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(03) 5421 1200
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Prayer
Loving God,
Thank you for bringing us together today
To celebrate the hard work and achievements of our students –
especially our 2025 VCE award recipients.
Today we celebrate their flourishing,
and we give thanks for the good beginnings that helped shape their journey.
Bless our award recipients, their families and their teachers
across their time at Sacred Heart College.
Bless each member of our community.
May our College always be a place
where everyone is supported to learn, to care, and to flourish.
Amen
Our prayer reflects Thursday morning’s celebration of the Sacred Heart College Class of 2025 and their outstanding results across all aspects of VCE. The celebration included recognition of the 2025 College Dux and Dux Proximus, the Top Ten VCE students, students who achieved outstanding results in the VCE Vocational Major program as well as a number of special awards. Congratulations to all who received awards and to the many parents, families, teachers and educators who supported them.
This week also saw the College recognise the commencement of the key Church season of Lent, a period of 40 days preparation before Easter. The school community commemorated the start of Lent with Ash Wednesday liturgies in homerooms alongside an extended focus on Project Compassion, which includes fundraising and awareness-raising for Caritas.
Mercy Education Shining Light Award
Mercy Education, the owners and operators of Sacred Heart College Kyneton, annually present a significant award to a senior student who has contributed to, and exemplified social justice in the school. The 2025 recipient of the Mercy Education Shining Light Award was Sophie Dunn.
The Shining Lamp Award reflects Catherine McAuley’s call to ‘be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.’ It reflects what our students do so naturally: lighting the way for others through everyday leadership. Full details on Sophie’s nomination can be found at: https://bit.ly/2025ShiningLamp...
ResourceSmart School
Over the past three years, the College has worked diligently to improve sustainability across all aspects of school – education, facilities, waste, energy, etc. These foci have been very well led by the College’s Head of Sustainability, Ms April Cincotta. This ongoing commitment has recently been recognised with Sacred Heart College becoming a 1-star ResourceSmart school. This recognition is the first of several stages on a journey to ensure that our sustainability practises and processes are exemplary.
Principal’s Enrichment Leave
I will be taking six week’s enrichment leave from March 13 – April 25 with Mr Sam Weir stepping in as Acting Principal during this time. In this leave, my family and I will be privileged to spend time in Italy, France (including some time with our school group in Le Roche Sur Yon), Switzerland, England and Ireland.
Bereavements: We ask for your prayers for the following families who are mourning the passing of a loved one recently. The Doria family on the passing of John Doria, grandfather of Amelia Year 10 and her cousin Romina Year 9 – the Smith family on the passing of Dianne Smith, grandmother of Riley Year 9 and Lachlan Year 8 – The Wigginton family on the passing of Margaret Wigginton, grandmother of Austin Year 8 – The Collins family on the passing of Tim Collins, grandfather of Gabe Year 12 – The Morelli family on the passing of Denis McDermott, uncle of Emila and Georgia Year 9 and Jack Year 12 – The McKenzie-Eyers family on the passing of Antonio Trucchi, grandfather of Charlotte Year 12.
Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Yours in Mercy,
Dr Darren Egberts
Principal
At Sacred Heart College, Religious Education (RE) is a core expression of our identity as a Catholic school in the Mercy tradition.
When families enrol at Sacred Heart, and when staff choose to work here, they make a deliberate commitment to be part of a faith-based learning community. In a society where many non-faith-based schooling options are available, choosing a Catholic school means choosing to engage with the Gospel, the Catholic tradition, and the values that shape our approach to learning and life.
Religious Education is central to this mission. It provides students with the opportunity to explore life’s fundamental questions, engage with the Catholic worldview, and develop a deeper understanding of mercy, justice, and human dignity. Inspired by Jesus’ words in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,” we see RE as essential to the holistic formation of every student.
Faith formation at Sacred Heart extends beyond the RE classroom. Daily prayer, whole-school liturgies, class prayer services, Masses, retreats, and reflection days are essential components of our educational program. Participation in these experiences is compulsory for all students, as is attendance and engagement in Religious Education classes.
We understand that students come with varied experiences and questions about religion and faith. Respectful dialogue and honest inquiry are encouraged. As members of a Catholic learning community, students are expected to engage fully in Religious Education, demonstrating the same attendance, participation, and learning behaviours required across all subjects.
Where attendance, engagement, or behaviour becomes a concern, teachers will contact families to ensure appropriate support and accountability. Follow-up may include parent meetings and structured catch-up sessions to address missed learning and reinforce expectations.
At Sacred Heart, we are committed to walking alongside every student with respect, compassion, and hospitality, while remaining clear about the shared commitment that sustains our Catholic identity.
We thank our families for the trust they place in us and for partnering with us in this important work of educating “head, heart, and hands” so that, “From a Good Beginning, Mercy Flourishes.”
Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Project Compassion
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of humility and renewal. As a Mercy community, it reminds us that every journey of growth begins with a good beginning, and from a good beginning, Mercy flourishes.
When we receive ashes, we are reminded of the story in Genesis, where humanity is formed from the dust of the earth and given life by God’s breath. We are created, not self-made. The words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” echo that truth.
The ashes call us to humility. We do not have all the answers, and we cannot rely on ourselves alone. We depend on God’s mercy to shape us and guide us. Yet the ashes are also a sign of hope. Because we belong to God, we can begin again by turning back to God with honesty and trust, ready for renewal.
In the Mercy tradition, faith is lived in simple, everyday ways. Catherine McAuley encouraged her companions to bring practical care into ordinary moments. Lent invites us to renew these commitments in our own lives, choosing respect, compassion, justice, service, hospitality, and courage in our community.
