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Prayer
A reading from the Gospel of Matthew -
While Joseph was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, the baby that Mary will have is from the Holy Spirit. Go ahead and marry her. Then after her baby is born, name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
So the Lord's promise came true, just as the prophet had said: “A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.”
Today’s prayer references the gospel shared in yesterdays End of Year mass celebrated in Quambi. It calls to mind the excitement of the young couple (Mary and Joseph) as they realise that their first child, Jesus, is to be born. This simple but profound story remains the core message of the Christmas season – the gift of unconditional love that God the Father gave to humanity more than two millennia ago.
As the last day of the 2025 school year for students, yesterday provided an opportunity for students to celebrate the year that they have enjoyed, the friendships that have been consolidated and the academic and emotional growth that each has made. I would like to thank every member of the Sacred Heart College community – students, parents, staff, families and friends – for the support you have shown the school throughout the year.
Year 9 Graduation
Congratulations to our Year 9 cohort (SHC Class of 2028) who celebrated the end of the school year with a special assembly and presentation representing their graduation from Sacred Heart’s Junior School into Senior School next year. Special thanks to Matt Carroll, Head of Junior School, and those students who assisted in putting this excellent event together.
Farewell Craig Darroch
Amongst a number of retirements this year, I would particularly like to highlight and acknowledge the contribution of Mr Craig Darroch.
Craig is Sacred Heart’s longest serving current staff member having commenced here in 1983 while he was still completing his Diploma of Education. He is a much loved teacher, colleague and member of the broader Kyneton community and would have educated thousands of students over the decades.
In recent years, Craig has been integral in the continued involvement of SHC in the Great Victorian Bike Ride.
We wish him all the very best!
Staff Departures
The end of the school year also sees a number of staff finishing their time at Sacred Heart College. I would like to thank each of them for their service and commitment particularly those who have been long-standing members of the Sacred Heart College community:
Craig Darroch - Retirement
Jenny O’Brien - Retirement
Karen O’Loughlin - Retirement
Mary-Anne Bratovic - Retirement
Carmen Stehle - Extended Leave
Abi Bradbury - Extended Leave
Christina Shennan - Extended Leave
Sam Bentley - Extended Leave
Bethany Gallagher - End of Contract
Celia Gall - End of Contract
Melanie Potter - End of Contract
Renee Carey - End of Contract
2025 College Yearbook
All families should have received a copy of the fabulous 2025 College Yearbook, “Pilgrims of Hope” when students came home yesterday. Please check with your student if this was not the case. Congratulations again to Debbie Scarlett and all those who contributed to such a fine record of the 2025 school year.
Blessings
A final blessing to all Sacred Heart College students, staff and families for the upcoming Christmas season and the New Year to follow. I hope the times are filled with joy, rest and good health.
Yours in Mercy,
Dr Darren Egberts
Principal
COLLEGE PHOTO DAY - Wednesday 4 February 2026
Please be mindful that the College Photo Day is early again next year i.e. the first week of school.
Students in Year 8-12 2026 will receive an automated email giving instructions once the portal is open. (The email address that they supplied earlier in the year will be used)
Year 7 2026 and any new students will not get the automated email. They will follow the instructions provided next year.
Congratulations to our very special winners of the Spirit of Sacred Heart Awards (SOSH). These awards are held in very high regard at our College, and the winners were presented at the End of Year Mass on Thursday.
Year 7
Archie Turner
Grace Sinclair
Year 8
Jasper Shea
Lucinda Bowen
Year 9
Maddi Stubbs
Stella Egberts
Year 10
Jye Condron
Lucas Davis
Year 11
Claire Byham
Claire Barron
At our End-of-Year Mass this week, we heard in the Gospel of Matthew the name that sits right at the heart of Christmas: Emmanuel, which means “God-with-us.” As we look back on another year filled with big moments, small moments, challenges, achievements and everything in between, we are reminded that God has been with us through it all.
Christmas shows us what God-with-us really looks like.
The biblical world was expecting a strong and decisive Messiah, a warrior or a ruler who would sweep away the Roman Empire. Instead, Jesus arrives in the quietest and humblest way imaginable: born in a stable, laid in a manger, welcomed by a young mother, a faithful (and probably nervous) father, and a group of surprised shepherds working the night shift.
Then come the Magi, sometimes called Kings or Wise Men (the Gospel never actually says there were three). They arrive with gold, frankincense and myrrh; extravagant gifts for a baby born among animals, with all the noise and smell that would have come with it. And if we believe the Christmas playlist, the Little Drummer Boy may have wandered in too, because nothing says “Congratulations, new mum!” like a kid wailing away on a drum.
