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(03) 5421 1200
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Prayer
God of mercy and wisdom,
We thank you for those who began with little and trusted you with much,
for Ursula Frayne and the Sisters of Mercy,
whose faithful leadership continues to shape lives.
As we lead in our own time,
give us the courage to begin well,
the patience to build steadily,
and the wisdom to protect what matters most.
Help us to lead with compassion and justice,
with respect and hospitality,
with generosity of service and courage of heart.
Jesus, you came that all may have life,
and have it to the full.
May our leadership create the conditions
for that flourishing to take root and grow.
Faithful always, we pray,
Amen
This week’s prayer reflects the focus of prayer for the College’s staff professional development days held last week. The prayer explores the Sacred Heart College 2026 theme, “From Good Beginnings, Mercy Flourishes”. This theme reflects this year’s twin anniversaries: 180 years since Mother Ursula Frayne and her companion Sisters of Mercy landed in Australia in Fremantle in 1846 as well as the centenary of the blessing and opening of the College Chapel in December 1926.
A most sincere welcome to all in the Sacred Heart College community – students, parents, family members, staff and friends – and a particularly special welcome to those families and staff who are new to the College, I trust that recent days have been all that you hoped for.
Last week, we welcomed a number of new staff to the College:
- Jack Cornelissen Teaching in the VCE VM team
- Natalie Port Teaching Mathematics
- Sherie O’Connell Teaching Humanities
- James Ryan Teaching in the Technology and VCE VM team
- Zarya Volya Teaching Languages and English
- Paul James Teaching Mathematics
- Lily Dusting Teaching English and The Arts
- Siobhan McLennan Teaching Technology and Science
- Jessica Demare Teaching Music and Technology
- Jodie Warner Returning to the Library team
- Hayley Fenech Teaching in the VCE VM and English teams (starts next week)
- Rachael Williamson Teaching Science and Mathematics
- Susannah Jones Returning to the English team
Communication Lines
Ensuring that open, candid and timely communication exists between school and home is a key priority for Sacred Heart College and something that teachers are reminded about regularly. To assist this, parents are reminded of the key protocols around communications regarding your son/daughter:
- Your child’s homeroom teacher should be your first port-of-call with any communications – absences, sicknesses, family holidays, friendship issues.
- Your child’s Year Level Leader has responsibility for the year level and therefore deals with broader operational and/or behavioural issues.
- The College’s Head of School have larger responsibility for Years 7 – 9 and 10 – 12 and tend only to be ‘go-tos’ for serious issues or problems.
A reminder of the College’s Year Level Leaders and Heads of School:
- Year 7 Level Leader Lily Dusting
- Year 8 Level Leader Aaron Williamson
- Year 9 Level Leader Angelica Violante
- Year 10 Level Leader Paul James
- Year 11 Level Leader Hannah Monagle
- Year 12 Level Leader Philippa Spring & Tori Young
- Head of Junior School (Year 7 – 9) Matt Carroll
- Head of Senior School (Year 10 – 12) Anthony Diamond
Start of Year Arrangements
Later in this newsletter is an article from the Head of Junior School (Matt Carroll) on considerations that Sacred Heart College undertakes when developing homeroom lists annually. I encourage all parents and families to read it.
Holiday Works
This week has seen the completion of a substantial number of capital improvement and maintenance projects over the extended Christmas and New Year period. These reflected the need for additional classroom spaces to accommodate increasing enrolments alongside increased numbers of classes. An enormous thanks to the College Property and Maintenance team and particularly Steve Huntley for their work in support of local tradespeople and businesses in achieving these.
Planning for a Productive 2026
As is detailed later in this newsletter, the College’s middle leaders, teaching and learning support staff completed four days of professional learning last week. This intensive program was designed to build on the strategic work done in recent years on themes of team learning and improvement, a shared language of pedagogy and the mission of leadership in a Catholic school context.
Student and Staff Activities
A number of special activities and events are planned for students, staff and families in the first few weeks of term one:
- We wish all Year 7 students a fun day’s activities today as they enjoy their “Splash” day at the Craigieburn Pool.
- Yesterday, the school year was opened and blessed as the whole school community gathered for our Beginning of Year Mass. It was a pleasure to be joined by College Chaplains, Fr Declan (Kyneton and Trentham) and Fr John (Woodend and Lancefield).
