Hearts News (Thursday 21 March 2024, Week 8 Term 1)

Celebrating diversity, inclusion and belonging with our Japanese Exchange students this Harmony Week.

To our Sacred Heart College community

I consider myself to be in a privileged position in that I get to see and celebrate so many wonderful achievements across our diverse College. This edition of Hearts News is a perfect example of this. We celebrate one of the most memorable experiences for our Year 12s in Retreat, whilst also acknowledging achievements in Teen Parliament, golf, diving, swimming, music, and activities relating to faith formation. Whilst it might not seem like it to a Year 7, time at Sacred Heart goes by very quickly – the challenge is to maximise this time by being involved in the richness offered by this community. There are certainly an abundance of opportunities to do so!

Daniel Head
Deputy Principal

Everyone belongs: Celebrating Harmony Week

Today we celebrate Harmony Day during the national week of celebration, Harmony Week, that recognises the vast diversity of cultures and backgrounds that make up our collective Australian identity. With key focuses on inclusivity, respect and creating a sense of belonging for everyone, Harmony Week resonates closely with our Marist characteristic of Family Spirit.

In preparation for Harmony Week, Year 10, 11 and 12 students from our social justice group MSol (Marist Solidarity) gathered together to collaboratively establish some school-based initiatives to celebrate Harmony Week as a community. One of the activities was a photo competition, which challenged students to submit a photo they had taken that revealed harmony and diversity in their everyday lives. From the 24 outstanding images submitted, Abi Hunt’s photograph taken whilst on her Immersions experience in the Philippines last year was voted by students and staff as the image that best demonstrated harmony and diversity. Congratulations Abi!

This afternoon during lunch, students at Marcellin were also invited to celebrate Harmony Week by making paper origami creations to experience and appreciate this traditional Japanese practice. In light of the current Japanese student exchange, this Harmony Day activity was especially timely, and was enjoyed by all.

Tomorrow, Champagnat Campus will hold an assembly to acknowledge Harmony Week, along with a photo competition.

Farewell to our Japanese Exchange students

This week we welcomed 12 students and two staff from our partnership school in Japan, Okayama Sozan High School. This exchange program has been running since 2012, with this being the first exchange since we paused the program due to Covid in 2020.

Participating in the exchange program is critical in helping Sacred Heart College and Okayama Sozan High School students appreciate diversity and establish a more inclusive multicultural society. It also promotes global perspectives and students to become responsible global citizens. The exchange program helps students improve communication skills, including active listening, questioning, and clarifying. Students recognise and overcome language barriers, understand non-verbal cues, and navigate cultural differences in communication styles.

The Japanese students have enjoyed spending time with their host families visiting wildlife parks and local beaches, while also enjoying a range of activities at the College, including an AFL lesson, a workshop with an Australian artist, and traditional weaving practices and dot painting in the Nunga Room. Students also made a “Great Aussie Sausage Roll” with our wonderful Home Economics staff, and have learnt some introductory phrases with our Italian Language students.

Yesterday, Champagnat Campus had the privilege of hosting the Japanese students and teachers. After greeting Mr Dighton, some Year 7 students got to meet and introduce themselves to the Sozan students in Japanese, something they have been working on in class. Then it was the Year 8’s turn to get to spend time with the Sozan students, forming small groups and taking the group on a tour of Champagnat Campus. The Year 9 Japanese class then spent time chatting, playing games of Uno, trying lamingtons and making cheese and vegemite scrolls with the Sozan students.

The day finished with a Year 8 class talking about Harmony Day and how we can all play a part in appreciating everyone for who they are and understanding different cultures and ways of life. During this lesson we learnt a new word, “Chouwa”, which means “harmony” in Japanese. The three different elements of kanji that make up Chouwa are ‘speak’ ‘peace’ and ‘surroundings’. Understanding a different language can help us deepen our comprehension of our first language.

Today we farewelled our visitors with a special lunch with our Indigenous students at Marcellin Campus, celebrating an appreciation for the different cultures for Harmony Day . The students and staff will return to Japan tomorrow.

We are extremely grateful to the generosity of the host families that opened up their homes and hearts for the Japanese Exchange students this week. We sincerely thank you. Thank you also to the staff and students who played a role in ensuring our visitors were able to experience the Hearts Community and all it has to offer.

