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(03) 5421 1200
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St Patrick’s Breast Plate
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today.
This week’s prayer is part of a famous prayer attributed to St Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland and reflects my recent days in Ireland and Northern Ireland. My family and I arrived back in Australia on the weekend after six weeks travelling through Italy, France, Switzerland, Great Britain and Ireland. Each country was different and very special in their individual ways.
I would like to thank those staff who made it possible for me to travel including Sam Weir (Acting Principal) and Peita Rocard (Acting Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching) as well as other staff who stepped up. The College is very fortunate to have such depth of outstanding leadership amongst its educators. Reflecting Sam’s stewardship of the school over recent weeks, the rest of the principal’s report comes from him. Dr Darren Egberts
ANZAC Day
Our annual ANZAC Day Assembly was held last week, and was an occasion of solemn reflection. We were again grateful for the presence of Mr Craig Byrne of the Kyneton RSL, who has been part of our ANZAC commemorations for a number of years now. Craig used his address to the College to speak on the complexities of military service, and the challenging realities that service men and women face both during and following a deployment. We thank Craig for the generosity of his time, and for his willingness to share stories and reflections from his own experience. We also commend the ongoing work of the Returned Service League of Victoria to ensure all veterans and their families experience respect and support.
As they have for many years now, our Student Leaders represented the college at a number of ANZAC Day services throughout the Macedon Ranges. Our College Captains, Cate Mahony and Sam Haslett, rose early to attend the dawn service on Mount Macedon, where they shared words of poetry with the attending crowd; while other student leaders were present to speak and lay wreaths at the cenotaphs in our local townships.
Grade 5 Visits
It was a joy this week to once again host our local parish primary schools for the annual Grade 5 Visits. Students and staff from St Mary’s Lancefield, St Mary’s Castlemaine, St Brigid’s Gisborne, Holy Cross New Gisborne, St Ambrose Woodend and Our Lady of the Rosary Kyneton spent time in our classrooms and in our school yard, as an opportunity to familiarise themselves with our community, and to learn a little about what life is like in a secondary school setting. A highlight for many of our guests was the spirit of welcome shared by our Peer Support Leaders, who offered assistance and companionship throughout the visits.
New Staff
The start to second term has seen a number of new staff join the College. As a group, we welcome:
Antony Monteleone - teaching Humanities and English
Narelle Brown - teaching Maths
Matilda Roberts - teaching Science
Brigid Leong - Community Events Coordinator. Brigid will begin in early May
Brett Davenport - IT Team Lead
Sophie Allen - Voice instructor
Katrina Rogers - Food Technology & Kitchen Assistant
Reminders: Arrangements for covering classes during teacher absence
As we draw closer to virus season, please be familiar with the following reminders regarding how classes are covered at Sacred Heart at times of teacher absence:
● On most occasions in Years 7-11, Casual Relief Teachers (CRTs) will be employed to cover teacher absences.
● At times, in Years 10-11 some classes may be asked to complete the work for their lesson in our study hall. Our study hall is a space where supervision is provided for quiet and independent work. There will be times when 2-3 smaller classes might be invited to work in the study hall, where they can be supervised together while their timetabled teacher is absent.
● For all occasions when a teacher of a Year 12, VCE Unit 3/4 class is absent, this class will attend their timetabled classroom and complete the work set for the lesson independently. On these occasions, it is the responsibility of each Year 12 student to mark themselves as being present on the roll.
● If widespread illness or other causes leads to large numbers of classes needing to be covered, we may elect to ask a Year Level to complete their classwork from home for a day. In this scenario, lesson material would be provided via online platforms for students to work on independently in their own homes. Advance notice would be provided in this scenario, and arrangements would be in place for students who could not remain at home.
Teaching and LSO Staff PL day: The Heart of Learning and Teaching
Friday 1st May is student free at Sacred Heart, for teachers and LSO staff to take part in a day of professional learning. Under the title “The Heart of Learning and Teaching” our staff will be working with the newly produced SHC Statement of Pedagogy. The Statement of Pedagogy is a document that captures the spirit of how we walk with young people in our context. It affirms the strengths of our current learning and teaching programs, and will guide our continued efforts to grow and improve. Over time, we will be inviting all members of the college community to become familiar with our Statement of Pedagogy, and for this reason the document will be shared and celebrated with students and families soon.
