Hearts News – Thursday 20 February 2025 (Week 4 Term 1)

Last Friday we celebrated the exceptional achievements of our Class of 2024 at the Laureate Assembly.

To our Sacred Heart College community

As this edition of the Hearts News indicates, we are well into the swing of 2025! The Laureate Assembly held last week which acknowledged the outstanding results of the Class of 2024 was an exceptional event, and provided an impetus for the Class of 2025 to also aspire for great things. Whilst the first and primary objective of a school must be learning, this edition of Hearts News is once again evidence of how broad this learning is, and also how many amazing and varied things happen at the College! From incursions to leadership summits, from social justice fundraisers to specialist workshops, life is full at the College and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Daniel Head
Deputy Principal

2024 Laureate Assembly: Celebrating our student achievements

Last Friday the Sacred Heart College community at Marcellin Campus, along with the Year 9s, gathered to celebrate the significant academic results of the Class of 2024 at the Laureate Assembly. Students who were awarded included those who received Merit Awards, won the prize as the top of the subject, or received an ATAR above 90 – a significant number with more than 100 students being awarded at the assembly. We also presented the 2024 Dux of Year 9, 10 and 11.

It was also a pleasure for us to welcome back old scholar Dr Adam Ratajewski (SHOC ’03) to address the audience. Dr Ratajewski spoke fondly of his time at Sacred Heart College and the sacrifices his parents had to make to send him to Sacred Heart. At the conclusion of this speech, Br Gregory McCrystal was presented with a certificate of appreciation commemorating his significant dedication and service to the College Advisory Council. 

We once again extend our congratulations to all of those students and old scholars who were presented, and also extend our gratitude to the teaching and non-teaching staff of Sacred Heart College who have contributed to this success along the way.

Full Year 12 2024 results and the Class of 2024 video screened at the 2024 Year 12 Graduation can be viewed here.

2024 Laureate Assembly photos

Photos from the 2024 Laureate Assembly will be available tomorrow afternoon (Friday 21 February) and can be viewed, purchased or downloaded from the Festival Photography website.

Enter the Access Code: SHC2025 (case sensitive)

Prints and High Res Digital downloads are also available to purchase. 

Meet our 2025 Student Leaders – 2025 Year 9 Champagnat Campus Captains

In each Hearts News, two of our 2025 Year 9 and Year 12 portfolio Student Leaders will take part in a brief Q&A session so you can get to know them a little better. This week we meet 2025 Year 9 Champagnat Campus Captains, Logan Paparella and Laura Pinson.

Year 9 Student Leaders collaborate at Marcellin Campus

On Monday, the Year 9 Student Leaders from Champagnat Campus spent the day at Marcellin Campus engaging in leadership formation activities. The students worked together to strengthen their connections as a leadership group, discussing plans for House identity initiatives and social justice outreach, and expanding their understanding of their own leadership styles and abilities.

The day was further enhanced by a round-table discussion with the Year 12 Leaders, who generously visited in the afternoon to share their insights, offer suggestions, and propose ideas for increasing cross-campus leadership opportunities. The day concluded with a dinner at the Boarders’ Dining Hall. It was a highly productive day, filled with exciting ideas and initiatives that will soon be implemented at Champagnat in the coming terms.

Strengthening connections at Marcellin transition incursion 

During the transition incursion, both new and existing students at Marcellin Campus eagerly participated in a variety of team challenges and group activities designed to build connections. Students worked collaboratively in mixed groups, combining newcomers with current students, as they tackled problem-solving exercises and interactive games that required communication and cooperation. The deliberate mixing of new and existing students helped break down initial social barriers, while the structured activities provided natural opportunities for students to learn about each other, share experiences, and develop mutual trust. This approach successfully fostered a warm, family-like atmosphere where students felt comfortable and supported, laying a strong foundation for ongoing positive relationships within the school community.

Sacred Heart students present at 2025 Teen Parliament

We are incredibly proud of Sacred Heart College and Tjindu Foundation students Klara Harrison (Year 11) and Kelis Jackson-Martin (Year 12), who participated in the 2025 Teen Parliament last Friday. They highlighted the challenges Indigenous students face when transitioning from high school to higher education and employment and advocated for an inclusive and empowered future for Indigenous youth across Australia.

