As I reviewed this week, it became very apparent that our students have a plethora of opportunities at Sacred Heart. Last Saturday, 16 students embarked on a life-changing immersion to Timor-Leste. This coming Saturday 15 August, students – accompanied by Hannah Kennedy and Kirra Spence, along with guides from our travel provider, World Expeditions – will depart from Tullamarine Airport for the nine-day 2026 Dadirri First Nations Immersion. The program will take the group to Darwin and Kakadu National Park to participate in service and immersion activities, including working with our community partners at Middle Point Primary School.
Earlier this week a small group of students from Year 9 and 10 took part in Seeds of Justice Camp at Araluen Camp Anglesea. In addition, this Friday all of our Year 9 and Year 10 students will participate in their Faith Day.
Next week the College will host its annual Arts Day on Wednesday 19 August. Arts Day is a whole-school celebration of creativity featuring performances, competitions, workshops, live music, exhibitions and plenty of opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the performing and visual arts.
The Arts Day House competition will take place in McAuley Hall and will include instrumental music, small group choir, theatre and dance. On St Stephen's Green, the Band Stage will host performances from VET Music bands, SHC rock bands and soloists throughout the day. To add to the festival atmosphere, students can enjoy food trucks, explore artwork from our Arts Day Showcase in the Cranbourne Gallery and view each House's collaborative artwork in the Atrium. Please see below for important student attendance information.
House themes for the day are:
While NAPLAN results have recently attracted negative media attention, it is pleasing to report that Sacred Heart students have performed exceptionally well:
Reading and Writing:
Numeracy:
Support Rates:
To view the detailed report, please refer to the College News section below, or you can access it here: NAPLAN Results at SHC.
Student Progress Checks will be emailed to you on Monday 17 August. This report provides a snapshot of your student's progress, with particular attention to study habits that support effective learning.
You will also have the opportunity to meet with teaching staff to discuss progress on Monday 24 August, between 3.30pm and 5.30pm. If a teacher has requested a meeting, I strongly encourage you to book a seven-minute appointment, either on-site or via Google Meet. Booking instructions will be emailed to families once the system opens next week.
To prepare for these conversations, you can explore academic work through CANVAS/Assignments, our continuous reporting platform. There you will find assessment results, teacher feedback and final grades. We encourage you to check this platform regularly for the most up-to-date information.
Please remember that next Friday 21 August, is a student free day. St Joseph’s College staff will join Sacred Heart staff in the Carmel O’Dwyer Centre to hear from guest speaker Ezekiel Bartlett from Just One. He will explore the theme: Catholic Identity – The Heart of Mission in Everyday Education. Staff from both schools will reflect on the purpose of Catholic education and their role in the Church's mission, using the Gospel of Matthew to show how Catholic identity is lived through everyday relationships and presence.
For Sacred Heart staff, this will be followed by a second session building on these core themes to explore how Mercy shapes teaching, leading and serving by going beyond justice to respond with compassion and love.
