Junior Cabinet 2027

We were pleased this week to announce the successful candidates for our 2027 Junior Cabinet. These young leaders will work alongside our Senior Cabinet to bring the voice of our students to life throughout the College in the coming school year. Warm congratulations are offered to all those selected for formal leadership, as well as to those candidates who were not offered a leadership role, but nevertheless should feel very proud of their decision to apply and participate in the interview process. Congratulations are also offered to our 2027 Senior and Junior House Captains, who were also announced this week, alongside of our Junior Cabinet.

Welcome back Dr Egberts!

It has been a bubble of joy in our week to have Dr Egberts back on site, following a period of leave. To hear the familiar sound of his generous laugh echoing again across the campus has buoyed us all. Sincere thanks are offered to the many members of the community who have stepped in to assist in so many ways to support the school, during the time of Dr Egberts’ leave. From this coming Monday, he will return formally to the role of Principal, and you can look forward to reading his Principal’s report in the next edition of the Newsletter.

A time of celebration

November is a time of significant celebration in the life of the college, as a range of key milestones are achieved. In particular, we think of our Year 12 students, who in the coming days will be completing their final VCE exams and participating in their Graduation Dinner. They all have plenty to be proud of, and we wish them every success as they move out into the world beyond the school gates.

As of this week, our Year 10 and Year 11 students have completed their final lessons of the 2026 academic year, and have now begun their Semester 2 Exams. They are congratulated on all that they have achieved, and we look forward with anticipation to welcoming them into their new role as Year 11s and Year 12s when their Step Up program begins on Friday 20/11.

Our final College assembly for the year will be held on Thursday 26 November, and at this time we will name and award those students who have achieved notable levels of academic achievement, including our Dux and Dux Proximus at each Year Level. This is an event of particular joy, and we look forward to sharing the names of those students receiving an award in the next edition of the Newsletter.

End of Year program

Schools are busy places at all times of year, and the coming weeks are no exception. All families and students are advised to take careful note of updates and communication about the program of events that will take place in our final 3 weeks. Of particular note are the following items:

• Year 10 and Year 11 Exams: 12/11 - 19/11

• Years 7-9 Independent Study Day: 20/11

• Senior Step Up: 20/11 - 03/12

• Years 7-9 Exams: 23/11 - 25/11

• Closing assemblies and Junior changeover day: 26/11

• Junior Step Up: 27/11 - 03/12

• Closing College Mass and final day of classes. Yearbook will be distributed: 03/12 finishing time 3.30pm

2027 Tuition Fees and Edstart

All families will have received earlier this week a letter from the College, outlining the tuition fee schedule for 2027. Also included in this letter was an initial introduction to Edstart, which is the platform the college will use for all fee payments from 2027 onwards. Over the coming weeks, our Finance Team and Edstart will be in touch with instructions on how and when to set up your Edstart account and customised payment plan. Please keep an eye out for emails coming from “Edstart”, as these will contain everything you need to know to get started.

The College maintains its commitment to support any family experiencing financial hardship. If meeting tuition fees is a concern, families are encouraged to work with Edstart and Sacred Heart staff to find workable payment plans. Concessions remain available and can be applied for through discussions with Edstart, or via direct application as per the Fee Concession Form available via the College website.

As the final weeks of the academic year approach, there are a number of important events, timetable changes and transitions ahead. We encourage students and families to remain attentive to communications and maintain a positive focus on learning and the routines that will support a successful conclusion to 2026.

VCE Examinations
Congratulations to our VCE students who have now completed their examinations. We acknowledge the commitment, preparation and perseverance that have brought them to this important milestone. To those with examinations still ahead, we wish you every success in these final days and encourage you to remain focused and confident.

SHC Examinations
Our College examinations provide an important opportunity for students to consolidate their learning, demonstrate their knowledge and understanding, and reflect on their progress. They also help develop valuable skills in preparation, organisation, time management and independent study.

