Prayer
Loving God,
As we prepare for Holy Week and Easter,
help us remember the story of Jesus -
not as something distant, but something alive.
In his suffering, may we recognise our own.
In his compassion, may we find a way forward.
In his rising, may we find new life and hope.
May this prayer service open our hearts and guide our steps.
Amen.
The College’s final newsletter for first term begins with the opening prayer from the Easter liturgy celebrated in each Sacred Heart College homeroom this morning. The liturgy reflects on the most important event in the Church’s liturgical year and highlights the contemporary relevance of the Easter message for members of the College community.
Members of the school community are asked to note the arrangements below with first term concluding today and an unusual start to term two:
Last Thursday evening the College enjoyed beautiful autumn weather as we welcomed more than 500 people from 150 families for the annual Sacred Heart College Open Evening. Prospective students from a range of primary school levels were engaged in a wide variety of subject-based and co-curricular activities gradually filling their show bags as they moved around the school. Special thanks to all who contributed to the success of the evening including school staff and 100+ current Sacred Heart College students.
Last Monday, the whole College community gathered to enjoy the school’s annual swimming carnival. Due to the earlier postponement, we enjoyed a new venue at the Bendigo East Swimming Pool and the shade and intimacy of the new site provided an excellent backdrop for a fabulous day. Congratulations and thank you to the staff and students who led and participated on the day.
Bereavements: Your prayers are asked for the following families who are mourning the passing of a loved one recently. The Kisich family on the passing of Zaro Kisich, husband of Maria Kisich, staff member. Also, the Alford family on the passing of Norma Gillott, grandmother of Riley Year 10.
Wishing all members of the Sacred Heart College Kyneton community a safe and restful break and hope that Easter brings many blessings and joy.
Yours in Mercy,
Dr Darren Egberts
Principal
Swimming Carnival Wrap-Up
On Monday, 24 March, the annual Swimming Carnival took place in Bendigo, offering a fun-filled day for students. The event featured competitive races, novelty activities, and plenty of excitement in the volleyball pool, where many students enjoyed a bit of friendly competition.
The Year 12 students impressed with their creative costumes, adding an extra layer of fun and school spirit to the day. It was fantastic to see everyone getting involved and enjoying the activities on offer.
In terms of the final results, McAuley claimed first place with an impressive 2378.4 points, followed by Chisolm in second with 1827.6 points. O'Neill finished in third with 1770.6 points, and Nightingale came in last with 1202.8 points.
Overall, the day was a great success, bringing students together to compete, have fun, and show their school pride. Thank you staff and students for another very successful, and fun Swimming Carnival!
Well done to all students on their efforts throughout Term 1. We hope that all students feel a sense of pride in their achievements, and that they look forward to a well-earned break over the holiday period. As we prepare for the season of Easter, may the blessings of joy and peace be with you and your family.
The end of the school term also brings with it the important routines of Interim Reports and Student Progress Interviews (SPIs). Access to both of these items will be available on PAM in the coming days. It is timely to remind all students and families that the purpose of our reporting strategies is to foster a continuing conversation about the growth and development of each student. Learning is an ongoing story for each member of our community, and our reports and accompanying SPIs are opportunities to affirm strengths and respond to challenges in a spirit of partnership. We encourage you to draw upon the Interim Reports as the starting point for a reflective conversation about the learning process, and to engage with the SPIs as a chance to build relationships between the classroom and the family home. All families are reminded too, that live reporting of Assessment Tasks and classwork tasks is available on PAM throughout the year, and you are encouraged to check this regularly.
Beginning from the 2nd week of Term 2, we will be trialing a new approach during recess and lunchtimes in our Library. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the Library space will have a host of activities on offer, including Lego kits, chess sets, card games, board games and brain teasers (and, of course, book borrowing!). On these days, the Library will be a tech-free space during recess and lunch times, in order to encourage the use of these other options. Students will be asked to refrain from using the Library desktops or their own laptops on these days. Students who are completing homework or other class related activities will be permitted to use their laptops for this purpose.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students will be welcome to bring their laptops into the library space, and to use the Library desktops if they choose to. All of the activity items from Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will remain available on these days, and staff will continue to actively encourage students to make use of these.
