Learning from the past not only illuminates the present but also shapes a better future. Last Friday, October 17, 2025, our Year 7 cohort at Sacred Heart College, Kyneton experienced this firsthand during a History incursion presented by Medieval Education and Entertainment.
The day was full of interactive learning. During Periods 2, 3, and 4, students rotated through three dynamic workshop sessions. Each class got a hands-on experience exploring the fascinating world of Ancient Roman Gladiators and life in the Ancient Roman military. Students were thrilled to sample authentic-looking armour and weapons from the era and participate in exhilarating mock battles, which cleverly substituted real combat with epic games of 'rock-scissor-paper.' In addition to Rome, the students were treated to a visual presentation that explored the history and culture of Ancient China.
The behaviour of our Year 7 students was exemplary. This fantastic educational experience was made possible through the superb behind-the-scenes organisation led by Ms Mary Ann Glynn, our Humanities Learning Area Leader. A huge thank you is also due to all the SHC supervising staff on the day, as well as the Year 7 Homeroom team and Ms Kellie Boorman our Year 7 Year Level Leader, for their incredible effort and energy, which ensured the smooth and successful running of the day.
The day was a powerful reminder that History is more than just dates and names; it’s the vital story of humanity, teaching us essential lessons about who we are.
 
						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”.