Hearts News (Week 6 Term 3, Thursday 31 August 2023)

This week we celebrate the significant males in our lives.

To our Sacred Heart College community

We are looking forward to confirming an official opening date of our St Joseph’s Centre at Champagnat Campus. If you have been fortunate enough to see it already, I’m sure you’ll agree that it looks to be a magnificent facility. Our students certainly agree – we have had overwhelming feedback from those whose opinion matters most that they are loving having their lessons and their trainings in there.

More will come out in time about the history and origins of the name, but the fact that it’s named after Jesus’ earthly father is appropriate to mention as we approach Father’s Day. St Joseph is an often-overlooked figure in the scriptures, but for Catholics, Joseph is actually the second-greatest saint after Mary, because only she knew, loved and served Jesus more than Joseph.

So, as we approach Father’s Day, we will also remember St Joseph, after whom our Champagnat Campus was originally named, and after whom our magnificent new facility is named, to remind us of the importance of fatherly love and a relationship with Jesus.

Daniel Head
Deputy Principal

Celebrating the significant males in our lives

This morning, Champagnat Campus welcomed Sacred Heart College fathers, grandfathers and important family members to enjoy a coffee and muffin to celebrate Father’s Day. Guests were able to view the newly completed Marist Hall gym (St Joseph’s Centre) and read student reflections expressing their gratitude for St Joseph and for the father figures in their lives.

We thank all family members for joining us this morning and we wish all the significant males in our lives a very Happy Father’s Day on Sunday.

Marist Spirit in action

On Monday 21 August, Year 11 students involved in Sacred Heart’s social justice program, Marist Solidarity (MSol), volunteered their day by helping out at Treasure Boxes. 

Treasure Boxes is a non for profit charity that provides essential items to children and families experiencing hardship in our community. Our students heard from their CEO, Rikki Cooke, before spending the day helping receive, sort and package donations ready to go for these individuals. 

The students involved were able to experience and gain a deeper understanding of the work these charities do to support these social issues. We thank Treasure Boxes for allowing out students to be a part of their wonderful organisation for a day and we also thank our participating students.

Soccer students interview Adelaide United Coach, Carl Veart

Carl Veart, a well-known figure in the soccer world and Head Coach of Adelaide United, visited Marcellin Campus on Thursday, 17 August.

Carl was welcomed into the Year 11 Workplace Practices Soccer class and offered his insightful observations and first-hand knowledge of what it’s like to play professional soccer. Students got curious and as part of their assessment, asked Carl a range of questions to get further insight into his soccer journey.

Additionally, he outlined various career options in the soccer and sports industry ranging from physiotherapists and sports psychologists to sports journalists and analysts, encouraging students to think about the variety of roles the sporting sector has to offer.

We thank Carl for his time and for providing some helpful advice.

Champagnat Library celebrates Book Week and National Science Week

National Science Week (12-20 August 2023)

Students from Years 7 and 8 investigated innovations made by Australia’s first scientists via a literature study of ‘The First Scientists: Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia’s First Peoples’ by Corey Tutt, a Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Shortlisted book for 2022. The book introduces readers to scientific contributions of Indigenous scientists and engineers, both prior to, and since, European occupation. Use of Indigenous language and the inclusion of stories of Indigenous scientists provided a contemporary narrative, reinforcing authenticity and relevancy to modern life. Students worked together to unpack the origins of glue or if forensic science is possible without a crime scene investigation using a simple ‘Who, What, Where, When and Why’ guide.

National Book Week (19-25 August 2023)

Students from Years 7 and 8 explored the history behind the annual Children’s Book Council Awards which affirms the quality of some of Australia’s most creative people and provides a boost to their capacity to devote time to their craft.

Established with the first awards in 1946, the annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards aim to:
– promote quality literature for young Australians by Australians;
– support and encourage a wide range of Australian writers and illustrators of books for young people aged 0 through 18 and;
– celebrate contributions to Australian children’s literature

Though we have all heard the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, Publishers are actually very keen to ensure that the cover of their books not only captures the reader’s attention, but also conveys information to the reader about what might be discovered inside its pages. Students discovered the tools and visual techniques that are used to spark the interest of potential readers by exploring some of this year’s nominated books.

