Thursday 4 May 2023

You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.

- William Faulkner

When looking for learning opportunities for students we aim to provide real world experiences; therefore, I was delighted to be invited to Schools' in Philanthropy Foundation grant review presentations that took place at the Geelong Library. In 2022-23 the Geelong Philanthropy Foundation received 83 applications for grants, totalling $3.34 million. 

On Thursday 27 April 2023 Board Directors gathered to hear presentations from four Geelong Secondary Schools: Sacred Heart College, Clonard College, Christian College and Oberon High School. Each school's final year VCAL students had been allocated three grant applications to assess and make final recommendations to the Board of Directors to fully or partially grant or decline the applications.   

The three grant applications assessed by SHC included: With One Voice, Geelong Art Gallery and 'Lifeboat'. Each presentation focussed on the role of the organisation, who in the community each organisation assists, and the purpose to which the funds, if granted, would be put. At the conclusion of the presentations the Board Chair commended the students on their professional and detailed presentations. 

This week approximately 250 Year 10 students have experienced a week of work in their chosen career as they took part in work experience. My sincere thanks to our families and alumni for working with Pathway Coordinators Fiona Smith and Hilary O'Shea in helping students secure placements. 

What's New?

2022 Annual Report to the School Community

The 2022 Annual Report to the School Community is now available on the College website. A hard copy can also be obtained from College Reception.

View 2022 Annual Report to the School Community

TIME Project

Family Information Evening

Wednesday 17 May 2023

Families are invited to join us for an information evening on the TIME project in McAuley Hall on Wednesday 17 May at 6.00pm.

The event will also be live-streamed via Zoom - a link will be provided in next week's Principal's Update.

The presentation will share with families:

  • The vision for the 2024 timetable - structure of the school day
  • Expert advice from wellbeing, tertiary and industry professionals who were consulted throughout the planning process
  • An outline of the 2024 timetable
  • An opportunity to ask questions; in-person or online.

The Week Ahead
Week 3, Term 2 

Remaining Week 2

Thursday 4 May

  • Year 9 Camp

  • Year 10 Work Experience

  • Year 11 Renewals

  • Year 12 Retreat


Friday 5 May

  • Year 9 Camp

  • Year 10 Work Experience

  • Year 11 Renewals

  • Year 12 Retreat

Week 3

Thursday 11 May

  • Combined bands day - offsite


Sunday 14 May

  • Mother's Day

Future Planning
Week 4, Term 2 2023 

Week 4

Monday 15 May

  • Arthur Reed Photo Day 2, McAuley Hall 

  • National Careers Week

  • Careers Expo, Learning Centre, period 4

  • Junior Football Try-outs 


Tuesday 16 May

  • CGSAV Junior Basketball

  • Years 9 and 10 Outdoor Education Camp - Cumberland River

  • Year 11 VCE VM Numeracy Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie Rocky Road 

  • Year 12 VET Sport and Recreation Excursion: Luce Fit Australia 

  • Whole School Assembly

  • (Parent Communication Afternoon rescheduled to Tuesday 24 May)


Wednesday 17 May

  • Year 12 VET Sport and Recreation: Ten-pin bowling excursions

  • Junior Football Try-outs

  • Parent Meeting, TIME Project, 6.00pm, McAuley Hall


Thursday 18 May

  • Student Progress Communication (SPC) - emailed to families

  • CGSAV Athletics 

  • Year 12 Environmental Science - Excursion to Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant 

  • VCE VM - WRS Victorian Careers Show


Friday 19 May

  • Year 8 Faith Day

  • Year 9 RE Coast Guardians Excursion

2024 Immersion Opportunities

Sacred Heart College is a place of constant opportunity for young people to grow and develop. In 2024 we are excited to offer a range of interstate and international immersion opportunities for our students. 

Interstate Immersions 

Current Years 8 and 9 students have the chance to participate in one of two amazing immersion programs for 2024:


Sacred Ecology - Rainforest and Reef Immersion Program

This conservation program in Far North Queensland is an environmental adventure that will take students to the Great Barrier Reef, ancient Daintree Rainforest and beautiful Fitzroy Island. As part of this nine-day immersion, we are partnering with a variety of world class non-government and service organisations. Students will go behind the scenes to join programs focusing on Daintree Rainforest regeneration, turtle rehabilitation, aquaponics and food security, Indigenous connection to country and women’s health, climate change and its effect on coral, microplastic pollution and sustainability.


