The Year 9 Camp at The Summit in Trafalgar East will take place next week. This camp is an outdoor adventure park focused on personal development through high-energy, team-based activities. Attendance is compulsory and an essential part of the Sacred Heart Year 9 experience.
Students will depart from Sacred Heart at 7.45am on Wednesday 2 September and return at 4.00 pm on Friday 4 September. While on camp, students will engage in a range of activities designed to challenge them both physically and mentally. To build teamwork skills, students will remain in fixed groups to complete all activities. On the final day, each group will undertake the ‘Monster Challenge’.
On Tuesday 25 August, I had the pleasure of attending the Arts Festival Evening Showcase, where students who competed in last week's House Arts Competition performed for their families and the wider school community. We will continue to highlight the visual and performing arts over the coming weeks:
Father’s Day is almost upon us, but it’s not too late to purchase a ticket. Joining us on stage for a live Q&A are Cats legends Stevie J and Cameron Ling. Please see further details below.
| This Week | |
|---|---|
| Week Seven | |
| Friday 28 August | Wear it Purple Day |
| Next Week | |
|---|---|
| Week Eight | |
| Tuesday 1 September | VCE Music Evening 5.30pm to 8.00pm McAuley Hall | Sacred Heart College |
| Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 September | Year 9 Camp |
| Future Planning | |
|---|---|
| Week Nine | |
| Monday 7 September | The Fifth Quarter - Father's Day Event 6.00pm McAuley Hall | Sacred Heart College |
| Tuesday 8 September | VCE Art, Media and Design Evening 5.00 to 7.30pm McAuley Hall and Atrium | Sacred Heart College Geelong |
| Thursday 10 September | RUOK? Day and Mercy Day |
Bullying No Way Week reminds us that while conversations build understanding and encourage reflection, meaningful change happens when we turn conversation into action, with every member of our community playing a part in preventing bullying and creating a safe, inclusive environment where everyone belongs.
This year’s theme, Small Acts, Big Impact, reinforces the idea that students do not need to make a major intervention to make a difference. Small actions such as including someone, checking in, refusing to join in with the negative behaviour, speaking up or seeking help can have a meaningful impact.
Through targeted lessons, students discussed the types of bullying, the difference between a bystander and an active bystander, and considered the barriers to taking action, using the 5 D’s of bystander intervention framework: Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay, and Document.
The key message is simple: small acts can create big change.
Rowing Season is starting very soon! Join 'Learn to Row' in September to see what it’s all about – spots available now!
Rowing is fantastic in so many ways: you will meet new friends, learn to row, get fit, take part in the exciting rowing regatta season (rowing competitions against other schools), have fun, laugh, challenge yourself, learn fantastic team and leadership skills and more!
We’re gearing up for the 2026/27 Summer Season and we are excited to be able to offer spots to new rowers and coxswains in all age groups (current Year 7 to Year 11 students). It’s so much fun and even easy to get to – it all happens in the weights room in the Sports and Wellness Precinct or on our beautiful Barwon River, and you can even get the bus straight there from Sacred Heart.
Sign up for the Learn to Row Program, starting on Tuesday 15 September, for students currently in Years 7 to 11 to discover whether rowing or coxing is for you. Be quick, register by clicking the button below so you don’t miss out!
Learn to Row sessions are on the Barwon River on the following dates (ideally all three sessions to be attended) :
The cost is $100.00 per student and is redeemable off the summer season rowing fees if you continue after 'Learn to Row' and join the club and crews for 2026/2027.
Click the button below for more information and to register your interest by Monday 7 September. Our Rowing Administrator will then get in touch with you. We hope to see you there!
Each year, one copy of the Mercedes Yearbook is given to each family at the end of the year. If you would like to order additional copies of the 2026 Mercedes Yearbook, you can do so by clicking the link below. Extra copies are $20.00 each. Please order by the closing date of Friday 18 September 2026.
We look forward to sharing a look back over the year through this publication.
Next Tuesday 1 September, Sacred Heart students will be undertaking a survey during Mentor Group time to measure Sacred Heart's school climate as they see it. School climate represents the collective norms, values and relational experiences that dictate how safe, welcomed and respected staff, students and families feel within a school community. Extensive research demonstrates that a positive school climate, built on strong relationships, high trust and high expectations, is vital to overall school success.
