Hearts News – Thursday 7 November 2024 (Week 4 Term 4)

Iconic live music venue, The Gov, came alive last week with 27 Hearts musicians performing for their many fans (family and friends)!

To our Sacred Heart College community

I was reminded of a quote recently by Leo Buscaglia, where he writes: “Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.” What a blessing it is to have a community of students with such incredible gifts and talents, where we have the privilege of seeing these displayed in the classroom, on the sports field, in the arts and throughout the many ways our students serve those in need. In addition to this, I am deeply grateful for the diligence, commitment and compassion that our teaching and support staff consistently show. Irrespective of their role, all staff at Sacred Heart College contribute to the betterment of our student outcomes, and for that we are truly grateful. 

In recognition of this, last Friday, we celebrated our teachers for World Teacher’s Day (October 25). This day allowed us to express our gratitude for their dedication towards educating, inspiring, and empowering our learners at Sacred Heart College. By showing our appreciation, we can foster a supportive and nurturing environment that enables teachers to continue positively influencing our student’s lives. We thank our teachers (and non-teaching staff) for the remarkable contributions they make to our students everyday.

On the topic of wonderful teachers, congratulations to one of our Japanese teachers, Keiko Sanders, who was recently awarded the 2024 Hiroshi Haga Teacher Recognition Award at the Educators SA World Teachers Day Association event. For more than 33 years, Keiko has been a dedicated leader in Japanese education in South Australia, inspiring students and building successful programs. Her passion for the language and culture has motivated countless students to pursue Japanese studies, including organising immersive trips to Japan. Through her work with the Japanese Language Teachers’ Association of SA (JLTASA), Keiko has shared her expertise with fellow educators. 

How lucky we are to have such incredible staff and students who have chosen to share their gifts with the Sacred Heart community!

Danielle Greig
Acting Deputy Principal

Celebrating our Year 12 boarders

On Thursday 24 October, we had the pleasure of formally farewelling our 2024 Year 12 boarding cohort at our annual Boarders Graduation Dinner.

Once again we were very well looked after by the wonderful staff at the Kooyonga Golf Club. The evening was a chance to reflect upon and celebrate the boarding journey of our Year 12s, but also a chance for our boarding parents to share in this significant achievement as well.

A special congratulations to the following Year 12 boarders who took out our major awards:

• Br Denis Wright Award: Jack Kelsh
• Lavalla Award: Ruby Wauchope
• Positive Contribution to Boarding Award (Boys): Lachlan Glynn
• Positive Contribution to Boarding Award (Girls): Crystal Edwards.

A big shout out to Julie Raymond, our amazing Boarding Registrar, who did the bulk of the work to ensure the night was a success. Thank you for all you do Jules! It is moments like this that shows the true family spirit that we have in the Sacred Heart Boarding Community.

The Marist Brothers: At the Heart of our College

Sacred Heart are proud to introduce ‘The Brothers’, a video homage to the Marist Brothers, past and present, who call Sacred Heart College home. 

Last term, 2024 College Captains, Piper and Tom, initiated the concept of creating a video getting to know the Marist Brothers, some of who still reside onsite at Somerton Park. They wanted to provide our Hearts Community with the opportunity to get to know each of these fine Marist servants better than we already do.

Piper and Tom spent half an hour each with Brothers Des, Pat, Greg, Bryan and visiting Brother, Michael Green, learning about their story, why they felt called to become a Marist Brother, and what they love about Sacred Heart College. What became evident about the Marist Brothers was the joy they receive in witnessing all the young people who pass through the gates of Sacred Heart College, grow and develop into hard working and successful graduates, who strive to make a difference in the world.

The Marist Brothers are at the Heart of Sacred Heart College, and we are honoured to share their story with the Hearts Community. We thank Piper and Tom for bringing the Brothers’ story to life.

Year 12 (2025) Student Leaders Camp

Our newly elected 2025 Year 12 leadership group gathered on Monday and Tuesday of this week to attend our annual Leadership Camp. The camp provided valuable time to build strong relationships and connect as a team.

