Despite some torrential and challenging weather, all the girls did a fantastic job and represented themselves wonderfully. True to form, they took everything in their stride and showed great resilience throughout the week.
Abbey Brinkhuis (Year 7) and her horse Lolly competed in Showjumping and Combined Training. Abbey produced some excellent rounds, particularly in the tight indoor arena, and rode with great confidence and control.
Eva Potesta (Year 8) and her pony Willow were, as always, a polished and professional combination. Competing in Intermediate Novice Dressage and Combined Training, Eva delivered a beautiful performance and was a pleasure to watch.
Miranda Byrne (Year 10) had a busy and impressive week, competing two horses, Tia and Teddy. She rode Tia in Showjumping and Combined Training, and Teddy in Novice and Elementary Dressage. Across all events, Miranda showed consistency and determination—remaining positive even after some thoroughly rain-soaked rounds.
Chloe Bourke (Year 11) and her horse Arlo delivered a standout performance in the Senior Preliminary Dressage, finishing in the placings. She also competed strongly in the Senior Novice Dressage, riding with skill and composure.
Overall, it was a successful and rewarding week (weather aside). The girls supported each other throughout, demonstrating not only strong horsemanship but also great team spirit.
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”.