- Parents and families are reminded of the opportunities in coming weeks to meet your child’s homeroom teacher: at Year 7, this will be through the Year 7 Commissioning Mass on Thursday evening (February 26) and for Year 8 & 9 students, the Meet The Teacher evening is next Monday 9 February.
Bereavement: Your prayers are asked for the Smith family who are mourning the loss of Dianne Smith, grandmother of Riley Year 9, and Lachlan Year 8. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Yours in Mercy,
Dr Darren Egberts
Principal
Our College community came together this week to celebrate our Beginning of Year College Mass.
This year’s College theme, “From a Good Beginning, Mercy Flourishes,” recognises the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in Australia 180 years ago. What began as a small and humble mission has grown into a strong tradition of education and other works focused on compassion, justice, and mercy.
Our 2026 theme also connects with Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John (10:10), that he has come so that we may have life and have it to the full. This is further linked to our College byline: Learn. Care. Flourish. Together, these remind us that our school is a place where students are supported to grow in learning, kindness, and faith.
During the Beginning of Year Mass, students and staff listened to readings from the Bible that encouraged us to live with fairness, generosity, and humility. We were reminded that God calls us to do what is right, to show kindness, and to walk gently with one another.
The Gospel message was about caring for the hungry, the sick, the lonely, and those who may feel forgotten. Jesus teaches that when we look after others, we are showing love to God himself.
In the homily, we learned what it really means to be “great.” Exploring the popular phrase G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time), students were invited to think about how the world often links greatness with success or popularity. Jesus, however, shows us that true greatness is found in helping others, especially those who are vulnerable. It is compassion and service that matter, not success or popularity.
We were very proud of our students, who showed excellent behaviour throughout the celebration. Their respect, participation, and focus during the Mass reflected the strong values of our College community.
Celebrating Mass together is an important part of who we are as a Catholic school. It brings us together as one community, gives us time to pause and reflect, and helps guide us as we begin a new year of learning and growth.
As we start 2026, we do so inspired by the example of the Sisters of Mercy and the message of Jesus; to learn well, care for one another, and help every person in our community to flourish.
Student and Family Photos
Thank you to all students who attended the College photo session on Wednesday. MSP Photography will return on Thursday 19 February from approximately 12.00 pm to photograph any students who were absent. Sibling and family photos can also be taken if you missed them.
If you have any questions regarding photos, please contact MSP Photography directly on 5333 5577.
Debbie Scarlett
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 7 – Lilly Dusting
- Year 8 – Aaron Williamson
- Year 10 – Paul James
- Year 11 – Hannah Monagle
Year Level leaders continuing in their roles from last year are:
- Year 9 - Angelica Violante
- Year 12 - Philippa Spring and Victoria Young
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.
Wellbeing Support at the College
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.
Social Media Policy Update
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.
Launch of the Student Code of Conduct
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.
As we begin the year, families are reminded that wearing the correct College uniform is an important way we promote equity, belonging and readiness for learning. During Terms 1 and 4, students are expected to be in full summer uniform, College shirt, College navy shorts or trousers (or College dress worn at knee length), black leather lace-up shoes (no logos), College navy socks and maroon College backpack.
The College blazer is not mandatory during Term 1 and 4, however it is required for formal assemblies, such as a College Mass and for College Photo Day. The PE (sports) uniform is to be worn only on days when students have a scheduled practical Physical Education lesson. These lessons are clearly identified on student timetables by the room code Q102. On all other days, students are required to be in the correct academic uniform. If there are circumstances that impact a student’s ability to be in correct uniform, parents and carers are asked to provide a brief communication to the student’s Homeroom teacher (either a handwritten note or email). This ensures staff are aware and able to support students appropriately. Full details are outlined in the Sacred Heart College Uniform 2026 booklet.
Website - My SHC
The MY SHC section of the Sacred Heart Website (www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au) is a quick ‘go to’ area for our current parents. The items you will find in MY SHC are:
- Booklists - Campion Website
- Digitech Support
- PAM/SIMON login
- SHC Calendar
- My School Connect (login for lunch orders)
- Wellbeing Support
- Uniform
- Parent Handbook
College Handbook 2026
The College Handbook is a comprehensive guide to all information you will need as a parent at Sacred Heart College.
Maths Tutes
Maths Tutes will commence again next week - Monday 9 February. This semester they will be for Year 10, 11 and 12 only. Maths tutes run from after school until 4:30. We don't provide extra work, but are available to answer questions and help with any work you have from work set in class. We will have fruit for you to give you an energy boost at the end of the day.
