Newsletter 13

15 August 2025

Prayer

The arts give expression to the beauty of the faith
and proclaim the Gospel message of the grandeur of God’s creation.
When we admire a work of art or a marvel of nature,
we discover how everything speaks to us of God and of God’s love:
That artists of our time, though their creativity,
may help us discover the beauty of creation.

Pope Francis

These beautiful words from Pope Francis speak to the importance of The Arts in society and within and across the life of a school. These thoughts are especially important this week at Sacred Heart College with the school production, “As You Like It” being performed. I am always in awe of students and staff who are able to learn, rehearse and perform on stage; this is particularly the case for this year’s contemporary reimagining of the Shakespearean classic.

Congratulations to everyone involved but expressly Kellie Tori (Director), Haley Galloway (Producer), Ben Gallagher (Music Director), Freya Egberts (Choreographer), Peter Ashman (Set Design and Construction).

I encourage any members of the Sacred Heart College community who are able to attend this fabulous celebration of student talent to do so. As You Like It is on stage in the Mary Moloney Theatre Thursday 14/8, (7.00pm), Friday 15/8 (7.00pm) and Saturday 16/8 (6.00pm).

Student At Home Days

As was outlined at the end of last term, Sacred Heart College has scheduled a number of days in coming weeks where a year level will stay at home. Such arrangements will allow the College to manage the staffing demands of coming camps and major school events. Specific details for affected year levels are included in Deputy Principal, Sam Weir's newsletter article.

Monday 18 August Year 7 Remote Learning

Tuesday 19 August Year 8 Remote Learning

Thursday 21 August Year 11 Remote Learning

Friday 29 August Year 9 Remote Learning

Student and Staff Activities

As was alluded to earlier, the next four weeks are incredibly busy for the students, staff and families of Sacred Heart College. The breadth of activities that students are involved in celebrate the importance of co-curricular opportunities for young people within a holistic education.

  • Next week, all Year 10 students travel to Howman’s Gap and Falls Creek for their Alpine Camp.
  • On Friday 29 August, Sacred Heart College is hosting the annual Frayne Public Speaking Festival with 200 students from twelve schools competing in public speaking, debating and voice choir competitions.
  • In the week starting 1st September, all Year 9 students will be travelling to the snow fields for their Alpine Camp. Concurrently, most Year 10 students are involved a week of work experience.
  • As I type this article, the Frayne building is rich with Mexican aromas as the first round of the SHC Junior Chef competition is underway. I look forward to seeing this wonderful occasion culminate on Tuesday 26 August.

Yours in Mercy,

Dr Darren Egberts

Principal

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Learning Achievement Awards Assembly

Learning is rarely a straightforward process. Learning requires courage, tenacity, ingenuity, imagination and hope. In order to learn, we must be prepared to fail, and we must become comfortable with errors and mistakes. And in order to learn, we must build authentic connections and relationships of trust with our teachers and classmates. At last week’s Learning Achievement Awards Assembly, we gathered to celebrate those students who have demonstrated significant leadership through their own engagement with the process of learning. The students who received these awards had been recognised and nominated by their teachers, from their observations of the positive demeanour and dispositions that they bring to our classrooms.

On the podium for the duration of the awards ceremony was a replica of the red Door of Mercy, which stands at the front of the House of Mercy in Baggot Street, Dublin. When Catherine McAuley first opened the doors to the newly built House of Mercy in 1827, she was sending a clear invitation to her own community to heed the calling of our faith to care for the vulnerable. It is this same calling that we echo in our own school today. The calling of Mercy and the calling of our education at Sacred Heart College are one and the same - to use our resources and our learnings to build a world of justice and equity for all, with a special care offered to the vulnerable. The students that we recognised and celebrated at our awards ceremony are congratulated for the ways that they lead us towards this calling. 

Particular congratulations are offered to Reeve Smith, who was nominated for Learning Achievement Awards in 5 of his Year 12 subjects, including VCE Mathematical Methods, VCE Specialist Mathematics, VCE English, VCE Health and Human Development and Year 12 Religious Education.

