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.
| Next Week | |
|---|---|
| Week Two | |
| Thursday 23 July to Saturday 25 July | Combined School's Production - Newsies |
| Future Planning | |
|---|---|
| Week Three | |
| Tuesday 28 July | Year 7 Immunisations |
| Thursday 30 July | Loyola Feast Day |
Login details for the Subject Selection online system are dispatched in phases. Please see below the timeline based on each year level:
Strict Deadline: The system will close for all students at 9.00am Wednesday 5 August 2026.
Click below for a guide outlining everything you need to know about selecting subjects for 2027.
To support our College community in commencing a positive and respectful Term of learning, a whole school assembly was held on Tuesday 14 July.
The purpose of this assembly was to:
All students and families are asked to familiarise themselves with our Sacred Heart Expectations, available via the link below, as this document outlines the conduct expected of Sacred Heart College students.
Our College staff will consistently and respectfully adhere to these expectations. We seek your assistance in working together with our staff so that our students can become the best versions of themselves.
| Date | Thursday 6 August 2026 |
| Time | 6.00pm to 7.00pm |
| Location | McAuley Hall | Sacred Heart College |
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how we live, work and learn. At Sacred Heart, we are committed to guiding our students through this evolving digital landscape with confidence, integrity and balance.
We invite all interested parents and carers in our College community to join us for a comprehensive Information Evening dedicated to AI and e-safety. The evening will cover many topics devoted to this, including:
Our panel of experts include:
Whether you are highly tech-savvy or just beginning to explore these tools, this evening will provide you with practical insights and strategies to support every student. We look forward to seeing you there as we partner together to support our students.
| Dates | Thursday 23 July | 7.00pm to 9.30pm |
| Friday 24 July | 7.00pm to 9.30pm | |
| Saturday 25 July | 5.00pm to 7.30pm | |
| Location | BR. OS Adams Gym – St Joseph’s College |
Tickets are now on sale for the Combined Schools Production – Newsies! Come and see the talented performers from Sacred Heart, St Joseph’s and Clonard as they ignite a blazing journey in the fight for justice.
Led by the fearless Jack Kelly, the newsboys of 1899 New York launch an unforgettable uprising that reshapes their world. Driven by a powerhouse score and inspired by the real Newsboys’ Strike, this is a charged tale of justice and defiance that turns ordinary kids into unforgettable heroes.
Don’t miss out on seeing these talented performers give their all in Newsies. Now is the time to seize the day and tickets!
We are pulling out all the stops for this year’s Father's Day Fifth Quarter Event. We can’t give everything away just yet, but we couldn’t resist dropping a few hints about our two mystery VIP guests.
Think you can guess who they are? Here are the clues:
Clue 1: They know a thing or two about football, leadership and true grit.
Clue 2: They are both three-time AFL premiership players.
Clue 3: Their stories will leave you inspired, laughing and a little starstruck.
Lock in your guesses! Head over to our latest social media post to fire off your best predictions.
Keep your eyes peeled – the big reveal and ticket bookings are dropping very soon!
| Date | Saturday 25 July 2026 |
| Time | 2.30pm to 3.30pm |
| Location | Santa Casa, 33-35 Flinders St, Queenscliff |
| RSVP | Lizzie at santacasa@ismapng.org.au |
All are invited to the Taizé Pentecost Prayer in Queenscliff this weekend. Taizé is a meditative prayer that combines short songs, readings and silence to foster a deeper connection with God.
Following the Taizé Prayer, there will be an afternoon tea, where attendees can sit, chat and indulge in some food. Bring a friend!
Please refer to the Compass News Feed for all year level reminders.
Compass will continue to be our primary form of communication with families, where we will share information for events, booklists, photo days, student reports, updates etc.
Students can access their timetables via Compass.
Students wishing to discuss potential changes to programs of study should contact Amanda Moody, Timetable Coordinator. Contact can be made via email at mljsubjects@shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au.
It is important to remind our College community of the high expectations we have of each other. The 'SHC Way' emphasises the importance of commitment to excellence and respect, including following school expectations.
Being a part of a community involves committing to the same norms and values. Please ensure you are aware of and commit to the following:
Students and visitors can enter and exit the College grounds via the Retreat Road pedestrian gates.
A reminder to families that the George Street gate is not to be used for student drop-off or pick-up. This entry is for staff and construction contractors only as it is not a designated pedestrian entrance. In the interests of safety, please use the Retreat Road pedestrian gates.
Alternatively, students may also enter via the Court Precinct on Aphrasia Street between 8.00am and 9.00am.
Notifying Absences via Compass
Families are asked to notify the College of absences via the Compass App. This can be completed by logging in through a web browser or via the app if on a device.
After selecting the reason for absence, you may wish to add further information about the absence.
While Compass will be the preferred method for notifying absences moving forward, families are still welcome to notify the College via SMS 0419 959 693 or via email info@shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au
Financial Assistance
I encourage our families who are experiencing financial hardship to please contact the College so that we may assist. Further details are available here.
College Policies
The following Mercy Education policies are available here: College Policies. They can also be accessed by clicking the links below:
Reception
For general inquiries, absences, or if you require assistance in being directed to a specific department, please contact Reception at:
Phone: (03) 5221 4211
Email: info@shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au
Mentor Group Teachers
For matters related to your student's education, the Mentor Group Teacher should be the first point of contact. Please refer to your child's timetable for their Mentor Group Teacher’s email address.
House Leaders
For any inquiries regarding your student's House, please contact the respective House Leader:
Finance
For all fee-related queries, please contact the Finance Department:
Email: areceivable@shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au
IT Help Desk
For IT-related assistance, please reach out to our Help Desk:
Email: helpdesk@shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au
College Admissions Officer:
For all inquiries regarding student admissions, please contact:
Email: admissions@shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au
To access 2026 Semester One Principal's Updates, please click here.
Though we need to weep your loss, you dwell in that safe place in our hearts where no storm or night or pain can reach you.
Your love was like the dawn brightening over our lives, awakening beneath the dark a further adventure of colour.
The sound of your voice found for us a new music that brightened everything.
Whatever you enfolded in your gaze quickened in the joy of its being; you placed smiles like flowers on the altar of the heart. Your mind always sparkled with wonder at things.
May you continue to inspire us; To enter each day with a generous heart. Until we see your beautiful face again in the land where there is no more separation, where all tears will be wiped from our minds, and where we will never lose you again.
Amen
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