From the Acting Principal (Wednesday 21 September)


To our Sacred Heart Community


Hearts Aboriginal Year 12s graduate

Congratulations to four of our 2022 Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who have been recognised for completing Year 12 at the Catholic Education SA Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Completion Ceremony on 15 September at Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute.

Uncle Moogy welcomed the students to Country before they were presented with an artwork and certificate by Dr Neil McGoran, Director of Catholic Education SA.


A busy term for Hearts Aboriginal Students

Indigenous Youth Leadership Program National Gathering

Over the weekend, seven Year 9 and 10 students attended the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) National Gathering in Sydney. This compulsory event within the IYLP Scholarship program was a jam-packed 4 days. After arriving in Sydney on Thursday, Hearts students split up into groups with students from other IYLP schools all around Australia and spent the afternoon engaging in team building activities and competing in an ‘Amazing Race’ around Olympic Park.

Friday began with Straight Talk, where students worked with mentors from a range of organisations such as Optus. This led into a student forum on the Uluru Statement from the Heart, followed by a workshop on student strengths as identified through the Clifton Strengths Survey.

Saturday morning students again moved around Olympic Park filming their own music videos before heading off to cruise Sydney Harbour on the Tribal Warrior. They landed on Be-lang-le-wool (Clarke Island) where they learnt about how Aboriginal people had used the area to catch fish using natural fish traps and the tides, and how Casuarina trees helped to keep young children safe in the bush. The students were grateful to watch and participate in cultural dance, hear stories and yarn with the Tribal Warrior mob. That evening they watched their music videos and Jamayne’s group won with their excellent interpretation of Ghostbusters.

On the final day, students created their own individual art piece based on their life and experiences. Everyone had the most amazing time making friends from all around Australia and the Hearts students did the College proud. What was evident is that not only do we have exceptional emerging leaders here at Sacred Heart College, but the next generation of young Aboriginal people are not only passionate about their Culture, but determined to act for Truth, Treaty and Reconciliation.

Marni Wingku at Adelaide University

On Monday, three Year 9 and 10 students attended the Marni Wingku program hosted by The University of Adelaide. The students participated in workshops including Occupational Therapy, Dentistry, Teaching, and Engineering.

Marni Wingku is an immersive program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students, run by Wirltu Yarlu Aboriginal Education at the University of Adelaide. The workshops are designed to reinforce to students that university is a realistic goal that will enrich their lives and empower within them the confidence and direction to pursue their ongoing education and career aspirations.

CESA Thriving People Event

Last month, Year 7-10 students attended the ‘Thriving People’ event hosted by Living Kaurna Cultural Centre – Warriparinga. The students participated in activities including Boomerang Throwing, Jewellery Making and Painting. The experience aims to encourage what it means to be thriving people, capable learners and leaders in our schools, in our communities and in our world.


Kindness Project

Our Year 12s are in the process of finalising their Kindness Projects – an opportunity to devise and deliver an act of kindness to either a family member, or someone in the College or wider community. This week, Eden, Jess and Gracie accompanied 10 Year 6 students from Stella Maris school to a local aged care facility where they gathered for afternoon tea. The Year 6s, the Year 12s and the residents shared stories over a muffin, whilst our Mission Captain, Gracie, provided some musical entertainment.

On Wednesday morning, Tate, Tyson and Broden hosted the Year 12s for an event to raise money for Sarcoma, a rare type of cancer found in the bones and connective tissue. After Lailani led an Acknowledgement of Country, the players and crowd stood for a rendition of the Sub Tuum to commence proceedings. The event included a basketball game followed by a netball match, which were both played in great spirit. Just under $500 was raised from entry fees, all of which will support children and families experiencing the effects of Sarcoma.


Year 8 Activities Days

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of last week, Year 8 students participated in the Year 8 Activity Days event. The Activities Days were planned in place of the Year 8 Camp that was unfortunately cancelled earlier in the year and focussed on recreation, outdoor skills and sports, whilst providing a great opportunity for students in each House to build stronger relationships with their peers. Activities included ice skating, coastal walking, team building games, trangia safety and skills, and a session at AFL Max. 

The Year 8 students were exemplary in their behaviour and participation, representing the College to the highest level. Thank you to all staff who helped with planning and running the days, and to the students who immersed themselves in this experience.


