Come, O life-giving Spirit, transform us,
Stir up in us the flame of love which is your gift
Give us wisdom to see as you see.
Give us understanding to hear as you hear
Give us courage and strength to walk the way of justice and integrity.
Kindle in us wonder and awe, that we may have grateful spirits.
You who dwell within us, praying unceasingly, fill us with love and devotion.
Holy Wisdom, guide us in the choices we must make.
Give us discerning hearts that we may choose what is good, in accord with your desire.
Lord God of mercy, finish in us the work you have begun.
Amen
This week’s prayer reflects the significance of Tuesday 11 November – a day of national importance as Remembrance Day (107 years after the armistice was declared concluding the First World War) while simultaneously being a remarkable political anniversary, 50 years since the sacking of Australia’s Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam.

Yet for Mercy communities across the world, November 11 marks the anniversary of Catherine McAuley’s death in Dublin in 1841. Her life and words continue to inspire Mercy ministries more than two hundred years after her passing.
Thanks to the Sacred Heart College students and staff who represented the school community at local remembrance ceremonies around the Macedon Ranges.
Yesterday, I distributed a letter to current and prospective Sacred Heart College families detailing the 2026 College Fee Schedule. As has been mentioned in previous newsletters, the annual increase for 2026 is higher than average reflecting a new industrial agreement for Victorian Catholic school staff expected next year. Copy of this letter is attached below.
On Monday, Sacred Heart College hosted the interim Mercy Education Ltd Chief Executive, Mr Andy Kuppe. During visit, Andy was able to meet with senior College staff, share morning tea with student leaders and enjoy a tour around the College’s wonderful campus.
Yesterday, Year 10 & 11 students commence their end of semester examinations; these important assessments offer insight into how students performed during the second semester, as well as important preparation for VCAA examinations to be completed for all Unit 3-4 subjects. The examinations will be followed by a fortnight of Step Up classes for all students undertaking Unit 1 – 4 classes in 2026.
On Wednesday evening, I was privileged to attend the final music event for the year, with almost one hundred students performing musical solos and ensemble works across three venues at the College. The evening provides a wonderful affirmation for the students and particularly the work they have done at home and at school with their instrument(s). The evening is also a great testament to the guidance and encouragement students receive from our outstanding group of instrumental music staff under the leadership of Head of Music, Josh McGuffie.
Bereavements: Your prayers are asked for the following families who are mourning the loss of a loved one recently. The Singh family on the passing of Vimla Singh, Dadi, grandmother of Rohan Year 11 and Arjun Year 8, and the Hewitt family on the passing of Margaret Montgomery, grandmother of Ruben Year 11. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
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”.