As we begin a new school year, we do so as Pilgrims of Hope, stepping into new opportunities and challenges. Whether starting high school, moving into senior years, or continuing the journey of learning, each transition is a threshold moment—a time of change, growth, and discovery.
This year, our College theme, Pilgrims of Hope, reflects the spirit of the Jubilee Year, a biblical tradition rooted in renewal, restoration, and trust in God’s promises. In Scripture, a Jubilee was a sacred time of freedom and new beginnings, a call to reset, reconcile, and reimagine the future with faith. It reminds us that God continually invites us to step forward in hope, knowing that we are never alone on the journey.
At Sacred Heart College, we are called to walk this path together, grounded in the values of Mercy—compassion, justice, respect, hospitality, service, and courage. Change can be challenging, but it is also an invitation to grow, to support one another, and to step into the future with confidence.
As I begin my own journey at Sacred Heart College as the new Director of Faith and Mission, I look forward to walking alongside this community, embracing the hope and promise of the year ahead. May we all step forward with open hearts, ready to build the Kingdom and live out our call to serve.
Semper Fidelis.
Darren was appointed Principal of Sacred Heart College in January 2019. Darren has had almost 30 years experience in teaching and leadership across a number of Victorian Catholic secondary schools. These include eight years as Principal of Mercy Regional College, Camperdown; nine years as Deputy Principal and Director of Mission at Mount Lilydale Mercy College; seven years as a Chemistry, Religious Education and Science teacher as well as REC at Sacred Heart College, Geelong.
Darren has been committed to a lifetime of study and professional development. After completing his initial degree of Bachelor of Science and Graduate Diploma of Education at the University of Melbourne, he continued his study by completing a Graduate Diploma of Religious Education, a Masters of Religious Education and a Doctor of Education, all at Australian Catholic University. In 2018, Darren participated in the Enhancing Catholic School Identity programme in Leuven, Belgium.
Darren has a deep and passionate affiliation with the Mercy tradition and charism and believes that Mercy schools must be “…committed to holistic education; determined to ensure that each student flourishes academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically”.
The purpose of the Catholic school is to provide “… an authentic Christian education, where students are called to embrace the essence of the Gospels, to flourish as whole human persons” and “… to provide exemplary learning experiences for the students who attend”.
Darren was appointed Principal of Sacred Heart College in January 2019. Darren has had almost 30 years experience in teaching and leadership across a number of Victorian Catholic secondary schools. These include eight years as Principal of Mercy Regional College, Camperdown; nine years as Deputy Principal and Director of Mission at Mount Lilydale Mercy College; seven years as a Chemistry, Religious Education and Science teacher as well as REC at Sacred Heart College, Geelong.
Darren has been committed to a lifetime of study and professional development. After completing his initial degree of Bachelor of Science and Graduate Diploma of Education at the University of Melbourne, he continued his study by completing a Graduate Diploma of Religious Education, a Masters of Religious Education and a Doctor of Education, all at Australian Catholic University. In 2018, Darren participated in the Enhancing Catholic School Identity programme in Leuven, Belgium.
Darren has a deep and passionate affiliation with the Mercy tradition and charism and believes that Mercy schools must be “…committed to holistic education; determined to ensure that each student flourishes academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically”.
The purpose of the Catholic school is to provide “… an authentic Christian education, where students are called to embrace the essence of the Gospels, to flourish as whole human persons” and “… to provide exemplary learning experiences for the students who attend”.