Hearts News – Thursday 12 September 2024 (Week 8 Term 3)

Today marks ‘R U OK? Day’, a day that reminds us to reach out and ask someone if they are OK, not just today, but any day.

To our Sacred Heart College community

As the first days of spring unfold, bringing new life and change to our surroundings, we are also approaching the end of the term. This season of renewal offers us a chance to reflect on our achievements, celebrate our progress, and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.

Today we celebrated excellence within our community at our VET Assembly which, this year, coincided with R U OK? Day and the announcement of our 2025 College Captains, Mission Captains, and Boarding and Deputy Boarding Captains, all of which you can read about below. We congratulate all of these students who have excelled in their pursuits and wish them all the very best.

For our Year 12 students, the cessation of formal classes is fast approaching! As of next Monday, only 17 days of formal classes remain in 2024! That’s right – 17!

There really is no time to waste, and making best use of the days ahead can make a substantial difference to subject grades and final outcomes. 

To that end, I urge all Year 12 students to leave no stone unturned in pursuit of their dreams this year. Our students are capable of great things, and small changes in routines, and an enhanced commitment to excellence, will make an enormous difference in the 17 days of formal classes still ahead of us.

Let’s embrace the fresh energy of spring and finish the term strong, with renewed enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence. 

Daniel Lynch
Principal

Announcing the 2025 College Captains, Mission Captains and Boarding Captains

Today, the 2025 College Captains, Mission Captains, Boarding Captains and Deputy Boarding Captains were officially announced at today’s VET and R U OK? Day Assembly.

We congratulate the following students on being voted to lead Sacred Heart in 2025:

College Captains – Keeley Carey and Edward Wilson
Mission Captains – Jess Humphry and Fiona Jenkinson
Boarding Captains – Anna McAuley and Koiki Hughes
Deputy Boarding Captains – Lucy Armfield and Jake Mahar

We give thanks to all students who nominated for a leadership position in 2025. As we continue to go through the nomination process, we look forward to announcing the rest of the 2025 Leadership team in the coming weeks.

R U OK? Day: Celebrating Wellbeing Week

Week 8 shines a light on all things wellbeing at Sacred Heart, students across the College are reminded of the importance of a balanced approach to wellness and the need to consider how we are taking care and paying attention to the five pillars of wellbeing: Connection – Sleep – Nutrition – Movement – Mindset.

Wellbeing Week and R U OK? Day activities at Champagnat
Wellbeing Week has been a time of activities, conversations and good vibes at Champagnat Campus. Students have relished the time to connect with friends over lunchtime activities such as spike ball, lunch stalls, bracelet making and board games. Tuesday’s visit from a petting zoo was the cause of much excitement seeing the students connecting with each other and engaging with the menagerie of animals on the oval.

R U OK? Day is a wonderful community day with a Wellbeing quiz, inter house sports, a conversation cafe, Battle of the Bands and a visit from guest speaker Chris Blows, a survivor of a life-altering event and now a wellness coach, author and Australian Para Surfing champion. Thanks to Chris for sharing his story of resilience and grit in the face of adversity and challenge.

Wellbeing Week and R U OK? Day activities at Marcellin
Marcellin Year 12 students were delighted to engage with a variety of animals as part of the petting zoo set up for Wellbeing Week. This was a final fun activity for students to enjoy together before  their final days of formal schooling. Chavoin House led the charge with wellbeing  initiatives  this week, facilitating the push up challenge and organising a BBQ to raise funds and awareness for wellbeing and mental health initiatives. During today’s assembly we heard from our College Captains about seeking help and the importance of asking each other ‘R U OK?’ not just today, but any day, followed by active listening, empathy and support. 

VET and R U OK? Day Assembly

The College acknowledged more than 140 VET students at the annual VET Assembly on Thursday at Marcellin Campus. Many of these students are on track to obtain a Certificate III through their VET studies this year, including many Year 12 students and a number of Year 10 and 11 students.

All remaining Year 12 students who are studying VET at various certificate levels were acknowledged, as well as nine students who have undertaken school based apprenticeships and traineeships across a number of different industry areas in combination with their academic studies.

The College announced the Year 12 VET student of the year, Ally Norman, who has been undertaking Certificate III Rural Operations (Animal Care and Husbandry) for the past 18 months with Regional Skills Training. Congratulations, Ally, and well deserved on this fantastic achievement, and to all students on their wonderful achievements in VET this year.

