Welcome Year 7 Students!

We extend a warm welcome to our 2020 Year 7 cohort, who began their SHC journey on Thursday 30 January. We are sure you will enjoy your time here at SHC, and encourage you to take every opportunity offered to you.

Please see below a photo gallery of some our new students.

160th Anniversary Mass

On Tuesday 3 December 2019 we launched our 160th Anniversary year with a beautiful Mass. Our entire school population was in attendance, as were our Sisters of Mercy and special guests. This day was chosen as the beginning of our 160th celebrations as it was that date that saw the arrival in Geelong of the first Sisters of Mercy in 1859 from Dublin, who would go on to found Sacred Heart College Geelong.

Bishop Mark Edwards was principal Celebrant and he was assisted by Fr Jim Clarke, College Chaplain, and 8 priests of the diocese. In his homily Bishop Mark acknowledged the Sisters and their bravery in coming to an unknown land:

Their ambition and vision astounds me. Starting with a 4,000 pound debt, they changed Geelong. Their hearts were in their work and, over the next 20 years, 47 young women, largely from their students, applied to join them, of whom 20 became sisters. God did bless these strong, brave, intelligent and articulate women of faith on their journey.

We gather today not only because something happened 160 years ago but also because it means something to us today....We have to discover who we are for and to be true to that and to them...and these early sisters ask us, as does St Francis, is our ambition big enough?

Our theme for the Mass was 'Standing on the Shoulders', (of those who came before us), and indeed we are. If not for those brave women who preceded us, we would not be here celebrating their courage and ambition in creating our beautiful College.

We are standing on the shoulders

At the conclusion of the Mass the celebrants, Sisters and special guests, accompanied by bagpipers, were given a guard of honour by our students as they made their way to the College cemetery for a blessing and rose ceremony. It was lovely to hear our students and staff give a spontaneous round of applause for our Sisters in recognition of the wonderful works they do for our community, and to demonstrate the high regard in which they are held by all of us here at SHC.

Guests were then invited back to Celies Dining Room for afternoon tea and the launch of the book Mother Xavier Maguire – A Women of Faith and Vision written by Helen Delaney rsm. Mother Xavier Maguire is our Foundress, and you can purchase this wonderful book by clicking this link: Mother Xavier Maguire - A Woman of Faith and Vision.

And so we begin our year long celebration of 160 years of Sacred Heart College. We invite you to attend the exciting events we have happening in 2020 - please click this link to see what will be on offer: 160th - 2020 Program of Events

Celebrating Women with a Coffee and Cake Morning

During our International Women's week which is being held from Monday the 2nd of March - Friday the 6th of March we are running activities that are designed to help girls connect with one another, promote power among one another and understand the difficulties that girls and women face within our own community and the broader communities. More information regarding these activities will be sent out later in the week.

One major initiative being run during this week is ‘Celebrating women with a coffee and cake Morning’ where we invite all girls from years 7 - 12 along with their parents, family and friends to come together and share a hot chocolate, coffee or muffin on Tuesday 3rd March between 7:45am - 8:45 to help celebrate Women. Throughout the morning you'll be able to hear some amazing stories surrounding Women and hardships they face.

TO RSVP PLEASE CLICK HERE

For more information surrounding this event see the attached Flyer.

Molly Green 12LOBRC

School Photos Now Available to Order

Our annual school photos have been taken and are now ready to order. Arthur Reed Photos uses an online ordering system where you can view your photos prior to ordering.

On photo day all students received a flyer which includes a code unique to them. You will require this 2020 code to register online and view your photos.

If you have already registered, you will receive an email or SMS from Arthur Reed Photos with a link to view your photos.

If you have not yet registered, please go to order.arphotos.com.au and enter your code to complete your order.

If you have misplaced your registration code, please contact the Arthur Reed Photos customer service team directly on 5243 4390

Please note that you will need to register online with your 2020 photo code to gain access to this year’s images.

There is a 10 day ordering period if you wish to receive free delivery back to the school. This ordering window closes on 1st March 2020. After this time, there will be a $9.95 postage and handling fee on all orders, as they will be sent directly to your nominated address.

If you require any assistance ordering your photos, please contact Arthur Reed Photos directly on 5243 4390 or email customerservice@arphotos.com.au

Bus Safety

Bus safety is very important. CDC Buslines have provided some informative brochures outlining the shared responsibility of bus passengers and drivers.

