Thank you to all the fathers, father figures and daughters who attended The Fifth Quarter Father's Day Event on Monday night. Our guests were fortunate to hear from two Geelong football legends, Cameron Ling and Steve Johnson. Both spoke honestly and frankly about the highs and lows of playing in premiership games, as well as their current work coaching young players.
Today we gathered as a College for Mass to celebrate Mercy Day. Although the official Feast Day of Our Lady of Mercy is on Thursday 24 September, this falls during the holiday break. This year’s Mass was particularly special because it marked the beginning of our 200th year of Mercy, giving us an opportunity to reflect on where we have come from, celebrate where Mercy is present today, and look toward where the Spirit is calling us next. The theme for the Mass was ‘Called to Serve’, and our celebrant was Fr Jim Clarke from St Mary of the Angels Parish. Our special guests included the Geelong Sisters of Mercy and Alumni Committee President Laura Doherty. Following Mass, the entire school community was invited to share a comfortable cup of tea in the Atrium.
Earlier this Term, we engaged One Red Apple to review student wellbeing at Sacred Heart, exploring how we can best support young people to develop resilience, autonomy and positive coaching strategies. Last week, Sarah Morgante from One Red Apple presented her report, which focused on three main areas: Professional Practice, Collaboration and Relationships and Systems and Pathways. Over the next Term, Jason Blackburn – Deputy Principal of Student Engagement, Development and Empowerment will lead the process of unpacking the report and implementing its recommendations. In the interim, the following wellbeing staffing will be in place for Term Four 2026:
If you have any urgent concerns or require support, external assistance is available through the following service:
Someone Health: Offers bulk-billed telehealth/video psychology appointments for young people aged 13 to 17. This online service features a wide variety of practitioners, including psychologists and clinical psychologists from diverse backgrounds. (Note: A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is required to access the 10 bulk-billed sessions.)
Important: If your concern involves a young person's immediate safety, please contact 000.
Bus Travel Last Day of Term
Term Three concludes on Friday 18 September 2026, with an early finish at 2.30pm.
Term Three Holiday Information
All students and staff return on Monday 5 October 2026.
Wellbeing and Safety During the Break
During the holiday break, if you have any concerns regarding the safety of a young person from the College, please contact 000. Additional support is available from the following external services:
Other Useful Services:
| This Week | |
|---|---|
| Week Nine | |
| Thursday 10 September | RUOK? Day and Mercy Day |
| Next Week | |
|---|---|
| Week Ten | |
| Monday 14 September | VCE Information Evening 6.00pm McAuley Hall | Sacred Heart College |
| Tuesday 15 September | Learn to Row Session One 4.00pm to 6.00pm Barwon River |
| Thursday 17 September | Learn to Row Session Two 4.00pm to 6.00pm Barwon River |
| Rowing Parent Information Session 6.00pm to 7.00pm Jeff Sykes Rowing Shed, Barwon River | |
| Spring Concert 6.00pm to 8.00pm McAuley Hall | Sacred Heart College | |
| Friday 18 September | SHC and SJC Year 8 Wellbeing Day |
| Last Day of Term (2.30pm finish) | |
| Saturday 19 September | Learn to Row Session Three 8.00am to 12.00pm Barwon River |
| College Holiday Hours | |
|---|---|
| Week One | |
| Monday 21 September to Thursday 24 September | 8.30am to 4.00pm |
| Closed Friday 25 September – Grand Final Public Holiday | |
| Closed Monday 28 September | |
| Week Two | |
| Tuesday 29 September to Friday 2 October | 8.30am to 4.00pm |
| OCTOBER | |
|---|---|
| Monday 5 October | Term Four Commences |
| Monday 5 October to Friday 9 October | Geelong Design Week |
| Tuesday 6 October | Legacy Event (Years 7 and 12) |
| Wednesday 7 October | Year 12 Seminar Day Four |
| Friday 8 October | House Football - Clairvaux v Siena |
| Tuesday 13 October | 2027 New Families Welcome Evening |
| Wednesday 14 October | Year 12 Final Classes and Mass |
| Thursday 15 October | Year 12 Celebration Day | Walkathon |
| Friday 16 October | Year 12 Alumni Breakfast and Final Day |
| Wednesday 21 October | Year 7 Faith Day |
