Loving God, we thank you for the First Peoples of this land. For their long history, deep culture, and care for Country. We remember that this land was taken without permission. We remember the pain caused by colonisation. The loss of land, language, family, and culture.
As a Mercy school, we want to face the truth. We know that reconciliation means more than words— it means listening, learning, and changing.
Help us to live out our Mercy values—
to show compassion to those who are hurting,
to seek justice where things are unfair,
to treat all people with respect,
to offer hospitality to those who feel left out,
to give service where there is need,
and to act with courage, even when it’s hard.
Help us to listen with open hearts, and to walk alongside First Nations people on the journey towards justice and healing. We pray that we will be people who act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with you, our God.
Amen
This week’s prayer recognises Reconciliation Week: with the theme ‘Bridging Now to Next’, it is a time to reflect and continue building momentum towards reconciliation in our schools, workplaces, and broader communities. This theme invites all Australians to learn more about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and explore how everyone can contribute to promoting reconciliation in our everyday lives - in our homes, workplaces, and social circles. These themes were highlighted in the College’s Makaratta assembly held earlier this month.
In recent days, the College has opened its online enrolment portal which is available through the College website (www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au). The portal provides a more convenient access point for parents and families looking to lodge an enrolment application form as well as details of accompanying documents required to be submitted.
A reminder to all current and prospective families that enrolment applications for Year 7 2027 (students currently in Grade 5) close on Friday 25 July 2025. Further details can be obtained by contacting the College Registrar, Ms Rowena Rokesky-Alder (rralder@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au) on 54211200.
Last week, the College was privileged to host the board of Mercy Ministry Companions (MMC). MMC reflect the broader Mercy family in Australia and New Zealand and share a commitment to infuse life with God’s mercy and to serve God and the Church through its vibrant ministries. These include Mercy Health, Mercy Education, and Mercy Community Services Australia, which includes McAuley Community Services for Women, Mercy Connect, Mercy Services and MacKillop Family Services.
Board members gathered for a liturgy in the College Chapel, morning tea and a College tour conducted by the Principal and College Captains.
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”.