This season also calls us to turn our renewal outward, expressing our faith through generous and practical care for those in need.
This Lent, Sacred Heart is proud to once again support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, uniting in faith and action to make a meaningful difference for vulnerable communities around the world.
Throughout the term, students will encounter inspiring stories of resilience — including Sisilia from Tanzania, who now has access to clean water and more time for school; Monoranjon from Bangladesh, using climate-smart farming to support his family; Manaini from Fiji, mother of 6 children, developing food processing skills to create new income opportunities; and the dedicated staff of Caritas Jerusalem serving families in Gaza despite immense challenges.
We encourage you to watch the Introduction to Project Compassion film HERE to see the powerful impact your support can have.
Together, our school community can help bring hope and lasting change. Stay tuned for SHC’s fundraising launch.
VCE Awards Assembly: Thursday 19 February
Our annual VCE Awards Assembly held this week was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the class of 2025 and their many achievements. We were pleased to welcome back those students who had achieved notable success in their VCE and VCE VM classrooms. In all circumstances, their accomplishments were attributable to their hard work, their willingness to share their talents, and their particular embodiment of the Mercy Values of courage and hospitality.
In their time at Sacred Heart, each of the students celebrated at the VCE Awards Assembly had demonstrated the courage to fail. The courage to make mistakes. The courage to be uncertain, but to try anyway. The courage to acknowledge an error, and to seek feedback and support to correct it. The bedrock of their achievements was not found in all the questions they answered correctly, but in their consistent preparedness to get an answer wrong, and then to find out why.
Similarly, each of them had consistently shown great hospitality to their own inner voice. In their time at school, they had made a welcoming space for the voice of aspiration, the voice of ambition, and the voice of hope. And throughout their years at Sacred Heart, they had drawn on this voice to give them ballast in times of challenge and setback.
We celebrate our high achievers from the Class of 2025, because their accomplishments deserve acclamation and applause. What they have achieved is simply remarkable. We also celebrate each of them, because they offer us a model of what we too might aspire to, if we can also find within ourselves the courage to fail, and embrace the voice that calls us to think boldly about our own capacity for learning and growth.
Making family meeting requests a priority
As our academic year has now begun in earnest, so too have the various structures that support our students as they grow and learn. An important element of the partnership between families and the College is the need, at times, to come together to meet and be in conversation. We ask that families recognise requests from the college to meet as important opportunities to support student learning. Arranging a meeting time within a secondary school setting can have some complexities, and may involve us covering classes or other duties so that key staff can be in attendance. We see the value in changing the arrangement of a teacher’s or leader’s work day in such circumstances, as we recognise that this is in the service of supporting a student’s learning journey. We ask that all families also place priority on requests from the college to meet, with the recognition that this may at times involve rearranging scheduled items at your end as well.
Reminders: Bus allocations
Students who travel to and from Sacred Heart via the school buses are reminded that they must only travel on their allocated bus. No student should attempt to travel on a bus on which they do not have an allocated place. If arrangements are needed to travel to a friend’s house, sports training, or other ad hoc destinations, then this must occur via private transport, not the school buses.
In keeping with our theme of "From Good Beginnings, Mercy Flourishes", I would like to share a few updates regarding our Junior School community.
A Vibrant Start for Year 7
I would like to start by extending a massive congratulations to our Year 7 students. They have transitioned into the life of the College with remarkable positivity, curiosity and vigour. The energy they have brought to the school is most welcome and it has been a joy to see them embracing the Mercy spirit so early in their journey with us.
Uniform Standards and Expectations
As we settle into our routines, I wish to address some growing inconsistencies regarding the College uniform, particularly for our Year 9's. Specifically, we have noticed a number of students wearing their PE pants in conjunction with their summer uniform.
It is important that we remain fair and equitable in this space. Wearing the correct uniform is not about mere aesthetics, it is about a shared identity and a commitment to our community standards. Getting these small things right really goes a long way to setting up success. Students have been reminded that further inconsistencies will be addressed with a loss of lunch time. I ask for parental support in ensuring students leave for school in the correct attire to avoid these unnecessary consequences. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me if you would like to chat about this particular expectation.
Celebrating Positive Impact
On a more celebratory note, one of our focuses this year is firmly on commendations, or, "pats on the back". We are prioritising the formal recognition of students who do the right thing and make a positive impact on their own learning and the folks around them.
These achievements are being recorded via SIMON notes from teachers and landing in the inboxes of the students the following day. I am thrilled to see so many Junior School students already being recognised.
A special mention must go to Milla Beattie, who has already racked up six commendations so far. Well done, Milla!
Looking Ahead
As is often the case with Term 1, we have a busy calendar ahead. Next Monday and Tuesday, depending on their Homeroom, our Year 7 students will participate in their Reflection Days. The Year 7 Reflection Day at Sacred Heart is a long standing tradition that fosters a sense of belonging across the year level and within our College community. Students will explore what it means to belong to a Mercy community, a College community, and a Global community by taking part in activities which promote spiritual growth and connection. On Thursday the 26 February, we invite Year 7 students and their families to join us for their Commissioning Mass. This is a significant milestone in the life of our College and in the journey of our incoming Year 7 students. It marks their formal welcome into our community and sets the tone for the years ahead. We will begin with a BYO picnic for families, followed by the Commissioning Mass at 6:00pm. Finally, on Monday the 2 March, our Year 8 students are off for a week long adventure in Anglesea. They will get amongst some surfing, skating, hiking, stand up paddleboarding and more. If you have any questions in the lead up to camp, please get in touch with Mr Aaron Williamson or myself.