Another moment recently of shared faith was the St Patrick’s School Mass, celebrated at St Patrick’s Cathedral as part of Catholic Education Week. Several of our student leaders joined peers from across the Archdiocese to celebrate our shared mission as Catholic schools. In his homily, Archbishop Comensoli spoke of St Patrick’s life—marked by hardship, faith, and purpose—and encouraged students to see themselves as “lights to the world.”
As we move into Holy Week, our college shared a reflective Easter Prayer Service, held in Homerooms. The service combined student-led readings, prayers, and video reflections, offering students a quiet space to consider the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and how the Easter story continues to speak into our world today.
While the joy of the Resurrection is at the heart of our faith, we can’t truly be Easter people without first walking through Good Friday. The hope and celebration of Easter only make sense when we acknowledge the suffering that comes before it. In our own lives, new life often comes through challenges, change, and letting go. The Easter story reminds us that even in hard and painful moments, God is with us—and that in the end, love is always stronger than fear and hope always rises.
This message connects with the Year of Jubilee, declared by Pope Francis as a time to become Pilgrims of Hope—to seek renewal, deepen faith, and open our hearts to mercy. As part of the Jubilee, several Pilgrim Churches have been named across the Melbourne Archdiocese, including St Mary Magdalene’s in Trentham. These sacred spaces are open to all pilgrims. More details can be found here: https://melbournecatholic.org/connect/jubilee/pilgrim-places
Wishing all members of our college community a holy and hope-filled Easter, and a safe, restful school holiday.
This term, our College community has shared in several moments of faith—each one grounding us in what it means to live out our Mercy values.
A standout moment was the Year 12 Retreat. The retreat explored themes like identity, gratitude, relationships, and purpose, grounded in the belief that each of us is created and loved by God. Sessions such as Family Table, Jigsaw, and Affirmations encouraged openness, vulnerability, and honest conversation.
A highlight was the Op Shop Formal, which raised over $600 for Project Compassion. We’re proud of the way our Year 12s approached the retreat—with kindness, maturity, and a willingness to engage. We hope the retreat’s messages stay with them: that they are deeply loved by God, have unique gifts to offer the world, and are called to be people of mercy, faith, and hope.
The Year 10 ‘Cookies for Caritas’ fundraiser has wrapped up for another year, and it was a resounding success! Thanks to the generous efforts of the students and staff, this year’s event raised significant funds for Caritas Australia, an organization that works tirelessly to support communities in need across the globe.
The fundraiser involved Year 10 students baking and selling a variety of delicious cookies, with all proceeds going directly to support Caritas’ life-changing initiatives. The sweet treats were a hit, with students and teachers coming together to contribute to this meaningful cause. The success of the event highlights the Year 10 cohort’s commitment to social justice and their ability to come together to make a real difference in the world.
In addition to the fundraiser, Year 10 students also had the privilege of hearing from a special guest speaker, Michael McGirr, who shared his insights into the importance of charity, community service, and social justice. Michael, the Mission Facilitator for Caritas, captivated the students with his powerful message about how small actions, like their participation in the ‘Cookies for Caritas’ event, can lead to significant change. Drawing from his experiences working with Caritas and other organizations, Michael emphasized the global impact of collective efforts, no matter how big or small.
His speech encouraged the students to continue their commitment to helping others and inspired many to think deeply about their roles as global citizens. Michael’s talk was not only motivational but also provided a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by communities that Caritas supports worldwide. The Year 10 students left the event with a renewed sense of purpose and an eagerness to continue their work in supporting those in need.
The success of the ‘Cookies for Caritas’ fundraiser is a testament to the generosity and spirit of Year 10 students. Their efforts will go a long way in helping Caritas continue its mission to alleviate poverty and support communities around the world. A big thank you to everyone who participated, baked, or bought cookies—your support makes all the difference!