Under the guidance of Br Tony and Steve Lacy from Leading Teams, the group established their vision, trademark and initiatives for the coming year. In order to become a high performing team, the program spent time discussing purpose, culture and behaviours through authentic conversations. The groups  established trademark behaviours were summarised in three words; Authentic, Approachable and Connected. The theme of “connected” will guide the groups initiatives in 2025.

Year 7 & 8 Game Changers Beach Clean Up

Last Thursday, the Year 7 and Year 8 Game Changers visited Brighton Beach to take part in a beach clean-up as part of their required ‘ministry’ hours. After the clean-up, students took some time to appreciate the surroundings and to complete a written reflection. Here are a few of their thoughts:

• “I enjoyed being able to clean the rocks from trashed items and harmful objects.”
• “I enjoyed helping the earth thrive, even if it was just a little bit.”
• “We need to look after the earth because there is only one and it is our home.”
• “It is important to care for Our Common Home, because if we don’t look after it, how will it look after us?”

Immersions Fundraiser: AFL meet-and-greet 

Last Friday, the Year 9 Game Changers, alongside Year 9 Mission Leader, Lavanya, and Champagnat Campus Captain, Archer, organised and hosted a fundraiser to support the 2024 Immersions. The event was highlighted by a special meet-and-greet with three former students who have gone on to play professional football in the AFL: Jakob Ryan (SHOC ’22, Collingwood), Bodie Ryan (SHOC ’23, Hawthorn), and Ashton Moir (SHOC ’22, Carlton).

These former Hearts generously returned to Champagnat Campus to share their experiences, answer questions from students, and sign autographs for those in attendance. We thank them for taking time out of their busy schedules to visit.

Year 11 Child Studies students bring video games to life for St Mary’s Year 1 & 2s

As part of their Group Practical task, Year 11 Child Studies students worked together to create a physical activity for Year 1 and 2 students from St Mary’s Memorial School modelled from a popular video game. The Year 11s researched the implications video gaming can have on children’s development and used problem-solving and collaboration to create an alternative activity that combats the adverse effects of gaming. 

The Year 11s brought enthusiasm and creativity, designing a range of games that promoted physical, social and cognitive development for the Year 1s and 2s involved. The Year 11s re-created Mario Kart, Angry Birds, Pac Man, Crossy Roads, Super Mario, Subway Surfers, and Snakes and Ladders! It was wonderful to see the secondary and primary students engage together in this activity, providing the opportunity for connections between the two schools. The Marist Family Spirit was alive and well during the activity! 

Year 11 Child Studies student Charlie Chisholm shared her insights on the practical, stating, “The experience of designing and executing a real-life video game was both challenging and rewarding, allowing us to creatively engage children in active play while fostering their social and cognitive development. Working with the St Mary’s students provided our class with a great chance to see how much young children enjoy active play, helping us understand the importance of encouraging less screen time in a fun and educational way”.

Many thanks to Mr Slattery’s Year 2 class and Ms Watt’s Year 1 class from St Mary’s Memorial School for joining us for this activity! 

Arts News

Year 12 Art, Photography, Design Exhibition

Last Thursday the Brother Stephen Debourg Performing Arts Centre was transformed into a vibrant gallery space, showcasing the incredible talents of our Stage 2 Art, Design, and Creative Photography students. The 2024 exhibition, titled ‘Segments’, was a celebration of creativity and hard work, with a diverse range of artworks on display. The works ranged from thought-provoking paintings and innovative design pieces to stunning photography. Each work presented a unique perspective, reflecting each student’s dedication and passion.

Special thanks go to Art teacher, Rebecca Ewer; Design and Creative Photography teacher, Sarah Melhuish, and Arts Support Officer, Catherine Roberts, for their exceptional efforts in bringing this event to life. Their commitment to supporting our students’ artistic growth and ensuring the exhibition’s success is deeply appreciated.

We are also delighted to announce the recipients of this year’s Principal’s Choice Awards:

• Neve Hayes (Art)
• Eliza Quinn (Design)
• Lexi Thomas-Lino (Photography).

Congratulations to these talented students and to all of the Stage 2 students who worked so hard to create these incredible works. Thank you to everyone who attended and celebrated our students’ achievements, making it a memorable evening for all.