A Proud First Step: Sacred Heart College Achieves Its First ResourceSmart Star
Sacred Heart College Kyneton is proud to announce that we have officially achieved our first star in the ResourceSmart Schools program — an important milestone in our sustainability journey.
The ResourceSmart Schools program supports schools to reduce waste, save energy and water, and take positive action for our environment. Achieving our first star recognises the strong foundations we have put in place to manage our resources more sustainably and to embed environmental responsibility into everyday school life.
This achievement reflects the collective effort of students, staff and the wider Sacred Heart community. From improving waste management practices and reducing landfill, to increasing awareness about sustainable choices, our community has shown a genuine commitment to caring for creation and acting for the common good.
While we are proud of this first star, we see it as just the beginning. Sacred Heart College is now actively working towards achieving all five ResourceSmart stars across the program’s key focus areas: Waste, Energy, Water and Biodiversity. Sustainability is being embedded across learning areas, student leadership initiatives are growing, and practical actions are continuing to shape how we use resources across the school.
As a Catholic school, this work aligns strongly with our values of stewardship, responsibility and social justice. By working towards all five stars, we are empowering our students to become informed, ethical and active citizens who understand their role in caring for our shared home.
We look forward to sharing updates as we continue our ResourceSmart journey — celebrating progress, learning from challenges, and working together to make Sacred Heart College an even more sustainable community.
Sacred Heart College has welcomed our Graduate and Permission to Teach (PTT) teachers through a structured induction and mentoring program designed to help them feel confident and supported from day one. During Semester 1, staff are participating in collaborative workshops focused on classroom practice, College expectations, student wellbeing, and living out our Mercy values in everyday teaching. The program connects new teachers with experienced mentors, strengthens professional relationships, and builds understanding of SHC systems and routines.
We are delighted to support our newest staff as they begin their journey within our learning community.
Year 7 wrapped up their first week of term with a fantastic day at Splash Aqua Park in Craigieburn!
A favourite part of our transition program, the day gives students the perfect chance to make new friends and build connections as they settle into high school.
NAPLAN
During the week commencing 2 March, Year 7 students of Sacred Heart College will be participating in a NAPLAN practice. This will test the Sacred Heart Wireless system, VCAA servers and Student devices.
We will be conducting one practice test which will give the students in Year 7 some familiarity with the On-line testing platform and questions. The teachers will also practice in the administration of the tests.
Please ensure that your student has plug in earbuds (booklist item) or headphones and a fully charged laptop for the practice test on Monday 2 March. Bluetooth headphones are not permitted due to security issues.
If you and your student are wishing to become familiar with the NAPLAN on line platform that will be used, please go to the public demonstration site at: https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site
A parent and guardian brochure is accessible on the Daily Messages site on PAM. Further push notifications from SIMON Everywhere (Phone App) will also be used when the testing timetable for Sacred Heart College is finalized. National Testing begins on Wednesday 12 March.
Many thanks for your support.
Well, we are off to a flying start in our Languages classrooms and beyond!
Year 9 and 10 Japanese language students were fortunate to go on an excursion in the first week of term. Students studied about Yokai (Spirits) in their first class. Then we were able to see a snippet of a production in the works. For this first development, Tamara and Hamish local artist have invited actors from Osaka-based theatre company, KIO, to collaborate with them as part of a cross-cultural artistic exchange – we met the artists, saw some puppets come to life, and got to know the yokai (spirits) lurking within. The students were able to see the development process, listen to some Japanese during the performance, and open their eyes to possible career paths using their language, such as in theatre productions. Before showing us the production, we had the Oni (demon) come, where we threw soybeans at them to get rid of bad luck and bring in the good luck. This is a significant part of the Japanese Setsubun festival, which happened on the 3rd of February.
The Year 8 Japanese students studied about Setsubun, coloured in their Oni masks and committed to a fresh start by throwing beans. Students also learnt that children in Japan also eat the same number of soy beans as per their age to bring them good luck, in addition to eating ehomaki ( long sushi roll) facing the direction of good luck for that year, which was south south east in 2026.
Finally, our VCE classes were able to meet our Language Assistant, Jaimee sensei, who started with us this year. They got to know each other by getting to know each other through general conversation in Japanese.
Our Year 7 French and Japanese students are now two weeks into their learning of their chosen language, and are loving learning about new things, including different writing styles and other cultural differences between countries.
Meanwhile, our Year 10 and 11 French students are preparing for their exciting France Study Tour departing on 15 March - we look forward to hearing all about it on their return in Term 2.
Senior Girls Cricket
Last Monday, the senior girls cricket team travelled to Craigieburn to play a match against Hume Grammar.
Though it was the first time playing competitive cricket for a majority of the team, we put in a strong effort fielding first highlighted by two wickets, including a very impressive one handed catch behind the stumps!
Chasing just over 100, we were unable to get the job done but remained enthusiastic throughout. The day was highlighted by the positive attitudes and supportive environment brought by every member of the team.
It was wonderful to see the progression of skills over the day, and the way in which everyone came closer together as members of the Year 12 cohort. Big thanks to Mr Morton and Ms Knight for your roles as coaches, scorers and supporters from the sidelines!
Erica and Claire
Senior Boys Cricket
Senior boys in Year 11 and 12 had a super enjoyable and memorable experience last week when they attended interschool cricket. This was made more enjoyable as it was the last school cricket event for the Year 12s. The boys won their pool comfortably winning game one, and in an absolute thriller in game two where they needed 'two off one' on the last ball, to chase down sixty four off six overs.