As Year 10 and 11 examinations commence, and our Junior School students prepare for theirs, we encourage all students to approach this period with a positive attitude and a strong sense of responsibility for their learning.

Separate communications have been shared with families outlining examination arrangements and expectations for each Year Level.

Step Up – Preparing for 2027
Following examinations, students will transition into their next year level through our whole-school Step Up program. This is an integral part of the academic year, providing a meaningful introduction to new subjects, curriculum content, teachers and learning expectations.

Attendance and active participation throughout Step Up are expected. These classes are not simply a preview of next year's work, but planned learning experiences that establish important foundations for 2027. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and approach their learning with the same commitment and responsibility demonstrated throughout the year.

We encourage all students to make the most of these final weeks. How we finish is just as important as how we begin, and we look forward to seeing students embrace the opportunities ahead.

In our last newsletter, we shared some highlights from our Mercy Day celebration.

We’re excited to share that, because of the generosity of our community, we are on track to donate around $5,000 to Mercy Works.
There are still a couple of final expenses to come in, but what a good beginning for Mercy Day at Sacred Heart!

Thank you to everyone who helped make the day happen and gave so generously.

At our Mercy Day assembly, Catherine Glenister from Mercy Works helped us learn about the people and projects our fundraising would support. In Borroloola in the Northern Territory, for example, Mercy Works helps support a free, community-run laundry. Having somewhere to wash and dry clothes and bedding makes a real difference to families’ health and wellbeing.

Hearing about this work was an important part of Mercy Day celebrations. It gave us a chance to learn about challenges we might rarely encounter ourselves and see how local people are responding. Catherine McAuley called mercy “the principal path pointed out by Jesus Christ” (Original Rule). For us at Sacred Heart, following that path begins with paying attention to what others are facing. By raising funds for Mercy Works, we put our values of compassion, service and justice into action together.

That compassion, service and justice continue throughout the year, with staff regularly donating to a number of charities through our Payroll Giving program. In the 2025–26 financial year, those donations added up to $13,671, including $1,712 for Mercy Works.

We’re so proud of what we achieved together this Mercy Day and look forward to building on this good beginning next year.

Jarlmadangah Burru Immersion 2027 – Applications Now Open for Current Year 10 Students

Since 2009, Sacred Heart College has shared a special relationship with the Jarlmadangah Burru community in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Each year, eight students have the opportunity to walk gently and justly alongside the community, learning about Country, culture and the deep wisdom of First Peoples. The 2027 immersion will take place from 25 June to 4 July 2027.

This year’s participants described the immersion as a life-changing experience. Students who began the journey knowing one another mainly as peers from the same year level returned with deep friendships.

They reflected on the importance of learning about First Nations culture through relationships and on the differences between daily life in Jarlmadangah and their own lives in the Macedon Ranges. Some of their most significant learning was also uncomfortable: recognising their own privilege and reconsidering what matters. Concerns that once seemed important now felt less significant. Their reflections spoke of an experience that continues to shape how they understand themselves, others and the world.

During the immersion, students plan and lead classroom activities for the local primary school, take turns cooking for the group, and share in community life. The experience forms part of our College’s enduring commitment to Mercy Justice and the work of reconciliation.

Applications are now open for current Year 10 students and close at 11:00 am on Monday 16 November 2026.

While the College continues to work to keep costs down, families should anticipate an increase, with the cost currently estimated at $3,750.
Families are encouraged to discuss and reflect together on this opportunity and support their child’s application if they wish to apply. Further information will be provided to students shortlisted for the 2027 journey and their families.

Earlier this term, Sacred Heart College, Kyneton was invited by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) to assist in the development of assessment materials for the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2029, an international study coordinated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Between November 2026 and February 2027, Year 10 students in selected schools across Australia and a few other countries will participate in a pilot assessment focused on the twenty-first century skill of Media and AI Literacy (MAIL).

On Friday 6 November, SHC became the very first school to participate in the MAIL pilot study.