Christmas is not only a season of receiving. It is a season of giving. I am really proud of the way our community has shown compassion that leads into service and justice. In these final weeks, students and families have supported the Kyneton and Woodend Food Banks, R.M. Begg, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and McAuley Services. These acts of Mercy show that we notice the needs of others and choose to respond with generosity and care.
As we move into the holidays, my hope is that the light of Christ shines warmly in your homes. The Christmas story reminds us that God’s light does not always burst in with great fanfare. More often it begins as a small glow in ordinary places. Catherine McAuley encouraged her companions to “be shining lamps, giving light to all around you.” My prayer is that this Christmas, the light we receive becomes the light we offer to our families, our friends, our community and to those who need hope most of all.
Wishing you and your families a joyful, peaceful and holy Christmas. May the New Year bring rest, renewal and hope, and may God’s blessing stay close to our whole community. I look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026.
Farewelling Japan
In the photo above, staff from both schools enjoyed a traditional lunch followed by the opportunity to exchange gifts. The Head of Languages, Ms Kim Twilley, presented a gift from Sacred Heart College to Mr Moriwaki Masahiro – the Principial of Ibaraki Nishi High School. In a photo below, the Sacred Heart staff join with Mr Masahiro in displaying the resplendent photo book along with the signed Memorandum of Understanding in both Japanese and English - the formal documentation supporting the relationship between our two schools.
Student Reflection - By Annabel Eshuys
Over the course of twelve days, we had the amazing chance to travel through and experience Japan, from places like Meiji Shrine, Harajuku shopping district and the Skytree in Tokyo; Nijo Castle, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and an evening of karaoke in Kyoto; to the highlight of the trip: a homestay with students from our sister school, Ibaraki Nishi, including attending school with them for two days.
Though we only spent four full days with our host families, we all learned so much about Japanese culture and language. We were privileged to be welcomed into their homes, to see firsthand how Japanese families live and the rigours of school life. We even presented in Japanese to a range of classes, discussing life in Australia as a teenager, as well as fielding questions. While challenging, this immersive experience was so rich and allowed us to form connections that will hopefully last for a very, very long time.
Through countless shopping sprees, train rides, and konbini trips (the ubiquitous Japanese convenience store), I feel this group has become incredibly close, and hope we remain so.
2025 Great Victorian Bike Ride (GVBR) Triumph!
In 2025, the Sacred Heart College (SHC) Kyneton GVBR team successfully completed a challenging 372 km journey over five days, traversing the picturesque Western Districts of Victoria. The route spanned from Mortlake to Camperdown, with overnight stays in Mortlake, Koroit, Port Campbell, and the finish line in Camperdown.
The team was comprised of students Charleigh Ager, Michael Brown, Daniel Cichy, Archie Devey, Joshua Dick, Max Siragusano, and Harper Vance supported by Mr Craig Darroch, Mr Pawel Cichy, Mr Jamie Walker, and Ms Lauren White. Together the team achieved an impressive average of 74 km of cycling per day, including a demanding 100 km leg. This significant physical accomplishment is a testament to the dedication of every team member.
Preparation for the GVBR commenced in early Term Two with theoretical after-school sessions, progressing into practical training rides on local roads. Led by Mr. Darroch, the training rides gradually increased in length and difficulty throughout the year. The team worked diligently to enhance their cycling skills, knowledge, and physical fitness. Crucially, the process encouraged strong teamwork, mutual support, and a shared commitment to achieving our collective goals.
This year’s route offered a unique immersion into the region's prominent dairy country, often observing the dairy herds heading to their day paddocks early in the morning. Charleigh had an up close and personal encounter with one cow at a rest stop. Beyond the cycling, the students embraced the full Great Vic experience. Fishing enthusiasts Archie, Max, and Michael enjoyed success off the pier in Port Campbell. Harper and Josh sampled local fish and chips and frequented the local IGAs. Daniel enjoyed the opportunity to participate in spontaneous games after camp was set up. he team navigated a diverse range of conditions, including challenging winds (head, side, and tail) and fluctuating weather, experiencing rain, hail, and sunshine. The journey provided striking views of the iconic Victorian Apostles, passing wind turbines, open pastures and the ocean. Students also developed essential logistical skills, learning to manage the typical Great Vic requirements of queuing for meals, daily washing, and bathroom facilities.
