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(03) 5421 1200
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A Prayer of Compassion
Lord, open our eyes that we may see you in our brothers and sisters.
Lord, open our ears that we may hear the cries of the hungry, the cold, the frightened, the oppressed.
Lord, open our hearts that we may love each other as you love us.
Renew in us your spirit.
Lord, free us and make us one.
Amen. (St Teresa of Calcutta)
This week’s prayer goes to the core Mercy value of compassion and challenges each of us to open our eyes and open our hearts to those who are in need of compassion. It is a message that resonates with the College’s celebration yesterday of the Feast of the Sacred Heart through a whole school mass in Quambi. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to the celebration and particularly Fr John Healy as lead celebrant.
Staffing Changes
The College has been notified of a couple of staffing changes for the start of next semester:
- Mr Gordon Oreo has resigned to take on a teaching position at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo.
- Ms Debbie Meldrum will transitioning to retirement and will conclude her long tenure at Sacred Heart College at the end of July.
I would like to thank both staff for their fantastic contributions to the College and wish them well for their future plans. SHC is currently (or will be shortly) advertising to fill these two vacancies.
End of Term Arrangements
Second term for all students concludes next Friday, however, there are a couple of additional student-free days in coming weeks that should be noted by families:
- Friday 27 June Student Free Day (Report Writing)
- Friday 4 July All students conclude at 2.30pm for mid-year holidays
- Monday 21 July Student Free Day (RE PL Day)
- Tuesday 22 July All students commence Term 3
At the Heart Mid Year Magazine
As we approach mid-year and holidays, the College is publishing its annual 'At The Heart' magazine. This fabulous publication documents a range of the amazing activities that students have been involved with this year. The articles have a particular focus on what life at SHC has been like for our 2025 Year 7 students.
2027 Enrolment Deadlines
A reminder to all existing and prospective families that the enrolment cut off date for Year 7 2027 at Sacred Heart College Kyneton (students currently in Grade 5) is Friday 25 July. This is the first Friday of Term 3. All enrolment forms lodged through the school website by this date will be included in the first set of enrolment interviews in September.
Mercy Education Ltd National Office
Last Thursday afternoon, I was privileged to be invited to the opening and blessing of Mercy Education’s (MEL) new national offices in East Melbourne. For many years, MEL has shared offices with the Sisters of Mercy in Alphington but have recently moved to their new site. This move corresponded with the launch of a new logo for Mercy Education and new branding for our schools as a collective, “We are Mercy Education”.
Exchange Student Farewell – Ivar Jecný
I would like to acknowledge the wonderful contribution that our exchange student, Ivar Jecný has made to our College over the past 12 months. Ivar was at Sacred Heart as part of the Kyneton Rotary Club’s Exchange Program. He is a talented musician and we have enjoyed listening to his performances on the piano at various events. His kindness and support of other students has exemplified Ivar’s desire to embrace the College community and his peers. He will head home to the Czech Republic at the end of term. Its been a pleasure to have him at the College and we wish him well in all his future endeavours.
Yours in Mercy,
Dr Darren Egberts
Principal
Online Enrolments
In recent days, the College has opened its online enrolment portal which is available through the College website (www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au). The portal provides a more convenient access point for parents and families looking to lodge an enrolment application form as well as details of accompanying documents required to be submitted.
A reminder to all current and prospective families that enrolment applications for Year 7 2027 (students currently in Grade 5) close on Friday 25 July 2025. Further details can be obtained by contacting the College Registrar, Ms Rowena Rokesky-Alder (rralder@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au) on 54211200.
Feast of the Sacred Heart
This week, our College community came together to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart.
The Sacred Heart is a symbol of Jesus' deep and generous love for all people; a love that is especially present for those who are hurting, left out, or struggling. It's a reminder that God’s love is not distant or abstract, but real, personal, and always reaching out.
Our liturgy centred on the parable of the lost sheep, where Jesus reveals the heart of God as a Good Shepherd who notices when someone is missing, seeks them out, and rejoices when they are found. It’s a powerful image of mercy and compassion: a love that never gives up, never excludes, and always welcomes home.
We heard, too, from the prophet Ezekiel, who speaks of a God who binds up the injured and strengthens the weak. St Paul reminded us that “hope does not disappoint,” because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
This celebration was also an opportunity to reflect on how we live out the Sacred Heart in our school. In a Catholic and Mercy context, human flourishing is about becoming fully alive through love, justice, faith, and service. It means having the courage to stand up for what’s right, the compassion to care for those in need, and the hospitality to ensure everyone feels they belong.