With some superb efforts with the bat by Ethan Raynor, Luke Cameron and Henry Bobetic sealing the game with a four off the last ball, the boys set a great tally of eighty four off seven overs in the grand final with the bat.
After six overs of bowling the boys were still hanging in there, with the opposition needing ten runs off the last over. The boys lost as the other team sealed the game with four leg byes off the second last ball needing only two runs. Overall, all the boys played some superb cricket and gave their all in what was for some of them their last time representing the College. Credit to all the boys who participated and demonstrated the school values so well.
Game 1 SH 2 for 90 d Mount Ridley 6 for 10
Game 2 SH 1 for 67 d Hume Grammar 1 – 64
Game 3 SH 0 for 88 lost to Edgars Creek 1for 89
Archie Maher
Senior Volleyball
Our senior students enjoyed a fantastic day representing the College at the Senior Volleyball competition. For most of the students volleyball is not their primary sport, however they demonstrated great enthusiasm, competitiveness, and teamwork throughout the day.
The girls’ team won one match and lost two, showing determination and resilience in every game. Grace Mattocks was named Most Valuable Player.
The boys’ team secured one win and one loss. Griffin Fox earned Most Valuable Player honours for his skill and contribution to the team.
All students embraced the opportunity to work together, support one another, and represent the College with pride.
On Monday, the Year 10 Outdoor Recreation students joined the Year 11 Outdoor and Environmental Studies class for a practical rock climbing session at Gravity Worx Indoor Climbing.
The excursion provided students with the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and develop their climbing techniques, communication skills, and confidence in a safe and supportive indoor environment. Working collaboratively, students practiced, problem-solving and risk management while challenging themselves on a variety of climbing routes suited to different skill levels.
Overall, the experience was both physically engaging and educational, reinforcing key outcomes from the Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor and Environmental Studies curricula.
Sacred Heart College is proud of Year 10 student Matilda (Tilly) Matthews, who featured as the guest speaker at the Kyneton Rotary dinner on Monday 9 February.
Tilly’s invitation followed her achievements at the conclusion of 2025, where she was the dual recipient of both Kyneton Rotary Awards: the Nicholas Turang Public Speaking Award and the Service Above Self Award.
During her address to members, Tilly captivated the Rotary members by sharing the driving forces behind her success. Her speech touched on several key pillars of her life. These included education & sport (her dedication to learning and her love for staying active), community endeavours (her ongoing commitment to local initiatives) and the spirit of adventure (her passion for travel and exploring the wider world).
Tilly spoke eloquently about the importance of civic duty, expressing her sincere gratitude for the awards and the accompanying prize money. The highlight of the evening was Tilly’s closing sentiment. She left the room with a powerful reminder of why community service matters, quoting: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others"
The Kyneton Rotary members were impressed by Tilly’s poise, maturity, and vision. We congratulate Tilly on being such a wonderful ambassador for Sacred Heart College and for the Macedon Ranges community.
We have a student continuing at the College with an Assistance dog. All students across the College have been briefed on how to treat assistance dogs. Below is some information regarding the treatment of Assistance dogs. We would encourage you to have some conversations with your young people on the proper treatment of Assistance dogs in schools.
Information on the Treatment of Assistance Dogs
If your child’s asthma and/or allergies are triggered by dog hair, and you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Jalna Holmes, Health Centre Coordinator at the College on 5421 1200.
If you would like to read more about our Parent Engagement Program, click the link below. It includes the dates of the coming events for 2026.
FREE SAXOPHONE LESSONS
Are you in Year 7 & 8 and would like to learn the saxophone?
The College is offering eight weeks of free group lessons, and instrument hire, to four students who are in either Year 7 or Year 8. You must commit to lunchtime lessons on a Thursday and be able to take your instrument home to practice during the week.
We have two places on alto saxophone and two places on tenor saxophone available.
If you are interested, please email Mr McGuffie at jmcguffie@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au
School Fee Payment Plan for 2026
School Fee Payment Plans must be completed each year, unless you are paying in full before 28 February 2026.
If you are paying School Fees in full by 28 February 2026, please deduct $250.00 per child before making the payment.
Should you be experiencing financial difficulty please contact the college Accounts Department on 5421 1218 for a Confidential Concession Application.
School Fee Payment Plan Document 2026
Health Care Card Holders – Camps, Sport & Excursions Fund (CSEF)
Camp, Sport & Excursion Fund (CSEF) is a $400.00 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 $400.00 funding.
Eligible parents receive an $800.00 Credit Per Student on their 2026 school fees, when the above funding and discounts are applied.
The 2026 Application Form is now available on the College Website or attached below - https://www.shckyneton.catholi...
Canteen - Lunch Orders
The current lunch order system is My School Connect. Students can order and pay for their lunch online through My School Connect, however, if students would like to purchase items in the Cafeteria this can be done at first recess and lunch, they pay for these by cash, personal card, or their student card (no phones can be used for purchases).
Whilst second recess is unavailable to purchase items, students have access to the Atrium space.
Parents can set up an account via MySHC on the website, or click below.
SafeTALK – Suicide Alertness for Everyone
Event Details:
- Program: SafeTALK – Suicide Alertness for Everyone
- Audience: Community members aged 15+
- Purpose: To equip participants with skills to identify signs of suicidal thinking and connect individuals to safety
- Date/Time: Thursday 5th March 2026 - 2.00pm - 5.00pm
- Location: Kyneton Community House
- Cost: Free
- Registration: Kyneton-SafeTALK Workshop - 05032027
Prayer
Loving God,
Thank you for bringing us together today
To celebrate the hard work and achievements of our students –
especially our 2025 VCE award recipients.