Within the assembly we heard a guest presentation from past student Nicholas Matters (class of 2015), who shared some anecdotes and wisdom from his own story of ongoing learning beyond the school gates. Nicholas now performs as an operatic tenor, and his presentation was well-received by all students and staff.

Spirit of the Sacred Heart Awards 

The Spirit of Sacred Heart Awards are presented each school term in recognition of how individual students give living witness to what it means to be a person of Mercy. They are designed to acknowledge students who demonstrate each of the Mercy Values, and to celebrate the many ways in which these values come to life in our community. At our recent Semester 1 Awards Assembly, we congratulated the students on receiving a Spirit of the Sacred Heart Award for their actions in either Term 1 or Term 2. All names and photos are in the Awards Booklet.

Learning Achievement Awards Booklet

We were also pleased to recognise and congratulate Ms Felicity Comte as the recipient of our Semester 1 Staff Spirit of Sacred Heart Award recipient. Felicity works as a Learning Support Officer in our Junior School, where her tireless efforts to support students and staff are greatly appreciated by all.

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Remote learning days

A reminder that over the next two weeks, we will be asking some Year Levels to engage in a day of remote learning on a set date:

  • Monday 18 August: Remote learning day for Year 7s

  • Tuesday 19 August: Remote learning day for Year 8s

  • Thursday 21 August: Remote learning for Year 11s (see note below)

  • Friday 28 August: Remote learning day for Year 9s

The chosen dates relate to college events that will have an impact on the availability of either teaching staff or classroom spaces, namely the Year 10 Alpine Camp and the Frayne Speech Festival. On these dates, students will be set work to complete for their timetabled lessons on that day. This work will be independent in nature, and will not involve video-linked classes. In circumstances where it is unsuitable for a student to remain home on their remote learning day, provisions for supervision at Sacred Heart College will be available. Families are asked to notify the college ahead of time if you expect that supervision will be required for your child.

Notes for Year 11 students on Thursday 21 August

On Thursday 21 August, Year 11 students who have a VCE Unit 4 class timetabled on the day are advised to attend school for that class. These students are welcome to sign in and out for their VCE Unit 4 lesson only, or may elect to remain at school to complete independent study in a supervised space.

Such a fun day yesterday in our Hospitality Centre with the Junior Chef teams! Students demonstrated impressive kitchen skills, worked well together, and brought a great attitude to the competition — all were fantastic representatives of their schools. We’re looking forward to welcoming them back for the final cook-off on Tuesday, 26 August, where the 2025 Junior Chef title will be decided!

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VCE Unit 3 & 4 Food Studies Excursion

Last week, the Year 12 Food Studies students went on an excursion to two local farms to get a firsthand look at ethical and sustainable food production. The experience connected with their Unit 4: Food issues, challenges and futures studies, giving them practical insights into how our food is grown and raised.

Chintin Botanicals - At Chintin Botanicals, students learned about planting crops suited for Australia's climate and drought conditions. The focus was on the importance of native plants, biodiversity, and keeping soil healthy with beneficial microbes. They also had a chance to get hands-on, making damper with native herbs and sampling honey and tea with indigenous flavours.

Sidonia Beef - The second stop was Sidonia Beef, where students learned about the ethical treatment of livestock. They saw free-range cattle grazing on healthy pastures and even got up close with some newborn calves. Lunch was a delicious beef burger, served with local apple cider.

The excursion provided students with a deeper understanding of the journey from farm to plate and the values of sustainable and ethical farming practices. I'd like to thank all the farmers for welcoming us onto their beautiful farms and sharing their knowledge with us. Also thank you to Brett Lefebvre for coming along with us.

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Intermediate Boys Basketball Team Triumphs in Grand Final  -  Lauren White

A huge congratulations to our Intermediate boys basketball team on their incredible grand final win! This victory is a testament to their commitment to the College team.

The team's journey to the grand final was not without its challenges, including last-minute changes that tested their resilience. However, the boys demonstrated remarkable adaptability and persistence, proving they are a force to be reckoned with. Their outstanding gamesmanship and skilful play on the court were a true highlight of the tournament. 