National History Challenge 2023 

Sacred Heart College students had an opportunity to enter the National History Challenge in 2023, and were challenged to explore the 2023 theme, ‘Change and Continuity’. To enter, students could either develop an individual research essay or a 3D model based on a historical topic of their choice.

Year 9 student, Jordan Khabwari submitted an exceptional entry, developing a 3D model showing the progressive change of aircraft from WW1 to current day. His model highlighted three different fighter aircraft models, the Fokker D.VII used in WW1 era, the Spitfire I used in the WW2 era and finally, the Lockheed Martin F-35, which is currently used. Jordan explored change through the improvements of  aircraft technologies due to design and modern technology advancements, with the overall concept of aircraft superiority being continuative.

It is evident that much planning and effort has gone into developing such a meticulous model and explanation to support. Fabulous work, Jordan! We wish you all the best in the competition!

World Youth Day Pilgrimage

Tara Salter, Assistant Head of Montagne House at Marcellin Campus shares her experiences of the 2023 World Youth Day Pilgrimage.

I was lucky to be one of eight teachers from Marist Schools Australia (MSA) governed schools to attend the World Youth Day Pilgrimage, led by the extraordinary Br Michael Callinan and Br Tony Leon. 

This began with the five day International Gathering of Marist Youth at the Colegio Marista de Carcavelos, Portugal, where 250 passionate young Marists from around the world explored the theme, “Into the Deep”, closely examining our own Marist faith and forging connections with others from the four  branches of the Marist family. It was phenomenal to hear the wealth of knowledge from the Superior Generals of each branch, including the Superior General of the Marist Brothers, Brother Ernesto as well as experience the vivacious spirit of so many young Marists. 

There was time for prayer, reflection and celebration – including a Portuguese festival and a ‘Marist Got Talent’! Similar to Year 12 Retreat, we formed small groups, sharing our experiences of faith and our own Marist journey. These were mixed with nationality and language! We made beautiful connections irrespective of the language barriers – showing the power of our global Marist family and the charism that bonds us. 

For the Marist vocation session, Br Tony had our group discuss our Marist schools, highlighting MSA and Champagnat Global. I felt lucky to share all the wonderful things our Hearts community does in the Marist way! As a collective, we also experienced mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima. I cannot put into words how moving this experience was,  especially seeing the highly devout Christians walk on their knees around the shrine! 

Following these rich days, we joined 700 other Marists for the Marist Festival to prelude World Youth Day in Lisbon. Joining over 1.5 million Christians from around the world, in the presence of the Pope, within the heart of Portugal for WYD was an incredibly moving experience. The Pope’s opening address regarding “the community of the called” was evident with the presence of so many diverse cultures, all united in faith. These days within Lisbon surrounded by devout Catholics, young and old, and reflecting on the power of our faith within our world were truly transformative! 

To finish, we joined the Australian Marist Youth Ministry group (which included members of our Hearts community) at L’Hermitage in Lyon, France. We visited La Valla and Le Rosey, the origins of our founder! These days at the birthplace of Marcellin and within the buildings that himself and the early Marist Brothers built was life-changing. The spirit of Marcellin was present everywhere, particularly within the beautiful River Gier that flowed through L’Hermitage.  

I feel truly blessed to have been involved in this experience and this opportunity highlighted to me the powerful sentiment that a young Brazilian Marist expressed to me, “always an ex-student of a Marist school, but never an ex-Marist. Marist is a way of life”.

Arts News

Our Arts subjects provide students with a canvas for creativity, fostering skills in Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Photography, Media, Design and Dance. Through these diverse disciplines, students explore self-expression, culture, and innovation, enriching their academic journey.

ABODA Concert Band and Drumline

Students in the Champagnat Concert Band and combined Drumline competed at the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA) Festival in Week 4 this term. The ABODA festival provides school students in a wide range of ensembles with the opportunity to perform for specialists in their field, receive feedback, and, of course, compete and showcase their hard work and preparation. 