Today we celebrate their flourishing,
and we give thanks for the good beginnings that helped shape their journey.
Bless our award recipients, their families and their teachers
across their time at Sacred Heart College.
Bless each member of our community.
May our College always be a place
where everyone is supported to learn, to care, and to flourish.
Amen
Our prayer reflects Thursday morning’s celebration of the Sacred Heart College Class of 2025 and their outstanding results across all aspects of VCE. The celebration included recognition of the 2025 College Dux and Dux Proximus, the Top Ten VCE students, students who achieved outstanding results in the VCE Vocational Major program as well as a number of special awards. Congratulations to all who received awards and to the many parents, families, teachers and educators who supported them.
This week also saw the College recognise the commencement of the key Church season of Lent, a period of 40 days preparation before Easter. The school community commemorated the start of Lent with Ash Wednesday liturgies in homerooms alongside an extended focus on Project Compassion, which includes fundraising and awareness-raising for Caritas.
Mercy Education Shining Light Award
Mercy Education, the owners and operators of Sacred Heart College Kyneton, annually present a significant award to a senior student who has contributed to, and exemplified social justice in the school. The 2025 recipient of the Mercy Education Shining Light Award was Sophie Dunn.
The Shining Lamp Award reflects Catherine McAuley’s call to ‘be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.’ It reflects what our students do so naturally: lighting the way for others through everyday leadership. Full details on Sophie’s nomination can be found at: https://bit.ly/2025ShiningLamp...
ResourceSmart School
Over the past three years, the College has worked diligently to improve sustainability across all aspects of school – education, facilities, waste, energy, etc. These foci have been very well led by the College’s Head of Sustainability, Ms April Cincotta. This ongoing commitment has recently been recognised with Sacred Heart College becoming a 1-star ResourceSmart school. This recognition is the first of several stages on a journey to ensure that our sustainability practises and processes are exemplary.
Principal’s Enrichment Leave
I will be taking six week’s enrichment leave from March 13 – April 25 with Mr Sam Weir stepping in as Acting Principal during this time. In this leave, my family and I will be privileged to spend time in Italy, France (including some time with our school group in Le Roche Sur Yon), Switzerland, England and Ireland.
Bereavements: We ask for your prayers for the following families who are mourning the passing of a loved one recently. The Doria family on the passing of John Doria, grandfather of Amelia Year 10 and her cousin Romina Year 9 – the Smith family on the passing of Dianne Smith, grandmother of Riley Year 9 and Lachlan Year 8 – The Wigginton family on the passing of Margaret Wigginton, grandmother of Austin Year 8 – The Collins family on the passing of Tim Collins, grandfather of Gabe Year 12 – The Morelli family on the passing of Denis McDermott, uncle of Emila and Georgia Year 9 and Jack Year 12 – The McKenzie-Eyers family on the passing of Antonio Trucchi, grandfather of Charlotte Year 12.
Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Yours in Mercy,
Dr Darren Egberts
Principal
At Sacred Heart College, Religious Education (RE) is a core expression of our identity as a Catholic school in the Mercy tradition.
When families enrol at Sacred Heart, and when staff choose to work here, they make a deliberate commitment to be part of a faith-based learning community. In a society where many non-faith-based schooling options are available, choosing a Catholic school means choosing to engage with the Gospel, the Catholic tradition, and the values that shape our approach to learning and life.
Religious Education is central to this mission. It provides students with the opportunity to explore life’s fundamental questions, engage with the Catholic worldview, and develop a deeper understanding of mercy, justice, and human dignity. Inspired by Jesus’ words in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,” we see RE as essential to the holistic formation of every student.
Faith formation at Sacred Heart extends beyond the RE classroom. Daily prayer, whole-school liturgies, class prayer services, Masses, retreats, and reflection days are essential components of our educational program. Participation in these experiences is compulsory for all students, as is attendance and engagement in Religious Education classes.
We understand that students come with varied experiences and questions about religion and faith. Respectful dialogue and honest inquiry are encouraged. As members of a Catholic learning community, students are expected to engage fully in Religious Education, demonstrating the same attendance, participation, and learning behaviours required across all subjects.
Where attendance, engagement, or behaviour becomes a concern, teachers will contact families to ensure appropriate support and accountability. Follow-up may include parent meetings and structured catch-up sessions to address missed learning and reinforce expectations.
At Sacred Heart, we are committed to walking alongside every student with respect, compassion, and hospitality, while remaining clear about the shared commitment that sustains our Catholic identity.
We thank our families for the trust they place in us and for partnering with us in this important work of educating “head, heart, and hands” so that, “From a Good Beginning, Mercy Flourishes.”
Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Project Compassion
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of humility and renewal. As a Mercy community, it reminds us that every journey of growth begins with a good beginning, and from a good beginning, Mercy flourishes.
When we receive ashes, we are reminded of the story in Genesis, where humanity is formed from the dust of the earth and given life by God’s breath. We are created, not self-made. The words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” echo that truth.
The ashes call us to humility. We do not have all the answers, and we cannot rely on ourselves alone. We depend on God’s mercy to shape us and guide us. Yet the ashes are also a sign of hope. Because we belong to God, we can begin again by turning back to God with honesty and trust, ready for renewal.
In the Mercy tradition, faith is lived in simple, everyday ways. Catherine McAuley encouraged her companions to bring practical care into ordinary moments. Lent invites us to renew these commitments in our own lives, choosing respect, compassion, justice, service, hospitality, and courage in our community.