We are incredibly proud of their success and wish them the very best as they prepare to compete in the second stage of the competition on October 16. A special thank you also goes out to the parents who supported the team on the day—your actions made it possible! Well done, team!

Year 7 Basketball

Girls Team  -  Zara Conway

The Year 7 girls basketball team had an incredible day, showing passion, teamwork, and pure determination from start to finish. Game after game, they pushed themselves to the limit, playing with heart and never backing down. When it came to the final, they truly rose to the occasion dominating the court with confidence and skill with an amazing win over Mount Ridley 34-6

Boys Team  -  Tighe Thrum
Our Year 7 basketball team had a fantastic campaign, dominating the first three games with confident wins, thanks to our relentless pressure on defense and explosive offense that overwhelmed our opponents. The boys played with heart, energy, and great teamwork throughout the tournament.

Lewis Lethbridge and Hayden led the charge on the scoreboard, putting up points with consistency and flair. Lewis Chettle showed incredible hustle all over the court, while Zayne kept defenders honest with his sharp shooting. Jax was a rebounding machine, grabbing boards and giving us second chances. Tom and Alex gave 100% every minute they were on the court, showing true team spirit and effort. Percy’s versatility allowed him to slot in wherever needed, and John anchored our interior defense with strength and composure. And of course, shoutout to Nick for always being ready to hand me my whiteboard—essential to any coach’s success!

Despite a hard-fought loss in the final game, the team has done themselves proud, showing huge potential for the future.

A big thank you to Miss White and Miss V for making it all possible—we couldn’t have done it without your support!

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Year 7 Footy Tournament Recap – A Great Effort from Sacred Heart! - Brett Gardner

Last week, our Year 7 boys took to the field for an exciting interschool footy tournament, and what a day it was! The team showed incredible spirit, skill, and teamwork throughout both games.

In the first match, Sacred Heart came out firing. The boys played with energy and confidence, dominating the midfield and making smart plays. Their teamwork really stood out as they moved the ball smoothly and worked together in defence. Thanks to a solid team effort and some great goals, Sacred Heart won the first game comfortably, giving everyone on the sidelines something to cheer about.

SHC 3 goals 3 Behinds = 21 points
defeated
Preston 1 goal 1 behind = 7 points

Best players – Lachlan, Hugo, Angus, Harley

Heading into the second game, the team was full of confidence. However, they came up against a tough opponent who brought strong pressure from the first bounce. Despite some strong tackles, courageous efforts, and a never-give-up attitude from our players, Sacred Heart narrowly went down in the second game. Even though it was a loss, the boys showed great sportsmanship and kept their heads high.

SHC 1 goal 1 behinds = 7 points
Lost to
Diamond Valley 3 goals 6 behinds = 24 points

Best players – Clyde, Harley, Percy

A big thank you to the coaches, supporters, and everyone who helped organise the day. The team represented Sacred Heart proudly and should be congratulated on their hard work and positive attitude.  We can’t wait to see what they bring next year!

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Languages Week 2025

“A new language is a new life” Persian proverb.

Did you know that students who learn a second language do more than just learn a second language? They also:

  • Improve their memory, concentration and listening skills

  • Connect and empathise with other cultures

  • Open their futures to greater employment and travel opportunities

  • Deepen their understanding of English

  • Prime their brains for learning other types of language, including music and computer coding.

Last week was Languages Week at SHC. Our students got involved in a number of activities such as a language quiz, a postcard competition, playing with Japanese toys, a petanque tournament and a French movie screening. Year 8 Japanese students were also lucky enough to experience a kendo (Japanese fencing) incursion!

Enjoy these photos from Languages Week!

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As a part of their studies in RE, Year 12s have heard from two guest speakers to broaden their understanding of the unit ‘Everyday Courage’, which has focused on the concept of the Kingdom of God and what it means to create a just society.

Our first guest was Angela from Young Mercy Links, who spoke to students about her own life experiences of courage, volunteering, travel, and how a spirit of Mercy can be carried by the students long after their time at Sacred Heart.

