Lord Jesus,
you conquered death without weapons or violence:
you shattered its power with the strength of peace.
Grant us your peace,
as you did to the women filled with doubt on Easter morning,
as you did to the disciples who were hiding in fear.
Send forth your Spirit,
the breath that gives life and reconciles,
that turns adversaries and enemies into brothers and sisters.
Inspire in us to trust in Mary, your mother,
who stood at the foot of your cross with a broken heart,
firm in the faith that you would rise again.
May the madness of war cease
and the Earth be cared for and cultivated by those who still
know how to bring forth, protect and love life.
Hear us, Lord of life!
This week’s prayer again calls to mind the recent twelve-month anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV and the influence for good that his papacy is seeking to have across the world. The prayer above was released during Easter week and provides a profound set of observations on the centrality of peace and reconciliation to the Christian narrative.
As the parent of a Year 10 student, discussions around subject selection ahead of the VCE years and post-compulsory education pathways are currently a large part of our family life. Ensuring that young people are informed about the various subjects and pathways available to them at Sacred Heart College is essential and helps ensure that decisions made are for the best reasons.
Early next term, the College will hold its Senior School Subject and Careers Expo on Wednesday 22 July from 4.00 – 7.00pm. It is designed to support these important decisions by students and families and will include information and expert advice from both internal and external providers. The evening will include talks and displays on VCE pathways as well as those through VCE Vocational Major; it will also showcase a number of tertiary institutions and employers such as Victoria Police and the Australian Defence Forces.

The 2026 Top Screen People’s Choice Award winner is: 'A Disagreement' a short film directed by Thomas Corboy VCE Media student. The runner-up was 'Grow Up', directed by Dari Justin from St Michael's Grammar School.
These filmmakers were awarded after receiving the most audience votes across all in-cinema screenings, tallying over 1,500 votes in total. Both winners received passes to the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF). Students selected for Top Screens 2026 were chosen from of over 350 nominated student films. Well done Tom!

Yours in Mercy,
Dr Darren Egberts
Principal
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”.
As we move into the closing weeks of the term, all students are to be congratulated for their efforts and accomplishments over the course of Semester 1. We hope that all students take a moment to reflect proudly on their personal achievements both in and beyond the classroom. At present, our teaching staff are preparing the Semester One Reports for all students. Much of the information that these reports will include is already available via live reporting of Assessment Tasks on PAM. Reports provide a snapshot of a given moment in time, and offer material for conversation about the ongoing story of learning and growth. We encourage families to use reports and other feedback as talking points that lead to affirming areas of strength, and to address areas of challenge in partnership with us.
In the coming weeks, teachers will also be nominating students to be considered for a Learning Leadership Award. The spirit of these awards is to recognise and celebrate the many forms that success can take, and to highlight the quiet efforts that our students bring into the school community each day. For this reason, there are a number of categories for which a student might be nominated for a Learning Leadership Award:
Substantial growth in learning
Determination and perseverance
Independence of learning
Creative and innovative thinking
Classroom leadership and initiative
Recipients of the Semester 1 Learning Leadership Awards will be celebrated at a dedicated assembly in Week 4 of Term 3.
The GAT is a test of general knowledge and skills completed by any student enrolled in any VCE Unit 3-4 sequence or VM Unit 3-4 sequence. It will be completed on-site at Sacred Heart College on Tuesday 16 June. No other program will run for Year 11 and Year 12 on this date. You can read more about the GAT via this link.
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”.
Whilst August and September may still seem a while off yet, students have begun preparations for their Alpine Camp.
Students have had an information session in Assembly outlining the camp and what it entails, as well as the equipment required.
Students are provided with hired skis, boots, poles, and a helmet. All students however are required to have their own waterproof snow gloves and eye protection in either the form of sunglasses or snow goggles. Whilst many families may not already have these items these can be borrowed from family, or friends at other year levels. In the coming months retail stores such as Anaconda and even Aldi will begin having sales on ski gear and will have these items available for purchase at good prices.
Students also have the option to either bring their own waterproof snow jacket, and waterproof snow pants or they have the opportunity to hire these items. If students choose to hire these items these are covered under the costs of the camp. Students will have indicated on their camp information form completed at school if they need to hire the waterproof snow jacket and/or pants. Please discuss this with your student and contact Kirsty Barnes if you need to amend the information your student has provided. This information will then be used to finalise our bookings with Falls Creek.
Further information including PAM permissions and the Camp Handbook will be available for families early next Term.
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”.