Year 10/11 Drama Production

On Wednesday, 6 November, our Year 10 and 11 Drama students delivered an evening of memorable performances in the Br Stephen Debourg Performing Arts Centre that celebrated their creativity, teamwork, and dedication. The audience was treated to three impressive productions, each exploring a unique theme and style.

Stage 1 Drama students devised ‘Finding the Light‘, an ensemble performance for the Flinders University Young Theatre Makers’ Award. Using physical theatre techniques inspired by Frantic Assembly, the piece explores two teenagers’ journey through the five stages of grief after a tragic loss. The students worked collaboratively to create a powerful and evocative performance that highlighted their skills in scripting, choreography, and design.

In ‘Rule of Thumb‘, Year 10 Drama students brought to life the story of Veronica Thumb, a young girl with Asperger’s syndrome learning to embrace her unique perspective. Through physical theatre, movement, and simple staging, the ensemble portrayed Veronica’s challenges and triumphs, encouraging empathy and understanding for neurodivergent experiences. The students’ commitment to ensemble techniques and storytelling created a heartfelt and impactful piece.

Ending the night with laughter, ‘When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors‘ captured the unpredictable and hilarious nature of live theatre. The play, centered on a disastrously comedic attempt to stage The Wizard of Oz, showcased the students’ talent for farce. A minimalistic design and exaggerated performances added to the humor, celebrating the thrill – and chaos – of live performance.

Congratulations to our Drama students for their hard work and dedication, creating an evening that left a lasting impact on all who attended. Thank you also to those who came along to support our students.

Flinders University Young Theatre Makers’ Award

As part of their Creative Synthesis task, Stage 1 Drama students worked collaboratively to devise an ensemble performance piece to enter in the Flinders University Young Theatre Makers’ Award. The conditions of the competition were that the piece needed to be no longer than 15 minutes, to incorporate physical theatre techniques inspired by UK theatre company, Frantic Assembly, and to explore the theme ‘quest’. As a group the class decided to explore this theme by focusing on two teenagers’ personal quests for acceptance after the tragic loss of a loved one. 

On Friday 25 October, the Stage 1 Drama students travelled to Flinders University where they were able to explore the spaces and facilities, including the renowned Flinders Drama Centre, and to perform their competition entry which was entitled ‘Finding the Light’. Sacred Heart’s dramatic performance was exceptional, showing maturity, sophistication and outstanding ensemble work. Their entry was highly regarded by the judging panel who described their work as engaging and thoughtful, with evocative and dynamic stage images. Although the students finished in a very close second place behind Woodville High School, the feedback they received from the audience clearly indicated that their performance was highly successful and impactful. 

Well done to all the Stage 1 Drama students for their commitment, creativity and collaboration – they should be incredibly proud of what they achieved.

Year 9 Art students’creative boost at Marcellin Campus

This week, Year 9 students visited Marcellin Campus for an exciting immersion into the world of Senior Art and Media. The excursions were designed to inspire young artists by offering them a firsthand look at the Year 12 Art & Design Exhibition. As part of their Media Arts curriculum, students filmed scenes in the styles of renowned directors Wes Anderson or Alfred Hitchcock, studying their unique approaches to symmetry, color, and quirky narratives or the suspenseful montage and popular staircase scenes. Popular filming spots included Marcellin’s historic cellar and the campus’s striking architecture, giving students the perfect backdrop to explore these director’s cinematic styles.

For Visual Art and Design students, the exhibition was a powerful source of inspiration. Viewing the creativity and skill in Senior artwork motivated them as they finalise their final artworks  for their own exhibition at the upcoming Hearts Festival on Wednesday of Week 6. Engaging with high-quality art firsthand, students gained insight into the level of detail and creativity expected as they advance to Marcellin Campus next year. This experience not only connected students to the Senior Arts culture but also helped them envision their artistic journey ahead.

Music News

SHC LIVE@TheGov!

