On Monday 28 April, we all gathered in our House areas to commemorate those in the armed forces for ANZAC Day. A moving ceremony was broadcast to each House area, allowing all in attendance the opportunity to reflect and give thanks for all of those who have dedicated their lives to the armed forces. 

We were fortunate to hear from Year 12 student Sofia Castello, who gave a speech about what ANZAC Day means to her. Some excerpts from her speech included the following:

ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on those who gave everything - at Gallipoli, on the Western Front, in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and in peace-keeping missions around the world. But it's also about recognising the people who continue to serve our country, and those who carry the scars of the war long after it's over. It's not about glorifying war - it's about acknowledging sacrifice and showing respect.

And for us, the next generation, it's about asking ourselves: how do we carry the legacy forward? We might not be on battlefields, but we can still live with bravery. We can still look out for each other. We can show kindness, empathy, and strength, even when things are tough.

As a Young Ambassador for the Shrine of Remembrance in 2022, I've had the chance to reflect deeply on what these values mean, then and now. Visiting the Shrine, standing in silence during ceremonies, hearing the stories of veterans, I've come to understand that ANZAC Day isn't just about remembering the past. It's about how we choose to live today....One of the greatest things this role taught me is that leadership doesn't always look like standing in the spotlight and sometimes about standing still, listening, representing your community with respect and simply showing up to honour others.

We pause today not just to look back, but to remind ourselves of the responsibility we have to honour their memory - not just in words, but in actions and in the way we live. Honouring the ANZAC Spirit is more than just standing still for a minute in silence. It's about a commitment to never forget the sacrifice of those people who fought for our freedoms, and our way of life. It's about a commitment to live up to values that they held dear.

Lest we forget.

Our Year 12 cohort went on their Retreat Wednesday 30 April to Friday 2 May. Clairvaux headed to Upper Plenty, Loyola to Ferngully, Padua to the Grampians/Dunkeld and Siena travelled to Grantville.

The Retreat is a part of the Year 12 Religious Education Program, and is designed to foster and explore spiritual connectedness with self, others and their place in the wider world. As a Catholic school, great importance is placed on faith development, and the Retreat is seen as a special opportunity for prayer, reflection and self-discovery.

The Retreat aims to allow students to:

• Spend time reflecting on their life journey
• Sharing important aspects of their life, including spirituality with others
• Finding Spirit in everyday life
• Develop deeper connections with their peers and teachers

By all accounts, the students found it enriching and personally fulfilling. It was a wonderful way to all come together as a House group, reflect on their time at SHC and look to the future and all the possibilities it contains.

Macy Duckett, from Siena, provides a reflection of what the Retreat meant to her:

Retreat gave me a chance to take a much-needed break from juggling my busy life that was waiting for me back at home. I went in with zero expectations of what I would get back out of it; yet I believe this allowed me to experience everything as it happened in the moment. 

Even after six years with the Siena girls, I felt as though I’d grown much closer to them in those three days than ever before. There were moments of vulnerability and honesty for everyone, and the experience gave us all time to reflect on ourselves, on how we wish to be perceived, on understanding gratitude, and strengthening relationships. 

Laughter, smiles, some tears, singing, chatting through the meals, marshmallows on the fire, sunsets, and only the trees surrounding you - that is how I'll remember Year 12 Retreat.

Maddy McRae, from Loyola was inspired to write the following evocative poem, which truly captures the serenity and peace she felt at the time:

Ten minutes.

Ten minutes of relaxing,

the sun beaming down through the gaps in the leaves, the sound of birds whistling, communicating.

Ten minutes.

Ten minutes of surrounding myself in nature, the tall gumtrees towering over, birds flying between.

Ten minutes.

Ten minutes of relaxing, to disconnect, to be one with the planet we get to call home, earth.

Ten minutes.

Ten minutes without a cloud in sight, seeing the frost on the grass going to steam, the sound of a dogs paws on the ground.

Ten minutes of stillness, like time was holding still, but yet, ten minutes had passed.

Ten minutes.

Well done to our amazingly talented students who were part of the 2024 Top Arts exhibition. Top Arts is an annual exhibition that provides a platform for emerging artists from across the state to showcase their skills, enthusiasm, and creativity. 

We congratulate the following students on their selection in the expo - we're sure we will be seeing a lot more from them in the arts world in the future! For Media: Jasmin Ellis - applied, Tess Chatham- applied, Alana Mauff- applied, Dharma Barker- applied, Freya O’Dowd- applied, Alex Malouf- applied, Shiavanni Herd- applied, Sunny Ngan- applied, Mia Jemal- applied and for Art: Charlotte Williams - shortlisted.