| Monday 26 October | VCAA Exams Commence | SPCs Published |
| Friday 30 October | World Teachers' Day |
| NOVEMBER | |
|---|---|
| Sunday 1 November | All Saints' Day |
| Monday 2 November to Tuesday 3 November | Spring Break (College Closed) All Souls' Day |
| Tuesday 3 November | Melbourne Cup (College Closed) |
| Wednesday 4 November | Parent Communication Afternoon |
| Thursday 5 November | Remembrance Service |
| Friday 13 November | MYP4 and Unit 2 Exam Study Day Circle of Mercy |
| Sunday 15 November | Sacred Heart Alumni Committee Annual General Meeting |
| Monday 16 November | MYP4 and Unit 2 Exams Commence |
| Wednesday 18 November | VCAA Exams Conclude SHC and SJC Orientation |
| Thursday 19 November | MYP4 and Unit 2 Exams Conclude |
| Friday 20 November | End of Year Whole School Mass Year 12 Graduation Ceremony and Dinner |
| Monday 23 November | Unit 1 and Unit 3/4 Orientation |
| Tuesday 24 November | Jumpstart Orientation Year 7 Music Concert |
| Tuesday 24 November to Wednesday 25 November | Student Leadership Camp |
| Wednesday 25 November | 2027 Year 12 Seminar Day One |
| Monday 30 November | The Joy Project |
| DECEMBER | |
|---|---|
| Thursday 3 December | Unit 1 and Unit 3/4 Orientation Concludes SHC Carols by Candlelight |
| Friday 4 December | Last Day of Term Four |
| Monday 7 December | Correction Day |
| Tuesday 8 December | 2027 New Students Orientation |
| Friday 11 December | SOAs Published |
| Tuesday 15 December | Staff Last Day (College Closed for Event) |
| Friday 18 December | College Closes for 2026 |
From whole-school celebrations to unforgettable sporting moments, the Carmel O’Dwyer Gym has hosted our community's most cherished moments. With the completion of our new Sports and Wellness Precinct, you can now leave a lasting legacy by dedicating a grandstand seat in the new Carmel O'Dwyer Centre.
Each seat includes a custom-engraved plaque, perfect for honouring your family, celebrating a graduating cohort or paying tribute to a loved one.
All proceeds directly support our Sports and Wellness Capital Appeal. Click the button below to leave your legacy at Sacred Heart.
| Event Details | |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday 17 September 2026 |
| Time | 6.00pm to 8.00pm |
| Location | McAuley Hall | Sacred Heart College Geelong |
| Bookings | BOOK HERE |
We warmly invite you to join us for our annual Spring Concert, a vibrant celebration of musical excellence. Our accomplished student musicians will take the stage to perform an inspiring selection of Australian-themed pieces. Come experience an unforgettable evening of live music as we showcase the remarkable talent and dedication of our performers. Please secure your free tickets by clicking the booking link above.
| Event Details | |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday 17 September 2026 |
| Time | 6.30pm to 11.00pm |
| Location | Mt Duneed Estate |
| Tickets | $130.00 |
| Bookings | BOOK HERE |
The Sacred Heart College community is warmly invited to this year's St Joseph’s College Fashion Dinner on Thursday 17 September at the stunning Mt Duneed Estate.
Enjoy a fabulous evening of fashion, delicious food, music and great company, while supporting the SJC vocational school in Kensekka. Tickets are $130 per person and include a cocktail on arrival, a two-course meal, two runway shows, live entertainment and a $100 Eyewear on Pako voucher.
Tickets are on sale now and selling fast, so don't miss out! Secure yours by clicking the link above.
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 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.
Gracious and ever-living God, on this sacred anniversary of the opening of Catherine McAuley’s first House of Mercy on Baggot Street, we give thanks for the light that first burned there two hundred years ago – a light of welcome, compassion and courageous love.
As we honour Catherine’s vision, open our hearts to the same daring trust in Your Providence that moved her to respond to the needs of her time:
to shelter the vulnerable,
to lift the burdened,
to teach with patience and tenderness,
and to heal with reverence for every human dignity.
Strengthen in us the spirit of Mercy – bold in service, steadfast in justice, joyful in hope and ever-ready to accompany those who stand at the edges of society.
Amen.
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