During their RE lessons this term, Year 12 students have taken part in a service group project. This demonstrated their understanding and practical application of everyday courage, and which reflect the Kingdom of God. These groups included: cooking for a food bank, tree planting and sustainability experiences, visiting residents at RM Begg in Kyneton, and creating crafts for McAuley Community Services for Women.
Students contributed to:
Preparing 150 sausage rolls
Cooking 12 kilos of bolognese sauce
Baking 150 cookies
Plating 120 trees with Campaspe River & Land Management Group
Creating approximately 50 soft toys, games and activities for young children
Conversations with 20 aged care residents
Some student feedback:
“Going to visit the seniors of Kyneton and surrounds was really fulfilling for both the seniors and us Year 12s as a group. I had a lovely time reconnecting with my old neighbour and a lot of my friends were able to form some meaningful relationships with residents. Music, laughter, wise words and smiles filled the rooms as we conversed, and we will all be forever grateful for this opportunity of connection.” Astrid
“It was such an insightful and eye opening experience to have Hayley from McAuley Services come in and talk to us about their mission. It was also such a bonding and unique experience to be creating toys for the children affected by these unfortunate circumstances and to know we were making a true difference. We have all been truly blessed to be part of this experience.” Alice
“As well as caring for the local environment, we also took a visit to 3 local op shops in Kyneton, including The Prevolved Pedlar, The Kindness Collective and Salvos and used our fast fashion knowledge to help out and get to know what happens behind the scenes. Overall, the group loved enhancing our local environment and helping our community out.” Monique
“The cooking service group for RE was a unique experience. It was interesting to prepare food for those who need it most. We learned skills vital for our future learning outside of school.” Jack
Thank you to the service group leaders and Y12 RE teachers: Mr Ben Gallagher, Mr Chris McBrearty, Mr Paul Matthews, and Mrs Philippa Spring.
Thank you to the Year 12s of 2025! May you continue to demonstrate the Mercy values in all that you go on to do.
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”.