Hearts News – Thursday 6 June 2024 (Week 6 Term 2)

Today marks the Feast Day of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, Founder of the Marist Brothers. St Marcellin died on June 6 1840, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that was to continue through his followers, the Marist Brothers.

To our Sacred Heart College community

Today is the feast of St Marcellin Champagnat. We are now a few generations into knowing Marcellin as “Saint” Marcellin, but those old Collegians in our community who are my age or older will remember the great excitement in 1999 when Fr Marcellin was canonised “Saint”. Now, 25 years later, the whole Marist institute has continued to grow and we, collectively, as an entire community, continue to be the beneficiaries of his vision and legacy. 

St Marcellin’s vision of education and commitment to service continues to inspire us to nurture communities where faith, love, and learning flourish. St Marcellin’s life was a testament to the transformative power of simple acts of kindness and unwavering faith. His dedication to the least favoured, and his innovative approach to education, have laid a foundation that has stood the test of time, guiding our mission and values.

In our Feast Masses today and tomorrow, our students will  be reminded of St Marcellin’s vision for each of them, to be “Good Christians and Good Citizens” as encouraged by our Marist theme scripture: “you are the light of the world, let your light shine” (Mt 5:14-16). This is captured beautifully in this letter from the National Director of Marist Schools Australia and the CEO of Marist Solidarity. They will also be challenged to emulate St Marcellin’s simple acts of kindness and, in so doing, continue to make our Marist community one which the founder would be proud of.

Daniel Head
Deputy Principal

Celebrating the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat & commissioning of our 2024 Immersion team

St Marcellin Champagnat believed strongly in the importance of young people having the opportunity to learn, no matter their situation, and thus started schools in country areas of France more than 200 years ago. His major focus was providing an education for children and young people living on the margins of society.

In celebration of St Marcellin’s Feast Day and being a Marist school built on St Marcellin’s vision, each campus will celebrate the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat this week with a whole-campus Mass. Marcellin Campus celebrated their Feast Day this afternoon in a touching celebration of our founder, St Marcellin. Champagnat Campus will celebrate with a whole-campus Mass tomorrow.

Following Mass at Marcellin, the community was introduced to the 28 Year 11 students who will represent Sacred Heart College on the Immersion trips to Fiji or the Philippines in November/December this year. These students were chosen following a rigorous selection process and they follow in the footsteps of many others before them – the first Immersion team of five students and two adults travelled to India on Boxing Day of 1995. The students will be accompanied by six Sacred Heart College staff members.

Find out more about St Marcellin Champagnat here.

‘Now more than ever’ – Reconciliation Week 2024

Across the past week, we, as a whole school community, have commemorated National Reconcilation Week (NRW), which came to a close on Monday 3 June. Last Thursday (30 May), Marcellin Campus came together to commemorate the week in a Reconciliation Week Assembly, led by our Aboriginal Program leaders who introduced the 2024 theme, “Now More than Ever.” The theme is a reminder to all of us, that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will – and must – continue.

The event began with Mr John Lochowiak, a Pitjantjatjara and Kaurna man, and Chairperson of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council, led the College in a smoking ceremony and welcome to country. We were also extremely fortunate to have Dusty Feet Mob, an Aboriginal dance group from Port Augusta, present an extremely emotive performance piece.

We also thank Crystal Edwards, Year 12 Aboriginal Program Captain, for her courage in sharing her reflections on this year’s NRW theme. 

The Champagnat Campus Reconciliation Assembly echoed the power and messaging of Marcellin Campus, and was a beautiful opportunity for the senior students to be visible at Champagnat and stand side by side with the younger students in the program. 

During Reconciliation Week, the Aboriginal Program students engaged in a series of cultural activities highlighted by a cook-up, vibrant drumming circles and a visit from old scholar and young Indigenous entrepreneur, Courtney Summers. This week was a wonderful opportunity for students from different campuses to spend quality time together, further strengthening the bonds within the program.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Music Teachers, Bec Page and Samara Churchett, who organised two stunning musical performances, including “Black fella, White fella” by the Warumpi Band, and “Down Under (Under one Sun)” by King Stingray, making the week truly unforgettable.

IYLP Reconciliation Week Competition winner

Congratualtions to Year 12 student and Aboriginal Program Leader, Crystal Edwards (pictured centre above), who was one of three Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) Scholarship winners run by the Smith Family.