During the second half of the assembly, Piper and Tom spoke about the importance of mental health and wellbeing. Today is R U OK Day?, and reminds us of the importance of checking in with each other, by ‘asking’, ‘listening’, ‘encouraging action’ and ‘checking in’ a few days later if needed. Supporting each other links in well with our Family Spirit, and St Marcellin’s desire that we ‘treat each other as the members of a loving family would do”.

Champagnat rocks the stage at the Battle of the Bands

R U OK? Day Hit All the Right Notes as Champagnat Rocked St Joseph’s Gym for Battle of the Bands. The afternoon saw 12 unique musical acts take to the stage, including a special performance by the Staff Band. The atmosphere was electric as students showcased their incredible musicianship, filling the air with tunes that had spectators singing along and cheering for more.

A highlight of the event was the introduction of the Masked Singer competition, a new initiative by the school’s Arts leaders. The masked performers, including Minnie Mouse, Panda, Spiderman, The Wizard, Purple Dinosaur, The Penguin, The Witch, amongst others, brought joy and excitement to the crowd, leaving everyone guessing who was behind the masks. Congratulations to Mr Oleszczuk who was voted as best Masked Singer as the Cat in the Hat!

Congratulations to the following musicians for their achievements:

Best Group: Heartache
Best Individual Performer: Emmalyn Victoria
2024 Battle of the Bands Overall Winner: Superband

The day was a celebration not only of music, but also of the important role it plays in mental health. Music, and the Arts provide essential opportunities for self-expression, connection, and emotional wellbeing. Events like these remind us how vital it is to create spaces where we can appreciate and participate in music, uplifting the entire community.

Congratulations to all students and staff who performed and participated in this event. A special thank you to Bec Page, Elian Hamilton, and all of our talented and loyal instrumental tutors, whose support and guidance helped prepare our students for this fantastic event!

Celebrating our fathers, father figures and significant family members

On Friday, 30 August, Sacred Heart College celebrated a memorable Father’s Day Event at Champagnat Campus. Fathers, grandfathers, and other significant family members of our Year 7-12 students came together at the Function Centre to enjoy coffee along with a variety of sweet and savoury treats. The highlight of the event included performances by student pianists, Oliver, Joel, and Chloe, as well as a heartfelt slideshow featuring cherished memories and messages from students about their fathers and father figures. Thank you to all the family members that were able to join us.

Winter Wonderland Quiz Night raises $30,000 for Immersions

The 2024 Immersion Quiz Night was a hugely successful evening, with more than 400 family members and friends of the community in attendance. The evening was highlighted by the presence of our Fijian visitors from the Marist Champagnat Institute in Suva, Fiji. The audience were treated to a number of Fijian dance performances, and the SHC Immersion teams showcased a routine of their own.

Funds raised from the Immersion event support Australian Marist Solidarity, which provides essential resources and funding for education, school facilities, and families in need. This year’s Winter Wonderland themed Quiz Night raised approximately $30,000 – testament to the amazing generosity of the wider Hearts community.

A huge thanks to the organisations, businesses, individuals and families who contributed to the silent auction, live auction, raffle, wine wall and quiz prizes. A full list of our Quiz Night sponsors can be found here. 

On behalf of the 2024 Immersion teams – THANK YOU! We eagerly anticipate continuing our preparations for the Immersion experiences scheduled for November and December this year.

Farewell to our Fijian visitors 

On Thursday, 5 September, the College farewelled our Fijian visitors from the Marist Champagnat Institute in Suva, Fiji, who spent a fun-filled 10 days in Adelaide on their Australian Immersion. This Immersion was the first of its kind for the MCI, and for many, this was their first trip outside of their hometown. The College were pleased to host and return the favour of more than 15 years of Immersion trips to Fiji.

The 12 Fijian students spent five nights billeted by host families and five nights living on campus at Marcellin. The day’s activities included an excursion to Treasure Boxes with some of our Year 12 Game Changers, a day of school at both Marcellin and Champagnat campuses, choir practice, a musical performance in the Quad at Marcellin, a trip to the city, a day of shopping at Westfield Marion and an excursion to the Royal Adelaide Show. As mentioned in this Hearts News, it was a pleasure to welcome our Fijian visitors to the Winter Wonderland Quiz Night.

On the middle weekend, the plans to venture across to Kangaroo Island were disrupted due to cancellations of the SeaLink. However, some quick thinking and pivoting by our staff saw the group head to Monarto Zoo instead, which didn’t disappoint. 

A huge thanks to all who supported the MCI and their visit to Adelaide – our host families, College staff and our 2023/2024 Immersion teams.