Year 12 Retreat

The annual Year 12 Retreats took place during Week 6 and as always, were a great opportunity for our Year 12 cohort to form stronger connections by spending time together away from the classroom. Held in five locations across the state, each retreat showcased abundant levels of Family Spirit and Presence, and the cohort have certainly returned to school a much closer community.

A big thank you to the staff and volunteers who guided our Year 12s through their retreat. And a huge thank you to all Year 12s for engaging in the program with such enthusiasm and selflessness.

We look forward to our Year 12 Retreat Day 4 on Tuesday 14 May, another special opportunity to reconnect and reflect on more of the key moments and people that continue to share who we are.

Opening and Blessing of the new St Joseph’s Centre

Last Tuesday (12 March) the St Joseph’s Centre, located at Champagnat Campus, was officially opened and blessed by Archbishop Patrick O’Regan. Special guests, including, Darren McGregor, Regional Director (VIC, SA, WA) of Marist Schools Australia, and Jim Whiting, old scholar and Executive Chair of BADGE Constructions, also delivered official addresses alongside our Principal, Daniel Lynch.

Comprising eight learning spaces named Hearts Village, the facility is complemented by a spacious covered outdoor area. The Marist Hall, serving as the new gymnasium, boasts retractable seating for 374 people and accommodates over 1000 students and staff. Featuring a remarkable 7m x 4m LED screen equipped with the latest audio-visual technology, the Marist Hall will be used for a variety of gatherings.

An important part of our College’s history is that our current Champagnat Campus started as “St Joseph’s College” in 1967. Therefore, the College chose to name this new complex the St Joseph’s Centre in homage to the origins of Marist education in Mitchell Park and more significantly, to the earthly father of Jesus.

During his homily, Archbishop O’Regan referred to St Joseph as ‘the dreamer,’ acknowledging how God revealed himself to Joseph through a series of dreams in the Bible. The Archbishop then blessed the new complex, praying that it would inspire all who are educated within its walls to pursue their dreams.

Meet our 2024 Student Leaders – Year 9 Mission Leader and Year 12 Misison Captain

Each week, two of our 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 our 2024 Year 9 Mission Leader, Lavanya Suri, and Year 12 Mission Captain, Ella Davies.

Lavanya Suri
2024 Year 9 Mission Leader

Ella Davies
2024 Year 12 Mission Captain

Lavanya Suri, 2024 Year 9 Mission Leader

What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership means to carry out acts of service for those you represent and to ensure that you are a voice for a change that they are willing to see. As leaders we must show by example and be the change that we want to see.

What does being a Marist Leader mean to you?
To be a Marist Leader means to help students to have faith in one another and in themselves. This is essential as in a school we are in a family and we should follow these morals that have been set out together as one.

What Marist characteristic do you resonate with the most and why?
I feel simplicity is the Marist characteristic that resonates with me most. In my words simplicity means to be exactly who you are and be confident in yourself as this is a supportive and embracing community which accept all for who they are.

What do you hope to achieve as a Leader this year?
To increase awareness for important causes such as breast cancer and other causes such as climate change and waste issues.

A teacher that I admire at SHC is:
Mr Rowland because he is so spirited and knows how to make others smile. He is so funny and it is a privilege to talk and hang around someone so smart and fun.

The best thing about attending SHC is:
The various and plentiful opportunities available.

Three words that describe my personality are:
Hardworking, genuine and trustworthy.

My favourite song is:
‘Party in the USA’ by Miley Cyrus.

My favourite book is:
‘As long as our lemon tree grows’ by Zoufla Katoah.

Someone I admire is:
My mum because of how strong and hardworking she is, and she strives to make the best lives for me and my sister.

In my spare time, I like to:
Play basketball with my sister.

My greatest sporting moment:
Was winning the MVP Award in Basketball last season.

What is your most prized possession?
My family.

What is on your bucket list?
To go on a six month holiday all around the world.

What skill would you most like to learn?
I really want to learn how to play soccer.

If you were a superhero, who would you be?
I would be wonderwoman so I could help others and keep my loved ones safe.
Ella Davies, 2024 Year 12 Mission Captain

What does leadership mean to you?
Making a positive difference, whether that be within the local community or our school community, and encouraging and leading others to do the same. It’s about making the change that you and others want to see.

