From the Acting Principal (Friday 10 September)


To our Sacred Heart Community


R U OK? Day


Yesterday marked R U OK? Day, the national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone to ask, “Are you OK?” and to remember every day of the year to support people who may be struggling with life’s ups and downs.

Students and staff engaged in a range of activities across the College echoing RUOK’s message of looking out for others and starting the difficult conversations about mental health awareness. 

This morning, staff came together for a shared breakfast and took the opportunity to be with one another in fellowship. My thanks to all those who worked behind the scenes this week to ensure that RUOK isn’t just about one day but that it is lived every day at Sacred Heart.

Courageous Hearts 💙


Assumption Kilmore Exchange 2021


Earlier this year, Marist Schools Australia cancelled the 2021 Basketball, Netball and Cricket Carnivals due to the COVID pandemic risks and restrictions. The risks and restrictions continue with periodic outbreaks in various parts of the nation. 

Given this context, the 2021 Exchange between Sacred Heart College & Assumption College was cancelled. A key feature of the Exchange is for the host College families to billett the visiting College, it is unreasonable to expect that families would take on such a responsibility during the pandemic. 

Despite not being able to meet in person, the two Colleges created a shared message to the wider Marist Community celebrating the wonderful and rich history of the Exchange.

We absolutely look forward to resuming the Exchange in 2022!


ABSA & IEBA Excellence in Indigenous Boarding Award 2021


We are honoured to be awarded the ABSA & IEBA Excellence in Indigenous Boarding Award for 2021! 

“Almost 15 years ago Russell Smith and Brother Doug began a working relationship between the Port Augusta and Davenport Communities and Sacred Heart College. Over the years, Sacred Heart College has been committed to forging a strong, long term relationship with the Port Augusta community, which has more recently stretched to communities in the APY Lands and beyond.

The process of moving away to boarding school is not for all young Aboriginal people. The difficulties associated with transitioning away from their families and communities and having to maintain this over a long period of time is not easy. Sacred Heart College, along with their Boarding House, has established an appropriate and culturally supportive environment for their Indigenous students. For example, located at our Marcellin Campus is the Nunga Room.

This is a place where our Indigenous students feel culturally safe, have access to resources, teachers and support staff. You can see the pride and confidence on the student’s faces when they are working in the Nunga Room.

Sacred Heart College works hard to be inclusive, not just for its Indigenous students, but for all students. Our students are engaged when talking about Reconciliation, the way they listen to dialogue about the issues facing Aboriginal people in a respectful way and how they take that information on board. It is important for us as a College to continue to build on the support already in place for our Indigenous students.”

https://www.boarding.org.au/our-community/annual-awards/indigenous-award-winners


Enrolments Update


Applications are currently being processed for commencement in Year 7 in 2023. Current families with siblings eligible for commencement at this entry point are requested to please complete an Application for Enrolment Form for their child as soon as possible. 

Application Forms can be accessed from the College website or collected from the Front Office at both the Champagnat and Marcellin Campuses. It is important that applications for all siblings are received well in advance to ensure placement. 

Planning is well underway for the 2022 school year. A reminder for families that may be considering leaving the College at the end of 2021, that written leaving notification to the College one term in advance is required. Failure to give such notice will incur an exit fee in accordance with our current enrolment agreement.

For any questions in relation to enrolments, please do not hesitate to contact Virginia Miller, College Registrar, on 8350 2580 or registrar@shc.sa.edu.au.For all Boarding enquiries, please contact Julie Raymond, Personal Assistant to the Head of Boarding, on 8350 2559 or boarding@shc.sa.edu.au.


I was delighted to witness the outstanding musical talents of our Champagnat students on Thursday afternoon as RUOK Day activities ended with the traditional “Battle of the Bands”. 

The dedication and focus of our College Music Department in working with such a number of students is to be commended. The Arts is a big part of who we are at Sacred Heart and the breadth and quality of talent shared on Thursday is certainly something to be celebrated!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.


Shana Bennett
Acting Principal