This term, our Year 11 Vocational Major (VM) students visited the RM Begg Aged Care Facility in Kyneton, focusing on building meaningful relationships with the elderly residents.
Stepping outside the classroom, the students bridged the generational gap by engaging in a variety of shared social activities. Students and residents teamed up for games of pool, scrabble and cards, just to name a few.
Beyond the games, the heart of the visit lay in the rich conversations that followed, with both generations openly sharing their unique life stories. This rewarding experience brought vibrant energy to the residents while allowing the VM students to develop vital communication skills and empathy, reinforcing the invaluable strength of community connection.
Our Year 1 VM Students completed a Food Handling Certificate and Barista Course on Friday 5 June as part of an opportunity to gain valuable experience and certification to support potential part-time work job opportunities.
The students spent the first half of the day going through how to safely prepare, handle and store food before moving into the finer details of a good coffee grind.
The afternoon saw the students make expresso shots and froth milk, delivering their wares to teachers in the afternoon.
A wonderful experience had by all.
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”.
On Friday 29 May the Year 11 and 12 Media Studies classes were visited by Natalie Cassar from the Academy of Interactive Entertainment - specialist educators in games, animation film and VFX.
Natalie spoke to each class about Gaming and Filmmaking, and career paths offered at AIE. She shared student short films and games, showed some behind the scenes footage, and encouraged our students to pursue their media passions.
Natalie showcased AIE’s Short & Foundation Courses (Beginner & Holiday, Cert II & III), Full-Time Career Courses (Advanced Diploma & Bachelor Degree) and Post-Grad Courses (Graduate Diploma) in Game Art Animation, 3D Animation and VFX, Filmmaking, Game Design and Production and Game Programming.
We had fun playing games called “I Hate My Job, My Boss is a Lizard” and Mecca Run For It - free downloadable games for PC where you can connect your controllers right to your laptop!
The Year 11 and 12 Media students had fun competing in the game and were inspired by Natalie’s passion and knowledge.
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”.
The diet culture of the past is out, and "Functional Foods" are in!This term, the Year 10 Food Studies class has been investigating current food trends, focusing on how today's consumers want more from the food that they purchase. The focus has shifted to choosing foods that offer specific health and nutritional benefits.
Students explored a functional food trend of their choice and designed products tailored to a variety of specific health goals, including gut health, immune support, athletic recovery, enhancing energy and skin health.
The students then brought their research to life in in a practical lesson. Have a look at some of their fantastic nutrient packed creations.
This term, our Year 9 Food Technology students have been exploring the delicious world of multicultural foods.
As part of their Design Brief students were given an opportunity to research a country of their choice. The highlight of the topic was the practical cooking session, where students brought their research to life by preparing a traditional dish from that culture.
The results were outstanding! The Year 9’s showed off impressive time management and technical skills including Maltese pastizzi, Japanese sushi, Cambodian fish amok, Italian arancini balls and classic pizzas, the variety of dishes was incredible.
Check out some of their mouth-watering creations from their practical lesson.
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”.
Thursday 4 June our VCE Music students had the incredible opportunity to learn from internationally renowned guitarist Alex Tsiboulski. Students took part in a masterclass, private lessons and enjoyed a captivating concert.
A former Fulbright Scholar and winner of major international competitions, Alex shared his expertise in stagecraft, musical interpretation and technique. His recital showcased works ranging from the 1820s through to contemporary guitar repertoire.
We are extremely grateful to Alex for his time, insight and inspiring performance.
On Wednesday 3 June Sacred Heart students and Instrumental Teachers presented their Semester One Music Recital. Three separate concerts were held concurrently in the Mary Moloney Theatre, the Music Classroom and, for the first time, the Library.
In the Theatre were Drum students of Andy Rousch and Lizzie Dynon, and Piano and Brass students of Anna Zuidland and Sue Morris.
In the Library were Voice students of Jess Demare and Sophie Allan, string students of Pauline Griffiths and Saxophone students of Sarah Gill.
Finally, in the Music Classroom we saw guitar students of both Tim Allan and Mark Roberts.
The night showcased a large array of music from all corners of the globe. From 19th Century Trumpet repertoire to 1980s shred guitar, vocal numbers from Music Theatre to saxophone quartets, funk charts on drums and Mozart Violin works. There really was something for everyone.
The Sacred Heart Music Department is deeply grateful to the parents, guardians, friends and peers that braved the cold and wet to support our young performers. Our students are already looking forward to hitting their practice rooms in preparation for the Semester Two Recitals later this year!
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”.
The 2026 Debutante Ball was a memorable highlight of the school year, bringing together almost the entire Year 11 cohort for a truly special evening. After months of preparation and anticipation, students were able to celebrate a significant milestone and create memories that will last a lifetime. Everyone looked incredible, with the effort put into dresses, suits, hair, and makeup adding to the excitement and elegance of the occasion.
The night was filled with laughter, dancing, and countless photographs as friends captured memories and celebrated together. It provided a wonderful opportunity for students to spend time outside the classroom, strengthening existing friendships and forming new connections. The atmosphere throughout the evening was one of joy and celebration, shared by students, families, and teachers alike.
One of the most memorable aspects of the Deb was the sense of togetherness it fostered within the year level. From practising dances and posing for photos to enjoying conversations and celebrating achievements, the event highlighted the strong friendships and community spirit that make the Year 11 cohort so special. Following the formal celebrations, many students continued the festivities at the after-party, where the fun and laughter carried on late into the night and provided another opportunity to reflect on the unforgettable evening.
Overall, the 2026 Debutante Ball was a remarkable experience that will be remembered fondly by all who attended. On behalf of the Year 11 Debutantes, we would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the night possible. In particular, we extend our sincere gratitude to Ms Monagle and Mr Diamond for their support, encouragement, and dedication throughout the preparation process. Their time, effort, and commitment helped make the evening so special, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they did to create such a treasured part of our school journey. Minty Taylor, Year 11
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”.
Astute students would have noticed the cat decorations creeping around the library over the last few weeks. Well, the meow-ment has finally arrived and the library is thrilled to welcome CATherine McAuley to the library. Catherine (name voted by students), is a robotic MetaCat. Providing sensory comfort and emotional support for our students, she meows, purrs, wags her tail and shakes her head. Students are enamoured and Catherine has been a huge hit in reading classes and during break times. She may be a robot, but to us, she is purr-fect!
Congratulations to Jarvis and his team of puzzlers for finally completing the massive 1000 piece monster map! The students worked diligently over many lunchtimes to complete the puzzle and should be really proud of their efforts.
Puzzles are great for mindfulness, task completion, attention to detail and focus. We have a range of puzzles available in the library for students to use at lunchtime, from 200 pieces, up to the larger 1000 piece puzzles. If you are keen to take part in our Puzzle Club then please come and see library staff for more information!
The lovely Rowena Rokesky-Alder has been sharing her expertise from her life as a hairdresser on Thursdays at lunchtime. She’s been showing students how to create a range of hairstyles, with minimal tools and a little technique. Students (and the library team!) have learned about chignons, fancy pony tails and a range of braids.