Drumline students from Marcellin and Champagnat competed in the Open Untuned Percussion Category, under the direction of the group’s director, Mr Will Rana. With a small, but highly competitive field, Sacred Heart walked away with Silver – a tremendous improvement on last year’s Bronze. Well done to all members. Year 9 Arts Leader, Xavier, said that “ABODA was an awesome time and a great opportunity to perform in front of professionals and the community”. 

The Champagnat Concert Band had their chance to perform on the final day of the competition, made up of students with a variety of musical backgrounds and directed by Ms Vanessa Saba. They performed the set piece ‘Market in Marrakesh’ as well as a crowd favorite, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. For many of our students, this was the first time that they have performed at this event. Champagnat’s Concert Band, ‘The Saba Project’, was awarded a Bronze level achievement, which was a fantastic reward for all their hard work.

Year 8 music workshop

In the lead up to Arts Week, Champagnat students were able to celebrate all things music with our guest performer, Adam Page. Adam is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, music educator and record producer and is well loved by our Sacred Heart College community.

The day began with a workshop with the Concert Band where Adam directed students through a variety of genres and songs such as ‘YMCA’ and ‘Sway’. He helped students bring out the nuances of the different styles, aiming to develop their ensemble skills.

The Year 8 students were treated to a performance from Adam in which he demonstrated the power of live-looping and the ability to make music from anything. Students saw Adam play a range of instruments from his beloved saxophone to the nose flute! A highlight of the performance was when students and teachers provided different vocal samples that Adam then turned into an improvised piece of music.

Later in the day, our music students participated in small workshops which provided a space for student directed learning and participation. The music industry workshop was a Q&A style workshop where students heard about Adam’s life and the many experiences that has brought him to where and who he is today. Students learnt about the many ways that they could be involved in the music industry whether they play an instrument or not. The improvisation workshop encouraged students to build on their musical abilities and knowledge to create new and innovative music through improvising. Students took turns to bravely solo on a few given notes to add different colours to the piece that they were creating. Adam led the students through the musical elements of texture, dynamics, rhythm, harmony, melody and form to create an impressive improvised piece.

We thank Adam for his generosity in enthusiasm and expertise and can’t wait to have him back again!

Music Careers Expo @ The Gov

Year 10 -12 Music and VET Music students attended a Music Careers Expo at The Gov in Week 5, organised by Youth Music Organisation, The Push. The day began with an opening performance from students from Kildare College before a panel discussion keynote with producer Kanada The Loop, and directors/co-founders of Seven Seven Group, John Halstead (manager) and Zach Hamilton-Reeves. The discussion highlighted the need for young musicians to consider other skills and relationships they will need to be successful in the industry, including business, networking, and collaborative, working relationships.

Following the keynote, students had the opportunity to attend and network with music industry professionals from a range of roles and backgrounds, and an Expo hall with stalls from Adelaide Uni, the Australian Institute of Music, and more. Afternoon presentations on live performing, breaking into the industry, music business, event management, and gear set up, shed new ideas and a range of pathways young artists can take to achieve their career goals.

A highlight of the day was the opportunity for individual students and small groups to sit down with industry experts, including tour managers, Moshtix, and APRA, to talk about their music and receive advice from experienced practitioners. 

It was a real delight to see students from across Adelaide gathered to share their love of music, network, and share their support for each other.

Year 11 Senior Drama

Year 11 Drama students are thrilled to be part of an exciting initiative in partnership with the Flinders University Drama Department. They will be attending many after school rehearsals and have been working hard on crafting a captivating drama piece, which will serve as their entry for the Theatre Makers Award at the prestigious Matthew Flinders Theatre.

The dedication and passion these students are bringing to their performance of ‘Prologue – A Hymn To The Hateful’ are truly commendable. This promises to be an unforgettable showcase of talent and creativity. 

Music students farewell Director of Music, Robyn Brookes

Marcellin Music and Performing Arts students gathered in the Debourg Centre in Week 4 to farewell Director of Music, Robyn Brookes. Together we celebrated the tremendous hard work and dedication Mrs Brookes has given to supporting our Music and CEA ensembles over the last 4+ years. Her love for music especially shone in her leadership of the Musical Productions, ‘Legally Blonde Jr’ and ‘Back to the 80s,’ as well as the choir and liturgical ensembles. We wish her well in her new career endeavours.