What does being a Marist Leader mean to you?
Being Marist specifically is all about living out the Marist Characteristics (Love of Learning, Family Spirit, In the Way of Mary, Simplicity, Presence), and so being a Marist Leader is rolemodelling these characteristics for others and encouraging others to live the characterisics aswell.

What Marist characteristic do you resonate with the most and why?
I resonate most with Presence. I think it’s important to always be actively listening and hearing others, and always making the time to be present in conversation aswell as events and showing support.

What do you hope to achieve as a Leader this year?
I hope to achieve a school team for the Adelaide Plunge, an event raising money for Puddle Jumpers where people abseil off the Intercontinental building. I’d also like to see an increased involvement in MSol and Gamechangers, along with general social justice initiatives across the school year. I also hope to work closely with Jack and Mr Fernandez to support any other opportunities and events that come up across the year.

A teacher that I admire at SHC is:
Ms Sampson. She has the biggest heart, cares for her students deeply and radiates such positivity and engagement in the classroom. She is so caring, and I hope to be as passionate as her in my future career.

The best thing about attending SHC is:
All the opportunities. For me, I really enjoyed participating in both the 2021 and 2023 School Musicals, the Immersion program in 2023 and MSol and Gamechangers groups. SHC has helped me explore my passions and I’m really grateful for that.

Three words that describe my personality are:
Fun, dedicated and loving.

My favourite book is:
Currently, the ‘A good girl’s guide to murder’ series!

Someone I admire is:
Melanie Tate, the CEO of Puddle Jumpers. She has made such an impact on children, families and the world and I aspire to be like her; a change maker.

On the weekend you will find me:
Soaking up the sun, reading books and playing with my bordercollie x kelpie, Zoe!

In my spare time, I like to:
Get creative; I enjoy scrapbooking and embriodery, aswell as reading and getting outdoors

What is your most prized possession?
My most prized possessions would be all the things I collected from my travels in the Philippines on the Immersions trips – gifts, bracelets, photos and countless memories. Also the scrapbook I made of my trip!

If you were a superhero, who would you be?
Spiderman, because he’s pretty cool and makes lots of sacrificies to help others.

Game Changers

Our Marist Game Changers program is off to an excellent start following our first Connect Night last Wednesday involving Year 11 and 12 students across both Sacred Heart College Marcellin Campus and Cardijn College. Game Changers is a school youth ministry program run nationally in Marist schools around Australia, offering students the opportunity to engage in community service and creative faith formation, whilst enriching their understanding of Marist leadership.

At our Connect Night last Wednesday, students explored the 2024 Marist theme of ‘First Light’ alongside their Marist peers from Cardijn College. A variety of collaborative and reflective workshop activities encouraged students to recognise God’s spirit in the beauty of the world around us, particularly in nature and in one another. Students especially enjoyed the opportunity to take photos around the school where they felt that God’s spirit was revealed. This resulted in many images of the wonderful gardens and fig trees on campus.

Looking ahead at our Game Changers program for 2024, students can look forward to many exciting opportunities including Retreat Days, community outreach events and a Leadership Camp for Year 10 students, held in Victoria. It is excellent to see so much engagement in Mission life at Sacred Heart College with more than 60 students taking part in Game Changers across both campuses.

Teen Parliament success!

A huge congratulations to Year 11 student, Alex Johnson, who was awarded a $10,000 scholarship towards his future education in The Advertiser’s 2024 Teen Parliament!

Last Friday (8 March), Alex, along with two fellow Sacred Heart students, Archie Haywood (Year 12) and Sarcha Taylor (Year 12) were selected as part of 30 students in the State to bring an important matter forward in Parliament.

Alex represented the College with distinction, speaking on his big idea to improve South Australia by establishing a theme park to attract more tourism and economic activity to our state.

Archie spoke about facilitating more media access to the courts to improve transparency and democracy. Congratulations to Archie on exhibiting courageous learner characteristics!

Sarcha addressed the need for better recognition of “8 WAYS”, the framework illustrating the eight Aboriginal ways of learning, which honor Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices as a means of respecting heritage and history, and also better addressing inclusivity among students.

