life.
It is worth noting that every student in the College has demonstrated these behaviours at one time or another. Learning leadership is not something that is out of reach for anyone. That is shown by the sheer number of students who were nominated by their teachers for their determination, growth in learning, independence and curiosity. When individuals demonstrate these behaviours, it can be contagious, we can inspire the same habits in others. That is what takes us from being just a school, to being a learning community. And that is something that is definitely worth celebrating.”
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”.