| Mercy Day Mass – Mercy is a VerbLast Friday, our College came together to celebrate Mercy Day, remembering the opening of the first House of Mercy in Dublin by Catherine McAuley. This special day reminds us of the ongoing story of Mercy — one of compassion, courage, and service to others. Our Mercy Day Mass was a time to pray, give thanks, and reflect on how we can live Mercy in our own lives. We remembered the Sisters of Mercy and all those who continue their good work today. Through our gold coin donations to Mercy Works, we helped support people and communities in need both in Australia and overseas. It was a good reminder that Mercy is a verb and something that we 'do.' The Eucharist is the heart of our Catholic faith. When we gather for Mass, we come together as a community to pray, listen, and give thanks. These times are sacred and ask for our respect, attention, and participation. The way we behave at Mass shows our faith and care for one another. By listening, joining in, and showing reverence, we help create a space where everyone can feel the presence of God. After Mass, students shared donuts together in their year-level areas as a small way of living out the spirit of hospitality that Catherine McAuley valued so deeply. Mercy Day reminds us that to 'do' Mercy is to be respectful, compassionate, and to serve others. | 
 
						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”.