If you have any questions, please email Mr Dunn (rdunn@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au)
Mathspace Parents and Carers information Night
Mathspace are running a parents and carers information evening, online, on how to support your child using Mathspace. There are two zoom sessions available on 11 February, one at 6:00pm and the other at 9:00pm. Mathspace is used to support the maths learning at the College in Year 7-9 and Year 10 standard maths. More information, including registration links, can be found here.
Religious Education is one of Sacred Heart’s core academic subjects studied across all year levels. The Year 7 curriculum has been newly developed for schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne, with Sacred Heart taking part in its trial phases. The College successfully ran the trial with Year 7s last year, in Term 3 and 4.
As part of this trial, your child’s Year 7 RE class will be exploring four units across the year: Belonging to my Catholic School, In the Beginning, Exodus, and Ancestors in Faith.Your child’s RE report will therefore reflect this new curriculum. This is to ensure that their learning and progress is accurately reflected within the context of the trial.
If you have any questions about this curriculum, please contact Lydia Lawrence - Learning Area Leader: llawrence@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au
Thank you for your support and partnership in your child’s learning journey in RE.
The start of the school year always brings a mix of chaos, nerves, and familiar faces. Our newest Sacred Heart community members joined us on Monday and have spent the week engaging in various activities aimed wholly at helping their transition be as smooth as possible. For our Year 8s and 9s there was an exciting buzz as they returned full of stories from the holidays, eager to reconnect with friends and teachers. It certainly is a busy time and it is not without a few hiccups here and there. I thank you all for patience and support as we iron out those bumps in preparation for a productive year. One of those 'bumps' often comes in the form of a class list that doesn't look quite the way a student hoped and here are some thoughts on navigating this together.
There I was in Year 8, a new homeroom, none of my friends, and sitting across the room was a student from my primary school who had once made fun of my spiky hair. I was pretty disheartened. I remember asking for my class to be changed, but my parents encouraged me to give it time and do my best with what, at the time, felt like a really difficult situation. I didn’t think that was very fair.
Many years later, I can see things a little differently. The people I was so desperate to be placed with ended up being the kind of influences I’m now grateful I didn’t spend too much time around. And the student who teased me about my hair? He was the best man at my wedding and is still one of my closest friends.
I share this story not because I believe every secondary school homeroom experience leads to lifelong friendships or happy endings like mine. I also completely understand the instinct to step in when your child is feeling anxious or upset about their class placement, particularly during the secondary years, when friendships feel so significant and change can feel overwhelming. That instinct comes from care, and it’s an important part of good parenting.
Our priority is always student wellbeing. We want students to feel safe, supported, and able to engage positively with their learning. If there are genuine wellbeing, safety, or social concerns, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can work through these together.
That said, after many years of working with adolescents, I’ve also come to believe there can be real value in allowing some time for discomfort to settle. Secondary school is a time when young people develop independence, resilience, and the ability to navigate unfamiliar situations. Some of the most important skills they learn during this stage can’t be taught directly, they have to be experienced, with guidance and support.
If your child is worried about their homeroom placement, please do reach out. We want to support them through the transition. In some cases, a class change is the right solution. In others, what initially feels like the wrong placement is simply the challenge of something new and with time, support, and reassurance, that feeling can change. Either way, we’re in this together. Thanks as always for your collaboration and here's to a great 2026!
In the weeks leading up to the new school year, College staff engaged in a comprehensive program of planning, collaboration and professional learning to ensure a strong start for students. This included leadership development, new staff induction, pedagogy workshops, Professional Learning Team (PLT) sessions, and Learning Area team meetings focused on curriculum, assessment and student data. Staff also deepened their understanding of student wellbeing, medical needs and learning support processes, alongside mandatory OH&S training. Anchored in prayer, College priorities and our 2026 theme, From a Good Beginning, Mercy Flourishes, this work reflects a shared commitment to high-quality teaching, wellbeing and readiness for the year ahead.
See below info re disruptions to Bendigo train line
Due to V/Line annual maintenance and infrastructure works from Monday 23 February to Sunday 8 March, coaches will replace all trains for the entire journey between Southern Cross, Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill.
Coaches will depart some stations earlier than usual train times. Students can plan their journey using the V/Line or PTV journey planner. There is also a PDF temporary timetable available to download from the V/Line website – see link below.
