Hearts News (Week 8 Term 3, Thursday 14 September 2023)

To mark RU OK? Day, students at Marcellin Campus were treated to an on-campus animal petting zoo today, along with many other wellbeing activities across the week at both campuses.

To our Sacred Heart College community

This week has been dedicated to nurturing the physical, mental, and emotional health of students and staff at Sacred Heart College for RU OK? Day and Wellbeing Week. In the hopes of raising awareness about positive mental health and wellbeing, the Hearts community was encouraged to connect and take care of ourselves and others whilst engaging in a variety of wellbeing activities, as you’ll be able to see below.

In continuing the theme of positive health and wellbeing amongst our community, I draw your attention to an important parent/caregiver information session being held at Marcellin Campus on Monday of Week 10.

Paul Dillon: ‘Teens parties, alcohol and vapes: What do parents and caregivers need to know?’
Monday 25 September, 6.00 – 7.30pm
Br Stephen Debourg Performing Arts Centre, Marcellin Campus, Somerton Park

Paul Dillon has been working in the area of drug and alcohol education for almost 30 years, and through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA), has become one of the leading experts on the use of alcohol and other drugs by young people. He works with many school communities across the country and is a key commentator on various news and radio programs. You can read more about Paul here.

I encourage parents/caregivers to attend this engaging and informative session, which will provide you with some strategies to be able to open up the dialogue at home about the use of drugs, alcohol and vapes.

Please click here to book your seat(s).

Daniel Lynch
Principal

RU OK? Day & Wellbeing Week

Today marks RU OK? Day, a day where we aim to help inspire and empower students and staff to connect with each other and start a conversation with those who may be struggling. This week, we also launched the inaugural Wellbeing Week at Sacred Heart College to complement RU OK? Day, which aims to provide opportunities for students and staff to gather together and check in on each other while celebrating our community and the support available here at Sacred Heart College.  

At Champagnat Campus students began the week with Mindful Monday, Trackies Tuesday and Wellness Wednesday. There was music on each of these days in the quad at lunchtime with students participating  in silent discos, giant games such as chess and jenga, table tennis, spikeball, a gratitude wall, juggling and mosaic making.

Today students engaged in an alternate program for the day to mark RU OK? Day, participating in House activities including biscuit making and a conversation cafe, inter-house sport, a quiz, listening to guest speaker Dr Lane Hinchcliffe. Unfortunately the much-anticipated Battle of the Bands event this afternoon  had to be postponed due to an unexpected early campus closure due to damaged water pipes leaving Champagnat without water. Tomorrow, hopefully with water restored to the site, Champagnat will conclude Wellbeing Week with Fun Friday. There will be a hot chocolate and biscuit sale in the morning and friendship bracelet/keyring making, mindful colouring and rock painting at lunchtime. 

At Marcellin Campus, our Year 12 Captains launched the inaugural Wellbeing Week at Wednesday’s assembly. As a group, the Year 12 Captains of 2023 chose to focus on raising awareness of mental health throughout the year in the lead up to this week. Organisations supported include Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, Black Dog Institute, Butterfly Foundation, Dolly’s Dream, The Blue Tree Project, and Rural and Remote Mental Health. Across the week, students at Marcellin have been involved in a range of activities including a DJ in the quad, music in the Debourg, life size games, a silent disco, yoga sessions and a petting zoo!

Indigenous Youth Leadership National Gathering

Representing our College with pride, Year 9 students Malachi Varcoe and Klara Harrison had the privilege of attending the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) National Gathering in Sydney.

Over the four day event, Malachi and Klara took part in a range of educational, professional and personal development workshops, as well as learning more about culture and history with Indigenous youth organisation, Murama.

Not only does the IYLP help our Indigenous students to achieve their educational aspirations, but provides them with tools to be positive role models and future leaders, who are willing and able to inspire others of the same. 

It was evident throughout the gathering that we have exceptional emerging leaders here at Sacred Heart College who are passionate about their Culture, and determined to act for Truth, Treaty and Reconciliation.