The Arts dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 3)

Marcellin Campus (Term 3)

Click here to view the full College calendar of events.

Sports News

Whilst the annual Intercollegiate Round is over for another year, the Winter sport season also draws to a close. Without exception, all the teams have attained impressive outcomes, whether that entails securing the leading positions in their individual championship standings, or more notably, showcasing substantial advancement in terms of collaboration and sportsmanship.

100 years of the Intercollegiate Round

This year saw the 100th iteration of the Intercollegiate Round between Sacred Heart College and Rostrevor. Students were able to compete in basketball, football, soccer, squash and table tennis. 

On Tuesday, the 1st XI Soccer team travelled to Campbelltown Soccer Oval, along with a crowd of more than 300 Sacred Heart supporters. Sacred Heart went into the half time break holding a 1-0 lead. Towards the end of the second half the game opened up with multiple shots on goal. Rostrevor snuck out to a 3-2 lead, however Luke Agerman managed to find the back of the net levelling the score with only a few minutes left. The game ended in a draw, with Rostrevor securing the cup being the previous winner. Liam Powney was awarded the MVP for Sacred Heart. The Middle A Soccer team delivered a captivating performance as they set the stage for the First XI, facing the formidable Rostrevor squad. Despite an impressive display of tenacity and skill, the team’s efforts were regrettably unrewarded in the ultimate tally. Nonetheless, their resolute perseverance and spirited gameplay underscored their commitment to the sport and exhibited their ability to contend with challenging opponents.

The Open Boys and Middle Boys headed to the ARC Recreation Centre in Campbelltown for their Intercol squash matches. Both teams were extremely successful, winning 4 – 0.

Our First V basketballers headed to Lightsview Sports and Community Centre on the Thursday evening as large crowd filled the stadium. It was a tough game with Rostrevor maintaining an early lead. The boys managed to settle and gain control of the ball, with Digby Ryan starting to find his range from outside of the 3 point line. Sacred Heart managed to hold a 10 point lead for a majority of the second half, winning the game 47 – 40. Digby Ryan was awarded the MVP. Once again, the Middle A1 team assumed the role of the curtain raiser during the Thursday evening fixture. Demonstrating commendable determination, the team secured a resounding victory through an unwavering display of strength and strategic gameplay throughout the entirety of the match. Their persistent efforts and tenacious performance were instrumental in clinching the triumph. This was a great way to end the season for the Middle A1 team. 

On the Friday afternoon of Intercol week, the Middle Table Tennis participants convened for a competitive gathering. The occasion featured four teams, each composed of 10 skilled students. The presence of numerous family members and friends in the spectator stands further amplified the vibrancy of the event, transforming the Callan Hall at Rostrevor College into a bustling hub of activity and anticipation. It is worth commending all those who took part in the event, as they once again exhibited an admirable embodiment of sportsmanship and a profound sense of respect towards their opponents. Notably, Sacred Heart asserted their dominance in the Middle B category, while Rostrevor emerged victorious in the Middle A category. The three Year 7 basketball teams participated in an additional fixture on Friday evening, where the students demonstrated their prowess in a remarkable showcase of talent for Sacred Heart. Impressively, all three teams secured victories over Rostrevor College and exhibited outstanding performances.

Saturday saw a sea of blue surround the Big Memorial Oval at Rostrevor. Having defeated Rostrevor by 20 goals the previous week in the SAAS Grand Final, our 1st XVIII Football team expected a fired up Rostrevor side. This certainly was the case, with the 100th Intercol game, proving a much tighter battle. Both teams had multiple shots on goal, but the Sacred Heart boys managed to get a majority of their scores through the middle. The Jan Baldwin Cup was presented to Sacred Heart Acting Captain, Ben Dewhirst, with Beau Symonds awarded the MVP medal. Five middle school football teams represented Sacred Heart against Rostrevor this year with many boys experiencing their first taste of Intercol. Each team put in great performances evidenced by their pressure and tenacity at the contest, while also demonstrating great sportsmanship. 

Click here to view results.