Prayer
God of mercy and wisdom,
We thank you for those who began with little and trusted you with much,
for Ursula Frayne and the Sisters of Mercy,
whose faithful leadership continues to shape lives.
As we lead in our own time,
give us the courage to begin well,
the patience to build steadily,
and the wisdom to protect what matters most.
Help us to lead with compassion and justice,
with respect and hospitality,
with generosity of service and courage of heart.
Jesus, you came that all may have life,
and have it to the full.
May our leadership create the conditions
for that flourishing to take root and grow.
Faithful always, we pray,
Amen
This week’s prayer reflects the focus of prayer for the College’s staff professional development days held last week. The prayer explores the Sacred Heart College 2026 theme, “From Good Beginnings, Mercy Flourishes”. This theme reflects this year’s twin anniversaries: 180 years since Mother Ursula Frayne and her companion Sisters of Mercy landed in Australia in Fremantle in 1846 as well as the centenary of the blessing and opening of the College Chapel in December 1926.
A most sincere welcome to all in the Sacred Heart College community – students, parents, family members, staff and friends – and a particularly special welcome to those families and staff who are new to the College, I trust that recent days have been all that you hoped for.
Last week, we welcomed a number of new staff to the College:
- Jack Cornelissen Teaching in the VCE VM team
- Natalie Port Teaching Mathematics
- Sherie O’Connell Teaching Humanities
- James Ryan Teaching in the Technology and VCE VM team
- Zarya Volya Teaching Languages and English
- Paul James Teaching Mathematics
- Lily Dusting Teaching English and The Arts
- Siobhan McLennan Teaching Technology and Science
- Jessica Demare Teaching Music and Technology
- Jodie Warner Returning to the Library team
- Hayley Fenech Teaching in the VCE VM and English teams (starts next week)
- Rachael Williamson Teaching Science and Mathematics
- Susannah Jones Returning to the English team
Communication Lines
Ensuring that open, candid and timely communication exists between school and home is a key priority for Sacred Heart College and something that teachers are reminded about regularly. To assist this, parents are reminded of the key protocols around communications regarding your son/daughter:
- Your child’s homeroom teacher should be your first port-of-call with any communications – absences, sicknesses, family holidays, friendship issues.
- Your child’s Year Level Leader has responsibility for the year level and therefore deals with broader operational and/or behavioural issues.
- The College’s Head of School have larger responsibility for Years 7 – 9 and 10 – 12 and tend only to be ‘go-tos’ for serious issues or problems.
A reminder of the College’s Year Level Leaders and Heads of School:
- Year 7 Level Leader Lily Dusting
- Year 8 Level Leader Aaron Williamson
- Year 9 Level Leader Angelica Violante
- Year 10 Level Leader Paul James
- Year 11 Level Leader Hannah Monagle
- Year 12 Level Leader Philippa Spring & Tori Young
- Head of Junior School (Year 7 – 9) Matt Carroll
- Head of Senior School (Year 10 – 12) Anthony Diamond
Start of Year Arrangements
Later in this newsletter is an article from the Head of Junior School (Matt Carroll) on considerations that Sacred Heart College undertakes when developing homeroom lists annually. I encourage all parents and families to read it.
Holiday Works
This week has seen the completion of a substantial number of capital improvement and maintenance projects over the extended Christmas and New Year period. These reflected the need for additional classroom spaces to accommodate increasing enrolments alongside increased numbers of classes. An enormous thanks to the College Property and Maintenance team and particularly Steve Huntley for their work in support of local tradespeople and businesses in achieving these.
Planning for a Productive 2026
As is detailed later in this newsletter, the College’s middle leaders, teaching and learning support staff completed four days of professional learning last week. This intensive program was designed to build on the strategic work done in recent years on themes of team learning and improvement, a shared language of pedagogy and the mission of leadership in a Catholic school context.
Student and Staff Activities
A number of special activities and events are planned for students, staff and families in the first few weeks of term one:
- We wish all Year 7 students a fun day’s activities today as they enjoy their “Splash” day at the Craigieburn Pool.
- Yesterday, the school year was opened and blessed as the whole school community gathered for our Beginning of Year Mass. It was a pleasure to be joined by College Chaplains, Fr Declan (Kyneton and Trentham) and Fr John (Woodend and Lancefield).