Please see below some stills from the Media submissions.

The Seeds of Justice Conference brought together Mercy schools and affiliated colleges from across Victoria to explore social justice issues surrounding refugees and immigrants. Inspired by this Jubilee Year’s theme, Pilgrims of Hope, we reflected on how Mercy schools can help make Australia feel like a more welcoming and inclusive place for refugees, and how we can build stronger connections with our communities.

The schools that attended the conference included Sacred Heart College Geelong, St Aloysius North Melbourne, St Joseph's College Mildura, Mercy College Mount Lilydale, Emmanuel College Warrnambool, Our Lady of Mercy College Heidelberg, Padua College Mornington Peninsula and Academy of Mary Immaculate Fitzroy.

This experience allowed us to listen to often unheard voices and let them speak up about how they feel and the stories that impact them to this day. The journeys of these people enabled us to further understand the misrepresentation of refugees, particularly through the media and in education, and how they believe that we, as a whole community, can assist them in feeling welcomed and accepted.

An enlightening address on refugee law was given by the well-regarded Dean of Melbourne Law School, Michelle Foster, a refugee and international lawyer. Michelle Foster provided clarity on certain definitions of what a refugee is and how the law sets out to help them. Her presentation brought useful and unforgettable insights into what our next steps as a Mercy School could be. Furthermore, we became further educated through the five speakers within the Mercy community who shared their experiences with refugees. During this panel session, we were able to empathise and connect more deeply with those who have faced many challenges, all concerning the topic of refugees.

A highlight of the conference was gathering together outside before dinner, with many of the students from a range of the schools that attended, and playing the guitar while singing all together. We all felt very connected, as we all came together, without judgment and enjoyed each other’s company. It felt like we all belonged, and even though we came from different places, we were all connected by the same purpose - wanting to make a difference.

During a time for reflection, we were encouraged to share what each of the schools’ initiatives are and how we can work collaboratively to make a difference within our communities and educational settings. The conference has inspired us to speak out about the stories of refugees, even within our own communities, and to share the experiences that have shaped their journeys.

Evelyn Downie and Mathilda Garrido Lucay, Year 11

On Wednesday 7 May, Sacred Heart College had both a Junior and Senior hockey team made up of students from Years 7 to 12. It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and team work from all students during the day, but most of all they were enjoying the day and having fun.

SHC competed against Mater Christi, Killester, and SHC Oakleigh in the Division 2 competition. Sacred Heart came away winning the competition overall in both sections. The Juniors went into overtime against Sacred Heart Oakleigh 1-1. It then went into 'Golden Goal', where SHC Geelong scored the winning goal. Well done to Ivy Renouf who won the Junior best on field. 

In the Seniors grand final they took on Mater Christi, winning 3-0. Congratulations to Zoey Sykes who won the Senior best on field. 

Congratulations to all students and a big thank you to Alice McMillan and Narelle Dickson for coaching the teams, with the assistance of our trainee Evie Ryan. Well done to everyone!

The SHC Esports Club has been meeting regularly throughout Term 1 and has developed into a strong group of 10-12 students who meet each week to play esport games and work on competition projects. 

At the moment, the team are working on a Minecraft competition, focused on the topic of 'tomorrow's future', and other members are enjoying playing Mario Kart on the new SHC Nintendo switches. In Term 2, keep a look out for further competitions including Mario Kart and Just Dance. 

If you would like to join the Esports Club, come along on a Monday at lunchtime in the library, or email Ms Pirrottina at repirrottina@shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au.

On Tuesday 29 April, students travelled to the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSCAC) to compete in the CGSAV Basketball Tournament. All teams showed great skill, teamwork, encouragement and sportsmanship throughout the day.

The Junior A team finished 1^st, winning the Grand Final against CLC, 39-11. Maggie McDonald was presented with player of the match in the Grand Final. 

The Junior B team went into overtime to win the Grand Final against CLC 16-15. 

The Intermediates battled in the semi-final against St. Columbus, 33-16, missing out on the Grand Final game. 

The Senior team had tough competition and competed in all their games, to finish 6^th overall.

Great effort by all students, they should be proud of themselves. Thank you to staff Deb Bohan, Kara Shuttleworth and Evie Ryan for their great coaching on the day!

Congratulations to the following students on their sporting achievements:

HORSE RIDING

Lucy Cooper, Year 7 who competed at the Interschools Dressage Championships at Boneo Park.

KRP Bonanza

1.2 2^nd place

1.3 4^th place

Overall Reserve Champion (2^nd for the day)

Wicklow Annabelle

1.2 Forth place

1.3. 8th place 

SURF LIFE SAVING

Emma Henderson Year 8 who has been selected to represent Victoria at the Surf Life Saving Interstates in April at North Kirra. We wish Emma all the best.