Hayley from McAuley Services then spoke to a small group of Year 12 students this week, about the realities of family violence and homelessness, and the integral work of services like McAuley. Students were able to hear stories of hope, ask questions, and consider how they can respond to the call of courage in their own lives.

Thank you to our presenters, and our students for their engagement. Year 12s will spend the rest of Term 3 in one of four service groups: Cooking for Camp Campaspe, Visiting an Aged Care residence, Tree Planting and Fast Fashion, or Crafts for McAuley Services. We look forward to seeing and hearing about their small acts of service.

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Self Defence Program 2025

A fantastic start to the program this year with Kobi doing a great job of educating our students in how and when to safely use Self Defence techniques.

Let the fun continue😊

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We are excited to share that Sacred Heart College’s very own Isabelle Desira (9D) has been named one of the winners in the Council’s Bin Truck Art Competition!

This year’s competition saw over 240 incredible entries from talented young artists across the region. The panel of judges had a challenging task selecting winners, and we are so proud that Isabelle’s creative design has been chosen to feature on one of Council’s bin trucks, which will hit the streets from October 2025.

As part of her prize, Isabelle's name, year level, and our school’s name will appear on the final truck artwork for the whole community to see.

In addition to Isabelle’s success, Sacred Heart College has also won a delivery of compost to help our school gardens grow – a fantastic bonus for our environment and our community.

Careers have hosted a variety of higher education providers to present to our students at lunch times. These presentations allow students to find out about the different institutions their programs and university life. Students were given the opportunity to ask specific questions in readiness for their potential higher education choices.

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On 5 August we hosted a Parent Engagement event, ‘Navigating the Digital Playground’ led by Australia’s premier online safety education provider, Cyber Safety Project. We are pleased to be able to share the recording of this event, which will be accessible until Monday 25 August.

Online Event Recording - Navigating the Digital Playground – held Tuesday 5 August

To access please use passcode: R2VZ+=eT

We trust you find the information provided in this presentation beneficial.

Regards

Haley Galloway
Deputy Principal – Student Wellbeing


Newsletter 13

15 August 2025

Prayer

The arts give expression to the beauty of the faith
and proclaim the Gospel message of the grandeur of God’s creation.
When we admire a work of art or a marvel of nature,
we discover how everything speaks to us of God and of God’s love:
That artists of our time, though their creativity,
may help us discover the beauty of creation.

Pope Francis

These beautiful words from Pope Francis speak to the importance of The Arts in society and within and across the life of a school. These thoughts are especially important this week at Sacred Heart College with the school production, “As You Like It” being performed. I am always in awe of students and staff who are able to learn, rehearse and perform on stage; this is particularly the case for this year’s contemporary reimagining of the Shakespearean classic.

Congratulations to everyone involved but expressly Kellie Tori (Director), Haley Galloway (Producer), Ben Gallagher (Music Director), Freya Egberts (Choreographer), Peter Ashman (Set Design and Construction).

I encourage any members of the Sacred Heart College community who are able to attend this fabulous celebration of student talent to do so. As You Like It is on stage in the Mary Moloney Theatre Thursday 14/8, (7.00pm), Friday 15/8 (7.00pm) and Saturday 16/8 (6.00pm).

Student At Home Days

As was outlined at the end of last term, Sacred Heart College has scheduled a number of days in coming weeks where a year level will stay at home. Such arrangements will allow the College to manage the staffing demands of coming camps and major school events. Specific details for affected year levels are included in Deputy Principal, Sam Weir's newsletter article.

Monday 18 August Year 7 Remote Learning

Tuesday 19 August Year 8 Remote Learning

Thursday 21 August Year 11 Remote Learning

Friday 29 August Year 9 Remote Learning

Student and Staff Activities

As was alluded to earlier, the next four weeks are incredibly busy for the students, staff and families of Sacred Heart College. The breadth of activities that students are involved in celebrate the importance of co-curricular opportunities for young people within a holistic education.