We thank the many students and staff who prepared and led the liturgy, and all who took part with reverence and heart. We offer our heartfelt thanks to our College Chaplains, Fr John, Fr Declan, Fr Wahid, and Fr Vincent, for leading us in prayer and helping us encounter the depth of God’s love through the Sacred Heart. We also warmly thank Sr Madeline Duckett RSM for her presence and witness and extend our gratitude to the staff and students from Our Lady of the Rosary and St Brigid's Primary Schools for joining us in this special celebration. Their presence enriched our community and reminded us of the shared mission of love of God and neighbour that we carry.
May this celebration remind us that each of us is known and loved by God. Let’s carry that love into our friendships, our learning, and the way we look after each other each day.
Exams
Students in Years 8-11 are congratulated on their efforts in completing the Semester 1 exams. The past week has been a significant time in the College, as students in these Year Levels drew upon the knowledge, understanding and skills developed over the past semester, and applied this to exam-style tasks. We hope that all students feel a sense of pride in their achievements, and encourage the conversations about study routines, revision practices and preparation techniques to continue.
Subject Selection:
While it is only midway through the year, it is already the time when we begin planning for 2026. Beginning with our current Year 11s, we are starting to have conversations about subject selections for 2026. These conversations and the decision making that they lead to are significant moments in the lives of our students, as they step further into young adulthood and take growing ownership over the direction of their schooling. At all Year Levels, the subject selection process comes with plenty of information to read through and discuss. We encourage all families to make time to look over the various subject selection materials provided, and to be proactive in asking questions and seeking clarification.
Mini Subject Expo
As part of the wider subject selection process, we held a Mini Subject Expo in the college library yesterday. Students in Years 9 and 10 were invited to interact with displays offering information about the many courses available for study in the final years of Senior School. The spirit of the event was to spark conversations, and to encourage students to seek out individual teaching staff for more information about the subjects that may be of interest to them. For our Year 10s, there will be a series of items in the opening weeks of Term 3 that will follow on directly from the Mini Subject Expo, the first of which is outlined below.
Year 11 (2026) Subject Selection Family Presentation Tuesday 22 July, 7pm - 8:30pm
Year 11 students will begin Term 3 with a special assembly on the morning of Tuesday 22 July. On that same date, we will host a presentation for all Year 10 families, to offer information and answer questions about the decision making process that students will enter into as they prepare for VCE. This event will be held online via video-link, and further details will be provided soon.
Semester 1 Reports and Learning Achievement Awards
A reminder that Semester 1 Reports will be made available via PAM in the first week of Term 3, and that much of the information that these reports will include is already available via live reporting of Assessment Tasks on SIMON and PAM. Reports and other feedback provide a snapshot of a given moment in time, and offer material for conversation about the ongoing story of learning and growth. Early in Term 3, we will celebrate some of the stories that our reports attest to, at our Learning Achievement Awards Assembly. At this event, students will be recognised for their efforts in the following categories of learning behaviours:
Substantial growth in learning
Determination and perseverance
Independence of learning
Creative and innovative thinking
Classroom leadership and initiative
School Holidays and Semester 2 Timetable
We hope that all students enjoy some time to rest and restore over the holiday period. When we return in Term 3, VCE Unit 2 and VCE Unit 4 will have begun in earnest for students in our Senior School. Meanwhile, our Year 10 students will have new classes and new class groupings for their core subjects, as well as new courses for some of their electives. Stepping into new classroom settings will also be the case for students in Years 7-9, as they move into new rotations of Technology and Arts courses in Years 7-8, and new electives in Year 9. These changes will bring with them some adjustments to the college timetable. Wherever possible, we aim to minimise significant changes to class schedules and staffing arrangements. We ask that you please review the Semester 2 timetable as a family when it is available, and be in touch with us if any questions arise.
Year 10 Reflection Day 2025 Report
The Year 10 Reflection Day was held on Tuesday 17 June, and was an opportunity for students to step back from the daily routines and hum of their lives, and enjoy a time for pause and reflection. The day was hosted in the College Theatre by Yorta Yorta musician, Scott Darlow. Scott once again engaged students with his music, storytelling and student-centred discussions. Scott has a heart for Reconciliation and spoke candidly about historical injustices and what positive action looks like for students, as people of Mercy.
In these conversations, students were able to recognise their own areas for growth, using the acronym FLUTE (Forgiveness, Love, Understanding, Tolerance and Empathy) and to appreciate all that they have in their lives.