To view more of these brochures please visit our 'Buses' page under the 'Enrolments' tab on our website.

The Camino Way: A Spanish Pilgrimage 2021

We are now seeking student applications from current Year 8, 9 & 10 students for the 2021 Camino Way Pilgrimage (intended to travel from the 25 March to 6 April 2021). 2020 Year 8 applicants must be accompanied by a parent for this pilgrimage.

This pilgrimage takes students on a journey of self-discovery through the ancient and beautiful villages and countryside of Spain. During the pilgrimage students will trek 115km of the historical Way of St James to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

A parent information night will run in Celies on the 12 February from 6:00pm - 7:00pm.

Applications must be submitted via email by Friday 21 February 2020.

Students and families will be emailed with further details. For further information, please contact Christina Symons (Catholic Identity and Mission Integration Leader: csymons@shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au).

A parent information night will run in Celies on the 12 February from 6:00pm - 7:00pm.

Applications must be submitted via email by Friday 21 February 2020.

Students and families will be emailed with further details. For further information, please contact Christina Symons (Catholic Identity and Mission Integration Leader: csymons@shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au).

SMS Absence System

A reminder that the College has an automated SMS system for notifying student absences. Please be advised that this number can only receive messages, and is not able to receive phone calls.

If your daughter is unable to attend school, please use the mobile number below to advise us of her absence. Messages can be sent at any time, but preferably before 9.00am.

When messaging via SMS, please remember to include your daughter’s full name and Homeroom details, together with the reason for her absence, eg unwell, appointment etc. Our database records will align with your mobile number to verify the contact details.

Alternatively, families are still welcome to contact Student Reception via telephone.

Student Absence Automated Mobile Number: 0419 959 693

Performing Arts News

The year is off to a very busy start for our musicians, dancers and singers.

Rehearsals for Matilda the Musical, to be staged at the Geelong Arts Centre in May, are in full swing. Don’t miss this show when it comes to town!

Rehearsals for all the school ensembles begin in the coming weeks – it is wonderful to see the energetic music making that envelopes the PAC at lunchtimes and in after school sessions. All ensembles enthusiastically welcome new members.

All rehearsals take place in the PAC classrooms, and these are the groups in which students can participate each week:

  • Junior Choir available to all year 7 and 8 students: Tuesday lunchtimes
  • Celtic Group – all instrumentalists are welcome: Tuesday lunchtimes
  • Glee: a popular music singing ensemble open to all year levels
  • Yingalay – an auditioned choir specialising in harmony and advanced skill levels: Wednesday lunchtimes
  • Chamber Ensemble – small specialised string ensemble: Wednesday lunchtimes
  • College Orchestra – available for all our brass, string, woodwind, percussion and keyboard students: Wednesdays after school
  • Senior Choir available to all Year 9-12 students: Thursday lunchtimes
  • Flamenco group: Thursday lunchtimes
  • Rock Band – available to singers and instrumentalists who enjoy rock and pop music: Thursdays after school
  • Prelude – an instrumental group welcoming players who have not been playing their instrument for very long and a stepping stone to other ensembles: Friday lunchtime
  • College String Quartet - for string players: Friday lunchtimes

Private instrument lessons have begun this week and it is pleasing to see many new students embarking on the wonderful adventure of learning to play an instrument. Our tutors always welcome new students and cover a range of instruments from piano and voice, to strings, brass, guitar, woodwind and percussion. Mrs Wilson, the Sacred Heart College Arts Program Coordinator is always ready to explain in detail how the lessons function and to give helpful advice about instrument choices and opportunities.

Christine Wilson, Arts Program Coordinator

CareMonkey - Student Emergency Contacts

We value the safety and care of our students, and therefore take our duty of care very seriously. To ensure that we are responding to any incidents that may need your attention, such as medical concerns and unexplained/unexpected absences, we need your assistance.

We are asking that you please take the time to update CareMonkey with three (3) contacts that are not yours (the parents/carers). In these instances parents are always the first point of contact, but we are additionally looking for three people such as family members, close neighbours or friends that would be suitable and available contacts in these circumstances.

To update your CareMonkey account, please click here to go to the CareMonkey site.

The Bradbury Club's Fact-Tastic App is Live!

Our Fact-Tastic app has been approved on both the Apple App Store and Android Google Play Store and is now live. The app is a one device multiplayer passing game where you are given a fact and need to guess if it is true or false. Points are given based on correct answer and fact difficulty.

