Hearts News – Thursday 3 April 2025 (Week 10 Term 1)

Creativity was in full swing at Sacred Heart this week as we celebrated Arts Week 2025! Read more in our Arts News below.

To our Sacred Heart College community

At Sacred Heart, we take pride in fostering a strong sense of community, inclusion, and social justice. Over the past two weeks, our students and staff have embraced these values through various meaningful events that you will read about below. From celebrating cultural diversity on Harmony Day to supporting the Leukaemia Foundation through the World’s Greatest Shave; championing teamwork and sportpersonship at the recent Champagnat’s Sports Day and connecting our Boarding community at the South East Field Days, our community continues to make a positive impact in the lives of our young people and the broader community. 

This week, our Arts community has taken centre stage as we celebrate Arts Week with a variety of activities that have inspired creativity in our students. Preparations for our 2025 College Musical, The Wizard of Oz, are also underway and I encourage all members of our community not to miss out on what is set to be a fantastic performance! Tickets are selling fast and are available here.

Daniel Lynch
Principal

World’s Greatest Shave

A number of students and staff signed up to have their hair coloured or ‘buzzed’ today for the World’s Greatest Shave, an initiative organised by the Year 12 student leadership team.

The Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave raises money and awareness for people facing blood cancer. According to current statistics, 17 Australians will lose their battle to blood cancer in the next 24 hours. The Leukaemia Foundation aims to lose zero lives to blood cancer by 2035.

Congratulations to the Year 12 student leaders for their vision, hard work and leadership in running this event. And a HUGE thank you to the many students, staff, families and members of the wider Hearts community for your support and donations over the past few days. It is very much appreciated and supports the bigger picture of supporting those in need. The donation page is still open and can be accessed here.

Fostering inclusivity, respect, and belonging during Harmony Week

Last week, Sacred Heart celebrated Harmony Day as part of Harmony Week, a national event that highlights the rich cultural diversity that shapes our shared Australian identity. Emphasising inclusivity, respect, and a strong sense of belonging, Harmony Week closely aligns with our Marist value of Family Spirit.

Harmony Day was celebrated at Champagnat Campus with an MSol fortune cookie stall. A few lucky students found a special message inside their cookie, earning them a prize. Additionally, students shared their thoughts on the significance of Harmony Day and how it is embraced at Sacred Heart College. 

At Marcellin Campus, the MSol group held a Community Artwork initiative in celebration of Harmony Day. Students and staff were invited to contribute to the artwork by using their fingerprint to decorate symbols that represented harmony, including the earth, nature and various country flags. MSol students also held an orange donut sale with all funds raised going towards the 2025 Immersions program, to support our international Marist communities. It was wonderful to see so many students demonstrating their commitment towards harmony and inclusivity by wearing a splash of orange, contributing to the artwork or buying a donut on the day.

Meet our Student Leaders – 2025 Arts Leaders

In each Hearts News, two of our 2025 Year 9 and Year 12 portfolio leaders will take part in a brief Q&A session so you can get to know them a little better. In celebration of Arts Week, we meet Year 9 Arts Leader, India Stephenson, and Year 12 Arts Captain, Keitrell Kelly.

Boarding community at SE Field Days

Members of the Hearts Boarding community attended the South East Field Days in Lucindale from 21 – 22 March, enjoying a fantastic experience and reconnecting with many familiar faces. Over the course of the two days more than 22,000 people passed through the gates, including many with close ties to the College whether as old scholars, current families, or prospective families. 

We are especially grateful to Anna McAuley (Year 12 Boarding Leader), Lucy Armfield (Year 12 Deputy Boarding Leader), Sally-Anne Hahn and Georgia Glynn who represented the College so well across the two days. A highlight for our attending staff was the opportunity to spend Friday evening with some of our South East families. This was well attended and a great chance to catch up and talk about all things boarding.

Engaging with our broader community is always a privilege, and we eagerly look forward to our visit to Mildura early in Term 2.

Gather Round Tour for Boarding and families interested in Marcellin Campus 

Next Friday, Boarding families and those interested in enrolling at Marcellin Campus are invited to join our upcoming Gather Round Tour on Friday 11 April, 9.15am. View more information in this flyer.