Students then spent the afternoon in small teacher-led groups, unpacking what they took away from the day, writing in their reflection booklets, and creating a hand of Mercy, which will be displayed around the College.
Here are some student reflections:
It was captivating to hear about Scott’s experiences and life story, I thought it was excellent because it gave me insight to the ongoing racism within Australia towards Indigenous people and other cultures. - Justin F
Having an insight to Scott’s experiences was a big reality check and was pretty challenging. He connected with the audience on a deep level and wasn’t afraid to make a point just because we were students. We came away with valuable lessons to build on our values. - Dylan B
Thank you to the Year 10 staff who also made the day possible.
Early in 2024 it was announced that a brand new Religious Education curriculum would be developed for schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
Since then, a writing team has been working to develop new units of work for Prep to Year 10, with a focus on deep theological understanding, student engagement, and high-quality teaching practice.
We’re proud that Sacred Heart College is playing a leading role in this important initiative. Our Principal, Dr Darren Egberts, is a member of the Reference Group guiding the development of the curriculum. This group brings together principals, theologians, academics, and experienced educators from across the Archdiocese to ensure the curriculum is faithful, relevant, and future-focused.
Our Director of Faith and Mission, Saul Travers-Hucker, has supported the setup of Trial-Based Learning Teams (TLTs) in several secondary schools across the Archdiocese, including Sacred Heart. This work is carried out in collaboration with Mission Partners from the Archdiocese, ensuring strong alignment with broader Catholic identity and mission priorities. These teams are working closely with the curriculum writers to trial the draft units of work for years 7 and 8 and will provide valuable feedback from the classroom.
At Sacred Heart, the trial will be overseen by our Head of Learning for Religious Education, Lydia Lawrence, who will ensure that the process supports excellence in learning and teaching and meets the needs of our students. RE teachers Freya Egberts, Andrea Knight, and Tara Wilkes will deliver the draft curriculum in selected Year 7 classes during Semester 2 and provide practical, experience-based feedback to help shape the final version.
We commend these teachers for their selection to be involved in the Trial-Based Learning Teams. Each of them brings valuable experience in Religious Education, a strong commitment to the Catholic faith, and a professional openness to exploring new approaches that benefit students. Their participation reflects the high level of expertise within our staff and the College’s ongoing commitment to developing engaging, challenging, and evidence-based learning programs.
This initiative strongly supports our strategic priorities and represents an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of Religious Education across the Archdiocese.
Further information about the Year 7 trial and classroom involvement will be shared with families early in Term 3.
Mercy Justice: Community Kitchen Lunch
This week, a group of Year 11 students headed down to Kyneton Community House 'Good Food Hub' to take part in our first Community Lunch service-learning session.
Each Wednesday, the Community House hosts a lunch that welcomes people from all walks of life; offering people a meal, a place of connection, and a sense of belonging.
During lunch, our students experienced both the practical and relational aspects of hospitality, helping prepare for lunch, cleaning up, and sitting alongside guests and sharing in conversation and connection.
This new partnership is all about encounter and action. It provides our young people with the opportunity to live out our Mercy values of hospitality, respect, service, and justice in tangible ways. Whether it’s working in the kitchen, setting tables, or simply being an open presence, our students are learning that faith isn’t just something we talk about but it’s something we do.
Scripture reminds us to “welcome one another just as Christ has welcomed you” (Romans 15:7), and to care for the 'widow, the orphan, and the stranger.' This work is part of our shared calling to recognise the dignity of every person, and to help build communities where everyone has enough.
As Pilgrims of Hope, we step into these spaces believing that even small acts of compassion can be seeds of transformation. In a world marked by loneliness, injustice, and fear, these moments of shared humanity are where hope takes root. We are reminded of the promise in Romans: “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 5:5)
Hope doesn’t disappoint. Not because everything is easy or perfect, but because when we act with love, we become part of something bigger than ourselves. Through this partnership, our students are not only supporting others, but they’re being also formed in compassion, courage, and the kind of hope that transforms communities.
If the trial continues successfully, we’re excited to grow this into a longer-term and sustainable part of our Mercy Justice program. For now, we’re grateful for a great start and we're proud of our students for showing up with open hands and open hearts.
On Wednesday 25 June, our Senior Debating Team participated in debates on the topic "that school uniforms should be designed by students and updated every 10 years". Both our teams debated the affirmative stance. Unfortunately, our opponents forfeited at the last minute, but we still had a great time preparing our speeches and getting invaluable feedback from the adjudicators.