To download the app, please select one of the following links:

Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1489255878

Android Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.com.compnow.facttastic

Below is a photo of the team behind the app, all students of the Bradbury Club:

2019 Results

Please see below an infographic which highlights what was achieved by this hard-working cohort. We wish them all the best for what comes next for each and every one of them.

Class of 2019 - Destinations

Bill Riddiford, our Student Pathways Consultant, put together some interesting statistics outlining what further education our 2019 graduating class have pursued, which can be viewed below.

Student Space

On the last day of Grade 6 at the final assembly for Chilwell Primary School, Zahra Veitch 7DBO won the school's highest student award called the 'Richard Marles Outstanding Leadership Award’.

Winning recipients of this award from all primary schools in the Geelong and Region were then invited to submit a paper ‘Leadership - who inspires them and how they inspire others’ over the school holidays to the office of Hon Richard Marles MP. The student papers were judged by businesses leaders from Committee of Geelong and Chamber of Commerce.

Zahra (and the family) were invited by the office of Richard Marles to the Australia Day Ceremony for the announcement and presentation the ‘Geelong Young Leaders Awards 2020’ on Sunday 26 January. To their shock and excitement, Zahra won!!

Congratulations Zahra on receiving such a worthy award!

Lucy McEvoy - AFLW Rising Star

Lucy McEvoy (2019) has been awarded the first AFLW Rising Star nomination for 2020! Lucy is known as 'Big Boy' at the club, which relates to her cousin Ben (a ruckman who plays for Hawthorn in the AFL). He was given the nickname ‘Big Boy McEvoy’ because of his size and Lucy inherited the same tag.

Please click this link to see the moment Lucy found out she was named as the Rising Star nominee for this week, (video courtesy of Carlton FC Website): Lucy McEvoy Rising Star

Choir Immersion Weekend

We are pleased to announce the Choir Immersion Weekend on 14 - 16 August, 2020.This special weekend will be held at Rutherford Park, Blampied near Daylesford and will give choir members the opportunity to participate in intensive rehearsals, workshops and master classes and further develop choral, musical and performance skills.

This event is open to choir students in Years 7 to 12 in 2020, subject to approval. Students who are not currently in a choir may also apply, however, they will need to commit to joining either the Junior or Senior choir in Term One 2020, and complete the full calendar year of rehearsals and performances.

Please note that selection for the weekend is not automatic and approval will depend on a range of criteria.

Criteria for participation:

  • Evidence of sound learning behaviours
  • A proven capacity to be up to date with all set work
  • A proven capacity to meet deadlines
  • Demonstrated capacity to manage absence from class
  • An absence of, or proven capacity to manage physical or psychological health challenges
  • A good record of respectful behaviour and willingness to follow school expectations
  • Demonstrated capacity to manage school trips/camps
  • A strong school AND choir attendance record
  • Completion of application form in compliance with school policy. It is expected that applicants would not have outstanding College fees. Please contact our Leader of Business Operations if you need to discuss this requirement.

Details: Students and staff would depart Sacred Heart College by bus at 12 noon on Friday August 14, arriving at Rutherford Park in time for settling in and the evening meal. Return to school would be approximately 3.30pm, Sunday August 16.

It is advisable to submit applications as soon as possible and no later than Friday February 21. Successful applicants will be invoiced via email for a non-refundable deposit of $100 to secure their place. The final cost is estimated to be approximately $330 inclusive of travel, accommodation, all meals and workshop sessions. This will be invoiced in Term 2.

We look forward to a successful and exciting weekend of music.

If you have any questions, please contact Christine Wilson, Arts Program Coordinator in the PAC Office or email chwilson@shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au Download the Application form here

Coronavirus Fact Sheet

The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services have provided the following informative coronavirus factsheet:

New Canteen and Cafe Menus

We have a new canteen and cafe operator - Eureka Corporate Hospitality Group. If you BYO cup you will receive a 20c discount at the new cafe in the atrium.

The cafe is open for parents accompanied by their daughter during the times of:

  • 8.00am to 9.00am
  • 3.00pm to 4.00pm

For an idea of what kind of fare is on offer, please see the menus below. Please note that these are sample menus only, and that the menu will be rotating.

The canteen and cafe are now taking pre orders. For more information about this please refer to the article outlining the process also in this edition of eNews.

2020 Maguire Celebration

A warm invitation is extended to our families to join us at the annual Maguire Celebration to be held at GMHBA Stadium on Wednesday 19 February at 6.45pm (for a 7.00pm start).