  • Next week, all Year 10 students travel to Howman’s Gap and Falls Creek for their Alpine Camp.
  • On Friday 29 August, Sacred Heart College is hosting the annual Frayne Public Speaking Festival with 200 students from twelve schools competing in public speaking, debating and voice choir competitions.
  • In the week starting 1st September, all Year 9 students will be travelling to the snow fields for their Alpine Camp. Concurrently, most Year 10 students are involved a week of work experience.
  • As I type this article, the Frayne building is rich with Mexican aromas as the first round of the SHC Junior Chef competition is underway. I look forward to seeing this wonderful occasion culminate on Tuesday 26 August.

Yours in Mercy,

Dr Darren Egberts

Principal

leave-btm-vector

Learning Achievement Awards Assembly

Learning is rarely a straightforward process. Learning requires courage, tenacity, ingenuity, imagination and hope. In order to learn, we must be prepared to fail, and we must become comfortable with errors and mistakes. And in order to learn, we must build authentic connections and relationships of trust with our teachers and classmates. At last week’s Learning Achievement Awards Assembly, we gathered to celebrate those students who have demonstrated significant leadership through their own engagement with the process of learning. The students who received these awards had been recognised and nominated by their teachers, from their observations of the positive demeanour and dispositions that they bring to our classrooms.

On the podium for the duration of the awards ceremony was a replica of the red Door of Mercy, which stands at the front of the House of Mercy in Baggot Street, Dublin. When Catherine McAuley first opened the doors to the newly built House of Mercy in 1827, she was sending a clear invitation to her own community to heed the calling of our faith to care for the vulnerable. It is this same calling that we echo in our own school today. The calling of Mercy and the calling of our education at Sacred Heart College are one and the same - to use our resources and our learnings to build a world of justice and equity for all, with a special care offered to the vulnerable. The students that we recognised and celebrated at our awards ceremony are congratulated for the ways that they lead us towards this calling. 

Particular congratulations are offered to Reeve Smith, who was nominated for Learning Achievement Awards in 5 of his Year 12 subjects, including VCE Mathematical Methods, VCE Specialist Mathematics, VCE English, VCE Health and Human Development and Year 12 Religious Education.

Within the assembly we heard a guest presentation from past student Nicholas Matters (class of 2015), who shared some anecdotes and wisdom from his own story of ongoing learning beyond the school gates. Nicholas now performs as an operatic tenor, and his presentation was well-received by all students and staff.

Spirit of the Sacred Heart Awards 

The Spirit of Sacred Heart Awards are presented each school term in recognition of how individual students give living witness to what it means to be a person of Mercy. They are designed to acknowledge students who demonstrate each of the Mercy Values, and to celebrate the many ways in which these values come to life in our community. At our recent Semester 1 Awards Assembly, we congratulated the students on receiving a Spirit of the Sacred Heart Award for their actions in either Term 1 or Term 2. All names and photos are in the Awards Booklet.

Learning Achievement Awards Booklet

We were also pleased to recognise and congratulate Ms Felicity Comte as the recipient of our Semester 1 Staff Spirit of Sacred Heart Award recipient. Felicity works as a Learning Support Officer in our Junior School, where her tireless efforts to support students and staff are greatly appreciated by all.

leave-btm-vector

Remote learning days

A reminder that over the next two weeks, we will be asking some Year Levels to engage in a day of remote learning on a set date:

  • Monday 18 August: Remote learning day for Year 7s

  • Tuesday 19 August: Remote learning day for Year 8s

  • Thursday 21 August: Remote learning for Year 11s (see note below)

  • Friday 28 August: Remote learning day for Year 9s

The chosen dates relate to college events that will have an impact on the availability of either teaching staff or classroom spaces, namely the Year 10 Alpine Camp and the Frayne Speech Festival. On these dates, students will be set work to complete for their timetabled lessons on that day. This work will be independent in nature, and will not involve video-linked classes. In circumstances where it is unsuitable for a student to remain home on their remote learning day, provisions for supervision at Sacred Heart College will be available. Families are asked to notify the college ahead of time if you expect that supervision will be required for your child.

Notes for Year 11 students on Thursday 21 August

On Thursday 21 August, Year 11 students who have a VCE Unit 4 class timetabled on the day are advised to attend school for that class. These students are welcome to sign in and out for their VCE Unit 4 lesson only, or may elect to remain at school to complete independent study in a supervised space.