Please register here.

Uncle Quenten Agius inspires students at Marcellin

The College’s Aboriginal Program students were gifted with the opportunity to be addressed by Uncle Quenten Agius, a Ngadjuri and Adjahdura Narungga Elder and his grandson Rhashawn Agius last Thursday.

Quenten is a Holder of History and Teller of Life Stories who provided a fascinating insight into his experiences of growing up in 1960s/70s as an Aboriginal man in the West and North of Adelaide, Point Pearce on the Yorke Peninsula and Hamley Bridge on the northern Adelaide Plains.

He wove a rich oral tapestry about the challenges and joys of his humble beginnings after being born in a riverbed at the junction of two water courses in Hamley Bridge. He described his innate connection to his land, borne out through his birthing process.

He spoke of the opportunities and imbalances that he has met in the areas of humanity, racism, housing, education, religion, survival, crime and life on the streets, care of ancestral remains, displacement, gaining acceptance and his work across a number of Aboriginal communities.

Uncle Quenten’s presence and words, and his contributions to the media and tourism industries, as a filmmaker, tour guide and as an inaugural member of the First Nations Voice to Parliament, are a wonderful source of inspiration for the students in our care.

We thank him deeply for his ongoing contribution to our community and the mentorship he provides to our wider student body.

Year 9 students explore future pathways at Marcellin Campus

Two groups of eager and academically driven Year 9 students visited Marcellin Campus last Wednesday to explore the SACE and acceleration pathways available. During their visit, they received valuable insights into obtaining an ATAR, strategies for achieving academic success, and the benefits of earning their SACE and ATAR, along with the opportunities these provide. As part of their experience, the students also attended a senior Arts class and a Science lesson, offering them a glimpse into what Science looks like in the upper year levels.

Student Leaders explore gratitude, diversity and unity through Iftar dinner

On Monday evening, student leaders from schools around South Australia were invited to attend an Iftar Dinner, celebrating multiculturalism and community. Iftar is the name of the meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their fast during Ramadan. At the event, Year 12 Mission Captains, Jess and Fiona, and 2024 Year 11 Mission Leader and Game Changer, Ann, had the opportunity to network with other student leaders and hear from MP Zoe Bettison (Minister of Tourism and Multicultural Affairs) and members of the Islamic community who explored themes of gratitude, diversity and unity. The evening was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the importance of inclusion and empathy, particularly in multicultural and multifaith contexts.

The students involved have reflected on their experience below:

“The dinner was a great opportunity to connect and learn from others, and I thought the guest speakers were very insightful. I loved meeting leaders from different schools, and getting to experience and celebrate Iftar with so many new faces.”

“Being invited to attend the annual Iftar Dinner was truly an honour. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring together schools and leaders from across South Australia, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the rich culture of Ramadan. While it’s easy to think of Ramadan solely as a time of fasting, it carries a deeper, more powerful message. Beyond abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and fostering a sense of community by connecting individuals on a common ground which was incredible to be a part of.”

“The dinner was a wonderful experience, as it allowed us to connect with like-minded students from various schools, while being immersed in a beautiful culture that many of us had not experienced before. The dinner was a rich celebration of culture, and greatly educated us about Ramadan as we enjoyed delicious food!”

Year 12’s showcase business innovations at Expo

Last week, our Year 12 Business Innovation classes held a Designing Businesses Expo. Students presented their innovative product ideas, sharing prototypes that they had designed. It was a valuable experience in pitching a business idea, and receiving feedback from potential customers.

Year 9s embrace inclusion at Footy Fever at Minda

As part of the Rite Journey Program, Year 9 students participate in various outreach programs throughout the year and last week, Mr Harding’s class had the privilege of volunteering at Minda Footy Fever – an inclusive and engaging event that supports people with disabilities and their families while raising funds and awareness for Minda’s services.

The students enthusiastically interacted with clients, assisted in running activities, and handed out prizes. Stepping out of their comfort zones, they embraced the experience wholeheartedly, making the most of every moment. The event was filled with highlights, and all students had an incredible time.