Bereavement - Your prayers are asked for the Halvarsson family on the passing of John Lowry, father of staff member Lisa Halvarsson and grandfather of Bryndis Year 8, Tove Year 10 and Jonah Year 12. Our thoughts are will you all at this sad time.
Information regarding ‘Period 5’ Assessment Task Afternoon Catch-Up Sessions
Starting in Term 2, Week 2, we are pleased to continue our ‘Period 5’ Assessment Task Afternoon Catch-Up Sessions.
Purpose:
- These sessions provide a dedicated, supervised space for students to complete missed Assessment Tasks without missing further class time. This initiative specifically supports Year 10 and 11 students who do not have scheduled study periods, as well as students needing to reschedule Units 3–4 SACs.
Key Information for Families:
- When: Sessions will run on alternate Monday and Thursday afternoons in Term 2. Schedule provided further below.
- Time: 3:45pm – 5:00pm (Supervision begins at 3:35pm in the Study Hall).
How the Process Works:
- If your child needs to attend a ‘Period 5’ Assessment Task Catch-Up Session, the process is streamlined to keep you informed:
- Consultation: The subject teacher will discuss the catch-up requirement with your child.
- Notification: You will receive a 'Rescheduled Task Letter', outlining the specific date and time of their session.
- Completion: Once the task is finished, the supervising teacher will ensure it is securely returned to the subject teacher for marking.
The Importance of Attendance:
- A significant amount of coordination goes on behind the scenes to organise these sessions and prepare the necessary materials.
- We kindly ask for your support in ensuring your child attends their scheduled session.
- Attending a scheduled ‘Period 5’ Assessment Task Catch-Up Session is a necessary step for students to complete their course requirements.
- Subsequently, attending a scheduled ‘Period 5’ Assessment Task Catch-Up Session takes priority over part-time work, sports training and social commitments.
- Catch-Up Assessment Tasks should be completed at the nearest possible time following the initial due date.
- Attendance at a scheduled ‘Period 5’ Assessment Task Catch-Up Session helps students avoid the stress of falling behind in their studies.
Term 2 Period 5 Assessment Task Catch-Up Session Dates:
Date |
Week/School Day |
Monday, 27 April 2026 |
Week 2, Day 1 |
Thursday, 7 May 2026 |
Week 3, Day 9 |
Monday, 11 May 2026 |
Week 4, Day 1 |
Thursday, 21 May 2026 |
Week 5, Day 9 |
Monday, 25 May 2026 |
Week 6, Day 1 |
Thursday, 4 June 2026 |
Week 7, Day 9 |
Monday, 8 June 2026 |
**No Catch-Up** King’s Birthday Public Holiday |
Thursday, 18 June 2026 |
Week 9, Day 9 |
Monday, 22 June 2026 |
Week 10, Day 1 |
Last term, Year 12 Environmental Science students visited Werribee Open Range Zoo and Mount Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre. At the zoo, students learned about the critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot and explored the grassy plains ecosystem to which the Eastern Barred Bandicoot (EBB) is endemic. They also investigated key threats facing the EBB and other native species, including habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and environmental change.
At Mount Rothwell, students examined the captive breeding program for the Eastern Barred Bandicoot and gained insight into how lessons from earlier conservation efforts have informed and strengthened current practices. This highly successful program has contributed to saving several native species from extinction, including the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, Bush Stone-curlew, and Spotted-tailed Quoll.
One of the most engaging aspects of the excursion involved participating in fieldwork activities, including trapping and assessing the health and population numbers of the spotted-tailed quoll. It was a long but rewarding day, with students returning to school at approximately midnight.
The Grade 5 students were a pleasure to host this week, bringing enthusiasm and positivity throughout their visit. Many spoke about what they enjoyed most during the day, and it was wonderful to hear so many express genuine excitement about the possibility of choosing Sacred Heart, noting how welcomed and happy they felt during their time at the school.
Last week, the first year VET Cookery students attended an excursion at UNOX Australia.
During the first year of the course, the students learn all the various cooking methods and produce a wide variety of dishes.