Klara and Kelis were among 28 other teenagers from across South Australia who took on the role of politicians at Parliament House, delivering speeches that called for change in a wide range of areas. The session was chaired by Speaker of the House of Assembly, Leon Bignell, and attended by SA Premier Peter Malinauskas, Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison, Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard, and other state politicians.

Klara is passionate about empowering Indigenous students with the tools to pursue careers after high school. As the most overrepresented group in the unemployment rate, she believes that Indigenous students need greater guidance and exposure to diverse career pathways.

With aspirations of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon due to her family’s history with heart issues, Klara is advocating for programs that equip Indigenous students with the skills and connections needed to succeed in the workforce. She firmly believes that, with the right support, students can explore opportunities they never imagined possible.

Kelis Jackson-Martin, a boarder from Port Augusta, focused on the gap between secondary and tertiary education for Indigenous students, particularly those from rural and regional areas. She is advocating for bridging scholarships to help these students stay in the city between finishing high school and starting tertiary education.

Kelis, who hopes to pursue a career in elite sport or law enforcement, said that the Tjindu Foundation, an organisation that connects students to employers and internships, has helped her realise her goals. She aims to become a role model for young Aboriginal people, especially in the police force, where representation is lacking.

A huge congratulations to Klara and Kelis for raising awareness in support of Indigenous students’ rights to access guidance, career pathways, and opportunities to succeed in life after school. 

Year 8 students get an insight into the world of journalism

Last week, our Year 8 students had the exciting opportunity to engage with broadcast journalist and author Kristin Darrel who visited Champagnat Campus as an Author in Residence. Over the course of two days, Kristin presented to the whole cohort and led small group workshops that offered an insightful look into the world of journalism.

During the workshops, students explored the process of gathering facts and crafting lead stories using the inverted pyramid technique. This hands-on experience allowed students to understand how journalists organise information for maximum impact and create captivating headlines. 

In the coming weeks, students will put their newfound knowledge into practice by designing their own newspaper front page and lead story, stepping into the role of aspiring journalists.

Stage 2 sandala workshops with Sue Norman

As a practical activity to be reflected on in their first summative assessment, Stage 2 ILRE students participated in a sandala workshop with local artist Sue Norman. A sandala, created in the sand, is a form of a mandala, a geometric pattern created in a circular shape as a form of prayer and meditation. Sue shared her passion for art and the beauty that can be found within oneself when exploring art through mandalas.

Students were given time to create their own sandala with instructions to breathe, reflect, and let their emotions come through their artwork. Sue was very grateful for the opportunity to share her passion with our students and praised them for their respect and willingness to get involved. We thank Sue for sharing her passion and congratulate students on their active participation in the workshop!

Chanelintine’s Day

Marcellin Campus was filled with love and family spirit last Friday, 14 February, as the community celebrated Chanelintine’s Day – an initiative led by the Chanel House leaders to raise money for Catherine House, an organisation that supports women experiencing homelessness. Students and staff purchased a red chocolate heart and wrote affirmations for their friends and colleagues, which were printed and distributed in Homerooms on Valentine’s Day. Students could also acknowledge those people they were grateful for by writing their names on the Gratitude Board while our College Captain, Ed Wilson, serenaded the community during lunch. Congratulations to the Chanel House Leaders for raising over $650 for Catherine House!

Arts & Music News

Stage 2 Musical Theatre Workshop

Last Wednesday, Sacred Heart’s Stage 2 Drama and Stage 2 Industry Connections students had the privilege of participating in a musical theatre workshop with industry professional, Erin James. With a career spanning theatre, musical theatre, television, and film over the past two decades, Erin is currently the Head of the Music Theatre program at Adelaide University.

Throughout the workshop, Erin shared her extensive experience in the performing arts, broadening students’ understanding of the many career paths available in the entertainment industry. She encouraged them to remain open to opportunities and to make bold, creative choices in their work.