This experience will serve as a foundation for class discussions on inclusion and respect for others. Well done to everyone involved!

Year 8s explore the world of medieval armour and warfare

Last Tuesday, our Year 8 students once again had the privilege of stepping back in time with Fire Bear, a medieval armour expert and long-time Hearts collaborator. Presenting in the Good Samaritan Centre at Champagnat Campus, Fire Bear brought history to life with his extensive knowledge of medieval warfare, weaponry, and the craftsmanship behind historical armour.

A highlight of the session was watching student volunteers suit up in authentic replicas, including chainmail like that worn by knights at the Battle of Hastings and a sturdy cuirass fit for a French knight at Agincourt. As they discovered, medieval armour may be able to deflect some weapons, others can slip or smash their way through.

With his trademark enthusiasm and wealth of experience in historical reenactments, Fire Bear’s visit was as engaging as ever. Our students left with a deeper appreciation for examining primary sources, as well as the skill, strategy, and sheer strength required of medieval warriors. 

Arts News

Champagnat celebrates creativity and community this Arts Week

This week, Champagnat Campus has been alive with colour, creativity and imagination as we celebrate Arts Week 2025! All students were invited to participate in many different workshops and projects to showcase Sacred Heart’s creativity, and to give our Music and Visual Arts program a go. 

The highlight for many students was the Year 8 music incursion with musician Adam Page on Wednesday. Adam is an improvisation artist who taught the Year 8s a little about improvisation in music and just how fun it can be! He ran multiple hands-on workshops with our CEA Music students where the musically gifted and talented students were able to try improvising music. 

Many of our bands got a chance to perform at the Champagnat Live music lunchtime concert on Tuesday. This was a good chance for the whole student body to witness the amazing Sacred Heart music program at its best, and it was great to have our rock bands play in front of an audience.

We also had many student-based activities to enjoy. These include a Homeroom Kahoot challenge with a pizza lunch prize, SACE Art showcase, Just Dance competition, and art-themed Get Lit quiz. 

This week was a celebration of teamwork and self-expression, made possible by the incredible efforts of our staff, volunteers, and student leaders – thank you all! We are excited to continue this cherished tradition, as it provides students with a fantastic platform to showcase their talents and creativity. This year was an outstanding success, with enthusiastic participation and an undeniable artistic energy filling the school. It’s clear that creativity at Sacred Heart College knows no bounds, and this week was yet another inspiring opportunity to pursue our passions and support one another in doing the same.

Behind the curtain: Bringing The Wizard of Oz to life during Arts Week

In celebration of Arts Week this week, behind the scenes, students and staff have been busy working on preparations for our musical production of  The Wizard of Oz. As intensive rehearsals continue and excitement builds for our production in May, it’s important to acknowledge the many hands working tirelessly behind the scenes. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a whole community to bring a musical to life.

Our dedicated teaching and support staff have gone above and beyond, assisting  students in both their onstage and offstage roles. Parents/caregivers and volunteers have generously given their time and talents, supporting everything from costume sewing to set construction.

One of the most thrilling additions to our show is the incredible custom-designed Toto puppet, created by renowned puppeteer Mathieu René from Créaturiste. This beautifully crafted puppet brings Dorothy’s loyal companion to life in a truly magical way, adding another layer of theatricality to our production.

With so many passionate individuals working together, The Wizard of Oz is shaping up to be a spectacular showcase of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit. We can’t wait to share this journey with you all!

Tickets available via Trybooking here.

Year 9s visit SACE Art Exhibition

Today, 45 Year 9 Visual Arts and Design students attended the 2025 SACE Art Show, which featured the works of two of our Class of 2024 graduates. The students got to experience the works of 136 students who had completed their SACE Art Visual and Design in 2024. Our students were inspired by the vast range of artworks on show, celebrating a variety of mediums. They were very excited to spot artworks by old scholars, Harry Booth (SHOC ’24) and his Healthy Habits Campaign, and Will Jaeger (SHOC ’24) who created Scaled, Fishing guide.

