The beginning of a new school year always carries its own quiet energy. Fresh books, renewed routines, and the hum of students returning to classrooms bring our College back to full life. We warmly welcome all students and families to the 2026 school year and look forward to a year shaped by learning, connection and care.As we begin the year, we are pleased to introduce our new Year Level Leaders, who will play a key role in supporting students academically, socially and emotionally:
Year Level leaders continuing in their roles from last year are:
Our Head of Senior School (Years 10 - 12) is Anthony Diamond and Head of Junior School (Years 7 - 9) is Matt Carroll. Each brings a strong commitment to student wellbeing and partnership with families, and they will be central points of connection throughout the year.
Student wellbeing remains at the heart of our work at Sacred Heart College Kyneton. Our School Wellbeing Counsellors continue to provide short-term, needs-based support for students experiencing social, emotional or personal challenges. Families are encouraged to reach out early if concerns arise.
Parents and carers are welcome to submit a referral via the Wellbeing Referral Tool available on the College website. While our counselling service focuses on short-term support, staff work closely with families to connect students with appropriate external services where longer-term or specialist support is required.
Families are reminded of the recent update to the College’s Social Media Policy, which aligns with new national guidelines on age-appropriate use. While the College recognises that social media may form part of students’ lives outside school, we strongly encourage families to follow the recommended age restrictions in the best interests of young people’s wellbeing, safety and development.
The expectation of the College is that where possible students should not bring phones to school. If it is necessary, phones should be kept in the student's locker throughout the school day. Where teachers find a student in class or in the school yard using their phones, teachers will confiscate the phone and hand it into student reception. Students may retrieve their phone from Student Reception after the bell at the end of the school day. The information is recorded and tracked and where there is a consistent pattern of student using their phones at school, parents may be asked to attend a meeting with Year Level Leaders and/ Heads of School to discuss consequences and support strategies.
This year also marks the launch of our updated Student Code of Conduct, developed in consultation with both students and staff. The Code provides clear expectations for behaviour, relationships and learning, with a strong focus on fairness, consistency and visible equity across the College. Students will engage with the Code during their first days back and will have ongoing access to it throughout the year. An email communication has been sent to parents and carers with a copy of the Student Code of Conduct and we encourage families to read it and to discuss it with your child, reinforcing the shared language of respect, responsibility and belonging that underpins life at Sacred Heart College.
We look forward to partnering with families as we begin 2026 together. May this year be one of growth, belonging and shared success for every student.
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”.