This is a very special event on our school calendar, bringing our community together to officially launch the 2020 academic year, to celebrate the achievements of our students, and to share in some amazing live student performances. This year in particular will be very special as we celebrate the College’s 160th anniversary.

There is an expectation that all students attend, and that their participation during this formal event reflects our Mercy value of respect.

St Mary’s Football Club will again host a sausage sizzle for our families near the entrance to the stadium commencing at 5.30pm and a coffee cart will also be available. Entrance to the event is via Gate 13 and students need to be seated with their peers in House groups by 6.45pm please.

We look forward to sharing this special occasion with your family.

Cynthia Wang - A Top Class Act!

Congratulations to Cynthia Wang (2019) who has been selected to perform her work from 2019 in the Top Class Dance program as part of the VCE Season of Excellence 2020. Cynthia was a very talented dance student here at Sacred Heart College, and it is wonderful to see her efforts and talent celebrated in this way.

As described by Miranda Picton-Warlow, Student Festival and Events Manager at VCAA:

Top Class is part of the VCE Season of Excellence managed by Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. The VCE Season of Excellence comprises twelve concerts (Top Class and Top Acts), two exhibitions, (Top Arts and Top Designs) and eighteen screenings of short films (Top Screen). All work is produced by outstanding VCE students who completed technology, design, visual or performing arts studies in 2018. Events are presented in Melbourne’s major cultural venues, and a number of associated education programs are offered in conjunction with Season events.

For those interested in booking to attend the Top Class Dance program, please click here.

Congratulations Cynthia on receiving such an honour!

Upcoming Parent Communication Afternoon

Please be advised the next Parent Communication Afternoon will be held on Monday 24 February, from 3.45pm to 5.00pm. These evenings are available for parents who wish to discuss immediate or urgent matters with their daughter’s teacher. This can be done via a meeting or a scheduled telephone call.

Teaching staff will be available between 3.45pm to 5.00pm. Please contact the staff member to arrange a suitable time for a meeting or a phone call within these times.

Terry Marshall - Ambulance Service Medal Recipient

Congratulations to Terry Marshall, father of three of our students - Olivia, Annie and Sophie - who was awarded an Ambulance Service Medal in the 2020 Australia Day Honours list. What a deserving recipient of such an award!

Article taken from Geelong Advertiser, 27/1/20

Pre Order Food and Drinks!

You can now order your lunch online! Please follow these steps in order to do so:

1. Download the Skip app

2. Search for 'Sacred Heart College' in venues

3. Choose 'Sacred Heart College - Lunch Orders'

4. Orders must be placed prior to 9.30am for lunch that day.

Please note the College is no longer using FlexiSchools.

2020 SHC Triathlon

On Tuesday 11 February we marked the 12th SHC Triathlon competition which was held at Eastern Beach/Eastern Gardens on a cloudy, overcast afternoon. This year we had approximately 70 students participating in the triathlon.

Students completed 200m swim, 2.2km bike ride and 1km run. All participants showed great determination to complete the challenging course, given the rainy, cool conditions.

Thank you to all the staff, parent and student helpers who assisted on the day. We congratulate all competitors!

Overall Division winners:

JuniorIntermediateSenior
1st Millicent Harris1st Chanel Simsic1st Freya Dess
2nd Erin Foley2nd Darienne Reid2nd Remony Reid
3rd Greta Jones3rd Jess Paranavitana3rd Katherine Rau

Mother Xavier Maguire Book

Mother Xavier Maguire belongs to a largely unsung host of women religious who have contributed so much to the development of the Catholic Church and also to the life of the nation. Her legacy as a Sister of Mercy is one of inspiring leadership, facing all obstacles with courage and stamina to bring her vision to reality. - Helen Mary Delaney RSM, author of 'Mother Xavier Maguire - A Woman of Faith and Vision'.

Helen Mary Delaney RSM has written an extensive and engrossing book about our Foundress, Mother Xavier Maguire. Please click here to purchase Mother Xavier Maguire - A Woman of Faith and Vision.


Makerspace @ SHC

The College’s state-of-the-art Makerspace was opened in 2019 and now provides a place where students and staff use equipment and materials to develop innovative projects.

For more information about our Makerspace, and to view a couple of clips of it in action, please click this link to be taken to the Makerspace page on our website: Makerspace @ SHC

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