The students enjoyed going through the folios of the artwork on display and were amazed at the quality of art. Many students are looking forward to continuing their art journey and were inspired to work hard to deliver work of such high standard in the future. 

Photography competition acknowledges ‘Acts of Hope’

This year’s photography competition at Champagnat invited participants to capture the power of positivity through moments of kindness, resilience, and hope. From simple gestures to grand acts, the entries beautifully reflected the theme, Acts of Hope, showcasing the strength of the human spirit.

Congratulations to our winners: Molli Marshall took first place with Sunset; Ethan Christopoulos placed second with Storm; and Bailey Griggs secured third with Simplicity in Nature. A huge thank you to all who entered – your inspiring photos made this a truly difficult decision!

2025 Arts & Music dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 1 2025)

Marcellin Campus (Term 1 & 2 2025)

Sports News

Champagnat Sports Day

Last Friday, Champagnat Campus came alive with energy and excitement as students gathered for one of the most anticipated events of the school calendar – Sports Day!

Dressed in vibrant House colors and creative costumes, students showcased their school spirit while competing in a variety of events, including track and field, novelty games, House netball and volleyball, and the ever-popular tug-of-war. A special highlight of the day were the thrilling relay races, called by guest commentator, Terry McAuliffe, with the much-anticipated staff and student relay bringing the competition to an electrifying close. 

A big congratulations to Chavoin for once again claiming the Sports Day House Shield, and to Fourviere, who took home the Spirit Cup for their outstanding enthusiasm and teamwork. We also congratulate our Age Champions, named below, who earned the highest individual points across athletic events.

A huge thank you to all the staff members who worked behind the scenes to ensure the day ran smoothly, and to the parents/caregivers, family members, and friends who came along to support the students – your presence made the day even more special. Well done to everyone who participated – a fantastic display of teamwork, sportsmanship, and school pride!

Final Placings
1st – Chavoin (1702 points)
2nd – Marian (1386 points)
3rd – Fourviere (1384 points)
4th – Montagne (1362 points)
5th – Chanel (1336 points)

2025 Age Champions

2025 Marist Basketball Carnival

The 33rd Marist Basketball Carnival, held from Sunday 30 March to Thursday 3 April, was a fantastic experience for 19 Sacred Heart College students who travelled to Victoria to compete. Hosted by Marcellin College Bulleen, the event brought together Marist schools from across the country in a celebration of basketball and the incredible talent within the Marist community. Our Hearts Marist Basketball teams can look back with pride on a campaign filled with resilience, hard work, and significant progress. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams have faced fierce opponents, battled through adversity, and showcased the Marist spirit on and off the court.

The girls’ team had  an outstanding tournament, exceeding expectations and making an impressive run to the third-place match. Their journey has been marked by determination and teamwork, proving their ability to compete at a high level. With each game, they demonstrated grit and composure, overcoming challenges to secure crucial victories. Their strong performances have been a testament to their hard work and we congratulate the team finishing 4th overall. 

The boys’ team also showed resilience throughout the competition, fighting hard in every match. Their final match was tough however they came out firing from the very first whistle. Their effort and determination was commendable and they were able to finish the tournament on a high, taking one last victory and securing 13th place overall. Well done, boys on a hard fought tournament. We look forward to seeing the knowledge and experience gained from this trip displayed on court  in the years to come. 

The leadership of the senior players throughout the Carnival has been instrumental in guiding our younger athletes, fostering a culture of hard work and accountability. Their influence has been felt both on and off the court, setting the foundation for future success. Additionally, the coaching staff’s commitment to developing each player’s potential has been evident in the teams’ growth and tactical execution.

Tonight the teams will enjoy presentations. Both teams can take pride in how far they have come over the past week. The lessons learned, friendships forged, and experiences gained will serve as stepping stones for future success. Whether it was a win, a tough loss, or an inspiring performance, the Marist teams have once again demonstrated the passion and dedication that define them. Keep an eye out on our socials for photos to come!

Game results can be found here.

Sacred Heart students showcase their athletic talent

The annual Catholic Co-Ed Athletics Carnival took place at the SA Athletics Stadium on Tuesday, 25 March, providing a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their athletic talents. Sacred Heart College was well-represented, with more than 60 students from both Champagnat and Marcellin Campuses competing in a variety of track and field events throughout the day.