This season also calls us to turn our renewal outward, expressing our faith through generous and practical care for those in need.
This Lent, Sacred Heart is proud to once again support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, uniting in faith and action to make a meaningful difference for vulnerable communities around the world.
Throughout the term, students will encounter inspiring stories of resilience — including Sisilia from Tanzania, who now has access to clean water and more time for school; Monoranjon from Bangladesh, using climate-smart farming to support his family; Manaini from Fiji, mother of 6 children, developing food processing skills to create new income opportunities; and the dedicated staff of Caritas Jerusalem serving families in Gaza despite immense challenges.
We encourage you to watch the Introduction to Project Compassion film HERE to see the powerful impact your support can have.
Together, our school community can help bring hope and lasting change. Stay tuned for SHC’s fundraising launch.
VCE Awards Assembly: Thursday 19 February
Our annual VCE Awards Assembly held this week was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the class of 2025 and their many achievements. We were pleased to welcome back those students who had achieved notable success in their VCE and VCE VM classrooms. In all circumstances, their accomplishments were attributable to their hard work, their willingness to share their talents, and their particular embodiment of the Mercy Values of courage and hospitality.
In their time at Sacred Heart, each of the students celebrated at the VCE Awards Assembly had demonstrated the courage to fail. The courage to make mistakes. The courage to be uncertain, but to try anyway. The courage to acknowledge an error, and to seek feedback and support to correct it. The bedrock of their achievements was not found in all the questions they answered correctly, but in their consistent preparedness to get an answer wrong, and then to find out why.
Similarly, each of them had consistently shown great hospitality to their own inner voice. In their time at school, they had made a welcoming space for the voice of aspiration, the voice of ambition, and the voice of hope. And throughout their years at Sacred Heart, they had drawn on this voice to give them ballast in times of challenge and setback.
We celebrate our high achievers from the Class of 2025, because their accomplishments deserve acclamation and applause. What they have achieved is simply remarkable. We also celebrate each of them, because they offer us a model of what we too might aspire to, if we can also find within ourselves the courage to fail, and embrace the voice that calls us to think boldly about our own capacity for learning and growth.
Making family meeting requests a priority
As our academic year has now begun in earnest, so too have the various structures that support our students as they grow and learn. An important element of the partnership between families and the College is the need, at times, to come together to meet and be in conversation. We ask that families recognise requests from the college to meet as important opportunities to support student learning. Arranging a meeting time within a secondary school setting can have some complexities, and may involve us covering classes or other duties so that key staff can be in attendance. We see the value in changing the arrangement of a teacher’s or leader’s work day in such circumstances, as we recognise that this is in the service of supporting a student’s learning journey. We ask that all families also place priority on requests from the college to meet, with the recognition that this may at times involve rearranging scheduled items at your end as well.
Reminders: Bus allocations
Students who travel to and from Sacred Heart via the school buses are reminded that they must only travel on their allocated bus. No student should attempt to travel on a bus on which they do not have an allocated place. If arrangements are needed to travel to a friend’s house, sports training, or other ad hoc destinations, then this must occur via private transport, not the school buses.
In keeping with our theme of "From Good Beginnings, Mercy Flourishes", I would like to share a few updates regarding our Junior School community.
A Vibrant Start for Year 7
I would like to start by extending a massive congratulations to our Year 7 students. They have transitioned into the life of the College with remarkable positivity, curiosity and vigour. The energy they have brought to the school is most welcome and it has been a joy to see them embracing the Mercy spirit so early in their journey with us.
Uniform Standards and Expectations
As we settle into our routines, I wish to address some growing inconsistencies regarding the College uniform, particularly for our Year 9's. Specifically, we have noticed a number of students wearing their PE pants in conjunction with their summer uniform.
It is important that we remain fair and equitable in this space. Wearing the correct uniform is not about mere aesthetics, it is about a shared identity and a commitment to our community standards. Getting these small things right really goes a long way to setting up success. Students have been reminded that further inconsistencies will be addressed with a loss of lunch time. I ask for parental support in ensuring students leave for school in the correct attire to avoid these unnecessary consequences. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me if you would like to chat about this particular expectation.
Celebrating Positive Impact
On a more celebratory note, one of our focuses this year is firmly on commendations, or, "pats on the back". We are prioritising the formal recognition of students who do the right thing and make a positive impact on their own learning and the folks around them.
These achievements are being recorded via SIMON notes from teachers and landing in the inboxes of the students the following day. I am thrilled to see so many Junior School students already being recognised.
A special mention must go to Milla Beattie, who has already racked up six commendations so far. Well done, Milla!
Looking Ahead
As is often the case with Term 1, we have a busy calendar ahead. Next Monday and Tuesday, depending on their Homeroom, our Year 7 students will participate in their Reflection Days. The Year 7 Reflection Day at Sacred Heart is a long standing tradition that fosters a sense of belonging across the year level and within our College community. Students will explore what it means to belong to a Mercy community, a College community, and a Global community by taking part in activities which promote spiritual growth and connection. On Thursday the 26 February, we invite Year 7 students and their families to join us for their Commissioning Mass. This is a significant milestone in the life of our College and in the journey of our incoming Year 7 students. It marks their formal welcome into our community and sets the tone for the years ahead. We will begin with a BYO picnic for families, followed by the Commissioning Mass at 6:00pm. Finally, on Monday the 2 March, our Year 8 students are off for a week long adventure in Anglesea. They will get amongst some surfing, skating, hiking, stand up paddleboarding and more. If you have any questions in the lead up to camp, please get in touch with Mr Aaron Williamson or myself.