On Tuesday, 29 October, iconic Adelaide live music venue, The Gov came alive with an unforgettable night of live music, featuring 27 Hearts musicians alongside their families and friends. The performance included a variety of Marcellin CEA ensembles, such as the Guitar Ensemble, Rock Band, Jazz Band, Studio Band, Super Band, Champagnat Battle of the Bands winners, VET Music Class Ensembles, and two student-led groups, H1GH T1DE and Show & Tell.

This event gave students the chance to experience the live music industry firsthand, a key part of our VET Music program. They gained exposure to live performance logistics, from setting up the venue to collaborating with sound and lighting techs, all while engaging directly with the audience. Many students performed in multiple ensembles, showcasing their dedication and Marist values.

A true highlight of the evening was the student-led audience interaction, led by Arts Captain and MC for the evening, Andrew McKinnon. Students shared personal stories, thanked family and peers, and dedicated songs to their loved ones, making it an unforgettable experience.

Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive:

• “Cameron Moore was terrific!” – Oliver Murray, Year 11 VET Music.
• “The crowd was amazing and made me feel comfortable on stage.” – Taj Smith, Year 11 VET Music.
• “It was great showing our parents what we’ve been working on and performing with my band on such an iconic stage.” – Jonas Dixon, Year 11 VET Music, Lead Guitarist, H1GH T1DE.
• “Andrew McKinnon was an outstanding host and a funny guy!” – Myles Barnett, Year 10 VET Music.

Our VET Music (Certificate III) program allows students to develop and hone their music skills and apply them in industry aligned ways, preparing them for the challenges of working in the music industry and giving them the opportunity to connect with professionals, and is available for all young Sacred Heart instrumentalists, producers, composers, and songwriters in Years 10 and 11 with some music experience. Students interested in our school-based VET music programs can contact Sarah Benedictson (VET Coordinator) in the Marcellin VET Office, or Joel Ramirez (Head of Music at Marcellin Campus).

VET Music students record demos at TAFE SA Studios

Our Year 10 and 11 Certificate III VET Music students travelled to TAFE SA’s College of the Arts in the Adelaide CBD to venture into their recording studios to record music demos as part of their VET Training and Assessment. The two class ensembles were teamed up with a group of TAFE’s Certificate IV Music Production students, who were learning how to record and mix music. 

Students were challenged to work in an unfamiliar environment that meant they needed to adapt how they worked as a team within the space. Recording and re-recording multiple takes indeed proved frustrating, but highlighted the importance of preparation and rehearsal for professional musicians. By working collaboratively with each other and the TAFE students, they were able to overcome most issues and produce some great recordings that document their progress over the year in the VET Music Program.

“It was cool that we got to experience working in a real recording studio” – Ed Wilson, Year 11 VET Music student.

“It was interesting to see what further music study options were available at TAFE after finishing school” – Cameron Moore, Year 11 VET Music student.

Students interested in our school-based VET music programs can contact Sarah Benedictson (VET Coordinator) in the Marcellin VET Office, or Joel Ramirez (Head of Music at Marcellin Campus).

Champagnat students undertake AMEB Piano Exams

Well done to the following students who have recently completed their AMEB piano exams. These exams involve students practicing set pieces, techniques, aural and sight reading skills. They have worked closely with their piano teacher to prepare for the exams and then perform in front of adjudicators.

Congratulations to:

• Annabelle Stevens, Grade 3 Piano for Leisure – Credit
• Chloe Prettejohn , Grade 2 Piano for Leisure – Honours
• Alessia Bray, Grade 2 Piano for Leisure – Honours
• Joel Kennedy, Grade 2 Piano for Leisure – Honours
• Patrick Larsen, Grade 2 Piano for Leisure – Credit.

Participating in an AMEB piano exam provides students with clear goals that motivate them to work hard and develop a full range of musical skills, from technical abilities to aural recognition. The exam experience also builds confidence in performing, offers constructive feedback for improvement, and recognises students’ achievements with an official certificate. These benefits support students’ overall growth, teaching them discipline and the value of hard work, which contributes to their success in both music and broader life endeavors.

2024 Arts & Music dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 4 2024)

Marcellin Campus (Term 4 2024)

No upcoming events for Marcellin Campus for Term 4.