Despite strong competition, our athletes delivered commendable performances across multiple age categories, achieving the following results:

• U13 – 2nd place
• U14 – 6th place
• U15 – 5th place
• U16 – 5th place
• U20 – 4th place

A special congratulations goes to the students who broke records in their respective events, setting new benchmarks with their outstanding performances:

• Lincoln Wicks – U13 800m (2:28)
• Tawananyasha Muzamhindo – U13 Shot Put (11.08)
• Leo Mason – U13 Triple Jump (10.13)
• Charlotte Davies – U13 800m (2:38.55)
• Matilda Buchanan – U16 100m (12.31) & 200m (24.90)
• Matilda Buchanan, Scarlett Axon, Alex Andjelkovic, Ruby Arcadiou – U16 Female 4x100m Relay (53.05)

Congratulations to all involved on a fantastic day of competition!

Our girls excel at Catholic Girls Athletics Carnival

Sacred Heart College proudly competed in the annual Catholic Girls Athletics Carnival at the SA Athletics Stadium last Monday (24 March). With a team of 38 students from Years 7 to 12 demonstrating outstanding effort and determination, the students delivered strong performances across sprints, distance running, relays, and field events. Competing in the highly competitive A Grade division, the team secured 3rd place overall, earning 845 points.

Age Group Results:

• Under 13: 4th place
• Under 14: 4th place
• Under 15: 5th place
• Under 16: 2nd place
• Under 20: 3rd place

Congratulations to the following students who set new records in their events:

• Charlotte Davies – U15 800m (2:35.55)
• Kiara Mangos – U15 1500m (5:40.39)
• Matilda Buchanan – U16 200m (25.56)
• Maddy Humphry – U20 800m (2:29.71), U20 1500m (5:14.12) & U20 1000m Steeplechase (3:59.18)

A special mention to Brooke Hayball (Year 12), Scarlett Axon (Year 10), and Matilda Buchanan (Year 10) for qualifying for the prestigious Open 100m Championship race, featuring the top 10 fastest 100m runners of the day. Matilda delivered an incredible performance, crossing the finish line in first place!

Congratulations to all the female athletes who took part on the day. A big thank you to the staff and student helpers for their support, and to the parents/caregivers who came out to cheer and encourage the team.

Unforgettable Celtic FC Academy experience in Glasgow

Sacred Heart College recently embarked on an extraordinary trip to Glasgow, where four of its talented footballers participated in the renowned Celtic Football Club Academy Player Experience. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity saw Alfie Carmichael, Rhiannon Zovi, Elise Rake, and Ollie Perkins immerse themselves in the elite football environment of one of Europe’s most storied clubs.

Alfie Carmichael showcased his skills with the Celtic U18 squad, testing himself against some of Scotland’s finest young footballers. Rhiannon Zovi demonstrated her versatility, training with both the U16 girls and U14 boys squads. Elise Rake followed a similar path, gaining valuable experience with the U15 girls and U14 boys. Meanwhile, Ollie Perkins earned the honour of training with Celtic’s highly regarded U16 squa, an age group hailed as a generational talent pool and expected to produce multiple Scottish League 1 players in the coming years.

Throughout the trip, the four players were supported by teacher and Head of Soccer, Kurtis Harrison and Boys Sports Coordinator, Gavin Pinnington. Their guidance and mentorship played a crucial role in ensuring that each player maximised their experience in this world-class setting.

Beyond training, our Hearts were treated to an immersive journey through Celtic’s history and facilities. The team enjoyed exclusive access to all three of Celtic’s world-class training complexes – Barrowfield, Lennoxtown, and Celtic Park. They also embarked on tours of both Celtic Park and Hampden Park, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich football culture that defines Glasgow.

The experience extended beyond the training ground as the group attended two electrifying matches. They witnessed the Celtic FC Women’s First Team battle Glasgow City in a hard-fought 2-1 loss, followed by a dominant performance from the Celtic FC Men’s First Team, who triumphed over Hearts with a commanding 3-0 victory.