A Proud First Step: Sacred Heart College Achieves Its First ResourceSmart Star
Sacred Heart College Kyneton is proud to announce that we have officially achieved our first star in the ResourceSmart Schools program — an important milestone in our sustainability journey.
The ResourceSmart Schools program supports schools to reduce waste, save energy and water, and take positive action for our environment. Achieving our first star recognises the strong foundations we have put in place to manage our resources more sustainably and to embed environmental responsibility into everyday school life.
This achievement reflects the collective effort of students, staff and the wider Sacred Heart community. From improving waste management practices and reducing landfill, to increasing awareness about sustainable choices, our community has shown a genuine commitment to caring for creation and acting for the common good.
While we are proud of this first star, we see it as just the beginning. Sacred Heart College is now actively working towards achieving all five ResourceSmart stars across the program’s key focus areas: Waste, Energy, Water and Biodiversity. Sustainability is being embedded across learning areas, student leadership initiatives are growing, and practical actions are continuing to shape how we use resources across the school.
As a Catholic school, this work aligns strongly with our values of stewardship, responsibility and social justice. By working towards all five stars, we are empowering our students to become informed, ethical and active citizens who understand their role in caring for our shared home.
We look forward to sharing updates as we continue our ResourceSmart journey — celebrating progress, learning from challenges, and working together to make Sacred Heart College an even more sustainable community.
Sacred Heart College has welcomed our Graduate and Permission to Teach (PTT) teachers through a structured induction and mentoring program designed to help them feel confident and supported from day one. During Semester 1, staff are participating in collaborative workshops focused on classroom practice, College expectations, student wellbeing, and living out our Mercy values in everyday teaching. The program connects new teachers with experienced mentors, strengthens professional relationships, and builds understanding of SHC systems and routines.
We are delighted to support our newest staff as they begin their journey within our learning community.
Year 7 wrapped up their first week of term with a fantastic day at Splash Aqua Park in Craigieburn!
A favourite part of our transition program, the day gives students the perfect chance to make new friends and build connections as they settle into high school.
NAPLAN
During the week commencing 2 March, Year 7 students of Sacred Heart College will be participating in a NAPLAN practice. This will test the Sacred Heart Wireless system, VCAA servers and Student devices.
We will be conducting one practice test which will give the students in Year 7 some familiarity with the On-line testing platform and questions. The teachers will also practice in the administration of the tests.
Please ensure that your student has plug in earbuds (booklist item) or headphones and a fully charged laptop for the practice test on Monday 2 March. Bluetooth headphones are not permitted due to security issues.
If you and your student are wishing to become familiar with the NAPLAN on line platform that will be used, please go to the public demonstration site at: https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site
A parent and guardian brochure is accessible on the Daily Messages site on PAM. Further push notifications from SIMON Everywhere (Phone App) will also be used when the testing timetable for Sacred Heart College is finalized. National Testing begins on Wednesday 12 March.
Many thanks for your support.
Well, we are off to a flying start in our Languages classrooms and beyond!
Year 9 and 10 Japanese language students were fortunate to go on an excursion in the first week of term. Students studied about Yokai (Spirits) in their first class. Then we were able to see a snippet of a production in the works. For this first development, Tamara and Hamish local artist have invited actors from Osaka-based theatre company, KIO, to collaborate with them as part of a cross-cultural artistic exchange – we met the artists, saw some puppets come to life, and got to know the yokai (spirits) lurking within. The students were able to see the development process, listen to some Japanese during the performance, and open their eyes to possible career paths using their language, such as in theatre productions. Before showing us the production, we had the Oni (demon) come, where we threw soybeans at them to get rid of bad luck and bring in the good luck. This is a significant part of the Japanese Setsubun festival, which happened on the 3rd of February.
The Year 8 Japanese students studied about Setsubun, coloured in their Oni masks and committed to a fresh start by throwing beans. Students also learnt that children in Japan also eat the same number of soy beans as per their age to bring them good luck, in addition to eating ehomaki ( long sushi roll) facing the direction of good luck for that year, which was south south east in 2026.
Finally, our VCE classes were able to meet our Language Assistant, Jaimee sensei, who started with us this year. They got to know each other by getting to know each other through general conversation in Japanese.
Our Year 7 French and Japanese students are now two weeks into their learning of their chosen language, and are loving learning about new things, including different writing styles and other cultural differences between countries.
Meanwhile, our Year 10 and 11 French students are preparing for their exciting France Study Tour departing on 15 March - we look forward to hearing all about it on their return in Term 2.
Senior Girls Cricket
Last Monday, the senior girls cricket team travelled to Craigieburn to play a match against Hume Grammar.
Though it was the first time playing competitive cricket for a majority of the team, we put in a strong effort fielding first highlighted by two wickets, including a very impressive one handed catch behind the stumps!
Chasing just over 100, we were unable to get the job done but remained enthusiastic throughout. The day was highlighted by the positive attitudes and supportive environment brought by every member of the team.
It was wonderful to see the progression of skills over the day, and the way in which everyone came closer together as members of the Year 12 cohort. Big thanks to Mr Morton and Ms Knight for your roles as coaches, scorers and supporters from the sidelines!
Erica and Claire
Senior Boys Cricket
Senior boys in Year 11 and 12 had a super enjoyable and memorable experience last week when they attended interschool cricket. This was made more enjoyable as it was the last school cricket event for the Year 12s. The boys won their pool comfortably winning game one, and in an absolute thriller in game two where they needed 'two off one' on the last ball, to chase down sixty four off six overs.