Thank you to Ms Lawrence for supporting us and to Ms Matthews who provided hot chips for us all to enjoy on a very cold Kyneton evening.
Canteen Closed - Wednesday Lunchtime 2 July 2025
The Canteen will be closed for the lunch service on Wednesday 2 July, and will re-open on Thursday for second recess. Food service will be available on Thursday 3 July for second recess.
During second term, Year 12 Building Construction students completed the decking and stairs project that had been delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions. The project involved constructing and installing a new set of stairs and completing the handrails to ensure safety for both staff and students.
Throughout this project, students utilized a variety of hand and power tools, enhancing their practical skills and gaining valuable knowledge relevant to the building industry. In addition to hands-on work, students were required to research and apply relevant building regulations to ensure their work met safety and compliance standards.
This project provided a comprehensive learning experience, combining practical construction techniques with an understanding of industry standards and regulations.
Celebrating Our Environmental Artists: #BeatPlasticPollution
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the creativity and passion of our students who participated in the 2025 World Environment Day Art Competition. This year’s global theme, #BeatPlasticPollution, inspired a powerful collection of artworks that not only showcased talent but also raised awareness about one of the world’s most urgent environmental issues.
Students explored the impact of plastic waste on our oceans, wildlife, and communities. Each piece reflected a deep understanding of the problem and a hopeful vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Their work reminds us all, that while plastic pollution is a global crisis, we can each play a part in the solution — whether by reducing single-use plastics, recycling responsibly, or spreading awareness through art and action.
Congratulations to all our entrants for their outstanding contributions. Your creativity is inspiring, and your commitment to caring for our planet is something to be truly proud of. Together, we are helping to beat plastic pollution — one brushstroke, one message, and one change at a time.
Artwork: Archie Turner 7C
Artwork: Stella Egberts 9B
This week Year 12 students had the opportunity to listen to a panel of visitors from a variety of areas, including 2 undergrad students, a recently qualified apprentice and a rural engagement officer from the organization Youthrive. The panel spoke about their career journeys and advice they would give to help students to prepare for transition.
The presentation included information on scholarships, university life and information about apprenticeships. Students were also informed of the further support the careers staff will be giving during Term 3. We look forward to supporting Year 12 students as they continue their journey at SHC and beyond.
Following the VCE VM Podcast Challenge, our students had the opportunity to attend the Podcast Celebration Lunch this week, hosted by Anglicare and PHN Murray. The event brought together students from across the region, including Gisborne Secondary College and Kyneton High School, in recognition of their incredible efforts.
While Kyneton High School took home the overall prize - a podcast kit valued at $3000 - with just eight more listens/views than us (345 to our 337!), we are incredibly proud of how close we came.
More importantly, our students demonstrated outstanding interviewing skills and creativity, winning two category awards for Best Podcast! Each winning student received a $50 TEEN voucher in recognition of their efforts.
- Sarah, Saffron, Liam and Grace – Suicide Prevention – Chris Pidd, phn Murray
- Olivia, Liam, James and Ev – Youth Outreach Recovery Service - Peter Fountain ASCO
The podcasts tackled powerful and important topics such as mental health, addiction, gambling, and alcohol and drug use. Through their work, our students added to the voices of the organisations they interviewed, creating meaningful content that will support and inform others in our community.
A huge congratulations to all our Year 11 VM students for your hard work, compassion, and dedication. You’ve made a real impact, and we are so proud of what you’ve achieved.
Office Hours During the Term Break
The Main Reception will be open on: Monday 7 July and Friday 18 July. Closed all other days with the exception of appointments.
If you have any queries during these closed times, please email: shcadmin@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au
Office Closure - The Main Reception will be closed on Monday 21 July due to a Staff Professional Learning Day.
Uniform Shop Hours
Why Knitting?
As the weather cools, our brand-new Knitting Club is certainly heating up!
To be honest, it started because I happen to be a new knitter and I'm really enjoying it. But it turns out there's some strong evidence to support why we should encourage knitting in schools.
Sonnier et al. (2023) conducted a study on the impacts of knitting on students and concluded that knitting creates a flow state similar to focused meditation. This fosters a sense of calm and improves concentration. The researchers even suggest that it can place young people in a more favourable cognitive state for academic learning.
There's also evidence that knitting can significantly improve student wellbeing. It's an activity that fosters creativity and provides an opportunity for visual task completion, which gives participants a wonderful sense of satisfaction (Howard et al., 2022). Hermann (2023) also found that it helped with emotional regulation and that participants gained a sense of happiness from being part of a task-oriented group.