To effectively foster and maintain a positive climate, schools require reliable and actionable data from key stakeholders. The NSI School Climate suite, developed through research at Curtin University, offers validated tools designed to measure these crucial climate factors. By systematically gathering perceptions from students on an ongoing basis, leadership teams can make informed, evidence-based adjustments to their practices and continuously track the effectiveness of their growth strategies.
Some points provided by NSI Partnerships, who have created the survey include:
| Event Details | |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday 7 September 2026 |
| Time | 6.00pm |
| Location | Sacred Heart College Geelong |
| Tickets | $50.00 per attendee (this includes students) |
| RSVP | Tickets close Monday 31 August |
There are a limited number of tickets available for The Fifth Quarter Father’s Day Dinner featuring Geelong Cats legends Stevie J and Cameron Ling.
If you wish to attend, click on the button below and secure your tickets. Remember, to bid on the 2026 Geelong Cats guernsey signed by the 2026 team, you must be in attendance.
Who doesn’t love the thrill of a raffle? Especially one where you can join in the fun without even leaving your couch! That’s right, there is no need to be present to win!
Get ready to celebrate because our Father’s Day raffle is officially live, and we’ve got some jaw-dropping prizes up for grabs! You won’t want to miss out on this. Check out the epic lineup below and get ready to make some amazing memories!
1. Artist Photography Voucher and Bottle of Wine (valued at $2,030.00)
2. Artist Photography Voucher and Bottle of Wine (valued at $1,030.00)
3. iPad and Swimming with Dolphins experience (valued at $971.00)
4. 3-month membership to Hot Temple, Stiegin Gift Pack and an Ark Recovery Voucher (valued at $900.00)
5. Fitness Labs 6-month membership and a Healix Wellness voucher (valued at $750.00)
6. Lonsdale Links Voucher, Mr Browns Voucher and Ark Recovery Voucher (valued at $720.00)
7. Curlewis Golf Club Voucher, Harvey Norman Voucher and Bunnings Voucher (valued at $660.00)
8. Anther Gin and Tasting for Two, Geelong Arts Centre Double Show Pass and The Arborist Voucher (valued at $440.00)
9. Go Ride a Wave Voucher, Livewire Voucher and Pholklore Voucher (valued at $405.00)
10. Cobram Estate Hamper and Alma Dining Voucher (valued at $308.00)
11. La Compagnola Voucher, Bunnings Vouchers and Two Player Pass and Gear to World Series Paintball (valued at $280.00)
12. Queens Park Golf and Range Voucher, Enzo's Meat Tray and Bunnings Vouchers (valued at $252.00)
13. BFT Two Week Voucher and Healix Wellness Voucher (valued at $228.00)
14. Wine Press Voucher and Bottle of Sparkling, Retreat Yourself Gift Box and Ark Recovery Voucher (valued at $210.00)
| VCE Music Evening - Event Details | |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday 1 September 2026 |
| Time | 5.30pm to 8.00pm |
| Location | McAuley Hall | Sacred Heart College Geelong |
| Book Tickets | https://www.trybooking.com/DOTSV |
| VCE Art, Design and Media Evening - Event Details | |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday 8 September 2026 |
| Time | 5.00pm to 7.30pm |
| Location | McAuley Hall and Atrium | Sacred Heart College Geelong |
You are invited to attend a couple of upcoming arts events which showcase the amazing talent we have here at SHC. Our VCE Music Evening and VCE Art, Design and Media Evening are each highlights of the Arts Calendar, so make sure you don't miss out!
Come along to see and celebrate what our VCE students have been up to throughout the year.
Please note: bookings are required for the VCE Music Evening using the link above; no booking is required for the VCE Art, Design and Media Evening.
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.
May the God of Mercy bless your eyes so that you see the goodness and uniqueness of God in every person you meet.
May the God of Mercy bless your ears so that you may listen and remain open to the diversity of needs that exist in the world.
May the God of Mercy bless your lips so that you may speak the truth honestly, openly and powerfully in all you do.
And may the God of Mercy bless your hands that they may serve as an extension of the hands of Jesus, as you reach out in compassionate service for the good of the kingdom.
Amen
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