This week’s prayer focuses on tomorrow as a significant day for the Sisters of Mercy globally as the anniversary of the death of Venerable Catherine McAuley in 1841. It is a day where Mercy schools and ministries come together to reflect on her profound legacy and that of the thousands of Sisters of Mercy since then.

Tomorrow also sees Remembrance Day (or Armistice Day) commemorated across Australia. At many small and large ceremonies across this country, the sacrifices of men and women in wars and conflicts past as well as those serving currently in Australia’s armed forces will be recognised and reflected upon. A short Remembrance Day service was held this morning in classes at Sacred Heart College with student leaders representing the schools at local services tomorrow.

Parent Involvement – College Advisory Council and College Finance Committee

Two important groups that support the operations of Sacred Heart College are the College Advisory Council and the College Finance Committee. I am looking for additional members for each committee with the departure of some longstanding members. A summary of the responsibilities of each group (as detailed by Mercy Education) is included below:

• The College Advisory Council provides a forum for discussion and discernment, where parent voice and community perspective are available to inform and support the decisions made by the principal where students’ wellbeing and outcomes are paramount.
• The Finance Committee is responsible for the oversight of and summary reporting to College Advisory Council of the following aspects of school finances: financial performance of the College; policy matters relating to finance or capital works; recommendations on the annual budget.

I would welcome expressions of interest for either group from interested parents with appointments at the discretion of the Principal. Membership of each group is normally for two year cycles with two or three cycles preferred.

Interested parents are invited to email the Principal’s Assistant, Loretta Hanns (lhanns@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au).

Transition to Parent Purchase of Student Devices

Early next week, parents of Year 7 & 10 2024 students will receive details on accessing the school portal to arrange purchase of student devices. The information to be distributed will include help-lines where needed as well as finance options.

Student Activities

As the end of the school year approaches, a number of significant activities are worth recognising:

• Year 10 & 11 students are commencing their end of year subject examinations with their end of year awards assembly being held on Tuesday 21 November. Unit 1 - 4 Step Up classes begin on the following day.
• After a Covid-enforced hiatus, a group of Sacred Heart College students and staff depart for Japan next weekend. The trip includes a range of language and cultural experiences as well as a visit to our sister school, Ibarakinishi High School. We wish all safe travels.
• Last week saw the culmination of the College’s Instrumental Music Program with the annual Music Leaders’ Concert. Congratulations to all students who performed on the night and special thanks to the wonderful team of instrumental music teachers who support them each week.

Yours in Mercy,

Dr Darren Egberts

Principal

Congratulations to these students on being selected as members of the SHC Senior School Cabinet for 2024. We look forward to watching you take on these positions of leadership and develop these roles across the school year.