The methods include wet and dry methods, from baking and steaming to frying and braising along with many more. In our kitchen in Frayne, we have various pieces of equipment that allow us to produce these dishes, such as deep fryers and steaming baskets. The College also has a combi oven made by the Italian company UNOX, and they provide full training and support. These ovens are unique in a way that allows us to use them for dry heat cooking, wet heat cooking or a combination of both. They have many features allowing for better quality, and in most cases, faster cooking.
The students had a full hands-on demonstration and were involved in producing various food items. Hamburgers, which included a beef patty, caramelised onions, bacon, cheese, hashbrown and burger buns were all cooked on separate trays in the same oven at the same time. Within 20 minutes, a delicious burger was produced and served.
Following the burgers, were dumplings, salmon fillets, steamed vegetables, rice and many more food items.
The students were fascinated by the functions on the oven.
Going forward, the students will be using our combi oven more for the dishes they are preparing and cooking. This will allow the students to be more industry ready at the end of the two year course.
The overall feedback from the students was very positive, with some even wanting to purchase their own for home!
State Swimming Champion - Ava Hager
Congratulation to Year 8 student Ava on her outstanding performances at the School Sport Victoria State Swimming Competition held at MSAC on 23 April.
Ava achieved fantastic results, taking home a bronze medal in the 50m Breaststroke, along with strong finishes in the 50m Butterfly (5th), 50m Backstroke (5th) and 50m Freestyle (6th). An incredible effort across multiple events. Well done Ava!
Intermediate Boys' Tennis
The day started full of optimism and hope as we headed back to Hume Tennis Complex for the divisional round for the Intermediate Boys Team. With the minibus packed up and the energy high, we headed down the highway.
The team started cold again, straight off the bus, and into their first match with no warm-up. There was some pretty solid tennis considering the stiff limbs, but unfortunately we went down in all the singles and doubles matches. Simon featured this time after missing the first round due to other sporting commitments, strengthening the team and taking the number 1 spot for the day.
The second match against University High School saw some closer matches with our double pairings working well together, getting some games off tough opposition. With many close games, and sudden death at deuce, it was a lot closer than what the final result showed on the scorecard.
With the result out of reach, in the final round for the day the boys shared a round the pairings and structure which gave Jacob action in the singles getting a game from his serve which was a highlight of the day for the boys.
The boys represented the College excellently showing great sportsmanship and supporting each other throughout the day.
The team consisted of: Ollie Whykes, Simon Rodriguez-Mendoza, Cillian Durrant, Alexander Price, Jacob Burnett, Lincoln Soutter, Anuwa Featherstone and Alexander McLean.
Year 7 & 8 Netball
On Friday 24 April we took two Year 7 and two Year 8 netball teams to Darebin, to compete in the first round of the SSV competition.
We were lucky to be blessed with wonderful weather and a fabulous day of sportsmanship, leadership and talent on display. The Year 8 team was unlucky to lose to Wallan preventing them from progressing to the next round, but both teams played some great netball and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
The Year 7 teams also had a successful day, with one team narrowly missing out on the final and the other team progressing to the final and WINNING! The girls pictured will represent the College at the next round in August. Well done girls. A special thank you to Isla Evans, Matilda Donald and Annabel Willis for their amazing leadership and coaching on the day.
Mickleham Tennis Year 7 & 8
A beautiful day greeted us at Hume Community Tennis Centre on Wednesday 22 April for the first round for Year 7 & 8 students. Strong competition pushed the students to raise their game within a highly competitive group.
The Year 8 Girls went undefeated and reached the final prevailing with 3 sets to 1 and 9 games to 5, and through to the NMR round on Tuesday 28 April. Both the Year 7 boys and girls won their group and weren’t required to play in a final, and had direct entry to the NMR round scheduled for Thursday 30 April.
Year 8 NMR Round
The Year 8 Girls made the NMR round and only had to play one round to qualify for the final, as two other schools in their group withdrew. The girls defeated St Helens 6 sets to 0 & 24 games to 1. The final was a lot more competitive. After six matches the sets were tied 3-3 but unfortunately the girls couldn’t quite get over the line, losing the final 22 games to 17.
A terrific effort by the girls and we look forward to next years competition.
Despite some torrential and challenging weather, all the girls did a fantastic job and represented themselves wonderfully. True to form, they took everything in their stride and showed great resilience throughout the week.
