At Sacred Heart College, Religious Education (RE) is a fundamental expression of our identity as a Catholic school in the Mercy tradition.
When families choose to enrol at Sacred Heart, and when staff choose to work here, they make a deliberate decision to join a faith-based learning community. In a society where many high-quality non-faith-based schooling options exist, choosing a Catholic school means choosing to engage with the Gospel, the Catholic tradition, and the values that shape our vision for learning and life.
Religious Education is central to this mission. It is the space where students are invited to explore life’s big questions, encounter the Catholic worldview, and reflect deeply on what it means to live with purpose and a commitment to mercy and justice.
In the spirit of Jesus’ words in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,” we believe that Religious Education helps young people grow into the fullness of who they are called to be.
We recognise that many young people today feel distant or disconnected from religion or uncertain about faith. That’s why our approach to Faith, Mission, and Religious Education is invitational, and we welcome respectful questioning and open dialogue. At the same time, we expect all students to engage meaningfully with the RE learning program and to contribute to a classroom culture that is grounded in respect and a shared commitment to encounter and learning.
At Sacred Heart, our Mercy values call us to compassion, respect, and courage. We remain committed to walking alongside every student and family, offering hospitality to all, while also being clear about the responsibilities that come with being part of a Catholic school community.
We thank our families for the trust they place in us, and for joining us in this important work of educating heads, hearts, and hands.
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”.