This week’s prayer highlights the 2024 College theme, “Called to Act for Justice” and its biblical roots as a call by the ancient prophet Micah. Notwithstanding the age of the text, its message remains contemporary challenging us as members of a Christian community to give witness to the pillars of Catholic social teaching – the preferential option for the poor, subsidiarity, dignity of the human person, care for God’s creation, etc.

A busy and memorable week

With the start of the school year, Sacred Heart College has been abuzz with a significant number of activities and events for students, staff and families. Key amongst these were:

Last Friday, the whole school community celebrated together for our Beginning of Year Mass. The celebration was led by Fr Declan and Fr Wahid and included the blessing of the College’s new artwork, “Mercy”. We were especially privileged to have the artwork’s painter, Aimee McCarthy, present with Aimee explaining the significance of the many aspects to the school community.

Last Wednesday, the school enjoyed warm weather and a cooling breeze at the Sunbury Swimming Pool for our annual school Swimming Carnival. Congratulations to all students and staff who took part on the day whether to win a race or simply to earn valuable points for their house.

Thanks to the hundreds of parents and families who joined us last week for the Meet the Teacher evenings. These nights provided a great opportunity for parents and carers to meet homeroom teachers – the first port of call for families wanting to communicate with the school. The Year 10 – 12 evening included opportunities for parents and students to attend a variety of workshops that explored the pathways and resources for senior students at SHC.

Last Thursday provided the opportunity for the whole College to gather and celebrate the achievements of the 2023 Year 12 cohort. Students who achieved excellence across VCE and VCE-VM studies were recognised including the 2023 Sacred Heart College Dux (Cai Rowland) and Dux Proximus (Nate Ryan).

Last week included the commencement of the important Church season of Lent. Recognising this, all staff and students were privileged to take part in a brief but deeply reflective Ash Wednesday liturgy in the College’s beautiful Chapel.

This week, the College’s camps program commenced with Year 7A and 7B travelling to Kinglake from Monday – Wednesday. This will be the first of four weeks of camps involving students from Year 7, 8, and 12 as well as a number involved with Outdoor Education.

Staffing News

Following Simon Costello’s resignation, the College welcomes Mr Nic Melaisis into the College community. Nic is joining the College staff after many years in schools including Catherine McAuley College Bendigo, The Islamic College of Victoria and Overnewton Anglican College. Nic will be teaching Humanities, Religious Education and VCE History.

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).

Employment Opportunities  -  Currently there are teaching positions available, please follow this link.

Bereavements - Your prayers are asked for the Andrews family on the passing of Keith Andrews, grandfather of Pippa 7E. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Yours in Mercy

Dr Darren Egberts

Principal