Girls Winter Sport finals

The 2023 Girls Winter Sport season was a great success with high levels of participation and impressive team achievements across a variety of sports. In Netball, 14 teams across the College competed in the grand final with 6 teams winning premierships. In Soccer, the Middle Girls team won a nail biter match that extended to a penalty shootout against Loreto, securing a commendable 3rd place finish, while our First XI Soccer team achieved victory in their grand final match against St Ignatius.

In addition, our female footballers excelled on the football field showing excellent determination, commitment and heart. The Girls First XVII football team was triumphant in their grand final match against the previously undefeated St Michael’s College. The Middle B Girls Football team also had a successful season, remaining undefeated and finishing top of their pool. Notably, our Middle A Girls Football team has achieved a significant milestone this season, advancing to the grand final for the first time. The championship match is scheduled for Friday, 8 September where they will face Seymour College.

We congratulate all students who brought a courageous heart to their participation in the Girls Winter Sport program. Many thanks to all the coaches, umpires, teaching staff, parents/caregivers and family members who supported the girls in their sporting endeavours. We look forward to the commencement of the summer competitions next term.

Girls Premiership team results

Marcellin Marist Cup

The inaugural Marist Cup, held between Sacred Heart College and Cardijn College added a new dimension to this year’s Intercol Week, showcasing our girls 1st XVIII and boys 3rd XVIII Football teams. 

During lunchtime on Wednesday, 23 August, the SHC girls First XVIII Football team took on Cardijn College on the Main Oval. This was a great opportunity for the girls to display their skill and teamwork in front of their peers. Thank you to the support shown from students and staff during this match who were able to see the team secure an impressive victory against Cardijn. Despite the score, Cardijn’s unwavering determination shone through and their relentless effort added depth to the game. Congratulations to our 1st XVIII Girls who took home the Inaugural Marist Cup this year.  

Following the girls match, the Boys’ 3rd XVIII took to the field in a tough battle. They hit the scoreboard early and were able to extend the lead further, particularly in the 3rd quarter. Cardijn never backed down and showed commendable sportsmanship on the field throughout the game. Congratulations to the SHC Boys 3rd XVIII who were also able to secure the victory with a final score for the match of SHC (12.12.84) def Cardijn (6.7.43)

After the success of having the Girls 1st XVIII Football leading into Intercol week, we hope to be able to open this opportunity up to other girls’ sporting teams in the following years, with an aim for this to  become an annual event. 

2023 Marist Cup Medallists

Old vs New Boarders footy match

On Monday, the Boys Boarding House gathered on the Main Oval to compete for the highly coveted Old vs New Boarders Football Trophy.

The 32 year long tradition was initiated by former Boys Boarding House Supervisor, Lawrie Gherghetta (or Mr G as he is fondly known as within the Boarding House), which initially involved College Staff and Marist Brothers playing alongside the Boarders. The spirit of the engraved quote, “He ain’t heavy, He’s my Brother” was at the forefront of everyone’s mind as the Old Boarders donned the Sacred Heart College football kit, whilst the New Boarders sought to prove their place in their home guernseys. It was great to have a number of Marist Brothers and College Staff present to witness this fine spectacle.

The Old Boarders were up against it, as umpire Damian Kitschke was hot on the whistle, helping the New Boarders to get off to a flyer; their speed and precision counteracting the complacency of the Old Boarders early on. Back from injury, Year 12 boarder, Will McCabe put them up by a comfortable half time score of 44-18. The fearlessness of our ”Normies” (Year 9 boarders), Levi Smith and Ryan Clark, was admirable as they fought against the Year 12s, including the likes of Zak Keir and Brock Vandeleur, despite a clear discrepancy in size. It was great to witness everyone playing in good spirits and looking out for each other.

In the end, it was Year 12 Sam Pridham who had the last laugh as he revved the Old Boarders up to achieve a comeback for the ages. Special contributors to the Old Boarders included a classy 6 goals for Aussie Davies, and despite facing an uphill battle from the get go, Eddie Hillier had 93 hitouts and 7 clangers, helping the Old Boarders get the “winner winner chicken dinner”, with a final score of 72-67. 