The IYLP Scholarship recipients were invited to participate in The Smith Family competition, where they reflected on their interpretation of this year’s Reconciliation theme, “Now More Than Ever.” Among the many inspiring entries, Crystal was named one of the three winners from a pool of 120 students from 23 schools across Australia.

Crystal’s poignant reflection captured the essence of the theme, calling people to, “remember and respect the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Australians, and to channel that awareness into meaningful actions today… and that our actions today are crucial in shaping a better future.”

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

Each week, 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 Sports Leader, Joel Wigzell and our 2024 Year 12 Sports Captain, Millie Curkpatrick.

Across the generations with Year 9 Rite Journey

It was quite literally “on for young and old” at Champagnat Campus on Wednesday as Mr Nick Vasic’s Year 9 Rite Journey class participated in a Games Day afternoon. Throughout the term, the boys have corresponded with an older friend as part of an intergenerational program in partnership with Meals on Wheels.

Having shared hobbies, interests and advice for overcoming challenges, the Games Day was the first meeting in person between the students and their older pen pals. There was everything from virtual reality to marbles to Mario Kart with both groups engaging in a wholesome sharing of youthful enthusiasm and elderly wisdom. Correspondence will continue for the remainder of the term before a final lunch in Week 8. 

Year 7 and 8 Game Changers Retreat Day – Le Rosey

With the aim of connecting with their wider Marist community, our Year 7 and 8 Game Changers gathered together at the Mitchell Park Sports Centre on 31 May for their Retreat Day.

The Retreat Day involved students being led through activities to develop their verbal and non-verbal leadership skills. There were also points of reflection for students to consider their strengths and values in leadership and how they can apply this to their everyday life. They also looked at trust and people in their life that they can trust. 

When asked for a highlight from the day, students responded with the following:

“A highlight was collaborating with others (including) new people, getting to hear each other’s views and learning with different people I don’t normally work with.”

“I will take away the joy that I have to attend events like this.”

“The highlight of my day was being able to meet all the mentors and the other members in Game Changers.”

“I have the knowledge to achieve my dreams.”

We thank Game Changers mentors, Gabby and Gracie, for their presence and contributions on the day.

Marist Mission in action – providing meals for the Homeless

As part of our Marist Youth Ministry program, 30 young adults gathered at Sacred Heart’s St Paul’s Cooking Centre near Marcellin Campus to cook up some meals in a soup kitchen for Marist Youth Ministry on Friday 24 May. 

The participants included Sacred Heart Old Collegians, Marist Youth Ministry young adults and students at Aquinas College (Marist associated tertiary boarding school for university students). The group made 30 litres of minestrone soup and 132 muffins that were donated to St Vincent De Paul for their Fred’s Van program. The meals fed more than 60 people on Saturday night in the CBD and apparently the muffins were a hit!

2024 Immersion team camp

The 2024 Immersion teams recently participated in a two-day formation camp. Held at Nunyara Conference Centre in Belair, the students and staff spent time getting to know each other better, learning about the culture and customs of Fiji and the Philippines, and started preparing for their time in schools whilst away. There is now a wonderful sense of community among our Immersion teams, who are committed to fully embracing every aspect of the preparation phase, as they prepare to depart in late November.

Year 9s film on location at Marcellin Campus

Today, our Year 9 Media Art students had an exciting opportunity to film on location at Marcellin Campus. A highlight of the day was filming in the “spooky cellar” under Paringa Hall, which perfectly complemented their study of Alfred Hitchcock’s suspenseful techniques. The students were enthusiastic and eager to apply what they’ve learned about cinematic styles, including those of Wes Anderson.

This hands-on project not only enhances their understanding of film, but also equips them with essential life skills such as teamwork, creativity, and technical proficiency. Filming at Marcellin is also an excellent way for them to become familiar with the senior years campus, preparing them for a smooth transition to Year 10 next year.

Olympics Unleashed at Champagnat

Last Wednesday (29 May), Year 9 students at Champagnat were treated to a visit by Beach Volleyball athlete and Olympian, Solly Bushby. Solly spoke about his Olympic journey and gave some insight to students on how to build resilience, the importance of setting goals and how to find what you are passionate about. He spoke about how some lessons learned in sport can help students to be the best they can be – whether that’s in school, at home, on the sporting field or with friends.