VET Assembly & Wellbeing Week launch

The College acknowledged more 100 VET students at the annual VET Assembly on Wednesday at Marcellin Campus. Many of these students are on track to obtain a Certificate III through their VET studies this year, including many Year 12 students and a number of Year 11 students.

All remaining Year 12 students who are studying VET at various certificate levels were acknowledged, as well as 13 students who have undertaken school based apprenticeships and traineeships across a number of different industry areas in combination with their academic studies.

The College announced the Year 12 VET student of the year, Zane Scripps, who has been undertaking Certificate III Rural Operations (Primary Production) for the past 18 months with Regional Skills Training. Congratulations, Zane, on this fantastic achievement, and to all students on their wonderful achievements in VET this year.

At the end of the assembly, the Year 12 Captains also introduced our inaugural Wellbeing Week, and highlighted RU OK? Day, an Australian movement that challenges us to look out for each other by encouraging people to ask “are you OK?” We also discussed the steps that the RU OK? organisation recommends; Observe and Act, Listen, Encourage Action, and Check In. RU OK? Day calls us to “Presence” through observing those in our community who may require support. Our Family Spirit is made stronger by caring for each other “as the members of a loving family would do.”

Immersions Formation Retreat

On Sunday 10th and Monday 11th September, the 2023 Immersion team participated in a Formation Retreat at Nunyara Conference Centre, Belair. This was an opportunity to get away from the normality of classroom and school life, and really focus on our purpose and mission as people who have chosen to live in solidarity with Marist communities in Fiji and Philippines at the end of the year.

The retreat was facilitated by Rebecca Bond (Acting Director of Marist Mission) and Maddy Forde (SHOC ’13), who is a past SHC Immersion student, facilitator of the inaugural SHOCS Immersion experience to Cambodia in 2020 and currently employed as the Senior Ministry Advisor for Catholic Office for Youth and Young Adults (COYYA).  

Students engaged with our Marist Theme ‘Created + Called’ and explored the gifts they will bring to the team and the Immersion experience; challenging assumptions about ourselves and others, and learning about living in diverse communities. There was time for reflection, team building, affirmation, sharing meals and planning upcoming fundraising events. A highlight was celebrating a deeply personal and moving Mass with Fr Philip Marshall, the sun setting in the background of the Nunyara Chapel. We were also joined by Br Des Howard who will be accompanying the Philippines team. It was a wonderful experience which has strengthened the bonds within each team and ignited a fire for ‘doing good quietly’ in the weeks ahead.

Our next big fundraising event for the Immersions is the Quiz Night, which takes place next Friday 22 September, 6pm in the Brother Joseph McAteer Centre (gym) at Marcellin Campus. Come dressed in your best 80s theme to be in the running for a huge range of prizes and an extensive silent auction. 

Tickets can be purchased here.

Commissioner visit

On Tuesday 9 September, we were fortunate to have Helen Connolly, South Australia’s first Commissioner for Children and Young People, visit our Year 10 leaders. Helen ran a session which asked students to design a school, and sort ideas to ensure that schools continue to be welcoming and inclusive places. 

Helen’s role as The Commissioner promotes and advocates for the rights, development and wellbeing of all children and young people in South Australia, with a special focus to engage with and listen to children who aren’t usually heard. We thank Helen for making the time to visit our students and the College.

Caring for our common home

The idea of ‘Caring for our common home’ was the theme for the Year 8 Game Changers and Year 10 Mission Leaders, who headed to Brighton Beach to participate in a Beach Clean Up on Monday of Week 8.

Furthering the groups’ engagement and understanding of the idea of caring for our common home, the students rolled up their sleeves, and collected plenty of rubbish and debris that was littered over the beach. Students also participated in a short reflection session, below:

Describe the area that we are currently in… what can you see, hear and feel?
“I can see the blue waves hitting the sandy shore and the multi-coloured rocks. The salty sea breeze is hitting my face.”
“A variety of shades of blue and beige, with grainy sand under my feet. The sound of waves crashing and the breeze of the wind.”

Why is it important to look after our community, especially places like the beach?
“It is important to look after God’s beautiful creations, because that is our duty as humans on earth.”
“To keep the environment healthy and clean, looking after our ecosystem and keeping it beautiful. We must look after God’s creation, and the things that were gifted to us.” 