Year 9s explore growth and gratitude during Rite Journey Camp

As part of the Rite Journey program, Year 9 students embarked on a camping adventure over weeks 6 and 7 at Camp Illawonga on the River Murray. During their stay, students took on a variety of group and individual challenges, including kayaking, caving, mountain biking, and self-catering. A highlight for many was the Abyss element of the camp, where they experienced the unique challenge and reward of a solo camping experience under the breathtaking starry sky of the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve.

The Rite Journey Camp is a key component of the Rites of Passage program, designed to support students as they transition from childhood to young adulthood. In preparation for the camp, students engaged in planning and worked collaboratively with their peers to face challenges, build relationships, and forge new connections. Additionally, they reflected on their time at Champagnat Campus, considered their future direction for senior schooling, and focused on mindfulness and gratitude. It was both heartwarming and affirming to hear the sincere expressions of gratitude from our Year 9 students for their families, friends, and the SHC community.

Paris Olympian, Jesse Moore (SHOC ’20) inspires students at Champagnat

Last Friday, we had the pleasure of welcoming Jesse Moore (SHOC ’ 20) from Fourviere House, to Champagnat Campus. Jesse recently competed in Artistic Gymnastics at the 2024 Olympic Games. He made history as the first South Australian gymnast to qualify for the Olympics and the first Australian since the 2012 Games to reach the men’s Individual All-Around Final.

To honour this special occasion, Fourviere House gathered for Mass focusing on their motto, “Dream with your eyes open.” After the liturgical celebration, Fourviere student leaders, Livi and Cian, hosted a Q&A session with Jesse.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jesse for returning to Sacred Heart College and sharing his Olympic memories with us. We hope he has inspired the next generation of SHC Olympians!

Year 8 Debating finalists

Debating has been alive and well at Champagnat Campus with our Year 8 debating team, comprising of Liam Burke, Archie Cranston, Alina Greer and  Matilda Rech making the finals! They were successful in their quarterfinal debate against Pembroke School held at Nazareth Catholic College (Flinders Park campus). The students argued that targeted advertising should be banned and, as the affirmative team on the night, our students presented a very compelling and convincing case with Liam Burke awarded Best Speaker.

The team then went on to meet Concordia College in the Semi Final and this time as the negative team, they argued that tourism is not a threat to the Great Barrier Reef. Despite a great debate, our team just fell short of a win. 

Liam, Archie, Alina and Matilda have had a brilliant 2024 debating season and their exceptional efforts should be commended. Congratulations Year 8 team!

A taste of gratitude: Kitchen Connections students cook up a storm

On Friday of Week 6, our Kitchen Connections students successfully completed the practical component of their Community Application Activity, the Gratitude Lunch. This event provided a meaningful opportunity for students to express appreciation to someone who has supported and cared for them, either within the Hearts community or at home. Each student independently designed, prepared, and served a two-course meal, applying the diverse skills they had developed throughout the year while working on their folio tasks. This experience allowed them to showcase their culinary abilities and put their learning into practice in a real-world context.

As you can see from the photographs, some incredible dishes were created, including slow-cooked beef ribs in a spicy Korean barbecue sauce, braised lamb shanks, sticky date pudding with homemade vanilla bean ice cream, and a chocolate and matcha delice. These restaurant-quality dishes highlight the high level of skill the students have attained. The Gratitude Lunch was a fitting way to conclude the practical component of the Kitchen Connections course, providing both a celebration of learning and a heartfelt expression of thanks.

A huge thank you goes out to the parents, caregivers, and community members who supported our students throughout their journey. Your encouragement, guidance, and involvement have been invaluable in helping the students reach this stage, and the success of the Gratitude Lunch reflects your vital role in their learning.

Embracing tradition and heritage at the Altavilla Italian Club

Tu mi racconti di te, 
Di un mondo che fu,
Di un vecchio mondo che ormai
Non può ritornare, 
Eppure mi è rimasto nel cuore 
L’amore che tu avevi per me 

You remind me of you,
of a world that was,
of a former world
which can no longer return,
and yet for me the love which I had for you
remains in my heart. ~ ‘Il tuo mondo’, Claudio Villa.

Claudio Villa’s words ring out as an anthem for Italian migrants worldwide; they speak of a love of country, of place, of paese that courses through their veins, as deep as the ocean that divides them. Whilst circumstances have often meant they could not return, the desire to keep the culture, language and community alive as well as embrace and share  gratitude for their new country remains strong. 