Olympics Unleashed is a program that connects athletes with schools across the country to inspire students to find and follow their passion and provide lessons in goal setting, overcoming challenges and developing resilience.

We thank Solly for taking the time to visit our Hearts community and inspire our students.

Backflips Against Bullying

Year 8 students recently enjoyed a high energy presentation about the importance of positive relationships and the negative effects of bullying behaviour. ‘Backflips Against Bullying’ was a highly engaging and interactive show with very important messages about physical, social and emotional safety in person and in the online world. 

Backflips Against Bullying compliments our Pastoral Care Program’s ongoing work exploring respectful relationships and provided a thought provoking and entertaining presentation. 

Arts News

Senior Dance Night

What a spectacular night! Congratulations to our senior students for such a wonderful display of talent, skills, creativity and talent! A professional show from start to finish, the night was filled with dazzling class dances, purposeful student compositions and impressively edited dance films.

An incredible night for all those in attendance! We’re looking forward to the next one already!

Year 8 and 9 Dancers inspired by senior dancers

Last Thursday (30 May) Year 8 and 9 dance students had the incredible opportunity to watch the Senior Dance students light up the stage with five spectacular performances. They were dazzled by a range of styles, from contemporary and hip hop, to street jazz and cabaret. This inspiring showcase highlighted the exciting pathways available at Marcellin Campus for those who continue with Dance, sparking enthusiasm for their own upcoming ’90s Night Arts Showcase on Wednesday, 19 June.

Some feedback from the students included the following:

“This dance motivated me to practice and continue dancing in my senior years as it would be a lot of fun. The dance showed lots of contemporary movements that I can include in my own dance routines.”  – Lacey C, Year 8.

“I am a dancer and I want to continue with Dance in Year 10 and beyond, so getting to see what I could be doing was really great. I thought the dances were very good, especially the lyrical ones. The energy was good and the moves were sharp. All of [the dancers] worked together really well; the choreography was amazing and I can’t wait to do something like that in Year 10.” – Ava M, Year 8.

Music News

Year 10 and 11 Solo Performance Soiree

On Wednesday 29 May our Year 10 and 11 Music General and VET students took to the stage to perform their solo performances for their family and friends. There was a good variety of musical ability displayed from drum solos, guitar solos and vocal solos.

The night was filled with high quality music and raised the standard of curricular music program to a high level. All the students should be proud of their performances and are highly commended for demonstrating courage performing in front of an audience. Well done to everyone who was involved!

2024 Arts and Music dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 2 2024)

Marcellin Campus (Term 2 2024)

No upcoming Marcellin Arts or Music events for weeks 6-8.

Click here to view the full College calendar of events.

Sports News

Winter sports season

With the Winter sports season now well underway, both campuses have been a hive of activity, particularly on a Saturday mornings, as our Heart’s teams showcase their commitment and team spirit. 

We once again have a large number of teams competing in weekly competitions across numerous sports and it is exciting to see so many competitive results thus far. All fixtures and sports results are made available on our College website here.      

Knockout sports are also in full swing across the campuses with some teams already progressing through to second or final rounds. We wish all our students competing in these competitions all the best over the coming weeks – Go Hearts! 

CEA Knockout Sports (Champagnat and Marcellin)

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

• Year 7/8 Boys Knockout Basketball – SHC (37) def by Brighton Secondary (66)
• Year 9/10 Boys Knockout Football – SHC (5.8.38) def Blackwood (5.6.36) / SHC (8.11.59) def Tenison Woods (1.3.9). The team will progress to Round 2 of the Knockout Championships (date to be confirmed). 
• Senior Girls Knockout Football – SHC (25.11.161) def Seaview High ( 0.0.0) / SHC (13.9.81) def SEDA  (1.1.7). The team will progress to Round 2 of the Knockout Championships (date to be confirmed).
• Year 9/10 Girls Knockout Netball – SHC (41) def by Westminster (56) / SHC (69) def Nazareth (22)
• Open Girls Knockout Netball – SHC (48) def Cabra (30) / SHC (62) def Concordia (26). The team will progress to Round 2 of the Knockout Championships (date to be confirmed).

Student Sporting Achievements

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

2024 Sports dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 2 2024)

Marcellin Campus (Term 2 2024)

Click here to view the full College calendar of events.