As the Year 10 students continue their journey through Sacred Heart, this event serves as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of giving back. We look forward to seeing how they continue to make an impact in the years to come!
If you or someone you know is interested in donating to Caritas, please go to the link provided. Project Compassion runs until Easter.
NMR Swimming
Congratulations to all students who competed in the recent NMR Swim meet at Watermarc in Greensborough on Thursday 27 March.
The competition certainly goes up a level, and our students handled the situation extremely well. Winners at this level go onto state at MSAC later in April.
Special mention to the Ava Hager who finished first in three events: 13yo Girls 50m Freestyle, Backstroke and Butterfly.
Other medal winners included:
Harley Gaunt 3rd in 13yo Boys 50m Freestyle
Matthew Skewes 3rd in 14yo Boys 50m Backstroke
Dylan Campbell Quigley 2nd in 17yo 50m Backstroke & 3rd
in 50m Butterfly & Freestyle
Claire Barron, Simone Durrant, Natalia Scuteri & Molly Ramsellar also winning the 17yo Girls 4 x 50m Relay.
Thanks to Ms Jenkins for her support on the day. A great day was had by all.
Monday 7 April 8:30am – 4:00pm
Thursday 17 April 8:30 – 4:00pm
Closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday
Thursday 10 April 12:00pm - 4:30pm
Tuesday 15 April 12:00pm - 4:30pm
The Year 9 Food Technology students recently showcased their creativity and understanding of healthy eating by designing and preparing poke bowls as part of a Design Brief. After exploring the principles of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating in theory lessons, where they considered the inclusion of most of the five food groups, they brought their ideas to life in a practical lesson. The resulting poke bowls were all wonderfully inventive and looked incredibly delicious. Congratulations to Year 9!
Year 7 and 8 students got into the Easter spirit this week by baking Easter-themed biscuits. They worked together in pairs, skilfully using the rubbing-in method (which they were already familiar with from making scones) to prepare their dough. The students then enjoyed using cookie cutters to create a range of Easter shapes. After baking, the real fun began with lollies and icing pens for decorating their delicious creations. It was a joyful way to finish the Term, and we hope they are inspired to bake and share these festive biscuits with you all at home over the holidays.
As Year 12 students, the idea of journeys—both literal and figurative—comes up constantly, whether in discussions about our future, the pressure of assessments, or the uncertainty of what comes next. This Term in RE, we’ve been exploring the difference between being ‘mind full’ and ‘mindful,’ learning how taking moments for contemplation and prayer can help us navigate the challenges of daily life.
In this spirit, Mr McBrearty shared his experience of walking the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela—a journey that is not only physically demanding but also deeply reflective. What stood out most was the idea that a journey isn’t just about reaching a destination, but about the growth and perspective gained along the way. It was a reminder that in the rush of Year 12, it’s important to pause, be present, and appreciate where we are now rather than constantly focusing on what comes next.
A sincere thank you to Mr McBrearty for sharing his story and encouraging us to reflect on our own journeys.
During Term 1, the Year 10 History classes have been focusing on WWII, and recently began the topic of the Holocaust. Prior to this, we studied some of the causes of the war and Nazi Propaganda. On Friday 28 March, both History classes visited the Melbourne Holocaust Museum.
Initially, we were shown a presentation on what the Holocaust was and how it was carried out. After the presentation, we split into groups to tour some of the exhibits and see artifacts that had been recovered after the war. These artefacts included a uniform from one of the concentration camps, toothbrushes, and more. After seeing the artefacts, we had the opportunity to hear from Prof. Gilah Leder, a Jewish woman from the Netherlands, who survived the Holocaust. For her safety, her parents sent her away to a family who would hide her identity when she was only one year old. Getting to hear from someone who survived the Holocaust alongside the entire visit was a big eye-opener to the experiences and events that people had to go through, as well as a testament to their courage.