We congratulate Alex, Archie and Sarcha on being part of the Teen Parliament experience and for being a voice on important issues facing SA’s future

Arts News

Performing Arts at Marcellin

Stage 1 and 2 Performing Arts students at Marcellin have been thrilled to participate in numerous enriching experiences this term. From excursions viewing a range of live performances, to workshops with creative practitioners, students have been actively involved in South Australia’s thriving arts community.

As Mad March took full flight, the Arts Department embraced every opportunity to engage with the Adelaide Festival with students attending a wide range of Drama and Dance performances. Stage 2 Drama students visited Scott Theatre and saw State Theatre Company’s production of ‘Blue‘ which challenged them to consider the concepts of loss and grief and the ways in which the beautiful healing qualities of the ocean can bring comfort and healing. Following this performance, the Stage 1 and Stage 2 Drama classes became ‘workers of Persephone’ attending the stunning and immersive performance, ‘The Tree of Light‘ by Slingsby Theatre Company. The Stage 2 Drama class had been involved with the Critical Appraisal process of this production and had also voiced some of the recorded scenes, so this performance was particularly relevant and engaging for them.

Next was the incredibly experimental and innovative production, ‘Grand Theft Theatre‘ which presented students with fast-paced, lo-fi storytelling, providing them with insight to how little is needed to create outstanding and engaging theatre. Finally, Stage 1 Dance and Stage 1 and 2 Drama students attended Akram Khan’s sophisticated and grand stage production of ‘Jungle Book Reimagined‘, an incredible performance utilising projection, dance and physical theatre to explore topical issues such as the refugee crisis, global warming and the resilience of the human spirit. As busy as the past few weeks have been for our Dance and Drama students, it goes without saying that this type of exposure to professional theatre is invaluable.

Stage 1 and 2 Drama production

Stage 1 and 2 Drama students have also been working collaboratively in preparation for their group performances, which are a major part of SACE Drama. The first of these performances will be the Stage 1 Drama Performance, ‘A Window for Murder’ by Nathan Coey, which will be staged in the Brother Stephen Debourg Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday 9 April at 7pm. Tickets for this performance are now available and can be booked here.

Music News

Music for the opening of the St Joseph’s Centre

On Tuesday 12 March, the St Joseph’s Centre was officially opened and blessed by Archbishop Patrick O’Regan. The Champagnat and Marcellin Liturgy Ensembles joined together to perform during the official opening, demonstrating excellent collaboration and family spirit between campuses; each working together performing music to lift the spirits of all who attended. Well done to all students involved!

Year 7 Music Performance Band Program

This term our Year 7 Music Performance classes have been hard at work learning a brand new instrument. Students have been given their own Woodwind/Brass instrument to learn in class and to take home to practice. Students have learnt how to set up/pack up their instrument, basic technique and enough notes to start playing songs together! In class, students have small group lessons which our Woodwind/Brass tutor, Vanessa Saba, has been assisting with, as well as class band. If you want to catch a glimpse at how far our students have come, they will be performing at our Arts Night in Term 2.

2024 Arts and Music dates and events

Marcellin Campus (Term 1 2024)

Week 11

Tuesday 9 April – Stage 1 Drama Performance, ‘A Window For Murder‘ by Nathan Coey in the Br Stephen Debourg Performing Arts Centre, 7pm

Click here to view the full College calendar of events.

Sports News

Catholic Co-Ed Athletics Carnival

The annual Catholic Co-Ed Athletics Carnival, held at the SA Athletics Stadium on Tuesday 19 March, was a great opportunity for our students to showcase their athleticism and sportsmanship. Sacred Heart College proudly boasted more than 40 students from Champagnat and Marcellin Campuses competing in a variety of track and field events throughout the day.

The day concluded with success for the College, with commendable achievements across various age categories as seen below. Congratulations to all students who participated and proudly represented Sacred Heart!

SHC Division A Results:

U13 – 1st

U14 – 2nd

U15 – 1st

U16 – 4th

OPEN – 4th

Welcoming some new (familiar!) faces to Hearts sport

This year, Sacred Heart College welcomes some of sport’s best to the coaching realm, each who brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and skill, which will no doubt be a huge asset to the incredible young talent we have coming through both Champagnat and Marcellin Campuses.