Such a fun day yesterday in our Hospitality Centre with the Junior Chef teams! Students demonstrated impressive kitchen skills, worked well together, and brought a great attitude to the competition — all were fantastic representatives of their schools. We’re looking forward to welcoming them back for the final cook-off on Tuesday, 26 August, where the 2025 Junior Chef title will be decided!

leave-btm-vector

VCE Unit 3 & 4 Food Studies Excursion

Last week, the Year 12 Food Studies students went on an excursion to two local farms to get a firsthand look at ethical and sustainable food production. The experience connected with their Unit 4: Food issues, challenges and futures studies, giving them practical insights into how our food is grown and raised.

Chintin Botanicals - At Chintin Botanicals, students learned about planting crops suited for Australia's climate and drought conditions. The focus was on the importance of native plants, biodiversity, and keeping soil healthy with beneficial microbes. They also had a chance to get hands-on, making damper with native herbs and sampling honey and tea with indigenous flavours.

Sidonia Beef - The second stop was Sidonia Beef, where students learned about the ethical treatment of livestock. They saw free-range cattle grazing on healthy pastures and even got up close with some newborn calves. Lunch was a delicious beef burger, served with local apple cider.

The excursion provided students with a deeper understanding of the journey from farm to plate and the values of sustainable and ethical farming practices. I'd like to thank all the farmers for welcoming us onto their beautiful farms and sharing their knowledge with us. Also thank you to Brett Lefebvre for coming along with us.

leave-btm-vector

Intermediate Boys Basketball Team Triumphs in Grand Final  -  Lauren White

A huge congratulations to our Intermediate boys basketball team on their incredible grand final win! This victory is a testament to their commitment to the College team.

The team's journey to the grand final was not without its challenges, including last-minute changes that tested their resilience. However, the boys demonstrated remarkable adaptability and persistence, proving they are a force to be reckoned with. Their outstanding gamesmanship and skilful play on the court were a true highlight of the tournament. 

We are incredibly proud of their success and wish them the very best as they prepare to compete in the second stage of the competition on October 16. A special thank you also goes out to the parents who supported the team on the day—your actions made it possible! Well done, team!

Year 7 Basketball

Girls Team  -  Zara Conway

The Year 7 girls basketball team had an incredible day, showing passion, teamwork, and pure determination from start to finish. Game after game, they pushed themselves to the limit, playing with heart and never backing down. When it came to the final, they truly rose to the occasion dominating the court with confidence and skill with an amazing win over Mount Ridley 34-6

Boys Team  -  Tighe Thrum
Our Year 7 basketball team had a fantastic campaign, dominating the first three games with confident wins, thanks to our relentless pressure on defense and explosive offense that overwhelmed our opponents. The boys played with heart, energy, and great teamwork throughout the tournament.

Lewis Lethbridge and Hayden led the charge on the scoreboard, putting up points with consistency and flair. Lewis Chettle showed incredible hustle all over the court, while Zayne kept defenders honest with his sharp shooting. Jax was a rebounding machine, grabbing boards and giving us second chances. Tom and Alex gave 100% every minute they were on the court, showing true team spirit and effort. Percy’s versatility allowed him to slot in wherever needed, and John anchored our interior defense with strength and composure. And of course, shoutout to Nick for always being ready to hand me my whiteboard—essential to any coach’s success!

Despite a hard-fought loss in the final game, the team has done themselves proud, showing huge potential for the future.

A big thank you to Miss White and Miss V for making it all possible—we couldn’t have done it without your support!

leave-btm-vector

Year 7 Footy Tournament Recap – A Great Effort from Sacred Heart! - Brett Gardner

Last week, our Year 7 boys took to the field for an exciting interschool footy tournament, and what a day it was! The team showed incredible spirit, skill, and teamwork throughout both games.

In the first match, Sacred Heart came out firing. The boys played with energy and confidence, dominating the midfield and making smart plays. Their teamwork really stood out as they moved the ball smoothly and worked together in defence. Thanks to a solid team effort and some great goals, Sacred Heart won the first game comfortably, giving everyone on the sidelines something to cheer about.

