Year 7 Camp and Transition to Secondary School
What an
exciting and busy time we have had in the Hilary building with the newest members of Sacred
Heart College! The Year 7s have now completed their transition period
concluding with the Commissioning Mass on Monday 4 March. It has been
wonderful to see them settle into their new space, build relationships and grow
as they forge their place in our College community.
I wanted
to take the time to reflect on our wonderful experiences before we get too
stuck into the academic year.
The first
week of school was filled with considerable learning about our College and the Year 7s place here. Students participated in relationship building activities,
work on character strengths, understanding the ‘nut and bolts’ of our processes
and systems, and of course learning how to use those tricky locker
combinations. The week finished with two excellent excursions: a BBQ and games
at Kyneton’s Botanical Gardens and the 'Splash' waterpark in Craigieburn
where students let off steam.
The other
central part of our transition period is the Year 7 camps in Kinglake. The camp
was filled with activities aimed at promoting personal growth and preparation
for the journey ahead through the outdoor education concept of ‘challenge by
choice’. As the year level leader it was a pleasure to get to know our students
better and watch them step out of their comfort zone. Celebrating the
achievements and milestones at camp and during transition makes me very proud
of our College and of course our wonderful students. Something that stood out
to me during camp was the respectful, fun and considered way our staff work
with each student to learn about who they are as people and how to best support
them. I’m sure the winning combination of courageous students and amazing staff
will ensure the Year 7 cohort are set up for success!
We would
like to express our sincere gratitude to all families for your continued
partnership and support. Your involvement is invaluable in creating a positive
and enriching experience for our students.
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”.