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”.
Recently, our Unit 3 & 4 Legal Studies students traded the classroom for the courtroom public gallery, when they travelled to the Bendigo Magistrates' Court to attend Victorian Law Foundation’s annual Law Week events.
The excursion offered students a firsthand look inside the newly completed Bendigo Law Court precinct (and its very stringent security procedures!) as well as the opportunity to hear from legal professionals sharing their knowledge and expertise. Some of the speakers we were lucky enough to hear from included: a very impressive young Court Registrar who gave fascinating insights into the daily running of the courts, and who possibly also inspired a few career decisions; a representative from the Young Workers Centre who answered many questions about our young people’s workplace rights; and, the Victorian Ombudsman who enlightened us all on their role in holding local and state government accountable.
We also heard from the Juries Commissioner on the essential role juries play in our justice system, and the Victorian Law Reform Commission on the continual process of reviewing existing laws and making recommendations for reform to ensure our laws remain fair and aligned with community expectations.
It was a great experience for all to see the Legal Studies curriculum in action.
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”.
The Careers team recently invited a panel of past students to speak with our Year 12 students about their journey since leaving school. The panel discussed a range of topics, including the options they were considering in Year 12, the challenges they faced when deciding on their next steps, and the people and resources they relied on to help make pathway decisions. They also shared the skills that have been valuable in navigating their career journeys, the biggest obstacles they have encountered, and the key advice they would offer current Year 12 students.
This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain insight from former students who have already begun their exciting and diverse career journeys, providing valuable perspectives and inspiration as they consider their own futures.