The GVBR Achievement Award is presented annually to a student who best exemplifies the values of courage and service to others, as established by Di Taylor, who founded SHC Kyneton's participation in the GVBR in 1999. This year, the GVBR Achievement Award is presented to Charleigh Ager. Congratulations, Charleigh, on your demonstrated ability to empathise with and support your peers.
A special acknowledgment is extended to Mr. Craig Darroch. For the past 12 years, Mr Darroch has dedicated his time as a voluntary leader, advocating for, organising, and leading the team across all facets of the event. His unwavering belief in the incredible benefits this event offers to students has been the driving force behind his service for over a decade. We extend our deepest gratitude for his outstanding commitment. A special appreciation goes to our volunteer transport team, Mr Darren Paxton, for driving the bus, and his navigator, Mr Andrew Scarlett, for ensuring the team's seamless transportation. We also thank Mr Jamie Walker for his exemplary logistical packing skills.
We are already exciting about next year as the starting point is in our own backyard in Bendigo, heading to Castlemaine, Trentham and finishing in Creswick.
This annual endeavour would not be possible without the generous support of our community. We extend our sincere thanks to our teachers, parent helper, and the following generous sponsors.
- Steve Taylor
- Dave McMunn (Keeping our bikes on the road!)
- Dyson's Bus Service
- Splashaway Pty Ltd
- Cleanaway
- Douglass Excavation & Construction Pty Ltd
- Helen Aldridge
- Learning with Technologies
- Macedon Ranges Glass
- Wharparilla Estate
- MSP Photography
- Furness Electrical
- Murphys Plumbing Vic Pty Ltd
- Hamilton Street Veterinary Clinic
- Malmsbury Pharmacy
- Soltan Pepper
- PAS Accounting
- P J Glover
- Viatek
- Thomas Robert Group Pty Ltd
- Universal Height Safety
- School Furn
- Burns Service
- Macedon Ranges Plumbing
- On Point Solutions
- Grower Services
- North West Hose & Fittings Pty Ltd
- The 1860 Romsey
- Devlin Family Pest Solutions
- Travis Kelly
- Anthony Dick & Genevieve McCarthy
- RW & ML Dick
- Anne & John McCarthy
- Vivian McCarthy
- Ian Fletcher
- Lachlan Fletcher
- Marist Bros Old Boys Association
- Kyneton Lyons Club
- Office Barn Gisborne
- Juanitta Kelly
- Romsey Auto Care Pty
- Off Road & Outback Romsey
This week all of the Food Technology classes have been getting into the festive spirit by finished the year off with some Christmas baking fun. Across each year level they made -
- Year 7 & 8 Food Technology - Gingerbread Biscuits
- Year 9 Food Technology - Santa Clause Cupcakes
- Year 11 Food Studies Step up - Christmas Biscuit Houses
Hope they have an opportunity over the holidays to cook up these treats again to share with their family.
Tyler Fynch Year 9
Well done to Tyler who finished 2nd at the Australian All Schools Nationals last night at Lakeside stadium, Albert Park. He endured very tough, hot and windy conditions achieving Silver in the U16 3000m with a time of 8:53.54.
Good luck on Sunday with the 1500m Tyler. Once again we are very proud of your wonderful achievements in running.
William McLean - Year 11
Well done William who has done the Woodend Golf Club proud with an outstanding performance at the 2025 Victorian Junior Masters.
William finished 2nd in overall boys Nett with a superb total of 210 (70-70-70)
The College is also extremely proud of you!
During Step Up the Year 11 (2026) students have been participating in a wide variety of practical and applied learning activities as part of their Work Related and Life Skills subject with Ms Campbell.
One of the activities was a task set for the students to create, engineer and build a gravity powered water pipeline – with set materials provided and within a specified time period.
The students were innovative and creative in their designs, with some of them being more successful when tested than others. Freddie and Danielle’s design was deemed the ‘best’ on the day, with a very smooth transference of water from one ‘tank’ to the other.
Some of the skills considered as part of the activity included communication, creativity, teamwork and problem solving.
In the spirit of giving, our Year 8 students ended their school year by coming together to create Christmas hampers for the residents of Ray M. Begg. This project was not only a chance to give back to our local community but also a meaningful way for the cohort to reflect on the values of compassion, generosity, and connection.
Over the past week, students brought in a wide range of thoughtful items, including food treats, warm slippers, puzzle books, and magazines. What made each hamper truly special, however, were the handwritten cards students created for individual residents. These messages, filled with warm wishes, creativity, and genuine care are sure to bring a smile during the festive season.