Zak Butters, First XVIII and Second XVIII Football Coaching Assistant and Port Adelaide Football Club Vice Captain
Zak will be joining Sacred Heart College for the 2024 football season, working with our 1st XVIII and 2nd XVIII Football teams whilst undertaking his Level 2 Coaching Accreditation. Zak joined Port Adelaide in 2018 and has had an impressive start to his AFL career, kicking two goals in his debut game against Melbourne in the opening round of the 2019 season. A superb season in 2023 saw Zak earn a maiden All-Australian selection, as well as win the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award with 109 votes.

Isabel Hodgson, Senior Girls First XI Soccer Coach and Adelaide United Women’s A-League Captain
Isabel is currently serving as Captain for the A-League Women’s powerhouse, Adelaide United. Her journey with the Reds began during the 2013/14 season, and since then, she has become an integral part of the team. Beyond her accomplishments on the field, Isabel embodies the qualities of leadership, determination, and sportsmanship that we strive to instill in our athletes.

Mark Milligan, Senior Boys First XI Soccer Head Coach and Head Assistant Coach at Adelaide United
Mark made 80 appearances for the Socceroos, went to four FIFA World Cups, won the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, and later captained his country in a career worth more than two decades. As a versatile midfielder and defender, Mark played for an array of A-League teams, before heading overseas to China and Japan. Mark finished his international club career with Hibernian in Scotland and Southend United in England, before playing a final season as inaugural Captain of Macarthur. Mark is also currently the Head Assistant Coach at Adelaide United.

School Sport SA Individual Golf Championships

On Monday 4 March, 11 Sacred Heart students represented the College at the 2024 School Sport SA Individual Golf Championships. It was a fantastic day to see our students in action at the Vines Golf Club, Reynella.

A special congratulations to the following students who stood up on the podium in the top 3 of their division at the conclusion of the day. These students will now progress on to the School Sport SA State Finals day being held on Wednesday 8 May. Well done to all students who were involved!

A Grade
1st Place – Blake Wilby (Year 12)
3rd Place – Malachy Marshall (Year 10)

B Grade
1st Place – Aidan Fitzgerald (Year 10)
2nd Place – Campbell Hossack (Year 12)

SAAS Weekly Swimming Competition Finals

After finishing 7th at the end of the weekly swimming competition, the SHC swim team yesterday competed in the Finals Round held at St Peters, coming away in 5th place overall! Competition was strong against the big swimming schools, with our mix of older swimmers and younger swimmers working together in true family spirit. The shouting of the phrase ‘Bleed Blue’ echoed through the building, highlighting the comradery, and officials complimented the team for their behaviour and sportsmanship. A special thanks to swim coaches Fletcher Luscombe, Clancy Luscombe and Ryan Clifford for their efforts every week!

Student Sporting Achievements

Ava Moore (Year 8)	Recently competed in the School Sport SA Diving Championships and received 2 x 2nd places in the 13 years springboard and synchronised events.
Alexis Thiele (Year 8)	Recently won the U15 Girls 3000m walk event at the State Athletics Championships and will represent SA at the Australian Athletics Championships in April.
Matilda Buchanan (Year 9)	Recently won the U15 Girls 200m sprint event and placed 2nd in the U15 Girls 100m sprint event at the State Athletics Championships. Matilda will represent SA at the Australian Athletics Championships in April.
Eira Dalzell (Year 10)	Will compete at the 2024 Australian National Waterski Championships in Mulwala, NSW, from 28 March – 1 April. Good luck Eira!
Matthew Clifford (Year 12) and Hunter Laird-Britton (Year 12)	Qualified for the Australian Olympic Swimming Trials to be held in Brisbane in June during the 2024 Swimming SA State Age Championships.

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

2024 Sports dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 1 2024)

Week 8	Thursday 21 March – Boys Intercol Cricket at Rostrevor College
Week 9	Tuesday 26 March – Year 7 Boys Football Trials Wednesday 27 March – Year 9 Boys Football Trials and Year 7 Boys Soccer Trials Thursday 28 March – Year 8 Boys Football Trials and Year 8/9 Boys Soccer Trials
Week 10	Tuesday 2 April – Interschool Chess Championships Tuesday 2 April – Year 7 Boys Football Trials Tuesday 2 April – Boys Basketball Trials (Saturday morning SAAS competition only) Wednesday 3 April – Year 9 Boys Football Trials Thursday 4 April – Year 8 Boys Football Trials