To our Sacred Heart Community
Marist Sesquicentenary – 150 Years of Marist Education in Australia
Today marks the 150th anniversary of Marist Education in Australia. A time not only for gratitude and celebration as we reflect on this significant legacy, but also a time for planning how Marists can continue building a hope filled future for Catholic education in Australia.
As the work of the Marist Institute began to grow in France in the 1820s and 30s, it was decided that the first place the Marists would travel to beyond France to spread the Marist mission was Oceania. A region of the world so different to that of France; The culture, the language, the diet, the lifestyle and the spirituality were all quite different. In December 1837, Br Michael Colombon became the first Marist Brother to set foot on Australian Soil.
However, it was not until four Brothers from France arrived in Australia in 1872 that Marist Education commenced in this country. Brothers Ludovic, Peter, Jarlath and Augustine stepped off the boat in Sydney at Circular Quay, and shortly after, on 8 April 1872, St Patrick’s Boys School opened at “The Rocks”, with 139 boys enrolled. The rest, as they say, is history.
The legacy left by these groundbreaking Marists is very significant. It is a legacy on which a whole network of schools has been built, which of course includes our wonderful community here at Sacred Heart College.
As we continue to chart our course through very challenging times, where our faith and courage have never been more important, we can remember, with gratitude, the vision which began the Marist mission to Australia and the faith and courage of the people who made the vision a reality, in their own very challenging times. It is now over to us to continue the Marist mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved, in the way of Mary, into the future.
Staff Preparation/Pupil Free Days (Thursday 14 April & Monday 2 May)
A reminder that Parents and Caregivers who are unable to make alternative arrangements for the care of their child on Thursday 14 April & Monday 2 May, will need to complete the SHC Staff Preparation/Pupil Free Days Supervision Registration Online Form.
Supervision (not a learning program) will be made available for students who need to attend school on one or both of those dates. Please note – there will be an early finish for supervision on Holy Thursday concluding at 1.30pm.
As noted above, today we approach the end of the term at the same time as we are acknowledging and celebrating the Marist Sesquicentenary in Australia. It’s a reminder that we are privileged to belong to this rich history, a history that continues to unfold in our local context, with Term 1 certainly giving us plenty of reasons to remember it! Undoubtedly, this term has provided challenges for each of us; whether it be due to becoming ill with COVID itself, or struggling with learning continuity due to absences of students, staff, or both!
As we approach the last few days of term next week we are reminded of the powerful message of Hope that comes from Easter and the Risen Christ. It is a hope that is needed on a local level for the challenges identified above, and on a global level given the horrific conflict in the Ukraine which we are conscious has affected members of our community directly. Therefore, we wish each of our students, staff and families a restful, safe, happy and Holy Easter, and we look toward next term and the future with Hope.
Daniel Head
Deputy Principal