Congratulations to Will Quinn (Year 10), who walked away with the Best On Ground medal despite not being on the winning team – a true testament to a great player!

It was great to be a part of such a fun and important tradition in which all earnings from the sausage sizzle went towards the Blue Tree Project and Dolly’s Dream. A big shout out to some of our Year 12 Girl Boarders for helping with the BBQ. We hope to see you all out to watch next year as we keep this Sacred Heart College tradition alive. Our next sporting highlight is sure to be the Old vs New Netball match for our Girl Boarders in a few weeks.

By George Wilson, Charlie Hillier and Brock Vandeleur, Year 12 Boarders

The Simon Matthews Memorial Soccer match (SHOC v current students)

On a chilly August night, Sacred Heart College’s 1st XI boys and girls, and our 2nd XI boys Soccer teams took on Sacred Heart Old Collegians Soccer (SHOCS) team in the annual Simon Matthews Cup – an extremely important night in which one of the founders of SHOCS, Simon Matthews’, life is celebrated. 

The 1st XI girls kicked off at 5.45pm on the Northern Pitch at Brighton Road Oval. The SHC girls showed some great teamwork and grit, with a few close opportunities to score. Well done to SHOCS who were able to come away with the first victory of the night, 1-0.

On the Southern Pitch, the Second XI Boys game was also underway. This saw an equal split of both SHC students and SHOCS players on each team. This game was a nail biter until the final whistle with both teams finishing equal 3-3.

In an open and free-flowing game, SHOCS 1st XI finally broke the deadlock just before half time with a rocket goal that goalkeeper Charlie Thur had little chance of stopping. Young gun Freddie Muller equalised for the 1st XI early in the second half with a well placed finish. SHOCS scored the next couple of goals before George Rameh scored a rocket of his own to make it 3-2, the final score of the match.

A huge thank you goes to our incredible Year 12s who played their final match in Sacred Heart’s 1st XI gold jersey.

Thank you to the SHOCS players and volunteers for organising a fantastic evening of soccer in memory of Simon Matthews.

Squash SA High School Championships

On 16 August, 2023, a group of eight enthusiastic squash players gathered at the ARC Campbelltown to participate the annual SA High Schools Squash Championships. The participants included Malachi Varcoe, Blake Allanson, Steven Conway, William Miles, Darcy Higgins, Austin Higgins, Jayden Scroop, Sean Matthews Coffey, Joey Mangeruca, Tyler Brett, Lincoln Manning and Jackson Heidenreich. 

Each player demonstrated unwavering dedication and gave their utmost effort, navigating through a highly competitive field, their performances reflecting the values of Sacred Heart. Special recognition goes to coaches, John Prasad and Dave Higgins, whose guidance played a pivotal role in the athletes’ success on this significant occasion for the students.

CEA Knockout Sports (Champagnat and Marcellin)

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

Year 7-9 Boys Knockout Netball (Finals Round) – SHC (22) def by Blackwood (23); SHC (21) def by Modbury (25); SHC (18) def Aldinga Payinthi (7); SHC (29) def Aldinga Payinthi (15) finishing 3rd overall. 

Year 7/8 Girls Knockout Netball (Finals Round) – SHC (20) drew Tenison Woods (20); SHC (12) def by Concordia College (26); SHC (16) def Henley High School (14) finishing 5th overall.

Year 7-9 Girls Knockout Football – SHC (7.10.52) def Blackwood (1.1.7); SHC (2.2.14) def by Henley (6.9.45)

Year 9/10 Boys & Girls Knockout Basketball – SHC boys (42) defeated Brighton High (36); SHC Boys (75) defeated Adelaide High (36); SHC girls (38) defeated Brighton (37); SHC girls (27) def by Westminster (37). Both SHC teams will now progress to the second round of the Knockout Competition.

Open Girls Knockout Netball (Finals Round) – SHC (20) def by Tenison Woods (21); SHC (31) def Blackwood (18); SHC (20) def by Henley (22); Final – SHC (30) def Tenison Woods (20) finishing 3rd overall

Student Sporting Achievements

Sporting dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 3)

Marcellin Campus (Term 3)

Click here to view the full College calendar of events.