Students engaged in a range of practical activities designed to refine their focus, teamwork, and characterisation skills. They also embraced the challenge of singing in a round, pushing beyond their comfort zones with enthusiasm and determination. Congratulations to all students for their active participation in this inspiring workshop. We look forward to seeing you apply your musical theatre skills in The Wizard of Oz, our co-curricular musical in Term 2!

Year 8 & 9 Drama students experience Slinsgby performance

Year 8 and Year 9 students were captivated by Slingsby’s stunning performance of A Giant’s Garden, inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant. Seated in a traverse setting, students were amazed by the professionalism and high quality of the production, which featured immersive moments such as snow falling on the audience, as well as enchanting hand puppetry and shadow puppetry. 

This was the company’s first-ever performance to a student audience, and as it is a work in progress, students were given the valuable opportunity to participate in a Q&A session to help the company refine their work. Our students provided informed feedback and demonstrated outstanding engagement and application of learning, making the experience both inspiring and educational.

Backstage tour of Her Majesty’s Theatre

On Monday, Year 10 and Year 11 students in the Industry Connections School Musical class had the exciting opportunity to go on a backstage tour of Her Majesty’s Theatre. This experience deepened their understanding of how a professional theatre operates and introduced them to the wide range of roles within the entertainment industry.

Students were fascinated to learn about the theatre’s rich history and how its 2020 redevelopment improved facilities, accessibility, and audience capacity. A standout moment was stepping onto the stage and looking up at the stunning 1,467-seat auditorium, gaining a true sense of the theatre’s scale and grandeur. This engaging and insightful tour has inspired many students to explore potential careers in the entertainment industry.

2025 Arts and Music dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 1 2025)

Marcellin Campus (Term 1 2025)

Click here to view the full College calendar of events.

Sports News

This week marks a special occasion in the sporting community as we embrace Blue Round – an initiative featuring a strong emphasis on mental health awareness within our schools and community.

Our teams will come together in a variety of sporting fixtures to play, compete, and do their best. More importantly, students and spectators are encouraged to take the time to check in with teammates, classmates, family, and friends. Blue Round is not about being the best player in a team; it’s about being the best teammate you can be. It’s about encouraging and caring for friends and teammates, and going that extra mile to make everybody feel included and valued. 

Please show your support this week by donning some extra blue accessories such as ribbons, zinc or socks!

Click here to view this week’s Sports Fixtures.

Open Boys Baseball team secures spot in School Sports SA finals

Last Thursday the Open Boys Baseball team competed in the School Sport SA Baseball competition held at Adelaide Angels Baseball Club in Plympton. The team had an easy first up win 10-0 against Woodcroft, but had  a challenging second round, going down 5 – 8 against St John’s Grammar. However, the team was awarded a ‘lucky loser’ position through to the finals to be held at West Beach on Thursday 10 April. We look forward to cheering our team on in Week 11!

School Sport SA Girls T20 Cricket 

The Hearts girls’ T20 cricket team put on a spirited performance in their knockout match last week, showcasing skill, determination, and teamwork. Though they didn’t come away with the win, their effort on the field was nothing short of impressive.

Fielding first, the team started with energy and focus, applying pressure on the opposition from the very first over. The bowlers delivered disciplined spells, with some excellent line and length restricting the scoring opportunities. The fielders backed them up brilliantly and maintained intensity throughout the innings. Despite their best efforts, the opposition managed to post a challenging total.

In response, the girls showed great intent with the bat, with a fantastic opening partnership between Lucy Reddaway and Ivy Hobbs of 94 runs. The team continued to chase down runs, falling short by 25 runs.

A win may have slipped past them this time, but with players ranging from Years 7 to 12, T20 girls’ cricket will continue building momentum over the next few years.

Cycling success in School Sports SA Championships

Congratulations to Jack Sloan (Year 11), Seth Harrison (Year 10) and Eden Brown (Year 11) who cycled their way to success on Tuesday in the School Sport SA Cycling Championships at Victoria Park Racecourse. Sacred Heart finished 3rd overall with some impressive individual results listed below:

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.

2025 Sports dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 1 2025)

Marcellin Campus (Term 1 2025)

Click here to view Sports Fixtures and Results.

Click here to view the full College calendar of events.