The pilot is designed to help ACER researchers understand how students interpret and respond to assessment questions and ensure the items in the early stages of development are meeting their requirements by gathering feedback from students and collecting relevant data. No real AI was used for the assessment.

During the pilot, 48 SHC Year 10 students – all of whom were wonderful ambassadors for our College community – were asked to complete a series of assessment questions and tasks on a computer for 60 minutes. Eleven students then took part in a 40-minute focus group interview with ACER researchers where they shared their thoughts about the questions and tasks; and provided feedback on their experience completing the assessment.

ACER researchers commented on how impressed they were with the maturity and insights offered by all SHC students involved in the pilot. A huge congratulations to our students here!

SHC responses and understanding of the pilot assessment materials, will now inform ACER’s research in further developing the MAIL test in preparation for its implementation across OECD countries (including Australia) in 2029.

There was plenty of energy, enthusiasm and lively argument as staff and students went head-to-head in a special lunch time debate on the topic: “That school uniforms do more harm than good.”

Taking the affirmative stance, our staff debating team argued that school uniforms can limit students’ individuality, restrict personal expression and place unnecessary pressure on families. They made a compelling case that students should have greater freedom to express their personalities and develop their own sense of identity. Mr Gallagher bought along his guitar, whilst Ms Knight and Ms Galloway opted to dress in school uniform and even tracksuit pants! Our student team had the challenge of defending the value of school uniforms, highlighting the importance of equality, school pride, belonging and a shared sense of identity.

Congratulations to Angus Jewell, Matilda Matthews and Stella Egberts who convincingly won this debate. It was wonderful to see staff and students engaging in such a fun exchange of ideas.

Student Reflection - Alyssa and Macey 9E

On Friday 6 November, Year 9s had their Reflection Day. The day consisted of presentations from guest speakers, the Wellbeing Team, and a reflection session with Ms Lawrence and Mr Travers.

Throughout the three sessions, we explored the theme of compassion and what it means in our everyday lives. Our first guest speakers were Dianne and Lisa from the Kyneton Food Bank. They spoke to us about how the food bank is run, and how they help people with food insecurity. 

Our following guest speaker was Felicity from McAuley Services for Women and Children. She talked about the support McAuley offers to women and children experiencing homelessness and family violence. In the reflection session we took a moment to take in all the information that we had learned throughout the day and think about our upcoming journey into senior school.

Our College Wellbeing Team presented the importance of showing compassion to others and ourselves, and how we can demonstrate this into senior school.

Students were also asked to donate canned goods and sanitary items to the Kyneton Food Bank and McAuley Services. We collected a large amount of donations to give to those who need it most. Learning about what these services provide helped us to have a deeper understanding of the need in our community.

Overall, the day was a fun and engaging way to learn about with problems that we have in our society today.

Thank you to everyone who made the day possible for us.

Our Year 10 cohort recently tackled an unforgettable adventure, hiking along Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Walk from Blanket Bay to Johanna Beach.

Traversing pristine coastal forest, rugged clifftops, and wide expanses of golden sand, students were treated to truly breathtaking scenery. Highlights included the dramatic views overlooking Cape Otway, sweeps of untamed ocean breaking against the reefs, and the vast, rolling surf that welcomed us as we descended onto Johanna Beach.

Beyond the spectacular vistas, the heart of the trip was the outstanding effort and resilience shown by every student. Heavy packs, steep ascents, and variable coastal trail conditions tested everyone’s physical endurance. Yet, the team spirit never wavered.

Students displayed inspiring teamwork throughout the journey—sharing the load when packs felt heavy, offering steady hands on tricky descents, and keeping morale high with songs and encouragement along the way. Every challenge encountered became an opportunity to lift each other up.

This trek was far more than a physical challenge; it was a powerful test of character, camaraderie, and shared triumph. Congratulations to our Year 10 hikers for their incredible determination and supportive spirit!