It's been fantastic to see so many students joining us on Mondays at lunchtime in the library. All skill levels are warmly welcomed, and it's the perfect way for students to relax and get creative during lunch.
If they're able, it's really helpful if students can bring their own super chunky wool and 15mm needles if they're beginners. Don't worry if they don't have them though; we have a limited supply in the library that they can use.
We're thrilled with the growing numbers and would love to see even more students join us. Come on down and join the fun- we can't wait to see what amazing creations they'll stitch up!
Wednesday 18 June saw 18 students attend the NMR Cross Country meet at Kilmore Racing Club.
The students gave it their all, and handled the tough terrain well.
Congratulations to those who made it to the State level. Top 12 runners qualify for State.
Piper Fynch 5th – 12-13yo Girls
Lucinda Bowen – 3rd 14yo Girls
Tyler Fynch 1st – 15yo Boys
Michael Brown 3rd – 15yo Boys
15yo Boys – 3rd place in the team event
Tighe Thrum – 3rd 16yo Boys
Kobey Durant – 8th 17-20yo Boys
Levi Gordon’s Journey into IMAC RC Aerobatics
We would like to acknowledge and congratulate Levi Gordon from 10F for his newfound passion for competitive aerobatics. Here is Levi’s story:
Last year, I built a radio-controlled aircraft out of balsa wood with my grandpa for my Expo project. That experience sparked a deep passion for model aviation. Since then, I've spent many hours improving my flying skills, and applied for my silver wings . Earlier this year, I decided to take things to the next level by entering the world of competitive aerobatics through the International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC). I entered the Basic class, where I had to learn and memorise my first sequence using Arresti diagrams. Preparing for this event required a lot of practice, and it paid off. The thrill of flying a full IMAC sequence in front of judges and fellow pilots was an unforgettable experience. My uncle, Stevie Malcman, is an experienced pilot in IMAC's advanced class, and became my mentor throughout the entirety of this journey. With his guidance and hours of training, I refined my flying technique and sharpened my skills.
I’m already looking forward to the upcoming season. This journey has taught me a lot—not just about flying, but about perseverance, mentorship, and pushing through challenges.
Lucinda Bowen
We would like to acknowledge and congratulate Lucinda Bowen from 8D for her significant sporting achievements this year.
Lucinda has been playing NPL soccer which is the highest level at the age of 14. In January, Lucinda represented Victoria at the Sydney Futsal Titles where she scored 6 goals for her team. She was selected for the Australian Futsal team and later this year Lucinda will be touring around the UK representing our country.
Lucinda’s sporting achievements also extend to the athletics track and she has recently qualified to attend regionals for Cross Country.
Well done Lucinda and we look forward to following along your journey!
Tyler Fynch
Over the weekend Tyler competed for Sacred Heart at the Victorian All Schools State Championships at Bundoora Park.
Tyler finished 3rd in the U16 4km, in time of 12:15, against 87 competitors.
This has qualified Tyler for the Australian National titles held in Ballarat this August where he will be representing Victoria.
Well done Tyler!
Heathcare/Concession Card Holders – Camps, Sport & Excursions Fund (CSEF/School Saving Bonus) – Applications Close 4/7/25
If you have a valid Health Care Card you may be entitled to $912.00 per child
Camp, Sport & Excursion Fund (CSEF) is a $256 payment provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families with the cost of camps, excursions and sporting funds. To be eligible you will need to hold a means tested concession card or you are a temporary foster parent. Should your application be successful the college will match the $256.00 funding. You will also receive the School Saving Bonus of $400.00 up to $1200.00 per family
Eligible parents will receive $912 Credit Per Student towards their 2025 school fees.
School Crossing Safety – A Reminder for Families
As we approach the end of the school holidays, it’s a timely reminder for all parents, carers and students to prioritise safety when travelling to and from school.
We’ve recently observed a number of children crossing roads unsafely – without stopping, looking, or using the supervised crossing. While we understand it can be more convenient to cross at other points, using the designated school crossing is the safest option.
Our School Crossing Supervisors are trained to help children cross safely and are present during peak times to manage traffic and ensure visibility. To help keep everyone safe, we ask that families:
- always use the supervised school crossing where available
- encourage children to stop, look, and listen before crossing
- walk bikes or scooters across the road
- lead by example – children are more likely to follow safe practices when adults do the same.
Let’s work together to keep our school community safe and make road safety a daily habit for our children.