Last Wednesday our Year 10, Stage 1 and Stage 2 Italian students were able to hear of this love firsthand as Antonietta and Dominic from the Altavilla Irpina Sports & Social Club, as well as Signorina Minucci, shared their migrant experiences as first, second and third generation Italians in South Australia. Over laughter, tears and pasta, students were able to gain further appreciation of the sacrifices families made for a better life, the privilege afforded us by way of multiculturalism, and the debt of gratitude we owe migrant groups all across Australia. 

We thank the Club for their incredible hospitality, their passion for serving our community, and hope to join them for one of their famous pizza nights on a Friday or Sunday in the near future. Che buona!

Year 8 students inspired by author, Dr Jared Thomas

On Tuesday, 3 September the Year 8 students had the opportunity to attend an author talk presented by Dr Jared Thomas, a local South Australian author. Jared is an internationally recognised and celebrated children’s author with a range of hit novels including Uncle Xbox, Calypso Summer and the Game Day series co-written with Olympian and NBA star, Patty Mills.

Jared entertained students as he discussed his journey to becoming an author while playing SANFL for Port Adelaide, what inspires his stories and how he transfers ideas into text. Students were then treated to a chapter reading of Jared’s upcoming unreleased novel about a young South Australian boy competing in the prestigious Power Cup. Students are now eagerly awaiting the release of Jared’s new novel. Author talks provide students with an invaluable opportunity to engage with their favourite texts and see how ideas are brought to life. We thank Jared for visiting our community and giving the Year 8s a wonderful insight into being an author.

Students explore Hotel Management career pathways at the Oval Hotel

Last Thursday, eight students, along with Pathways Coordinator, Ms Cailtlin Rayner, undertook the International College of Hotel Management (ICHM) Experience Day. This involved an immersive experience of what a career in hotel management looks and feels like.

Throughout the day we walked to the Adelaide Oval’s Oval Hotel for a tour of the facilities and grounds, and were able to get a behind the scenes peak at the new rooms and suites, hospitality areas, bars, restaurant and concierge (as they were setting up for the Quarter Final!). This was a fantastic opportunity for students to gain valuable industry insights into an industry area.

Career Exploration in the middle and senior years of schooling from Year 9 through to Year 11 is invaluable and provides students with opportunities to experience career pathways they’ve often not thought of or are yet to experience.

Arts News

Royal Adelaide Show Art Merit winners on display at mini exhibiton

The Merit winning student artwork from this year’s Royal Adelaide Show Art Competition are currently on display in the Br Stephen Debourg Performing Arts Centre at Marcellin Campus, along with additional student artworks who participated. The mini exhibition showcases the six artworks that received Merits for their work in the Junior Art, Craft, and Design competition.

Congratulations again to the following Merit recipients:

• Zara Barianos – Sculpture
• Lexi Guerra – Painting (Any Other Subject)
• Fiona Jenkinson – Australian Landscape Painting
• Matthew Navacchi – Sculpture
• Tayla Simpkin Thompson – Sculptural Clay Work
• Izzy Vulcheff – Portrait or Figure Study Painting.

We are incredibly proud of these students and look forward to seeing their continued growth as artists. 

Music News

Fijian guests join with Senior Vocal Ensemble

Last week, our Fijian guests visited our Senior Vocal Ensemble rehearsal at Marcellin Campus, and joined us to learn one of our songs and sing along. In return, they taught us a song famously performed by the Fijian Rugby team before their matches, titled ‘We Have Overcome’ or ‘E Da Sa Qaqa’. It was a wonderful afternoon spent with our guests.

Please enjoy the performance, sung with heartfelt enthusiasm! – ‘We Have Overcome’

2024 Arts and Music dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 3 2024)

Marcellin Campus (Term 3 2024)

Click here to view the full College calendar of events.

Sports News

SHOC v current students: Simon Matthews Memorial Soccer match

Under the bright lights on Monday, 2 September, the Brighton Road Northern Soccer pitch set the stage for an exciting clash as SHOC Soccer squared off against our Hearts Boys First XI for the prestigious Simon Matthews Cup.

The match was a hard-fought battle from start to finish, with both teams leaving everything on the field. After a thrilling 90 minutes, the scoreboard read 3-3, forcing the contest into a tense penalty shootout. SHOC’s emerged victorious, edging out a 5-4 win.

A special shoutout to Henry Lynch, whose stellar efforts earned him Player of the Match honors.

To our current Year 12 players, this was their final game in the Sacred Heart First XI jersey, and they played with heart and pride. We extend our deepest gratitude for their dedication to the team.

We also want to thank the SHOC’s players and volunteers for organising an unforgettable evening of soccer in memory of Simon Matthews, celebrating his legacy through sport.