How do you feel after this Ministry activity? Were you challenged by it? Did you learn anything new?
“I felt a sense of achievement after finding so much rubbish. I was challenged, because it was a bit out of my comfort zone, but I am proud of pushing myself.”
“I feel really happy because I know that I have made a small change for the better.”

Vinnie’s Can Drive

During weeks 1-5 of Term 3, students at Champagnat Campus engaged as a community in a ‘Can Drive,’  collecting canned goods, non-perishable food items and a variety of other generous donations that will go to those who truly need it.

The Can Drive was run as a House Competition, and Fouviere took home the gold, collecting an impressive total of 246 donations. We thank Fourviere House Leaders, Kate and Ethan, as well as Year 9 Mission Leaders, Callum and Eden, for representing the College when delivering the donations to Vinnies. As a campus, more than 750 donations were counted, and St Vincent De Paul has been positively overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of Sacred Heart College.

Year 9 Legal Studies excursion

Our two Year 9 Legal Studies classes travelled to the Adelaide Magistrates and District Court on Wednesday 6 September; an opportunity that provided students to develop an appreciation and understanding of the justice system and further, an opportunity to see the rule of law in action.

During our time at the Magistrates Court, students heard a range of low level criminal proceedings. Students then visited the District Court whereby a Sheriff’s Officer provided us with a tour of the building and in particular, one of the largest courtrooms. Students asked some excellent and insightful questions, showing great engagement.

Students finished with lunch at the Adelaide Central Markets prior to heading back to school. It was a wonderful day out and the enthusiasm and interest shown by the students to develop an understanding of our court system was a credit to them!

Arts News

We have had a big fortnight in the Arts with events occurring across both campuses. There has been a flurry of activity at Champagnat Campus with a successful Arts Week involving many enthusiastic students. Well done to everyone involved! 

Prominent artist Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” 

Embracing arts in education is crucial as it cultivates creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability, essential for future careers. It also nurtures effective communication and self-confidence, which are vital attributes for success. As we come to the conclusion of Arts Week, let us remember that by fostering artistic expression in our students, we are empowering them to remain artists throughout their lives, ready to conquer the challenges of the future job landscape.

Arts Week 2023

During Arts Week, the Year 7s participated in a Bollywood dancing incursion with Francesca McMillon. She taught them multiple dances including one that sparked international interest in Bollywood, called ‘Jai Ho’. Lunchtime saw a multitude of students letting loose with a Just Dance party showing off their many groovy moves while forging and cementing their friendships. Congratulations to winners of the Just Dance competition, Jack Conaghty and Henry Raymond.

Popcorn lovers enjoyed the opportunity to view the short films and advertisements of the 2023 SHC Film Festival. Following the viewing, students voted for the most outstanding production, ‘Boyfriend of Yesterday‘ by Oscar Baldwin, Archer Aristidou, Luca Ferrente and Jackson Williams. On Thursday, students enjoyed the opportunity to express their creativity through Rock Art.

In the background, staff also participated in some Spicks and Specks activities, quizzes and even performed a round of Substitute!

A highlight of the week was the daily Homeroom quiz created by the Year 8 Arts Leaders who tested us on our knowledge of music, movies, actors and artworks. Congratulations to the winning Homeroom of Fourviere H.

We were all amazed with the quality of submissions for the Champagnat Photography Competition this year. All entries showed great care and thought in capturing this year’s theme of INSPIRE. It was a difficult choice to decide the podium winners. Ultimately we congratulate all entrants and winners on their creativity (see below).

Champagnat’s Got Talent

Champagnat’s Got Talent was a creative initiative put together by last year’s Arts Leaders and teachers to promote the Arts, entertain, and give an opportunity for students to showcase their talents in a variety of ways. 

The talent show was held in the Quad on Friday 8 September, marking the culmination of Arts Week. With the dreary weather, it was an exciting spectacle and entertained a large crowd. Many staff and students showed up to support their friends, Houses and Homerooms.