The atmosphere in the Year 8 space, as students assembled the hampers, was joyful and collaborative. It was heartening to see them take such pride in their contributions and to witness the maturity and teamwork they’ve developed throughout the year.
This was a beautiful and uplifting way to finish our time together as a cohort. We are incredibly proud of the students’ efforts, their generosity of spirit, and their continued growth across the year.
We thank our families for their support in donating items and encouraging students to participate so wholeheartedly.
Ending the Year with a Laugh: The Taskmaster Assembly
If your child came home talking about bizarre challenges or baffling instructions, don’t worry, we just wanted to end the year with a bang!
For our final day, we brought the whole junior school together for a special Taskmaster Assembly. It was a fantastic chance to celebrate the year, let off some steam, and enjoy some truly absurd entertainment. We saw students abandon logic and embrace creativity as they tackled a series of hilarious tasks in front of a cheering crowd.
While the real winner was the atmosphere in the room, the scoreboard doesn't lie. A massive congratulations to O'Neill House for navigating the chaos with style to claim the final victory of the year!
Have a wonderful break!
In September this year I completed my work experience at Field Air at the Ballarat airport. Here I gained an insight into real aviation maintenance. I learned the fundamentals of aircraft components and helped with practical tasks, including dismantling magnitos, vacuum pump avionics, and sandblasting and painting parts for a Beechcraft Bonanza restoration. I also worked closely on Air Tractor 802 firebombers and AT-502 cropdusters, cleaning, de-paneling and seeing firsthand how these aircraft are prepared for demanding aerial operations.
The experience confirmed my passion for aviation engineering and gave me a genuine look into the industry I hope to join.
Three Year 12 classes have recently been introduced to an exciting emerging technology designed to be retrofitted to automobiles with the aim of reducing emissions, improving fuel efficiency, and enhancing overall vehicle performance.
Each class explored the technology from a different perspective. Automotive students focused on the practical benefits of improving engine efficiency, including cleaner operation and potential cost savings for drivers. Chemistry students examined the science behind the system, learning how the device uses electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, which are then fed back into the engine to influence combustion processes. Environmental Science students will investigate the potential atmospheric benefits, particularly the reduction of pollutants linked to climate change, while collecting primary data to evaluate the effectiveness of the company’s performance claims.
Students were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and showing strong interest in the real-world application of this developing technology. The project also provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of remaining open-minded yet critical when assessing new technologies, especially those intended to benefit both people and the environment.
2026 Academic Year Booklist
It's time to prepare for the 2026 academic year! To ensure your child has all the necessary resources, please follow the instructions on the How To Order Flyer in the link below. Booklists are now available on the Campion website. You can also access these booklists via PAM in Documentation for Families - Booklists.
Key Information & Dates:
- Resource list code for Sacred Heart College: G97F
- Order online by 19 December 2025 for $12 home delivery.
- Orders placed after this date will incur an increased delivery cost, and stock availability cannot always be guaranteed.
We encourage all families to refer to the guide and place their orders by the deadline to ensure a smooth start to the 2026 academic year. Need Help? Visit the Parent Hub for hints, tips, and helpful videos at campion.com.au/parents.
Please find below the holiday hours over January. Please note:
The College will also be closed on the afternoon of Wednesday 10 December, and the whole day on Friday 12 December. The College closes for the Christmas break from Thursday 18 December.
VCE study scores, ATAR and VTAC Scaled Study Scores will be available to students via the Results and ATAR website. All current VCE students will receive a statement of VCE study scores from the VCAA.
How to access your results online
The VCE results and ATAR Service is available in December. To access VCE Unit 3 & 4 results and ATAR, students will first need to register for the service. You will need your VCAA student number. Yr 12 VCE students that have applied for courses through VTAC can access their ATAR in the VTAC account.
Digital ATAR
If students are a current paid VTAC applicant, they will receive an email registration request to create a My eQuals account. Within the My eQuals portal, they can view and share their official ATAR statements and any qualifications from tertiary institutions.
Year 12 Change of Preference Support
With VCE Results and ATAR being released on Thursday 11 December, Careers Staff will be at the College from Thursday 11 December 9:30am until Friday 12 December 4:00pm to assist/advise students on tertiary selection and change of preference. Students can also access change of preference support hotlines, events, and activities from the VTAC site: https://vtac.edu.au/courses/cop/cop-events.html?highlight=WyJjb3AiXQ==
A representative from La Trobe University will be at the College on Thursday 11 December 2:00pm – 3:00pm for change of preference support.