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”.
We headed to Greenvale Recreation Centre all pumped and ready to smash the opposition. Before our games, we cheered on the Year 7/8s from the sidelines, which got everyone even more excited to hit the field ourselves.
Our first game was a tough battle that ended in a draw, but in the next match we absolutely smashed the opposition, getting everyone’s adrenaline pumping and the whole team fired up. By finals, we were exhausted, muddy, and running low on energy, but we still gave it our all. Unfortunately, we just fell short in the end.
A personal highlight for me was kicking 2 goals! Another highlight was definitely seeing everyone covered head-to-toe in mud by the end of the day. Harper Vance, Year 10
After a month of preparation, training every Thursday, the Sacred Heart Year 7 and 8 girls stepped onto the football field.
In their first game the girls settled in with their new team and kicked several goals to take a win. In their second game they secured another win putting them into the grand final.
Fully prepared with our best side, we competed against Wallan to hopefully earn our way to the next round. Many players shone bringing leadership, skills and intensity.
Unfortunately, we lost by two goals, but all in all, the day was filled with so much fun and the girls are ready to come back for more next year! Sian Andrews, Coach
This year almost 50 students represented the College at the Mickleham Divisional Cross Country. The new venue in Jacana saw the students running along the Moonee Ponds Creek which made the run a little different and more interesting compared to the bitumen and grass in recent years.
We had one of our most successful days where 27 students qualified for the NMR round on June 17 at Kilmore Race Club. We were so proud to have five students come in first place with the top 15 runners in each event qualifying for the NMR meet. Congratulations to the five students who finished in first place.
12/13 Boys Caysen Embleton-Smith
14 Girls Piper Fynch
15 Girls Lucinda Bowen
16 Boys Tyler Fynch
17-20 Boys Tighe Thrum
Our school football team had a great day, playing three games and winning all of them. Everyone worked hard, showed excellent teamwork, and gave their best effort on the field. The wins have earned us a place in the next stage of the competition, which is an exciting achievement for the team. We are proud of our performance and are looking forward to the next challenge.
The team stayed focused and supported each other throughout every match. Our determination and positive attitude helped us overcome tough opposition. We hope to continue this strong form and make our school proud in the next round.
James Beattie Year 10
Year 9/10 Soccer Day on Tuesday 19 May proved to be a very entertaining experience, and one which united all students due to their love of the sport. Every team showed tremendous teamwork, determination, and fair play irrespective of the outcome of their games.
The matches were extremely competitive and exciting, yet all participants encouraged each other and enjoyed spending time with friends and fellow students. It provided students an excellent chance not only to make new friends but to develop existing relationships in the field of play. Tony Iaria


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”.
Sacred Heart College’s parents and students have been given access to all of Michell Mitchell’s webinars for the rest of the 2026 school year (ending 19 December).
The full list of webinars can be accessed via the following link: Michelle Mitchell Webinars
Our community need to create an account and purchase a free subscription (at no charge). For free access to the webinars. Follow the steps below to create your free account:
Once your account is set up, you will receive an email confirming account set up followed by an email containing the link for free access to the webinars and accompanying information.
If you have any trouble creating your account, please contact reception for assistance.
Please note the webinars can only be accessed free of charge by using the link sent to confirm the set up of your account.

I know that parenting a teenager can be tiring, a little stressful and an intense roller-coast of rapid change. I also know that it can also be so rewarding, especially once you understand what teen’s need. These videos are from a 2-part Webinar that is designed to help parents and carers embrace, connect with and enjoy this stage of life.

If you’ve recently found yourself saying, “Why are we still negotiating about this?” this webinar is for you.
Most kids, regardless of their age, are master negotiators! Their single minded, intentional drive can be difficult for parents to match, especially if we don’t upskill as they grow.

Raising boys today feels more complicated than ever. Between the daily battles over screen time, sudden drops in school motivation, and explosive emotional outbursts, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
To help our families navigate these challenges, Sacred Heart College has secured free access to a live "Ask Me Anything" online session with Dr Justin Coulson on June 16.
Celebrating the launch of his highly anticipated new book, BOYS, Dr Coulson will be answering your most pressing questions about how to deeply connect with your son, manage the ongoing tension around screens, and guide him toward becoming a good, resilient man.
When: Tuesday 16 June 2026 | 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM AEST Where: Online (Join from the comfort of your living room) Cost: FREE for Sacred Heart College families
Click here to register and receive your private event link: happyfamilies.com.au/schools-ask-me-anything-for-parents
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”.

During the April school holidays, Lachlan travelled to the Gold Coast to compete in the National Gridiron Championships as a member of the Under 18 Victoria Eagles team. This marked his second consecutive year being selected to represent Victoria at the national level.
Lachlan had an outstanding tournament, showcasing his skills and commitment throughout the competition. Lachlan then received exciting news recently where he was offered a place in the Under 18 Australian Team. This prestigious selection will see him represent Australia in an international campaign from 4–12 July.
As part of the program, Lachlan will attend a week-long training camp in Sydney before travelling to Auckland, New Zealand, where the Australian Under 18 team will take on the New Zealand National Team. The international fixture is scheduled for Saturday, 11 July.
Lachlan plays as a Linebacker (LB), a key defensive position that requires strength, speed, and game awareness. His selection is a testament to the dedication and hard work he has invested in his sport over many years. The game will be live-streamed on YouTube via the American Football Australia channel. We wish Lachlan and the Australian team the very best as they prepare to take on New Zealand and proudly represent their country on the international stage.

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”.
Health Care Card Holders CSEF Applications (Camps, Sport & Excursion Fund)
If you have a current Health Care Card, you may be eligible for CSEF Funding $400.00 per child. The College will also match the $400.00 per child = $800.00 towards your school fee account.
Click here for application form or email accountsreceivable@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au
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”.