First Nations Immersion Program

This Indigenous immersion and service program combines cultural learnings and community service with an exploration on Country in Kakadu National Park. As part of this unique opportunity, students will learn about ancient culture and local peoples that have lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years, as well as challenge themselves physically on a number of on-Country expeditions. The Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage Area covering some 20,000 square kms. Waterfalls tumble from the red cliffs off the Arnhem Land escarpment into shady pools; tranquil wetlands teeming with animal and bird life, while 40,000 years of Aboriginal cultural heritage is on display in the numerous rock art galleries. 


International Immersions 

Current Year 10 students have the chance to participate in a life-changing immersion program in Timor for 2024:


Timor Kolega Immersion Program

This is an 11-day exploration that begins in Dili, where students are introduced to Timor’s turbulent history, socio-economic context, development issues and Australia’s past and future impacts on our closest international neighbour. We then travel to Baucau to join our community partners at CTID, Canossian College and also visit the Vanilale Orphanage to learn about the wonderful work of the Salesian Sisters. Kolega means friend in Tetum (the language of the Timorese people). This program looks to build friendships with our community partners and make lasting positive impacts on the lives of others.

Application Process


Current Years 8, 9 and 10 students will be emailed at the start of Term 2 with itineraries and information regarding the immersions application process. There will be a program information session outlining all three immersion programs via zoom on May 10 from 6.00pm to 7.00pm. Interested students must attend this session. Student applications will be submitted online and must be completed by May 19 2023. 

For further information, please contact Christina Symons, Faith Life and Mission Education Leader

E: csymons@shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au

Reminder for Year 7 2024 Applications

Closing Date: TOMORROW - Friday 5 May 2023

Important Reminders

Please expand headings below:

School Expectations

It is important to remind our College community of the high expectations we have of each other. The 'SHC Way' emphasises the importance of commitment to excellence and respect, and these include following school expectations.

Being a part of a community involves committing to the norms and values of the community. Please ensure you are aware of and commit to the:

For further information regarding College policies relating to student expectations please refer to: Student Expectations in the Welcome to SHC section on the College website.  

Student Attendance

Students should stay home when unwell. If a student develops COVID-19 symptoms they should stay at home and undertake a Rapid Antigen Test. Should they test positive it is strongly recommended they isolate at home for 5 days and notify the school using Absence Category 2 (see further information below).

Notifying Absences via Compass

Families are asked to notify the school of absences via the Compass App. This can be completed by logging in via a web browser or your app if on a device. 

After selecting the reason for absence, please advise one of the following categories within the 'Details/Comments' section: 

  • Category 1 - General absence, eg appointment, unwell (non COVID-related)

  • Category 2 - COVID Positive 

While Compass will be the preferred method for notifying absences moving forward, families are still welcome to notify the school via SMS 0419 959 693 or via email info@shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au.

Reminders

Financial Assistance
I encourage our families who are experiencing financial hardship to please contact the College so that we may assist. Further details are available via the online FAQ for Families.

Have Any Questions?
Please visit the College website where you can access all policies and view the comprehensive Welcome to SHC guide.

Visitor access to the College site
Physical access to the College site is from the Retreat Road pedestiran gate. All visitors to the College must enter via the pedestrian gate on Retreat Road and make their way to College Reception. 

Please note site access is limited during the day and after hours. During the school day, the following entries are only open between the hours of
8:00am - 9:00am and 3:00pm - 4:00pm: the Atrium, Aphrasia Street west, Retreat Road vehicle entrance, Talbot Street gate and the George Street gate.

Prayer

On Sunday 30 April we celebrated Good Shepherd Sunday, a day dedicated for vocations.

Heavenly Father, help us to respond to and live out our mission in the Church, and in the world. Help all people to know their vocation in life and assist them to live it well.

For your greater glory and for the service of your people, call many to be priests and religious. Give those whom you call the grace to respond generously and to persevere faithfully. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Take care
Anna