Marist Day 2022

On the last day of Term 3 (Friday 30 September), all staff and students across the College will gather at Marcellin Campus to celebrate Marist Day. This is an opportunity for cross-campus interaction and collaboration, to celebrate our Marist Spirit and continue to grow as one College. The theme for this years’ Marist Day is “Voice of the Courageous Heart”, chosen by a cohort of student leaders.

All students will be dismissed from Marcellin Campus at 1.00pm. More detailed information about the day is being communicated to families via separate correspondence.

The 2022 Marist Day appeal will support “Australian Marist Solidarity” in their efforts to provide education, resources, meals and other essential items to communities in the South East Asian area. Sacred Heart College continues to have a strong relationship with Marist communities in India / Sri Lanka, Fiji and the Philippines, and the majority of funds raised on Marist Day will be directed towards supporting current projects in these countries in particular.

This year, we have set a target goal of $6,000 which will have a huge impact in our associated Marist communities. Donations above $2 are tax deductible and can be made by clicking here.


Back to Paringa Family Fun Day

Join us in celebrating 125 years of Sacred Heart College and saying farewell to Principal, Steve Byrne at our ‘Back to Paringa’ family fun day!

The day will be filled with live entertainment, historical tours of Paringa Hall, food trucks, bars, outdoor games and more!

Sunday 6 November 2022
12.00pm – 4.00pm
Sacred Heart College – Marcellin Campus
Tickets: $10 and receive a commemorative 125 Years Glass upon entry
FREE entry for those 18 years old and under

Bookings essential via TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/CCVNX


Leaving the College

Preparations and planning are well underway for the 2023 school year. A reminder for families that may be considering leaving the College at the end of 2022 that written leaving notification to the Principal one term in advance is required. Failure to give such notice will involve payment of fees in accordance with our current enrolment agreement.

Due to very limited placements in Year 7 in 2024, current families with sibling’s eligible for commencement at this entry point are requested to please complete an Application for Enrolment Form as soon as possible. Application forms can also be downloaded from the College website or collected from the Front Office at both Campuses.

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


Call for Exam Invigilators

We are continuing to seek expressions of interest from members of the Sacred Heart College community, to join our pool of Exam Invigilators at Sacred Heart College – Marcellin.

Exam Invigilator volunteers provide valuable assistance to staff and students as they progress through a critical stage of their education, through the supervision of students undertaking exams. 

Assistance is specifically required for the upcoming October/November examination period.

All volunteers must meet the College and CESA screening processes, including holding a Working With Children Clearance.

Volunteers receive an honorarium to cover costs.

For more information regarding volunteering, please visit www.shc.sa.edu.au/volunteers.

Interested community members are asked to please email hr@shc.sa.edu.au and include a current resume.


Tomorrow gives us cause to reflect on the life of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and what her life meant. For some of our students, I suspect that the passing of a 96 year old monarch from another country is not at the fore of their minds. Nonetheless, I would suggest that there is much that our young people can take from Her Majesty’s life as a life dedicated to servant leadership. At both Champagnat and Marcellin Campuses we are in the midst of appointing student leaders. As part of this process, students need to reflect on how they are leaders in their community and how they will use their leadership skills to better their College. Whilst only a few students are elected to formal leadership positions, any number of Sacred Heart students can and do demonstrate leadership – in extracurricular pursuits, within sporting teams, and in the ordinary day-to-day lives where they have the opportunity to ‘step up’ and show the courage we desire of our Hearts community. Whilst the passing of a monarch on the other side of the world might be removed from the average Australian teenager, there are lessons for all of us in the past few weeks, and I wonder which lessons those who are running for formal leadership might draw upon?

As always, there is much to celebrate at the College. Our respective campus Parent/Teacher/Student Learning Reviews have been well-received and it’s been great to continue to see families back on site. I also acknowledge the work of our staff in preparing for these to enhance the outcomes of our students. We also congratulate our U14 Boys Rugby 7s team taking out the Championship Trophy of the SASRU competition. Next week we enjoy the Catholic Schools Music Festival and wish all of our musicians well as they perform on the ‘big stage’! 

Best wishes for the remainder of the term.

Daniel Head
Acting Principal