With some superb efforts with the bat by Ethan Raynor, Luke Cameron and Henry Bobetic sealing the game with a four off the last ball, the boys set a great tally of eighty four off seven overs in the grand final with the bat.
After six overs of bowling the boys were still hanging in there, with the opposition needing ten runs off the last over. The boys lost as the other team sealed the game with four leg byes off the second last ball needing only two runs. Overall, all the boys played some superb cricket and gave their all in what was for some of them their last time representing the College. Credit to all the boys who participated and demonstrated the school values so well.
Game 1 SH 2 for 90 d Mount Ridley 6 for 10
Game 2 SH 1 for 67 d Hume Grammar 1 – 64
Game 3 SH 0 for 88 lost to Edgars Creek 1for 89
Archie Maher
Senior Volleyball
Our senior students enjoyed a fantastic day representing the College at the Senior Volleyball competition. For most of the students volleyball is not their primary sport, however they demonstrated great enthusiasm, competitiveness, and teamwork throughout the day.
The girls’ team won one match and lost two, showing determination and resilience in every game. Grace Mattocks was named Most Valuable Player.
The boys’ team secured one win and one loss. Griffin Fox earned Most Valuable Player honours for his skill and contribution to the team.
All students embraced the opportunity to work together, support one another, and represent the College with pride.
On Monday, the Year 10 Outdoor Recreation students joined the Year 11 Outdoor and Environmental Studies class for a practical rock climbing session at Gravity Worx Indoor Climbing.
The excursion provided students with the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and develop their climbing techniques, communication skills, and confidence in a safe and supportive indoor environment. Working collaboratively, students practiced, problem-solving and risk management while challenging themselves on a variety of climbing routes suited to different skill levels.
Overall, the experience was both physically engaging and educational, reinforcing key outcomes from the Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor and Environmental Studies curricula.
Sacred Heart College is proud of Year 10 student Matilda (Tilly) Matthews, who featured as the guest speaker at the Kyneton Rotary dinner on Monday 9 February.
Tilly’s invitation followed her achievements at the conclusion of 2025, where she was the dual recipient of both Kyneton Rotary Awards: the Nicholas Turang Public Speaking Award and the Service Above Self Award.
During her address to members, Tilly captivated the Rotary members by sharing the driving forces behind her success. Her speech touched on several key pillars of her life. These included education & sport (her dedication to learning and her love for staying active), community endeavours (her ongoing commitment to local initiatives) and the spirit of adventure (her passion for travel and exploring the wider world).
Tilly spoke eloquently about the importance of civic duty, expressing her sincere gratitude for the awards and the accompanying prize money. The highlight of the evening was Tilly’s closing sentiment. She left the room with a powerful reminder of why community service matters, quoting: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others"
The Kyneton Rotary members were impressed by Tilly’s poise, maturity, and vision. We congratulate Tilly on being such a wonderful ambassador for Sacred Heart College and for the Macedon Ranges community.
We have a student continuing at the College with an Assistance dog. All students across the College have been briefed on how to treat assistance dogs. Below is some information regarding the treatment of Assistance dogs. We would encourage you to have some conversations with your young people on the proper treatment of Assistance dogs in schools.
Information on the Treatment of Assistance Dogs
If your child’s asthma and/or allergies are triggered by dog hair, and you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Jalna Holmes, Health Centre Coordinator at the College on 5421 1200.
If you would like to read more about our Parent Engagement Program, click the link below. It includes the dates of the coming events for 2026.
FREE SAXOPHONE LESSONS
Are you in Year 7 & 8 and would like to learn the saxophone?
The College is offering eight weeks of free group lessons, and instrument hire, to four students who are in either Year 7 or Year 8. You must commit to lunchtime lessons on a Thursday and be able to take your instrument home to practice during the week.
We have two places on alto saxophone and two places on tenor saxophone available.
If you are interested, please email Mr McGuffie at jmcguffie@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au
School Fee Payment Plan for 2026
School Fee Payment Plans must be completed each year, unless you are paying in full before 28 February 2026.
If you are paying School Fees in full by 28 February 2026, please deduct $250.00 per child before making the payment.
Should you be experiencing financial difficulty please contact the college Accounts Department on 5421 1218 for a Confidential Concession Application.
School Fee Payment Plan Document 2026
Health Care Card Holders – Camps, Sport & Excursions Fund (CSEF)
Camp, Sport & Excursion Fund (CSEF) is a $400.00 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 $400.00 funding.
Eligible parents receive an $800.00 Credit Per Student on their 2026 school fees, when the above funding and discounts are applied.
The 2026 Application Form is now available on the College Website or attached below - https://www.shckyneton.catholi...
Canteen - Lunch Orders
The current lunch order system is My School Connect. Students can order and pay for their lunch online through My School Connect, however, if students would like to purchase items in the Cafeteria this can be done at first recess and lunch, they pay for these by cash, personal card, or their student card (no phones can be used for purchases).
Whilst second recess is unavailable to purchase items, students have access to the Atrium space.
Parents can set up an account via MySHC on the website, or click below.
SafeTALK – Suicide Alertness for Everyone
Event Details:
- Program: SafeTALK – Suicide Alertness for Everyone
- Audience: Community members aged 15+
- Purpose: To equip participants with skills to identify signs of suicidal thinking and connect individuals to safety
- Date/Time: Thursday 5th March 2026 - 2.00pm - 5.00pm
- Location: Kyneton Community House
- Cost: Free
- Registration: Kyneton-SafeTALK Workshop - 05032027