SHC 3 goals 3 Behinds = 21 points
defeated
Preston 1 goal 1 behind = 7 points

Best players – Lachlan, Hugo, Angus, Harley

Heading into the second game, the team was full of confidence. However, they came up against a tough opponent who brought strong pressure from the first bounce. Despite some strong tackles, courageous efforts, and a never-give-up attitude from our players, Sacred Heart narrowly went down in the second game. Even though it was a loss, the boys showed great sportsmanship and kept their heads high.

SHC 1 goal 1 behinds = 7 points
Lost to
Diamond Valley 3 goals 6 behinds = 24 points

Best players – Clyde, Harley, Percy

A big thank you to the coaches, supporters, and everyone who helped organise the day. The team represented Sacred Heart proudly and should be congratulated on their hard work and positive attitude.  We can’t wait to see what they bring next year!

leave-btm-vector

Languages Week 2025

“A new language is a new life” Persian proverb.

Did you know that students who learn a second language do more than just learn a second language? They also:

  • Improve their memory, concentration and listening skills

  • Connect and empathise with other cultures

  • Open their futures to greater employment and travel opportunities

  • Deepen their understanding of English

  • Prime their brains for learning other types of language, including music and computer coding.

Last week was Languages Week at SHC. Our students got involved in a number of activities such as a language quiz, a postcard competition, playing with Japanese toys, a petanque tournament and a French movie screening. Year 8 Japanese students were also lucky enough to experience a kendo (Japanese fencing) incursion!

Enjoy these photos from Languages Week!

leave-btm-vector

As a part of their studies in RE, Year 12s have heard from two guest speakers to broaden their understanding of the unit ‘Everyday Courage’, which has focused on the concept of the Kingdom of God and what it means to create a just society.

Our first guest was Angela from Young Mercy Links, who spoke to students about her own life experiences of courage, volunteering, travel, and how a spirit of Mercy can be carried by the students long after their time at Sacred Heart.

Hayley from McAuley Services then spoke to a small group of Year 12 students this week, about the realities of family violence and homelessness, and the integral work of services like McAuley. Students were able to hear stories of hope, ask questions, and consider how they can respond to the call of courage in their own lives.

Thank you to our presenters, and our students for their engagement. Year 12s will spend the rest of Term 3 in one of four service groups: Cooking for Camp Campaspe, Visiting an Aged Care residence, Tree Planting and Fast Fashion, or Crafts for McAuley Services. We look forward to seeing and hearing about their small acts of service.

leave-btm-vector

Self Defence Program 2025

A fantastic start to the program this year with Kobi doing a great job of educating our students in how and when to safely use Self Defence techniques.

Let the fun continue😊

leave-btm-vector

We are excited to share that Sacred Heart College’s very own Isabelle Desira (9D) has been named one of the winners in the Council’s Bin Truck Art Competition!

This year’s competition saw over 240 incredible entries from talented young artists across the region. The panel of judges had a challenging task selecting winners, and we are so proud that Isabelle’s creative design has been chosen to feature on one of Council’s bin trucks, which will hit the streets from October 2025.

As part of her prize, Isabelle's name, year level, and our school’s name will appear on the final truck artwork for the whole community to see.

In addition to Isabelle’s success, Sacred Heart College has also won a delivery of compost to help our school gardens grow – a fantastic bonus for our environment and our community.

Careers have hosted a variety of higher education providers to present to our students at lunch times. These presentations allow students to find out about the different institutions their programs and university life. Students were given the opportunity to ask specific questions in readiness for their potential higher education choices.

leave-btm-vector

On 5 August we hosted a Parent Engagement event, ‘Navigating the Digital Playground’ led by Australia’s premier online safety education provider, Cyber Safety Project. We are pleased to be able to share the recording of this event, which will be accessible until Monday 25 August.

Online Event Recording - Navigating the Digital Playground – held Tuesday 5 August

To access please use passcode: R2VZ+=eT

We trust you find the information provided in this presentation beneficial.

Regards

Haley Galloway
Deputy Principal – Student Wellbeing