- Parents and families are reminded of the opportunities in coming weeks to meet your child’s homeroom teacher: at Year 7, this will be through the Year 7 Commissioning Mass on Thursday evening (February 26) and for Year 8 & 9 students, the Meet The Teacher evening is next Monday 9 February.
Bereavement: Your prayers are asked for the Smith family who are mourning the loss of Dianne Smith, grandmother of Riley Year 9, and Lachlan Year 8. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Yours in Mercy,
Dr Darren Egberts
Principal
Our College community came together this week to celebrate our Beginning of Year College Mass.
This year’s College theme, “From a Good Beginning, Mercy Flourishes,” recognises the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy in Australia 180 years ago. What began as a small and humble mission has grown into a strong tradition of education and other works focused on compassion, justice, and mercy.
Our 2026 theme also connects with Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John (10:10), that he has come so that we may have life and have it to the full. This is further linked to our College byline: Learn. Care. Flourish. Together, these remind us that our school is a place where students are supported to grow in learning, kindness, and faith.
During the Beginning of Year Mass, students and staff listened to readings from the Bible that encouraged us to live with fairness, generosity, and humility. We were reminded that God calls us to do what is right, to show kindness, and to walk gently with one another.
The Gospel message was about caring for the hungry, the sick, the lonely, and those who may feel forgotten. Jesus teaches that when we look after others, we are showing love to God himself.
In the homily, we learned what it really means to be “great.” Exploring the popular phrase G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time), students were invited to think about how the world often links greatness with success or popularity. Jesus, however, shows us that true greatness is found in helping others, especially those who are vulnerable. It is compassion and service that matter, not success or popularity.
We were very proud of our students, who showed excellent behaviour throughout the celebration. Their respect, participation, and focus during the Mass reflected the strong values of our College community.
Celebrating Mass together is an important part of who we are as a Catholic school. It brings us together as one community, gives us time to pause and reflect, and helps guide us as we begin a new year of learning and growth.
As we start 2026, we do so inspired by the example of the Sisters of Mercy and the message of Jesus; to learn well, care for one another, and help every person in our community to flourish.
Student and Family Photos
Thank you to all students who attended the College photo session on Wednesday. MSP Photography will return on Thursday 19 February from approximately 12.00 pm to photograph any students who were absent. Sibling and family photos can also be taken if you missed them.
If you have any questions regarding photos, please contact MSP Photography directly on 5333 5577.
Debbie Scarlett
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 7 – Lilly Dusting
- Year 8 – Aaron Williamson
- Year 10 – Paul James
- Year 11 – Hannah Monagle
Year Level leaders continuing in their roles from last year are:
- Year 9 - Angelica Violante
- Year 12 - Philippa Spring and Victoria Young
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.
Wellbeing Support at the College
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.
Social Media Policy Update
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.
Launch of the Student Code of Conduct
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.
As we begin the year, families are reminded that wearing the correct College uniform is an important way we promote equity, belonging and readiness for learning. During Terms 1 and 4, students are expected to be in full summer uniform, College shirt, College navy shorts or trousers (or College dress worn at knee length), black leather lace-up shoes (no logos), College navy socks and maroon College backpack.
The College blazer is not mandatory during Term 1 and 4, however it is required for formal assemblies, such as a College Mass and for College Photo Day. The PE (sports) uniform is to be worn only on days when students have a scheduled practical Physical Education lesson. These lessons are clearly identified on student timetables by the room code Q102. On all other days, students are required to be in the correct academic uniform. If there are circumstances that impact a student’s ability to be in correct uniform, parents and carers are asked to provide a brief communication to the student’s Homeroom teacher (either a handwritten note or email). This ensures staff are aware and able to support students appropriately. Full details are outlined in the Sacred Heart College Uniform 2026 booklet.
Website - My SHC
The MY SHC section of the Sacred Heart Website (www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au) is a quick ‘go to’ area for our current parents. The items you will find in MY SHC are:
- Booklists - Campion Website
- Digitech Support
- PAM/SIMON login
- SHC Calendar
- My School Connect (login for lunch orders)
- Wellbeing Support
- Uniform
- Parent Handbook
College Handbook 2026
The College Handbook is a comprehensive guide to all information you will need as a parent at Sacred Heart College.
Maths Tutes
Maths Tutes will commence again next week - Monday 9 February. This semester they will be for Year 10, 11 and 12 only. Maths tutes run from after school until 4:30. We don't provide extra work, but are available to answer questions and help with any work you have from work set in class. We will have fruit for you to give you an energy boost at the end of the day.