Click here to view the full College calendar of events.

Sports News

Surf’s Up at Surfing Championships

Last Friday, seven Sacred Heart College students took on the 2024 School Sport SA Team Surfing Championships at Middleton Beach. Each 50-minute heat gave teams a chance to showcase their skills as they rotated through surfers, aiming to catch two waves each to add to their team score.

While the sun was shining, the windy conditions made for a challenging competition. Our first team, competing in Heat 1, gave their best in the rough waters, finishing 4th with a score of 12.80. The second SHC team faced tough competitors in Heat 2 and finished 5th. Both teams then moved to the repechage round, where they impressed with strong performances, staying in the top two for most of the heat.

Despite their skillful surfing, our teams were just a few members short to gain bonus points for a full five-member roster, missing out on a spot in the Semi Finals. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic day on the waves, and our surfers’ efforts were commendable.

Congratulations to all involved! We’re excited to see our surfers continue to develop their skills, and we look forward to returning to the competition next year with even more determination.

Chess Schools SA Chess Championships

On Monday, 28 October, the Sacred Heart College Chess team competed in the SA Chess Championships at Tyndale Christian School at Salisbury. Due to our large numbers the team was split into a Blue and White team to compete against the secondary schools in attendance. A big congratulations to our Blue team for taking home 3rd place, with our White team competed valiantly for 6th. 

A shoutout and congratulations to Saanvi Nalla who won the best and fairest female player of the tournament on the day. Our students were proud to represent the College with respect and fair play, all whilst giving it their all. A fantastic way to wrap up what has been a big year of Chess for our 2024 College Chess Team.

VIVA SA All Schools Athletics Championships

In Week 2 (26 and 27 October) nine Sacred Heart College athletes competed at the SA Athletics Stadium in the 2024 All Schools Championship. The event provided a great opportunity to run, jump and throw in an exciting and competitive environment with no previous experience needed.

Athletes who achieved a first or second placing in their selected event/s at SA All Schools can represent Team SA at the 2024 Australian All Schools Championships to be held in Brisbane, 6 – 8 December or for the 3000m at the Zatopek Meet in Melbourne on 14 December. Well done and congratulations to the below Sacred Heart Athletes on their fantastic results:

Reminder: Champagnat CEA Summer Season photos tomorrow

Champagnat Sports and Curriculum Extension Activity (CEA) Summer Season photographs will be taken Tomorrow (Friday, 8 November). A full schedule for the day can be accessed here.

Students are asked to pay particular attention to the full uniform requirements (including shorts, socks, sneakers, etc) which are outlined in the schedule, and their personal appearance on the day. If students do not bring their required CEA uniform to school they will not be able to be included in the team photograph.

CEA Knockout Sports (Champagnat and Marcellin)

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

• Year 7/8 Girls Knockout Volleyball – SHC (1) def by Adelaide High School (3); SHC (0) def by Hallett Cove R-12 (3); Reynella East College (2) def SHC (2) (countback on points)
• Year 7/8 Boys Knockout Volleyball – SHC (1) def by Adelaide High School (2); SHC (0) def by Reynella East College (3); SHC (0) def by Hallett Cove R-12 School (3) 
• Year 7/8 Boys Knockout Cricket (Round 1) – SHC (2/82) def Cabra Dominican College (2/81)
• Year 7/8 Girls Knockout Tennis – SHC (5-35) def Aberfoyle Park High School (1-10); SHC (2-20) def by Tatachilla Lutheran College (4-31)
• Year 7/8 Boys Knockout Tennis – SHC (3-21) def by Aberfoyle Park High School (3-31); SHC (0-1) def by Tatachilla Lutheran College (6-36); SHC (0-10) def by Unley High School (6-36)
• Year 9/10 Boys Knockout Basketball – SHC (45) def Nazareth (37). The team now progresses to the Finals held on Tuesday 12 November at the State Basketball Centre. Good luck boys!

2024 Sports dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 4 2024)

Marcellin Campus (Term 4 2024)

Click here to view this term’s sports Fixtures and Results.

Click here to view the full College calendar of events.