Adelaide 36ers Schools High Performance Program – Basketball Tournament

On Wednesday, 4 September, Sacred Heart College participated in the Adelaide 36ers Schools High Performance Program Basketball Tournament at St Clair Recreation Centre. The College entered four teams: the Middle Girls and Middle Boys teams from Champagnat Campus, and the Open Boys team from Marcellin Campus. The tournament offered a fantastic opportunity for our students to compete against other Adelaide 36ers partnership schools, showcasing their skills and teamwork on the court.

Throughout the day, Sacred Heart faced a range of challenges, with some closely contested games and a few standout victories. The Middle Boys team had an intense, down-to-the-wire game where they managed to get a 1 point win over St Pauls College in the final seconds of the game. The Middle Girls teams demonstrated great effort and enthusiasm in each match, particularly as they matched up against a few teams who were much older and taller than them. The Middle Girls (light) team worked hard to make the Grand Final, but were defeated by Woodville by 6 points. Meanwhile, the Open Boys team from Marcellin landed themselves in the Grand Final match with their well-earned wins. Unfortunately they just fell short of securing the victory in the final match against Rostrevor.

While the results varied, the true success of the day was in the experience gained by all our students. The tournament provided a platform for them to develop their basketball skills, build confidence, and enjoy the competition. Overall, it was a rewarding day for Sacred Heart College.

Basketball Tournament Results:
Open Boys – 2nd
Middle Girls (light) – 2nd
Middle Girls (dark) – 4th
Middle Boys – 4th

School Sport SA Knockout Football Champions!

In a hard-fought contest, the Sacred Heart College Girls First XVI Football Team proudly claimed the 2024 School Sport SA Knockout Football Championship, defeating Henley High School in the Grand Final at Woodville Oval on Tuesday, 3 September. Dressed in their indigenous guernseys, the girls showcased their talent and teamwork, securing a 33 point victory (SHC  8.4.52 – Henley 3.11.29). The game was tightly contested from the start, with only a narrow margin in the early stages as both teams battled fiercely for every loose ball. Henley High applied pressure and created several scoring opportunities, but Sacred Heart’s elite defensive work stood tall, consistently denying Henley’s attempts

Our girls didn’t back down for a moment, showing grit and determination that kept them in control as the match progressed. Their pressure at ground level and relentless drive to contest every ball proved crucial in gaining the upper hand. When the final siren sounded, Sacred Heart emerged victorious, crowning them as the 2024 State Football Champions!

The players were awarded medals in a well-deserved celebration of their outstanding achievement. A special thank you to coaches Karl, Bella, and Billy, whose guidance and dedication were instrumental in the team’s success. This win is a testament to the hard work, passion and unity of all SHC players. Well done Hearts! We are immensely proud of you! 

Middle A Girls Football Grand Final win

On Friday afternoon, the Middle A Girls football team had the opportunity to play in the Grand Final against Scotch College. The girls have shown excellent teamwork all year, setting themselves up for improvement every week throughout the season. The girls were encouraged to enjoy the occasion, and it was pleasing to see so many friends and family at the game to support them. Scotch came out fiercely, applying a lot of pressure and tackling hard. Our girls were able to withstand the opposition’s pressure, working as a team to use their skill and speed to hit the scoreboard. Ultimately, we led the game from start to finish in what was yet another amazing team performance. Given the even contribution from the team across the field, it was incredibly hard to pick best players – but it was hard to ignore a 45 metre bomb from Scarlett Blethyn in the first quarter, a stunning display of speed and skill from Ava Walter, and a classy running goal after multiple bounces from Matilda Buchanan in the last quarter. Maiya Foote and Alexis Harvey are congratulated for their leadership as captains; both girls spoke exceptionally well after the game during presentations.

The team remained undefeated all season as they kept Scotch College goal-less with a final result of SHC (8.4.52) to Scotch (0.4.4).  We congratulate the girls for their success and for securing back-to-back premiership titles.

Goal Scorers: Scarlett Blethyn 3, Nats Stewart 2, Ava Walter 1, Matilda Buchanan 1, Lucy Allen 1.

CEA Knockout Sports (Champagnat and Marcellin)

Results from the last fortnight of Knockout Sports are as follows:

• Year 7/8 Boys Knockout Football – SHC (12.8.80) def Tenison Woods (2.3.15) / SHC (14.14.98) def Rostrevor College (0.2.2)

Student Sporting Achievements

Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding sporting achievements, listed below.

Please note the images below are in order of names listed in the table above.

2024 Sports dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 3 2024)

Marcellin Campus (Term 3 2024)

Click here to view this term’s sports results.

Click here to view the full College calendar of events.