On Monday 29 April Sacred Heart College's Year 8 students joined forces with students from Braemar College, Gisborne Secondary College, Sunbury And Macedon Ranges Specialist School for a powerful event: the launch of the Live4Life program!
Live4Life is an inspiring initiative with a clear vision: to empower rural communities like ours to support, improve, and invest in the mental health of young people. By working together, we can create a strong network of support and reduce youth suicide rates.
The launch event, held at Sacred Heart College's Quambi area and basketball courts, kicked off with an informative session. Students gained valuable insights into Live4Life's goals and the importance of prioritising mental well-being.
Following the session, the energy shifted to a fun and interactive zone! Year 8s had a chance to connect with their peers from other schools and participate in activities hosted by local community groups. These activities were a fantastic way to explore resources available and build connections with organisations dedicated to youth mental health.
The Live4Life launch was a resounding success! Our Year 8 students actively participated, demonstrating their commitment to creating a supportive and positive environment for themselves and their peers. This event serves as a reminder that we're all stronger together, and by working collaboratively, we can make a real difference in the lives of young people in our community.
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”.