Each player faced the demanding challenge of training up to two to three times a day, embracing the lifestyle of a professional footballer within a world-class academy. The trip provided invaluable insights into the dedication, discipline, and commitment required at the highest level of the game. Moreover, the team forged strong connections while abroad, fostering relationships that will undoubtedly benefit their future football careers.

Sacred Heart College is immensely proud to hold the prestigious distinction of being the only Premium Partner College in the world with Celtic FC. This partnership continues to provide unparalleled opportunities for our athletes, and we eagerly anticipate the next round of Celtic FC coaches visiting our campus.

As planning begins for the next group of lucky players to experience Glasgow in 2026, we are confident that this remarkable trip has set Alfie, Rhiannon, Elise, and Ollie up for a stellar season ahead with their respective squads. The future is bright, and we look forward to seeing the continued growth of our partnership with the iconic Glasgow powerhouse, Celtic FC.

Summer Intercollegiate tradition continues with Rostrevor College

The 102nd Summer Intercollegiate round between Sacred Heart College and Rostrevor College, held from Wednesday, 26 March to Saturday, 29 March, was a great competition of respect and rivalry. Hosted by Sacred Heart College, the event featured Boys’ Cricket and for the first time, Tennis! 

On Wednesday afternoon, the 7A and 9B cricket team played their Intercol matches. The 7A team had a comfortable win with a strong batting and bowling display. The 9B team’s game went down to the last over with Sacred Heart College taking five wickets in a remarkable finish to win the match. 

Thursday saw the start of the First XI Cricket match on Sacred Heart’s Main Oval. It was a challenging start for the Hearts, as they found themselves at 10/42 before switching to bowl. Despite the early setbacks, the team rallied and fought hard on Friday, taking several crucial wickets and putting up a strong effort. However, they fell just short against Rostrevor’s dominant side, who claimed victory in the end with a final result SHC (10/42 & 10/186) def by RC (10/133 & 8/98). 

On Friday afternoon, the Second XI Cricket match took place at Brighton Road Oval. It was a closely contested match, with both teams giving it their all. Despite Sacred Heart’s  effort, Rostrevor College edged out a narrow win, securing another victory for their side.

On Saturday morning, the 9A, 8A and 7B cricket teams secured wins in their fixtures. The 9A game saw a hatrick being taken by Sacred Heart College. All matches were played in good spirit and a respectful manner. 

Saturday marked an exciting first, as the Middle and Open  Tennis teams were involved in the intercollegiate round for the very first time. It was a fantastic sight, with players showcasing their skills and competing in doubles and Singles. Congratulations to theHearts  Drive Tennis Team for taking home the very first Perpetual Trophy for Intercol Tennis. 

We would like to extend our thanks to Rostrevor College for continuing a great Intercollegiate partnership, making the 2025 Summer Intercollegiate a memorable event. We also congratulate our Intercol Medallists as detailed below. We look forward to continuing to build on this tradition and strengthening the Summer Intercol in the years to come.

Intercol Medallists

• Cricket (Marcellin):
  First XI – Connor Gregory
  Second XI – Thomas McSporran
  10A – Caleb King
  
  
• Cricket (Champagnat):
  Middle 9A – Louis O’Leary
  Middle 9B – Eamon McConnell
  Middle 8A – Levi Cook
  Middle 7A – William Landorf
  Middle 7B Blue – William Byatt

• Tennis:
  Drive Tennis – Archie Fitzgerald
  Open B Tennis – Lachlan Ellis
  Middle B3 – Austin Kelsh

Sacred Heart sailers claim 2nd place at Sailing Championship

Sacred Heart’s Sailing team finished a credible 2nd in The Metro Schools Team Sailing Championship on Sunday. Competing against 10 other schools Sacred Heart put up a brave fight over the course of nine races but just fell short and was beaten by Westminster School. The team now heads to the State Championship over the holiday break in Goolwa.

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 & 2 2025)

Marcellin Campus (Term 1 & 2 2025)

Click here to view Sports Fixtures and Results.

Click here to view the full College calendar of events.