Some of the amazing acts included Boomwhackers, comedic dancing, singing with background physical feats, a mix of circus like acts and a boy band parody. The Cup of Fame Trophy was awarded to The Montagne 5, who showed their House Spirit through a fun mash up of Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep‘ with Silentó’s ‘Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)‘. 

Congratulations also to The Montagne Circus and Marian’s Swifites who wowed the judges in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. 

Marcellin Wellbeing Week concert

On Tuesday 12 September, Year 10/11 VET Music Ensembles and Guitar Band 1 (Mild Distortion – aka Metal Band) performed for an invited audience of peers in the Debourg Performing Arts auditorium. The performance was used as an evidence assessment for ensemble performance and bump in/bump out skills for VET Music, and a recording opportunity for Mild Distortion as they prepared to submit their efforts for the RockFest Band competition 2023. 

Year 10 Groups performed ‘Hoops’ by The Rubens and Alien Ant Farm’s rendition of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal.’ A number of musicians in these groups were performing on their instruments as part of a rock band for the first time, while some were experienced performers who really knew how to put on a show.

The Year 11 band’s performances of ‘Naive’ by the Kooks and ‘Alien Blues’ by Vundebar were a real stand out. The energy of their song choice really carried well with the audience.

Mild Distortion’s performance of Mega Death’s ‘Tornado of Souls’ was full of enthusiasm and an outstanding exhibition of technical and collaborative skill. Their performance was recorded for submission for RockFest 2023, and they are sure to be top contenders!

Thank you to all performers for their hard work and commitment to making the concert a success. Stay tuned for more news on how to vote for Mild Distortion in the RockFest Band Competition in the next Arts update!

Year 11 and 12 Solo Performances

The Stage 1 Music Advanced, Year 11 VET Music III and Stage 2 Music Solo Performance students performed for an audience of family and friends on Thursday 7 September. Solos included performances on piano, guitar, drum kit, saxophone, and voice. Stand outs included outstanding jazz style performances by Grace Durrans and Caitlin Bailey, heartfelt piano and vocal performances by Amelie Watkins and Jasmine Eramiha, face melting metal solos from Stage 2 Soloists Liam Ragless and Jai Kowalczuk, rock solos by Callan Threadgold and Teejay Nelson, and unique funk style performances from Declan Goodall and Dylan O’Neil. 

We especially acknowledge the outstanding support of our Marcellin music tutors in support of our music students who continue to maintain a high level of performance standards and achievement. Well done to all performers.

Year 10 Murals underway

Over the last two weeks the Year 10s have started working on three large murals which will be put up on permanent display around Marcellin Campus. This is a massive feat and most of the students have not worked on paintings this large before! The artworks depict luscious, green garden scenes and will make a lovely addition to the Food Tech courtyard and the library entrance. Although students aren’t finished painting yet, the murals are looking fantastic. Keep up the wonderful artistic skills!

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

Middle A Girls Football Premiers

Congratulations to our Middle A Girls Football team who won their grand final against the previously undefeated Seymour College last Friday night. Since the amalgamation of Marymount College and Sacred Heart College, this is the first SHC Middle A Girls Football team to win a premiership, defeating the opposition 4.9 (33) to 1.3 (9).

The girls brought a fighting spirit and an unwavering determination to the field, rattling the opposition with their strong defensive pressure and attack of the ball. Most notably, the players exhibited exceptional teamwork, camaraderie and sportsmanship.

Congratulations to all the players on a fantastic season and thank you to the coaches and parents for their ongoing support. Go Hearts!

Adelaide 36ers Program

The Adelaide 36ers have begun working with the girls basketball teams at Champagnat Campus in preparation for the Term 4 Girls Basketball Competition. Students across all ability levels, from our high performance players to those new to the sport, have been engaging in weekly specialised training sessions to help them develop their basketball skills, techniques and decision making in game play. The girls have been receiving valuable feedback from the coaches and are benefiting from the expertise and experience of the 36ers staff. We look forward to working in partnership with the 36ers.

CEA Knockout Sports (Champagnat and Marcellin)

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

Year 7/8 Boys Knockout Football – SHC 11.9.75 def Blackfriars Priory School 0.3.3; SHC 12.6.78 def Rostrevor College 4.6.30

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.