Abbey Brinkhuis (Year 7) and her horse Lolly competed in Showjumping and Combined Training. Abbey produced some excellent rounds, particularly in the tight indoor arena, and rode with great confidence and control.
Eva Potesta (Year 8) and her pony Willow were, as always, a polished and professional combination. Competing in Intermediate Novice Dressage and Combined Training, Eva delivered a beautiful performance and was a pleasure to watch.
Miranda Byrne (Year 10) had a busy and impressive week, competing two horses, Tia and Teddy. She rode Tia in Showjumping and Combined Training, and Teddy in Novice and Elementary Dressage. Across all events, Miranda showed consistency and determination—remaining positive even after some thoroughly rain-soaked rounds.
Chloe Bourke (Year 11) and her horse Arlo delivered a standout performance in the Senior Preliminary Dressage, finishing in the placings. She also competed strongly in the Senior Novice Dressage, riding with skill and composure.
Overall, it was a successful and rewarding week (weather aside). The girls supported each other throughout, demonstrating not only strong horsemanship but also great team spirit.
Host Families Needed
Thank you very much to those families that have already expressed interest in hosting a Japanese student from our sister school Ibaraki Nishi High School. It is with these volunteers that we are able to continue such a successful reciprocal relationship with Japan.
We are however, in need of quite a number more host families. In particular we are seeking host brothers, though all students studying Japanese from Year 7-12 are encouraged to apply.
Japanese people are very accustomed to very busy lifestyles and generally have very small living environments with shared sleeping facilities. Therefore, accommodation arrangements are flexible, with exchange students able to share a room with a same-sex sibling or have their own private room.
The exchange focuses on sharing everyday Australian life. Therefore, host families are not expected to plan special activities—simply including students in your normal routines provides a rich cultural experience. Weekdays will be spent at school, while weekend activities such as family gatherings, local events, and sporting activities offer wonderful opportunities for cultural exchange.
If you are interested please refer to the e-mail sent on the 2nd April or contact Danielle Tankovich; Languages Learning Area Leader at the College. Applications will be accepted until Monday 11 May.
Medication Safety
Students cannot keep medications in their school bags, lockers or on their person due to safety concerns. To ensure safe administration and storage of medications, any student requiring medication while at school must hand their medication into FIRST AID where it will be stored in a locked cupboard. Medication needs to be clearly labelled with the student’s name and in its original packaging. All medication needs to be accompanied by a completed Medical Authority Form. A Medial Authority Form can be found on PAM and on the College website or via this link https://www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au/our-college/policies-and-forms
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Health Centre Coordinator, Jalna Holmes at the College on 5421 1200
MEDICATION ON CAMPS
To ensure safe administration and storage of medications, any student requiring medication while on camp must hand their medication into their Group Leader the first morning of camp.
All medication needs to be clearly labelled with the student’s name and in its original packaging. All medication needs to be accompanied by a completed Medical Authority Form. A Medial Authority Form can be found on PAM and on the College website or via this link https://www.shckyneton.catholic.edu.au/our-college/policies-and-forms.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Health Centre Coordinator, Jalna Holmes at the College on 5421 1200.
And They’re Off!
Our Year 11 students have officially commenced their Debutante Ball rehearsals in Quambi, and what a start it has been. Over two energetic hours, students immersed themselves in the rhythms of the dance floor, learning to dip, spin and jive with growing confidence.
It was fantastic to see such attentive listening and a genuine willingness to engage with the process. From first steps to early combinations, the group demonstrated both enthusiasm and focus, setting a strong foundation for the weeks ahead.
We look forward to watching their progress as they continue to refine their skills and build their confidence.
A sincere thank you to GA Events for their expert guidance and steadfast instruction throughout the session. Rehearsals will continue to be held after school on a Tuesday until the big day on Saturday 30 May. Thank you to our Year 11 team for supervising the rehearsals.
The library has had a busy start to term two. We have joined a jigsaw puzzle club which involves not only completing jigsaw puzzles under timed conditions but also involves building jigsaw puzzle skills. In the lead-up to the Victorian competition, we will begin next week with puzzle related games and skills. Hopefully, students will be keen to be part of a team in the competition. Details about the club will soon be in Daily Messages. Last week we received many new and exciting books, some of which the students will be introduced to in their library reading sessions. Stay tuned for more exciting library events during the term.