On Wednesday 2 April, our Senior Debaters participated in Round One of the Debater’s Association of Victoria (DAV) debates against Damascus College and St Pauls Anglican Grammar School, Traralgon on the topic that 'tickets to all sporting events should be free'.
Congratulations to our debaters, particularly Levi Gordon (10F) who was awarded best debating speaker for his debate, and Eamon Bowe (10D) on participating in his first DAV debate.
We are already looking forward to Round Two in May.
The boys headed to Mickleham on a steamy day. Up first was Mickleham Secondary College. The boys put in all their effort with Clyde starring with the bat and Lewis with great wicket keeping. Sacred Heart took the win! The next game was tough, however, as we took on Edgar’s Creek. We batted first and scored 31 in 6 overs . We bowled really well but we couldn’t quite get the job done as Edgar’s Creek made 36. Special thanks to the Teachers Mr Morton, Mr Oreo and the Year 11 coaches Archie and Ethan, and thanks to Lisa for scoring!
This day was a blast! We enjoyed the 'try outs' and it was great to see that some of the students who were inexperienced, made it into the team. By the end of the day we had all learned lots of new skills. We were all very nervous for our first match, but we went out there and had a go and it was a close match. Our team was very competitive and worked very well together, even though we didn’t know each other very well, and it was our first game as a team. As soon as we arrived we started practicing tossing the ball from one person to the other, worked at setting up our positions for each game, and planned out our strategies.
We won 1 game, tied 1 game and lost 2 games which was a great effort for our first time!
We had a great day at Craigieburn for the Junior Tennis. Year 7 girls played three games but unfortunately didn't get into the finals. Year 8 girls also played three games, got into the finals, but lost by a small margin. Year 8 boys won all their games, making it through to the next round. Well done to all involved!
Essential to the senior students curriculum, Year 11 and Year 12 Creative Practice students visited both the NGV Australia and NGV International to view the Top Arts Exhibition and Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition on Wednesday 26 March.
Students also viewed folios in preparation for final art resolutions, from a selection of students, as well as heard about the Tops Arts Exhibition and selection process.
The afternoon was spent attending and being immersed in the Yayoi Kusama exhibition and exploring the extensive collection, including painting, sculpture and installations. This was a fantastic opportunity to experience artworks from a highly accomplished contemporary international artist, and to gain insight into her working practices.
This was a great opportunity to fully focus on Art, both locally and Internationally, in both NGV spaces, as well as experiencing some of the fanfare associated with these wonderful exhibitions in the Melbourne setting.
Student Reflection: Hazel Smith Year 12
The art excursion was a very valuable and enlightening experience for my class. Getting to view 'Top Arts' and looking through the work of other students our age, was very insightful. This was inspiring for us, and a great way to connect with the environment and intentions of these artists.
Patrick Sutton 8F and Bonnie Tracey 7B, completed in the CFA Urban Junior State Championships in Mooroopna recently, representing the Kyneton Junior CFA Team.
They achieved amazing results. Their team won a 2nd and two 3rds in events held on the day. Well done to you both!
If you have not returned your School Fee Payment Plan, can you please complete the form below immediately. Once completed, email it to the Accounts Department on accountsreceivable@shckyneton.catholic.edu.au to commence payment of your school fees.
Unless you are paying up front and in full, School Fee Payment Plans must be completed each year.
Should you be experiencing financial difficulty please contact the college Accounts Department on 5421 1218 for a Confidential Concession Application.
Camp, Sport & Excursion Fund (CSEF) is a $250 payment provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families with the cost of camps, excursions and sporting funds. To be eligible you will need to hold a means tested concession card or you are a temporary foster parent. Should your application be successful the college will match the $250.00 funding.
Eligible parents receive a $900 Credit Per Student on their 2025 school fees, when the above funding and discounts are applied.
The 2025 Application Form is now available on the College Website or attached below - https://www.shckyneton.catholi...
Stay informed with the latest career newsletter and important careers updates, as well as job vacancies and apprenticeship opportunities.
Click Here