If you have any questions, please email Mr Dunn (rdunn@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au)
Mathspace Parents and Carers information Night
Mathspace are running a parents and carers information evening, online, on how to support your child using Mathspace. There are two zoom sessions available on 11 February, one at 6:00pm and the other at 9:00pm. Mathspace is used to support the maths learning at the College in Year 7-9 and Year 10 standard maths. More information, including registration links, can be found here.
Religious Education is one of Sacred Heart’s core academic subjects studied across all year levels. The Year 7 curriculum has been newly developed for schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne, with Sacred Heart taking part in its trial phases. The College successfully ran the trial with Year 7s last year, in Term 3 and 4.
As part of this trial, your child’s Year 7 RE class will be exploring four units across the year: Belonging to my Catholic School, In the Beginning, Exodus, and Ancestors in Faith.Your child’s RE report will therefore reflect this new curriculum. This is to ensure that their learning and progress is accurately reflected within the context of the trial.
If you have any questions about this curriculum, please contact Lydia Lawrence - Learning Area Leader: llawrence@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au
Thank you for your support and partnership in your child’s learning journey in RE.
The start of the school year always brings a mix of chaos, nerves, and familiar faces. Our newest Sacred Heart community members joined us on Monday and have spent the week engaging in various activities aimed wholly at helping their transition be as smooth as possible. For our Year 8s and 9s there was an exciting buzz as they returned full of stories from the holidays, eager to reconnect with friends and teachers. It certainly is a busy time and it is not without a few hiccups here and there. I thank you all for patience and support as we iron out those bumps in preparation for a productive year. One of those 'bumps' often comes in the form of a class list that doesn't look quite the way a student hoped and here are some thoughts on navigating this together.
There I was in Year 8, a new homeroom, none of my friends, and sitting across the room was a student from my primary school who had once made fun of my spiky hair. I was pretty disheartened. I remember asking for my class to be changed, but my parents encouraged me to give it time and do my best with what, at the time, felt like a really difficult situation. I didn’t think that was very fair.
Many years later, I can see things a little differently. The people I was so desperate to be placed with ended up being the kind of influences I’m now grateful I didn’t spend too much time around. And the student who teased me about my hair? He was the best man at my wedding and is still one of my closest friends.
I share this story not because I believe every secondary school homeroom experience leads to lifelong friendships or happy endings like mine. I also completely understand the instinct to step in when your child is feeling anxious or upset about their class placement, particularly during the secondary years, when friendships feel so significant and change can feel overwhelming. That instinct comes from care, and it’s an important part of good parenting.
Our priority is always student wellbeing. We want students to feel safe, supported, and able to engage positively with their learning. If there are genuine wellbeing, safety, or social concerns, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can work through these together.
That said, after many years of working with adolescents, I’ve also come to believe there can be real value in allowing some time for discomfort to settle. Secondary school is a time when young people develop independence, resilience, and the ability to navigate unfamiliar situations. Some of the most important skills they learn during this stage can’t be taught directly, they have to be experienced, with guidance and support.
If your child is worried about their homeroom placement, please do reach out. We want to support them through the transition. In some cases, a class change is the right solution. In others, what initially feels like the wrong placement is simply the challenge of something new and with time, support, and reassurance, that feeling can change. Either way, we’re in this together. Thanks as always for your collaboration and here's to a great 2026!
In the weeks leading up to the new school year, College staff engaged in a comprehensive program of planning, collaboration and professional learning to ensure a strong start for students. This included leadership development, new staff induction, pedagogy workshops, Professional Learning Team (PLT) sessions, and Learning Area team meetings focused on curriculum, assessment and student data. Staff also deepened their understanding of student wellbeing, medical needs and learning support processes, alongside mandatory OH&S training. Anchored in prayer, College priorities and our 2026 theme, From a Good Beginning, Mercy Flourishes, this work reflects a shared commitment to high-quality teaching, wellbeing and readiness for the year ahead.
See below info re disruptions to Bendigo train line
Due to V/Line annual maintenance and infrastructure works from Monday 23 February to Sunday 8 March, coaches will replace all trains for the entire journey between Southern Cross, Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill.
Coaches will depart some stations earlier than usual train times. Students can plan their journey using the V/Line or PTV journey planner. There is also a PDF temporary timetable available to download from the V/Line website – see link below.
