On Sunday 5 July, Sr Carmel O’Dwyer, former Principal of Sacred Heart College, passed away peacefully at Mercy Place, Parkville.
Serving as Principal from 1982 to 2000, Sr Carmel first arrived at Sacred Heart from Warrnambool in 1965. Her early years were marked by an incredible breadth of service; teaching a wide range of subjects, managing a robust sports program that ran through lunchtimes and weekends and directing and accompanying the Senior Choir. Additionally, she cared for about 20 primary-aged students as the head of the junior boarders until 1968.
Sr Carmel was a dynamic, clever leader who made things happen. She had a gift for gathering talented individuals, offering them clear guidance and empowering them to truly own their roles. While she always celebrated collective successes, her characteristic candour meant she never hesitated to point out areas for improvement. She constantly strived for excellence and inspired the exact same standard in both her staff and her students.
We give thanks for Sr Carmel’s faith, expressed through her vocation as a Religious Sister of Mercy, and remember:
We farewell a woman of faith and substance.
Funeral Details: Sr Carmel's funeral will take place in the Sacred Heart College Chapel tomorrow Friday 17 July 2026 at 11.00am.
As Term Three begins, we welcome our students back to the College, extend a warm welcome to our new students and staff, and welcome back those staff members who have been on leave:
New Teaching Staff: Ross Hunter, Megan Jolly, Xavier Dunham and Alard Pett - Art Assistant.
Welcome back: Teaching Staff – Wendy Luke, Catherine Gulli, Charlie Friend, Bianca Holt, Nicole Crone; Education Support Staff – Kate Lynch, Elizabeth Coutts and Megan Den Dryver.
We began Semester Two with a Uniform Audit on Monday, and on Tuesday at a whole-school assembly students were reminded of the College expectations regarding uniform, punctuality, respect, litter, mobile phones, classroom behaviour, interactions with staff (both inside and outside the classroom) and social media content (more information is listed below). We seek your assistance in working together with our staff so that our students can become the best versions of themselves.
On Wednesday 15 July and Wednesday 22 July, all Year 9 students and some Year 10 students attended/will attend learner readiness conferences between 2.00pm and 5.30pm in the Sports and Wellness Centre. Families have been allocated times between 2.00pm and 5.30pm with a member of the Leadership Team. Students are required to attend with their parent/carer and to bring draft journey planners.
Each year, the College is required to prepare an Annual Report for the school community. The 2025 Annual Report has been uploaded to the College website and can be accessed via the following link: 2025 Annual Report. Hard copies are also available at Reception.
