How teacher absences are handled is a question that arises each Term. When a teacher is absent, our primary goal is to ensure students can continue their learning smoothly and seamlessly.
To this end, when a teacher is absent, all learning activities and set work for the missed sessions are uploaded directly to CANVAS for both student and replacement teacher access. This ensures that any covering teacher can step in and actively support the class.
Teachers follow strict notification protocols for planned absences (e.g., professional development, meetings or leave) so daily class cover can be organised effectively in advance.
Each Term, the College tracks class cancellation rates and the underlying reasons for staff absences. The data collected for Terms One and Two highlights that the vast majority of scheduled classes run as normal, and independent study periods account for only a small percentage of overall class time.
| Primary Reasons for Staff Absences | ||
|---|---|---|
| Absence Reason | Term One Share | Term Two Share |
| Sick Leave | 27.35% | 23.57% |
| Carer's Leave | 15.10% | 8.57% |
| School Camps | 10.20% | 30.71% |
| Time in Lieu (TIL) | 9.80% | – |
(Note: School activities, such as camps, account for a significant portion of planned staff coverage requirements).
Our approach to learning – and particularly our timetable design – is intentional. The overall philosophy is to help students transition from guided practice to independent, self-directed practice. By pairing robust online lesson planning (via CANVAS and Compass) with structured independent learning time, students develop essential skills in time management, self-regulation and agency. These traits not only keep learning on track during unexpected teacher absences but also prepare students for success in tertiary study and future careers.
Catherine McAuley was a visionary who defied the status quo, founding the Sisters of Mercy to provide education and healthcare to women and girls. Unlike other orders, the Sisters of Mercy, known as ‘the walking nuns’, served directly within their communities, embodying Catherine's courage and forward-thinking spirit.
Sacred Heart College is built on this legacy. In response to a rapidly changing digital world, the College has decided to form a new College Advisory Council Sub-committee – ICT and Cyber Risk Sub-committee.
This Sub-committee will support and make recommendations to the College Advisory Council (CAC) on key issues regarding cybersecurity strategy, projects, cyber risk management, privacy and compliance. The Committee also provides advice to the College Leadership Team (CLT).
Please see here for the ICT and Cyber Risk Sub-committee Terms of Reference. We invite you to express your interest in joining this Sub-committee.
Expressions of interest are also welcome for the other Sub-committees of the Advisory Council, which include:
Please email your expression of interest no later than Friday 7 August 2026 to: brvos@shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au
The College continues to manage some temporary staffing shortages within the Inclusion and Wellbeing Team. We are actively working through a range of interim solutions to ensure continuity of support for our students. The following staff will be available throughout Term Three to provide support:
In addition, the College has engaged One Red Apple Consultancy to review the pastoral support offered at Sacred Heart. The Review Report, which will be completed before the end of this Term, will help inform our planning for Term Four and beyond. If there are any urgent concerns or support needs, help is available from the following external services:
Important: If your concern is regarding the immediate safety of a young person, please contact 000.
Each year, the Australian Government Department of Education collects certain information about the College, its staff, and its student body as part of the non-government schools census collection (the census) and special circumstances applications. For more information, please read the linked circular here: Census Circular.
Families may be interested in reading the latest Catholic School Parents Victoria Newsletter, which can be accessed via the link here: Parent Newsletter.
As noted in last week’s update, we send our very best wishes to the cast and crew of Newsies, the Tri-School Production featuring students from St Joseph's, Sacred Heart and Clonard.
Additional details and booking instructions are provided below.
The production will run over three days and, by all accounts, promises to delight audiences!