State Surf Life Saving competition in Queensland

Jamie Flanagan Year 12 who medalled in the individual races in the ski and medalled in the team events for Jan Juc.

Georgie McIntyre Year 11 who medalled in the individual races in the board, ski, Iron and medalled in the team events for Ocean Grove.

Catherine Robertson Year 10 who medalled in the team events for Ocean Grove.

Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Nipper and Youth Championships, held from 29 to 30 March in Queensland

Harriet O’Dwyer Year 8 - U/13 5th in the beach flags, 2km run, Beach sprint, Board race, Surf Race, Ironwoman

Mac Allen Year 9 - U/15 4th 2k Run, beach flags,. Beach sprint, Board Race, Surf Race, Ironwoman

Ruby Dokos Year 10 - U/15 2km Run, Beach Flags, Beach Sprint, Board Race, Surf Race, Ironwoman

Alegria King Year 9 - U/14 3rd in Beach Sprint, 2km Run, Beach Flags, Board Race, Surf Race, Ironwoman

Emma Henderson Year 8 - U/14 2km Run, Beach Flags, Beach Sprint, Board Race, Surf Race, Ironwoman

LACROSSE

Imogen Hall Year 11 who has been selected to represent Victoria at the National Box Lacrosse Tournament at Altona from 19-23 rd February. We wish Imogen and her team all the best.

BASKETBALL

Eve Kasper Year 7 who won a bronze medal for the U/14 Victorian team at the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup (ACJBC) against NZL, VIC, SA, ACT, and NSW.

SWIMMING

Evie Lee Year 9 for competing in the Vic Open Swimming Championships (200m Free- Bronze, 4x50m Medley- Gold, 4x50m Free- Bronze)

TRACK AND FIELD

Victorian Track and Field Championships at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park – 14 to 16 February and 21 to 23 February

Maggie Clatworthy Year 12 – U/20

1500m – 6th 4.48.86

3000m – 4th 10.23.69

Karla Boras Year 11 – U/18

Long Jump – 3rd 5.52m

Triple Jump – 1st 12.58m

Mia Rayson Year 11 – U/18

400m – 1st 58.94

Isla Bradshaw Year 11 – U/18

800m – 2nd 2.20.37

400m – 60.08

Maisie Ryan Year 10 – U/17

Long Jump – 11th 4.21m

Triple Jump – 7th 8.73m

Stella Peters Year 9 - U/15

100m – 2nd 12.57

200m – 2nd 26.30

Tilly McBain Year 10 – U/16

100m – 1st 12.38

200m – 1st 25.44

90m Hurdles – 1st 12.78

Jemima Hood Year 9 – U/16

100m – 3rd 12.59

90m Hurdles – 2nd 12.83

200m Hurdles – 1st 29.80

ROWING

Rio Smith Year 10 and Eden Smith Year 8 attended the Australian National Rowing Championships in Tasmania (Lake Barrington). Rio placed 3rd in under 17 single scull A final (Bronze Medal) and 4th in the School girls single scull B final. Eden also received a silver medal for coxing the Under 17 Male Quad.

GOLF

Ivy Timmins Year 7 who won the GISSA Girls Stableford competition on Monday 31 March at Point Lonsdale Golf Course.

ATHLETICS

Australian Junior Athletics Championships, 4 April to 8 April, Perth, W.A

Stella Peters Year 9 

U/15 100m 12.39 PB (11^th)

U/15 200m 25.90 PB (18^th)

U/16 4x100m Relay 47.07 GOLD MEDAL

Jemima Hood Year 9 

U/16 100m 12.59 (19^th)

U/16 200m 25.55 PB (15^th)

U/16 90m Hurdles 13.05 GOLD MEDAL

U/16 200m Hurdles 28.20 PB SILVER MEDAL

U/16 4x100m Relay 47.07 GOLD MEDAL

Isla Bradshaw Year 11 

U/18 800m 2.16.67 (15^th)

Mia Rayson Year 11 

U/18 400m 58.52 PB (17^th)

U/18 4x400m 3.52.41 PB (4^th)

Karla Boras Year 11 

U/18 Long Jump 5.90 PB GOLD MEDAL

U/18 Triple Jump 12.41 GOLD MEDAL

Australian Open & Under 20 Athletics Championships, 10 April to 13 April Open & U/20, Perth, W.A

Lily Corp Year 12

U/20 100m 12.52 PB (25^th)

U/20 4x100m

A fantastic achievement by everyone.