Students Reflection  -  Molly and Isla

Our 5-day outdoor camp was an unforgettable adventure, centred around 3 days of hiking where we carried all our gear and pitched our own tents each night. Constantly swatting away relentless bugs was definitely annoying, and we had to push through exhaustion while doing things we’d never done before, from navigating unfamiliar trail routines to managing heavy packs. Learning to rely on ourselves and adapt to whatever the trail threw at us really brought out our resilience. The highlight came on Friday when we finally reached the 12 Apostles, where taking in those breathtaking ocean views made every tough moment feel completely worth it.

On Thursday 5 November, the Sacred Heart Show Band took part in the very first 'Show Band Day.' Our music students were able to take part in sectional and whole band rehearsals and workshops with special guests Dr Michael Lichnovsky, Stephen Vine, Jacqui Vine and, Robbie Melville. 

Brass students spent the first session with Stephen and Jacqui, highly experienced musicians and educators, who have played with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Royal Navy Band and the Australian Army Band. The band's rhythm section spent time with Robbie Melville, a highly awarded and internationally recognised guitarist and composer, who resides in the Macedon Ranges. Dr Lichnovsky also spent focused time with Sacred Heart's woodwind students.

During Periods 2, 3 and 4 the whole Show Band convened in the Mary Moloney Theatre for dedicated performance workshops under the guidance of Dr Michael Lichnovsky. Dr Lichnovsky is a renowned saxophonist, conductor and educator who regularly performs with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and The Axes Saxophone Quartet and has taught at the University of Melbourne, The Victorian College of the Arts, Monash University and the University of Iowa. Dr Lichnovsky and the Show Band worked hard on several pieces of music including 'Blues for Mr. B' and 'Burritoes to Go.' Among the topics addressed were dynamics, the shaping of phrases, improvisation and the layering of parts amongst the band. Our students demonstrated focus, commitment and a willingness to push themselves musically and technically.
The day concluded with Mr Ben Gallagher's VCE Media class filming and recording the band performing the music they had worked so hard on throughout the day.

The Show Band and I would like to thank our special guests and, our dedicated Sacred Heart Music tutors, Sarah Gill, Mark Roberts and Sue Morris, for their hard work and preparation leading up to the day. This special opportunity was embraced by all and as always, the Show Band performed with drive, musical intent and a broad range of tone colours. The Show Band looks forward to the next opportunity to share their love of music with each other and the broader Sacred Heart Community.

Free Webinars from Michelle Mitchell

Reminder that all Sacred Heart College’s parents and students have been given access to all of Michell Mitchell’s webinars for the rest of the 2026 school year (ending 19 December).

The full list of webinars can be accessed via the following link: Michelle Mitchell Webinars

Our community need to create an account and purchase a free subscription (at no charge). For free access to the webinars. Follow the steps below to create your free account:

1. Click on the link - SHC Kyneton – Parent Webinar Access
2. Select ‘Add to Cart’ to purchase the SHC Parent Access
3. Complete the account
4. Select ‘Review Order’
5. Select ‘ Complete Order’
6. Click to verify that you are human and agree to terms and conditions
7. Select ‘Complete Order’, you will view and receive a receipt.

Once your account is set up, you will receive an email confirming account set up followed by an email containing the link for free access to the webinars and accompanying information.

If you have any trouble creating your account, please contact reception for assistance.

Please note the webinars can only be accessed free of charge by using the link sent to confirm the set up of your account.

Spotlight on a couple of the interesting webinars

I know that parenting a teenager can be tiring, a little stressful and an intense roller-coast of rapid change. I also know that it can also be so rewarding, especially once you understand what teen’s need. These videos are from a 2-part Webinar that is designed to help parents and carers embrace, connect with and enjoy this stage of life.

If you’ve recently found yourself saying, “Why are we still negotiating about this?” this webinar is for you.

Most kids, regardless of their age, are master negotiators! Their single minded, intentional drive can be difficult for parents to match, especially if we don’t upskill as they grow.