NETBALL

Mia Aitken (Year 12 LO) and her Victorian State team for bringing home the SILVER medal at the U/19 National Netball Championships. They played against NSW in the Gold Medal match being defeated 28-36. Mia has also been selected in the U/19 Australian National Squad. Well done Mia!

Year 9 Care For Our Common Home classes visited The Dell in Clifton Springs. In partnership with Bellarine Catchment Network and the Clifton Springs Curlewis Coastcare Group students learned about indigenous plants and animals of the area and how to protect this unique ecosystem and wildlife habitat. 

Students got their hands dirty weeding out the invasive scotch broom to make room for natural revegetation. 

Thank you to our community partners and also to the City of Greater Geelong who also came along to guide weeding plant locations.

Sacred Heart junior basketball students travelled up to MSAC on Tuesday 13 May to compete in the Junior Basketball competition against Catholic girl’s colleges from around Victoria. All teams showed great skill, teamwork and encouragement throughout the day.

The Junior A team finished 5^th, the Junior B team came 3^rd with some close games throughout the day and our Junior C team came 6th. Well done to all players.

Thank you to the coaches on the day Kara Shuttleworth, Goran Gromilic and Olivia our trainee.

On Tuesday 29 April we celebrated all things Siena. Siena House is named after Saint Catherine of Siena, a woman who dedicated herself to helping the poor, sick, and incarcerated in Siena, earning her the title "holy woman". Saint Catherine said Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire, a truly noble ideal to aspire to!

Happy Feast Day, Siena!

We had an amazing turn-out for our inaugural Mother's Day Breakfast and Yoga! The Talbot Gym was filled with participants, as they were guided through an enriching session by yoga instructor, Tara Lynch. An outside Body Prayer, led by staff member Nicole Crone, followed and then it was on to yummy yoghurt and granola, perfect fuel to start the day! 

Congratulations to all those who won fantastic prizes in the raffle, made possible by our generous sponsors who donated the amazing prizes. We are proud to announce both the ticket sales and the raffle helped to raise almost $3000, with all proceeds directly supporting the vital work of our four House Charities, allowing them to continue their incredible work within our community. The House charities are: Clairvaux - CatholicCare Victoria, Geelong Settle Well Program; Loyola - Mercy Works supporting livelihoods in PNG; Padua - Bahay Tuluyan Philippines and Siena - McAuley Community Services for Women.

The event was a wonderful way to honour our mums and mother figures, and to thank them for all they do for their families.

Thank you to all who helped make this event possible.

On Thursday 1 May and Friday 2 May, the The Year 11 students participated in the Renewal Program. The two days looked to foster and explore their spiritual connectedness with self, others and their place in the wider world. 

Students participated in various activities that highlighted hopes, fears and significant people in their lives. Our Guest speaker Sam Clear engaged the students with an inspiring presentation about finding faith on a journey filled with enduring challenges and hardship. 

The program was another great example of how our students are nurtured to enliven the Mercy values in our school and wider community.

Exciting news in the Public Speaking world for Sacred Heart! We had eight students competing in the Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition on Sunday 23 March, with SHC making up nearly half of the competitors in the Geelong heats.

April Fifer, Evie Lee, Anaiah Harvey, Adriana Sim, Eleanor Van Kalken and Leah James spoke beautifully and confidently. A special congratulations goes to both Saffron Macfadyen and Isobel Heer, (pictured below), who made it through to the semi-finals, and to her absolute credit, Isobel won the entire Geelong region heats and will now be representing SHC in the state finals later this year! Isobel's winning speech was on the topic of 'Bring Back the Magic'.

What an amazing achievement for all participants – for many it was the first time speaking in a public forum, and we admire your bravery and dedication.

Last week we highlighted IDAHOBIT Day at lunchtime in the Atrium where Free To Be Me students hosted many activities. This day shines a light on the experiences of young LGBTQIA+ people, challenges discrimination, and celebrates pride.

Here at SHC, we are a Respectful Relationships school that promotes a culture of inclusion and diversity where young people can feel safe and accepted. The event served not only as a celebration of identity and pride but also as a powerful reminder of the importance of allyship and standing up against all forms of discrimination. By engaging in creative activities, informative discussions, and personal reflections, students and staff were encouraged to deepen their understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and to commit to being part of a supportive and respectful community.

The energy and enthusiasm displayed during the celebration highlight our school’s ongoing commitment to equality, empathy, and social justice. Events like IDAHOBIT are vital in creating a learning environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued — regardless of their sexuality, gender identity, or background. Together, we continue to foster a school culture where diversity is not just accepted, but truly embraced.